Category: Australia

MIL-OSI Economics: Building Fiber Leadership in Latin America: Bringing Gigabit Life to the Region

Source: Huawei

Headline: Building Fiber Leadership in Latin America: Bringing Gigabit Life to the Region

[Sao Paulo, Brazil, October 9, 2024] The 2024 LATAM Fiber Broadband Leaders Summit hosted by Huawei and supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was successfully held in Brazil. Themed “Digital Fiber, Advancing Giga LATAM”, the summit brought together more than 260 people from industry organizations, partners, and carriers in Latin America. At the Summit, participants discussed fiber broadband development trends, strategies, and practices. Huawei for the first time proposed three development strategies (all-optical transition, gigabit transition, and scenario transition) for giga fiber broadband industry and launched three digital fiber solutions.
Joey Zhou, President of Huawei Latin America ICT Marketing and Solution Sales Dept, delivering his opening speech

Joey Zhou, President of Huawei Latin America ICT Marketing and Solution Sales Dept., said optical fiber has become Latin America’s most important broadband access technology. His statement was based on a recent report from the consultancy Omdia that noted that in 2024, fiber accounted for more than 60% of home broadband in Latin America.
Mainstream carriers in Latin America have released all-optical strategies and continued to increase investment. As digital services such as home office, live streaming, and e-commerce develop rapidly in Latin America, users pay more attention to network experience requirements, and upgrade bandwidth from 100Mbit/s to 1Gbit/s. Concurrently, application scenarios of optical broadband are no longer limited to traditional home entertainment scenarios, many diversified application scenarios such as smart home and SME digitalization emerge through one fiber, which will help carriers expand the boundaries of home broadband revenue.
At the event, Joey Zhou further noted: “Latin America’s digital economy is in a golden development period, digital services are accelerating, which has brought broad opportunities for value creation. Huawei is willing to work with governments, regulators, carriers and industry partners to accelerate the development of Latin America’s gigabit optical broadband industry and jointly build a digital Latin America.”
Gary Lu, President of Huawei Carrier Network Marketing and Solution Sales Department, delivered a speech titled “ACT3 to Embrace the GIGA and AI eras”. A is for ARPU, C is about coverage of service, and T stands for take-up rate.
Coverage multiplied by take-up rate is the user base, and ARPU is the key to increasing revenue.”ACT” to the power of three, means the three transitions are the way to increase the user base and the revenue of FBB service, and it will also bring the quality of digital life to Latin America. Gary Lu said that fiber construction and development in Latin America has entered the fast lane, and the gigabit fiber broadband era of Latin America has arrived. Carriers need to seize the new business opportunities in the gigabit and AI era. In his speech, Gary Lu proposed three development strategy suggestions — all-optical transition, gigabit transition, and scenario transition— to accelerate cable-to-fiber transition, increase both speed and quality, meet digital and AI service requirements, provide diversified and scenario-based service. By accelerating the three transitions, Huawei and Latin American carriers will jointly usher in a new era of gigabit intelligence in the region, bringing richer and higher-quality digital life experiences to users.
Gary Lu, President of Huawei Carrier Network Marketing and Solution Sales Dept, speaking at the event

Daniel Zhang, Vice president of Huawei Latin America ICT Marketing and Solution Sales Department, delivered a speech titled “Digital Fiber Innovations, Advancing Giga LATAM”. Zhang said that Huawei has consistently adhered to the vision of “in Latin America, For Latin America”, matching Latin American market requirements and continuously promoting digital fiber innovations, to accelerate the development of the Latin American ICT industry. To help carriers better seize the development opportunities of gigabit Latin America, Huawei launched three major Digital Fiber solution innovations: Digital Quick ODN 4 cores solutions for cost-effective FTTH construction, Service-level slicing-based FTTH gigabit solution ensures differentiated service experience, and symmetrical 2.5 Gbit/s Super GPON Solution supports symmetrical business scenarios for small and medium-sized enterprises. In the future, Huawei hopes to work with industry partners to build gigabit Latin America and accelerate the development of the digital economy in Latin America.
Daniel Zhang, Vice President of Huawei Latin America ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Dept, during his address

MIL OSI Economics –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Building Fiber Leadership in Latin America: Bringing Gigabit Life to the Region Oct 09, 2024

Source: Huawei

Headline: Building Fiber Leadership in Latin America: Bringing Gigabit Life to the Region
Oct 09, 2024

[Sao Paulo, Brazil, October 9, 2024] The 2024 LATAM Fiber Broadband Leaders Summit hosted by Huawei and supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was successfully held in Brazil. Themed “Digital Fiber, Advancing Giga LATAM”, the summit brought together more than 260 people from industry organizations, partners, and carriers in Latin America. At the Summit, participants discussed fiber broadband development trends, strategies, and practices. Huawei for the first time proposed three development strategies (all-optical transition, gigabit transition, and scenario transition) for giga fiber broadband industry and launched three digital fiber solutions.
Joey Zhou, President of Huawei Latin America ICT Marketing and Solution Sales Dept, delivering his opening speech

Joey Zhou, President of Huawei Latin America ICT Marketing and Solution Sales Dept., said optical fiber has become Latin America’s most important broadband access technology. His statement was based on a recent report from the consultancy Omdia that noted that in 2024, fiber accounted for more than 60% of home broadband in Latin America.
Mainstream carriers in Latin America have released all-optical strategies and continued to increase investment. As digital services such as home office, live streaming, and e-commerce develop rapidly in Latin America, users pay more attention to network experience requirements, and upgrade bandwidth from 100Mbit/s to 1Gbit/s. Concurrently, application scenarios of optical broadband are no longer limited to traditional home entertainment scenarios, many diversified application scenarios such as smart home and SME digitalization emerge through one fiber, which will help carriers expand the boundaries of home broadband revenue.
At the event, Joey Zhou further noted: “Latin America’s digital economy is in a golden development period, digital services are accelerating, which has brought broad opportunities for value creation. Huawei is willing to work with governments, regulators, carriers and industry partners to accelerate the development of Latin America’s gigabit optical broadband industry and jointly build a digital Latin America.”
Gary Lu, President of Huawei Carrier Network Marketing and Solution Sales Department, delivered a speech titled “ACT3 to Embrace the GIGA and AI eras”. A is for ARPU, C is about coverage of service, and T stands for take-up rate.
Coverage multiplied by take-up rate is the user base, and ARPU is the key to increasing revenue.”ACT” to the power of three, means the three transitions are the way to increase the user base and the revenue of FBB service, and it will also bring the quality of digital life to Latin America. Gary Lu said that fiber construction and development in Latin America has entered the fast lane, and the gigabit fiber broadband era of Latin America has arrived. Carriers need to seize the new business opportunities in the gigabit and AI era. In his speech, Gary Lu proposed three development strategy suggestions — all-optical transition, gigabit transition, and scenario transition— to accelerate cable-to-fiber transition, increase both speed and quality, meet digital and AI service requirements, provide diversified and scenario-based service. By accelerating the three transitions, Huawei and Latin American carriers will jointly usher in a new era of gigabit intelligence in the region, bringing richer and higher-quality digital life experiences to users.
Gary Lu, President of Huawei Carrier Network Marketing and Solution Sales Dept, speaking at the event

Daniel Zhang, Vice president of Huawei Latin America ICT Marketing and Solution Sales Department, delivered a speech titled “Digital Fiber Innovations, Advancing Giga LATAM”. Zhang said that Huawei has consistently adhered to the vision of “in Latin America, For Latin America”, matching Latin American market requirements and continuously promoting digital fiber innovations, to accelerate the development of the Latin American ICT industry. To help carriers better seize the development opportunities of gigabit Latin America, Huawei launched three major Digital Fiber solution innovations: Digital Quick ODN 4 cores solutions for cost-effective FTTH construction, Service-level slicing-based FTTH gigabit solution ensures differentiated service experience, and symmetrical 2.5 Gbit/s Super GPON Solution supports symmetrical business scenarios for small and medium-sized enterprises. In the future, Huawei hopes to work with industry partners to build gigabit Latin America and accelerate the development of the digital economy in Latin America.
Daniel Zhang, Vice President of Huawei Latin America ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Dept, during his address

MIL OSI Economics –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New brigade name to reflect essential emergency role

Source: Government of Western Australia

Wanneroo Fire Support Bush Fire Brigade will become North Coastal Bush Fire Brigade Wanneroo in July 2025.

Over the past two decades, the Brigade has expanded from a small incident command vehicle to a multi-faceted resource service that responds to emergency incidents across the State.

Mayor Linda Aitken said the update reflected the current state of the Brigade’s operational responsibilities.

“When the Wanneroo Fire Support Bush Fire Brigade was first established, it acted as a secondary response unit. It has since grown significantly in capacity, providing technical incident communication and support,” she said.

“The new name appropriately represents the Brigade’s essential role in emergency responses across Western Australia and will improve clarity, streamline operations and ensure the Brigade’s identity aligns with its role and responsibilities.

“The City is grateful to all volunteer firefighters who give their time to make this service so effective and help keep our community safe.”

The name change will also help differentiate between the Wanneroo Fire Support Bush Fire Brigade and the Wanneroo Central Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade during critical incidents, minimising the risk of confusion.

Find out more about the important work of the City’s volunteer bushfire brigades: wanneroo.wa.gov.au

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating 150 years of the Universal Postal Union

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Hi, I’m Michelle Rowland, Australia’s Communications Minister. It is wonderful to say a few words to help celebrate this special World Post Day.

This year marks 150 years of the Universal Postal Union. Australia has been a proud member since 1907.

Much has changed over this time, notably the way in which we communicate and connect with each other.

From the horse-drawn postal delivery services of the past with letters that took months to ship over to Australia.

To today’s three-wheel Australia Post electric vehicles delivering our insatiable appetite for e-commerce and online shopping to our door.

We have seen a steady decline in letters – juxtaposed with a rise in parcel deliveries.

Australia Post delivered more than 2.5 billion items around our vast nation last year alone.

What hasn’t changed over the past 150 years is the impact the postal service has on all our lives. Here in Australia, and around the world.

We all enjoy receiving something personal by post – a letter from a pen pal, a postcard or a birthday card from our family and friends.

It brings us joy, smiles and a connection with those we cherish.

As well as the personal touch, the postal sector also delivers for our communities – supporting jobs and small business.

It offers vital community services, especially in rural and regional Australia.

It is often not just the post office – it may be the only banking service in town, the newsagent and the retailer.

The Australian Government is modernising Australia Post to ensure it remains viable, adaptive and agile to change.

I am thrilled that Australia Post has been recognised as a postal sector world leader for 2024. The UPU gave Australia Post a score of 10 – the highest achievable level of global postal excellence.

Congratulations to Australia Post.

I would also like to acknowledge the accomplishments of the UPU.

The Universal Service Obligation – for example – ensures mail is exchanged safely, securely and efficiently across 192 member countries.

This World Post Day marks 150 years of the UPU enabling communication and empowering people across nations.

It is an opportunity to celebrate and share a joint commitment to continue this important mission for decades and centuries to come.

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Scientists work to make this world a better place”

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

Federico Gallo – Research Fellow Center for Neuroeconomics and Cognitive Research Institute of Cognitive Neurosciences, National Research University Higher School of EconomicsIn 2023, he received the award “For special achievements in career and public life among foreign graduates of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.” In an interview, Federico talked about how he came to science and why he stayed in it, and also revealed the secret of an effective remedy against old age.

The Beginning of the Journey: From Ancient Greek to Neuroscience

Since childhood, I loved books, especially books about science, history, and the English language. I studied in a classical school, that is, I studied ancient Greek and Latin, antiquity. I was a very inquisitive child, and I was lucky that my family and friends always supported this inquisitive research nature in me. Then I realized that I wanted to connect my life with science, but I did not know which field exactly.

At first, I decided that I wanted to become an astrophysicist and entered the physics department. But soon I realized that I was more attracted to mathematics and thought about changing my specialty. Then my mother, a high school teacher, advised me to pay attention to neuroscience. At that time, it was a completely new field of research. I was attracted by the fact that it combined several fields of knowledge, including the exact sciences, psychology, and linguistics. Even now, it seems to me that interdisciplinarity is the most remarkable and strong side of neuroscience.

In 2011, I entered the University of Milan. Our first class was taught by Professor Andrea Moro. Incidentally, he was a student of Noam Chomsky himself, one of the most important intellectuals of the 20th century, who influenced the development of cognitive sciences in the world. I was fascinated not so much by the subject that Andrea taught, but by his approach to science. When it came time to write my thesis, I really wanted him to be my supervisor. But it so happened that Andrea received a new important position, and he did not have enough time to deal with scientific supervision. Then he recommended that I contact his wonderful colleague Professor Jubin Aboutalebi.

Jubin was working on the topic of bilingualism. Even before we officially met, we accidentally bumped into him in the university corridors. He already knew that I was going to write my thesis with him, and immediately asked what age group I would like to work with. To be honest, I was a little confused, since I hadn’t had time to think about it yet. But I answered that I was interested in the elderly, because the whole world was gradually getting older. At that time, scientists had just begun to study the connection between bilingualism and aging.

The next morning I was already in Jubin’s lab. Our friendship and close collaboration continues to this day, and the topic of bilingualism and aging has become the main focus of my research.

Of course, all the knowledge I received both at school and at the university helped me a lot, but it was not decisive in my development as a scientist. The main thing is the people with whom life brings you together. I was very lucky: my scientific supervisors, family, friends, my fiancée Lisa always accepted and supported me.

On working in Russia: “At HSE, you do science and don’t notice whether you’re in Russia, Italy, or the Philippines”

Dzhubin has a friend and colleague, Andrey Myachikov, a leading research fellow at the HSE Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. Together with another colleague from HSE, Yuri Shtyrov, they offered me to become a link in the collaboration between Milan and Moscow. Andrey won me over by the fact that he specially flew to Milan to meet me long before the competition for a postgraduate position opened. As a result, I received a scholarship from the government and HSE and moved to Moscow for postgraduate study.cognitive science program. At the same time, when I was already getting ready to go to Russia, I received an invitation to Barcelona, I received a prestigious scholarship named after Marie Curie. However, I was so inspired by the collaboration with my future scientific supervisors that I did not even have the thought to consider a new offer and change my decision.

