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  • MIL-OSI Global: How scratching monkeys can help us understand emotions and consciousness

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Bonaventura Majolo, Professor of Social Evolution, University of Lincoln

    A recent study tested Japanese macaque self scratching Tathoms/Shutterstock

    Scientists Sakumi Iki and Ikuma Adachi recently spent a lot of time watching monkeys scratch themselves.

    Self-scratching among non-human primates is known to indicate social tension and anxiety. The two researchers from Kyoto University, Japan, wanted to use this link to work out whether being anxious (and so scratching a lot) made their monkey subjects more pessimistic, or whether their pessimism was what drove their anxiety (and their scratching).

    Their findings suggest the former is true, as the primates were more likely to make a pessimistic choice if they had scratched their body. This not only provides evidence for an important theory about how physiological changes are linked to emotional states, but also shows that monkeys’ body language can reveal some interesting cues about how animal consciousness may differ from that of humans.

    Several studies have previously shown that self-scratching in primates is linked to social tension and emotional state. For instance, a 1991 study found monkeys who were given an anxiety relief drug seemed to scratch themselves less, whereas monkeys who received an anxiety-inducing drug increased self-scratching.

    Research has also shown subordinate capuchin monkeys self-scratch more when they are approached by a dominant individual, perhaps due to the increased risk of aggression. Japanese macaques with a high tendency to scratch themselves are less likely to make peace after a conflict with their group companions.

    Researchers of animal and human behaviour often use self-scratching as a measure of short-term changes in anxiety, social tension and emotional state. Self-scratching is also linked to social tension in humans: people often scratch more during a short period of high anxiety.

    Self-scratching is an example of what behavioural scientists call displacement behaviour, which includes yawning, lip-biting, fumbling and face-touching.

    Research has shown it can also allow us to better cope with anxiety. For example in 2012, UK researchers asked participants to do difficult (and in some cases unsolvable) arithmetic calculations in front of an audience, and found that participants who displayed higher rates of self-scratching during the test also reported a lower level of anxiety after the test.

    Japanese macaques are well known for bathing in hot springs.
    mapman/Shutterstock

    The researchers at Kyoto University found that macaques seem to have a different relationship to displacement behaviour than humans.

    Iki and Adachi worked with six adult Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). They used videos of a macaque scratching themselves to induce self-scratching in their study subjects, since this behaviour is contagious, similar to yawning.

    They trained the monkeys to choose between different options on a greyscale touchscreen. The darker the shade of grey, the more likely the monkeys were to get a food reward.

    When they chose the lightest shade of grey, the touchscreen temporarily blanked out. The darkest shade of grey always rewarded the monkeys with food and the three shades in the middle had inconsistent outcomes.

    These stimuli tested whether the monkeys were biased towards optimism or pessimism. The monkeys who self-scratched were more likely to be pessimistic about the outcome of the inconsistent stimuli. The researchers measured pessimism in terms of reaction time.

    The longer it took a monkey to choose the ambiguous shades, the more pessimistic the researchers believed the monkeys to be. Monkeys didn’t seem to hesitate if they didn’t scratch. The researchers argue that scratching was a sign the monkeys were anxious and being anxious made the monkeys more pessimistic about the future.

    Their study was one of the first to test what’s known as the James-Lange theory in non-human animals. The theory argues there is a sequential connection between behavioural and physiological components of emotions and our experience of these emotions. According to this idea, behavioural and physiological responses happen first. This means, for example, that having an irregular heartbeat would make us anxious.

    The new results support the James–Lange theory. Negative emotions (measured by self-scratching) induce pessimism, and not vice-versa. The areas of the brain linked to basic emotions, such as fear, are similar in mammals. However, it is unclear whether the way we experience these emotions is comparable to other species.

    For example, two human subjects who have similar physiological responses in relation to anxiety may perceive it differently. One subject may be OK with anxiety, another subject may struggle to handle such situation. We know non-human primates have individual responses to anxiety, but we don’t fully know why and we can’t ask them.

    This study highlights interesting similarities, but also differences between humans and other species. A possible difference is related to consciousness. Humans have a conscious experience of their bodily responses which affects how we respond to them.

    An irregular heartbeat can make us anxious. This isn’t just because it causes a physiological response that induces stress, but also since we know that something is wrong when we feel that our heartbeat is irregular, which can make us even more anxious.

    I say this is “possibly” a difference because some researchers argue that other animals, like chimpanzees or elephants, may have some form of consciousness.

    Humans, unlike the Japanese macaques of this study, can also have the opposite temporal pattern predicted by the James-Lange theory. If I know that I have an exam tomorrow, this thought may make my heartbeat become irregular.

    The short-term link between emotional responses and the perception of these responses could be shared by many primates (the group of animals that include humans, other apes, monkeys and lemurs) and other mammals too. But research is yet to demonstrate this conclusively.

    Research like the one by Iki and Adachi demonstrates the importance of studying a wide range of species, and not just the ones closest to humans, such as chimpanzees and bonobos, to better understand what factors shape behavioural and cognitive skills in the animal kingdom.

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

    – ref. How scratching monkeys can help us understand emotions and consciousness – https://theconversation.com/how-scratching-monkeys-can-help-us-understand-emotions-and-consciousness-250694

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why your medical condition might be named after a food

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Taylor, Professor of Anatomy, Lancaster University

    “Strawberry nose” can refer to a skin disorder called rhinophyma or large pores or blackheads on the nose Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

    From watermelon stomach to chocolate cysts, you might wonder why doctors decided to name some ailments after foods – after all, it’s enough to put you off your dinner.

    When early physicians and surgeons were studying the body to understand normal function or disease, they lacked modern microscopic and molecular imaging and diagnostic techniques. Instead, they had to rely on basic observational skills and often used easily recognised descriptors to explain the appearance of organs and diseases.

    Food, then, became a convenient way to communicate the appearance of the body – in health and in sickness. This practice is known as eponymophilia and it continues today, particularly in pathology – the study of disease.

    There are lots of eponyms to describe the female reproductive system. Many healthcare workers describe healthy ovaries, for instance, as almond shape and size, while the shape of a typical uterus is often likened to an upside-down pear.

    Different shapes can be down to normal anatomical variation but can also be a sign of disease. Knowing these shapes and sizes allows for rapid identification during imaging assessments or medical examinations.

    Following childbirth and the cutting of the umbilical cord, the mother must deliver the afterbirth. According to 16th century anatomist, Matteo Realdo Colombo, the afterbirth looked like a “flat-cake”, and so he named it “placenta”, which comes from the Latin word for a type of cake.



    Read more:
    How a 16th century Italian anatomist came up with the word ‘placenta’: it reminded him of a cake

    Doctors examine the placenta carefully post-delivery to make sure none is left inside the mother – a condition known as retained placenta – which happens in 0.1-3% of births. Retained placenta can cause post-partum haemorrhage and and even the death of the mother, so checking the placenta looks like a “flat-cake” can save lives.

    While some eponyms, like the flat-cake placenta, seem straightforward, others can seem rather unkind. Take the common descriptions of Cushing’s syndrome for instance.

    People with Cushing’s often have a larger than average abdomen and lean legs, known as “lemon on matchstick” and can develop a “moon face” and a “buffalo hump”.

    Cushing’s disease is caused by long-term exposure to high levels of cortisol, a hormone the body makes to regulate its response to stress. It can develop naturally from tumours forming in the adrenal or pituitary glands, which produce cortisol.

    More commonly, however, it’s caused by some medicines, such as steroids – which contain a synthetic version of cortisol.

    Some eponyms can also function as euphemisms – making a serious, even threatening condition sound less worrying. Take “milky leg syndrome” or “milk leg”, for instance – deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the iliac veins in the pelvis or the femoral veins at the top of your legs.

    The blockage prevents venous drainage – when veins drain deoxygenated blood and return it to the heart – from the legs, which causes painful, pale and swollen legs.

    Research suggests that 75% of cases of milk leg occur in the left leg and men are more likely to develop the condition than women. There are a number of risk factors, including previous vein blockage, obesity and pregnancy.

    If not treated promptly, the condition can progress to phlegmasia cerulea dolens – a rare but serious complication of DVT causing fluid build-up that prevents arteries from delivering blood into the tissues – which can lead to tissue death and venous gangrene. Sadly, once venous gangrene has set in, amputation and death are common outcomes.

    While this all sounds grim, spare a thought for those who suffer from “hot potato voice”, which describes the sound of someone who has an obstruction somewhere in the upper part of their airway. This blockage prevents the person from forming sounds properly and can be caused by an abscess in or around the tonsils, or a stone lodged in the throat.

    Before I go on, it’s only fair to warn you that if you’re eating or drinking or you haven’t got the stomach for more graphic descriptions, you might not want to read any further.

    Not for the faint-hearted

    Pea soup diarrhoea is an apt description of a deeply unpleasant infection: salmonella. Salmonella – or food poisoning – is an infection with salmonella bacteria that causes diarrhoea, high temperature and stomach pains. It can be transmitted from person to person through contaminated food or water or from touching infected animals, their faeces, or their environment.

    Thankfully, most healthy people recover fully by drinking plenty of fluids and resting. Younger or older people are at greater risk of more severe illness, as are immunocompromised people, and they may be prescribed antibiotics to help them recover from the infection.

    While diarrhoea can look like pea-soup, some STIs can look like cauliflower. Yes, sexually transmitted warts caused by the human papilloma virus can have a “cauliflower-like appearance”.

    They are typically seen on the external genitalia, around the anus and may be present internally too. Certain types of cancers, such as squamous cell carcinomas, also have a cauliflower-like appearance as they develop.

    The thick, white odourless discharge that can be a symptom of thrush is often likened to cottage cheese.

    The vagina usually self-cleans by producing a white or clear discharge. The white colour is most common at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle; however, if the consistency becomes clumpy or curd-like, this is often a sign of infection.

    Most commonly, it’s a yeast infection but could also be a sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia. If there is a problem, this discharge is usually associated with other symptoms such as discomfort, pain, itching or an unpleasant smell.

    While some of these descriptions may seem unpleasant, they can be helpful to identify abnormalities and medical conditions. Food eponyms can help avoid confusion so doctors know what they’re looking for during examinations or surgery.

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

    – ref. Why your medical condition might be named after a food – https://theconversation.com/why-your-medical-condition-might-be-named-after-a-food-247543

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Snow White: this opportunity to empower Disney’s first princess falls short at every turn

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura O’Flanagan, PhD Candidate, School of English, Dublin City University

    Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a wonder of animation and cinema when it was first released by Disney in 1937. Based on the 1812 German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, it tells the story of a princess whose wicked step mother is intimidated by her youthful beauty. Desperate to be the “fairest of them all” the evil queen tries to have Snow White killed. Evading death, she is forced into hiding with seven dwarves.

    It was Disney’s first animated feature-length film and a critical and commercial success. Snow White was also the first Disney princess.

    In the decades since, Disney’s pantheon of princesses has grown. Alongside newer princess, Snow White seems pretty antiquated and uninspiring. She is a passive, innocent character who doesn’t do very much but wait around for her prince with whom she travels into the sunset at the film’s conclusion. In contrast, Moana (2016) and Elsa from Frozen (2013) are strong and independent characters who develop into thoughtful and careful leaders by the end of their stories.

    So, in an age of live-action remakes of some of Disney’s most iconic films it seemed fitting to give the character who started it all an update for modern audiences. However, the production was mired in controversy before it was even released, raising questions about whether Snow White is a story that can ever really be retold in a more empowering way.

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    Changing the story to move with the times is in keeping with traditions of oral folk tales. But, controversy has followed the film since it was announced. As a result, Disney scaled back their usual red carpet premieres and it has been critically panned upon release.

    To many, the prospect of an updated, less romantically inclined Snow White was unthinkable. Some online commenters dubbed a Snow White story where the princess is not dreaming of true love “woke”.

    There was also backlash against the choice of Rachel Zegler as Snow White because of her Colombian background. The live-action Snow White isn’t the first remake to be the source of such racism. The ire echoes the hatred which accompanied 2023’s The Little Mermaid, when black actress Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel.

    There were also those who had concerns about the story, particularly the titular seven dwarves. Actor Peter Dinklage, who has a form of dwarfism, has condemned the production’s use of CGI, rather than casting dwarf actors to play Snow White’s mining companions. The story’s representation of people with dwarfism, has led some to say that the story shouldn’t be retold altogether.



    Read more:
    Why the changing representation of dwarfism in Disney’s live action Snow White remake is so important

    However, there are some aspects of the story that could have provided interesting opportunities to explore modern issues.

    For instance, it could have thoughtfully explored female ageing through the character of the evil queen. It could also, perhaps, have commented on the politics of beauty and the pressure for consumers in their teens and twenties, who have started buying beauty products at younger ages than ever before.

    Like Frozen’s tale of sisters saving each other, it could have subverted the trope of the damsel in distress saved by her prince charming. Snow White could have been a strong heroine who can overcome evil on her own terms.

    The story could have revised mistakes of the past and depicted different body types and people of different sizes and statures. It could also have portrayed consensual kisses by updating the kiss Snow White receives while asleep, turning it into a moment she chooses to participate in.

    Unfortunately, the new Snow White does not achieve any of these, or really anything much at all. The result is a dull, pointless story with poorly rendered visuals, cheap-looking costumes and lacklustre musical numbers.

    Falling short

    The 1937 film was a technical marvel and remains one of Disney’s visual masterpieces. Snow White of 2025 looks like she is gallivanting through a theme park ride as she moves through the forest, bathed in permanent evening light among computer-generated woodland creatures in her garish costume.

    The miners are introduced as 274-year-old magical creatures. Their appearance is neither human nor magical creature, landing somewhere uncanny in between. This is the crux of the film’s entire problem. The opportunity to update Snow White fails on every level because it does not go far enough.

