Category: Business

MIL-OSI: Gabelli Funds to Host 11th Annual Waste & Sustainability Symposium Thursday, April 3, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GREENWICH, Conn., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gabelli Funds, LLC, will host the 11^th Annual Waste & Sustainability Symposium on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Harvard Club in New York City. This timely conference will feature presentations by senior management of leading companies, with an emphasis on industry dynamics, new technologies, and company fundamentals.


Agenda:

7:50 AM	Opening Remarks	Tony Bancroft – Gabelli Funds Hanna Howard – Gabelli Funds

8:00	Toppoint Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TOPP)	John Feliciano – CFO

8:30	Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG)	Brian DelGhiaccio – CFO Aaron Evans – IR

9:00	Ranpak Holdings Corp. (NYSE: PACK)	Bill Drew – CFO

9:30	Waste Connections, Inc. (NYSE: WCN)	Joe Box – IR

10:00	Secure Waste Infrastructure Corp. (TSX: SES-T)	Allen Gransch – CEO Corey Higham – COO

10:30	Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWST)	John Casella – CEO Jason Mead – IR

11:00	CECO Environmental Corp. (NASDAQ: CECO)	Peter Johansson – CFO

11:30	Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF)	Larry Hilsheimer – CFO Dan Tetelman – IR

12:00 PM	Lunch Break

12:15	Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WM)*	Ed Egl – IR

12:45	Aduro Clean Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ADUR)	Ofer Vicus – CEO

1:15	Perma-Fix Environmental Services (NASDAQ: PESI)	Mark Duff – CEO

1:45	Dotz Nano (ASX: DTZ)*	Sharon Malka – CEO

2:15	Loop Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: LOOP)	Daniel Solomita – CEO

2:45	374Water Inc. (OTCM: SCWO)	Chris Gannon – CEO Russell Kline – CFO

3:15	BioLargo Inc. (OTCQX: BLGO)	Cynthia Phillips – Senior Advisor

3:45	AE Carbon Capital (Private)	Victor Yeow – Advisory Chairman

*Indicates virtual presentation

The Harvard Club, New York City
Thursday, April 3, 2025

Registration link: CLICK HERE

General Inquiries
James Carey
Client Relations
914-921-8318
jcarey@gabelli.com

Research Team
Tony Bancroft, MBA	Hanna Howard	Michael Burgio
Portfolio Manager	Portfolio Manager	Research Analyst
914-921-5083	914-921-5015	914-921-7797
tbancroft@gabelli.com	hhoward@gabelli.com	mburgio@gabelli.com

Gabelli Funds, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI)

Contact:	James Carey
	Client Relations
	914-921-8318

For further information please visit www.gabelli.com

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Security National Financial Corporation Mourns the Passing of Esteemed Board Member, Mia Love

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SALT LAKE CITY, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security National is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mia Love, a valued and respected member of our Board of Directors. Ms. Love passed away following a courageous battle with cancer.

Mia Love, a former U.S. Congresswoman and distinguished public servant, brought invaluable leadership, insight, and dedication to Security National during her tenure on the board. Her expertise in public policy, governance, and strategic development played a crucial role in advancing our mission and strengthening our commitment to excellence.

Scott Quist, CEO of Security National, stated: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Mia Love. She was not only a dedicated board member but also a leader of great integrity, wisdom, and compassion. Her impact on our company and the broader community will be felt for years to come.”

Beyond her remarkable contributions to Security National, Mia Love was a trailblazer in politics and advocacy, championing issues that improved the lives of many. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to service, her pioneering spirit, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Our deepest condolences go out to Ms. Love’s family, friends, and all those who were fortunate to know her.

If there are any questions, please contact
Mr. Jeffrey Stephens or Mr. Scott Quist at

Security National Financial Corporation
P.O. Box 57250
Salt Lake City, UT 84157
Phone (801) 264-1060
Fax (801) 264-8430

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Japan support Angola to strengthen food and water security in drought stricken areas

Source: World Food Programme

LUANDA, Angola — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$ 2 million from the Government of Japan to support over 27,000 people affected by drought in southern Angola. This funding will enhance the food and water security while strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers through Japanese agricultural technology innovations.