I remember my postgraduate years with great warmth and gratitude. I conducted research at the Center for Neuroeconomics and Cognitive Research, now part of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. I was inspired by the trust that my senior colleagues placed in me, although I was only a young postgraduate student. I felt free and independent as a researcher, but at the same time I could always count on the attention and support of my “seniors.” This allowed me to become a truly mature, independent researcher. Many thanks to my scientific supervisors and staff at the center Andrey Myachikov, Yuri Shtyrov, Victoria Moiseyeva, Anna Shestakova for always believing in me.

The Institute of Cognitive Neurosciences became my home, and I didn’t feel like a foreigner who found himself in a Russian academic environment. Thanks to the opportunities that HSE provides, you do science and don’t notice whether you are in Russia, Italy or the Philippines.

After my PhD, I entered the postdoc program. Now I am probably one of the oldest employees of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. I recently received a very prestigious Marie Curie fellowship and left Russia for a while. But I continue to work on my projects remotely, supervising several master’s and PhD students. I have seen for myself how people’s attitudes change if they see that you are confident and passionate about what you do. This evokes respect and even admiration. Therefore, one of the important tasks for me is to support young researchers, I try to give them confidence, give them the opportunity to be proud of themselves.

On modern neuroscience, bilingualism and aging: “I may say something unpleasant, but the brain begins to age at 20–25 years old!”

The main topic of my research is cognitive aging. I study how a person’s lifestyle affects the aging process, what factors can slow it down. I may say something unpleasant now, but the brain begins to age at 20-25, so it is very important to know where to invest in order to ensure a successful old age.

One of the powerful factors that slow down cognitive aging is bilingualism. Bilingualism is not necessarily fluency in two languages from birth. The modern approach interprets it as knowledge of a second language at least at some level. Even if you start learning a foreign language as an adult, you will become bilingual and replenish your cognitive reserve.

The cognitive reserve is the savings account of our brain, we replenish it throughout life when we get an education, new skills, play sports. In old age, when the brain requires additional resources to continue its usual activity, it begins to gradually use the funds in this account. If you have managed to accumulate a lot of funds during your life, the brain will be able to spend them for a long time and function normally, despite age-related changes.

Our recent studies have shown that not only the fact of learning a second language, but also its choice can affect the functioning of the brain in old age. It turns out that close languages, that is, similar to each other, such as Spanish and Portuguese, are more useful for the brain in the long term than distant languages, with radically different grammatical and lexical-semantic structure. When we begin to learn a new language, we certainly train our brain, it learns to switch between language systems and not mix them. If the languages are distant, it is more difficult for a person to learn at first, but at the same time he can easily separate his native and foreign languages and not confuse them. If the languages are close, a person learns a new language much easier, but in order not to mix the two systems, the brain has to be constantly tense. That is, when learning Chinese, for example, the brain of Russians is very tense at the beginning, but then relaxes and becomes lazy, but in the case of Belarusian, it is constantly in good shape. So, as a cure for old age, it is more useful to learn related languages.

About the future and dedication of scientists

My colleagues and I are currently working on a large-scale project: a meta-analysis comparing all protective factors in terms of their positive impact on successful aging. I may be biased, but I think one of the most important areas of science is finding solutions to combat neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The number of diagnoses increases every year. We must study the causes and mechanism of the disease well, and then look for appropriate treatment. In this sense, bilingualism is one of the important and, most importantly, economically beneficial tools for the state to combat cognitive impairment in old age.

In research work, it is important for me to feel that with our discoveries and results we make this world a better place. In my opinion, it is the desire to improve the world that should be the goal of a scientist. It is a pity that many people forget about this today.

In a sense, I am an idealist. Science should not pursue selfish commercial goals. The most important part of it is dedication. I hope that I will leave a better world than the one I came into.

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 accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/scene/971833712.html

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two new non-executive directors join HMRC Board
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Digital transformation expert Mike Bracken and tax specialist Bill Dodwell have joined the HM Revenue and Customs Board.
The pair have been appointed as non-executive directors to the board, which is chaired by the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray MP.

They will bring fresh expertise and experience to the board as it focuses on the minister’s 3 strategic priorities for HMRC:

closing the tax gap

improving customer service

modernising and reforming HMRC

Jim Harra, HMRC First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive, said:

I’m delighted Mike and Bill are joining the board and adding their expert knowledge to the considerable expertise that already exists on the board.

They will help HMRC to deliver on the minister’s priorities of closing the tax gap, improving customer service, and modernising and reforming HMRC.

Mike Bracken has led digital operations and transformations in large-scale public and private sector organisations in the UK and Europe. He was the founder and executive director of the UK Government Digital Service (GDS) and the UK’s first Government Chief Data Officer.

He has advised more than 30 governments and global financial institutions on digital transformation, from Australia to Argentina.

Mike will chair the board’s Modernisation and Reform Committee.

Bill Dodwell was Tax Director of the Office of Tax Simplification having been head of tax policy at Deloitte. He has law degrees from King’s College London and Queens’ College Cambridge and is a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser.

Bill is a former president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and was a member of the General Anti-Abuse Rule Advisory Panel.

Bill will chair the board’s Closing the Tax Gap Committee.

Both Mike and Bill have been appointed board members by the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs for a fixed term of one year in accordance with the relevant guidance.

The HMRC Board provides scrutiny, challenge and advice to the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs on HMRC’s operational strategies, performance, capability and risks. It is not decision-making and does not advise on policy development or the affairs of individual taxpayers.

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Published 9 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on BABO (69.59%), MRNY (61.51%), FBY (58.57%), YMAX (60.44%), YMAG (76.46%) and Others

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ ETFs listed in the table below.

ETF Ticker¹	ETF Name	Reference Asset	Distribution per Share	Distribution Frequency	Distribution Rate^2,4,5	30-Day SEC Yield³	Ex-Date & Record Date	Payment Date
YMAX	YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs	Multiple	$0.2044	*Weekly*	60.44%	62.93%	10/10/2024	10/11/2024
YMAG	YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs	Multiple	$0.2823	*Weekly*	76.46%	50.85%	10/10/2024	10/11/2024
NVDY	YieldMax™ NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF	NVDA	$1.0999	Every 4 Weeks	55.90%	3.24%	10/10/2024	10/11/2024
DIPS	YieldMax™ Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF	NVDA	$0.6859	Every 4 Weeks	55.43%	3.69%	10/10/2024	10/11/2024
FBY	YieldMax™ META Option Income Strategy ETF	META	$0.9231	Every 4 Weeks	58.57%	3.22%	10/10/2024	10/11/2024
GDXY	YieldMax™ Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF	GDX®	$0.6060	Every 4 Weeks	43.84%	3.27%	10/10/2024	10/11/2024
BABO	YieldMax™ BABA Option Income Strategy ETF	BABA	$1.2932	Every 4 Weeks	69.59%	2.62%	10/10/2024	10/11/2024
JPMO	YieldMax™ JPM Option Income Strategy ETF	JPM	$0.3768	Every 4 Weeks	27.12%	3.60%	10/10/2024	10/11/2024
MRNY	YieldMax™ MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF	MRNA	$0.3762	Every 4 Weeks	61.51%	3.91%	10/10/2024	10/11/2024
PLTY*	YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF	PLTR	—	Every 4 Weeks	—	—	—	—
Scheduled for next week: YMAX YMAG CONY FIAT MSFO AMDY NFLY ABNY PYPY ULTY

The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

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

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

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

* The inception date for PLTY is October 7, 2024.

¹All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX and YMAG) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and YMAG have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs.

²The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on October 8, 2024. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

³The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended September 30. 2024, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

⁴Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

⁵As of the date hereof, distributions for the following ETFs have included return of investor capital: TSLY, OARK, APLY, AMZY, NVDY, GOOY, JPMO, XOMO, PYPY, CONY, DISO, FBY, MSFO, NFLY, SQY, AMDY, MRNY, AIYY, MSTY, ULTY, YMAX, YMAG, YBIT, SNOY, CRSH and GDXY. For additional information, please visit http://www.YieldMaxETFs.com/TaxInfo.

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

Standardized Performance

For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For SQY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here

Prospectuses

Click here.

Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are in the prospectus. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs and ZEGA Financial is their sub-adviser.

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

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

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

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

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

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

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

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

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

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

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

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

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

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

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

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

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

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

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

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

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

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

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New visitor facilities opened at Grandtully
Source: Scotland – City of Perth

The development, made possible through a £375,000 award from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF), aims to improve the experience of visitors to the Grandtully Station Park and the surrounding area.

It aims to support sustainable tourism while minimising its impact on local communities, in line with Perth and Kinross Council’s Tourism Action Plan.

The new facilities represent a collaborative effort between Perth and Kinross Council, Paddle Scotland (formerly the Scottish Canoe Association) and 12 other funding partners.

The project aims to address the growing pressure on local infrastructure due to increasing visitor numbers in rural Scotland.

The opening marks the completion of Phase 2, while Phase 3 has received additional funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for an education centre focused on water safety and outdoor skills training.

This £1.3 million project has been driven by extensive consultation with the local community, which identified key issues such as car parking shortages and a lack of visitor facilities.

Key features of the new facilities include:
- An additional 40 car parking spaces to accommodate increased visitor traffic.
- Accessible facilities, including six accessible toilets and a state-of-the-art ‘Changing Places Toilet’.
- Toilets, showers, and changing rooms available for day visitors and campers alike.
- Enhanced camping options and an active travel hub to promote sustainable tourism and reduce inappropriate camping.
- Installation of six fast electric vehicle (EV) charging points, as well as a campervan service point.
- Improved visitor information, including interpretation signage and a bike shelter with a maintenance point.
Carol Anderson, General Manager of Grandtully Station Park, and Roger Holmes, Development Manager of the project, have worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the facilities support local needs.

Councillor Jack Welch, Depute Convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “The launch of the new Grandtully Visitor Management Facilities is a fantastic step forward for sustainable tourism in our region.

“By enhancing accessibility and improving infrastructure, this development ensures that both visitors and the local community benefit.

“The collaborative effort behind this project, supported by the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, reflects our commitment to balancing tourism growth with community needs. It’s a great example of how we can manage increased visitor numbers while protecting and preserving the character of rural areas like Grandtully.”

Stephen Leckie, Chair of VisitScotland, said: “It’s a pleasure to support the official opening of these new facilities at Grandtully.

“VisitScotland is focused on the responsible growth of tourism and events. To be a sustainable tourism destination, we need to ensure the right facilities are in place to cater for the ever-changing expectations of both visitors and residents. Community engagement is a key part of delivering our goal and the project at Grandtully is a fantastic example of how working together to improve the infrastructure can help both visitors and residents alike.

“The new facilities will help alleviate pressure on parking, improve accessibility, and encourage visitors to get out and about and explore the area on bike or foot. All improvements that will help support responsible tourism and the long-term sustainability of the Perthshire destination.”

Stuart Smith, chief executive of Paddle Scotland, emphasised the project’s focus on providing Paddlesport opportunities for all, in addition to contributing to the overall visitor experience.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: OMNIQ to Present at the Small Cap Virtual Investor Conference October 10th
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OMNIQ CORP. (OMQS), a leader in AI-machine vision and automation technology, today announced that Shai Lustgarten, CEO will present live at the Small Cap Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on October 10^th 2024.

DATE: October 10^th
TIME: 11:00 AM ET
LINK: https://bit.ly/47jLzOI

Available for 1×1 meetings upon request

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

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

Learn more about the event at http://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

Recent Company Highlights
- OMNIQ Recently announced a collaboration with NEC to enhance public safety.
- Following recent purchase orders for $2.5M and $1M.
- This is following a strategic alliance with Ingenico to enhance fintech capabilities.
About OMNIQ

OMNIQ Corp. (OTCQB: OMQS) provides computerized and machine vision image processing solutions that use patented and proprietary AI technology to deliver real-time object identification, tracking, surveillance, and monitoring for the Supply Chain Management, Public Safety, and Traffic Management applications. The technology and services provided by the Company help clients move people, objects, and big data safely and securely through airports, warehouses, schools, and national borders and in many other applications and environments.

OMNIQ’s customers include government agencies and leading Fortune 500 companies from several sectors, including manufacturing, retail, distribution, food and beverage, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and oil, gas, and chemicals. Since 2014, annual revenues have more than doubled, reaching $81 million in 2023, from clients in more than forty countries.

The Company currently addresses several billion-dollar markets with double-digit growth, including the Global Smart City & Public Safety markets.

For more information visit http://www.omniq.com

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

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

Forward-Looking Statements:
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this press release relating to plans, strategies, economic performance and trends, projections of results of specific activities or investments, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This release contains “forward-looking statements” that include information relating to future events and future financial and operating performance. The words “anticipate,” “may,” “would,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “can,” “believe,” “potential” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements made in this press release regarding the closing of the private placement and the use of proceeds received in the private placement. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in demand for the Company’s products particularly during the current health crisis, the introduction of new products, the Company’s ability to maintain customer and strategic business relationships, the impact of competitive products and pricing, growth in targeted markets, the adequacy of the Company’s liquidity and financial strength to support its growth, the Company’s ability to manage credit and debt structures from vendors, debt holders and secured lenders, the Company’s ability to successfully integrate its acquisitions, and other information that may be detailed from time-to-time in OMNIQ Corp.’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Examples of such forward-looking statements in this release include, among others, statements regarding revenue growth, driving sales, operational and financial initiatives, cost reduction and profitability, and simplification of operations. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting OMNIQ Corp., please refer to the Company’s recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available at SEC.gov. OMNIQ Corp. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.

CONTACTS:
OMNIQ
ir@omniq.com
http://www.omniq.com

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

The MIL Network –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Enact to Host Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Call November 7th

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enact Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACT) (Enact) announced it will issue its third quarter earnings release after the market closes on November 6, 2024. Enact will host a conference call to review third quarter 2024 financial results on November 7, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. (ET).

Enact’s earnings release, summary presentation and financial supplement will be available through the company’s website, https://ir.enactmi.com/, at the time of their release to the public.

Participants interested in joining the call’s live question and answer session are required to pre-register by clicking here to obtain a dial-in number and unique PIN. It is recommended to join at least 15 minutes in advance, although you may register ahead of the call and dial in at any time during the call. If you wish to join the call but do not plan to ask questions, a live webcast of the event will be available on our website, https://ir.enactmi.com/news-and-events/events.