    The story largely remains intact, with some expansion in terms of backstory and some additional characters. The evil queen remains a one-dimensional villain obsessed with beauty.

    The script plays with the word “fair”, with it taking on a confused double-meaning in the story. To the queen “fair” is beautiful, in keeping with the 1937 film, but to Snow White, “fair” means just. This is an interesting idea but it becomes muddled as the film progresses, and loses its way.

    Snow White is portrayed with an expanded backstory and is certainly given more motivation than in the 1937 film. For instance, she wants to reinstate “fairness” in the kingdom, which has been under the tyrannical rule of the evil queen since Snow White’s father’s death. But as more characters are introduced to aid Snow White on her journey, these serve as distraction and buffer, preventing her from showing any real development or growth.

    Prince Charming has been replaced by Jonathan, a Robin Hood-style bandit who condescendingly explains to Snow White why she has “princess problems”. He ultimately saves her by giving her true love’s kiss when she is under the queen’s spell. The issue of consent still swirls around this scene and underscores the question: is this an update at all?

    In the end, the queen is ultimately defeated by collective action, compared with a lightning bolt like in 1937. This is a significant development and perhaps the clearest update in the film. In 2025, the defeat of a vain autocrat by collective action is an appealing thought. Perhaps the filmmakers could have leaned into this idea, allowed Snow White to truly become one of the people and a clear democracy could have been established. But, like every other of the film’s updates, it falls short and she remains an unelected autocrat – albeit “the fairest one of all”.

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

    – ref. Snow White: this opportunity to empower Disney’s first princess falls short at every turn – https://theconversation.com/snow-white-this-opportunity-to-empower-disneys-first-princess-falls-short-at-every-turn-253064

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Signal chat group affair: unprecedented security breach will seriously damage US international relations – expert view

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Robert Dover, Professor of Intelligence and National Security & Dean of Faculty, University of Hull

    Plans for an attack against an enemy target are classified in America. But the private views of high-ranking officials about allies, communicated within government, must also count as intelligence to be protected.

    The recent communication of this category of information over the Signal messaging app has been dismissed by the US president, Donald Trump as a mere “glitch”. It is definitely that. But it also raises the prospect that in his first two months of office, key parts of the administration might have inadvertently been leaving sensitive information vulnerable to enemy interception. That would be one of the most serious intelligence breaches in modern history.

    National security advisor, Mike Waltz, has subsequently “taken responsibility” for the episode – but, so far at least, remains in post. Instead, the administration has decided to launch bitter ad hominem attacks against the journalist that revealed this breach of security, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg.

    Storied national security reporter: The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg.
    US Secretary of Defense

    Trump called Goldberg a “total sleazebag”, defense secretary Pete Hegseth referred to him as “deceitful and highly discredited”. Walz called him “the bottom scum of journalists”.

    The recent chat group reported exchange involved the adminstration’s most senior national security officials: Waltz, Hegseth, Vice-President J.D. Vance, secretary of state Marco Rubio and director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, among others.

    As we know now, it also, accidentally, included Goldberg, himself a storied national security reporter before he took up the editorship of the Atlantic. It’s a national security blunder almost without parallel.

    Interestingly, some of the people on this chat were among those who savaged Hilary Clinton’s use of a personal email address during her time as secretary of state. This was controversial, but did not meet the standard for prosecution. Most of her work-related emails were archived into federal records by their recipients on government email. It was poor practice, and regulations were significantly tightened after.

    If an inquiry is set up about this most recent incident, it will be interesting to see whether these messages are treated as federal records. This would be signficant because the messages would need to be handed over to officials to classify and archive as part of the public record. That would certainly clear up whether this was indeed a “glitch” or whether classified information was indeed shared – something the administration still denies.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    For such an elevated group of US government officials to use a consumer messaging app to talk business invites an easy win for enemy intelligence agencies. America’s key intelligence competitors invest billions of dollars in techniques and technologies to break the toughest encryption. For phone-based communications, we know that apps such as NSO Group’s Pegasus can be used to bypass the encryption on phones.

    The Guardian newspaper’s investigative work has highlighted how journalists and activists were targeted by countries using this technology and the interception capability of capable intelligence nations is far stronger. So the standard security induction to officials would cover communications, devices and protocols.

    It is not clear whether the protocols cover the use of emojis. Waltz’s use of a fist, fire and flag emoji is certainly unusual in diplomatic cables that have been aired publicly.

    Even worse, the communication between these officials was prior to a deployment of US military assets against an enemy target, the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This potentially placed the success of the operation and those assets at risk.

    That the Yemenis did not move assets that had been targeted does not conclusively prove that the communications remained safe. It has long been a practice to pick and choose when to risk revealing that communications are being intercepted.

    Zero accountability

    An ordinary intelligence officer who communicated about highly sensitive and classified deployments through a platform with security that is not accredited or controlled by the intelligence community, would certainly face disciplinary action. An officer who accidentally invited a journalist into this chat would be likely to face even stiffer sanctions. Trump seems to have rallied around his officials, however.

    The US has recent form in vigorously pursuing journalists who publish classified materials. The Edward Snowden leaks caused considerable damage to transatlantic intelligence and Snowden was forced to take up residence in Moscow to avoid prosecution.

    The newspapers who published his papers were subject to strong action from the governments in their countries. The publication of Chelsea Manning’s leaked cables – known as Cablegate – by Julian Assange and Wikileaks resulted in a lengthy process to try and prosecute Assange (Manning herself was prosecuted and was sentenced to 35 years in jail, serving seven).

    But instead, Trump has chosen to spearhead a backlash against The Atlantic – the “messenger”. It fits in with Trump’s antipathy towards the mainstream media and his strong preference for some social media outlets. It might also signal a more serious turn towards intolerance to investigative journalism.

    Diplomatic disaster

    What the Signal messages also reveal is a contempt for European allies among Trump’s most senior people. That will be difficult to repair. Describing allies who have lost thousands of soldiers supporting American foreign policy aims as “pathetic” and “freeloaders” will make it very difficult for those governments to underplay the significance of the comments.

    What we have seen in the Signal messages might herald a new era of diplomacy and policy making, by officials who are not afraid to break established patterns. What we can definitely say is that it is radically different to the diplomacy the rest of the west is used to, and it will be nearly impossible to unsee.

    The western allies will be accelerating their plans to be less dependent on the US – and this will be to America’s detriment.

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

    – ref. Signal chat group affair: unprecedented security breach will seriously damage US international relations – expert view – https://theconversation.com/signal-chat-group-affair-unprecedented-security-breach-will-seriously-damage-us-international-relations-expert-view-253090

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: MissionSquare Retirement Earns 2024 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™ for the second year in a row

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Washington, D.C., March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cigna Healthcare has selected MissionSquare, an organization that advocates for retirement security and financial well-being, as a recipient of their 2024 Gold Healthy Workforce Designation for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees through a workplace well-being program.

    The award highlighted MissionSquare’s senior leadership for actively endorsing wellness initiatives. The program effectively promotes vitality on multiple fronts, employing various communication methods such as departmental and leadership meetings. To encourage participation, MissionSquare also provides incentives for engaging in wellness activities.

    “We are proud to have achieved Cigna’s Gold designation, highlighting our work to promote employee health and well-being,” said Lisa Raff, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at MissionSquare. “This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to provide activities, tools, and resources to help our employees thrive, and we’re honored to be acknowledged by Cigna.”

    MissionSquare’s innovative well-being program takes a holistic approach to employee health and productivity. Going beyond standard paid time off (PTO), the comprehensive initiative emphasizes relaxation, personal days, and holidays, aiming to cultivate a healthier and more productive workforce. By prioritizing the overall health of their team, MissionSquare not only elevates their employees’ quality of life but also establishes a new industry standard. 

    Vitality is defined as the capacity to pursue life with health, strength and energy. It is both a driver and an outcome of health and work/life engagement, and Cigna Healthcare believes it is not only essential to individuals, but also a catalyst for business and community growth. Research conducted as part of the Evernorth Vitality Index confirms that those with higher vitality experience better mental and physical health along with higher levels of job satisfaction and performance. An opportunity remains for employers as less than one in five U.S. adults report having high levels of vitality. A workplace well-being program that takes a comprehensive approach to employee health can be critical in boosting vitality and building a workforce that experiences better overall health and job productivity.

    “Higher vitality is linked to a more motivated, connected, and productive workforce,” said Kari Knight Stevens, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, The Cigna Group. “Employers that foster vitality will fuel a healthier workplace and drive business and economic growth. That’s why we’re proud to recognize employers for their efforts to prioritize multiple dimensions of wellness, build a culture of health, and boost employee engagement.”

    The Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation evaluates organizations based on the core components of their well-being program, including leadership and culture, program foundations and execution, policies and accommodations, and additional areas. Organizations recognized with this designation set the standard of excellence for organizational health and vitality.

    About MissionSquare Retirement
    Since our founding in 1972, MissionSquare Retirement has been dedicated to simplifying the path to retirement security for public service employees. As a mission-based financial services company, we manage and administer over $72 billion in assets.* Our commitment to delivering results-oriented retirement plans, education, investments, and financial education sets us apart. Explore how we enable public service workers to build a secure financial future. Visit www.missionsq.org or follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

    *As of December 31, 2024. Includes 457(b), 401(k), 403(b), Retirement Health Savings plans, Employer Investment Program plans, affiliated IRAs, and investment-only assets.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Western Computer and Solution Systems Join Forces to Expand Microsoft Business Solutions and IT Services 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OXNARD, Calif., March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Western Computer, a leading provider of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Cloud ERP and Customer Engagement (CE) solutions, is excited to announce that it is joining forces with Solution Systems, Inc. (SSI), a Chicago-based Microsoft partner with deep expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC)/NAV and IT Managed Services (MSP). This strategic combination strengthens Western Computer’s ability to deliver end-to-end Microsoft solutions while enhancing service offerings for customers across North America. 

    By integrating SSI’s expertise, Western Computer, a member of Pine Services Group, expands its ability to deliver Business Central solutions, enhance managed IT services, and provide deeper Microsoft Modern Work capabilities—empowering businesses with a more complete technology stack. 

    “This is an exciting milestone for Western Computer as we continue to strengthen our Microsoft offerings and better serve our customers,” said Kristen Sage, CEO at Western Computer. “By combining forces with Solution Systems, we’re deepening our ability to help businesses digitally transform through Microsoft’s full suite of solutions.” 

    The integration of Solution Systems into Western Computer’s operations brings numerous advantages for customers, employees, and the broader Microsoft ecosystem. With Solution Systems’ deep expertise in Business Central/NAV and IT Managed Services, Western Computer is now positioned to offer a more comprehensive portfolio of Microsoft solutions, allowing customers to seamlessly manage their business applications and IT infrastructure under one trusted provider. Additionally, the combined strength of both companies’ sales and delivery teams enables Western Computer to attract and support more customers, opening new opportunities to participate in Microsoft’s partner programs and accelerating overall business growth. 

    Customers will also benefit from an expanded team of experts, providing enhanced support and deeper insights into Microsoft’s latest technologies. This collaboration ensures balanced workloads for delivery teams while fostering knowledge-sharing and professional development among employees. Furthermore, the addition of IT MSP services allows Western Computer to partner even more closely with customers by supporting their entire Microsoft tech stack, driving operational efficiency and long-term success. 

    “Western Computer and SSI joining forces strengthens our position in the Microsoft ecosystem,” added Kristen Sage. “We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our customers and employees while leveraging our collective expertise to deliver even greater impact.” 

    About Western Computer  

    Western Computer is a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) founded in 1987 to empower and enable businesses. Specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform solutions, services, and support, our 150+ senior-level experts bring advanced functional and industry expertise to companies across North America. With over 35 years of ERP, CRM, and business intelligence experience—and more than 1,250 successful implementations—we deliver solutions to meet the unique needs of specialized industries and companies of all sizes.          

    Western Computer is a member of Microsoft’s 2024/2025 Inner Circle, as well as a Microsoft Partner of the Year Finalist for the third consecutive year and receiving top accolades in G2’s Winter 2025 report.

    Learn more at www.westerncomputer.com or call (805) 581-5020.

    Connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Media Contact:    

    Amanda Sherry    

    Vice President of Marketing    

    Western Computer    

    Amanda.sherry@westerncomputer.com    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trade Crypto with 100x Leverage and No KYC – Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Instantly on BexBack

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

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

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

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

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

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

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

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: AI-powered job fair held in Harbin, China’s Heilongjiang

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

    AI-powered job fair held in Harbin, China’s Heilongjiang

    Updated: March 26, 2025 21:21 Xinhua
    Students learn about employment information at a job fair held at Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, March 26, 2025. Featuring AI technologies such as career counseling, resume polishing and interview, an AI-powered job fair with the participation of 620 companies was held at Harbin Institute of Technology on Wednesday, providing over 42,000 positions to job seekers. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A student learns about AI interview at a job fair held at Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Students learn about employment information at a job fair held at Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Students learn about employment information at a job fair held at Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Students learn about employment information at a job fair held at Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A student learns about employment information at a job fair held at Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Students learn about employment information at a job fair held at Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Students learn about employment information at a job fair held at Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, March 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Eyeing free trade port milestone, China pushes toward higher-level opening up

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

    BOAO, Hainan, March 26 — As the world economy faces mounting uncertainty and rising protectionism, China is reaffirming its commitment to openness, with the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) emerging as an important gateway driving the country’s opening up in the new era.

    At the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference, officials and experts underscored the significance of the Hainan FTP, as preparations accelerate for its independent customs operations, scheduled to begin by the end of 2025.

