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Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI: Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP Announces Sale of Vantage at Tomball

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP (NYSE: GHI) (the “Partnership”) announced today that on January 31, 2025, Vantage at Tomball, a 288-unit market rate multifamily property located in Tomball, TX, was sold at the direction of its managing member. The Partnership’s investment in Vantage at Tomball was originated in August 2020 and the Partnership contributed equity totaling $11.4 million. As a result of the sale, the Partnership’s equity investment in the property was redeemed. At closing of the sale, the Partnership received net cash of approximately $14.2 million, consisting of the return of its contributed equity and accrued preferred return. The Partnership estimates it will not recognize any gain, loss, or Cash Available for Distribution upon sale.

    “The proceeds from the sale of Vantage at Tomball will allow the Partnership to deploy capital into new accretive investments across our investment classes,” said Kenneth C. Rogozinski, Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership. “The Partnership’s overall return on the Vantage at Tomball investment was less than what has historically been achieved on prior equity investments due to rising insurance costs in the Houston metropolitan area as well as the higher interest rate environment since the last joint venture equity sale of the Vantage at Conroe investment in June 2023. However, we continue to believe in the long-term value of our multifamily property joint venture equity investment strategy.”

    Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Measures

    This report refers to Cash Available for Distribution (“CAD”), which is identified as a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe CAD provides relevant information about the Partnership’s operations and is necessary, along with net income, for understanding its operating results. Net income is the GAAP measure most comparable to CAD. There is no generally accepted methodology for computing CAD, and our computation of CAD may not be comparable to CAD reported by other companies. Although we consider CAD to be a useful measure of our operating performance, CAD is a non-GAAP measure and should not be considered as an alternative to net income that is calculated in accordance with GAAP, or any other measures of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. For the amounts disclosed herein related to this transaction, there are no reconciling items between net income per BUC, basic and diluted, and CAD per BUC, basic and diluted.

    About Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP

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

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Information contained in this press release contains “forward-looking statements,” which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks involving current maturities of our financing arrangements and our ability to renew or refinance such maturities, fluctuations in short-term interest rates, collateral valuations, mortgage revenue bond investment valuations and overall economic and credit market conditions. For a further list and description of such risks, see the reports and other filings made by the Partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements. The Partnership disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    INVESTOR CONTACT:
    Andy Grier
    Senior Vice President
    402-952-1235

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Midland States Bancorp, Inc. Announces Common Stock and Preferred Stock Dividends

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EFFINGHAM, Ill., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Midland States Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: MSBI) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31 per share of its common stock. The dividend is payable on February 21, 2025 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 14, 2025.

    The Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.4844 per depository share on its 7.75% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A. The dividend will be payable on March 31, 2025 to stockholders of record as of March 17, 2025.

    About Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

    Midland States Bancorp, Inc. is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, and is the sole shareholder of Midland States Bank. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total assets of approximately $7.53 billion, and its Wealth Management Group had assets under administration of approximately $4.15 billion. The Company provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services and business equipment financing, merchant credit card services, trust and investment management, insurance and financial planning services. For additional information, visit https://www.midlandsb.com/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/midland-states-bank.

    CONTACTS:
    Eric T. Lemke, Chief Financial Officer, at elemke@midlandsb.com or (217) 342-7321

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on Access to Justice Week

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement on Access to Justice Week, from Feb. 3-7, 2025:

    “Access to Justice Week is an opportunity to reflect on how B.C.’s justice system can best work for British Columbians. This year’s theme is: What does the future of access to justice look like?

    “Throughout the province, we are taking action to modernize our justice system through enhancements to technology that will increase access to justice and convenience for British Columbians. It means breaking down barriers by introducing technology that brings legal services to remote and under-served communities and simplifying processes to reduce complexity for people involved with the justice system. Online platforms, virtual hearings and other innovative tools are making the justice system more accessible, saving time and money.

    “People are at the centre of the changes we are making. For instance, the Province launched new services to help people whose intimate images have been shared without their consent. The Intimate Images Protection Service offers emotional support and helps with applications to the Civil Resolution Tribunal for “take-down” orders. Additionally, these services provide self-help tools, legal information and connections to resources.

    “We have significantly expanded the eligibility criteria for family legal-aid services and have opened two new family law clinics in Victoria and Surrey for people experiencing family violence. Families will also benefit from early access to information and referrals in Provincial Court. We are supporting the early resolution process by adding eight more court registries by November 2025.  

    “The Ministry of Attorney General and the BC First Nations Justice Council will soon open six new Indigenous Justice Centres. Nine centres opened last year, for a total of 15, and a virtual centre is also available provincewide. These centres address systemic barriers faced by Indigenous people by offering culturally appropriate supports, legal advice and representation to Indigenous people.

    “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities, and confident that justice is being served. We will ensure strong and safe communities for everyone throughout the province by aggressively pushing the federal government for continuing legal reform and co-operation with the Province that will ensure violent and prolific offenders remain in custody after arrest.

    “The Province is committed to transforming the justice system by enhancing access to services for British Columbians. We have more work to do, and we are committed to doing it, because the work we do today will shape a better tomorrow. I am proud of the strides we’ve made, and I am committed to the modernization of our legal system to increase access to justice in B.C.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Events – Mark your calendars for the best night of the year when Australia’s most famous girls night out hits Auckland on March 1st

    Source: AO Communications

    Lise & Sarah’s DISCO CLUB will turn up the volume again in 2025 with its Australian and New Zealand tour, with  general release tickets on sale now.

    In 2025, 20,000 women* will have the chance to dance at the sell-out phenomenon that is Lise & Sarah’s DISCO  CLUB. And for the first time an international trip across the ditch to Auckland, NZ.

    Founded two years ago by best friends and podcasters, Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills, DISCO CLUB continues to grow  and establish itself as the ultimate night out for women, delivering an electric night of dancing and singing with  friends.

    “DISCO CLUB is designed by women for women: everything we miss about clubbing and nothing we don’t,” said Lise.

    “While it all started with a simple conversation between us about how much we missed nights out dancing with our  girlfriends, we have seen first hand – over and again – the incredible collective joy shared on a judgement-free night of  much-needed fun,” said Sarah.

    “There’s an undeniable energy – the power of song and movement, of freedom, that comes with feeling safe,  comfortable and welcome – the scene is set to feel the emotion and revel in nostalgia.”

    “But it’s not just about the music – it’s about connection – connection between both friends and strangers and across  generations, and that’s why it’s booming,” said Lise. “Women continually tell us it’s dancefloor therapy.”

    Another essential element is the early start and finish time, with arrivals from 6pm for a 7pm start and 10pm finish. “We simply wanted a great night out and a chance to press pause on real life, but we also wanted to be in our PJs by  11pm, and it turns out we’re not alone!” said Sarah.

    Lise & Sarah’s DISCO CLUB Tour is Australia’s largest event series for women borne from a podcast (The Lise and  Sarah Show).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: H&R Block Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    — Repurchased $190 Million of Shares—

    — Reaffirms Full Year Outlook —

    KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) (the “Company”) today released financial results1 for its fiscal 2025 second quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    “I am pleased with our performance in the first half of the year,” said Jeff Jones, president and chief executive officer. “We are reaffirming our fiscal 2025 outlook, and are well prepared to deliver this tax season and in the second half of the fiscal year.”

    Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results and Key Financial Metrics
    “We are on track for the year and we are well positioned to deliver strong results,” said Tiffany Mason, chief financial officer. “During the second quarter, we repurchased 3.2 million shares for $190 million, reflecting our confidence in the long-term value of our stock and our commitment to delivering shareholder returns.”

    For the second quarter, the Company delivered total revenue of $179.1 million, which was flat to the prior year. Increases in revenue from Wave and international tax preparation were offset by lower interest and fee income on Emerald Advance® due to a decrease in loan originations.

    Total operating expenses of $472.4 million increased by $25.8 million as expected, primarily due to higher tax professional and corporate wages, increased healthcare costs, an increase in occupancy costs and the timing of marketing expenses versus the prior year.

    Pretax loss increased by $29.4 million to $312.3 million.

    Loss per share from continuing operations2 increased to $(1.79) from $(1.33) and adjusted loss per share from continuing operations2 increased to $(1.73) from $(1.27), due to a higher net loss and fewer shares outstanding as a result of share repurchases, which are accretive to earnings per share on a full-year basis.

    Capital Allocation

    The Company reported the following related to its capital structure:

    • Repurchased and retired 3.2 million shares at an aggregate price of $190.5 million, or $58.65 per share in the second quarter.
    • The Company has approximately $1.1 billion remaining on its $1.5 billion share repurchase program.

    Since 2016, the Company has returned more than $4.4 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases, buying back over 43% of its shares outstanding3.

    Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook Reaffirmed

    The Company continues to expect:

    • Revenue to be in the range of $3.69 to $3.75 billion.
    • EBITDA4 to be in the range of $975 million to $1.02 billion.
    • Effective tax rate to be approximately 13%, resulting in a one-time benefit to EPS of approximately 50 cents.
    • Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share4 to be in the range of $5.15 to $5.35.

    Conference Call

    The Company will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss second quarter 2025 results at 4:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. To join live, participants must register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BI06a7e8ddc07544a6853995c1fe75ea2c. Once registered, the participant will receive a dial-in number and unique PIN to access the call. Please join approximately 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

    The call, along with a presentation for viewing, will also be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and general public. The webcast can be accessed directly at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/qdeqpgfd and will be available for replay 2 hours after the call is concluded and continuing for 90 days.

    About H&R Block

    H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time, and be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.

    About Non-GAAP Financial Information

    This press release and the accompanying tables include non-GAAP financial information. For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures, including the reasons management uses each measure, and reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, please see the section of the accompanying tables titled “Non-GAAP Financial Information.”

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words or variation of words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “commits,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “targets,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “goal,” “could” or “may” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements provide management’s current expectations or predictions of future conditions, events or results. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking statements. They may include estimates of revenues, client trajectory, income, effective tax rate, earnings per share, cost savings, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, liquidity, capital structure, market share, industry volumes or other financial items, descriptions of management’s plans or objectives for future operations, products or services, or descriptions of assumptions underlying any of the above. They may also include the expected impact of external events beyond the Company’s control, such as outbreaks of infectious disease, severe weather events, natural or manmade disasters, or changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and reflect the Company’s good faith beliefs, assumptions and expectations, but they are not guarantees of future performance or events. Furthermore, the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions, factors, or expectations, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes, except as required by law. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to a variety of economic, competitive and regulatory factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently completed fiscal year in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and additional factors we may describe from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may get such filings for free at our website at https://investors.hrblock.com. In addition, factors that may cause the Company’s actual estimated effective tax rate to differ from estimates include the Company’s actual results from operations compared to current estimates, future discrete items, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, future actions of the Company, or increases in applicable tax rates in jurisdictions where the Company operates. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and, consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

    1 All amounts in this release are unaudited. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons refer to the current period compared to the corresponding prior year period.
    2 All per share amounts are based on fully diluted shares at the end of the corresponding period. The Company reports non-GAAP financial measures of performance, including adjusted earnings per share (EPS), earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) from continuing operations, free cash flow, and free cash flow yield, which it considers to be useful metrics for management and investors to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating performance of the Company. See “About Non-GAAP Financial Information” below for more information regarding financial measures not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
    3 Shares outstanding calculated as of April 30, 2016.
    4 Adjusted Diluted EPS and EBITDA from continuing operations are non-GAAP financial measures. Future period non-GAAP outlook includes adjustments for items not indicative of our core operations, which may include, without limitation, items described in the below section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Information” and in the accompanying tables. Such adjustments may be affected by changes in ongoing assumptions and judgments, as well as nonrecurring, unusual, or unanticipated charges, expenses or gains, or other items that may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. The exact amounts of these adjustments are not currently determinable but may be significant. It is therefore not practicable to provide the comparable GAAP measures or reconcile this non-GAAP outlook to the most comparable GAAP measures.

    For Further Information
         
    Investor Relations:   Colby Brown, (816) 854-4559, colby.brown@hrblock.com
        Jordyn Eskijian, (816) 854-5674, jordyn.eskijian@hrblock.com
    Media Relations:   Teri Daley, (816) 854-3787, teri.daley@hrblock.com
        Media Desk, mediadesk@hrblock.com
         
    FINANCIAL RESULTS   (unaudited, in 000s – except per share amounts)
        Three months ended December 31,   Six months ended December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    REVENUES:                
    U.S. tax preparation and related services:                
    Assisted tax preparation   $              48,380     $ 48,342     $              91,343     $ 87,605  
    Royalties                      3,499       5,454                        9,351       11,155  
    DIY tax preparation                    13,744       13,111                      16,980       16,959  
    Refund Transfers                          637       813                        1,497       1,955  
    Peace of Mind® Extended Service Plan                    16,145       17,440                      39,242       42,287  
    Tax Identity Shield®                      4,013       4,694                        7,922       9,274  
    Other                    11,824       9,592                      25,633       20,572  
    Total U.S. tax preparation and related services                    98,242       99,446                    191,968       189,807  
    Financial services:                
    Emerald Card® and SpruceSM                    10,148       11,700                      18,974       20,333  
    Interest and fee income on Emerald Advance®                    12,308       15,235                      12,308       15,533  
    Total financial services                    22,456       26,935                      31,282       35,866  
    International                    31,811       29,569                      96,666       90,134  
    Wave                    26,561       23,133                      52,964       47,076  
    Total revenues   $            179,070     $ 179,083     $            372,880     $ 362,883  
    Compensation and benefits:                
    Field wages                    81,565       77,795                    149,659       140,230  
    Other wages                    78,731       74,671                    156,066       146,769  
    Benefits and other compensation                    38,402       36,063                      77,156       71,311  
                       198,698       188,529                    382,881       358,310  
    Occupancy                  104,999       101,194                    206,317       200,479  
    Marketing and advertising                    14,863       11,305                      24,835       16,786  
    Depreciation and amortization                    29,195       30,107                      58,026       60,332  
    Bad debt                    19,416       21,754                      22,146       26,552  
    Other                  105,190       93,626                    200,297       174,182  
    Total operating expenses                  472,361       446,515                    894,502       836,641  
    Other income (expense), net                      2,744       5,922                      14,661       15,758  
    Interest expense on borrowings                   (21,752 )     (21,364 )                   (37,599 )     (37,234 )
    Pretax loss                 (312,299 )     (282,874 )                 (544,560 )     (495,234 )
    Income tax benefit                   (69,833 )     (93,758 )                 (130,673 )     (143,245 )
    Net loss from continuing operations                 (242,466 )     (189,116 )                 (413,887 )     (351,989 )
    Net loss from discontinued operations                        (954 )     (639 )                     (2,109 )     (1,248 )
    Net loss   $           (243,420 )   $ (189,755 )   $           (415,996 )   $ (353,237 )
    BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE:                
    Continuing operations   $                 (1.79 )   $ (1.33 )   $                 (3.02 )   $ (2.44 )
    Discontinued operations                       (0.01 )     —                         (0.01 )     (0.01 )
    Consolidated   $                 (1.80 )   $ (1.33 )   $                 (3.03 )   $ (2.45 )
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SHARES                  135,563       142,340                    137,359       144,307  
    Adjusted diluted EPS (1)   $                 (1.73 )   $ (1.27 )   $                 (2.89 )   $ (2.31 )
    EBITDA (1)   $           (261,352 )   $ (231,403 )   $           (448,935 )   $ (397,668 )
                                     

    (1) All non-GAAP measures are results from continuing operations. See “Non-GAAP Financial Information” for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.