The webcast also will be archived on the company’s website for one year.

About Enact Holdings, Inc.
Enact (Nasdaq: ACT), operating principally through its wholly-owned subsidiary Enact Mortgage Insurance Corporation since 1981, is a leading U.S. private mortgage insurance provider committed to helping more people achieve the dream of homeownership. Building on a deep understanding of lenders’ businesses and a legacy of financial strength, we partner with lenders to bring best-in class service, leading underwriting expertise, and extensive risk and capital management to the mortgage process, helping to put more people in homes and keep them there. By empowering customers and their borrowers, Enact seeks to positively impact the lives of those in the communities in which it serves in a sustainable way. Enact is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rocket Software Study Finds Less than One-Third of Businesses are Using all Available Data to Inform AI Models
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rocket Software, a global technology leader in modernization software, today announced the findings from its survey, Rethinking the Role of Mainframe Data in Enterprise AI and Analytics. Conducted by Foundry Media for Rocket Software, the survey polled over 200 business leaders and decision-makers in data analytics, management, engineering, and architecture across the U.S., U.K., Germany, and France, to understand how organizations are leveraging mainframe data as part of their AI and analytics initiatives. The survey found that only 28% of survey respondents are using mainframe data extensively in data-driven initiatives. Not factoring mainframe data – which includes both real-time and historical information on customer interactions, account data, financial transactions, and inventory – into AI models is a missed opportunity. By integrating this rich data, models become more accurate, insightful, and reflective of the full scope of an organization’s operations, unlocking powerful insights and driving more informed decision-making.

AI and advanced analytics are playing an increasing role in how businesses differentiate themselves, unlocking opportunities for new efficiencies, growth drivers, and customer experiences. The success and usefulness of an AI model lies in the data that it is trained on. In the race to adopt AI, a majority of organizations have failed to fully leverage mainframe data to enhance their models. AI that accurately represents all of a business’s data empowers leaders with greater visibility into operations and provides deeper insights, facilitating informed decision-making in real-time. In fact, 46% of respondents said mainframe data was a potential means for improving data quality, accuracy, and completeness of existing datasets.

Challenges, both real and perceived, have led many to struggle when it comes to integrating mainframe data into their AI and analytics capabilities:
- 76% of leaders said they found accessing mainframe data and contextual metadata to be either very or somewhat challenging
- 64% said they considered integrating mainframe data with cloud data sources to be somewhat to very challenging
- The biggest obstacles to leveraging mainframe data were found to be:
  - Complexity of data retrieval and extraction processes (59%)
  - Concerns regarding security, compliance, and data privacy (56%)
  - Proprietary data formats (41%)
“If organizations fail to incorporate their mainframe data into AI and analytics, they risk developing models that are less intelligent, powerful, or accurate,” said Michael Curry, President, Data Modernization Business Unit, at Rocket Software. “Rocket Software has the technology and expertise to help enterprises easily bridge their mainframe data into their AI and analytics initiatives, automating away the complexity, and reducing the need for specialized skills and knowledge to protect, retrieve, and extract mainframe data.”

Mainframe modernization is a worthwhile pursuit. Forty two percent of respondents said they prefer to adopt a prebuilt solution to integrate their mainframe data with cloud data, and 51% cited building new analytical capabilities or business initiatives that were not previously possible was the most attractive use case for mainframe data. That’s where experienced partners, who offer resources across the modernization continuum, can support businesses by mitigating challenges to unlock data’s full potential. Survey respondents noted scalability for large datasets (82%), interoperability with existing data management tools and platforms (82%), and robust security and encryption (81%) as the top benefits for integrating mainframe and cloud data.

To download the full study, click here. For further insights, register for Rocket Software’s webinar on November 12, here.

Methodology
Foundry surveyed 213 business leaders and decision-makers, including those employed in data analytics, data management, data engineering, or data architecture roles between May 10, 2024, and May 27, 2024, to understand how organizations are leveraging or planning to leverage mainframe data as part of their AI and analytics initiatives to drive strategy, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance competitive advantage.

About Rocket Software
Rocket Software is a global technology leader in modernization and a partner of choice that empowers the world’s leading businesses on their modernization journeys, spanning core systems to the cloud. Trusted by over 12,500 customers and 750 partners, and with more than 3,000 global employees, Rocket Software enables customers to maximize their data, applications, and infrastructure to deliver critical services that power our modern world. Rocket Software is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in the Boston area with centers of excellence strategically located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Rocket Software is a portfolio company of Bain Capital Private Equity. Follow Rocket Software on LinkedIn and Twitter or visit http://www.RocketSoftware.com.

Media Contact
Lacey Darrow
ldarrow@rocketsoftware.com

The MIL Network –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Taoshi to Showcase World’s First Decentralized and Fair Proprietary Trading Challenge, Built on Bittensor, at Permissionless III

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Taoshi, a forefront innovator in decentralized finance, will showcase its Proprietary Trading Network (PTN) at the upcoming Permissionless III conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, from October 9 to 11, 2024. Exhibiting at Booth #1433, Taoshi’s Manager of Research and Development, Thomas Dougherty, PhD, will be present to provide insights into the company’s breakthrough tool.

PTN is the world’s first fair, decentralized proprietary trading challenge. Built on Bittensor, PTN allows traders to compete transparently and earn significantly more than they would with traditional proprietary firms, incentivizing some of the world’s best traders to provide actionable trading insights.

Taoshi’s PTN sets itself apart from most traditional proprietary trading firms, whose revenue comes from charging entry fees to traders. “When a disproportionate reliance is placed on the entry fees, there is little motivation to ensure long-term success for traders. Ironically, existing profit-sharing models are incentivized by traders failing their challenge period. With PTN, we want to change this,” said Dougherty.

Taoshi’s mission is to disrupt financial market trading by democratizing access to sophisticated and ever-evolving trading strategies. Taoshi’s PTN is leading the way in innovation through its decentralized AI technology that delivers exceptional advantages for traders.

About Taoshi:
Founded in 2023, Taoshi, Inc. is a software company that creates blockchain subnetworks built on Bittensor to revolutionize financial market trading. Taoshi is a trusted leader in the crypto space, celebrated for its innovative solutions and commitment to community impact. Explore how Taoshi is shaping the future of technology at http://www.taoshi.io.

About Thomas Dougherty, PhD:
Thomas Dougherty, PhD, is the Manager of Research & Development at Taoshi, where he applies his extensive expertise in machine learning and computer vision to advance financial technology innovation. With a doctorate from Stanford University, he oversees the research and development division, focusing on creating sophisticated trading strategies that balance predictability, risk exposure, and returns while addressing statistical instabilities.

At Taoshi, Thomas is the primary architect of the SN8 incentive mechanism, a cornerstone of the company’s Proprietary Trading Network (PTN). He spearheaded the development of SN8’s scoring system, which evaluates traders through a comprehensive approach that includes risk-adjusted returns, Sharpe ratio, and Omega ratio.

About Permissionless:
Permissionless is a conference for founders, application developers, investors, policymakers, and users. Permissionless III will gather the most influential minds in crypto for three days of networking, engaging content, and live conversations.

MEDIA CONTACT
Mairi Morrison
mairi@prlab.co
+1 512 731 4977

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Golden Week attracts 1.38m visitors

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Mainland’s seven-day National Day Golden Week ended yesterday, and the Government today announced that the Immigration Department recorded a total of around 1.38 million visitors coming to Hong Kong through various sea, land and air control points during the week.

The overall number of inbound visitors aligned with earlier estimates, while the number recorded on October 1 reached a daily record high since the post-pandemic full opening of the borders, the Government added.

Among all visitors coming to Hong Kong, those from the Mainland accounted for about 1.22 million, representing 88% of the total arrivals.

The daily average of Mainland visitors was around 170,000, exceeding that of the 2023 National Day Golden Week and the 2024 Labour Day Golden Week at around 27% and 13% respectively.

Mainland inbound visitor arrivals peaked on October 1 with around 220,000 visitors arriving in Hong Kong, marking a daily record high since the post-pandemic opening of the borders and setting a corresponding record for the overall number of visitors to Hong Kong in a single day.

During the National Day Golden Week, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and the Express Rail Link West Kowloon were the two ports with the highest daily average number of Mainland visitors, and operations at various control points and transport services ran smoothly.

Regarding large-scale events, the National Day Fireworks Display over Victoria Harbour on October 1 attracted over 330,000 spectators and concluded with effective crowd control arrangements.

According to the information provided by the hotel industry, the overall hotel occupancy rate during October 1 to 4 reached 90%.

Based on the Travel Industry Authority’s information, around 1,050 Mainland inbound tour groups visited Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week, with around 80% engaged in overnight itineraries.

These tour groups involved around 36,000 visitors, accounting for around 3% of all Mainland visitors.

The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, is pleased to note that the rich array of National Day special offers from the Government and various sectors of society were well-received by the public.

Among them, the “1st October Movie Fiesta: Half-Price Spectacular 2024” subsidised by the Government recorded cumulative admissions reaching 189,000, breaking last year’s record of 155,000.

Mr Chan said the concerted efforts of relevant government departments, organisations and industries in making preparations and responses enabled smooth arrangements for receiving visitors, and allowed both locals and visitors to celebrate National Day together.

“The Government will draw on this experience and further enhance various arrangements in future to provide an even better experience for visitors to Hong Kong during festive periods.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Mounjaro will soon be available as a weight loss treatment on the NHS – here’s what that means for patients

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Zoe Edwards, Research Lead/Advanced Clinical Practitioner/Senior Research Fellow, University of Bradford

Mounjaro will soon be available for prescription on the NHS. Cynthia A Jackson/ Shutterstock

The weight loss jab Mounjaro will soon be made available to nearly a quarter of a million NHS patients, according to proposals made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). Previously, it was only available on the NHS for patients with diabetes.

Under Nice’s proposals, the drug will gradually be rolled out over the next three years. Access to it will first be prioritised to patients who are severely obese and have at least three weight-related health problems – for example, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and sleep apnoea.

There are plans to increase NHS access to more patients after the initial three-year period. It will also remain available for patients with diabetes.

This recent approval provides new treatment options for people with obesity – but how effective it is will depend on whether supplies can keep up with anticipated demand.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is the UK brand name of the drug tirzepatide, which, until now, has only been prescribed on the NHS for patients with diabetes to help control blood sugar and encourage weight loss.

In the US, Mounjaro is used for diabetes treatment. Another version of tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound, is used for weight loss treatment. Zepbound is not licensed as a weight loss product in the UK.

Tirzepatide works for weight loss by mimicking hormones in the body that tell our brain we feel full. A weekly injection is needed, which may be increased in strength each month, depending on the patient.

Clinical studies have found tirzepatide is even more effective than semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) for weight loss. In some studies, patients have lost up to 20% of their body weight.

Supporting weight loss

Until now, Wegovy was the only weight loss injection authorised for NHS use under the care of specialised weight loss services. These services offer patients clinical treatment, mental health support, access to a dietitian and physiotherapy.

But the availability of such services is patchy and recently access to many local services has even been paused or stopped. This means many patients who need effective weight loss treatments may not have access to them. Among the reasons for these services being suspended is there was greater demand than availability of services in some areas, as well as attempts to control prescriptions of crucial drugs due to ongoing shortages.

Mounjaro needs to be injected weekly.
Mohammed_Al_Ali/ Shutterstock

Initially, it was thought that Mounjaro, would not need to be prescribed by specialists, but Nice have confirmed it will only be prescribed with specialist weight loss services to maximise its benefits and prevent complications.

Now that Mounjaro has been authorised for use on the NHS, it will be key that access to specialist weight loss services is improved throughout the country so that people who need weight loss support are able to get it. NHS England are in the process of developing a range of community and digital services to address this.

Is there enough Mounjaro for everyone?

The change in guidance may lead to a rush in demand for referrals to weight loss services when the drug becomes available. This could add more pressure to an already challenged system.

This uptick in demand may also affect access to Mounjaro for patients who use the drug for diabetes. This was the case with Ozempic (semaglutide) in 2023 – despite it only being licensed for the treatment of diabetes. Demand for the drug by those who wanted to use it to lose weight led to a surge in private prescribing of the drug off-label – leading to global stock shortages of semaglutide.

Read more:
Ozempic shortages in the UK may last until 2024 – here’s why

Many patients using the semaglutide for diabetes were unable to source the product. Semaglutide’s manufacturers did not foresee this hike in demand and were not prepared to maintain supplies for people with diabetes.

Since it was introduced on the market, Mounjaro has proved to be a popular product, with sales making its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, greater profits than expected. Stock shortages have already been experienced in Australia and the US. Due to ongoing demand and previous shortages of similar products (such as semaglutide) one would hope that Eli Lilly has anticipated increased demand for Mounjaro in the UK and will have adequate supplies from the outset.

But with British pharmacies reportedly planning to reduce the private price of weight loss products (including Wegovy and Mounjaro), this could increase demand further – which may subsequently affect the availability of supplies for NHS patients.

Given the successes of semaglutide and tirzepatide, it’s expected that further similar drugs will be developed. Many of these alternative products are already showing promise in clinical trials – such as an oral weight loss pill. Having alternative products available will ease strain on the supplies of current weight loss products.

Will Mounjaro help with the obesity crisis?

It’s thought that up to 25% of adults in the UK are obese. Obesity is linked to many health problems – including heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Obesity-related healthcare is estimated to cost the NHS billions of pounds every year. Improvements in diet and lifestyle are recommended to tackle obesity, but, understandably, many patients find sustained change difficult.

Greater access to weight loss drugs could help patients lose weight and prevent the associated health problems. This could also save the NHS money and improve long-term health. Weight loss drugs, such as Mounjaro, could be an important solution to a growing problem – but only if access to these treatments is available to those who need them most.

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. Mounjaro will soon be available as a weight loss treatment on the NHS – here’s what that means for patients – https://theconversation.com/mounjaro-will-soon-be-available-as-a-weight-loss-treatment-on-the-nhs-heres-what-that-means-for-patients-239777

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: MoneyHero Enhances Car Insurance Vertical via Strategic Partnership with bolttech

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MoneyHero to leverage bolttech’s cutting-edge insurance exchange technology to power the Company’s new car insurance platform

New digital marketplace enhances MoneyHero’s insurance brokerage and conversion expertise, offering a streamlined end-to-end consumer journey across Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines

SINGAPORE, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) (“MoneyHero” or the “Company”), a leading personal finance and digital insurance brokerage platform in Greater Southeast Asia, today announced the launch of its brand-new car insurance platform through a strategic partnership with bolttech, a global leader in insurtech. This collaboration will transform MoneyHero’s consumer experience for car insurance by integrating bolttech’s cutting-edge insurance exchange technology into the MoneyHero platform. The enhanced marketplace is now live in Hong Kong, with rollouts planned for Singapore by Q4 2024 and the Philippines by the end of Q1 2025.