    “Following the launch of independent customs operations, the Hainan FTP is expected to further improve the free and convenient flow of trade and investment with the rest of the world, while forging even closer ties with China’s vast domestic market,” said Liu Xiaoming, governor of south China’s island province of Hainan.

    Local officials told Xinhua that preparations for the independent customs operations, a milestone in the construction of the Hainan FTP, have entered a critical sprint stage. All 31 checkpoint facility projects required for the operations have been completed, laying a solid foundation for the efficient movement of goods, people, and other key factors.

    Hainan is China’s first province to transform an entire island, spanning 34,000 square kilometers, into a free trade port that serves as a testbed for the unrestricted flow of goods, services, capital and data.

    “The mission of a free trade zone or port is to break down barriers, not to build high walls, and to create opportunities, not to monopolize the benefits,” Liu said, adding that Hainan is willing to cooperate with other global FTPs in areas such as logistics, industries and green development.

    Hainan FTP is also a frontier for the innovation of regulations and mechanisms, according to Zhou Xiaochuan, vice chairman of the BFA.

    As a key platform, the FTP can offer opportunities for countries worldwide, particularly those in Asia, to explore China’s vast market — home to over 1.4 billion people.

    “I think the FTP has great possibility to help international businesses get attracted to China and expand not only to serve China but also the rest of the world,” said Carl F. Fey, professor of strategy at BI Norwegian Business School.

    By the end of 2024, Hainan was home to 9,979 foreign-invested enterprises, 77.3 percent of which were established after June 2020, when China released its master plan for the Hainan FTP. The number of countries and regions investing in the province has grown from 43 in 2018 to 174 today.

    BFA Chairman and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called China’s decision to build the Hainan FTP “a courageous move that takes vision and leadership.”

    Highlighting the significance of Hainan alongside other global FTPs from Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong, Ban added that such models demonstrate what trade and openness can deliver for growth, well-being, and sustainability at a time when globalization faces headwinds.

    The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development recently revised its global GDP forecast downward, from 3.3 percent to 3.1 percent for 2025 and 3 percent for 2026, citing higher trade barriers in several G20 economies and increased geopolitical and policy uncertainty weighing on investment and household spending.

    Participants at the forum hailed the Hainan FTP as a prime example of China’s higher-level opening up.

    Since 1978, China’s commitment to reform and opening up has transformed it from an impoverished nation into a market-oriented economic powerhouse, driving high-quality development and creating opportunities shared with the rest of the world.

    “Regardless of changes in the external environment, we should remain steadfast in our commitment to opening up,” said the Chinese government work report released early this month. “We should steadily expand institutional opening up and take the initiative to open wider and advance unilateral opening up in a well-ordered way, to promote reform and development through greater openness.”

    In late 2024, China granted zero tariff treatment to 100 percent of tax lines from all the least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China.

    Since last year, the country has introduced measures to expand opening up in sectors such as value-added telecommunications and healthcare, completely removed foreign investment access restrictions in manufacturing, and reduced nationwide foreign investment access restrictions from 31 to 29 items.

    “We will ensure national treatment for foreign-funded enterprises in fields such as access to production factors, license application, standards setting, and government procurement,” the government work report said.

    Thanks to these efforts, nearly 90 percent of surveyed respondents expressed that they were “very satisfied” or “relatively satisfied” with the business environment in China in 2024, an increase of 2.1 percentage points compared to 2023, according to a report released by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

    China’s opening up at a high level, undoubtedly, is of great significance and will bring new opportunities for Asia and the world at large, Ban said.

    China’s GDP grew by 5 percent year on year in 2024, ranking among the world’s fastest-growing major economies and continuing to contribute about 30 percent to global economic growth.

    Looking ahead, Zhou Xiaochuan expressed confidence that as the Chinese government accelerates the rollout of core policies for the Hainan FTP, the province will play an increasingly vital role in a changing world, strengthening Asia’s ties and supporting broader global cooperation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China boosts global confidence for win-win cooperation

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

    Beijing, March 26 — Against the backdrop of global economic fragmentation and rising uncertainties, China reaffirmed its commitment to innovation-driven high-quality development and global cooperation at the just-concluded China Development Forum (CDF) 2025.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of CDF 2025, underscored China’s commitment to its 2025 growth target of around 5 percent, signaling strong confidence in the country’s economic prospects.

    The decision reflects both China’s profound understanding of its economic conditions, and confidence in its governance capacity and future development potential, Li said, calling for the combination of more proactive and impactful macro policies with structural reforms, and voicing hope that China will continue to welcome enterprises from around the world with open arms.

    The premier added that the country will safeguard free trade, and contribute to the smooth and stable operation of global industrial and supply chains.

    Themed “Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy,” the high-profile gathering held from March 23 to 24 in Beijing brought together Chinese policymakers, global business leaders, and leading international scholars to chart a course for sustainable growth amid uncertainties.

    “China is open for business and China is set for growth,” said Ola Kallenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, on the sidelines of the event.

    STABILITY AMID UNCERTAINTIES

    As the theme of stability resonated throughout the forum discussions, Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs, provided insight into China’s economic resilience and stability to counteract global uncertainties.

    “Amid rising external instability and uncertainty, China will remain firmly focused on pursuing its own development, leveraging the certainty of high-quality growth to offset external uncertainties and striving to serve as a stabilizing anchor for the global economy,” Han added.

    International observers echoed confidence in China’s economic prospects. Jeffrey Sachs, renowned economist and director of Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development, told Xinhua that China’s around-5-percent growth target is “perfectly achievable,” adding that the country is “booming in key sectors, especially digital, artificial intelligence, robotics, and this is going to propel a Chinese growth.”

    In the eyes of Standard Chartered Group Chief Executive Bill Winters, China’s growth story has shifted. “It is now about transformation and unleashing new productive forces to flourish to support high-quality growth,” he said.

    A PwC report released at the CDF noted that over the past two years, driven by new quality productive forces, China has demonstrated a commercial evolution path distinct from those of the traditional industrialized nations, marked by improvements in production factors, transformations in business models, and the intelligent reshaping of industrial chains.

    “This has opened up new opportunities for global business investment and development in China, highlighting the new advantages of the Chinese market during the global economic transition period,” the report read.

    INNOVATION AS NEW GROWTH ENGINE

    Finance Minister Lan Fo’an offered concrete details about China’s supportive fiscal policies, emphasizing their role in stimulating innovation and consumption. “We’re implementing targeted measures to convert potential demand into real growth drivers,” Lan explained.

    “This includes increasing fiscal support for tech innovation and providing tangible assistance to private enterprises.” He specifically highlighted plans to “accelerate the development of new quality productive forces” through strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies.

    Data showcased China’s progress: its global innovation index ranking rose to 11th in 2024, with 19.6 percent, 27 percent, 64 percent, and 91.5 percent year-on-year growth in semiconductor wafers, industrial robots, bullet trains, and drones respectively in early 2024.

    The nation’s emphasis on innovation as a driver for high-quality growth resonated strongly throughout the forum. Siemens AG President and CEO Roland Busch pointed to China’s advances in AI and high-tech manufacturing.

    “China gave the answer for where growth would come from: Growth from high tech, growth by higher efficiency, and high-quality growth,” he remarked, adding that China surprises the world with innovations like the open foundational model R-1 developed by DeepSeek.

    Kallenius also praised China’s innovation-driven market. “China’s competitive advantage lies in its passion for innovation,” he said. “That is why Mercedes-Benz continues to deepen its presence in China.”

    Reflecting this trend, AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot emphasized the country’s emergence as a global leader in life sciences. “Today, China is home to one of AstraZeneca’s Global R&D Centres, where our researchers in Shanghai are spearheading 20 global clinical trials and advancing over 200 pipeline projects,” he said.

    Prior to the forum, the British pharmaceutical giant signed a landmark 2.5-billion-U.S. dollar agreement on Friday to invest in Beijing over the next five years, the largest single investment in Beijing’s biopharmaceutical sector in recent years.

    Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will establish a global strategic R&D center in Beijing, its sixth worldwide and second in China after one in Shanghai. The new center, equipped with an advanced AI and data science laboratory, will accelerate early-stage drug research and clinical development.

    “Looking ahead, China will not only serve as a global innovation hub but also a core arena for setting standards and reshaping industrial chains,” the PwC report added.

    OPEN COLLABORATION FOR SHARED FUTURE

    From CDF 2025 in Beijing to the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in south China’s Hainan Province, foreign executives reaffirmed their commitment to China as a key market for investment and collaboration: China’s complete industrial system, rich application scenarios, vast market scale, and large talent pool offer extensive collaboration opportunities for international industrial and technological innovation.

    The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China said in its latest survey that 58 percent of its member firms plan to expand or maintain investments in China through 2025, while 53 percent of U.S. companies are expected to invest more in the country, according to the American Chamber of Commerce in China.

    BMW AG Chairman Oliver Zipse stressed that “economic prosperity comes from openness, not protectionism,” while criticizing trade barriers. “The best response to ‘de-risking’ strategies is more cooperation, not less.”

    Speaking to global business leaders attending the CDF, Lan also emphasized that China’s fiscal policy will support high-standard opening up, and that China will ensure equal treatment for all types of business entities and continue to improve the business environment.

    “For global companies, China’s commitment to high-tech innovation and open collaboration makes it an indispensable partner for long-term growth,” said Busch, highlighting China’s rapid technological advancements and collaborative spirit.

    Jean-Pascal Tricoire, chairman of Schneider Electric, said: “China is not only our second-largest worldwide market but it’s also a vital source of innovation.” For the French industrial giant, China will remain a key partner as it navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing world, he added.

    While China accelerates its push toward innovation-led growth and deepens its commitment to openness, global businesses continue to see the country as a critical partner in achieving long-term economic prosperity, and as the premier put it, there is a growing need for countries to open their markets and for enterprises to share resources, in order to address challenges and pursue common prosperity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Devon Energy Schedules First-Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OKLAHOMA CITY, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN) today announced it will report first-quarter 2025 results on Tuesday, May 6, after the close of U.S. financial markets. The earnings release and presentation for the first-quarter 2025 results will be available on the company’s website at www.devonenergy.com.

    On Wednesday, May 7, the company will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. CDT (11 a.m. EDT), which will consist primarily of answers to questions from analysts and investors. A webcast link to the conference call will be provided on Devon’s website at www.devonenergy.com. A replay will be available on the website following the call.

    ABOUT DEVON ENERGY

    Devon Energy is a leading oil and gas producer in the U.S. with a diversified multi-basin portfolio headlined by a world-class acreage position in the Delaware Basin. Devon’s disciplined cash-return business model is designed to achieve strong returns, generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders, while focusing on safe and sustainable operations. For more information, please visit www.devonenergy.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Technical fault impacting submissions of AML/CFT Annual Return

    Source: Isle of Man

    The AML/CFT Division of the Financial Services Authority (‘the Authority’) wishes to inform all stakeholders of a technical issue that has occurred outside of its control affecting the submission of the AML/CFT Annual Return and the timely delivery of 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes.

    Due to this unforeseen issue, some users are unable to log in within the timeframes required for secure 2FA access. The Government technical team is working diligently to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

    In light of these circumstances, the Authority has decided to extend the deadline for the submission of the AML/CFT Annual Return by one week. The new deadline for submissions is now Monday April 7th, 2025. We appreciate your understanding and co-operation during this time.

    We will provide updates as soon as the issue is resolved, and normal email services are restored. In the meantime, if you have any urgent queries or require assistance, please contact our support team at amlreturns@iomfsa.im or on 01624 686889.

    Thank you for your patience and continued compliance. A further communication will be sent once the problem is resolved.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Sanjay Malhotra: Address – Private Sector Collaborative Forum of the Financial Action Task Force

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    It is a pleasure to be here at the Private Sector Collaborative Forum (PSCF) 2025 of the Financial Action Task Force. I am happy to note that this is the first time that the forum is being held in India. I thank FATF for giving us this opportunity. In my previous role as the Secretary in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, I had the opportunity of being closely associated with the FATF during our mutual evaluation last year.

    About FATF

    Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the standard setting body for illicit financing has come a long way since its establishment in 1989. Over the years, it has evolved from an organisation with only 16 members to a global forum with 40 members. Through the FATF-styled regional bodies1, its reach is even wider. The standards developed by FATF are used by over 200 jurisdictions to combat money laundering (ML), terrorism financing (TF) and proliferation financing. The implementation of the standards has played an important role in strengthening the global financial system and making the world a safer place.

    India’s Mutual Evaluation by FATF

    India accords immense importance to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). Last year, India underwent the mutual evaluation by the FATF. India was placed in the ‘regular follow-up’ category, a distinction shared by only a few other G20 countries2. This is a recognition of our effective AML and CFT framework. It demonstrates our commitment to AML and CFT. This is a result of many years of building and continuously improving and strengthening the financial system of our country.

    This was possible due to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, led by the Government of India including financial entities and designated non-financial businesses and professions in the private and public sector, regulators, and the state governments. The private sector plays a vital role in keeping the financial systems secure. Their role in implementing due diligence procedures, conducting robust risk assessments, monitoring transactions, and reporting suspicious activities is critical for preventing the abuse of the financial system. They identify suspicious activities and help government agencies in destroying illicit financial networks.

    Strong public-private partnerships form the bedrock for safeguarding the integrity of the financial system. In India, we recognize the importance of close cooperation between public and private sector stakeholders in achieving these goals. Reserve Bank of India, as the regulator and supervisor of a large segment of the financial system in India has diligently and consistently worked towards building and ensuring implementation of a strong AML and CFT framework in this segment of the financial system, in line with FATF recommendations. The Reserve Bank has taken several initiatives to enhance cooperation and coordination with various stakeholders. Similarly, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)-India has also set up FPAC3, a public-private cooperation forum for facilitating closer interaction and collaboration. It has also supported the setting up of ARIFAC4 – a cross sectoral forum for the private sector reporting entities to collaborate among themselves.