    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS   (unaudited, in 000s – except per share data)
    As of   December 31, 2024   June 30, 2024
             
    ASSETS        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $                   320,051     $ 1,053,326  
    Cash and cash equivalents – restricted                           21,473       21,867  
    Receivables, net                         321,171       69,075  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                         114,658       95,208  
    Total current assets                         777,353       1,239,476  
    Property and equipment, net                         143,833       131,319  
    Operating lease right of use assets                         389,629       461,986  
    Intangible assets, net                         270,601       264,102  
    Goodwill                         783,286       785,226  
    Deferred tax assets and income taxes receivable                         281,694       271,658  
    Other noncurrent assets                           65,924       65,043  
    Total assets   $                2,712,320     $ 3,218,810  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    LIABILITIES:        
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $                   136,893     $ 155,830  
    Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes                           64,993       105,548  
    Accrued income taxes and reserves for uncertain tax positions                         149,255       318,830  
    Current portion of long-term debt                         349,611       —  
    Operating lease liabilities                         170,726       206,070  
    Deferred revenue and other current liabilities                         187,885       191,050  
    Total current liabilities                      1,059,363       977,328  
    Long-term debt and line of credit borrowings                      1,932,545       1,491,095  
    Deferred tax liabilities and reserves for uncertain tax positions                         292,643       291,063  
    Operating lease liabilities                         228,041       265,373  
    Deferred revenue and other noncurrent liabilities                           72,188       103,357  
    Total liabilities                      3,584,780       3,128,216  
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES        
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
    Common stock, no par, stated value $.01 per share                             1,644       1,709  
    Additional paid-in capital                         752,093       762,583  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss                         (71,762 )     (48,845 )
    Retained earnings (deficit)                       (908,785 )     12,654  
    Less treasury shares, at cost                       (645,650 )     (637,507 )
    Total stockholders’ equity (deficiency)                       (872,460 )     90,594  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $                2,712,320     $ 3,218,810  
             
             
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS   (unaudited, in 000s)
    Six months ended December 31,     2024       2023  
             
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
    Net loss   $                 (415,996 )   $ (353,237 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization                           58,026       60,331  
    Provision for credit losses                           20,727       21,536  
    Deferred taxes                           (1,531 )     (35,525 )
    Stock-based compensation                           17,945       17,525  
    Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:        
    Receivables                       (262,348 )     (348,833 )
    Prepaid expenses, other current and noncurrent assets                             2,588       (7,395 )
    Accounts payable, accrued expenses, salaries, wages and payroll taxes                         (76,806 )     (58,543 )
    Deferred revenue, other current and noncurrent liabilities                         (45,170 )     (58,520 )
    Income tax receivables, accrued income taxes and income tax reserves                       (192,340 )     (180,706 )
    Other, net                              (733 )     1,201  
    Net cash used in operating activities                       (895,638 )     (942,166 )
    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
    Capital expenditures                         (49,115 )     (32,708 )
    Payments made for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired                         (28,017 )     (27,158 )
    Franchise loans funded                         (17,442 )     (15,491 )
    Payments from franchisees                                971       2,747  
    Other, net                             6,110       1,565  
    Net cash used in investing activities                         (87,493 )     (71,045 )
    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
    Repayments of line of credit borrowings                       (100,000 )     (25,000 )
    Proceeds from line of credit borrowings                         890,000       825,000  
    Dividends paid                         (96,960 )     (89,854 )
    Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered                       (436,233 )     (378,709 )
    Other, net                             1,791       4,011  
    Net cash provided by financing activities                         258,598       335,448  
    Effects of exchange rate changes on cash                           (9,136 )     671  
    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted balances                       (733,669 )     (677,092 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period                      1,075,193       1,015,316  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period   $                   341,524     $ 338,224  
    SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW DATA:        
                     
    Income taxes paid, net (includes payments for purchased investment tax credits)   $                     62,290     $ 72,160  
    Interest paid on borrowings                           33,412       35,496  
    Accrued additions to property and equipment                             3,798       4,036  
    New operating right of use assets and related lease liabilities                           47,135       70,532  
    Accrued dividends payable to common shareholders                           50,176       45,273  
             
    (in 000s)
        Three months ended December 31,   Six months ended December 31,
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE – EBITDA     2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Net loss – as reported   $           (243,420 )   $ (189,755 )   $           (415,996 )   $ (353,237 )
    Discontinued operations, net                          954       639                        2,109       1,248  
    Net loss from continuing operations – as reported                 (242,466 )     (189,116 )                 (413,887 )     (351,989 )
    Add back:                
    Income tax benefit                   (69,833 )     (93,758 )                 (130,673 )     (143,245 )
    Interest expense                    21,752       21,364                      37,599       37,234  
    Depreciation and amortization                    29,195       30,107                      58,026       60,332  
                        (18,886 )     (42,287 )                   (35,048 )     (45,679 )
    EBITDA from continuing operations   $           (261,352 )   $ (231,403 )   $           (448,935 )   $ (397,668 )
                     
                     
    (in 000s, except per share amounts)
        Three months ended December 31,   Six months ended December 31,
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE – ADJUSTED EPS     2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
    Net loss from continuing operations – as reported   $           (242,466 )   $ (189,116 )   $           (413,887 )   $ (351,989 )
    Adjustments:                
    Amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions (pretax)                    10,910       12,269                      22,038       24,824  
    Tax effect of adjustments (1)                     (2,539 )     (3,087 )                     (5,184 )     (6,022 )
    Adjusted net loss from continuing operations   $           (234,095 )   $ (179,934 )   $           (397,033 )   $ (333,187 )
    Diluted loss per share from continuing operations – as reported   $                 (1.79 )   $ (1.33 )   $                 (3.02 )   $ (2.44 )
    Adjustments, net of tax                        0.06       0.06                          0.13       0.13  
    Adjusted diluted loss per share from continuing operations   $                 (1.73 )   $ (1.27 )   $                 (2.89 )   $ (2.31 )
                     

    (1)Tax effect of adjustments is the difference between the tax provision calculated on a GAAP basis and on an adjusted non-GAAP basis.

    Non-GAAP  Financial Information

    Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Because these measures are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures for other companies.

    We consider our non-GAAP financial measures to be performance measures and a useful metric for management and investors to evaluate and compare the ongoing operating performance of our business. We make adjustments for certain non-GAAP financial measures related to amortization of intangibles from acquisitions and goodwill impairments. We may consider whether other significant items that arise in the future should be excluded from our non-GAAP financial measures.

    We measure the performance of our business using a variety of metrics, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) from continuing operations, adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, free cash flow, and free cash flow yield. We also use EBITDA from continuing operations and pretax income from continuing operations, each subject to permitted adjustments, as performance metrics in incentive compensation calculations for our employees.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Key Tronic Corporation Announces Results For the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Tronic Corporation (Nasdaq: KTCC), a provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), today announced its results for the quarter ended December 28, 2024. These results are in line with the updated guidance provided on January 24, 2025.

    For the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, Key Tronic reported total revenue of $113.9 million, compared to $147.8 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024. The lower than anticipated revenue and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 are primarily due to unexpected shortages for specific components managed by a large customer, lower-than-expected production during the holiday season, and reduced demand from certain customers which together lowered revenue by approximately $15 million from initial guidance for the quarter. For the first six months of fiscal year 2025, total revenue was $245.4 million, compared to $298.0 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024.

    Gross margins were 6.8% and operating margins were (1.0)% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to 8.0% and 2.7%, respectively, in the same period of fiscal year 2024. The decline in margins for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 primarily reflects the reduction of revenue. As previously announced, interest expense also included approximately $1.0 million in write-offs of unamortized loan fees related to refinancing the Company’s debt with a new lender.

    The net loss was $(4.9) million or $(0.46) per share for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to net income of $1.1 million or $0.10 per share for the same period of fiscal year 2024. For the first six months of fiscal year 2025, the net loss was $(3.8) million or $(0.35) per share, compared to net income of $1.4 million or $0.13 per share for the same period of fiscal year 2024.

    The adjusted net loss was $(4.1) million or $(0.38) per share for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to adjusted net income of $1.1 million or $0.10 per share for the same period of fiscal year 2024. The adjusted net loss was $(2.9) million or $(0.27) per share for first six months of fiscal year 2025, compared to adjusted net income of $1.2 million or $0.11 per share for the same period of fiscal year 2024. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” below for additional information about adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share.

    “As we announced today, we’re planning to significantly increase production capacity in Arkansas and Vietnam in order to continue to benefit from the growing customer demand for rebalancing their contract manufacturing. We believe these initiatives should help mitigate the adverse impact and uncertainties surrounding the recently announced tariffs on goods manufactured in China and Mexico,” said Brett Larsen, President and CEO.

    “We are disappointed with the unexpected decline in revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, however, we expect our revenue and earnings to improve in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 as strategic initiatives undertaken in previous quarters come to fruition. We’re actively streamlining our international and domestic operations, with further headcount reductions to enhance efficiency, building on similar actions a year ago. We’re also pleased to see our inventory levels being more in line with current revenue levels and expect that these strategic changes will improve our overall profitability in the longer term.”  

    “At the same time, we continued to win new programs, such as aerospace systems and an energy resiliency technology program, which was recently announced. Once fully ramped, the latter program could generate annual revenue for us in excess of $60 million. We also closed on a long-term debt refinancing agreement during the quarter that expands available capital for growth. We believe Key Tronic remains well positioned for increased growth and profitability in coming periods.”

    The financial data presented for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 should be considered preliminary and could be subject to change, as the Company’s independent auditor has not completed their review procedures.

    Business Outlook

    Due to uncertainty in the economic and political environments related to the impact of recently announced potential tariffs, Key Tronic will not be issuing revenue or earnings guidance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

    Conference Call

    Key Tronic will host a conference call to discuss its financial results at 2:00 PM Pacific (5:00 PM Eastern) today. A broadcast of the conference call will be available at www.keytronic.com under “Investor Relations” or by calling 888-394-8218 or +1-313-209-4906 (Access Code: 2254355). The Company will also reference accompanying slides that can be viewed with the webcast at www.keytronic.com under “Investor Relations”. A replay will be available at www.keytronic.com under “Investor Relations”.

    About Key Tronic

    Key Tronic is a leading contract manufacturer offering value-added design and manufacturing services from its facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Vietnam. The Company provides its customers with full engineering services, materials management, worldwide manufacturing facilities, assembly services, in-house testing, and worldwide distribution. Its customers include some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers. For more information about Key Tronic visit: www.keytronic.com 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to those including such words as aims, anticipates, believes, continues, estimates, expects, hopes, intends, plans, predicts, projects, targets, will, or would, similar verbs, or nouns corresponding to such verbs, which may be forward looking. Forward-looking statements also include other passages that are relevant to expected future events, performances, and actions or that can only be fully evaluated by events that will occur in the future. Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, the Company’s statements regarding its expectations with respect to financial conditions and results, including revenue and earnings, cost savings from headcount reduction and the Mexican Peso exchange rate, demand for certain products and the effectiveness of some of its programs, business from customers and programs, and impacts from operational streamlining and efficiencies, including reductions in inventories. There are many factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted or projected in forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the future of the global economic environment and its impact on our customers and suppliers; the success and timing of our expansion plans; the availability of components from the supply chain; the availability of a healthy workforce; the accuracy of suppliers’ and customers’ forecasts; development and success of customers’ programs and products; timing and effectiveness of ramping of new programs; success of new-product introductions; the risk of legal proceedings or governmental investigations relating to the previously reported financial statement restatements and related material weaknesses, the May 2024 cybersecurity incident and the subject of the internal investigation by the Company’s Audit Committee and related or other unrelated matters; acquisitions or divestitures of operations or facilities; technology advances; changes in pricing policies by the Company, its competitors, customers or suppliers; impact of new governmental legislation and regulation, including tax reform, tariffs and related activities, such trade negotiations and other risks; and other factors, risks, and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), we use certain non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share, diluted. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe they provide greater transparency related to our core operations and represent supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. We exclude (or include) certain items in our non-GAAP financial measures as we believe the net result is a measure of our core business. We believe this facilitates operating performance comparisons from period to period by eliminating potential differences caused by the existence and timing of certain income and expense items that would not otherwise be apparent on a GAAP basis. Non-GAAP performance measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, results prepared in accordance with GAAP. We strongly encourage investors and shareholders to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Our non-GAAP financial measures may be different from those reported by other companies. See the table below entitled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures” for reconciliations of adjusted net income to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is GAAP net income, and the computation of adjusted net income per share, diluted.