Through this strategic partnership, MoneyHero is strengthening its position as a digital insurance leader in the region, combining its expertise in financial product comparison and conversion optimization with bolttech’s innovative insurance capabilities. The new car insurance platform will empower consumers with better insights, broader options, and a more seamless purchase process, setting a new standard for the car insurance industry.

Rohith Murthy, CEO of MoneyHero, said: “This launch marks a significant milestone for MoneyHero as we expand our car insurance offerings and enhance our capabilities as a leading digital insurance brokerage. By partnering with bolttech, we are not only elevating the user experience but also taking full ownership of the entire car insurance purchase journey—from comparison to conversion—within our ecosystem. This enhanced platform is aligned with our strategic pillars of brokerage excellence and conversion expertise, and it further underscores our commitment to making personal finance and insurance decisions easier for consumers across Greater Southeast Asia.

“With bolttech’s expertise, we are offering an unmatched level of insight and simplicity that will reshape how consumers choose their car insurance. This partnership strengthens our position as a market leader, and together, we’re setting the stage for the future of digital insurance.”

Enhanced Platform Benefits and Strategic Alignment

Leveraging bolttech’s cutting-edge insurance exchange technology, MoneyHero’s car insurance platform offers users a best-in-class experience, including comprehensive comparison tools, accurate pricing references, and a streamlined end-to-end user journey. These features will allow consumers to make more informed and confident decisions about their car insurance, all within a seamless, fully integrated platform.

Philip Weiner, CEO – Asia & Middle East, bolttech said, “We are thrilled to partner with MoneyHero to create an enhanced customer experience for car insurance across Southeast Asia. By digitally integrating with our insurance exchange platform, we are empowering MoneyHero to offer a seamless and transparent user experience, giving customers greater control and clarity in their car insurance decisions. Together, we look forward to delivering more value-added services to MoneyHero’s customers and driving further innovation in the insurtech space.”

bolttech, with over 230 insurers and 6,000 products on its platform globally, brings unmatched expertise and market access to this partnership, ensuring that MoneyHero’s customers have access to a wide array of insurance options tailored to their needs.

Revenue Growth and Strategic Expansion

MoneyHero’s insurance vertical has been a key driver of growth, contributing 7% to total revenue in 2023 and has grown 89% year-over-over in Q2 2024, contributing to 11% of Group revenues in Q2 2024. The launch of the new car insurance platform is expected to significantly accelerate this growth, as it capitalizes on the increasing demand for digital insurance solutions in Greater Southeast Asia.

Mr. Murthy added: “Our vertically integrated approach to brokerage, combined with this partnership, positions us to capture a larger share of the car insurance market. Insurance will continue to be a key contributor to our bottom line, driving new customer acquisition across our broader personal finance platform.”

For more information about MoneyHero, including information for investors and learning about career opportunities, please visit http://www.MoneyHeroGroup.com.

About MoneyHero Group
MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) is a market leader in the online personal finance and digital insurance aggregation and comparison sector in Greater Southeast Asia. The Company operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. Its brand portfolio includes B2C platforms MoneyHero, SingSaver, Money101, Moneymax and Seedly, as well as the B2B platform Creatory. The Company also retains an equity stake in Malaysian fintech company, Jirnexu Pte. Ltd., parent company of Jirnexu Sdn. Bhd., the operator of RinggitPlus, Malaysia’s largest operating B2C platform. MoneyHero currently manages 279 commercial partner relationships and services 8.1 million Monthly Unique Users across its platform for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company’s backers include Peter Thiel—co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and the Founders Fund—and Hong Kong businessman, Richard Li, the founder and chairman of Pacific Century Group. To learn more about MoneyHero and how the innovative fintech company is driving Greater Southeast Asia’s digital economy, please visit http://www.MoneyHeroGroup.com.

About bolttech
bolttech is a global insurtech with a mission to build the world’s leading, technology-enabled ecosystem for protection and insurance. bolttech serves customers in more than 35+ markets across four continents, North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. With a full suite of digital and data-driven capabilities, bolttech powers connections between insurers, distributors, and customers to make it easier and more efficient to buy and sell insurance and protection products.

For more information, please visit http://www.bolttech.io.

For MoneyHero inquiries, please contact:

Investors:
MoneyHero IR Team
IR@MoneyHeroGroup.com

Media:
Gaffney Bennett PR
MoneyHero@gbpr.com

For bolttech inquiries, please contact:
bolttech Group Communications
enquiries@bolttech.io

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why a pilot scheme removing peak rail fares should have been allowed to go the distance

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachel Scarfe, Lecturer in Economics, University of Stirling

A pilot removing peak fares on ScotRail trains has ended. Loch Earn/Shutterstock

Commuters in Scotland faced a shock at ticket machines as the Scottish government abandoned a pilot scheme that removed peak rail fares. During the pilot, tickets were the same price all day. But now that it has ended, the increase in fares is significant. The cost of commuting at peak time from Glasgow to Edinburgh, for example, has gone from £16.20 to £31.40.

The aim of the pilot, introduced in October 2023, was to encourage what’s known as a “modal shift” from cars to more sustainable transport.

Defending its decision, the Scottish government made two claims: that the pilot increased passenger numbers by only 6.8% (when an increase of 10% was required for it to be self-financing) and that it mostly benefited wealthier passengers.

These claims were widely reported, but are they correct? And what does this mean for similar schemes in other countries?

Passengers using the train to get to and from work benefited most from the pilot, which made travel cheaper at peak times (early morning until around 9am and evenings until around 7pm). It is true that wealthier people in the UK tend to use trains and cars more, while poorer people are more likely to travel by bus.

The graph below shows how much £100 of train and bus tickets, and £100 of petrol ten years ago would cost today.

Cost of transport in the UK (2014-2024)

The increase in train fares has been smoother, but mostly faster, than the increase in petrol prices. However, bus fares have increased faster than both. Scotland has not followed England in capping bus fares, a policy that might have benefited lower-income passengers more.

In theory, a decrease in price for a product will result in an increase in demand. But it is impossible to calculate exactly how much passenger numbers increased due to the pilot, because we cannot know for sure how many passengers would have travelled anyway (the “counterfactual”).

To estimate the rise in demand brought about by cheaper fares, we must make assumptions about the counterfactual, where peak fares remained in place. This is especially difficult for two reasons. First, the pilot began as passenger numbers were rising again after the COVID lockdowns.

Read more:
Catching public transport in Queensland will soon cost just 50 cents. Are cheap fares good policy?

Statisticians must make assumptions about how much demand would have continued to rise in this case. Depending on these assumptions, the estimated effect of the pilot on demand for rail travel ranges from an increase of 16% to a fall of 5%, compared with the final figure of 6.8%. A change in assumptions can change the estimated rise in demand substantially.

Second, the pilot spanned a period of disruption on the railways. Strikes in Scotland in 2022 may have put people off train travel, and again, we cannot know whether they would have returned in the counterfactual scenario.

And bad weather in Scotland in early 2024 and disruption caused by strikes in England and Wales make it difficult to use the rest of Great Britain as a control group to compare against Scotland.

To estimate the effects of a policy like the pilot, statisticians must make many other assumptions. For example, in April 2024 there was a big increase in fares across Scotland. The analysis underlying the report assumes that this would have happened even without the pilot.

All these assumptions (and more) lie beneath the reported 6.8% increase in demand and make it impossible to be confident that this was the true number of passengers who shifted to rail travel because peak fares were axed.

What’s happening elsewhere?

Similar schemes have been piloted in other countries, including a flat rate €49 (£40) per month (increased from €9) rail pass in Germany, a 50 cent (30 pence) flat fare across all public transport in Queensland, Australia, and a £2 flat bus fare in England.

As with the pilot in Scotland, it is difficult to determine whether these schemes have caused a modal shift. Some new evidence from Germany suggests that cheaper fares encouraged people to make more journeys overall, but that the shift from cars to trains was limited.

However, we know that the elasticity (how much demand changes as prices change) of public transport fares is greater in the long term than in the short term. There is a danger that, as in Scotland, governments will cancel them before the long-term effects are clear.

The SNP government in Scotland is facing difficulties balancing its budget. In these circumstances, any further subsidy to public transport seems unlikely. Instead, the government will have to find other ways to reach its net zero commitments.

There is evidence that people respond more strongly to an increase in price than to a decrease. If this is the case, the pilot itself could even cause a long-term decrease in passenger numbers in Scotland, because the fall in people using the trains due to the reintroduction of peak fares might be greater than the increase during the pilot.

It is impossible to tell yet, but in the long term this could make travelling on the railways more expensive for both passengers and for the government subsidising them.

Rachel Scarfe is a member of the Labour Party.

– ref. Why a pilot scheme removing peak rail fares should have been allowed to go the distance – https://theconversation.com/why-a-pilot-scheme-removing-peak-rail-fares-should-have-been-allowed-to-go-the-distance-240224

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands expected as Run Leicester half marathon and 10k return

Source: City of Leicester

THOUSANDS of runners will be taking to the city’s streets this weekend for the annual Run Leicester half marathon and 10k race.

The events will take place on Sunday 13 October, starting and finishing at Leicester’s Victoria Park.

Runners will set out from the park from 9.15am, on a route through the city centre onto Melton Road, and into Thurmaston and Birstall, before returning to the starting point.

A series of rolling road closures and parking restrictions will be in place along the route to enable the runners to pass safely.

The route heads across the city including London Road, St George’s Way, Charles Street, Belgrave Gate and Melton Road, and then out towards Thurmaston, Watermead Country Park and Birstall, before the race returns via Red Hill Circle, Loughborough Road and then the canal side path.

From there the route will heads through Abbey Park and the city centre, before continuing up New Walk via De Montfort Street and University Road on its way to the finish at Victoria Park.

The 10k race will follow the same route as far as Melton Road, before travelling along Loughborough Road, Holden Street and Ross Walk to re-join the riverside path, past the Space Centre and Abbey Park on its way back to the city.

Parking and loading restrictions will be in place to keep the route free of traffic, and temporary road closures will be in place while the race passes through. The measures have been clearly signposted along the route in advance.

Roads are expected to have reopened fully by 1pm.

The race is a hugely popular event, attracting runners ranging from enthusiastic amateurs to club athletes, all raising money for a range of charities including official charity partner, LOROS Hospice.

The events are organised by Run Leicester and full details of the route and road closures are available at http://www.runleicester.co.uk

Race director, Andrew Ward, said: “This year’s Run Leicester half marathon and 10k is set to be our best event ever, with over 4,000 runners expected to take to the streets on Sunday. It’s by far the biggest running event in the county and serves as inspiration to everyone watching as they cheer the runners on towards the finish line.

“We would encourage everyone to come out and support what is such a fantastic event for the whole city. It’s a real festival atmosphere with singers and drummers all around the route for both runners and spectators to enjoy.

“We can’t wait to see everyone on race day; the atmosphere will be incredible and the event will ultimately raise thousands of pounds for LOROS Hospice and other local charities.”

Bus services from the city centre will be running as normal but some will be diverted to alternative bus stops nearby while the race is in progress, with any changes clearly signposted.

Traffic and travel updates are also available from Leicester Area Traffic Control on X at @ATCLeicester

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Casar Leads 46 Members of Congress to Demand EPA Bans Use of Paraquat to Protect Public Health

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) and 46 other Members of Congress are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban the use of an herbicide, Paraquat, in the U.S. to protect public health. Paraquat is already banned in over 70 countries.

The Members of Congress released a letter today urging EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan to protect farm workers, rural Americans, and the environment from the harmful effects of Paraquat and ban the use of the herbicide in the U.S. Exposure to the herbicide is linked to life threatening diseases like Parkinson’s disease and thyroid cancer, and linked to an increase in soil and water pollution.

“Paraquat is a toxic substance linked to life threatening diseases and grave impacts on the environment — it has been banned in dozens of countries and should be banned in the United States,” the members wrote. “We urge the EPA to change course and deliver critical protections for farmworkers, agricultural communities, and the environment by banning Paraquat.”

The EPA has already banned Paraquat for areas such as golf courses and recreational areas. If Paraquat is too dangerous for golfers, it is too dangerous for farm workers and rural Americans. Nearly 70 countries have banned or discontinued the use of Paraquat, including China, Brazil, the European Union, and Canada.

The letter is led by U.S. Representative Greg Casar (TX-35), and signed by U.S. RepresentativesAlma Adams (NC-12), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Al Green (TX-09), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Barbara Lee (CA-12), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Katie Porter (CA-47), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

It is endorsed by the Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, American Sustainable Business Network, Beyond Pesticides, the Brian Grant Foundation, Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Food Safety, the Davis Phinney Foundation, Earthjustice, Ecological Landscape Alliance, Environmental Working Group, Friends of the Earth, Green New Deal Network, HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance, GreenLatinos, Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!), League of Conservation Voters, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Parkinson Association of Alabama, Parkinson Association of Northern California, PD Avengers (Global Alliance to End Parkinson’s Disease Assn.), Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Pesticide Action Network, Power for Parkinson’s, Power Over Parkinson’s, the Rachel Carson Council, Re:wild Your Campus, Rural Coalition, United Farm Workers (UFW), and the United Farm Workers Foundation (UFWF).

“The people who feed us should not face twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease,” said Geoff Horsfield, policy director for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “President Biden’s EPA should put the people who feed us ahead of the profits of a pesticide company that hid the risks of paraquat for decades. Seventy countries have banned paraquat, so we know that farmers have plenty of safer options. We are grateful to Rep. Casar for his leadership in protecting farmers and farmworkers.”

“More than 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease, the second most common and fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world,” said Ted Thompson, senior vice president of public policy at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “With only about 30 percent of Parkinson’s risk explained by genetics, we know that other factors — including environmental risks like exposure to toxic chemicals — can play a role in the development of the disease. We appreciate Representative Casar’s efforts to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency is doing all it can to protect Americans from the harms associated with exposure to these toxins.”