    It is a result of these collaborative efforts that we have been able to build and demonstrate a robust and resilient AML and CFT framework. I compliment all the stakeholders, especially, the regulated entities in the financial sector as well as the designated non-financial businesses and professions for the successful mutual evaluation.

    However, as all of you are aware, the threats from money laundering and terror financing to the national and global financial systems are continuously evolving and becoming more sophisticated. This is primarily due to technological advancements. In order to effectively counter these threats, we need to continue the close cooperation among various stakeholders – government agencies, financial entities in both the public and private sectors, civil society, and others.

    The mutual evaluation process was rigorous and detailed. While providing us with valuable insights into our strengths, it has highlighted some areas of improvement in our AML-CFT framework. We are determined to further strengthen our financial system to deter and combat illicit financial activities taking into consideration the recommendations made during the evaluation. We will continue to strive for continuous improvement in this regard.

    Some thoughts on the Agenda for PSCF 2025

    I am told that yesterday’s sessions were very engaging and produced lively discussions. Looking at the agenda for today and tomorrow, I am confident that the deliberations on contemporary topics such as evolving AML-CFT landscape, financial inclusion & humanitarian channels, risk-based approach to supervision, digitalization & information sharing, beneficial ownership and countering of proliferation financing, will also be exciting. Let me outline some of my thoughts for the forum on these areas.

    First, while we all continue to make our financial systems safe and secure against money laundering and terror financing, we as policy makers need to be mindful that our measures are not over-zealous and do not stifle legitimate activities and investments. You would appreciate that multiple laws and rules, each with their own level of granularity cast a high level of burden of compliance on the regulated financial service providers. This is relevant in the context of AML-CFT too. Therefore, we need to have laws and regulations which, with surgical precision, target only the illegitimate and illicit, rather than use them as blunt tools which unintentionally hurt even the honest.

    Similarly, even while implementing the legal framework and regulations, we need to keep in mind the impact on persons and businesses. Risk-based approach is recommended in this regard. But let us keep in mind that this is only a step forward in reducing compliance burden. Let us appreciate that it is not the ultimate solution, as any risk-based approach is not perfect; it would have false positives and false negatives. We need to continuously refine and improve our risk assessment models to make them robust.

    To make these improvements, we need to improve the quality of our data and harness emerging technologies. This will help improve screening of transactions and detection of suspicious activities thereby reducing false positives and false negatives. Considering the evolving landscape in the area of money laundering resulting from changing customer behaviour and evolving products and services, we need to continuously augment AML risk assessment framework and make appropriate system enhancements on a regular basis after assessing the impact of ML and other risks. The focus has to also be on understanding the latest trends and developments in the financial world that can be exploited by criminals and accordingly develop tools and enabling frameworks that will allow us to detect suspicious transactions and activities early and take pre-emptive action. With the adoption of new technological tools and models, I am sure that AML-CFT risk assessments can be further fine-tuned. I would urge you all to discuss and share best practices in identification, mitigation and supervision of AML-CFT risks. This will not only help to reduce compliance burden on the Regulated Entities but also result in optimal allocation of supervisory resources.

    While India has made remarkable progress in financial inclusion, we need to ensure that we continue to widen and deepen it. The discussions on FATF standards to promote financial inclusion need to find answers to the challenge of aligning financial inclusion and financial integrity, especially for the developing economies. It must be ensured that regulations do not create unintended barriers to financial inclusion. We need to be mindful of customer rights and convenience while fulfilling the due diligence requirements. I am happy to note that the amendments to Recommendation 1 and its interpretive note under the Mexican presidency intend to foster and promote financial inclusion without compromising on financial integrity. Similar approach is needed to extend access of financial channels for supporting humanitarian aid.

    In recent years, digitalisation has been increasingly applied to customer onboarding and customer due diligence (CDD) processes. India has made huge strides in this regard too. The digital KYC and video KYC are shining examples of this. The Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) with more than one billion records is another example, which has the potential of ushering in a new era of customer onboarding by making it easier and seamless not only for customers but also for regulated entities to perform customer identification and due diligence. I am told there is a separate session to deliberate on the state of play of technical solutions in customer due diligence area. The discussions could be helpful in further enhancing the capability and utility of CKYCR manifold.

    Further, during the process of CDD, reporting entities collect a large amount of data from the customers. Moreover, there are requirements of sharing of information with Financial Intelligence Units, law enforcement agencies and data registries leading to concerns regarding data protection and sharing of information without consent. India has recently enacted a law for Digital Personal Data Protection. Exchange of experiences from different jurisdictions will help us in better implementing the law in our country.

    Another important area which needs discussion is the travel rule. In today’s world, fast payment systems are revolutionizing financial access and deepening financial inclusion. Developing countries like India have made huge progress in making digital payments accessible, affordable, and convenient. While card networks have helped developed economies in improving payment systems, fast payment systems have assisted Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs) leapfrog in this area. We have also enabled cross border payments using fast payment systems with a few countries. We will continue to work towards fulfilling our commitment to the effective implementation of the next phase of G20 roadmap towards inclusive cross-border payments by 2027. In this context, the ongoing discussions on FATF Recommendation 16 (R.16), known as the travel rule, assume importance. To meet the G20 objective of making cross-border payments faster, cheaper, more transparent and more inclusive, while maintaining their safety and security, it would be desirable to make the travel rule technology-neutral.

    Lastly, discussions regarding combating proliferation financing and sanctions evasion need to answer questions related to identification of products and services which are most vulnerable to exploitation and the mitigation of the risks related to such products. This forum can discuss the best practices as well as challenges in this regard.

    Conclusion

    To conclude, I would like to stress that through our collaborative efforts, we can safeguard the trust that underpins the global financial framework. Together, let us continue to collaborate and innovate in building a financial ecosystem that is not only safe and secure but also fast, convenient, accessible and affordable. Let us build financial systems that not only thwart the attempts of money laundering, terror financing and proliferation financing, but also support financial inclusion, encourage innovation, and facilitate economic growth. In the end, I wish the forum very fruitful and productive deliberations.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Gabriel Makhlouf: Opening remarks – launch of the Consumer Protection Code 

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning everyone, 

    I would like to welcome you all to the Central Bank today.

    Welcome in particular to Robert Troy TD, Minister of State, as well as Brian McHugh, Chair of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), and Liam Sloyan the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).

    We are also joined by stakeholders from across the financial system who, over the last three years, have supported and informed the development of the revised Consumer Protection Code which we are publishing today. Thank you all for coming and thank you for your commitment to dialogue and engagement to inform the new Code. You have made an important contribution to the new Code.

    Before turning to the Code itself, let me say a few words about consumer protection more generally and our approach here in the Central Bank of Ireland.

    Our mission is to serve the public interest by maintaining monetary and financial stability while ensuring that the financial system operates in the best interests of consumers and the wider economy.  We are guided by the objective set out in our founding legislation which stated that the Central Bank’s “constant and predominant aim shall be the welfare of the people as a whole”.  Everything that we do is aimed at serving the public interest and protecting consumers of financial services, whether it is through the consumer protection code, the mortgage measures, our monetary policy actions, our oversight of the payments system, or our supervision of individual firms. 

    Over the last decade, we have, along with the CCPC and FSPO in particular, played a significant role in strengthening the consumer protection framework in Ireland, to ensure that the system and protections are in line with global standards.  I was pleased with the endorsement we received from the OECD just before Christmas.  But while this strengthening of the framework has improved supports and outcomes for consumers, we also recognise the importance of ensuring that the framework – like all frameworks – continues to adapt and evolve so that it remains fit for purpose and future-ready.   

    The challenges and risks facing us are clear. The global economy is fragmenting and countries across the globe are undergoing significant economic transitions – in demography, in technology, in climate – while also experiencing a period of unprecedented innovation.  The ways in which we as consumers buy, use and engage with financial services are changing significantly.  These changes reflect new preferences, provide new opportunities and meet different needs on the part of individuals, households and businesses.  But they also create new challenges and new risks in the financial sector that we supervise and for the consumers we protect. 

    In the face of this changing ecosystem, we need to adapt, evolve and transform.  In fact all of us – firms, regulators, advocates, media – need to work together to secure customers’ interests as they seek to navigate their financial affairs and to plan for their financial futures.

    As set out in our Strategy, the Central Bank recognises that we must keep up with the changing world if we are to continue to deliver on our mandate.  As both a regulator and supervisor we are working to ensure that our frameworks are ready to respond to the changes that people are experiencing in their daily lives, and that we are connected to – and understand – the needs of the individuals, households and businesses that make up the real economy which ultimately supports the welfare of the people as a whole.  For us it means being focused on innovation, building our data capability, modernising our regulations, evolving to adopt new mandates and transforming our supervisory framework. 

    Our new supervisory approach came into effect in January this year. It remains outcomes-focused and risk-based, building on our existing principles and practices.  The changes enable a more integrated approach to the different aspects of our mandate but remain focused on achieving four safeguarding outcomes: the protection of consumer and investor interests, the integrity of the financial system, the safety and soundness of firms, and the stability of the financial system.  Importantly, our new approach places consumer protection at the heart of day-to-day supervision. It positions us better as an organisation to meet our objectives to ensure consumers of financial services are protected in a changing financial landscape. 

    Consumer Protection Code 

    Let me turn to the revised Consumer Protection Code itself.  It is built on the strong foundations of its predecessor which is the cornerstone of our – and the wider national – consumer protection framework for financial services. Throughout the course of the morning, you will hear further detail on the measures and protections that the updated Code will introduce. And you will also be able to read about them in the suite of materials that we are publishing today. 

    At its core, financial regulation is about supporting positive outcomes, protecting consumers and investors, and, ultimately, contributing to the economic well-being of the community as a whole. In reviewing the Code we have focused on modernising the regulatory framework to reflect the provision of financial services in a digital world. Consumers will benefit from a package of protections that better reflect how they are accessing financial services in the modern world.  Regulated firms will benefit from an integrated regulatory format, and a clearer articulation of their Code obligations, complementing the work they are already doing.

    One of our key objectives in revising the Code has been to put customers at the heart of the culture, strategy and business models of financial services firms. This is addressed through a new Securing Customers’ Interests Standard, supported by detailed guidance which describes what firms need to consider, the actions they need to take, and the mind-set they should have towards their customers.  We want to see a maturing of firms’ understanding and engagement with their consumer protection obligations where they take ownership for meeting these obligations, deliver positive outcomes and are proactive in addressing any issues that arise.

    Another important aspect of our review has been on protecting consumers in vulnerable circumstances, as they are more likely to suffer detriment or harm.  The new Code sets out an updated definition of vulnerability along with enhanced requirements which reflect an improved understanding of its dynamic nature, recognising that people can move in and out of circumstances that make them vulnerable.  We want firms need to understand the broad nature of vulnerability, and ensure that their culture, policies and processes take account of the needs of consumers in vulnerable circumstances. 

    The revised Consumer Protection Code comes into effect 12 months from today.  We will continue to engage with industry and consumer representatives in relation to its implementation over the next year.  We want to see the new Code contributing to building trust in the financial system and for consumers to have the confidence that it will work to deliver positive outcomes for them.

    In my view implementing the revised Code successfully will be more likely if it is seen as a collective effort on the part of all participants in the financial system:

    • firms must continue to put the customer at the heart of their culture, strategy, business model and decision-making.  Customer interests should not be the afterthought to finalising a strategy. Consideration of the impacts on customers and customer outcomes needs to be a key aspect of the strategy development and decision-making process itself;
    • consumer representative organisations play an important role in supporting and advising consumers in their interactions with financial services and I’m sure they will continue to do this as we work through implementation of the revised Code;
    • media organisations of course play an important role in informing all the participants in the system;
    • agencies such as the CCPC, FSPO and others will continue to play their important roles as key players in the national consumer protection framework; and
    • the Central Bank we will remain focused on ensuring that the financial system operates in the best interests of consumers and the wider economy, as well as playing our part in communicating with consumers to raise their awareness of the revised Code. 

    Adopting a whole-of-system approach will support effective implementation of the revised Code and ensure the protection of consumer and investor interests in their interactions with a rapidly-changing financial system.

    Thank you once again for joining us today. 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Lotlinx Survey Reveals Growing Adoption and Benefits of Machine-Driven Technologies in Auto Dealerships

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DETROIT, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lotlinx, the auto industry’s leading VIN-specific data company for dealership inventory management, announced today results of its latest industry survey, highlighting the increasing adoption and significant benefits of machine-driven technologies among auto retailers. The online survey, conducted in March 2025, was presented to more than 2,500 dealers across the U.S. and reveals both the advantages for early adopters and the need for further industry-wide implementation. Click here to see the full survey results infographic. 

    The survey found that nearly 30% of dealers are currently using machine learning, while another 30% are utilizing predictive modeling, up from 21% from a survey conducted last November. For vehicle pricing decisions, approximately 40% of dealers are leveraging these technologies for both new and used vehicles, with a majority (over 60%) finding them effective in optimizing pricing strategies. However, one in ten dealers reported not using any machine-driven technologies, indicating room for growth.

    In terms of inventory management, half of dealers (50%) are currently employing machine-driven technologies for inventory decisioning. The use of these technologies for inventory carryover decisioning is particularly noteworthy, with 80% of dealers using them on a daily or weekly basis.

    Dealers using machine-driven technologies reported several key benefits, especially in the areas of decisioning and pricing results. Of the 70% of dealers who have been able to compare the outcomes of machine-assisted decisioning versus human decisioning, 70% said machines have proven to be more successful in inventory management and pricing. In fact, more than half of those dealers said the machine decisioning had improved the per vehicle profit percentage between 2% – 8%. Another 10% said the machine decisioning had improved this between 8% and more than 10%.