             
    CONTACTS:   Tony Voorhees   Michael Newman
        Chief Financial Officer   Investor Relations
        Key Tronic Corporation   StreetConnect
        (509)-927-5345   (206) 729-3625
             

    KEY TRONIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      December 28, 2024   December 30, 2023   December 28, 2024   December 30, 2023
    Net sales $ 113,853     $ 147,847     $ 245,411     $ 297,959  
    Cost of sales   106,147       136,084       224,402       275,334  
    Gross profit   7,706       11,763       21,009       22,625  
    Research, development and engineering expenses   2,320       1,758       4,609       3,999  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   6,507       6,057       13,077       11,841  
    Gain on insurance proceeds, net of losses   —       —       —       (431 )
    Total operating expenses   8,827       7,815       17,686       15,409  
    Operating income (loss)   (1,121 )     3,948       3,323       7,216  
    Interest expense, net   3,904       2,961       7,167       5,972  
    Income (loss) before income taxes   (5,025 )     987       (3,844 )     1,244  
    Income tax benefit   (111 )     (97 )     (54 )     (175 )
    Net income (loss) $ (4,914 )   $ 1,084     $ (3,790 )   $ 1,419  
    Net income (loss) per share — Basic $ (0.46 )   $ 0.10     $ (0.35 )   $ 0.13  
    Weighted average shares outstanding — Basic   10,762       10,762       10,762       10,762  
    Net income (loss) per share — Diluted $ (0.46 )   $ 0.10     $ (0.35 )   $ 0.13  
    Weighted average shares outstanding — Diluted   10,762       10,889       10,762       10,889  
                                   

    KEY TRONIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)

        December 28, 2024   June 29, 2024
    ASSETS        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,244     $ 4,752  
    Trade receivables, net of credit losses of $2,931 and $2,918     113,132       132,559  
    Contract assets     18,892       21,250  
    Inventories, net     100,709       105,099  
    Other, net of credit losses of $1,496 and $1,679     24,159       24,739  
    Total current assets     261,136       288,399  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     27,123       28,806  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets, net     13,829       15,416  
    Other assets:        
    Deferred income tax asset     19,287       17,376  
    Other     6,454       5,346  
    Total other assets     25,741       22,722  
    Total assets   $ 327,829     $ 355,343  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable   $ 63,585     $ 79,394  
    Accrued compensation and vacation     6,218       6,510  
    Current portion of long-term debt     5,063       3,123  
    Other     18,904       15,149  
    Total current liabilities     93,770       104,176  
    Long-term liabilities:        
    Long-term debt, net     106,020       116,383  
    Operating lease liabilities     8,429       10,312  
    Deferred income tax liability     9       263  
    Other long-term obligations     114       219  
    Total long-term liabilities     114,572       127,177  
    Total liabilities     208,342       231,353  
    Shareholders’ equity:        
    Common stock, no par value—shares authorized 25,000; issued and outstanding 10,762 and 10,762 shares, respectively     47,367       47,284  
    Retained earnings     73,131       76,921  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (1,011 )     (215 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     119,487       123,990  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 327,829     $ 355,343  
             

    KEY TRONIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      December 28, 2024   December 30, 2023   December 28, 2024   December 30, 2023
    GAAP net income (loss) $ (4,914 )   $ 1,084     $ (3,790 )   $ 1,419  
    Gain on insurance proceeds (net of losses)   —       —       —       (431 )
    Stock-based compensation expense   16       53       83       112  
    Write-off of unamortized loan fees   1,012       —       1,012       —  
    Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments (1)   (206 )     (11 )     (219 )     64  
    Adjusted net income (loss): $ (4,092 )   $ 1,126     $ (2,914 )   $ 1,164  
                   
    Adjusted net income (loss) per share — non-GAAP Diluted $ (0.38 )   $ 0.10     $ (0.27 )   $ 0.11  
    Weighted average shares outstanding — Diluted   10,762       10,889       10,762       10,889  
                   
    (1) Income tax effects are calculated using an effective tax rate of 20%, which approximates the statutory GAAP tax rate for the presented periods.        

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Key Tronic Corporation Plans to Expand Operations in Arkansas and Vietnam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Tronic Corporation (Nasdaq KTCC), a world class provider of manufacturing and design engineering services, today announced that it plans to significantly increase production capacity in Arkansas and Vietnam in order to continue to benefit from the growing customer demand for rebalancing their contract manufacturing. This expansion is also expected to help mitigate the adverse impact and uncertainties surrounding the recently announced tariffs on goods manufactured in China and Mexico.

    In Arkansas, the Company has signed a new lease to significantly increase the size of its current manufacturing footprint by June 2025. In Vietnam, Key Tronic has ample space in its current facility and plans to double its manufacturing capacity by September 2025 with a significant investment in capital equipment.

    “Our customers are very excited about our plans to increase our production capacity capabilities in the US and in Vietnam,” said Brett Larsen, President and CEO of Key Tronic Corporation. “These initiatives reflect the longstanding trend to nearshore production away from China, and may also help address the potential adverse impact of tariff increases. Our US-based production provides customers with outstanding flexibility, engineering support, and ease of communications, and our Vietnam-based production offers the high-quality, low-cost choice that was associated with China in the past. In the coming months, we’ll have more to say about these expansions.”

    About Key Tronic

    Key Tronic is a leading design engineering and contract manufacturer offering value-added design and manufacturing services from its facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Vietnam. Key Tronic provides its customers full engineering services, materials management, worldwide manufacturing facilities, assembly services, in-house testing, and worldwide distribution. Its customers include some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers. For more information about Key Tronic visit: www.keytronic.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Key Tronic’s opportunities and its partnership, the potential success of Key Tronic and the customer, and related revenues. Forward-looking statements include all passages containing verbs such as aims, anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, hopes, intends, plans, predicts, projects or targets or nouns corresponding to such verbs.  Forward-looking statements also include other passages that are primarily relevant to expected future events or revenue or that can only be fully evaluated by events that will occur in the future.  There are many factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted or projected in forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the success and timing of our expansion plans; the success and timing of ramping; availability and timing and receipt of critical parts or components; demand from customers and sales channels; the future of the global economic environment and its impact on our customers and suppliers; the availability of a healthy workforce; the accuracy of suppliers’ and customers’ forecasts; development and success of customers’ programs and products; success of new-product introductions; the risk of legal proceedings or governmental investigations relating to the previously reported financial statement restatements and related material weaknesses, the May 2024 cybersecurity incident and the subject of the internal investigation by the Company’s Audit Committee and related or other unrelated matters; acquisitions or divestitures of operations or facilities; technology advances; changes in pricing policies by the Company, its competitors, customers or suppliers; impact of new governmental legislation and regulation, including tax reform, tariffs and related activities, such trade negotiations and other risks; and other factors, risks, and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.

             
    CONTACTS:   Anthony G. Voorhees   Michael Newman
        Chief Financial Officer   Investor Relations
        Key Tronic Corporation   StreetConnect
        (509) 927-5345   (206) 729-3625
             

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mouse plague threatens rare skink

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  05 February 2025

    Mouse numbers have been tracking consistently high in the area where the skinks live. Mice are small enough to enter the small holes and burrows where the skinks live and eat them alive.

    This operation, in Victoria Forest Park, will protect the only known population of the Alborn skink, which is at high risk of extinction. It’s classified as Threatened – Nationally Critical with the population estimated to be 30 individuals.

    DOC Operations Manager Chris Hickford says that the 10-hectare pest control operation is an interim measure to protect the skinks, until a predator proof fence can be built.

    “We are working with the New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF) to raise funds to build a predator proof fence for the skinks. Once we can enclose an area, and remove any predators inside it, we’ll be able to protect the skinks without needing to use toxins.

    “The pest control operation will utilise the toxin brodifacoum, placed in bait stations. Brodifacoum is the most effective toxin to control mice and is less likely to lead to bait shyness than other toxins.”

    Map of caution zones
    Image: DOC

    Because brodifacoum persists in the environment, an area around the operation will become a “caution zone” for three years due to the risk of game animals consuming sub-lethal amounts of the toxin, which could then enter the food chain. There is a five-kilometre radius zone for pigs, and two-kilometre radius for deer.

    Hickford says, “We have designed the operation to minimise this risk as much as is practical. We have evidence that pig and deer numbers are very low in the treatment area and will monitor for interactions with the bait stations throughout the operation.”

    You can donate to this project to build a fence for the Alborn skink through DOC’s partner, New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF). NZNF is a charitable trust responsible for funds donated to this project. Visit NZNF to secure the future of the Alborn skink

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: APEDA’s financial assistance schemes boosts 47.3% surge in India’s fruit and vegetable exports

    Source: Government of India (2)

    APEDA’s financial assistance schemes boosts 47.3% surge in India’s fruit and vegetable exports

    APEDA strengthens exporter growth with new schemes for infrastructure, quality, and market development

    India’s fruit and vegetable exports reach 123 countries, with 17 new market added in 3 years

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Commerce through Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) provides financial assistance to its member exporters of APEDA from across the country, for export promotion of its Scheduled products, including for Fruits & vegetables, under Agriculture and Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26) in following three broad areas:

    Scheme for infrastructure Development – Financial assistance for setting up of packhouse facilities with packing / grading lines, pre-cooling unit with cold storage and refrigerated transportation etc., cable system for handling of crops like banana, pre-shipment treatment facilities such as irradiation, vapor heat treatment, hot water dip treatment and common infrastructure facilities, reefer vans and missing gap in the existing infrastructure of individual exporters.

    Scheme for Quality Development – Financial assistance for purchase of laboratory testing equipment, installation of quality management system, handheld devices for capturing farm level coordinates for traceability and testing of water, soil, residues and pesticides etc.

    Scheme for Market Promotion – The assistance covers participation of exporters in international trade fairs, organizing buyer seller meets and developing packaging standards for new products and upgrading the existing packaging standards.

    The details of financial assistance guidelines are available at APEDA Website www.apeda.gov.in under the “Scheme” tab.

    As a result of these initiatives, there has been a growth of 47.3%, in the volume of exports of fruits and vegetables between the period 2019-20 to 2023-24.

    Export data of fruits and vegetables in last five years

    		  

     

    		  

    Country: All

     

    		  

    Product: Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

     

    		  

     

    Value In USD Million

    Qty In Thousand MT

     

    		  

    Products

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

     

    		  

    Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

    1,282.43

    1,342.13

    1,527.63

    1,635.95

    1,814.58

    2,659.48

    3,148.08

    3,376.25

    4,335.68

    3,911.95

     

    		  

    Source: DGCIS

     

    		  

     

    Growth in terms of Volume in the last five years =47.30%

    Growth in terms of Value in the last five years= 41.50 %

    The Government maintains the record of total exports of fruits and vegetables from India. The export figures of States are compiled on the basis of the State-of-Origin code reported by the exporters in the shipping bills. Thus, the state wise data of exports of Fruits and vegetables is not available as the same is not validated by DGCI&S. However, the major states producing Fruits and vegetables are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka.

    India’s Export of Mango and Onion to World (By Variety)

    Product

    Variety

    USD Million

    Qty in MT

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Mango

    Other Mangoes

    0.00

    25.42

    23.48

    33.26

    36.18

    0.00

    15795.09

    17448.90

    17257.28

    23786.16

    Kesar

    0.00

    2.92

    6.91

    4.97

    11.25

    0.00

    983.73

    2319.08

    1749.97

    3787.01

    Alphonso (Hapus)

    0.00

    6.08

    10.09

    7.84

    8.68

    0.00

    3195.86

    5994.86

    2829.76

    2673.39

    Banganapalli

    0.00

    1.46

    3.01

    2.00

    3.20

    0.00

    830.55

    1674.04

    856.91

    1081.68

    Chausa

    0.00

    0.05

    0.05

    0.03

    0.24

    0.00

    40.98

    25.64

    19.72

    488.26

    Langda

    0.00

    0.08

    0.16

    0.12

    0.19

    0.00

    48.99

    122.16

    70.02

    81.94

    Dasheri

    0.00

    0.09

    0.11

    0.06

    0.17

    0.00

    49.50

    75.92

    34.70

    75.54

    Totapuri

    0.00

    0.07

    0.17

    0.20

    0.16

    0.00

    47.47

    151.01

    116.60

    91.95

    Mallika

    0.00

    0.03

    0.09

    0.06

    0.07

    0.00

    41.40

    61.16

    28.81

    38.17

    Mangoes , Fresh/Dried,

    56.11

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    49658.68

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    Total Mangoes

    56.11

    36.20

    44.07

    48.54

    60.14

    49658.68

    21033.57

    27872.77

    22963.77

    32104.10

    Onion

    Other Onions Fresh of Chilled

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    434.78

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    1606683.97

    Rose Onions Fresh of Chilled

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    38.94

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    110755.38

    Onions, Fresh/Chilled

    324.20

    378.49

    460.56

    561.38

    0.00

    1149896.84

    1578016.57

    1537496.85

    2525258.35

    0.00

    Total Onions

    324.20

    378.49

    460.56

    561.38

    473.72

    1149896.84

    1578016.57

    1537496.85

    2525258.35

    1717439.35

     

    Source: DGCIS

     

    Note :- ITC HS Code with (*) mark of the Commodity is either dropped or re-allocated

     

    In FY 2023-24, India’s exports of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables reached 123 countries. In the last 3 years, Indian fresh produce entered 17 new markets, some of which are Brazil, Georgia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Czech Republic, Uganda, Ghana etc. This has been achieved through a host of measures such as participation in international trade fairs, actively pursuing market access negotiations, organizing buyer seller meets etc.

    Department of Commerce is working in close coordination with the MoA&FW in prioritizing agriculture products for market access negotiations to reach new markets. As a result, India has achieved new market access in following commodities in the last three years:

    • Indian Potatoes and Onions in Serbia
    • Baby corn and fresh banana in Canada
    • Pomegranate arils in Australia, USA, Serbia, and New Zealand
    • Whole pomegranates in Australia via Irradiation treatment

     

    The barriers in accessing new markets differ from product to product and are dynamic in nature. Some of the major barriers in accessing new markets for fruits & vegetables are:

    • Long geographic distance from India raising the costs of logistics.
    • Delay in grant of market access by importing countries for certain products.
    • Stringent Phyto-sanitary requirements imposed by some importing countries.
    • Delay in registration of enterprises in certain countries.

    To address the above issues, various steps are being taken by the Department of Commerce:

    • For expand market access to our products, MoA&FW & APEDA have identified key products and key countries for intensifying market access negotiations.
    • Development of Sea protocols for horticulture products to reduce logistic expenses and to enable larger volume of exports.
    • Regular follow up with the counterpart authorities of importing countries with support of our Missions abroad for registration of facilities and market access negotiations.
    • For meeting stringent Phyto-sanitary requirements, setting up of traceability system and a system of farmer and facility registration.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

     

     

    (Release ID: 2099814) Visitor Counter : 20

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-14 AG NEWS RELEASE – AG LOPEZ JOINS COALITION OF 20 ATTORNEYS GENERAL URGING SENATE TO DEMAND ANSWERS ON RETALIATION EFFORTS FROM FBI DIRECTOR NOMINEE KASH PATEL

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-14 AG NEWS RELEASE – AG LOPEZ JOINS COALITION OF 20 ATTORNEYS GENERAL URGING SENATE TO DEMAND ANSWERS ON RETALIATION EFFORTS FROM FBI DIRECTOR NOMINEE KASH PATEL

    Posted on Feb 4, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

    ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ JOINS COALITION OF 20 ATTORNEYS GENERAL URGING SENATE TO DEMAND ANSWERS ON RETALIATION EFFORTS FROM FBI DIRECTOR NOMINEE KASH PATEL

     

    News Release 2025-14

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

    February 4, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general today sending a letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, urging the Senate to require Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, to return for further questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The request follows alarming reports of politically motivated firings at the FBI and efforts to compile a list of agents involved in investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.