In collaboration with the Government of Angola, WFP will scale up efforts to promote sustainable access to water, boost agricultural production, and improve the livelihoods of communities impacted by a prolonged drought and the El Niño event in Huíla and Cunene provinces. Through this initiative, WFP will provide solar-powered water supply and small-scale irrigation systems, skills training, and technical assistance to strengthen local value chains and create economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.

WFP will also partner with a Japanese technology company, leveraging its expertise and innovative solutions to help unlock the country’s agricultural potential and advance national development priorities.

“WFP’s collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Japanese private sector has the potential to become a game-changer for Angola’s agriculture sector,” said José Ferrão, WFP Head of Office in Angola. “By combining WFP’s deep field presence and knowledge of the local context and Japan’s cutting-edge technology, this project will empower communities facing climate shocks to build long-term food and water security.”

This generous contribution comes from a new initiative dedicated to sustainable socioeconomic development in Africa, in the lead-up to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) to be held in Yokohama, Japan in August 2025.

“The project supported by this new initiative and implemented in collaboration with WFP and NEC Corporation will be presented at TICAD9 as a model of co-created innovative solutions with Africa,” said Toru Suzuki, the Japanese Ambassador to Angola.

“It also contributes to Japan’s Country Development Cooperation Policy for Angola, which is aligned with the National Development Plan (2023-2027), that identifies the agriculture sector as a driver to promote food security and economic diversification and accelerating sustainable development.”

WFP has been complementing the Government’s drought response efforts by delivering specialised nutrition support and food vouchers to families with malnourished children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls. WFP also trains and mentors health facility staff and community health workers to conduct nutrition screenings and deliver programmes to address moderate acute malnutrition and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

# # #

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

Follow WFP on X via @wfp_media, @wfp_SAfrica

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Six Defendants Charged with Attempting to Steal Approximately $80 Million in Government Check Fraud Scheme

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

The Defendants Deposited Approximately $50 Million Using Stolen and Fake Identities During Their Years-Long Check Fraud Scheme

Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Harry T. Chavez, Jr., the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (“IRS-CI”), announced the unsealing of a four-count criminal Indictment charging SHAN ANAND, NOSAKHARE NOBORE, NICHOLAS PAPPAS, LEONARD UJKIC, SOLOMON ALUKO, a/k/a “D1 ReallyRich,” and JORGE GONZALEZ with a scheme to fraudulently obtain checks and launder the proceeds. Many of the checks were funds provided by the government for COVID-19 relief that the defendants stole before depositing into bank accounts opened using sham businesses or stolen or fake identities. In total, the defendants attempted to steal approximately $80 million and succeeded in depositing approximately $50 million.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “We allege that the defendants stole tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief and other checks, and even used a ‘Fraud Bible’ containing instructions for committing fraud. This Office will not tolerate the exploitation of programs designed to support the public in times of crisis, and we and our law enforcement partners will hold those responsible to full account.”

FBI Acting Assistant Director Leslie R. Backschies said: “These six defendants allegedly used sham businesses, stolen, and fake identities to operate a multi-year check fraud scheme, resulting in $50 million in illicit funds being deposited into their accounts. The defendants brazenly attempted to exploit multiple United States government programs in their attempts to illegally enrich themselves. The FBI will continue to ensure fraudsters attempting to lie, cheat, and steal from the Government answer for their crimes in the criminal justice system.”

IRS Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. said: “This group of suspects openly communicated about their fraud, taking pride in the multiple schemes that stole nearly $50 million from the American public. They lied and cheated a benefits system meant to help struggling businesses that need it, all while stealing checks from agencies who assist the elderly and veterans. This gang of ‘bag hunters’ will now face justice for multiple charges. This time, the U.S. government were the hunters, and the arrests in this massive fraud case are ‘in the bag.’”

As alleged in the Indictment:[1]

From 2021 to 2025, the six defendants worked together to steal money from the U.S. government, banks, and individuals. The defendants opened bank accounts using fake or stolen identity information for individuals or businesses, and were assisted in doing so by one of the defendants who was a teller at a major bank. From the inside, he worked to open or alter bank accounts to advance the defendants’ fraud.