    “These survey results reveal a positive shift in the industry, with many dealers now reaping the benefits of machine-driven technologies,” said Len Short, Executive Chairman of Lotlinx. “While there’s still room for growth, we’re encouraged by the increased adoption and the tangible improvements dealers are experiencing in areas such as inventory management and profitability.”

    Click here to see the full infographic and for more information about the survey or Lotlinx’s solutions, please visit www.lotlinx.com.

    About Lotlinx

    Founded in 2012 and based out in Peterborough, New Hampshire, Lotlinx is the automotive industry leader in VIN-specific data solutions for inventory risk management. The Lotlinx platform provides automobile dealers and manufacturers with enhanced operational control over their retail business. Leveraging state-of-the-art real-time data and machine learning technology, Lotlinx provides a precision retailing solution that enables dealers to automatically adapt to market dynamics, mitigating inventory risk through VIN-specific strategies. To learn more about Lotlinx, please visit www.lotlinx.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: pellertrading.online: BaFin warns of website and points to suspected identity fraud

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The operator of the website appears only under the name PellerTrading, without mentioning a legal form. He claims to be based in Zurich, Switzerland, at LLB Swiss Investments AG and in London, United Kingdom.

    BaFin has no information indicating that LLB Swiss Investments AG, a company registered in the Swiss commercial register and with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), has any connection to the offers on the pellertrading.online website or to the operator of the website. It is assumed that this is an identity fraud at the expense of LLB Swiss Investments AG.

    Recently, BaFin has become aware of other websites with almost identical content, which BaFin has also warned against. In all cases, the presentation on the websites begins with the following sentence: “Step up your trading with [name of operator]”.

    Anyone offering financial or investment services or crypto-securities services in Germany requires the permission of BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without the necessary permission. You can find information on whether a particular company is authorized by BaFin in the database of companies.

    BaFin’s information is based on Section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (KWG) and Section 10 (7) of the German Crypto Markets Supervision Act (KMAG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: With Hooters on the verge of bankruptcy, a psychologist reflects on her time spent studying the servers who work there

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Dawn Szymanski, Professor of Psychology, University of Tennessee

    Servers told researchers that they were instructed to make their male customers feel special. Brian Brainerd/The Denver Post via Getty Images

    In 1983, six businessmen got together and opened the first Hooters restaurant in Clearwater, Florida. Hooters of America LLC quickly became a restaurant chain success story.

    With its scantily clad servers and signature breaded wings, the chain sells sex appeal in addition to food – or as one of the company’s mottos puts it: “You can sell the sizzle, but you have to deliver the steak.” It inspired a niche restaurant genre called “breastaurants,” with eateries such as the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery and Twin Peaks replicating Hooters’ busty business model.

    A decade ago, business was booming for breastaurant chains, with these companies experiencing record sales growth.

    Today it’s a different story. Declining sales, rising costs and a large debt burden of approximately US$300 million have threatened Hooters’ long-term outlook. In summer 2024, the chain closed over 40 of its restaurants across the U.S. In February 2025, Bloomberg reported that the company was on the verge of filing for bankruptcy.

    Hooters isn’t necessarily going away for good. But it’s certainly looking like there will be fewer opportunities for women to work as “Hooters Girls” – and for customers to ogle at them.

    As a psychologist, I was originally interested in studying servers at breastaurants because I could sense an interesting dynamic at play. On the one hand, it can feel good to be complimented for your looks. On the other hand, I also wondered whether constantly being critiqued might eventually wear these servers down.

    So my research team and I decided to study what it was like to work in places like Hooters.

    In a series of studies, here’s what we found.

    Concocting a male fantasyland

    More so than most restaurants, managers at breastaurants like Hooters seek to strictly regulate how their employees look and act.

    For one of our studies, we interviewed 11 women who worked in breastaurants.

    Several of them said that they were told to be “camera ready” at all times.

    One described being given a booklet with exacting standards outlining her expected appearance, down to “nails, hair, makeup, brushing your teeth, wearing deodorant.” She had to promise to stay the same weight and height, wear makeup every shift and not change her hairstyle.

    Beyond a carefully constructed physical appearance, the servers relayed that they were also expected to be confident, cheerful, charming, outgoing and emotionally steeled. They were instructed to make male customers feel special, to be their “personal cheerleaders,” as one interviewee put it, and to never challenge them.

    Suffice it say, these demands can be unrealistic – and many of the servers we interviewed described becoming emotionally drained and eventually souring on the role.

    ‘The girls are a dime a dozen’

    It probably won’t come as a surprise that Hooters servers often encounter lewd remarks, sexual advances and other forms of sexual harassment from customers.

    But because their managers often tolerate this behavior from customers, it created the added burden of what psychologists call “double-binds” – situations where contradictory messages make it impossible to respond properly.

    For example, say a regular customer who’s a generous tipper decides to proposition a server. Now she’s in a predicament. She’s been instructed to make customers feel special. And he’s already left a big tip, in addition to being a regular. But she also feels creeped out, and his advances make her feel worthless. Should she push back?

    GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole shakes hands with Hooters employees after a campaign rally in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1996.
    J. David Ake/AFP via Getty Images

    You might assume that managers, aware that their scantily clad employees would be more likely to face harassment, would try to set boundaries and throw out customers who treated servers poorly. But we found that waitresses at breastaurants have less support from both management and their co-workers than servers at other restaurants.

    “Unfortunately, the girls are a dime a dozen, and that’s how they’re treated,” a former server and corporate trainer at a breastaurant explained.

    The lack of co-worker support might also come as a surprise. Rather than standing in solidarity, the servers tended to compete for favoritism, better shifts and raises from their bosses. Gossiping, name-calling and scapegoating were commonplace.

    The psychological toll

    My research team also wanted to learn more about the specific emotional and psychological costs of working in these types of environments.

    Psychologists Barbara Fredrickson and Tomi-Ann Robert have found that mental health problems that disproportionately affect women often coincide with sexual objectification.

    So we weren’t surprised to find that servers working in sexually objectifying restaurant environments, such as Hooters and Twin Peaks, reported more symptoms of depression, anxiety and disordered eating than those working in other restaurants. In addition, they wanted to be thinner, were more likely to monitor their weight and appearance, and were more dissatisfied with their bodies. Hooters didn’t reply to a request for comment on this story.

    Why are women drawn to the job?

    Given our findings, you might wonder why any women would choose to work in places like Hooters in the first place.

    The women we interviewed said that they sought work in breastaurants to make more money and have more flexibility.

    A number of servers in one of our studies noted that they could make more money this way than waitressing at a regular restaurant or in other “real” jobs.

    For example, one of the servers we interviewed used to work at a more run-of-the-mill restaurant.

    “It was OK, I made OK money,” she told us. “But working at Hooters … I’ve walked out with hundreds of dollars in one shift.”

    All the women we interviewed were in college or were mothers. So they enjoyed the high degree of flexibility in their work schedule that breastaurants provided.

    Finally, several of them had previously experienced objectification while growing up, or they’d participated in activities centered on physical appearance, such as beauty pageants and cheerleading. This likely contributed to their decision to work at a Hooters or one of its competitors: They’d been objectified as adolescents, and so they found themselves drawn to these kinds of setting as adults.

    Even so, our research suggests that the financial rewards and flexibility of working in breastaurants probably aren’t worth the potential psychological costs.

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

    – ref. With Hooters on the verge of bankruptcy, a psychologist reflects on her time spent studying the servers who work there – https://theconversation.com/with-hooters-on-the-verge-of-bankruptcy-a-psychologist-reflects-on-her-time-spent-studying-the-servers-who-work-there-251217

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico could spell trouble for distilled spirits

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Andrew Muhammad, Professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee

    If all the tariff drama in the news lately has you reaching for a stiff drink, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, those same tariffs might make it harder to get your hands on your favorite brand of tequila.

    In early March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump levied import tariffs of 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, following through on a promise he made back in November 2024. While he later partially reversed course, suspending tariffs on some goods, tensions remain high. Mexico is largely holding off on retaliation, but Canada quickly fired back with counter-tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of U.S. products.

    These trade tensions spell trouble for numerous industries, including the booming spirits market. Canada and Mexico – two of the top U.S. trading partners – accounted for nearly half of the US$12 billion in distilled spirits the U.S. imported in 2024.

    As an agricultural economist, I’ve analyzed how a 25% tariff could affect tequila, whiskey and other distilled spirits – and the results weren’t pretty. I found that these tariffs would cost distilled spirit importers over $1 billion in lost trade, with tequila alone taking a more than $800 million hit.

    Americans’ thirst for imported liquor

    The U.S. imports far more distilled spirits than it exports – five times as much by value, as of 2024.

    Since 2000, U.S. imports of distilled spirits have surged by more than 300%, driven largely by the explosive rise in tequila consumption. Between 2000 and 2024, tequila imports rose by 1,400%, skyrocketing from $350 million to $5.4 billion.

    While imports of whiskey, liqueurs, vodka and brandy also grew, none matched tequila’s explosive rise. Tequila now represents 45% of all spirits imported into the U.S., up from 12% in 2000.

    Not surprisingly, 99% of tequila and mezcal is imported from Mexico, making it the leading foreign supplier of distilled spirits to the United States. Meanwhile, Canada has supplied between 4% and 6% of U.S. spirits imports over the past two decades, primarily whiskey and liqueurs.

    Since distilled spirits are classified as agricultural products, their rising imports have significantly contributed to the U.S. agricultural trade deficit. However, this isn’t necessarily a problem. Imports help meet demand from U.S. consumers, generate value-added opportunities for U.S. companies, and support economic activity in bars, liquor stores, restaurants and beyond.

    A 25% tariff on Mexican goods is a 25% tax on tequila

    In my study, published in February in the peer-reviewed journal Agribusiness and in a follow-up policy brief, I found that 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada could reduce imports of distilled spirits by $1.2 billion. This loss exceeds the total amount of tax revenue those tariffs can expected to bring in.

    Unsurprisingly, tequila imports would be the hardest hit, falling by $810 million. I found that the tariff revenue from tequila – $910 million – could actually exceed the corresponding fall in imports. That’s because demand for tequila, like most alcoholic beverages, is what economists call “inelastic,” meaning that when prices rise, consumers are unlikely to change their purchasing decisions by very much.

    However, it would be a mistake to consider tequila in isolation. When I factored in other notable decreases, such as a $100 million drop in whiskey imports, I found that the value of total trade losses, in the form of decreased imports, would outweigh the total tariff revenue. I also found that no product category would come out ahead.

    In fact, even products like vodka, which are mostly exempt from these tariffs, would be indirectly affected. This is because tariffs can increase the overall cost of importing, leading businesses to reduce all imports, tariffed or otherwise. My research suggests that this “trade destruction” effect, to use an economics term, will be quite significant.

    A new era of tariffs

    The Trump administration has argued that tariffs will generate a lot of money for the federal government. But my research suggests those gains may not outweigh the economic costs to businesses and consumers.

    Contrary to common belief, trade losses don’t just affect exporting countries. Domestic consumers also face higher prices and fewer choices – hurting their overall economic welfare. Reducing imports also affects U.S. businesses involved in marketing, distribution and sales.

    Trade is more complex than a simple formula of “exports good, imports bad.” Research makes it clear that tariffs have negative consequences, including higher consumer prices, reduced product availability and downstream economic disruption. Policymakers would be wise to take those effects seriously. Otherwise, they might find themselves with a serious economic hangover.

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

    – ref. Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico could spell trouble for distilled spirits – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariffs-on-canada-and-mexico-could-spell-trouble-for-distilled-spirits-251583

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mississippi’s education miracle: A model for global literacy reform

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Harry Anthony Patrinos, Professor of Education Policy, University of Arkansas

    Mississippi’s reforms have led to significant gains in reading and math, despite the state being one of the lowest spenders per pupil in the U.S. Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

    In a surprising turnaround, Mississippi, once ranked near the bottom of U.S. education standings, has dramatically improved its student literacy rates.

    As of 2023, the state ranks among the top 20 for fourth grade reading, a significant leap from its 49th-place ranking in 2013. This transformation was driven by evidence-based policy reforms focused on early literacy and teacher development.

    The rest of the country might want to take note.

    That’s because Mississippi’s success offers a proven solution to the reading literacy crisis facing many states – a clear road map for closing early literacy gaps and improving reading outcomes nationwide.

    As an expert on the economics of education, I believe the learning crisis is not just an educational issue. It’s also economic.

    When students struggle, their academic performance declines. And that leads to lower test scores. Research shows that these declining scores are closely linked to reduced economic growth, as a less educated workforce hampers productivity and innovation.

    The Mississippi approach

    In 2013, Mississippi implemented a multifaceted strategy for enhancing kindergarten to third grade literacy. The Literacy-Based Promotion Act focuses on early literacy and teacher development. It includes teacher training in proven reading instruction methods and teacher coaching.

    Relying on federally supported research from the Institute of Education Science, the state invested in phonics, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension. The law provided K-3 teachers with training and support to help students master reading by the end of third grade.

    It includes provisions for reading coaches, parent communication, individual reading plans and other supportive measures. It also includes targeted support for struggling readers. Students repeat the third grade if they fail to meet reading standards.

    The state also aligned its test to the NAEP, or National Assessment of Educational Progress, something which not all states do. Often referred to as “The Nation’s Report Card,” the NAEP is a nationwide assessment that measures student performance in various subjects.

    Mississippi’s reforms have led to significant gains in reading and math, with fourth graders improving on national assessments.