“Every day across America, farm workers, as well as their families and communities, are exposed to Paraquat – a dangerous chemical known to cause severe health impacts,” said Teresa Romero, president of UFW. “We commend Congressman Casar for fighting to ensure that every worker is safe on the job and we call on the EPA to listen to the concerns of the people who put food on all of our tables.”

“The UFW Foundation supports the banning of Paraquat, a chemical whose exposure puts the lives of hundreds of thousands of farm workers at risk,” said Erica Lomeli, interim chief executive officer of the UFW Foundation. “Farm workers deserve a safe environment free from harmful substances that can impact not only their health but also the well-being of their families. Not only is Paraquat dangerous for farm workers, but it also poses significant risks to consumers who may ingest produce treated with this pesticide.”

“We thank Rep. Casar and his colleagues for their leadership in urging the EPA to finally remove this dangerous chemical from the market,” said Lorette Picciano, executive director of the Rural Coalition. “We have heard from far too many farmers, ranchers and workers in communities we serve who have developed Parkinsons and other diseases. The devastating cost to their lives and health, families and communities far outweigh any possible benefit of Paraquat’s continued use.”

The full letter can be viewed here.

Learn more at banparaquat.org

###

Congressman Greg Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which runs down I-35 from East Austin to Hays County to the West Side of San Antonio. A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, Casar serves as the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 118th Congress. He also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Agriculture.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Topline Financial Credit Union Recognized for Prestigious Marketing Efforts

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, was honored with three marketing awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions. The Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) Awards honored TopLine in three categories: Community Engagement, Financial Education and Brand/Rebrand Evolution.

In the Community Engagement category, TopLine won bronze for their Winter Spirit Week Penny Wars competition. The goal of Penny Wars was to introduce a fun new competition for employees that included a charitable component to benefit one of TopLine’s selected non-profit partners. Teams tried to earn as many points as possible with pennies worth one point, $1 bill worth 100 points, $5 bill worth 500 points, etc. Teams could sabotage other teams by dropping silver coins in opponents’ jars to deduct points. TopLine raised a total of $1,940 in just one week. The winning team got to select their TopLine non-profit charity of choice, and all donations were given to Avenues of Youth, who provides emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services for homeless youth in a safe and nurturing environment.

TopLine took home silver in the Financial Education category for their financial education session with the Energy Careers Academy – the first ever graduating class of the program. The goal of the session was to equip adults with a better understanding of personal finance basics and develop healthy financial habits, such as establishing a financial services relationship, developing a budget, establish routine savings for emergencies and for retirement, using credit wisely, paying down debt, achieving other goals such as buying their first car, their first home, and the importance of planning for their future.

In the Rebrand/Brand Evolution category, TopLine took home the bronze award for their new Bloomington Branch. The new branch was designed as a flagship branch, to pay tribute to TopLine’s heritage of telephone workers who founded the credit union in 1935 when seven employees of the Bell System pooled $35 to create Minneapolis Telco Credit Union. The roof line and drive up replicates the “T”, depicting a telephone pole and line. With the opening of the new branch, TopLine also developed a new tagline for their next era, “Connected, We All Do Better,” that pays homage to the credit union’s legacy, and supports the credit union mission of connecting with members, employees and communities to build life-long relationships.

“We are incredibly honored and humbled to be recognized with three prestigious marketing awards by the Marketing Association of Credit Unions for our community engagement, financial education and branding efforts,” said Vicki Roscoe Erickson, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, TopLine Financial Credit Union. “This achievement reflects the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our entire team and inspires us to continue pushing boundaries that make a meaningful impact in members’ lives. We remain committed to assist our members and communities with free financial education sessions and resources, and to educate consumers about the many benefits of using credit unions for their financial needs.”

The Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) was founded over 30 years ago, created for marketers by marketers as a fun way to share ideas, network, and help others be their professional best. For more information, visit http://www.macnetwork.org.

TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota’s 9^th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations — in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Paul’s Como Park — as well as by phone and online at http://www.TopLinecu.com or http://www.ahcu.coop. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit union’s foundation, visit http://www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

CONTACT:

Vicki Roscoe Erickson
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
TopLine Financial Credit Union
verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d229f9e0-78f3-48ff-aad8-3f241ccffc89

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: R&D tax incentive transparency reports
Source: Australian Department of Revenue

About the transparency reports
We’re required by law to publish certain data about Research and Development (R&D) tax incentive claims reported to us by companies (R&D entities). Publishing this information will:
- provide transparency on the benefits received by R&D entities
- encourage voluntary compliance with the requirements of the R&D tax incentive (R&DTI) program
- increase public awareness of which companies have claimed the tax incentive.
Publication of this report is a legal requirement under section 3H of the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (TAA). It came into effect in July 2021, following reforms to the policy and administration of the R&DTI program, as a result of Treasury Laws Amendment (A Tax Plan for the COVID-19 Economic Recovery) Act 2020External Link.

Each year, the transparency report will be made up of 2 parts. These are:

When we’ll publish the report
We’re required to publish the R&D data 2 years after the end of the financial year that the data relates to. The delay in publishing this information is designed to address any perceived commercial sensitivity of the data.

We’ll publish the first data report in early October 2024. It will include R&D entities:
- that claimed the R&DTI in their 2022 company tax return, and
- whose income year commenced on or after 1 July 2021.
What R&D data we’ll publish
The data we’ll publish in the data report is specific and limited to the:
- name of the R&D entity claiming the R&DTI
- entity’s Australian business number (ABN) or Australian company number (ACN)
- ‘total R&D expenditure’ – total notional deductions claimed (label Z in Part A of the R&DTI schedule) less any feedstock adjustments (label B in Part B of the R&DTI schedule).
We’ll base this on what the R&D entity provided in its company tax return.

If an R&D entity amended its company tax return, we’ll report both the original information provided by the entity and the last client-initiated amendment lodged with us – including any voluntary disclosures provided during a review or audit.

Commissioner-initiated amendments won’t be published. If, during a review or audit, the Commissioner amended the labels, we’re required to publish the total expenditure on R&D based on the company return lodged before the Commissioner-initiated amendment.

You’re unable to opt out of having your R&D information published in the report. There are no exclusions.

Due to tax law confidentiality provisions in the TAA, we can’t disclose any further information beyond what will be published in the report.
Data notes
Labels in the data report

There will be 5 labels in the data report on data.gov.au:
- Name – this is the name of the R&D entity on the date we extracted the data.
- ABN or ACN – if the R&D entity had a valid ABN when we extracted the data, then we’ve published the ABN; if not, we’ve published its ACN.
- Total R&D expenditure – this is based on the first information the R&D entity provided to the Commissioner and is the total notional deductions (label Z at Part A on the R&D schedule) less feedstock adjustments (label B at Part B on the R&D schedule).
- Adjusted total R&D expenditure – this is based on the last amendment the R&D entity provided to the Commissioner and is the total of notional deductions (label Z at Part A on the R&D schedule) less feedstock adjustments (label B at Part B on the R&D schedule).
- Income year – this is the income year for the R&D claim.
Notes about the total R&D expenditure amounts

We’ve generally rounded the total R&D expenditure amounts in the data report, so you may see differences between the totals in the data report and the amounts we’ve used in the information and charts in our analysis.

There are also R&D entities that we’ve reported a ‘Nil’ dollar amount for. This could be because:
- feedstock adjustments are more than the notional deductions
- the R&D entity adjusted the amount in their tax return
- the R&D entity did not provide information regarding total R&D expenditure.
Consolidated groups

Where an R&D entity is part of an income tax consolidated group or multiple entry consolidated (MEC) group, the subsidiary members are treated as part of the head company for income tax purposes, for as long as they remain part of the group for income tax purposes.

The published total R&D expenditure amounts are those disclosed by the head company of the consolidated group or MEC group.
Data sources

We’ll get the data for the data report from the company tax return and R&D schedule labels.

Company tax return

We’ll include the entity in the data report if they’ve reported an amount at label 21A or 21U.

R&D schedule

The total R&D expenditure in the data report is the amount of total notional deductions less any feedstock adjustments. If notional deductions less feedstocks adjustments are negative or zero, the figure is reported as Nil.

We’ll use Part A label Z to obtain the total notional R&D deduction amounts we include in the data report – this amount is worked out by adding together items 1 to 9 in Part A of the R&D schedule for both Australian-owned R&D (label X) and foreign-owned R&D (label Y).

We’ll use Part B label B to obtain the feedstock adjustment amount.

Amendments

If you’ve reviewed your R&D claims and believe that there’s an error in the information that we’ll publish, you’re able to correct any errors by lodging an amendment with us in writing.

If you’ve submitted an amendment and it’s not processed before we extract the data, we’ll publish the updated information in the next year’s report. If you’ve amended your R&DTI claim, we’ll publish both the original R&D expense amount and the amended R&D expense amount. If you’ve withdrawn your claim in full, we’ll publish the original R&D expense amount with the amended R&D expense amount published as Nil.

Data assurance process

In preparing the data for publishing, we’ve reviewed and confirmed the data in accordance with the information contained on our systems as at the date we extracted the data.

If you are an R&D entity (or their nominated representative) with data included in the report and there is an error, you can contact us.

What’s not in the report

The information in the transparency report will not include:
- clawback amounts other than feedstock adjustments
- the amount of R&D tax offset the entity received
- whether the R&D tax offset received was refundable or non-refundable
- the extent and nature of any ATO activity, including any past or ongoing audit or compliance activities
- whether the R&D entity was entitled to or received the R&D tax offset.
The report won’t contain information collected by Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) on behalf of Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA) as authorised under the Industry Research and Development Act 1986.

Communication approach
Since September 2023, ahead of the release of the first report, we’ve been:
- engaging with key external stakeholders to inform them of the new reporting requirement and to get their input into our approach
- communicating directly with all affected R&D entities and their registered tax agents (in October 2023, February 2024 and July 2024), to inform them of the new reporting requirement and encourage them to review their information and amend any errors
- communicating directly with those R&D entities that lodged an amendment, to let them know that both their original and amended amounts will be published
- communicating directly with those R&D entities that had their claim amended by the Commissioner, to let them know we’re unable to publish the Commissioner-amended amount; we’ll only be publishing the original amount they claimed
- issuing broader communications to the community to inform them about the new data report and provide them with access to comprehensive information about the data report.
Visibility for future applicants

To ensure future applicants are aware that the data they lodge in their R&DTI schedule will be included in R&DTI transparency reporting, we’ve added a notice to the R&DTI schedule 2024 (paper version) (PDF, 536KB)This link will download a file and digital version as well as the R&DTI calculator.

Administration of the R&DTI program
The R&DTI program is jointly administered by the:
- Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR on behalf of IISA)
- ATO.
DISR manages the registration process for the R&DTI program and we review the eligibility of the expenditure incurred on the registered activities. We leverage the skills of each agency to:
- reduce compliance costs for business
- increase certainty while maintaining program integrity.
The ATO and DISR regularly conduct engagement activities, including compliance reviews and audits of R&D entities to safeguard the integrity of the R&DTI program. Information in relation to these activities is not included in this report.

The R&DTI program is a self-assessment regime. Receiving a registration number from DISR doesn’t mean the R&D activities meet the eligibility requirements. A registration number means the application has been received and is complete. R&D entities may still be subject to compliance action by DISR and the ATO.
About the R&D program contains further details, including the aim of the program and our joint charter with DISR.

Innovation success stories

DISR provides information on its website about the innovation success storiesExternal Link the program has supported.

MIL OSI News –
January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Announces Extension of Comment Period for Proposed Changes to its Brokered Deposit Regulations

Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

WASHINGTON – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is extending the comment period on its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) to strengthen the important prudential protections of the agency’s safety and soundness rule on brokered deposits (12 CFR 337.6) that implements Section 29 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

To provide additional opportunity for the public to prepare comments to address the matters raised by the NPR, the FDIC is extending the comment period for the brokered deposits-related NPR from October 22, 2024, to November 21, 2024.

Public comments on the proposal are due by November 21, 2024.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:
mediarequests@fdic.gov

FDIC: PR-86-2024

The FDIC does not send unsolicited e-mail. If this publication has reached you in error, or if you no longer wish to receive this service, please unsubscribe.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI: ibex Expands Call Center Operations in Honduras, Creating 250 New Jobs in the Region

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer engagement technology solutions, today announced a significant expansion of its operations in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. This expansion underscores ibex’s commitment to growth in the region and strengthens its nearshore strategy.

ibex has officially added almost 10,000 square feet of space to its real estate footprint in Honduras. The expanded facility now includes more than 180 additional production seats, representing a 35% increase in operational capacity. The space also features additional recreational areas, offices and training spaces, demonstrating ibex’s dedication to creating a supportive and productive work environment for its employees.

ibex’s expanded operations in Honduras are expected to create approximately 250 new job opportunities, further contributing to the local economy. The new space became operational in mid-September, with the frontline team successfully handling its first calls. ibex anticipates full utilization of the upgraded space in the coming month.

“Our continued investment in Honduras reflects ibex’s unwavering commitment to the country and reinforces our successful nearshore strategy. I want to extend my gratitude to all team members who contributed their time and effort in bringing this project to fruition,” said Bob Dechant, CEO of ibex. “Our increased presence in Honduras is not only creating valuable employment opportunities, but also strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality services to our global clients. This expansion is also a testament to the skilled workforce in Honduras and our confidence in the country as a key hub for our operations.”

The expansion comes on the heels of an impressive year of growth for ibex Honduras. In fiscal year 2024, the office saw a remarkable 249% increase in headcount, reflecting the rapid scaling of operations in the country. This growth has been driven by the introduction of new lines of business and clients within the Fintech vertical, as well as an expansion into HR support services.

Employee development and internal advancement in Honduras are key to ibex’s success, as evidenced by the promotion of 156 team members during fiscal year 2024. With the current expansion, ibex anticipates even more promotional opportunities in Honduras, further strengthening the company’s position as an employer of choice in the region.

ibex has been recognized for its outstanding culture, employee experience, development opportunities, and service, including Best Place to Work for Women in Central America and the Caribbean by Great Place to Work, Nearshore Company of the Year by Nearshore Americas, and Central America and Caribbean Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan.