The defendants then deposited fraudulently obtained or counterfeit checks into the accounts. Many of the checks were issued by the U.S. Treasury (the “Treasury”) based on false and fraudulent filings with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with the Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) and Qualified Sick Leave Wages (“QSLW”) credit. The ERC is a refundable tax credit for businesses and tax-exempt organizations that had employees during and were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers must have paid qualified wages to claim the credit. The QSLW credit is a related credit that was also established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants did not operate businesses that would have qualified for these credits. The businesses they used to open bank accounts and apply for the credits were fake or sham businesses.

Other Treasury checks passed as part of the defendants’ scheme were payments for different tax refunds, including personal and corporate income tax refunds. Still other Treasury checks were associated with programs at other government agencies such as the Department of Veterans of Affairs and the Social Security Administration. Some of the checks involved in the scheme—both Treasury checks and other business or individual checks—were stolen from the mail or elsewhere. Other checks were partially or completely forged.

Once the checks were deposited, the defendants withdrew the fraudulently obtained funds in cash or transferred them to other banks accounts under their control. Over the course of their scheme, the defendants attempted to obtain approximately $80 million in total. They succeeded in depositing approximately $50 million.

The defendants communicated openly about their fraud. One defendant sent another a video of a screen recording of a document or documents titled “✅ 2021 Fraud Bible ✅”, shown in the following image:

This “Fraud Bible” contained instructions on how to engage in various forms of fraud, including credit card fraud, ATM fraud, and mobile cash transfer fraud.

Since at least 2021, some members of the conspiracy have worn clothing items bearing a logo depicting a sack of money running along with the phrase “Bag Hunter.”

Certain members of the conspiracy wore this logo while engaging in criminal conduct. For example, the following image shows NOBORE withdrawing fraudulently obtained funds while prominently displaying the Bag Hunters logo:

* * *

ANAND, 34, of Queens, New York; NOBORE, 29, of Edgewater, New Jersey; PAPPAS, 28, of Miami, Florida; UJKIC, 44, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; ALUKO, 29, of Hackensack, New Jersey; and GONZALEZ, 28, of North Bergen, New Jersey, are each charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; conspiracy to commit money laundering and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specific unlawful activity, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to defraud the government, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the FBI and IRS-CI. Mr. Podolsky also thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the New York City Police Department for their assistance.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime and Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maggie Lynaugh, Steven J. Kochevar, and Qais Ghafary are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.

MIL Security OSI –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: 180 Degree Capital Corp. Notes Filing of Preliminary Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for Proposed Business Combination With Mount Logan Capital Inc. and Provides Interim Update on Developments in Q1 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MONTCLAIR, N.J., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 180 Degree Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:TURN) (“180 Degree Capital”) today noted that it had filed a preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus on Schedule 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding its proposed merger with Mount Logan Capital Inc. (“Mount Logan”) in an all-stock transaction (the “Business Combination”). As noted in its original press release issued on January 17, 2025, the surviving entity is expected to be a Delaware corporation operating as Mount Logan Capital Inc. (“New Mount Logan”) listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “MLCI”. In connection with the Business Combination, 180 Degree Capital shareholders will receive proportionate ownership of New Mount Logan determined by reference to 180 Degree Capital’s NAV at closing relative to a valuation of Mount Logan of approximately $67.4 million at signing, subject to certain pre-closing adjustments.

“We are pleased to have the preliminary proxy materials for our proposed Business Combination on file with the SEC and look forward to having more fulsome discussions with our shareholders regarding what we believe to be are the unique opportunities for creation of value for our shareholders through this transaction,” said Kevin M. Rendino, Chief Executive Officer of 180 Degree Capital. “I encourage our shareholders to review our preliminary proxy materials, and when available, our definitive proxy materials, as they contain a detailed background of the robust process of the Special Committee of our Board of Directors that concluded with its recommendation to pursue the Business Combination with Mount Logan. We believe that this Business Combination has the potential to create meaningful value for 180 Degree Capital shareholders and that Mount Logan continues to build value through its growing platform including the recent close of its strategic minority investment in Runway Growth Capital and Mount Logan’s strong operating metrics. We could not be more excited about the potential for further value creation through the combination of our businesses.”