    I believe this is extremely important. That’s because early reading is a foundational skill that helps develop the ability to read at grade level by the end of third grade. It also leads to general academic success, graduating from high school prepared for college, and becoming productive adults less likely to fall into poverty.

    Research by Noah Spencer, an economics doctoral student at the University of Toronto, shows that the Mississippi law boosted scores.

    Students exposed to it from kindergarten to the third grade gained a 0.25 standard deviation improvement in reading scores. That is roughly equivalent to one year of academic progress in reading, according to educational benchmarks. This gain reflects significant strides in students’ literacy development over the course of a school year.

    Another study has found an even greater impact attributed to grade retention in the third grade – it led to a huge increase in learning in English Language Arts by the sixth grade.

    But the Mississippi law is not just about retention. Spencer found that grade retention explains only about 22% of the treatment effect. The rest is presumably due to the other components of the measure – namely, teacher training and coaching.

    Other previous research supports these results across the country.

    Adopting an early literacy policy improves elementary students’ reading achievement on important student assessments, with third grade retention and instructional support substantially enhancing English learners’ skills. The policy also increases test scores for students’ younger siblings, although it is not clear why.

    Moreover, third grade retention programs immediately boost English Language Arts and math achievements into middle school without disciplinary incidents or negatively impacting student attendance.

    These changes were achieved despite Mississippi being one of the lowest spenders per pupil in the U.S., proving that strategic investments in teacher development and early literacy can yield impressive results even with limited resources.

    The global learning crisis

    Mississippi’s success is timely. Millions of children globally struggle to read by age 10. It’s a crisis that has worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Mississippi’s early literacy interventions show lasting impact and offer a potential solution for other regions facing similar challenges.

    In 2024, only 31% of U.S. fourth grade students were proficient or above in reading, according to the NAEP, while 40% were below basic. Reading scores for fourth and eighth graders also dropped by five points compared with 2019, with averages lower than any year since 2005.

    In 2013, Mississippi ranked 49th in fourth grade reading scores.
    Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

    Mississippi’s literacy program provides a learning gain equal to a year of schooling. The program costs US$15 million annually – 0.2% of the state budget in 2023 – and $32 per student.

    The learning gain associated with the Mississippi program is equal to about an extra quarter of a year. Since each year of schooling raises earnings by about 9%, then a quarter-year gain means that Mississippi students benefiting from the program will increase future earnings by 2.25% a year.

    Based on typical high school graduate earnings, the average student can expect to earn an extra $1,000 per year for the rest of their life.

    That is, for every dollar Mississippi spends, the state gains about $32 in additional lifetime earnings, offering substantial long-term economic benefits compared with the initial cost.

    The Mississippi literacy project focuses on teaching at the right level, which focuses on assessing children’s actual learning levels and then tailoring instruction to meet them, rather than strictly following age- or grade-level curriculum.

    Teaching at the right level and a scripted lessons plan are among the most effective strategies to address the global learning crisis. After the World Bank reviewed over 150 education programs in 2020, nearly half showed no learning benefit.

    I believe Mississippi’s progress, despite being the second-poorest state, can serve as a wake-up call.

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

    – ref. Mississippi’s education miracle: A model for global literacy reform – https://theconversation.com/mississippis-education-miracle-a-model-for-global-literacy-reform-251895

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From Greenland to Fort Bragg, America is caught in a name game where place names become political tools

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Seth T. Kannarr, PhD Candidate in Geography, University of Tennessee

    President Donald Trump re-renamed Denali as Mount McKinley in 2025. Tim Rains/National Park Service, CC BY

    Place names are more than just labels on a map. They influence how people learn about the world around them and perceive their place in it.

    Names can send messages and suggest what is and isn’t valued in society. And the way that they are changed over time can signal cultural shifts.

    The United States is in the midst of a place-renaming moment. From the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, to the return of Forts Bragg and Benning and the newly re-renamed Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park, we are witnessing a consequential shift in the politics of place naming.

    This sudden rewriting of the nation’s map – done to “restore American greatness,” according to President Donald Trump’s executive order that made some of them official – is part of a name game that recognizes place names as powerful brands and political tools.

    In our research on place naming, we explore how this “name game” is used to assert control over shared symbols and embed subtle and not-so-subtle messages in the landscape.

    As geography teachers and researchers, we also recognize the educational and emotional impact the name game can have on the public.

    Place names can have psychological effects

    Renaming a place is always an act of power.

    People in power have long used place naming to claim control over the identity of the place, bolster their reputations, retaliate against opponents and achieve political goals.

    These moves can have strong psychological effects, particularly when the name evokes something threatening. Changing a place name can fundamentally shift how people view, relate to or feel that they belong within that place.

    In Shenandoah County, Virginia, students at two schools originally named for Confederate generals have been on an emotional roller coaster of name changes in recent years. The schools were renamed Mountain View and Honey Run in 2020 amid the national uproar over the murder of George Floyd, a Black man killed by a police officer in Minneapolis.

    Four years later, the local school board reinstated the original Confederate names after conservatives took control of the board.

    One Black eighth grader at Mountain View High School — now re-renamed Stonewall Jackson High School — testified at a board meeting about how the planned change would affect her:

    “I would have to represent a man that fought for my ancestors to be slaves. If this board decides to restore the names, I would not feel like I was valued and respected,” she said. The board still approved the change, 5-1.

    Even outside of schools, place names operate as a “hidden curriculum.” They provide narratives to the public about how the community or nation sees itself – as well as whose histories and perspectives it considers important or worthy of public attention.

    Place names affect how people perceive, experience and emotionally connect to their surroundings in both conscious and subconscious ways. Psychologists, sociologists and geographers have explored how this sense of place manifests itself into the psyche, creating either attachment or aversion to place, whether it’s a school, mountain or park.

    A tale of two forts

    Renaming places can rally a leader’s supporters through rebranding.

    Trump’s orders to restore the names Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, both originally named for Confederate generals, illustrate this effect. The names were changed to Fort Liberty and Fort Moore in 2023 after Congress passed a law banning the use of Confederate names for federal installations.

    Veterans and other guests posed in 2023 next to a newly unveiled sign for Fort Moore, named for Lt. Gen. Harold ‘Hal’ Moore, who served in Vietnam, and his wife, Julia Moore. In 2025, President Donald Trump reverted the name back to Fort Benning.
    Cheney Orr/AFP via Getty Images

    Trump made a campaign promise to his followers to “bring back the name” of Fort Bragg if reelected.

    To get around the federal ban, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth identified two unrelated decorated Army veterans with the same last names — Bragg and Benning — but without any Confederate connections, to honor instead.

    Call it a sleight of hand or a stroke of genius if you’d like, this tactic allowed the Department of Defense to revive politically charged names without violating the law.

    A soldier walks beside a sign that was unveiled when Fort Liberty was rededicated as Fort Bragg during a ceremony on base on March 7, 2025.
    AP Photo/Chris Seward

    The restoration of the names Bragg and Benning may feel like a symbolic homecoming for those who resisted the original name change or have emotional ties to the names through their memories of living and serving on the base, rather than a connection to the specific namesakes.

    However, the names are still reminders of the military bases’ original association with defenders of slavery.

    The place-renaming game

    A wave of place-name changes during the Obama and Biden administrations focused on removing offensive or derogatory place names and recognizing Indigenous names.

    For example, Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, was renamed to Kuwohi in September 2024, shifting the name from a Confederate general to a Cherokee word meaning “the mulberry place.”

    Under the Trump administration, however, place-name changes are being advanced explicitly to push back against reform efforts, part of a broader assault on what Trump calls “woke culture.”

    The view from a lookout tower on Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, in the Great Smoky Mountains.
    National Park Service



    Read more:
    From Confederate general to Cherokee heritage: Why returning the name Kuwohi to the Great Smoky Mountains matters

    President Barack Obama changed Alaska’s Mount McKinley to Denali in 2015 to acknowledge Indigenous heritage and a long-standing name for the mountain. Officials in Alaska had requested the name change to Denali years earlier and supported the name change in 2015.

    Trump, on his first day in office in January 2025, moved to rename Denali back to Mount McKinley, over the opposition of Republican politicians in Alaska. The state Legislature passed a resolution a few days later asking Trump to reconsider.

    Georgia Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter made a recent legislative proposal to rename Greenland as “Red, White, and Blueland” in support of Trump’s expansionist desire to purchase the island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

    Danish officials and Greenlanders saw Carter’s absurd proposal as insulting and damaging to diplomatic relations. It is not the first time that place renaming has been used as a form of symbolic insult in international relations.

    Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America might have initially seemed improbable, but it is already reflected in common navigation apps.

    Google Maps displays the name ‘Gulf of America’ instead of Gulf of Mexico in March 2025.
    Google INEGI



    Read more:
    Yes, Trump can rename the Gulf of Mexico – just not for everyone. Here’s how it works

    A better way to choose place names

    When leaders rename a place in an abrupt, unilateral fashion — often for ideological reasons — they risk alienating communities that deeply connect with those names as a form of memory, identity and place attachment.

    A better alternative, in our view, would be to make renaming shared landscapes participatory, with opportunities for meaningful public involvement in the renaming process.

    This approach does not avoid name changes, but it suggests the changes should respond to the social and psychological needs of communities and the evolving cultural identity of places — and not simply be used to score political points.

    Instead, encouraging public participation — such as through landscape impact assessments and critical audits that take the needs of affected communities seriously — can cultivate a sense of shared ownership in the decision that may give those names more staying power.

    The latest place renamings are already affecting the classroom experience. Students are not just memorizing new place labels, but they are also being asked to reevaluate the meaning of those places and their own relationship with the nation and the world.

    As history has shown around the world, one of the major downsides of leaders imposing name changes is that the names can be easily replaced as soon as the next regime takes power. The result can be a never-ending name game.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. From Greenland to Fort Bragg, America is caught in a name game where place names become political tools – https://theconversation.com/from-greenland-to-fort-bragg-america-is-caught-in-a-name-game-where-place-names-become-political-tools-251201

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: New Issue of the Magazine “Money and Credit”: Modeling Trust and the Forecasting Power of News

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Published first in 2025 number quarterly scientific journal of the Bank of Russia “Money and Credit”. Among the topics of the issue are modeling trust in the central bank based on social media data, forecasting inflation using news texts and analysis of factors influencing inflation risks.

    Trust in the central bank is one of the factors of the effectiveness of monetary policy (MP): the higher the level of trust in the central bank, the stronger its influence on inflation expectations. To assess the level of trust, survey data are usually used, which are problematic to conduct too often. Anastasia Matevosova (Moscow State University; Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences) offers use big data and builds an indicator based on sentiment analysis of VKontakte user comment texts. Such an indicator can be used with different frequencies – for example, on both weekly and annual data. Modeling on weekly data revealed that an increase in trust leads to a decrease in inflation expectations with a lag of about 2 weeks.

    Text analysis using neural networks can also help in forecasting inflation. Elizaveta Volgina (Moscow State University) in her work uses To do this, information from the media news is added to standard macro variables (such as the dynamics of wages, industrial production or oil prices). The author shows that such a forecast is more accurate than a forecast without taking into account the news.

    When conducting monetary policy, it is important for central banks to take into account not only the inflation forecast, but also the risks that it will be higher. With the same forecast, a situation in which the risk of high inflation is more significant requires stricter monetary policy measures. Alexandra Chudayeva (RANEPA) analyzes the factors of such inflation risks andshows, that on a yearly horizon these include an increase in wages and a decline in production, and on a monthly horizon – an increase in retail turnover and a weakening of the ruble.

    You can read these and other articles from the magazine “Money and Credit” No. 1 for 2025 atwebsite magazine.

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

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

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23489

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Virtual High-Level Segment of the 16th Petersberg Climate Dialogue [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Thank you for this opportunity — and for your focus today on collective climate action and acceleration of implementation. 

    This could not be more timely. 

    There is much uncertainty and instability in our world.

    But today we meet in the wake of some good news.

    Just this morning, the International Renewable Energy Agency officially confirmed that 2024 was a record year for renewables additions to global power capacity. 

    Renewables represented more than 92 per cent of all new electricity generation capacity installed last year.
     
    The amount of renewables added represents more than the total electricity capacity of Brazil and Japan combined.

    Europe’s capacity grew by 9 per cent – with Germany contributing more than one-quarter of that growth. Africa’s capacity grew by almost 7 per cent.

    All of this is another reminder of a 21st century truth:

    Renewables are renewing economies. 

    They are powering growth, creating jobs, lowering energy bills, and cleaning our air. 
     
    And every day, they become an even smarter investment. 

    Since 2010, the average cost of wind power has plunged 60%.  Solar is 90% cheaper. 

    In 2023, clean energy sectors accounted for five per cent of economic growth in India and six in the US. It accounted for a fifth of China’s GDP growth, and a third of the EU’s.

    The economic case for – and opportunities of – climate action have become ever clearer – particularly for those who choose to lead. 

    And leadership is what we need – as today’s IRENA report shows:

    To accelerate the shift to renewables…

    And to correct the imbalances in the transition, which is still starving developing countries – outside China – of the investment needed to fully embrace clean energy. 

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    As the title of this session puts it so well: we are indeed at a turning point to the future.

    In the ten years since Paris, we have seen other important progress.

    Ninety percent of global emissions are now covered by net-zero targets. 

    A decade ago, the planet was on course for a global temperature rise of over four degrees Celsius.

    Today, countries’ national climate plans – or NDCs – if fully delivered – will take us closer to a 2.6-degree rise.

    At the same time, climate challenges are piling up.  

    It seems records are shattered at every turn — the hottest day of the hottest month of the hottest year of the hottest decade ever. 

    All of this is hitting the vulnerable hardest, and everyday people in their pockets – with higher living costs, higher insurance premiums, and higher food prices.