    The attorneys general note how critical it is for Patel to address recent reports of politically motivated firings at the FBI. The joint letter states: “Shortly after his confirmation hearing, we learned from news reports that more than a dozen high-ranking FBI officials were fired and that the FBI is developing a list of all agents and staff who worked investigations and prosecutions related to the January 6th Capitol riots. It is critical for Mr. Patel to answer questions about this unprecedented attack on the FBI before Senators vote on his confirmation.”

    The letter raises additional concerns over reports that “the Administration plans to fire at least six high-ranking career FBI officials if they do not retire” and that “acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove directed FBI staff to compile a list of all staff who were ‘assigned at any time to investigations and/or prosecutions’ relating to the January 6th riots.” The attorneys general state, “If true, this is a purge of FBI employees.”

    The attorneys general stress in the letter that before any confirmation vote, “the United States Senate should know what Mr. Patel plans to do with the list of FBI agents and staff that is currently being compiled.”

    The letter further provides, “Purging over 6,000 FBI agents and staff will have disastrous effects on public safety across the country and will make our communities more dangerous. FBI employees and staff protect America from the public safety harms that President Trump listed in his executive orders—fentanyl, the Mexican Cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and harms to Americans’ pocketbooks.”

    “This threat to FBI operations will substantially harm Hawai‘i’s law enforcement ecosystem,” said Attorney General Lopez. “The FBI plays a substantial role in keeping the people of Hawaiʻi safe. The tight-knit relationship between the FBI and our state and county law enforcement includes investigating and prosecuting individuals for public corruption, internet crimes against children, and conducting joint operations to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking organizations and money laundering operations across the state.”

    Beyond the FBI purge, the letter condemns additional attacks on law enforcement by the Trump administration, stating, “The President’s efforts to undermine the FBI follow unprecedented attacks on our country’s public safety. In just two weeks, the President has fired United States Attorneys, pardoned rioters who killed and injured Capitol Police Officers, and attempted to cut off funding for law enforcement across the country.”

    The letter continues, “Further, Congress must question Administration officials on the scope of pardoning Capitol rioters, and its attempts to dismiss pending cases against January 6th rioters. At least one judge has already found that the dismissals will harm public safety and are unjustified.”

    Now is the time for Congress to act. Over the past two weeks, President Trump has taken actions that make our country less safe. Attorney General Lopez believes that Congress must act to protect Americans and hold the Administration accountable. The first step is requiring Mr. Patel to answer questions about the pending FBI purge before a confirmation vote.

    Joining Hawai‘i in sending the letter are the attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.

    A copy of the letter is available here.

     

    # # #

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
     Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office:     808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
    Email:     [email protected] 

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce Keep Our Pact Act To Fully Fund Title I, Special Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 04, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 14 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act, legislation to put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a mandatory basis. These programs, which support public education for children in low-income areas and education for individuals with learning disabilities, respectively, have been chronically underfunded since their inception, leaving our public schools, students, and teachers at a disadvantage.

    “For too long, poor students and kids with disabilities have gotten shortchanged because Congress has failed to fully fund the programs that help them succeed in our schools. The Keep Our PACT Act would finally fulfill the promises we made when we signed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act into law. These investments are common sense and give every student in this country access to the education and resources they deserve,” said Murphy.

    “Our nation’s children deserve comprehensive, quality education and a stable environment to learn and grow. By bolstering Title I and IDEA and providing access for key resources, the Keep Our PACT Act ensures that America’s most vulnerable students are able to achieve their fullest potential. This critical legislation prioritizes students and helps create a meaningful classroom experience—setting students up on the path for success,” said Blumenthal.

    Title I, which gives assistance to America’s highest-need schools, is a critical tool to ensure that every child, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education. However, it has been deeply underfunded, disadvantaging the most vulnerable students. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Title I funding gap for school year 2024-2025 was $35.9 billion. Similarly, IDEA calls on the federal government to fund 40 percent of the cost of special education, but Congress has never fully funded the law. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), IDEA state grants are funded at less than 12 percent. The Keep Our PACT Act would create a 10-year mandatory glide path to fully fund both Title I and IDEA, ensuring that education is a priority in the federal budget.

    U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also cosponsored the legislation.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Potassium Derived from Molasses (PDM), a by-product of sugar industry has minimum 14.5% potash and can be used by farmers in field as an alternative to MOP (Muriate of Potash with 60% potash content) reducing the dependence on imported potash

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Potassium Derived from Molasses (PDM), a by-product of sugar industry has minimum 14.5% potash and can be used by farmers in field as an alternative to MOP (Muriate of Potash with 60% potash content) reducing the dependence on imported potash

    Institute of Pesticides Formulation and Technology works on supporting adoption of greener technologies and development of user & environment friendly new pesticide formulations

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 6:52PM by PIB Delhi

    Potassium Derived from Molasses (PDM) is a by-product of sugar industry. PDM has minimum 14.5% potash and can be used by farmers in field as an alternative to MOP (Muriate of Potash with 60% potash content). Thus, PDM can reduce the dependence on imported potash. PDM was notified under Fertilizer Control Order (1985) in 2009, and in order to incentivize the use of PDM, it was inducted under Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme since Rabi, 2022. During 2024-25, Rs. 345 per tonne of subsidy has been fixed for PDM.

    Potash and Glauconite(Potassic mineral) have been classified as Critical and Strategic Minerals under “The Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment (MMDR) Act, 2023” by Ministry of Mines which aims to enhance domestic production and achieve self- sufficiency in critical minerals. MMDR Act, 1957 ensure that critical minerals are produced, processed, and recycled by catalyzing investments from governments and the private sector across the full value chain, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and responsible mineral management practices. The Central Government has also commenced the auction of mineral blocks for critical & strategic minerals as per provisions of MMDR Act, 1957. As on 10.12.2024, Ministry of Mines have successfully auctioned 5 mineral blocks of Glauconite(Potassic mineral).

    Chemical sector is broadly de-regulated and delicensed sector. The manufacturing, import, export, transportation etc. of Ammonium Nitrate are being regulated by Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) issues licenses for manufacture, storage, transportation, import and export of Ammonium Nitrate under these rules. The licenses for manufacturing of Ammonium Nitrate are issued based on Industrial Licenses issued by Department of Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT).

     In Budget 2024-25, Basic Custom Duty (BCD) on Ammonium Nitrate has been increased from 7.5% to 10% to support existing and new capacities in pipeline. Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), Department of Commerce provides a level playing platform to the domestic industry against the adverse impact of the unfair trade practices viz. dumping, actionable subsidies, circumvention etc. from any exporting country by using effective Trade Remedial measures such as anti-dumping and safeguard measures. However, currently, there are no pending applications seeking  protection in terms of import barriers like anti-dumping duty or countervailing duty/anti-subsidy duty on Ammonium Nitrate.

    The Government has approved the Market Development Assistance (MDA) @ Rs. 1500/MT to promote organic fertilizers, i.e. manure produced at plants under GOBARdhan initiative covering different Biogas/CBG support schemes/programmes of stakeholder Ministries/Departments such as Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), ‘Waste to Energy’ programme of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) of Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), etc. with total outlay of Rs. 1451.84 crore (FY 2023-24 to 2025-26), which includes a corpus of Rs. 360 crore for research gap funding, etc.

    Further, Institute of Pesticides Formulation and Technology works on supporting adoption of greener technologies and development of user & environment friendly new pesticide formulations. UNIDO FARM (Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management) Project undertaken by HIL (India) Ltd. to detoxify the agriculture sector by eliminating the use of highly hazardous pesticides and Persistent Organic Pollutants. The project focuses on three types of bio-pesticides: Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki), Neem, and Trichoderma spp. Btk, a strain of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which is effective for controlling caterpillar pests, while Neem controls a wide range of insect pests. Trichoderma provides effective control against soil-borne fungal diseases and enhances plant growth.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

    *****

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2099748) Visitor Counter : 75

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN NORTH- EAST ON TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO

    Source: Government of India (2)

    VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN NORTH- EAST ON TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO

    BIKE/ SCOOTY RALLY ORGANISED IN WEST TRIPURA DISTRICT

    SELF DEFENCE WORKSHOP FOR GIRL STUDENTS HELD IN MAJULI, ASSAM

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating 10 years of the launch of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme. In observance of this, various activities were conducted across the North East region.

    A bike rally was organised in the West Tripura District, Tripura for girl students in the campus of the Umakanta Academy School. The rally highlighted the importance of empowering women and promoting gender equality.

    In another event, a self defence workshop was organised for girl students in the Majuli district of Assam. The workshop focussed on equipping the students with some essential defence skills.

    The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 22nd January, 2015 at Panipat, Haryana.

    BBBP aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and issues of women empowerment in India.

    ***

    SS/ MS

    (Release ID: 2099660) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Frontline police boosted

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police resources allocated to investigating youth crime, domestic and family violence, cybercrime and retail theft are being significantly boosted.

    More than 70 police officers are being redirected to a range of key frontline areas that will provide the most benefit to the community and enhance public safety and well-being.

    The majority of the resources – 51 positions – have become available following successful programs such as the introduction of Police Security Officers in custody management areas, the civilianisation of some roles and the rationalisation of some small police stations.

    Additional government funding has also delivered another 20 positions.

    As part of the major initiative Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens has revealed the formation of a new Youth and Street Gangs Task Force to enhance SAPOL’s response into youth crime in South Australia.

    The new task force will see the current Operation Meld and Operation Mandrake initiatives merged – with an additional 13 police officers added to its ranks.

    An additional nine officers will be allocated to investigate financial and cybercrime and eight added to the successful Operation Measure anti-shoplifting initiative.

    Regional communities will also benefit with 14 new positions assigned to volume crime teams and another 13 family and domestic violence investigation officers.

    SAPOLs growing reliance on airborne policing operations has also resulted in 14 permanently appointed tactical flight officers who will contribute significantly to community safety and provide vital support to frontline officers involved in a variety of taskings.

    Commissioner Stevens said while many of the positions will be filled immediately, others will be filled as resources become available.

    “We are focusing resources on frontline roles and doing what matters most in areas that will have the most impact, the most benefit in responding to public concerns over safety and emerging crime trends,’’ he said.

    “These include areas that both proactively investigate and respond to cybercrime incidents, youth crime, family violence, retail theft and our increasing reliance on airborne law enforcement operations.

    “With the growing imbalance between our resources and demand, we will continue to look for opportunities to rationalise services to deliver similar frontline services where they matter the most.’’

    The Youth and Street Gangs Task Force will continue the work of Operations Meld and Mandrake by responding to the evolving nature of youth street gangs by providing specialist investigative and intelligence skills.

    Besides responding to specific incidents, SAPOL is working to break the cycle of criminality and recruitment of young members through interagency collaboration and community engagement.

    “Youth crime is not just about the criminality, but the recruitment of younger members, so the task force provides an opportunity to break this cycle,” Commissioner Stevens said.

    “This permanent task force will disrupt and reduce the criminal activities of a target group of offenders, particularly focusing on crimes of violence that pose a significant risk to community safety.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Graffiti removal isn’t the enemy of art. It’s part of a vibrant dialogue on life in the big city

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sabina Andron, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cities and Urbanism, The University of Melbourne

    Thanks Radical Graffiti for informing me where my next job is!

    This is the message I woke up to on January 26, as one of my research participants saw some anti-colonial graffiti in Melbourne posted on the popular Instagram page. The “job” he refers to is that of removing graffiti – a costly, relentless and largely overlooked maintenance operation in modern cities.

    Graffiti removal is an ongoing practice in big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
    Sabina Andron

    You may have heard of various statues being defaced across the country to protest Australia Day. And if you live in Melbourne, you’ve probably come across the city’s iconic “Pam the Bird” graffiti. Pam’s creator was arrested on January 30, about a week after a massive image of the bird appeared on the Novotel hotel in South Wharf.

    What you don’t see, however, are the groups of workers standing by to evaluate and repair the damage done by graffiti artists. These graffiti removal technicians, or “buffers”, often posses a more detailed knowledge of the urban fabric than many architects and planners.

    With millions invested in graffiti removal in Australia, as part of a visual policing of surfaces, I argue “buff” deserves recognition as a cultural and aesthetic practice of its own.

    Buff commonly appears as mismatched rectangular shapes.
    Sabina Andron

    What is “buff” and how does it work?

    Graffiti removal is the practice of removing, erasing or obliterating unauthorised displays from publicly visible urban surfaces.

    In graffiti culture, this removal is colloquially known as “buff”. The name comes from a chemical train washing facility deployed by the Municipal Transit Authority in New York City in the 1970s, when graffiti clean-up efforts first started.

    Buff is typically conducted by authorised municipal officers or private contractors and businesses. It involves the chemical and mechanical treatment of urban surfaces, often underpinned by zero tolerance policies that have turned it into a global billion dollar industry.

    Greg Ireland demonstrating his products inside his Graffiti Removal Chemicals training facility in Melbourne.
    Sabina Andron

    Whether they work for local councils through apps such as Snap Send Solve, run private businesses, or operate independently as anti-graffiti vigilantes, buffers either remove unwanted marks, or paint over them to obstruct them from view.

    And with the removal of one image, comes the creation of another.

    In this example chemicals are used to destroy the surface paint, leaving behind a ‘ghost’ image.
    Sabina Andron

    A symbiotic relationship

    It’s a common misconception that buff is strictly an image removal process – a zero sum game aimed at returning public surfaces to a pristine material state. This assumption is the main reason it has been afforded little attention as a creative practice.

    In fact, buff produces some of the most interesting visual forms within contemporary cities. It contributes to the visual cultures of cities worldwide, not just through maintaining visual order, but through delivering easily overlooked painterly compositions.

    The visual forms of buff done by vigilantes can be even more jarring than the graffiti they cover.
    Sabina Andron

    Much like graffiti, buff is a widespread visual and symbolic feature of contemporary cities. These two practices need each other, and engage with cities in symmetrical and symbiotic ways.

    Buff will sometimes closely follow the contours of the graffiti it obstructs.
    Sabina Andron

    Also, although they operate on different mandates, graffiti writers and buffers largely respect each others’ resourcefulness and creativity. As one buffer has repeatedly told me, “tagging and buffing are more related than people are prepared to see.”