“We are also pleased that Q1 2025 has been positive for a number of our portfolio holdings, including the culmination of a number of identified potential catalysts that have led to increases in value for these holdings this quarter,” added Daniel B. Wolfe, President of 180 Degree Capital. “We are proud of the significant outperformance of our investment portfolio versus the Russell Microcap Index this year through March 14, 2025. This outperformance was driven primarily by long-awaited catalysts including the announcement of the sale of IVAC to Seagate, the positive Q4 2024 results and outlook from SNCR and the announced sale of certain assets along with the improving operating performance of ACNT, offset by ongoing struggles at LTRX and CVGI. We are optimistic regarding the potential additional value-creating catalysts in our portfolio that we expect to occur during the period between now and the potential closing of the proposed Business Combination with Mount Logan. We remain focused on building the maximum net asset value of 180 Degree Capital heading into this proposed Business Combination to set the floor for potential future value creation for our collective shareholders.”

Mr. Rendino concluded, “While we remain in a blackout period for management trading of 180 Degree Capital common shares, 180 Degree Capital currently anticipates a trading window will open once an updated Preliminary Proxy Statement/Prospectus that includes U.S. GAAP financial statements for Mount Logan is filed with the SEC. When a trading window opens, you can expect Daniel and I will be active purchasers of 180 Degree Capital common shares in the open market.”

About 180 Degree Capital Corp.

180 Degree Capital Corp. is a publicly traded registered closed-end fund focused on investing in and providing value-added assistance through constructive activism to what we believe are substantially undervalued small, publicly traded companies that have potential for significant turnarounds. Our goal is that the result of our constructive activism leads to a reversal in direction for the share price of these investee companies, i.e., a 180-degree turn. Detailed information about 180 Degree Capital and its holdings can be found on its website at www.180degreecapital.com.

Press Contact:
Daniel B. Wolfe
Robert E. Bigelow
180 Degree Capital Corp.
973-746-4500
ir@180degreecapital.com

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the agreement and plan of merger among 180 Degree Capital Corp. (“180 Degree Capital”), Mount Logan Capital Inc. (“Mount Logan”), Yukon New Parent, Inc. (“New Mount Logan”), Polar Merger Sub, Inc., and Moose Merger Sub, LLC, dated January 16, 2025, as it may from time to time be amended, modified or supplemented (the “Merger Agreement”) that details the proposed combination of the businesses of 180 Degree Capital and Mount Logan and any other transactions contemplated by and pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement (the “Business Combination”), 180 Degree Capital intends to file with the SEC and mail to its shareholders a proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”), containing a form of WHITE proxy card. In addition, the surviving Delaware corporation, New Mount Logan plans to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that will register the exchange of New Mount Logan shares in the Business Combination and include the Proxy Statement and a prospectus of New Mount Logan (the “Prospectus”). The Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus) will each contain important information about 180 Degree Capital, Mount Logan, New Mount Logan, the Business Combination and related matters. SHAREHOLDERS OF 180 DEGREE CAPITAL AND MOUNT LOGAN ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS CONTAINED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE APPLICABLE SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT 180 DEGREE CAPITAL, MOUNT LOGAN, NEW MOUNT LOGAN, THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain copies of these documents and other documents filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at https://www.sec.gov and the website maintained by the Canadian securities regulators at www.sedarplus.ca. Copies of the documents filed by 180 Degree Capital are also available free of charge by accessing 180 Degree Capital’s investor relations website at https://ir.180degreecapital.com.

Certain Information Concerning the Participants

180 Degree Capital, its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Business Combination. Information about 180 Degree Capital’s executive officers and directors is available in 180 Degree Capital’s Annual Report filed on Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 13, 2025, and in its proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2024 Annual Meeting”), which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2024. To the extent holdings by the directors and executive officers of 180 Degree Capital securities reported in the proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3, 4 or 5 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the 180 Degree Capital shareholders in connection with the Business Combination will be contained in the Proxy Statement when such document becomes available.