About ibex

ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of approximately 30 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

ibex leverages its diverse global team of over 30,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including the AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Dan Burris
ibex
Daniel.Burris@ibex.co

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/877c79ca-4329-4c48-b613-1c7f982f52c9

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on September 26 2024-10-08 Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), releases news at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 26, 2024.

Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 26, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

(The following English text of the press conference is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

Zhang Xiaogang: Friends from the media, good afternoon. Welcome to this month’s regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense.

I have four pieces of news at the top.

The first one.

At the invitation of the Ministry of National Defense of Laos, the rotating chair of ASEAN, a working group of China’s Ministry of National Defense attended the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane on Sep. 26th. During the meeting, the Chinese side had discussions with representatives of other parties on international and regional security landscape, and advocated to jointly promote the Global Security Initiative, strengthen strategic communication and deepen defense cooperation to consolidate regional peace and stability.

The second one.

China’s Ministry of National Defense hosted the 21st Expert Working Group (EWG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) Defense Ministers’ Meeting in PLA National Defense University in Beijing from September 25th to 26th. Representatives from SCO member states and the Secretariat exchanged views on military cooperation at the event. This is the first EWG meeting under the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting hosted by China after its assumption of the rotating presidency. It’s also the first time for Belarus to attend as a full member of the SCO.

The third one.

At the invitation of the South African Navy, PLA Navy ship (PLANS) Xuchang from the 46th naval task group for escort missions will participate in the International Navy Day in Cape Town in early October. During the event, PLANS Xuchang will participate in the international fleet review and host an Open Day activity. In addition, it will have a maritime drill with the South African Navy.

The fourth one.

The Chinese government and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons(OPCW) will co-host the third training course on medical aid and protection against chemical weapons in PLA Air Force Medical University from October 13th to 19th. Over 30 participants from more than 20 State Parties including Germany, Brazil and Morocco will participate in the training. They will focus on topics such as the symptom, diagnose and treatment of chemical weapons poisoning, the medical transportation and classification of the injured by chemical weapons, and organization and implementation of medical recue in dealing with chemical weapons. In the spirit of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the course is to strengthen rescue and response capabilities against chemical weapons, enhance capacity-building in medical protection and treatment, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), releases news at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 26, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

Question: There are growing interaction between the Chinese and US militaries in recent time. The commanders of the PLA Southern Theatre Command and US Indo-PACOM had a video phone call. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China attended the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum and the two sides had the 18th Defense Policy Coordination Talks. What’s your comment on the current China-US mil-mil relations and what interaction the two sides will have in the future?

Zhang Xiaogang: President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden had a successful meeting in San Francisco last November, and the two leaders talked on the phone this April. They have set the direction for a sound, stable and sustainable China-US relationship. At present, there is a stabler momentum in the overall and defense relations between China and the US. The two militaries maintain high-level strategic communication, policy communication, institutionalized dialogues and exchanges in specialized fields. These engagements could help enhance mutual understanding, avoid miscalculation, and manage and control risks.

We require the US side to recalibrate its strategic perception on China, return to a sensible and practical China policy, and respect China’s major concerns. The US should make concerted efforts with China in the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation to stabilize and improve the mil-mil relationship through candid, effective and constructive dialogues and cooperation.

Question: I have two questions. First, according to a recent statement by the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), the United States urges China to reconsider using dangerous and coercive strategies that may escalate tensions in the South China Sea and other regions, What’s your comment? Second, at the news conference of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition yesterday, the deputy commander of the PLA Air Force said that many new types of aircraft developed by the PLAAF in recent years will be exhibited this time. Netizens are all eager to see the H-20 bomber. Can you provide us with more information?

Zhang Xiaogang: It is the US and its allies who is creating risks. Their vessels and aircraft have been conducting frequent close-in reconnaissance in China’s vicinity, trespassing into China’s territorial seas or administered maritime and air space, harassing routine exercises of the Chinese side, and taking irresponsible and dangerous moves. These operations severely undermine China’s sovereignty and security interests, put the safety of Chinese and their own personnel at risk, and jeopardize regional peace and stability. According to preliminary statistics, by September this year, the US military has sent about 1500 aircraft to China’s vicinity for reconnaissance or harassment, which fully showcased that the US side is a provocative and disruptive actor.

We urge the US side stop false narratives, stop dangerous and provocative operations, and strictly discipline its troops on the ground. The Chinese military is on high alert and will take legitimate and necessary measures to respond to provocation and safeguard China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.

On your second question, I think relevant departments will release information in due course and you can follow that.

Question: On the morning of September 25th, China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific after 44 years. Does this mean that China is accelerating the development of its nuclear forces? Will there be any change in China’s nuclear policy?

Zhang Xiaogang: This ICBM launch is to test our weapon and training performance. It is a legitimate and routine arrangement for military training. China nuclear policy is very stable, consistent and predictable. We strictly follow a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and pursue a nuclear strategy of self-defense. China does not seek any arms race. We have promised not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against no-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China will continue to keep its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 26, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

Question: The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress recently approved the National Defense Education Law, which will come into effect on September 21. Please give us more details about the amendment of this law.

Zhang Xiaogang: Defense makes a country and its people safe. The amendment of the national defense education law focuses on 4 aspects. First, it confirms the CPC’s leadership over defense education, and requires building a system with centralized and unified leadership, clear division of responsibilities, and civil-military coordination. Second, it emphasizes the combination of defense education at school and military service publicity. There are requirements to improve defense education at school to raise students’ awareness of perform military service in accordance with the law. Third, it regulates that the outline for military training for students should be co-drafted by relevant agencies for educational under the State Council and the CMC. Higher education institutes and high schools should organize military training based on the outline to strengthen military skills training and temper the will and discipline of students. Fourth, it asks to expand the scope and channels for defense education. Local governments can use opportunities of major festivals, commemorative days and thematic events to carry out extensive activities on defense education to strengthen the awareness for national defense in the society.

Question: US Army Secretary said recently that he discussed with Japan’s Defense Minister about deploying US Army multi-domain special task groups during his visit to Japan. Some analysts say it means the US may deploy Typhon mid-range missile system to Japan. What’s your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: We are closely following relevant moves. US deployment of mid-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific Region will intensify arms race, threaten regional countries and undermine global strategic balance. China is firmly opposed to it. What Asia-Pacific needs is peace and prosperity rather than conflict and confrontation. We urge the US side to stop this dangerous move and do not create tensions in the region. The Japanese side should stay cautious and do not invite the wolf into the house, otherwise, it would only push itself into a dangerous situation. The Chinese side will take resolute and effective measures to respond in accordance with the developments of the situation and its own needs.

Question: The US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell recently said at a meeting of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee that China poses the greatest challenge to the United States and the China threat is more serious than the Cold War. The 2022 National Defense Strategy report issued by the Commission on the National Defense Strategy said that the United States, due to its outdated defense strategy, unreasonable military structure, and inadequate capacity of the defense industry, is unable to handle the dual threats from China and Russia. What’s your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: In recent years, by perceiving China with its own hegemonic thinking and the Chinese military from a perspective of competition and threat, the US has gone too far to play up the alleged “China military threat”. Its intention is nothing more than finding an excuse for expanding its own military power. Records have shown that the US side is the biggest challenge to world peace and a source of future global warfare. China is opposed to US Cold War thinking and its narratives or actions that intensify confrontation and undermine China’s strategic security and interests.

China is a contributor to world peace and development and a defender of the international order. We stay committed to a defensive defense policy. China’s defense and military modernization is to safeguard its own security and interests and contributes to world peace. Playing the China card won’t help the us to solve its own problems. We require the US to have a sensible and objective view on China and China’s military development and strategic intentions. It should put more efforts on things that can help shore up China-US bilateral relations and consolidate regional peace and stability.

Question: The 2024 Quad Leaders Summit issued a joint statement which did not mention China directly but criticized coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea. It also announced to launch a first-ever Quad-at-sea Ship Observer Mission by coast guards of the four countries in 2025. What’s your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: Relevant joint statement uses vague languages to cover its malicious intention to target China. It needs to be emphasized that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters. It is fully legitimate, justified and beyond reproach for China to conduct constructions on our own territory and carry out law-enforcement operations in waters and airspace under our jurisdiction. Though not directly concerned in the South China Sea issue, the US, Japan, India and Australia are resorting to microphone diplomacy to criticize and smear China and stir up troubles and mislead the public. In particular, the US has deployed offensive weapons in the region, worked with its allies to step up military exercises, and conduct close-in reconnaissance against China’s islands and reefs. Talking about militarization, coercion, bullying, and bloc confrontation in the South China Sea, I think the US deserves these labels more than any other country.

Joint maritime operations carried out by relevant countries should contribute to regional peace and stability, and not harm the interests of any third party. The Chinese side is firmly opposed to actions that may stir up troubles and escalate tensions in the South China Sea. We will firmly defend our own sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interest, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 26, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

Question: Both China and India have recently made positive statements about de-escalating the situation in their border area, and the Chinese foreign ministry also spoke of disengagement of troops in four areas, including the Galwan Valley. There is a great deal of expectation that there will be disengagement in other areas along the border. What is your comment, please？

Zhang Xiaogang: For quite some time, under the guidance of the two state leaders, China and India have maintained communications with each other through diplomatic and military channels, including between the two foreign ministers, between the Chinese foreign minister and Indian national security adviser, and through the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), and the Corps Commander Level Meetings. Through these discussions and communications, the two sides were able to reduce their differences and build some consensus. They have agreed to strengthen dialogues, accommodate each other’s legitimate concerns, and reach a resolution at an early date that is acceptable to both sides. Before that day comes, the two sides will continue to consolidate the outcomes, strictly abide by bilateral agreements on border issues and confidence-building measures to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility along the border.

Question: I have two questions. First, Chinese and Nepalese militaries had a joint training, the Sagarmatha Friendship-2024, in late September in south China’s Chongqing. Can you give us more details? Second, the PLA used a Z-9 helicopter to stop and dispel an intruding Philippine reconnaissance aircraft from Huangyan Dao. What is your comment, please?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question. The Chinese and Nepalese armies are carrying out Sagarmatha Friendship-2024 joint military training. With troops in mixed units, this training focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations in urban neighborhoods and covers comprehensive subjects including multidimensional search, check point setting and blockade, stalking, rescue with arms, evacuation under cover, and clearing and screening. Alongside the training, the two sides also organized activities such as sports games, art performance and cultural exchanges. The Sagarmatha Friendship is a signature program between the Chinese and Nepalese militaries, and it is the 4th of its kind this year. The PLA will work with the Nepalese side to strengthen military trust and substantive cooperation, and build a closer China-Nepal community of shared future in the new era.

On your second question. The Huangyan Dao is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and China has indisputable sovereignty over it and its adjacent waters. For some time now, the Philippine side has been sending public or military vessels and aircraft to intrude into the airspace and maritime waters of Huangyan Dao without the approval of the Chinese side, which has seriously violated China’s sovereignty and undermined regional peace and stability. The Chinese side has taken necessary measures in accordance with law to stop and dispel these Philippine ships and aircraft and our operations have been professional and restrained. We will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in Huangyan Dao.

Question: It is reported that on September 25th, frigates from the JMSDF transited through the Taiwan Strait. Does the Chinese side know about this? What is your comment, please?

Zhang Xiaogang: On September 25th, Japanese destroyer Sazanami, Australian destroyer the HMAS Sydney, and New Zealand supply ship the HMNZS Aotearoa conducted transit operations through the Taiwan Strait. The PLA stayed on high alert and monitored the transit. We are opposed to such provocations in the name of the so-called “freedom of navigation” that send wrong signals to the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and undermine China’s sovereignty and security.

The Taiwan question is an internal affair of China that brooks no foreign interference. We urge relevant countries to respect the One China principle, stop mudding the water on this question, and stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The PLA will remain on high alert and take all necessary measures to counter any threats and provocations.

Question: I have two questions. First, according to media reports, the Russian military has sent maritime and air forces to participate in China’s Northern/Interaction-2024 exercise. Can you give us more details? Second, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship 9701 has withdrew from Xianbin Jiao and the PCG said it would send another ship to the reef and would not let it become a second Huangyan Dao. Philippine Defense Secretary said that if China removes the Philippine ship grounded at Ren’ai Jiao, it would be an act of war. What’s your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: According to this year’s cooperation plan between Chinese and Russian militaries, the Russian military participated in Exercise Beibu Unity-2024 organized by the PLA Northern Theater Command in relevant waters and airspace of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk from September 10th to 27th. More than 10 vessels and over 30 aircraft from the two sides were involved. The exercise is an effective test on interoperability of the two militaries in tactical commanding and joint operations. It further deepened strategic coordination between the two militaries and contributed to maintaining regional peace and stability and addressing security challenges.

After the exercise, relevant Chinese and Russian navy task groups will conduct joint maritime patrols in relevant waters of the Pacific.

The Philippine side recently pulled out PCG 9701 which had been illegally anchored in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao. It is the only right way forward and is conducive to restoring peace and stability in relevant waters. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Ren’ai Jiao and Xianbin Jiao. We will take firm countermeasures against any act that infringes China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Actions that violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and undermine regional peace and stability are unwelcomed. We urge the Philippine side not to have illusion and miscalculation and stop making any risky and futile provocations.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 26, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

Question: It is reported that China has recently sent marine troops to Brazil to participate in the Operation Formosa 2024 multilateral exercise. Can you give us more details?

Zhang Xiaogang: A contingent from the PLAN Marine Corps participated in the Operation Formosa-2024 multinational joint exercise in Brazil recently. The subject of the exercise is joint landing and counter-landing operations. It is the first time for China to participate in the exercise and the Chinese troops had good exchanges with other participating forces. The exercise helped build trust and friendship, and strengthened the capability of participating countries in jointly addressing security challenges.

Question: According to media reports, the Chinese military recently hosted demining courses for Cambodia and Laos. Can you give us more information?

Zhang Xiaogang: The PLA Army Engineering University hosted two demining courses for personnel from Cambodia and Laos respectively from July 1st to September 27th. Senior delegations from Cambodia and Laos, and representatives from the UN Mine Action Service(UNMAS), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center attended the graduation ceremony, and spoke highly of the demining courses as well as the graduation drills.