    Buffers and writers use walls collaboratively. Here, a graffiti writer acknowledges the abater with a message: ‘legendary buff’.
    Sabina Andron

    Graffiti removal as aesthetic practice

    Keen urban enthusiasts have been documenting buff in many forms, from the early photographs of Avalon Kalin in the United States, to artist Lorenzo Servi’s The City Is Ours bookzine on graffiti removal, to Hans Leo Maes’ photographic collection of buff from the 2019 Hong Kong protests.

    Most famously, buff made the object of a 2001 experimental documentary by Matt McCormick. This cult favourite popularised the idea of graffiti removal as a subconsciously creative act with aesthetics that resemble the works of abstract expressionists such as Mark Rothko or Agnes Martin.

    The abstract expressionist aesthetics of repeated buff interventions.
    Sabina Andron

    A suite of other contemporary artists and photographers, many of who come from a graffiti background, also engage with buff in their practice. Mobstr, Germain Prévost (Ipin), Thierry Furger, Nelio Riga and Svetlana Feoktistova provide just some examples of buff-generated creativity.

    Three different buff treatments of the same wall.
    Sabina Andron

    Others such as activist Kyle Magee have served prison sentences for buffing public ads, raising questions about not only the legitimacy of public images, but the legitimacy of their obstruction.

    An example of activist buff on street posters.
    Sabina Andron

    Beyond visual order mandates

    Involuntarily perhaps, creativity is everywhere. Urban surfaces are prized visual and material assets in cities, with the potential to generate huge symbolic and economic capital.

    No matter how many millions of dollars are invested in removing graffiti, or pursuing criminal cases against its creators, public surfaces will always be contentious forums of visual production, obstruction and collaboration.

    Textured surfaces resulting from visual dialogues between graffiti and buff.
    Sabina Andron

    Alongside graffiti, posters, stickers and myriad other inscriptions, buff adds new textures to the surfaces of our cities. Its aesthetic and cultural value should be celebrated.

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

    – ref. Graffiti removal isn’t the enemy of art. It’s part of a vibrant dialogue on life in the big city – https://theconversation.com/graffiti-removal-isnt-the-enemy-of-art-its-part-of-a-vibrant-dialogue-on-life-in-the-big-city-248668

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Climate-affected produce is here to stay. Here’s what it takes for consumers to embrace it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liudmila Tarabashkina, Senior Lecturer, The University of Western Australia

    Joanna Dorota/Shutterstock, Zoom Team/Shutterstock, The Conversation

    The economic cost of food waste in Australia is staggering. It’s estimated $36.6 billion is lost to the economy every year. Much of our fresh produce never even makes it to stores, rejected at the farm gate due to cosmetic reasons, such as its appearance, size or ripeness.

    We’ve known about this problem for a long time, which has given rise to the “ugly” food movement. Once-rejected produce has been rebranded as “wonky” in the UK, “inglorious” in France, “naturally imperfect” in Canada or an “odd bunch” in Australia.

    While the existence of these campaigns is commendable, there’s another major marketing challenge if we want to reduce food waste – acceptance of climate-affected produce.

    Broadly speaking, this refers to produce affected by extreme or moderate weather events. Droughts are an example of such climate events, predicted to become more intense and frequent as a result of global climate change.

    Climate-affected produce resembles “ugly” food as it is often smaller, misshapen or has surface imperfections.

    Climate-affected produce often has a lot in common with ‘ugly’ fruit, but may also differ in taste and texture.
    Alexey Borodin/Shutterstock

    But in contrast to “ugly food”, the taste and texture of climate-affected produce can be quite different.

    Under the effects of drought, apples may become sweeter and more granular, chillies hotter and onions more pungent. In the case of mild or moderate droughts, such produce is still edible.

    Our recent research points to some uncomfortable truths. Many consumers prefer to avoid climate-affected produce altogether. And when price is a factor, they won’t choose it without a discount.

    But our research also offers suggestions on how purchases of such produce could be encouraged – including marketing messages that highlight the “resilience” of climate-affected produce.

    Our research

    We carried out two discrete choice experiments with consumers who buy fresh fruit and vegetables. One sample was drawn from among Australian students, the other from members of the wider Australian population.

    Participants were shown eight different apple options simulating a shopping environment, which were described with a range of different attributes including firmness, sweetness, appearance and size.

    The apples were also labelled with a price tag and information on whether they were sold at a supermarket or farmers’ market. All climate-affected apples were presented with a “resilience” message: “resilient apple – survived the drought”.

    We sought to examine how produce’s “organoleptic” properties – the way it impacts our different senses – as well as levels of empathy toward the farmers impact consumers’ willingness to choose climate-affected produce, and how much they’d pay for it.

    Drought can make apples sweeter, smaller, and less firm.
    The Conversation, Natthapol Siridech/Shutterstock, PickPik

    A preference for perfect

    We found when an apple’s firmness, size and aesthetics were important and empathy towards farmers was low, consumers tended to avoid climate-affected produce. They instead chose unaffected alternatives at higher prices (no such effect was observed for sweetness).

    This finding might not be surprising, but it’s still cause for concern. If farmers cannot repurpose climate-affected produce into spreads, jams, smoothies or animal feed, it can’t enter supply chains and may end up as waste.

    Previous campaigns for “ugly” fruit and vegetables may not offer much help with this problem, either. These campaigns emphasise the unaffected taste and texture of the produce. Marketing climate-affected produce needs a different approach.

    Otherwise, we expect a discount

    When price was important to consumers, they chose climate-affected produce, regardless of their levels of empathy toward farmers. But they were only willing to pay discounted prices for it.

    That might seem like a more positive outcome. But consumer expectations that climate-affected produce will always be discounted may disadvantage farmers with lower profit margins and diminish its value as a still-usable resource.

    Getting climate-affected (but still edible) produce into supply chains can help reduce food waste.
    Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock

    The power of “resilience” messaging

    Importantly, we found when the “resilience” message resonated with consumers, they were more inclined to consider climate-affected apples. This was true even when their empathy towards farmers was low.

    This suggests that when empathy fails, leveraging marketing messages that highlight “resilience” could be another avenue worth exploring.

    Our research team is now exploring what types of “resilience” messages can encourage purchases of climate-affected produce.

    Australians have been conditioned for many years to expect only aesthetically pleasing fruit and vegetables.

    Given extreme weather events are unlikely to become less frequent in the future, climate-affected produce is likely here to stay. If we want consumers to embrace it, we need to have uncomfortable conversations around its different taste and texture, and rethink what we’re willing to accept.

    This research was supported by the University of Western Australia Business School Future Fund Research Grant.

    – ref. Climate-affected produce is here to stay. Here’s what it takes for consumers to embrace it – https://theconversation.com/climate-affected-produce-is-here-to-stay-heres-what-it-takes-for-consumers-to-embrace-it-248776

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Emergency response beacons can cut drownings at the beach – but 72% of people haven’t heard of them

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Brander, Professor, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney

    Rob Brander

    Do you know what an emergency response beacon or “ERB” is? Do you know what it does? Do you know which beaches have one? If you answered “nope!” to any of those questions, you’re not alone – and that’s a problem.

    In short, an emergency response beacon basically consists of a telephone and camera that sits on a pole on a beach. These can be triggered with a button press by anybody who sees someone in trouble in the water or on the sand.

    In New South Wales, where emergency response beacons are located on some beaches, pressing the button puts you in immediate contact with a 24/7 duty officer at the Surf Life Saving New South Wales state operations centre.

    This duty officer can then talk with the person, give instructions and dispatch the nearest suitable emergency resources to that location. The beacons are solar powered and 4G/5G enabled.

    But our new research, recently published in the journal Ocean & Coastal Management, found only 28% of surveyed beachgoers have heard of emergency response beacons – and only half of those actually knew what they were for.

    Our findings show a clear need to better communicate with and educate the public about the purpose and location of emergency response beacons. Otherwise, these potential lifesaving devices might not be as effective as authorities assume.

    Why NSW installed ERBs

    In 2023-24 there were 61 coastal drowning deaths in NSW, representing a 27% increase from the previous year and a 33% increase above the ten-year average.

    Most of these coastal drowning deaths occurred at beaches (56%) and along rocky coastal locations (25%).

    All of them occurred away from patrolled areas or outside of patrol hours.

    The traditional response to keeping people safe in unpatrolled coastal locations has been to install various signs warning visitors about potential hazards such as rip currents.

    However, previous studies have highlighted these signs don’t always work – many people look past them or don’t understand them.

    In 2018, the NSW state government committed A$16 million over four years to install emergency response beacons at identified drowning hotspots.

    At least 53 have now been installed along the NSW coast, including at both unpatrolled and patrolled beaches, with additional funding available to install more units from 2024 to 2028.

    All will eventually have rescue tubes attached (a rescue tube is a flotation device often used in lifesaving efforts).

    This all sounds great, but how effective have emergency response beacons actually been in reducing drowning?

    Our new research, conducted by the UNSW Beach Safety Research Group on public awareness and understanding of emergency response beacons, has shown there is significant work to do.

    What we did and what we found

    Our study involved surveying 301 people at beaches along the NSW coast, both beaches with and without emergency response beacons, and both unpatrolled and patrolled.

    Only 28% of the surveyed beachgoers had actually heard of emergency response beacons.

    Of those, only half (54%) actually knew what they were for and 50% were not aware if the beach they were visiting had one installed.

    Most people who were aware of the beacons (82%) lived within ten kilometres from the coast and had learned about them from direct experience visiting a beach with a beacon. In other words, they were locals.

    Given that between 2014 and 2024, 73% of coastal drowning deaths were associated with visitors who lived more than ten kilometres from the location where they drowned, this finding suggests that knowledge of emergency response beacons may not be getting through to the people who need it most.

    Our results also showed that, after being briefed about their purpose, most people (72%) surveyed thought that emergency response beacons were a great idea.

    At least 53 ERBs have now been installed along the NSW coast.
    Rob Brander

    Concerningly, though, people with lower swimming abilities said they’d feel safer and more likely to go in the water if they knew an emergency response beacon was there. This is definitely not the intended outcome at an unpatrolled beach, and suggests the presence of beacons may give some people an unjustified sense of safety and confidence.

    Collectively, our results suggest there is an urgent need for vastly improved communication to enhance public awareness and understanding of emergency response beacons to all types of visitors to beaches in NSW.

    People are using ERBs but more detail required

    Nevertheless, emergency response beacons are clearly being used. Earlier this summer, Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said there had been more than “100 documented rescues and activations as a direct result of the ERBs being installed”. You can also find examples on social media of people using the beacons.

    Much like beach safety messaging in general, we need more evidence-based research to assist in the strategic placement of future emergency response beacons, including in other Australian states apart from NSW.

    The response times to emergency response beacon activations should also be examined in further detail; in areas with full mobile phone reception, it might be faster, easier and cheaper to alert emergency services by phoning 000.

    Ultimately, the best way to stay safe at a beach is to swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches.

    On unpatrolled beaches it really comes down to always thinking about beach safety, understanding and being aware of hazards like rip currents, knowing your own abilities and sticking to the mantra: “if in doubt, don’t go out”.

    If you want to learn more about emergency response beacons and their locations before venturing out to a beach in New South Wales, please visit the Surf Life Saving NSW website.

    Rob Brander receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the NSW State government, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and Surfing NSW.

    – ref. Emergency response beacons can cut drownings at the beach – but 72% of people haven’t heard of them – https://theconversation.com/emergency-response-beacons-can-cut-drownings-at-the-beach-but-72-of-people-havent-heard-of-them-248676

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Peter Dutton is promising to slash the public service. Voters won’t know how many jobs are lost until after the election

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Podger, Honorary Professor of Public Policy, Australian National University

    Oakland Images/Shutterstock

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has doubled down on his commitment to sack thousands of public servants if he’s elected prime minister.

    Dutton has again highlighted the “wasteful” 36,000 increase in public service jobs under Labor, which he says has made the Australian Public service “bloated and inefficient”.

    While there is considerable political hyperbole and Trumpian allusions in Dutton’s statements, there are areas where legitimate savings could be made by whoever wins the coming election. That includes a second-term Albanese government, which would need to find efficiencies to offset promised wage increases.

    Dutton’s commitment

    Dutton unrealistically mentioned A$24 billion in potential savings over four years by reversing the growth in the number of new public service jobs since the last election.

    Dutton’s claim of 36,000 extra bureaucrats under the Albanese government is broadly correct. The latest State of the Service Report shows the ongoing workforce increased from 133,976 in June 2021 to 170,186 in June last year. This was offset by a reduction of around 4,000 non-ongoing employees.

    Labor has reduced the use of consultants and contractors, though at best those savings only partially offset the costs of the public service expansion.

    Reversing the net increase in costs in the next term of Parliament, however, will not be easy and could not be done immediately.

    In turn, Labor is hiring fewer consultants and contractors. Those numbers could rise again if permanent positions are axed under a Coalition government.

    Dutton is careful not to make any specific commitments regarding the number of jobs that would go nor the dollar savings involved. However, he and his shadow ministers have repeatedly referred to the 36,000 new positions under Labor.

    While the Coalition won’t be detailing any spending cuts until after the election, Dutton has alluded to US President Donald Trump’s playbook by targeting “culture, diversity and inclusion advisers”.

    Dutton contends these roles add to costs while providing little public service:

    Such positions, as I say, do nothing to improve the lives of everyday Australians.

    Putting the public service growth into context

    Despite Dutton’s combative language, the growth of the Australian Public Service is not nearly as dramatic as he claims, nor is it concentrated in Canberra.

    The State of the Service Report shows the Australian Public Service headcount is lower now (0.68%) as a percentage of the Australian population than it was in 2008 (0.75%). It is also a smaller share of the overall Australian workforce (1.36% compared to 1.52%).

    Despite Dutton’s often repeated claim that all of the additional public servants are based in Canberra, the proportion of the public service working in the capital has decreased to just 36.9%.

    The numbers back up the government’s claim that the expanded bureaucracy has delivered improvements to critical public services such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Veterans’ Affairs and Centrelink outside of Canberra.

    Labor has also committed to savings

    Despite its defence of the public service, a re-elected Labor government would also need to find efficiencies.

    The Australian Financial Review has drawn attention to the mid-year budget update, which forecast no growth in the public service wages bill from 2025–26 to 2027–28. This is despite an enterprise bargaining agreement to increase wages by 11.2% over the three years to March 2026.

    Finance and Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher has dismissed the Coalition’s claims of a $7.4 billion black hole. She says Labor’s forecasting method is the same as the one the Liberals used in government

    And the minister has restated Labor’s commitment to finding its own savings through the 1% efficiency dividend, which she says is “largely a good thing”.