Mount Logan, its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Mount Logan in favor of the approval of the Business Combination. Information about Mount Logan’s executive officers and directors is available in Mount Logan’s annual information form dated March 14, 2024, available on its website at https://mountlogancapital.ca/investor-relations and on SEDAR+ at https://sedarplus.ca. To the extent holdings by the directors and executive officers of Mount Logan securities reported in Mount Logan’s annual information form have changed, such changes have been or will be reflected on insider reports filed on SEDI at https://www.sedi.ca/sedi/. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the Mount Logan shareholders in connection with the Business Combination will be contained in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement when such document becomes available.

Non-Solicitation

This letter and the materials accompanying it are not intended to be, and shall not constitute, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of 180 Degree Capital and Mount Logan, may contain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “would,” “forecasts,” “seeks,” “future,” “proposes,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “outlook” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and reflect Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s current views about future events. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the benefits of the Business Combination involving Mount Logan and 180 Degree Capital, including future financial and operating results, Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the Business Combination, and other statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to future results of operations, projected cash flow and liquidity, business strategy, payment of dividends to shareholders of New Mount Logan, and other plans and objectives for future operations. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will occur as projected, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the ability to obtain the requisite Mount Logan and 180 Degree Capital shareholder approvals; the risk that Mount Logan or 180 Degree Capital may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the Business Combination (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect New Mount Logan or the expected benefits of the Business Combination); the risk that an event, change or other circumstance could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination; the risk that a condition to closing of the Business Combination may not be satisfied; the risk of delays in completing the Business Combination; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that synergies from the Business Combination may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the risk that any announcement relating to the Business Combination could have adverse effects on the market price of Mount Logan’s common shares or 180 Degree Capital’s common shares; unexpected costs resulting from the Business Combination; the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; the risk of litigation related to the Business Combination; the risk that the credit ratings of New Mount Logan or its subsidiaries may be different from what the companies expect; the diversion of management time from ongoing business operations and opportunities as a result of the Business Combination; the risk of adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Business Combination; competition, government regulation or other actions; the ability of management to execute its plans to meet its goals; risks associated with the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; changes in economic, financial, political and regulatory conditions; natural and man-made disasters; civil unrest, pandemics, and conditions that may result from legislative, regulatory, trade and policy changes; and other risks inherent in Mount Logan’s and 180 Degree Capital’s businesses. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports, which 180 Degree Capital has filed or will file from time to time with the SEC and Mount Logan has filed or will file from time to time on SEDAR+.

Neither Mount Logan nor 180 Degree Capital undertakes any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Any discussion of past performance is not an indication of future results. Investing in financial markets involves a substantial degree of risk. Investors must be able to withstand a total loss of their investment. The information herein is believed to be reliable and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made, expressed or implied, with respect to the fairness, correctness, accuracy, reasonableness or completeness of the information and opinions. The references and link to the website www.180degreecapital.com and mountlogancapital.ca have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release. Neither 180 Degree Capital nor Mount Logan is responsible for the contents of third-party websites.

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: The Boldt Company Expands Partnership with Document Crunch to Streamline Contract Compliance and Project Execution
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ATLANTA, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Document Crunch, the construction industry’s most used and trusted AI-powered document compliance platform, is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with The Boldt Company, a nationally recognized leader in construction management and ENR top 100 contractors. Boldt, a valued customer since 2021, has expanded Document Crunch in an enterprise-wide roll-out across its portfolio of 150 projects to transform its contract review processes, empower better project execution, and ensure teams stay compliant.

The relationship between Boldt and Document Crunch began with a shared vision to simplify construction contracts and empower project team members who do not have a legal background but work within contractual obligations every day. The expanded partnership builds on the significant results Boldt has already achieved with Document Crunch. Document Crunch has saved Boldt several hundred hours in contract review time and reduced dependencies on legal counsel for routine inquiries. In the future, Boldt anticipates the same efficiencies for project teams, ultimately leading to better dispute management as teams make contract-informed decisions quickly to deal with issues as they arise. “Our business is built on relationships, and I believe the partnership we have developed with Document Crunch will play an important role in our future growth,” explained Nathan Johnson, General Counsel for The Boldt Company.