    Just last week, the World Meteorological Organization confirmed that 2024 was another alarming year:

    Almost every climate indicator reached new and increasingly dangerous heights – inflaming displacement and food insecurity and inflicting huge economic losses.

    And, for the first time, the annual global temperature was 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than pre-industrial times.

    Scientists are clear – it is still possible to meet the long-term 1.5 degree limit.

    But it requires urgent action. And it requires leadership.

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    I see two critical fronts to drive action. 

    First, new national climate plans – or NDCs – due by September.

    Investors need certainty and predictability.

    These new plans are a unique opportunity to deliver – and lay out a coherent vision for a just green transition.

    They must align with the 1.5-degree limit, as agreed at COP28. And cover all emissions and the whole economy.

    Together, they must reduce global emissions 60% by 2035 – compared to 2019…

    And contribute to the COP28 global energy transition goals.

    All this must be achieved in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of national circumstances but everybody, everybody must do more.

    The G20 – the largest emitters and economies – must lead.

    Every country must step up and play their part.

    The United Nations is with you all.

    President Lula and I are working to secure the highest ambition from the largest economies.

    The United Nations Climate Promise is supporting a hundred countries to prepare their new climate plans.

    And we will convene a special event in September to take stock of the plans of all countries, push for action to keep 1.5 within reach, and deliver climate justice.

    Second, we must drive finance to developing countries.

    The COP29 finance agreement must be implemented in full.

    I count on the leadership of the COP29 and COP30 Presidencies to deliver a credible roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion a year by 2035.

    We need new and innovative sources of financing, and credible carbon pricing.

    Developed countries must honour their promise to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year, by this year.

    And we need serious contributions to the fund for responding to Loss and Damage, and to get it up and running.
    Excellencies,

    We can only meet these goals with stronger collaboration – between governments, and across society and sectors.

    Those that will lag behind need to be not a reason for us to be discouraged but an increase in our commitment to move forward.

    The rewards are there for the taking, for all those ready and willing to lead the world through these troubled times.

    We are at a turning point.  I urge you to seize this moment; and seize the prize.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: SASE Industry Pioneer and Former Gartner Distinguished Analyst Joe Skorupa Joins MEF Technology Advisory Board

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEF, a global industry association of enterprises and network, cloud, security, and technology providers accelerating enterprise digital transformation, today announced that Joe Skorupa, Strategic Advisor and former Gartner Research VP and Distinguished Analyst, has joined its Technology Advisory Board (TAB). Skorupa is widely recognized as one of the two Gartner analysts who defined the $28B SASE market, transforming the network security and SD-WAN landscape and giving rise to the industry’s most critical cybersecurity architecture for modern enterprises.

    Skorupa’s appointment to the TAB, which provides strategic guidance and technology perspectives to MEF’s leadership, underscores MEF’s commitment to advancing SASE solutions and certification. He joins a select group of senior executives and industry experts from leading global technology companies including Blue Planet, Cisco, Infosys, Netcracker Technology, Nile, Palo Alto Networks, Prodapt, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Spirent Communications, VMWare, and Versa Networks.

    “Joining MEF’s TAB is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of secure, high-performing networking,” said Joe Skorupa, Strategic Advisor and Former Gartner Distinguished Analyst. “As cyber threats intensify and enterprise demands evolve, MEF’s SASE certification program plays a vital role in helping service and technology providers deliver trusted solutions that enterprises can confidently deploy.”

    MEF’s SASE Certification Program, developed in partnership with CyberRatings.org, rigorously validates the cyber defense effectiveness and application performance of SASE solutions including SD-WAN, Security Service Edge (SSE), and Zero Trust (ZT) capabilities. ​Providers achieving all three earn MEF’s comprehensive SASE certification, demonstrating their ability to meet stringent performance, security, interoperability, and scalability requirements.

    “Joe Skorupa’s groundbreaking work defining SASE has been foundational to the industry,” said Pascal Menezes, Chief Technology Officer, MEF. “We are honored to welcome him to our TAB as we continue driving the industry’s only independent SASE certification program and empowering enterprises with validated solutions that withstand today’s rising cybersecurity threats.”

    Join the Conversation: Gain a Competitive Edge with MEF-Certified SASE & SD-WAN
    Skorupa will join MEF CTO Pascal Menezes and Principal Analyst Stan Hubbard, and Ian Foo, CTO and EVP of Product, CyberRatings.org, as a featured speaker in MEF’s upcoming webinar “Gain a Competitive Edge with MEF-Certified SASE & SD-WAN,” taking place Tuesday, April 22 at 7am PST / 10am EST. The session will explore how certification streamlines procurement, accelerates sales cycles, and validates resilience and application performance. Attendees will learn how MEF-certified solutions can unlock new business opportunities in an increasingly competitive and security-conscious market. Register for the webinar here.

    For more information about MEF visit www.MEF.net. Learn more about MEF’s SASE certification program and read the State of the Industry report on SASE here. MEF’s NaaS Industry Blueprint is available for download at MEF.net/NaaS.

    About MEF
    MEF is a global consortium of enterprise and service, cloud, cybersecurity, and technology providers collaborating to accelerate enterprise digital transformation. It delivers standards-based frameworks, services, technologies, APIs, and certification programs to enable Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) across an automated ecosystem. MEF is the defining authority for certified Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) business and operational APIs and Carrier Ethernet, SASE, SD-WAN, Zero Trust, and Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies and services. MEF’s Global NaaS Event (GNE) convenes industry leaders building and delivering the next generation of NaaS solutions. For more information about MEF, visit MEF.net and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. 

    Media Contact:
    Melissa Power
    MEF
    pr@mef.net

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b9f2197-cc78-4667-a54d-732b069ca780

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SPS Commerce Releases 2024 ESG Report, Reinforcing Commitment to Sustainable and Responsible Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SPS Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPSC), a leader in retail supply chain cloud services, today announced the release of its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, outlining the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices, and social responsibility. This inaugural report highlights the company’s key advancements in governance, employee experience, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

    “At SPS Commerce, connectedness is at the core of everything we do, from enabling seamless supply chain collaboration to fostering an inclusive workplace and investing in the communities we serve,” said Chad Collins, CEO of SPS Commerce. “Our 2024 ESG Report reflects the meaningful progress we’ve made toward building a more sustainable and responsible future, while also underscoring our continued focus on the connections that link our environmental, social and governance principles to every facet of our business.”

    Key highlights from the 2024 ESG Report:

    • Governance & Ethics: Strengthened corporate policies to enhance ESG oversight and cybersecurity safeguards.
    • Employee Experience: Expanded Belonging@SPS, a global initiative focused on fostering connection and community across teams, alongside enhanced leadership development programs.
    • Community Impact: The SPS Foundation continued to drive social impact with a special focus on investing in education and workforce development, with over $2.5 million in donations.
    • Environmental Responsibility: Completed greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories to better understand SPS Commerce’s carbon footprint.
    • Sustainable Operations: Continued prioritization of cloud-based infrastructure with 95% of SPS’s IT operations now in energy-efficient data centers powered by renewable energy.

    SPS Commerce remains committed to transparency and continuous improvement in its ESG efforts. The full 2024 ESG Report is available at https://www.spscommerce.com/corporate-responsibility/.

    About SPS Commerce

    SPS Commerce is the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. We support data-driven partnerships with innovative cloud technology, customer-obsessed service, and accessible experts so our customers can focus on what they do best. Over 45,000 recurring revenue customers in retail, grocery, distribution, supply, manufacturing, and logistics are using SPS as their retail network. SPS has achieved 96 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and is headquartered in Minneapolis. For additional information, contact SPS at 866-245-8100 or visit www.spscommerce.com.

    SPS COMMERCE, SPS, SPS logo and INFINITE RETAIL POWER are marks of SPS Commerce, Inc. and registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, along with other SPS marks. Such marks may also be registered or otherwise protected in other countries.

    SPS-F

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management’s view of SPS Commerce’s future expectations, plans and prospects, including our views regarding future execution within our business, the opportunity we see in the retail supply chain world and our performance for the first quarter and full year of 2025, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the results of SPS Commerce to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. Certain of these risk factors and others are included in documents SPS Commerce files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, SPS Commerce’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on SPS Commerce’s future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. SPS Commerce cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, SPS Commerce expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Investor Relations
    The Blueshirt Group
    Irmina Blaszczyk & Lisa Laukkanen
    SPSC@blueshirtgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest stage of Narborough Road highway improvements to begin

    Source: City of Leicester

    THE latest phase in a rolling programme of repairs and improvements to pavements and road surfaces along Narborough Road will get under way this weekend.

    Leicester City Council is carrying out the works to spruce up public areas for local businesses and residents. The latest works focusing on the footways on the outbound section of Narborough Road between Norman Street and Equity Road, and on the inbound section between Cambridge Street and Westcotes Drive.

    The scheme will involve replacing broken paving slabs with concrete blocks, improving drainage to prevent water from pooling on the pavements, and placing water-permeable resin-bound gravel around the street trees. New bollards will also be installed, as well as new cycle racks, which will help stop vehicles parking on the pavement.

    The works, costing £350,000 and funded by the council’s Highways Maintenance Capital Budget, are due to begin on Sunday 30 March and will take around six months to complete.

    Waiting restrictions will be in place where work is taking place and some parking bays in nearby Paton Street will be out of use while they are used for storing essential equipment and materials.

    Investment in the area in recent years has already improved footways on the outbound side of Narborough Road, between its junctions with Norman Street and Briton Street and Ruding Road and Roman Street, along with the area between Upperton Road and Braunstone Gate.

    Major resurfacing on part of the busy road – between Winchester Avenue and Dumbleton Avenue – was also carried out last summer.

    Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “This rolling programme of works has hugely improved Narborough Road for local businesses, residents and visitors by upgrading footpaths, installing new street furniture and fixing drainage problems.

    “This latest scheme will continue to upgrade the area, helping to further improve the look and feel of the neighbourhood.”

    Local residents and businesses have received a letter from the city council, informing them of the planned works.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City Mayor approves new tools to tackle anti-social behaviour in Leicester

    Source: City of Leicester

    NEW powers to help the city council keep Leicester’s public spaces free from anti-social behaviour are to take effect from Wednesday (2 April).

    Following a consultation exercise earlier this year, which indicated widespread support for the proposals, City Mayor Peter Soulsby has authorised the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the city centre that will empower the police and authorised council officers to take swift enforcement action against those causing a nuisance.

    The new PSPO will cover the city centre within the inner ring road, together with the area around Leicester railway station, the entirety of New Walk, and the area between London Road and Regent Road as far as Granville Road.

    Within the area covered by the PSPO, an individual will be in breach of the order – and committing a criminal offence – if they cause a nuisance by:

    • using an e-bike, bike, skateboard or scooter irresponsibly
    • consuming alcohol when asked to stop by an authorised officer
    • using amplification equipment without authorisation
    • begging
    • collecting for charity without the council’s permission
    • putting up a gazebo or other temporary structure without authorisation

    From Wednesday 2 April, anyone breaching the PSPO in Leicester could face a fixed penalty notice of £100, rising to £1,000 if prosecution leads to a conviction.

    City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Like all big cities, Leicester has seen a rise in anti-social behaviour in recent years – and it’s clearly affecting people’s enjoyment of our streets and spaces. 

    “Whether it’s problems associated with street drinking or begging, the unauthorised use of amplification equipment, or the irresponsible use of e-bikes and scooters, these behaviours are a nuisance – and they need to stop.

    “I’m determined that we use all the tools at our disposal to tackle the behaviour of the individuals who are spoiling the city centre for the rest of us, and it’s clear from the consultation that the majority of the population want us to take action too.

    “I’m very pleased that this Public Spaces Protection Order will give us new powers to address these persistent nuisances. And if these measures lead to improvements in the city centre, we’ll look at introducing further PSPOs in other parts of the city too.”

    The full order and accompanying documents can be seen online at cabinet.leicester.gov.uk

    Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced by the government as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 and can be used by councils to target a range of issues in a defined public area.

    Once adopted, each PSPO is valid for three years.

    The online consultation in Leicester was launched on 20 January this year and ran for four weeks. A total of 1,139 responses were received, with the majority of respondents supporting the introduction of measures to tackle the issues outlined in the consultation.  

    ends

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: The first wagons with crushed stone from the DPR arrived in the Penza region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The first batch of crushed stone was delivered from the Donetsk People’s Republic to the Penza Region via restored railway lines. The products are intended for the implementation of road construction projects, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

    “To restore the capacities of enterprises in the reunited regions, we need both workshop repairs, the purchase of new equipment, as well as sales markets and accessible logistics. Since February, freight train traffic has been resumed on the Yasinovataya-Volnovakha section, which made it possible to organize the shipment of the first batch of crushed stone from the Karan quarry, located in the territory of the DPR, to the Penza region. The cars have already arrived and been unloaded. In total, according to the first application, they plan to ship about 30 thousand tons,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

     

    Karan quarry is a participant of the free economic zone (FEZ) in new regions. From 2008 to 2022, production was not carried out at the quarry. Now this deposit allows producing fractional crushed stone not only for roads and railways, but also for the restoration and construction of housing facilities.

     

    “Expanding the geography of sales of local producers’ products increases the investment attractiveness of the region, which generally contributes to the socio-economic development of the territory. The SEZ is one of the most powerful tools in this work, which allows for the revival of existing and the creation of new enterprises,” added Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, General Director of the Territory Development Fund, the SEZ management company.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Interview with Ekaterina Abasheeva for RBC Investments

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Rating agencies will assign stars to shares of Russian companies.

    RBC Investments discussed with Ekaterina Abasheeva, head of the Central Bank’s corporate relations department, topics that are of greatest interest to private investors: stock ratings and disclosure of information during an IPO.