Cambodia and Laos are the most severely affected regions by mines. The Chinese military attaches great importance to international cooperation on demining, and takes cooperation and assistance on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) as an important step for building a community with a shared future for mankind and implementing the Global Security Initiative. Over the past 20-plus years, we have trained over 700 demining professionals from more than 20 countries, and sent demining EWG abroad to conduct on-site teaching multiple times. The Chinese military will continue to strengthen substantive cooperation with militaries in the region, and make contributions to international humanitarian demining cause.

Question: Recently the promotional video Cui Huo (Being Tempered) received a lot of coverage from both domestic and foreign media. Can you give us more information?

Zhang Xiaogang: The promotional video Cuihuo (Being Tempered) co-produced by the CMC Political Work Department, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the China Media Group started airing on CCTV-1 on September 11. It was simultaneously uploaded to major web portals and covered by more than 300 Chinese and foreign media. Views and clicks of the video have reached 5.37 billion. The video represents innovative efforts of the military to promote Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military online, and another masterpiece after two promotional videos Zhuiguang (Chasing Light) and Zhumeng (Following Dream).

Cuihuo is about how the military is raising political awareness and improving combat readiness. It tells touching and thought-provoking stories about ordinary service members from multiple perspectives, reflecting enhanced political loyalty of the people’s military and its solidarity and confidence in building a strong military. The popularity of these promotional videos shows the strength of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, and the confidence and resolve of the Chinese military to achieve its centenary goal.

Question: Taiwan’s defense authorities recently submitted to the legislative body its budget for 2025 which amounts to 667b TWD (148b RMB). According to another report, Taiwan’s army will purchase many types of UAVs for monitoring and attack in urban battlefields. What’s your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: Sticking to its policy of “Taiwan Independence”, the DPP authorities have been ignoring public opinion, making irresponsible moves and going further down the dangerous path of seeking independence by force. The more they spend on purchasing weapons, the more insecure people in Taiwan will feel. This strategy will only push Taiwan closer to the brinks of war. We warn the DPPD authorities that those who do wrong things will court its own destruction. More weapons will not change the fate of Taiwan Independence. The PLA has full capabilities to smash all separatist attempts for TWI and defend China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Question: What’s the type of the ICBM launched yesterday by the PLA rocket force? What signal is the PLA trying to send to the international community?

Zhang Xiaogang: On the test launch of the ICBM, we have released information on that in a timely manner, and I have no more information to add. I want to emphasize that this test launch is in line with international law and practice and is not directed at any country or target.

Question: According to reports, the first F-16V fighter Taiwan bought from the US will be delivered at the end of September. And 26 UAV manufacturers recently visited Taiwan. Chief of the Taipei Office of the America Institute in Taiwan said recently that there was a possibility for the US and Taiwan to jointly manufacture weapons. Meanwhile, some media reports said there are large numbers of moldy bulletproof vests and expired ammunitions in weapons assisted by the US to Taiwan. What’s your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: We are firmly opposed to any official and military contact between the US and China’s Taiwan region. Currently, the biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is separatist activities by the forces for Taiwan Independence and acquiesced support provided by external forces. Whether it’s US arms sale to Taiwan or so-called joint manufacturing of weapons, the true purpose is never protecting Taiwan but using the DPP authorities as a dumb cash machine to dump obsolete and stockpiled weapons and feed the US military-industrial complex. We warn the DPP authorities that the fate of a pawn is being abandoned. Those courting the US to damage Taiwan will be punished by time and justice. The PLA will take all necessary measures to defeat any separatist attempt for Taiwan Independence and foreign interference.

Question: In the video Cui Huo, we heard a J-20 pilot saying in an interview that he can never forget the moment when he saw the Taiwan island while flying in his aircraft. This sparked conjectures that the stealth fighter J-20 also participated in a patrol over Taiwan. Can you confirm that?

Zhang Xiaogang: Taiwan is a part of the Chinese territory. The PLA fighters can go there as they want. There is no need to be surprised.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 26, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

Question: I have two questions. The first is about the continued tensions in Lebanon. Recently, the engineering detachment of the Chinese peacekeeping forces in Lebanon successfully cleared an undetonated rocket shell. What is your comment on the incident? Second, the national security adviser from the Philippines recently said that they plan to purchase mid-range missiles and will continue to use America’s Typhon missile system for training, which means the system may continue to stay in the Philippines. What is your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, China is closely following the security situation in Lebanon, and we will further strengthen the security protection of our troops.

On your second question. China has made our opposition clear concerning US deployment of mid-range missiles in the Philippines under the cover of military exercises. We urge the US side to correct this wrong move and withdraw the missile system to fulfill its prior promise. The Philippine side should not have any miscalculation. Binding itself to the US chariot would only bring damages to itself. China has many options in its toolkit. We will take effective measures to respond in accordance with the developments of the situation.

Question: I have two questions. First, on September 26th, the defense authorities in Taiwan said that they monitored several PLA aircraft flying around the Taiwan Strait. Experts say the exercise was to prevent foreign interference. Can you tell us the purpose of this exercise? Second, about yesterday’s ICBM launch, which countries has China informed beforehand? The Japanese government said that it was not informed. Can you comment on that? Some experts say that this launch may increase tensions in this region. What’s your comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, it is legitimate and reasonable for the PLA to organize exercises and training activities in the sea and airspace around Taiwan Island. We will continue to strengthen military training and combat readiness, and regularly organize relevant military operations.

On your second question, the test launch of the ICBM by the PLA Rocket Force is consistent with international law and practices. Before the launch, we have issued warnings specifying the prohibited time and areas and informed several countries in advance through military and diplomatic channels. This fully demonstrates the openness and transparency of the PLA.

Question: Japan’s defense ministry announced a large-scale restructuring of its maritime self-defense force to establish a new marine corps and alert contingency. It also plans to increase defense budget and build a small satellite network. Some analysts say Japan may assist US intervention in the Taiwan Straits.

Zhang Xiaogang: We have noticed relevant moves by the Japanese side. In recent years, Japan has been accelerating restructuring of its combat forces and build-up in new domains, and developing long-range attack capabilities. There is a growing tendency for Japan to return to its militarist past, which violates its Pacifist Constitution and purely defensive defense, and challenges the post-war international order. We urge the Japanese side to take lessons from history, be cautious in military security and contributes to regional peace and stability instead of the opposite.

Question: I have two questions. First, the US Navy recently issued a strategic guideline on naval operations that claimed that the Chinese mainland has the greatest capabilities in the world in ship manufacturing and that the US should be prepared for a conflict with China in 2027. What is your comment, please? Second, the Chinese Ministry of State Security exposed a hacker organization called “Anonymous 64”, saying that the people behind this organization are from the Taiwan military. What is your comment, please?

Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, I think this rhetoric from the US side exposes again its Cold War mindset and militant nature. I have to stress that China has no intention of challenging or replacing the United States. The goal of our development is to deliver a better life for the Chinese people and provide new opportunities for world peace and development. China is on the course to build a strong nation and realize national rejuvenation through the Chinese path to modernization. No foreign forces can stop this trend. The Chinese military fears no threats or challenges, and will take firm actions to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

On your second question, you can inquire about relevant authorities for more information.

Question: The American website, Defense News, recently reported that the US plan to provide Taiwan with nearly US$570 million worth of “security assistance” has come to the final stage. This is by far the largest package assistance from the US to Taiwan region, which will be spent on training, reserves, anti-armor weapons, air defense, UAVs, and other subjects to protect Taiwan from military attacks from the Chinese mainland. What is your comment, please?

Zhang Xiaogang: We have noticed relevant reports. China is consistently opposed to the US selling weapons to the Taiwan region. What it has done has grossly violated the One China principle and the three China-US Joint Communiques, severely undermined China’s sovereignty and security interests, and sent very wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. It must be pointed out that the US attempt to contain China with Taiwan, to root for the DPP authorities and to bloat the arrogance of “Taiwan independence” separatist forces by providing military assistance and selling weapons to them, will do nothing but undermine the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. These actions will eventually backfire to burn the United States itself.

We urge the US side to stop military collusion with Taiwan and stop arming Taiwan in any way in order to maintain the relations between the two countries and the two militaries. Taiwan belongs to China. It is just across the strait from the mainland, and we will never let it drift away. The PLA will never back down in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will take firm actions to defeat any attempts at Taiwan independence and any interference by foreign forces.

Question: The website of Taiwan defense authorities recently released information that they have received detected mainland forces conducting joint landing exercises in waters near Dachengwan in Dongshan, Fujian Province. The exercise involved many types of fighters, helicopters and UAVs coupled with amphibious ships and RO-RO cargo ships loaded with ground forces. Taiwan defense authorities said they will closely monitor the exercise. What is your comment, please？

Zhang Xiaogang: The relevant exercise is a routine arrangement within the PLA’s annual plan aimed to improve the capabilities of our troops for fulfilling missions and tasks. The PLA fears no reconnaissance or harassment against its operations. The DPP authorities should be fully aware of the strong capabilities and firm will of the PLA, see clearly that “Taiwan independence” will never succeed, and completely abandon their separatist illusion.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of September 26, 2024. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

Zhang Xiaogang: In a few days, we are going to celebrate the 75th birthday of the PRC. In our epic journey in the past 75 years, Chinese people, under the leadership of the CPC, have made remarkable and historical achievements. Over the past 75 years, under the absolute leadership of the CPC, the people’s military has grown stronger through wars, challenges, reforms and transformation. It is always an iron great wall in defending national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and a staunch force for world peace and stability. Today, China is building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, and the Chinese military is forging ahead to achieve its centenary goal and build itself into a world-class military. Here, allow me to wish enduring peace and great prosperity to our great motherland!

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Public Participation in Machine Learning Bolsters Extraterrestrial Research

Source: NASA

When NASA conducts research beyond our world, scientists on Earth prepare as much as possible before sending instruments on extraterrestrial journeys. One way to prepare for these exploration missions is by using machine learning techniques to develop algorithms with data from commercial instruments or from flight instruments on planetary missions.
For example, NASA uses mass spectrometer instruments on Mars missions to analyze surface samples and identify organic molecules. Developing machine learning algorithms before missions can help make the process of analyzing planetary data faster and more efficient during time-limited space operations.
In 2022, Victoria Da Poian, a data scientist supporting machine learning research at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, collaborated with NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation to run two machine learning-based open science challenges, which sought ideas and solutions from the public. Solvers worldwide were invited to analyze chemical data sampled from commercial instruments located at NASA centers and data from the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) testbed, which is a replica of the instrument suite onboard the Curiosity rover. The challenges encouraged participants to be creative in their approaches and to provide detailed descriptions of their method and code.
Da Poian said her team decided to use public competitions for this project to gain new perspectives: “We were really interested in hearing from people who aren’t in our field and weren’t biased by the data’s meaning or our scientific rules.”
As a result, more than 1150 unique participants from all over the world participated in the competitions, and more than 600 solutions contributing models to analyze rock and soil samples relevant to planetary science were submitted. The challenges served as proof-of-concept projects to analyze the feasibility of combining data from multiple sources in a single machine learning application.
In addition to benefitting from the variety of perspectives offered by challenge participants, Da Poian says the challenges were both time- and cost-efficient methods for discovering solutions. At the same time, the challenges invited the global community to participate in NASA research in support of future space exploration missions, and winners received $60,000 in total prizes across the two opportunities.
Da Poian used lessons learned to develop a new challenge with Frontier Development Lab , an international research collaboration that brings together researchers and domain experts to tackle complex problems using machine learning technologies.
The competition, titled “Stay Curious: Leveraging Machine Learning to Analyze & Interpret the Measurements of Mars Planetary Instruments,” ran from June to August 2024. Results included cleaning SAM data collected on Mars, processing data for a consistent, machine learning-ready dataset combining commercial and flight instrument data, investigating data augmentation techniques to increase the limited data volume available for the challenge, and exploring machine learning techniques to help predict the chemical composition of Martian terrain.
“The machine learning challenges opened the door to how we can use laboratory data to train algorithms and then use that to train flight data,” said Da Poian. “Being able to use laboratory data that we’ve collected for many years is a huge opportunity for us, and the results so far are extremely encouraging.”
Find more opportunities: https://www.nasa.gov/get-involved/

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Compatio AI Announces Groundbreaking VFD System Configurator Model for Industrial Automation Distributors

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Sales Teams, Technical Teams, and Customers Can Now Discover, Select and Configure Complete Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) Systems Faster with More Accuracy

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Compatio AI, a leader in product configuration and recommendation solutions, is excited to introduce its latest innovation: the VFD System Configurator Model, specifically built for distributors and manufacturers in the Industrial Automation sector. This advanced model is the first to be released on the Compatio Configure platform, designed to streamline the process of selecting and configuring Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and all necessary components for a complete, compatible system.

Variable Frequency Drives are crucial in industrial applications for controlling motor speed and torque, but selecting the right VFD and ensuring compatibility with other system components can be challenging. The Compatio VFD System Configurator Model simplifies this process by guiding users through product selection with accurate, real-time recommendations driven by Highly Technical Guided Selling.

“We understand the complexity of configuring VFD systems,” said Tim Baynes, Founder and CEO of Compatio AI. “Our solution ensures that both the VFD and its associated components work together seamlessly, taking the guesswork out of system configuration and helping users build complete, reliable systems.”

Built on Real Intelligence™

At the core of the VFD System Configurator Model is Compatio’s Product eXpert Engine, which blends configurator logic, precise data, human expertise, and predictive technology. This combination powers Real Intelligence™, enabling users to make accurate, compatible product choices by tapping into decades of encoded industry knowledge.

Through the Highly Technical Guided Selling approach, users are guided step-by-step in selecting the best-fit VFD and supporting components, including Circuit Protection (fuses, circuit breakers), Line Reactors, Brake Resistors, and more. The result is a fully compatible system designed to meet the customer’s unique application requirements.

Clarifying the Role of the Configurator

To be clear, the VFD System Configurator Model is designed to help with VFD product selection and system component compatibility. It does not configure or set up the operational parameters or application settings of AC drives. Instead, it ensures that the selected products work together seamlessly within a broader system.

Empowering Industrial Automation Distributors

For distributors in the industrial automation space, this model is a game-changer. Whether it’s for sales teams with less technical experience or seasoned technical experts, the configurator empowers all users to confidently recommend and configure complete VFD systems. By reducing errors and increasing sales efficiency, it enhances the overall customer experience.