    In other words, the Albanese government is assuming pay increases will be offset by efficiency measures over the next three years. That will require some effort.

    Where savings could actually be made

    Regardless of who forms the next government, there are savings to be made across the public service, which has become too top heavy.

    Remuneration is a mess, with extraordinary variations in pay, particularly among the senior executive level.

    A wholesale change in the membership of the Remuneration Tribunal, which sets public service pay levels, and a review of its methodology are much needed.

    There should also be more emphasis on skills and capability, and less on diversity. A strong business case exists to maximise the talent pool the public service draws on, but care is needed to not compromise the merit principle in the pursuit of equity.

    Dutton’s plan raises legitimate concerns

    Dutton’s populist rhetoric about the public service raises legitimate concerns beyond the potential job cuts.

    There’s a real risk the Coalition will resurrect its ideological preference for the private sector, with its associated extra costs and conflicts of interest.

    Nor is there any clear commitment to avoiding a return to the politicisation of the bureaucracy evident under former prime minister Scott Morrison, which contributed to the Robodebt scandal.

    The Albanese government has sadly dropped the ball by failing to legislate to promote merit-based appointments, leaving open opportunities for politically based hirings and firings.

    With election day fast approaching, voters may reasonably be wary of both sides of politics when it comes to the independence and performance of the public service.

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

    – ref. Peter Dutton is promising to slash the public service. Voters won’t know how many jobs are lost until after the election – https://theconversation.com/peter-dutton-is-promising-to-slash-the-public-service-voters-wont-know-how-many-jobs-are-lost-until-after-the-election-248897

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: OpenAI says DeepSeek ‘inappropriately’ copied ChatGPT – but it’s facing copyright claims too

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lea Frermann, Senior Lecturer in Natural Language Processing, The University of Melbourne, The University of Melbourne

    TA Design/Shutterstock

    Until a few weeks ago, few people in the Western world had heard of a small Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company known as DeepSeek. But on January 20, it captured global attention when it released a new AI model called R1.

    R1 is a “reasoning” model, meaning it works through tasks step by step and details its working process to a user. It is a more advanced version of DeepSeek’s V3 model, which was released in December. DeepSeek’s new offering is almost as powerful as rival company OpenAI’s most advanced AI model o1, but at a fraction of the cost.

    Within days, DeepSeek’s app surpassed ChatGPT in new downloads and set stock prices of tech companies in the United States tumbling. It also led OpenAI to claim that its Chinese rival had effectively pilfered some of the crown jewels from OpenAI’s models to build its own.

    In a statement to the New York Times, the company said:

    We are aware of and reviewing indications that DeepSeek may have inappropriately distilled our models, and will share information as we know more. We take aggressive, proactive countermeasures to protect our technology and will continue working closely with the US government to protect the most capable models being built here.

    The Conversation approached DeepSeek for comment, but it did not respond.

    But even if DeepSeek copied – or, in scientific parlance, “distilled” – at least some of ChatGPT to build R1, it’s worth remembering that OpenAI also stands accused of disrespecting intellectual property while developing its models.

    What is distillation?

    Model distillation is a common machine learning technique in which a smaller “student model” is trained on predictions of a larger and more complex “teacher model”.

    When completed, the student may be nearly as good as the teacher but will represent the teacher’s knowledge more effectively and compactly.

    To do so, it is not necessary to access the inner workings of the teacher. All one needs to pull off this trick is to ask the teacher model enough questions to train the student.

    This is what OpenAI claims DeepSeek has done: queried OpenAI’s o1 at a massive scale and used the observed outputs to train DeepSeek’s own, more efficient models.

    A fraction of the resources

    DeepSeek claims that both the training and usage of R1 required only a fraction of the resources needed to develop their competitors’ best models.

    There are reasons to be sceptical of some of the company’s marketing hype – for example, a new independent report suggests the hardware spend on R1 was as high as US$500 million. But even so, DeepSeek was still built very quickly and efficiently compared with rival models.

    This might be because DeepSeek distilled OpenAI’s output. However, there is currently no method to prove this conclusively. One method that is in the early stages of development is watermarking AI outputs. This adds invisible patterns to the outputs, similar to those applied to copyrighted images. There are various ways to do this in theory, but none is effective or efficient enough to have made it into practice.

    There are other reasons that help explain DeepSeek’s success, such as the company’s deep and challenging technical work.

    The technical advances made by DeepSeek included taking advantage of less powerful but cheaper AI chips (also called graphical processing units, or GPUs).

    DeepSeek had no choice but to adapt after the US has banned firms from exporting the most powerful AI chips to China.

    While Western AI companies can buy these powerful units, the export ban forced Chinese companies to innovate to make the best use of cheaper alternatives.

    The US has banned the export of the most powerful computer chips to China.
    Nor Gal/Shutterstock

    A series of lawsuits

    OpenAI’s terms of use explicitly state nobody may use its AI models to develop competing products. However, its own models are trained on massive datasets scraped from the web. These datasets contained a substantial amount of copyrighted material, which OpenAI says it is entitled to use on the basis of “fair use”:

    Training AI models using publicly available internet materials is fair use, as supported by long-standing and widely accepted precedents. We view this principle as fair to creators, necessary for innovators, and critical for US competitiveness.

    This argument will be tested in court. Newspapers, musicians, authors and other creatives have filed a series of lawsuits against OpenAI on the grounds of copyright infringement.

    Of course, this is quite distinct to what OpenAI accuses DeepSeek of doing. Nevertheless OpenAI isn’t attracting much sympathy for its claim that DeepSeek illegitimately harvested its model output.

    The war of words and lawsuits is an artefact of how the rapid advance of AI has outpaced the development of clear legal rules for the industry. And while these recent events might reduce the power of AI incumbents, much hinges on the outcome of the various ongoing legal disputes.

    Shaking up the global conversation

    DeepSeek has shown it is possible to develop state-of-the-art models cheaply and efficiently. Whether they can compete with OpenAI on a level playing field remains to be seen.

    Over the weekend, OpenAI attempted to demonstrate its supremacy by publicly releasing its most advanced consumer model, o3-mini.

    OpenAI claims this model substantially outperforms even its own previous market-leading version, o1, and is the “most cost-efficient model in our reasoning series”.

    These developments herald an era of increased choice for consumers, with a diversity of AI models on the market. This is good news for users: competitive pressures will make models cheaper to use.

    And the benefits extend further.

    Training and using these models places a massive strain on global energy consumption. As these models become more ubiquitous, we all benefit from improvements to their efficiency.

    DeepSeek’s rise certainly marks new territory for building models more cheaply and efficiently. Perhaps it will also shake up the global conversation on how AI companies should collect and use their training data.

    The authors 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.

    – ref. OpenAI says DeepSeek ‘inappropriately’ copied ChatGPT – but it’s facing copyright claims too – https://theconversation.com/openai-says-deepseek-inappropriately-copied-chatgpt-but-its-facing-copyright-claims-too-248863

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Electric vehicle batteries can last almost 40% longer in the real world than in lab tests

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hussein Dia, Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Swinburne University of Technology

    AU USAnakul/Shutterstock

    When we see “tested under laboratory conditions”, we often assume real-world conditions will lead to faster degradation of a product.

    But experts from Stanford University have found the opposite is true for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Their new research shows traditional laboratory testing leads to faster degradation, while real-world use gives substantially more battery life, extending the lifespan of the entire EV. Researchers found the stop-start way we drive and the variable rate the battery discharges power actually prolongs battery life by up to 38% compared to traditional tests.

    This is good news for EV drivers – and for efforts to electrify transport. This extra battery life would translate to more than 300,000 more kilometres an EV could drive before needing battery replacement, the researchers say.

    Longer-lasting batteries would reduce the total cost of EV ownership – and benefit the environment by getting more use out of each battery.

    How do we usually test battery degradation?

    Common battery chemistries such as lithium-ion will degrade over time. As lithium ions shuttle back and forth across the electrode, some will be diverted or trapped. As batteries age, they don’t hold as much charge.

    So how do you measure this?

    When you make an EV battery, you don’t want to spend 20 years testing its longevity before release. To test batteries more quickly, researchers have tended to estimate battery degradation rates by using a constant rate of battery discharge. Studies of EV battery degradation are normally done in a laboratory environment under controlled conditions.

    In the lab, researchers subject the battery to rapidly repeated charge-discharge cycles. Power is discharged at a constant rate. Observing the gradual drop in capacity gives us the degradation levels over time. This is how we get estimates such as “retains 80% capacity in ten years time”.

    But while this method is widely used, it has limitations. Discharging power at a constant rate is not how we really drive. We might accelerate fast to get onto the freeway, spend lots of time accelerating and braking in stop-start traffic, or do a quick run to several shops. Plus, much of the time the battery is not being used. Instead of a constant drain on the battery, it’s a mix.

    What the Stanford researchers have done is test EV batteries in realistic ways, imitating the way we actually drive. This is known as “dynamic cycle testing”.

    Mimicking real world use

    To replicate real-world usage and driving patterns, the Stanford team designed different discharge patterns for EV batteries, some based on real driving data. The researchers then tested 92 commercial lithium-ion batteries for more than two years across the different profiles.

    The results showed batteries tested using real life scenarios degraded substantially slower than expected and had higher battery expectancy than those tested under lab conditions. Even better, the more realistic the battery use, the slower the battery degraded.

    Battery researchers have long assumed rapid acceleration is bad for battery life. But this isn’t the case. Short acceleration and regenerative braking – where EVs charge their batteries during braking – were actually associated with slower battery degradation rates.

    Is this backed up in practice?

    A number of other recent studies have looked at how batteries perform in practice using data from EVs in operation, including commercial vehicles. These studies also found correlations between real-world use and lower battery degradation rates.

    A 2024 report by GEOTAB researchers used telematic remote monitoring to get data from 10,000 EVs. The study found improved battery technology is leading to slower degradation. Newer EVs lose about 1.8% of their health per year – a sharp drop compared to the 2.3% degradation rate in 2019.

    Several factors influenced battery longevity other than use patterns. One of these is worth noting – frequent use of DC fast chargers by high-use vehicles is linked to faster battery degradation. The effect is more notable in hot climates. By contrast, slower “level 2” charging is better for battery longevity. Overall, the researchers found the best way to prolong battery life was to keep charge between 20% and 80%, reduce exposure to extreme temperatures and limit fast charging.

    You can prolong battery life still further by avoiding overuse of DC fast chargers and extreme temperatures.
    Halfpoint/Shutterstock

    Another 2024 report analysed the batteries of 7,000 EVs used intensively over 3-5 years. The report found lower degradation rates than expected.

    This report found most batteries still had had good capacity (more than 80%) even after propelling vehicles more than 200,000 km. Factors such as use patterns, advances in cell chemistry and optimised battery management were also found to influence battery ageing.

    What does this mean for the EV transition?

    These results suggest EV owners may not need to replace expensive battery packs for several additional years. Over the lifetime of an EV, this means lower operating costs.

    The findings are also encouraging for fleet operators. Batteries in high-mileage commercial EVs should remain reliable even after heavy use.

    Car manufacturers and technology providers can benefit by updating their EV battery management software to take these findings into account. This would help to increase battery longevity under real-world conditions.

    Fewer battery replacements will mean fewer batteries to recycle. Once removed from the vehicle, EV batteries can be used to store energy for homes or businesses for years. These findings suggest a longer and more reliable second life for the batteries.

    In recent years, the electric vehicle transition has hit a couple of speedbumps. Cost-of-living pressures and uncertainty about charging have seen more Australians take up hybrids than pure electric vehicles.

    These findings may help reassure drivers interested in electric vehicles but unsure about battery lifespan.

    Hussein Dia receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre, Transport for New South Wales, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

    – ref. Electric vehicle batteries can last almost 40% longer in the real world than in lab tests – https://theconversation.com/electric-vehicle-batteries-can-last-almost-40-longer-in-the-real-world-than-in-lab-tests-248557

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The 30-plants-a-week challenge: you’ll still see gut health benefits even if you don’t meet this goal

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Aisling Pigott, Lecturer, Dietetics, Cardiff Metropolitan University

    Plant foods can have many benefits for our health. marilyn barbone/ Shutterstock

    The more plants you include in your diet, the more health benefits you’ll notice. This is why public health guidelines have long encouraged people to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

    But the 30-plants-a-week challenge circulating online suggests that, instead of only aiming to eat five servings a day, we should instead aim to eat 30 different plant foods per week to improve our health. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, herbs and spices would all count as a plant serving.

    Some advocates of the approach have even created some ground rules and have generated a points system that gives a point to each different type of plant you consume. However, not every plant counts as a full point. For instance, herbs and spices only count as one-quarter of a plant point. Refined plant products, such as fruit juices or processed wholegrains (such as white bread), don’t count at all.

    Current NHS dietary recommendations around fruits and vegetables (such as the five-a-day message) place the emphasis on quantity – ensuring people eat enough fruit, vegetables and wholegrains to get all the essential nutrients and fibre their body needs. But, the 30 plants approach shifts the focus to diversity – arguing that eating a wide variety of plant foods provides greater health benefits than eating the recommended amount of only a few select fruits and vegetables.

    So does eating 30 plants a week offer any additional health benefits over eating five servings a day?

    Exploring the science

    The 30 plants a week challenge is based on the American Gut Project – a citizen science study of 10,000 participants from across the US, UK and Australia. The findings suggest that people who eat a greater variety of plant-based foods each week have a more diverse gut microbiome compared to those who eat fewer plants. The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and microorganisms that live in our digestive tract.

    Research shows a more diverse microbiome is associated with a lower risk of chronic disease, better immune function and even improved mental health.

    So in simple terms, it looks like the more plant diversity we eat, the more diverse the population of microbes living in our gut are. This leads to better overall health.

    But does eating 30 plants really provide a greater number of benefits compared to current public health messages? These recommend we eat at least five portions of fruit and veg daily, choose wholegrain carbohydrates and limit refined sugar, processed meats and foods as much as possible.

    Incidentally, research shows that following these recommendations also leads to a more diverse gut microbiome and better health outcomes compared to those who do not meet recommendations.

    So, it looks like following either current public health recommendations or the 30 plants diet will improve microbial diversity and have benefits for health. While 30 is a meaningful and realistic target, it’s important to recognise that small, sustainable changes can also have a lasting health impact.

    Diet changes

    Like any trend, the 30 plants message isn’t without its drawbacks. One major concern is accessibility. Buying 30 different plant foods each week can be expensive – which could exacerbate existing health inequalities.