    Over the past year, the Bank of Russia has launched several large-scale reforms aimed at increasing the transparency of the Russian market.

    Stock Ratings: Russian Analogue of Morningstar

    There are currently two major problems: a lack of quality analytics on companies, as well as the unavailability of information on a number of issuers. In these conditions, a discussion arose about creating stock ratings – a product that, on the one hand, would allow us to tell more about the issuer, and on the other, to identify a range of attractive stocks, noted Abasheeva.

    “In the summer of 2025, we plan to launch a pilot project of non-credit ratings of shares of Russian issuers, which is expected to reach full capacity in 2026. The idea is that rating agencies will act as a kind of provider of independent assessments of the fair value of the issuer. It will be determined on the basis of both financial and non-financial metrics. Ideally, over time, the market price should converge with the expert assessment. The rating of shares will be the Russian analogue of the Morningstar project, which has been offering a similar rating product in North America, Europe and Asia for over 30 years. Agencies will assign stars to shares and accompany the ratings with advanced analytics. Thus, investors will receive a transparent and professional guideline on the basis of which they will be able to make investment decisions,” the head of the department explains the idea.

    Who will be giving grades?

    At the stage of developing the idea of stock ratings, the Bank of Russia considered various options for who would evaluate issuers. “There was an idea to create a new participant in the market that would provide an analytical service. However, it seemed more expensive to us, since it requires the development of new regulations,” says Abasheeva.

    An alternative approach is to use the ready-made infrastructure of rating agencies, since they already have experience in the securities market and have proven themselves as independent experts who have earned the trust of issuers and investors. The head of the department notes that the Central Bank held a series of meetings with agencies, where they discussed all the pros and cons: why they can offer a new product.

    “We were worried about the discrepancy between the expert assessment and the actual value of the rated entity. And of course, disputes arose over what responsibility the agencies would bear,” she continues. “It seems that the combination of independence, competence and responsibility of the agencies is best suited for the assessment of equity instruments. Now that all the discussions are behind us, the rating agencies have begun to develop methodologies for a new category of ratings. We intend to pilot the project on their basis.”

    It is planned that one issuer will be able to receive several ratings from different rating agencies: “Stocks are a very volatile and poorly predictable instrument. Obviously, the dispersion of opinions here, it seems to me, is more important than in relation to bonds, where the ratings are more homogeneous. Therefore, of course, we ideally expected that there would be at least two opinions on stocks from different rating agencies.”

    If the agencies’ assessments differ dramatically and send conflicting signals to investors, this could prompt the Central Bank to consider minimum requirements for analysts – their methodologies and the information they use, she adds. However, this will become clear after preliminary testing of the ratings on the initial pool of issuers. Key parameters for assessing companies

    According to Ekaterina Abasheeva, at least two rating agencies have already developed and presented their methodologies to issuers and professional analysts. They are based on the model fair value of the issuer, she notes, but other factors that distinguish shares from debt instruments are also taken into account.

    This primarily concerns non-financial factors. This is the quality of corporate management, as well as the protection of investors’ interests. In addition, rating agencies will be required to pay attention to the issuer’s information sensitive to foreign sanctions, says the department director.

    The final set of parameters may include more factors, since the regulator does not plan to set strict requirements for methodologies at the pilot stage of the project, adds Abasheeva. “The criteria for the quality of corporate governance can take into account possible violations of the law by the issuer and complaints from shareholders,” she gives examples. Shares will have stars

    In the matter of how to display ratings, the Bank of Russia, together with rating agencies, did not reinvent the wheel and followed the path of the existing rating system. Star ratings are widely used to evaluate not only financial products, but also restaurants, hotels and films, notes Ekaterina Abasheeva. At the same time, the disclosure of the symbolic assessment will be accompanied by the publication of a full investment report, as well as a press release as its shortened version, she adds.

    “The combination of the rating and the report, on the one hand, will allow the investor to quickly navigate the information about the issuer. On the other hand, having analytical support, it is possible to better understand what caused the assignment of a particular rating,” explains the head of the department.

    The Central Bank plans to update the stock rating more frequently than bonds, since stocks are more volatile. However, the regulator believes that the main thing here is not to overdo it, and proposes to tie the publication of updated ratings to the release of IFRS reporting – this is approximately once every six months.

    When will the first stock ratings appear?

    Considering that the working version of the rating agencies’ methodologies has already been prepared, the launch of ratings in pilot mode with the participation of the first issuers is expected in the summer, Abasheeva shares her plans. “We expect the first test assessments based on the methodologies prepared by the agencies to appear in 2025, and in 2026 we plan to analyze the experience gained and understand how we can move forward with the development of the new product,” she predicts. Will ratings be mandatory for companies?

    Abasheeva says that issuers have responded positively to the idea of stock ratings, and some of them have expressed a desire to participate in the pilot project.

    The department director emphasized that the Central Bank assumes that in the near future the presence of a stock rating will become mandatory for a certain type of company. This primarily concerns issuers that do not disclose information due to sanctions risks. “We consider them as potential subjects of regulation. It is important that the rating indirectly tells about the company what it cannot tell about itself due to sanctions problems. But this will definitely not happen at the start, but when we understand that the product has become operational,” she explained.

    A small group of companies will participate in the pilot in 2025. By the end of the year, rating agencies have agreed to test stock ratings free of charge, says Abasheeva.

    According to the regulator, the issuers that demonstrate the best practices in information disclosure and corporate governance will be primarily interested in the stock ratings. For them, the Bank of Russia, together with the Moscow Exchange, has launched a program to increase shareholder value. “Participation in the program will allow investors and shareholders to form an idea of the issuer’s current business, expectations for the stock price and dividend payments. The rating will serve as expert confirmation of the investment attractiveness of the companies,” she explains.

    Transparency of issuers during IPOs

    The second important reform initiated by the Bank of Russia is aimed at increasing the transparency of the IPO procedure. At the end of January 2025, the regulator presented a report for public consultations “Information Transparency in the Securities Market: Issuers and Conditions for the Initial Public Offering of Their Shares”. The document included proposals to improve the information quality of placements, change the content of information disclosed by issuers and adapt it to the needs of retail investors.

    Over the course of a month, the regulator met with market participants to collect feedback and discuss proposals. According to Ekaterina Abasheeva, the most sensitive and controversial proposals were the proposals to include forecast indicators in the issue prospectus, the presence of two reports from independent analysts when a company goes public, and the definition of the role and responsibility of placement organizers. In the rest of the proposals in the advisory report, the Central Bank received support from investors, issuers, and placement organizers, she added.

    Forecast indicators

    The Bank of Russia believes that if a company publicly broadcasts forecasted performance indicators in its IPO marketing materials, they must correspond to what is disclosed in the securities prospectus, notes Abasheeva. According to her, companies can now describe the “best prospects” for their development in advertising materials. The investor has no choice but to focus on them, since there are simply no others. “We want to change the situation. It is important that the forecast indicators disclosed by issuers reflect reality – you can’t highlight only the good and hide under the carpet what is not in the issuer’s favor,” explained Ekaterina Abasheeva.

    The minimum set of forecast data in the prospectus may include revenue, net profit or loss, net profit per share, and return on equity. Issuers may provide all figures in the range mode, the width of which may be set by the regulator, Abasheva added.

    In addition to the range, the forecast horizon is important. The Central Bank knows of cases where the issuer in advertising brochures indicated potential growth of 40%, 100% – but it is unclear on what time horizon. Therefore, the Bank of Russia proposes to make the forecast horizon mandatory for at least one year, but issuers can choose a longer period.

    At the same time, responsibility for forecasts does not go away, Abasheeva emphasizes. “If you include deliberately false information in the prospectus, intentionally mislead investors, then you must be aware of your responsibility for this,” she explained. Analytical reports from professionals

    According to Ekaterina Abasheeva, this point caused some concerns among market participants. The main argument against independent assessment was that there are not enough analysts on the market now who can cover the IPO market, she says. However, from the regulator’s point of view, it is a question of chicken and egg: if there is demand for analytical reports, there will be analysts.

    Market participants also see a possible conflict of interest among analysts, when issuers will choose those who are guaranteed to “draw” them beautiful reports. To this, Abasheeva responded that the Bank of Russia has well-established mechanisms for working with the known problem: “A conflict of interest is a topic that is clear how to work with, because otherwise we would not have audit services or ratings for the same bonds. We do not see any problems here,” she notes.

    According to her, independence can be defined as the absence of other commercial interests of the person providing analytical services. Currently, the organizers of placements simultaneously evaluate the issuer and offer its shares to their clients when providing brokerage services, and acquire them for their portfolio.

    Allocation disclosure requirement may become mandatory

    In May 2024, the Central Bank tried to “spur” issuers and placement organizers to be open by sending an information letter. In the document, the regulator proposed that companies disclose their approaches to distributing shares among different categories of investors before the IPO, and then publish information on the actual distribution of shares among buyers.

    However, the information letter was advisory in nature and not all issuers heeded it. Currently, the Bank of Russia is considering the possibility of transferring the recommendations to the mandatory level, noted Abasheeva.

    “We are now proposing to make it mandatory to disclose information about both the proposed allocation and the actual distribution of shares,” said Abasheeva.

    It is planned that the Bank of Russia will present the results of the discussion of the report in the summer of this year and will determine the standards that will become mandatory for IPO candidates.

    Gleb Kukharchuk, Dmitry Polyansky, “RBC Investments”

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: The school Olympiad “All-Russian School TIM-Championship” of SPbGASU has started in the 2024/2025 academic year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    The All-Russian school TIM-Championship of SPbGASU is held annually for students in grades eight through eleven and is addressed to those who plan to enroll in educational institutions in the following areas: Construction, Information Systems and Technologies, Applied Informatics, Thermal Power Engineering and Thermal Engineering, and Construction of Unique Buildings and Structures.

    This year, 85 schoolchildren from 17 regions took part in the qualifying round – correspondence course using distance learning technologies, 36 of them were admitted to the final stage, the opening of which took place today, March 26, at the Educational Center for Digital Competencies of SPbGASU.

    “The Olympiad is aimed at developing students’ creative abilities and interest in research, engineering, technical, and inventive activities, at the professional orientation of schoolchildren, and the promotion of scientific knowledge. The tasks go beyond the school curriculum, which allows us to assess the intellectual development of students, promote the development of gifted children, and increase their motivation for in-depth study of technical disciplines. In addition, in this way we popularize the educational programs of SPbGASU in order to accept motivated applicants, and form the composition of the university’s students from the most capable and prepared to master the main professional educational programs of higher education,” explained Inna Sukhanova, a member of the organizing committee and director of the Educational Center for Digital Competencies of SPbGASU.

    She specified that the industrial partner of TIM-Championship – the company OOO RL Proekt – provided a set of drawings of a ready-made solution of an individual two-story residential building without a basement, with a parking lot. Participants will have to correctly understand the drawings and, in accordance with the prescribed task, create a digital information model of this building strictly according to all the drawings.

    One day is allotted for completing the tasks. Tomorrow, a competent jury will begin its work, which includes employees of specialized departments of SPbGASU and leading experts in the relevant fields of knowledge and professional activity. The winners will be determined based on the results of the individual competition in each age category on March 28. Their award ceremony will take place on April 25 as part of the VIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “Information Modeling in Construction and Architecture Problems” (BIMAC-2025).

    Deputy Director for Experimental Work at Secondary School No. 255 in the Admiralty District of St. Petersburg Marita Yarmolinskaya noted that the TIM-Championship of SPbGASU is only one of the activities that are provided to the school as a participant in the TIM-Classes of SPbGASU project. She considers the project itself to be very important for schoolchildren, since it is an effective method of career guidance and familiarization with a new interesting industry that is actively developing today.

    “We are making a lot of efforts to involve children in this project. In fact, the percentage of schoolchildren who want to choose technical specialties for themselves in the future is much higher than the share of those who plan to do so in the eighth or ninth grades. Practice shows that at first, many dream of the so-called fashionable industries, for example, blogging. But in the final grade, they realize the need for a practical specialty and enter technical universities. We see our task in introducing children to engineering and technical specialties as early as possible, so that the choice of further education is conscious. The TIM-classes project is very helpful in this,” explained Marita Yarmolinska.

    She added that this year the most important thing for them is participation and acquisition of initial experience in solving tasks of such level and volume, since the students are first-year students. Last year, already experienced students received two diplomas: third degree and a diploma in the nomination “Architect-Innovator”.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow to support international film projects with grants

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Moscow government has established a grant for the production of international films in the capital. Film crews consisting of Moscow and foreign film companies will be able to apply for it. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    “Representatives of the industry will have the opportunity to reimburse up to 30 percent of filming costs. The maximum amount of payments for one project will be 50 million rubles. The new support measure will expand the capabilities of the Moscow Film Cluster and make our city even more attractive to international market players,” said Natalia Sergunina.

    The film platform will open the application process on April 1 “Moschino”. The conditions for providing support will also be published there. The grant will apply to films whose production contracts were concluded no earlier than 12 months before the application submission date. The final amount depends on confirmed expenses.

    The new grant will attract more foreign filmmakers, which will make an additional contribution to the city’s economy. The funds will be used to develop the labor market, tourism sector, and services. On average, the minimum costs of foreign companies only for the accommodation of actors and crew during the filming of full-length films in the capital exceed 10 million rubles.

    The city takes a systematic approach to developing the film industry. For example, the measures taken include promoting domestic projects abroad and building world-class infrastructure.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is a multifunctional ecosystem that unites several natural locations and an industry digital platform. Industry representatives have access to everything they need to implement large-scale projects: high-tech pavilions, equipment, costumes, and props. The equipment of the capital’s film sets has been highly praised by international experts on numerous occasions.

    How the capital’s film commission helps organize filming in Moscow

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