Additionally, distributors can prioritize in-stock items, reducing lead times and boosting customer satisfaction.

AHTD Fall Meeting & Industry Connections

Compatio AI will be exhibiting at the AHTD Fall Meeting in Bellevue, WA from October 16-18, 2024, showcasing its latest solutions. This event provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to experience live demonstrations of the VFD System Configurator Model and discuss how Compatio AI can help drive efficiency and innovation for distributors and manufacturers in the industrial automation sector.

Additionally, Compatio AI will be attending Pack Expo in Chicago, IL from November 3-6, 2024, and SPS (Smart Production Solutions) 2024 Expo in Nuremberg, Germany, from November 14-16, 2024. Compatio’s team will be available at both events to meet with those interested in learning more about the VFD System Configurator Model and other advanced solutions.

“We’re looking forward to connecting with industry leaders and showcasing how our Real Intelligence™ and Product eXpert Engine are transforming the way businesses approach VFD system configuration,” said Nathan Waters, Director of Industry Solutions at Compatio AI. “Our solutions are fast to implement, cost-effective, and designed to drive real value for businesses in the industrial automation sector.”

Value, Ease of Deployment, and Future Development

Compatio AI’s solutions are competitively priced and integrate seamlessly into existing systems, with rapid deployment that allows businesses to start seeing benefits quickly. The VFD System Configurator Model is just one of many solutions Compatio is developing to meet the evolving needs of the industry. We welcome feedback and collaboration from distributors and manufacturers to further refine our offerings.

About Compatio AI

Compatio AI specializes in product configuration and recommendation solutions, combining technology with human expertise to help businesses make better product decisions. Powered by the Product eXpert Engine, Compatio’s solutions provide Real Intelligence™ to drive accurate, efficient, and scalable product configurations. Compatio is trusted by leading distributors and manufacturers to simplify complex product setups, retain critical knowledge, and boost sales.

Media Contact
Victoria Guimarin
UPRAISE Marketing + PR for Compatio AI
compatio@upraisepr.com

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: The CBSA announces over 60 methamphetamine seizures bound for export to Australia
Source: Government of Canada News

The CBSA announced over 60 seizures of methamphetamine in British Columbia destined for export to Australia between March and August 2024.
October 8, 2024 Richmond, British Columbia Canada Border Services Agency

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting our communities by preventing harmful drugs from crossing our borders and combating transnational organized crime.

Today, the CBSA announced over 60 seizures of methamphetamine in British Columbia destined for export to Australia between March and August 2024. These seizures include 397 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 1,278 litres of liquid methamphetamine, which combined represents approximately 8 million individual doses.
- On March 12, 2024, Border Services Officers from the Metro Vancouver District seized 194 kg of methamphetamine at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility.
- Between the months of April and August 2024, Border Services Officers at the Vancouver International Mail Centre seized a combined 85 kg of methamphetamine in 54 separate incidents.
- Between the months of May and August 2024, Border Services Officers at Vancouver International Air Cargo Operations seized a combined 93 kg of methamphetamine.
- In July 2024, Border Services Officers at Vancouver International Passenger Operations seized a combined 25 kg of methamphetamine in two separate incidents.
These significant seizures can be attributed to the collaboration of multiple CBSA units, including teams in the Metro Vancouver District, the Vancouver International Mail Centre, the Vancouver International Airport, the Pacific Region Intelligence Section, along with the collaboration and contributions from our domestic and international law enforcement partners.

The investigation of these seizures was referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in British Columbia, who worked with the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force.
“International drug smuggling is a threat to the safety and security of our communities. The seizures announced today are examples of how the CBSA works with domestic and international partners to disrupt criminal networks and keep illegal drugs off our streets.”

– The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

“The successful seizures of a combined 397 kg and 1,278 litres of methamphetamine is a testament to the exemplary work and investigative expertise shown by Border Services Officers, intelligence officers, analysts and liaison officers. I want to recognize the collaborative efforts of our partners, including the RCMP and Australian Federal Police, for their hard work and dedication to public safety.”

– Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Pacific Region, Canada Border Services Agency

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Steely joint operation lands half a tonne of methamphetamine

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A joint Customs and Police operation has swooped on New Zealand’s second largest importation of methamphetamine, concealed in steel beams.

Both agencies descended on a rural Waikato property in darkness early on Friday morning, with two men visiting from Australia being arrested in the process of deconstructing the beams.

Customs earlier located the concealment of 515 kilograms of methamphetamine within the hefty steel beams in early September, after being sent from the United States.

Customs’ intelligence gathering and associated targeting prompted further investigation of the shipment, which uncovered inconsistencies in some of the 42 steel beams.

Customs’ Sea Cargo Inspections Facility officers x-rayed selected items in the consignment and conducted other additional examinations which led to the discovery of the large amount of methamphetamine.

Under Operation Girder, Police’s National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) have worked alongside Customs to identify the group responsible, with warrants being executed across Auckland and the Waikato over recent days.

All up five men, aged between 31 and 51, have been arrested. All initially appeared in the Auckland District Court on Friday, facing charges relating to the importation and supply of methamphetamine.

One of these men has been charged with unlawful possession of firearms after a military-style semi-automatic rifle and ammunition were recovered.

The two men arrested in the Waikato on 4 October are New Zealand passport holders but reside in Australia.

Detective Inspector Colin Parmenter, from the National Organised Crime Group, says the seizure is a significant disruption to the wider drug market operating within New Zealand.

“The significant amount seized in this operation is another demonstration of the Police and Customs partnership and commitment to the disruption and dismantling of transnational organised drug networks.

“It’s estimated that this shipment would have gone on to produce 25.7 million individual doses of this destructive drug, and preventing this harm is a key motivation for our staff.

“The organised criminal groups looking to profit from this type of offending will continue to be a key focus of our attention and resources.

This seizure is yet another example of the work being carried out to make New Zealand more resilient to transnational organised crime, Detective Inspector Parmenter says.

Investigations will continue and further arrests cannot be ruled out.

Customs says the operation shows law enforcement in New Zealand continues to successfully combat transnational organised crime.

“Customs’ intelligence gathering and targeting have played a critical role in detecting this smuggling attempt and identifying people responsible,” Customs’ Group Manager Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement, Terry Brown, says.

“This joint operation has yielded intelligence that will lead to further enforcement opportunities for Customs and Police and has prevented more than $570 million in harm to New Zealand communities and our economy.

“The method and scale of this smuggling operation clearly illustrate the amount of efforts organised crime groups are willing to go to but our seizure and the arrests Police have made equally show the skill and determination investigations and enforcement teams will apply to detect, disrupt and dismantle these criminal efforts,” Mr Brown says.

Anyone with suspicions about possible smuggling should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768).

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Urges EPA to Rescind Costly Waste Management Rule Hurting Oklahoma Businesses

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to express concern over a proposed rule regarding waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities.

The EPA’s proposed rule would further tighten Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for existing WTE facilities while simultaneously removing compliance exceptions, leading to dramatic and unnecessary increases in compliance costs across Oklahoma without significant benefit. The Senators urged the EPA to reexamine its proposal prior to issuing a final rule to ensure that new standards are set consistent with actual data provided.

“Municipal waste combustors, waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities, are a vital waste management technology that communities and businesses in Oklahoma use to divert waste from landfills, recycle metal, and generate renewable energy. Communities and businesses in Oklahoma, and across the country have invested billions of dollars to ensure these facilities are meeting the already stringent environmental standards set by your agency and by states,” wrote the Senators.

“The EPA should be mindful of the fact that imposing standards that WTE facilities will never meet is well beyond EPA’s statutory authority,” the Senators continued.

The proposed rule refers to the Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors, Voluntary Remand Response and 5 Year Review (89 FR 4243), which includes a re-evaluation of the MACT floor determinations issued on January 23^rd, 2024.

The Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 established the MACT standards to ensure that all facilities in an industry sector meet the same standards as the top 12 percent of performing facilities. The EPA set these attainable standards, known as ‘MACT floors,’ for WTE facilities twice, in 1995 and 2006.

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Administrator Regan,

We write to express concern about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule,

Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors, Voluntary Remand Response and 5-Year Review (89 FR 4243), which includes a re-evaluation of the Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) floor determinations issued on January 23, 2024.

Municipal waste combustors, waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities, are a vital waste management technology that communities and businesses in Oklahoma use to divert waste from landfills, recycle metal, and generate renewable energy. Communities and businesses in Oklahoma, and across the country have invested billions of dollars to ensure these facilities are meeting the already stringent environmental standards set by your agency and by states. In January of 2023, the Tulsa Authority for the Recovery of Energy (TARE) and Covanta (now Reworld), a leader in the sustainable materials management industry, established a 15-year agreement with a 5-year renewable option for the continuance of waste-to-energy operations in the city of Tulsa. Consequently, the majority of Tulsan’s household trash is now taken to a facility to be combusted and used for energy as opposed to immediately landfilled.

As you know, the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 established the MACT standards to ensure that all facilities in an industry sector meet the same standards as the top 12% of performing facilities. The EPA set these attainable standards, known as ‘MACT floors’, for WTE facilities twice, in 1995 and 2006.

Now, your agency is proposing to further tighten the MACT standards for existing WTE facilities, while simultaneously removing startup, shutdown, and malfunction compliance exceptions. We are concerned that the expected result of this proposed rule runs afoul of Sec. 112(d)(2) of the CAA. By imposing dramatically stricter requirements without compliance flexibility, the new standards are likely to impose hundreds of millions of dollars of increased compliance costs without significant benefit. The EPA should be mindful of the fact that imposing standards that WTE facilities will never meet is well beyond EPA’s statutory authority. Any final rule that contains these standards is certain to be litigated aggressively. The EPA is wholly aware that it can no longer rely upon the Chevron doctrine to defend overly burdensome regulations in court. Moving forward in this fashion will only waste the government resources to defend a final rule that cannot survive judicial scrutiny. Furthermore, expecting our local governments and businesses to achieve standards that are prohibitively expensive or are scientific outliers is unreasonable. If standards are unachievable, or too expensive to achieve, communities may have no choice but to close WTE facilities. This will result in increased landfilling, forgoing millions of dollars of investment in WTE technology and energy production, making it more difficult to maintain sustainable initiatives in Oklahoma and across the country.

We urge the EPA to reexamine its proposal to ensure that the new standards are set consistent with the actual data provided during the comment period by the industry to the agency.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter for Oklahoma. We look forward to your response and the opportunity to engage further on this critical issue.

Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NY Democratic Delegation Statement Condemning Vandalism of Rep. Espaillat’s District Office

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

New York, NY – Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Hakeem Jeffries, Jamaal Bowman, Yvette Clarke, Dan Goldman, Tim Kennedy, Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, Joe Morelle, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pat Ryan, Tom Suozzi, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, and Nydia Velázquez issued the following statement:

“As Democratic Members of Congress, we believe in the freedom to peacefully assemble and protest as a fundamental right of our great nation. Each day, we work tirelessly to uphold this freedom for all Americans.

“However, when protests become violent, with actions that cross the line into acts of vandalism, they are no longer protests; they become crimes. These acts of intimidation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Over the past month, the office of Congressman Adriano Espaillat has been attacked and vandalized several times. This targeted vandalism puts constituents and congressional staffers alike in harm’s way, disrupting congressional operations and social services that constituents depend on.

“The latest outrageous vandalism occurred on a day of solemn reflection to mark one year since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, murdering 1,200 civilians, including over 40 American citizens, and taking 251 hostages, including 12 Americans.

“Our delegation stands united in publicly condemning acts of violence, harassment, and intimidation. Together, we will keep working to ensure all perpetrators of such targeted acts against Congressman Espaillat, or any congressional office for that matter, are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2024

CONTACT: Matt Jansen (202) 494-1278

New York, NY – Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Hakeem Jeffries, Jamaal Bowman, Yvette Clarke, Dan Goldman, Tim Kennedy, Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, Joe Morelle, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pat Ryan, Tom Suozzi, Paul Tonko, Ritchie Torres, and Nydia Velázquez issued the following statement:

“As Democratic Members of Congress, we believe in the freedom to peacefully assemble and protest as a fundamental right of our great nation. Each day, we work tirelessly to uphold this freedom for all Americans.

“However, when protests become violent, with actions that cross the line into acts of vandalism, they are no longer protests; they become crimes. These acts of intimidation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Over the past month, the office of Congressman Adriano Espaillat has been attacked and vandalized several times. This targeted vandalism puts constituents and congressional staffers alike in harm’s way, disrupting congressional operations and social services that constituents depend on.

“The latest outrageous vandalism occurred on a day of solemn reflection to mark one year since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, murdering 1,200 civilians, including over 40 American citizens, and taking 251 hostages, including 12 Americans.

“Our delegation stands united in publicly condemning acts of violence, harassment, and intimidation. Together, we will keep working to ensure all perpetrators of such targeted acts against Congressman Espaillat, or any congressional office for that matter, are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

###

U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler represents New York’s 12th Congressional District, which includes parts of Manhattan, and serves as the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Extends Comment Period on Request for Information on Deposits

Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

WASHINGTON – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is extending until December 6, 2024, the comment period on the agency’s Request for Information (RFI) on deposit data that is not currently reported in the Call Report or other regulatory reports, including for uninsured deposits.

The FDIC issued the RFI to seek information on the characteristics that affect the stability and franchise value of different types of deposits and whether more detailed or more frequent reporting on these characteristics or types of deposits could enhance offsite risk and liquidity monitoring; inform analysis of the benefits and costs associated with additional deposit insurance coverage for certain types of deposits; improve risk sensitivity of deposit insurance pricing; and provide analysts and the general public with accurate and transparent data.

An extension of the comment period will allow the public additional time to consider the request, prepare comments, and address the questions posed by the FDIC.

ATTACHMENTS:

###

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brian Sullivan
(202) 412-1436
brsullivan@fdic.gov

FDIC: PR-87-2024

The FDIC does not send unsolicited e-mail. If this publication has reached you in error, or if you no longer wish to receive this service, please unsubscribe.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

Category: Australia

The Beginning of the Journey: From Ancient Greek to Neuroscience

On working in Russia: “At HSE, you do science and don’t notice whether you’re in Russia, Italy, or the Philippines”

On modern neuroscience, bilingualism and aging: “I may say something unpleasant, but the brain begins to age at 20–25 years old!”

About the future and dedication of scientists

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