    The 30-plants-a-week challenge has benefits and limitations.
    Kulkova Daria/ Shutterstock

    There are ways around these limitations, such as buying in bulk and freezing portions, using canned and frozen fruits, veggies, pulses and lentils and meal planning to reduce food waste.

    However, these solutions often require extra resources such as storage, cooking space and time – which may not be possible for everyone.

    There’s also a risk that the message could oversimplify the complexity of public health guidance – potentially overlooking the importance of individual nutrients and overall dietary balance.

    On the other hand, there’s a strong argument that the 30 plants per week challenge is simply the same, old public health advice packaged in a slightly different, more engaging way. As a dietitian, I quite like that.

    Current public health messages around food, nutrition and lifestyle are not landing. Despite the evidence for these guidelines, rates of lifestyle-related health problems are increasing. It’s not that these recommendations don’t work – it’s that as a population we struggle to follow them.

    The 30-plants-a-week challenge is a positive message that encourages adding more variety – rather than restricting foods. If people are encouraged to eat more plant-based foods, they may naturally displace less nutritious choices – which is a win for health.

    If you’re thinking of trying the 30-plants-a-week challenge, here are some easy ways to increase variety in your diet:

    1. Swap your carbs: Swap white bread, rice or pasta for wholegrain bread, rice or pasta. You can also consider alternative wholegrain carbohydrates such as quinoa or wholegrain couscous.
    2. Include nuts and seeds: Easily overlooked, but an effortless way to add diversity. A small handful is a portion.
    3. Add pulses and lentils: Add lentils to a meat dish (such as spaghetti bolognese) for extra protein and more plant points.
    4. Buy tinned and frozen foods: Stock up on frozen berries, mixed vegetables, canned beans and chickpeas to make plant variety easier to achieve and more affordable.

    The challenge to eat 30 different plants is an exciting and positive way to potentially encourage nutritious choices. However, we don’t yet fully understand its acceptability or impact on food choices in real-world settings. While the scientific evidence strongly supports the benefits of plant diversity for health, it would be valuable to gather more research on its practical effectiveness before incorporating it into public health messaging.

    Aisling Pigott receives a research award from RCBC Wales/Health Care Research Wales
    Aisling Pigott is a non-executive director for the British Dietetic Association

    – ref. The 30-plants-a-week challenge: you’ll still see gut health benefits even if you don’t meet this goal – https://theconversation.com/the-30-plants-a-week-challenge-youll-still-see-gut-health-benefits-even-if-you-dont-meet-this-goal-248491

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Innovate BC and NRC IRAP Invest $1.5M to Support 12 Cleantech Innovation Pilot Projects in British Columbia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Through the BC Fast Pilot program, Innovate BC and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) are investing a combined total of $1.5M in funding across twelve B.C.-based companies to pilot innovation projects. Projects areas include wildfire management, critical minerals, water treatment, artificial intelligence and data analytics in applications to clean technology and agriculture, and more. The funding will support pilot testing for new technologies.

    “Through BC Fast, local companies have the opportunity to show what they are capable of by creating new technology solutions to the challenges we’re facing in public health, resource management and so much more,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “I look forward to watching these companies grow by selling to local and diversified international markets, and increase global awareness of the talent and business opportunities available in the B.C. tech ecosystem and our rapidly expanding knowledge economy.”

    The BC Fast Pilot program helps regional small-medium sized enterprises design, build, and operate a pilot plant or small demonstration of their technology in real-world conditions. This allows B.C. technology companies to demonstrate the impact of their product, measure the value of their solution, and encourage customer adoption, with the goal of scaling their solutions while strengthening key industries, solving local and global challenges, and driving prosperity for British Columbians.

    “Innovation transforms industries and helps them remain competitive in global markets, and through the BC Fast Pilot program, we’re supporting the growth of B.C. companies creating new solutions that aim to do just that,” said Peter Cowan, President + CEO of Innovate BC. “This year’s recipients, which are addressing critical areas such as emission reduction, wildfire management, and health sciences, emphasize the immense value in advancing entrepreneurship and the impact of innovation in creating a more prosperous, future-ready British Columbia. We’re proud to deliver this initiative in partnership with NRC IRAP, strengthening the region’s innovation economy and cementing B.C.’s reputation as a global leader in technology.”

    Projects funded through this round of BC Fast Pilot are working to provide innovative solutions in support of high-impact sectors such as sustainability, resource management and public health, emphasizing pilot testing to validate effectiveness and scalability. One of this year’s recipients, FireSwarm Solutions, is working to enhance wildfire detection and management through advanced drone technology and is being piloted in Squamish. joni, piloting their project in both Victoria and Richmond, are addressing menstrual care accessibility in public spaces with an IOT-enabled technology.

    This is the sixth round of funding through the BC Fast Pilot program, which was launched in 2019. Since the program’s inception, and including this year’s awardees, $11.4M has been invested into 87 B.C. pilot demonstrations.

    “Through the BC Fast Pilot program and our partnership with Innovate BC, we are supporting Canadian innovators in bringing their ideas to life,” says Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada. “By enabling companies to demonstrate their technologies in practical applications, we are helping them gather valuable market insight. This in turn brings them closer to customer adoption, and to providing innovative cleantech solutions to address current challenges.”

    Previous program participants include Open Ocean Robotics, which, since receiving funding in 2019/20, has partnered with the Royal Canadian Navy on marine innovation, expanded to Canada’s east coast, secured $800,000 from PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity program, and landed major contracts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Similarly, pH7 Technologies, a 2022/23 participant, secured $1.5M from PacifiCan, raised $16M USD in a Series A round, and was recognized as one of the Global Cleantech 100 companies in 2024 and 2025.

    This funding prioritizes regional projects, with a focus on cleantech and projects that involve physical installations and are capital intensive in nature, and those that involve Indigenous communities or organizations.

    To view and download digital assets relating to this announcement, please click here.

    Media Contact

    Michael Gleboff
    Communications + Community Manager
    mgleboff@innovatebc.ca 
    604-602-5210

    About Innovate BC

    A Crown Agency of British Columbia, Innovate BC works to foster innovation across the province and bolster the growth of the local economy through delivering a wide range of programs that help companies start and scale, access talent and encourage technology development, commercialization, and adoption. Innovate BC also harnesses crucial data collection and research, and works to forge strategic industry and community partnerships that create more opportunities for B.C. innovators.

    Learn More

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb5a1d30-493a-444a-aa44-ce1dd59987cf

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Votes to Confirm Doug Collins to Head Department of Veterans Affairs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) voted to confirm Doug Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.

    “Nevada is home to over 200,000 veterans who deserve strong, steady leadership at the VA. I voted to confirm Doug Collins to head this critical agency because of his commitments to upholding critical PACT Act requirements, focusing on preventing veteran suicide, and addressing veteran homelessness. I look forward to working with him to advocate for Nevada’s veterans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: QCI Heatmap: A Modern Evolution of Classic Data Visualization with Cutting-Edge Technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is revolutionizing data exploration and visualization with the launch of QCI Heatmap, an advanced contour heatmapping tool that transforms the way casinos interact with slot performance data. This release represents a unique modernization of classic data visualization techniques, reimagined using state-of-the-art graphics processing, machine learning, and QCI’s proprietary intellectual property.

    A Modern Take on a Proven Approach

    Heatmapping has long been a valuable tool for understanding gaming floor performance, but traditional implementations were often limited by static visualizations, sluggish responsiveness, and an inability to scale dynamically. With QCI Heatmap, we have re-engineered these foundational techniques using modern high-performance rendering technology, GPU acceleration, and AI-driven insights, enabling real-time, interactive exploration at a level never seen before.

    According to Andrew Cardno, QCI’s CTO and a two-time Smithsonian Laureate for Heroism in Information Technology: “The fundamental principles of heatmapping have remained relevant for decades, but previous implementations lacked the speed, depth, and interactive flexibility needed for modern, data-driven decision-making. With today’s powerful graphics processing engines, we can now dynamically render images at over 60 frames per second, making QCI Heatmap the most responsive and flexible data exploration tool I’ve ever built. This new approach seamlessly integrates with the QCI Enterprise Platform, offering unparalleled real-time insights.”

    Patented IP Meets High-Speed Data Exploration

    QCI Heatmap is built on a unique combination of proprietary intellectual property (IP) and modern visualization technology, setting it apart from legacy heatmapping tools by:

    • Leveraging GPU Acceleration for real-time heatmap rendering, eliminating lag and increasing user engagement.
    • Integrating Machine Learning Algorithms to enhance pattern detection and predictive slot performance analysis.
    • Enhancing Customization & Flexibility, allowing casino operators to interactively explore multiple data layers and adjust visual perspectives instantly.

    Replacing QCI Slots View & Expanding Capabilities

    With the introduction of QCI Heatmap, QCI is retiring the legacy QCI Slots View module and elevating data visualization to the next level. This tool provides:

    – Full Gaming Floor Visibility – Real-time interactive overlays of slot performance, customer behavior, and revenue patterns.
    – Seamless Multi-Platform Use – Optimized for both desktop and iPad, ensuring a fluid experience across devices.
    – Advanced Metric-Driven Exploration – Deep integration with the QCI Enterprise Platform, unlocking multi-dimensional analysis for decision-makers.

    To ensure customers can fully leverage this next-generation tool, QCI College will offer specialized training courses on QCI Heatmaps, covering both desktop and iPad applications.

    Industry Leaders Praise QCI Heatmap’s Unprecedented Performance

    The impact of QCI Heatmap is already being felt across the industry. Tony Toohey, CEO of Gaming Dynamics, shared his experience: “The ability to see and interact with an entire gaming floor through a dynamic heatmapping tool is game-changing. Our Australian deployments have seen an overwhelmingly positive reception, and working alongside the QCI development team has ensured this tool delivers maximum impact upon release.”

    Pioneering the Future of Casino Data Visualization

    QCI Heatmap is more than just an update—it’s a paradigm shift in how casinos leverage visualization technology. By combining time-tested heatmapping concepts with modern rendering engines, AI, and proprietary QCI innovations, Quick Custom Intelligence has redefined what’s possible in gaming data exploration.

    The future of casino intelligence is visual, interactive, and powered by QCI Heatmap.

    ABOUT Gaming Dynamics
    Gaming Dynamics is a premier Australian distributor of gaming technology, offering advanced gaming solutions to businesses across the country. Through strategic partnerships with global leaders in the gaming industry, Gaming Dynamics is committed to staying at the forefront of technology and ensuring their clients have access to the best tools and insights to drive growth and success.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Denver. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Andrew Cardno
    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On holding auctions on February 5, 2025 to place OFZ issues No. 26228RMFS and No. 26246RMFS

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    For bidders

    We inform you that, based on the letter of the Bank of Russia and in accordance with Part I. General Part and Part II. Stock Market Section of the Rules for Conducting Trading on the Stock Market, Deposit Market and Credit Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the order establishes the form, time, term and procedure for holding auctions for the placement and trading of the following federal loan bonds:

    1.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26228RMFS from 22.04.2019
    Date of the auction 05 February 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SU2228RMFS5
    ISIN code RO000A100A82
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 12:00 – 12:30; bid execution period: 13:00 – 18:00.

    2.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26246RMFS from 08.05.2024
    Date of the auction 05 February 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code CO26246RMFS7
    ISIN code RO000A108E1
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 14:30 – 15:00; bid execution period: 15:30 – 18:00.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.Mom/NN77377

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Diversifying Trade Partners, Promoting Nova Scotian Seafood in Europe

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith is in Europe on a mission with Nova Scotian and other Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to develop markets in Italy, France and the United Kingdom.

    “It has never been more important to showcase our premium quality seafood on the world stage,” said Minister Smith. “With the continued uncertainty from the United States, it’s more important than ever that we ramp up our efforts to help Nova Scotian companies expand into new markets.”

    The focus of the mission is on diversifying markets by introducing Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to new European buyers.

    The delegation includes six Nova Scotian companies and eight others from across Atlantic Canada. Along with meeting with potential new buyers, the Minister and his team will meet with Canadian embassy officials, Canadian trade commissioners, local government representatives and trade associations in the countries they visit.

    Quick Facts:
    • the Nova Scotia seafood export market is valued at $2.5 billon annually
    • participating Atlantic Canadian companies include: Lobster Hub Inc., Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd., Victoria Co-Operative Fisheries Ltd., Tribune Seafood Inc., Gidney Fisheries Ltd., Clearwater Seafoods Ltd., Ocean Blue Fisheries Ltd., DCAM Holdings Inc., One Tuna Inc., PEI Mussel King (1994) Inc; Labrador Gem Seafood Inc., Ocean Choice International, Whitecap Int. Seafood Exporters Inc., and True North Seafood Inc.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Introducing Apple Invites, a new app that brings people together

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Introducing Apple Invites, a new app that brings people together

    February 4, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Introducing Apple Invites, a new app that brings people together for life’s special moments

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today introduced Apple Invites, a new app for iPhone that helps users create custom invitations to gather friends and family for any occasion. With Apple Invites, users can create and easily share invitations, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums, and engage with Apple Music playlists. Starting today, users can download Apple Invites from the App Store, or access it on the web through icloud.com/invites. iCloud+ subscribers can create invitations, and anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they have an Apple Account or Apple device.

    “With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together,” said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apps and iCloud. “Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events.”

    Beautiful Invitations That Create and Capture Shared Moments

    To get started with Apple Invites, users can choose an image from their photo library or from the app’s gallery of backgrounds — a curated collection of images representing different occasions and event themes. Integrations with Maps and Weather give guests directions to the event and the forecast for that day.

    Additionally, participants can easily contribute photos and videos to a dedicated Shared Album within each invite to help preserve memories and relive the event. And collaborative playlists allow Apple Music subscribers to create a curated event soundtrack that guests can access right from Apple Invites.

    Apple Intelligence Makes Invites Even More Fun

    With Apple Intelligence, creating unique event invitations is easy. Users can tap in to the built-in Image Playground experience to produce original images using concepts, descriptions, and people from their photo library. And when composing invitations, users can use Writing Tools to help find just the right turn of phrase to meet the moment.1

    Simple Ways to Manage and Join Events

    Hosts get full control of their invite experience: They can easily view and manage their events, share invitations with a link, review RSVPs, and choose the details they want included in the preview, like the event background or a home address. Guests can view and respond to an invitation using the new iPhone app or on the web without needing an iCloud+ subscription or an Apple Account. Attendees control how their details show up to others, and have the ability to leave or report an event at any time.

    Additional iCloud+ Premium Features

    In addition to event creation in Apple Invites, iCloud+ subscribers have access to many more premium features:

    • Expanded storage allows users to keep large libraries of original, high-resolution photos, videos, and files safe in iCloud, and easily accessible across all of their devices and the web.
    • Private Relay keeps browsing in Safari entirely private from network providers, websites, and even Apple.
    • Hide My Email generates unique, random email addresses whenever needed.
    • HomeKit Secure Video allows users to capture and review home security footage in an end-to-end encrypted format.
    • Custom email domains enable users to personalize their iCloud email address.
    • Family Sharing allows users to share their iCloud+ subscription with up to five people at no extra cost.

    Users can learn more about subscribing to iCloud+ at apple.com/icloud, with plans starting at just $0.99.

    Availability

    Apple Invites is available today as a free download from the App Store for all iPhone models running iOS 18 or later, and can be accessed on the web at icloud.com/invites. Some features are not available in all regions or in all languages. For more information, visit apple.com/ios/feature-availability.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Apple Intelligence is available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.2 and later, and can be accessed in most regions around the world when the device and Siri language are set to localized English for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K., or the U.S.

    Press Contacts

    Tania Olkhovaya

    Apple

    tolkhovaya@apple.com

    Shane Bauer

    Apple

    shanebauer@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: DRC: history is repeating itself in Lubumbashi as the world scrambles for minerals to go green

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Brandon Marc Finn, Research Scientist at the School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan

    Lubumbashi is a city in the mineral-rich Katanga region in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    Many people might not have heard of it, but Lubumbashi and its surrounding region have been at the centre of global geopolitics since the start of the 20th century. The area provided immense sources of copper, a metal that helped electrify the planet in the 1900s. It was also the source of all the uranium for the atom bombs used in the second world war.

    The global demand for these minerals came at a great price. Lubumbashi grew as a divided city where housing and labour were spatially and racially segregated. Congolese workers were exploited, abused and taxed as urban and mining strategies were used to reshape society.

    History is repeating itself. Neocolonialism now shapes the extraction of DRC resources.



    Read more:
    DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt – how control by local elites can shape the global battery industry

    Today, the southern DRC produces over 70% of the world’s cobalt. Cobalt is a mineral essential to decarbonisation – a strategy to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions. Cobalt is present in batteries in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptop computers and renewable energy storage systems.

    Like copper and uranium before it, cobalt mining has been linked to widescale exploitation and child labour. Corruption and elite capture remain defining features of mining in the DRC.

    We are academics who research urbanisation, mining and sustainability as well as urban planning and environmental management. Our recent paper addresses the fact that African cities like Lubumbashi are at the heart of events that have shaped the modern world, yet they are woefully neglected in global urban theory (thinking about how cities form and develop) and urban geography.

    Focusing on the global north and neglecting the south leads to major data gaps and contributes to mismatched and outdated urban policy.

    We also argue that the human rights abuses and perils of today’s cobalt mining are new forms of old colonial practices. They strip the land and people of resources without proper pay. They offer green minerals to the global north at the cost of lives in the global south.

    Sustainable cities and global decarbonisation are essential if we are to reduce cities’ carbon footprints and decarbonise economies in the face of the climate crisis.

    Lubumbashi’s history, therefore, can offer a fuller understanding of the human and historical costs of minerals that shape cities – and the world.

    A brief history of Lubumbashi

    Lubumbashi was originally called Elisabethville. It was established by colonial Belgium in 1910 precisely to extract copper for global markets. This was done through a company named Union Minière du Haut Katanga (UMHK).

    Concessionary companies made enormous profits in the Congo Free State between 1885 and 1908. The entire country stood under the private ownership of King Leopold II of Belgium. These companies were given the right to extract minerals and rubber through taxes imposed on local people.

    The Belgian Compagnie du Katanga (which later founded UMHK) had the task of establishing the physical and economic infrastructure of the region. In exchange for laying the groundwork for the extractive industries, soon to be headquartered in Elisabethville, the company was given a third of all unoccupied land in Katanga. The Belgians established a copper smelter and constructed roads. Temporary headquarters were established to supervise Elisabethville’s expansion.

    One initial method of controlling the local rural people was a “hut tax” that had to be paid to live in Lubumbashi. Later, a “head tax” was introduced to raise funds for colonial management. It forced people into labour as the only means to pay off their newly acquired debt to the colonial state.

    Elisabethville served as the device to assert effective occupation. It also staved off the possibility of British occupation of the territory. The Belgians planned Elisabethville by reproducing the urban forms and racial segregation of Bulawayo’s grid in Southern Rhodesia (part of today’s Zimbabwe) and Johannesburg in South Africa.

    UMHK dominated the colonial economy as demand for copper increased worldwide. UMHK also stipulated which seeds would be planted where for agriculture. It dissolved local markets and whipped labourers.

    Copper was in such high demand because it is a non-corrosive material that conducts electricity well. It lined telegraph and electrical transmission cables across the globe.

    Copper mining acted as a springboard from which UMHK could spread its influence. It developed railways, cities, labour camps and mining sites throughout Katanga.

    This allowed UMHK access to the extraction of another resource that would shape the global geopolitical landscape: uranium – extracted from the Shinkolobwe mine in Katanga.

    It was the Belgian colonial presence that allowed the US to have access to uranium deposits as they sought to beat Germany in the race to build atomic weapons. All the uranium used in the two nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki came from Katanga.

    This highlights the global significance of, but a neglected focus on, the impacts of mineral supply chains in the global south. Control over Lubumbashi’s minerals cannot be underplayed in this global historical event.

    Katanga seceded from the Congo for three years, 11 days after the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960. The fight to gain control over Katanga’s resources led to the US and Belgian-backed assassination of the first independence leader, Patrice Lumumba. He was intent on reunifying Congo.

    Mobutu Sese Seko became president of Zaire (today’s DRC) after a coup in 1965. He nationalised UMHK a year later. Mobutu served as president for almost 32 years, and his regime was characterised by autocratic corruption and economic exploitation.

    Cobalt and global decarbonisation

    The growth of modern technology relies, at least in part, on the extraction of cobalt in the DRC before it is shipped, mainly to China.

    Cobalt is extracted as a byproduct of copper mining. Artisanal and small-scale mining and child labour remain a salient feature of cobalt extraction in the DRC. These miners receive little to no support and reflect the historical structural marginalisation created in the region.

    Lubumbashi serves as the mining headquarters of the southern DRC, and other cities, like Kolwezi, have grown rapidly in response to the surge in cobalt demand. Spatial and labour-related inequalities from the past are being replicated and expanded on in the present.

    The DRC’s impoverishment continues apace as South African, Kazakh, Swiss and, with increasing influence, Chinese mining companies maintain their practice of exclusionary extraction, social displacement and political corruption.

    Why this matters

    Our research shows the importance of understanding the history of extraction and urban settlement in the region to shed light on new forms of old practices associated with decarbonisation. We see this as a continuing form of colonial power – as neocolonialism.

    Contemporary debates around global inequalities associated with decarbonisation highlight how African populations must endure poor living conditions while the global north transitions to low-carbon technologies. We must find ways to move away from carbon-based economies that do not reproduce colonial inequalities.



    Read more:
    Patrice Lumumba’s tooth represents plunder, resilience and reparation

    Lubumbashi demonstrates the importance of African cities and resources in understanding critical global developmental and geopolitical issues.

    For decarbonisation to be socially and environmentally just, it must contend with the people, places, and environments on which the future of low-carbon technology is based. Lubumbashi’s history shows how challenging this task will be.

    Brandon Marc Finn has received funding from the University of Michigan and Harvard University to conduct this research.

    Patrick Brandful Cobbinah has received research funding from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. He is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia.

    – ref. DRC: history is repeating itself in Lubumbashi as the world scrambles for minerals to go green – https://theconversation.com/drc-history-is-repeating-itself-in-lubumbashi-as-the-world-scrambles-for-minerals-to-go-green-248571

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Donald Trump’s attacks on Canada are stoking a new Canadian nationalism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University

    Is the threatened trade war between Canada and the United States igniting a new form of Canadian nationalism? Polls suggest Canadians are overwhelmingly opposed to any notion of becoming the 51st American state as the U.S. anthem is being roundly booed at sporting events in Canada.

    If a new Canadian nationalism is emerging, what will it look like in a country that declared itself in 2015 the first post-national state, stoking envy around the world over Canada’s inclusive nationalism?

    U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to launch 25 per cent tariffs on most Canadian exports in a month’s time after weeks of persistently provoking both Canadian leaders and citizens with his repeated calls to make Canada the 51st state.



    Read more:
    Canada, the 51st state? Eliminating interprovincial trade barriers could ward off Donald Trump

    Such calls have led to significant outrage, prompting Canadian leaders that include Justin Trudeau, Chrystia Freeland and Doug Ford to respond that Canada is not for sale and that Canada is a country by choice.

    Opposed to joining the U.S.

    If there was any suggestion that being a “post-national” state would lead to an openness to join the U.S., recent polls show the opposite: 90 per cent of Canadians reject that scenario.

    Two thirds of Canadians polled in 2021 felt that Canada is faring better than the U.S. on most counts, including quality of life, protection of rights, standards of living and opportunities to get ahead.

    This percentage had significantly grown compared to the 1980s or 1990s.

    So how does a feeling of being an inclusive, post-national state reconcile with a firm sentiment of patriotism that is growing stronger by the day? And what are the contradictory currents in Canadian identity today?

    Contemporary Canadian identity

    I have been studying nationalism for 30 years, with a special focus on how immigration, migration and national identity interact. My work suggests there are a few elements that buttress and support Canada’s identity today.

    National identity is not a closed container of cultural elements. It develops interactively. As we’re seeing today, amid uncertainty, geopolitical competition as well as close socio-economic interdependence, national identity can emerge with a renewed force.

    Diversity can lead either to a plural national identity that is open to change or a neo-tribal identity that is reactionary. Plural nationalism acknowledges the changing demographic or political circumstances of the nation, and through a process of tension, conflict and change, it creates something new.

    This nationalism is plural not because it acknowledges diversity as a fact, but because it makes a commitment to engage with diversity.

    But dealing with new challenges and increasing diversity may also lead to rejecting “the other.” I use the term tribal to emphasize that this type of nationalism, regardless of whether the in-group is defined in territorial-civic or blood-and-belonging terms, is predicated on an organic, homogenous conception of the nation.

    In this situation, the nation is represented as a compact unit that does not allow for variation or change. The only way to deal with challenges of mobility and diversity is to close rank, resist and reject it.

    Neo-tribal nationalism is not static. It is dynamic and interactive too — although its reaction to new challenges and to diversity, from within or from outside, involves closure and rejection.

    It is neo-tribal because it develops and thrives in a world that is ever more interconnected. Social media platforms play an important role here as their algorithms create neo-tribal digital ecochambers where everyone is closed within their digital bubble of like-minded people.

    COVID-19 experiences

    Challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, Canada faced important dilemmas. For instance, should temporary residents be encouraged to return home or or stay when the pandemic broke out and borders closed around the world? Canada opted for the latter.

    Unlike Australia — where temporary workers and international students were encouraged to go home — the Canadian government stated that temporary migrants whose “effective residence” was in the country would be supported to stay.

    The term “effective residence” defined membership on the basis of habitual residence; where people lived, worked, sent their kids to school and paid taxes. Living together formed a sense of common fate, reinforcing an expansive and inclusive view of who is a Canadian.

    In addition, recognizing the essential work performed by many temporary residents, such as asylum-seekers employed in senior care homes, Canada introduced special measures to facilitate their transition to permanent status.



    Read more:
    Working more and making less: Canada needs to protect immigrant women care workers as they age

    In August 2020, Marco Mendicino, Canada’s immigration minister at the time, announced a special path to permanent residency (now known as the Guardian Angels program), noting that “they demonstrated a uniquely Canadian quality …in that they were looking out for others, and so that is why today is so special.”

    Mendicino emphasized that the behaviour of these workers qualified them as Canadians; their important contribution in “caring for the other” was defined as a very special element in the national identity.

    National unity bolstered by diversity

    The Canadian patriotism that is emerging today in the face of Trump’s actions — and in the words of almost all Liberal, Conservative and NDP leaders — builds on solid ground.

    Canadian nationalism has not just been about being polite, but rather builds on decades of positive confrontation with challenges.

    A July 2024 Environics poll suggested Canadians do not feel they need to choose among their multiple identities or to exclude others in order to revitalize their sense of identity and belonging.

    National unity is strengthened by internal diversity. The looming trade war and threats of annexation by Trump may be having a beneficial impact in reminding Canadians of the values that unite them and that Canada is indeed “a country by choice.”

    Anna Triandafyllidou receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the Tri-Agency Council of Canada.

    – ref. How Donald Trump’s attacks on Canada are stoking a new Canadian nationalism – https://theconversation.com/how-donald-trumps-attacks-on-canada-are-stoking-a-new-canadian-nationalism-247958

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Inskip crocodile sighting

    Source: Government of Queensland

    Issued: 3 Feb 2025

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    Crocodile sighting near Sarawak camping area at Inskip Point

    Wildlife officers are investigating after an estimated two-metre crocodile was seen on the beach in front of the Sarawak camping area at Inskip Point, near Rainbow Beach.

    On 3 February 2025, a ranger from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science observed the crocodile on the beach, and watched it flee into the ocean.

    The ranger took photos of the crocodile’s body imprint on the sand, it’s claw marks and marks made by its sliding tail.

    Senior wildlife officer, Joshua Morris said the animal is likely to be the same crocodile recently videoed on Coonarr Beach, near Bundaberg.

    “Rangers will be notifying people in camping areas in the Inskip Point region and wildlife officers will install recent crocodile sight warning signs,” Mr Morris said.

    “People in the area are urged to be vigilant around the water, keep their children close and use an esky or similar as a barrier while fishing.

    “As part of our investigation, we will conduct ground patrols, vessel-based searches and use drones to check the surrounding coastline.

    “We are asking people in the Rainbow Beach region, including boaties, to make a sighting report if they see what they believe to be a crocodile.

    “Each sighting report is important and provides us with information about the location and behaviour of crocodiles.

    “Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, Rainbow Beach is atypical crocodile habitat, and we will target this crocodile for removal from the wild if it is located.

    “We can reassure the public that this crocodile is considered to be a vagrant animal that has moved into the area from up north, and this sighting does not mean the crocodile population is extending south.”

    In 2013 and 2014, two large crocodiles were removed from the Mary River. They remain the last estuarine crocodiles confirmed outside of Croc Country near the southern end of their range.

    Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

    MIL OSI News –