Since 2021, Document Crunch’s construction-trained platform and knowledge base have established itself as the construction contract risk review leader. It has evolved to meet the day-to-day needs of project teams with full project execution workflows through daily decision support and automated compliance tools. With these advancements, Boldt chose to expand Document Crunch at the enterprise level to replace and enhance legacy systems and procedures to impact two key operational areas:
- Pre-Bid Contract Reviews: Automating the time-intensive process of reviewing contracts prior to bids
- Award-to-Field Handoff: Facilitating seamless transitions of contracts from award to project execution, empowering field teams with the knowledge to understand their obligations and make informed decisions
Leading the way in Construction innovation, Josh Levy, Co-Founder and CEO of Document Crunch, said, “Construction contracts are often the root cause of risks and disputes, and our mission is to empower teams like Boldt’s to understand and act on their contracts with confidence. This partnership exemplifies how innovative technology and strong collaboration can drive efficiency, reduce risks, and improve project outcomes”

“The construction industry is rapidly evolving,” added Levy “At Document Crunch, we are ensuring contracts are accessible and actionable at every layer of our operations, ultimately leading to better project outcomes and minimized disputes.”

The partnership’s success signals a broader shift in the construction industry’s approach to adopting AI technology and advancing legal innovation. By leveraging solutions like Document Crunch, companies like Boldt are closing the gap between technological advancement and real-world application while building innovation partnerships.

“Document Crunch has been very engaged throughout the course of our relationship, leading with curiosity and a willingness to shape their product to meet our needs,” said Johnson. “Josh Levy’s leadership is amazing. He understands the challenges and problems we are trying to solve because he once faced them. His passion for bringing innovation to this space is palpable, this is a huge reason why we trust what they are building.”

About Document Crunch: Document Crunch is the document compliance platform for construction. Leveraging proprietary AI and machine learning, it simplifies construction documents, quickly identifying critical risks and providing guidance so teams can make great decisions throughout the entire project lifecycle. The company is on a mission to empower everyone in the construction industry to understand what’s in their contracts. To learn more, visit documentcrunch.com or schedule a demo here.  

About The Boldt Company: The Boldt Company (Boldt) is a leading professional construction services firm with customers across the United States and is a subsidiary of The Boldt Group. Founded in 1889, Boldt is a fourth-generation family and employee-owned firm headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin. Boldt is recognized as a pioneer in Lean construction and in the industrialized construction space. Boldt operates 18 offices across the U.S. that serve customers in healthcare, power, industrial, education, automotive and commercial markets.

For Media Inquiries:
Girish Jaggi
The MicDrop Agency
+1 (289) 623 3627
girish@themicdropagency.com

The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: RBI Releases Revised Priority Sector Lending Guidelines

Source: Reserve Bank of India

Reserve Bank of India has issued the revised guidelines on Priority Sector Lending (PSL) today after a comprehensive review of existing provisions taking into account feedback from stakeholders. The new guidelines which come into effect from April 01, 2025, include the following major changes:

enhancement of several loan limits, including housing loans for enhanced PSL coverage,
broadening of the purposes based on which loans may be classified under ‘Renewable Energy’,
revision of overall PSL target for UCBs to 60 per cent of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (CEOBSE), whichever is higher.
expansion of the list of eligible borrowers under the category of ‘Weaker Sections’, along with removal of the existing cap on loans by UCBs to individual women beneficiaries.

The enhanced coverage of the revised guidelines is expected to facilitate better targeting of bank credit to the priority sectors of the economy.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2024-2025/2450

MIL OSI Economics –

March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Galaxy A26 5G, Samsung’s Most Affordable AI-Powered Smartphone, Launches in India Starting at Just INR 22999

Source: Samsung

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, continues to push the boundaries of AI democratisation with the launch of Galaxy A26 5G, its most affordable smartphone with the power of AI. Crafted for a seamless experience, Galaxy A26 5G delivers a balance of style, durability, performance, and innovation, making it a perfect choice for everyday use.

AWESOME INTELLIGENCE
Samsung brings Awesome Intelligence to Galaxy A26 5G, making everyday tasks smarter and easier. The Intelligent AI Suite enhances user experience with features like Circle to Search with Google, AI Select, Object Eraser, My Filters and more.

Circle to Search with Google – a fan-favourite on Galaxy A series devices last year – now goes beyond just images, allowing users to identify songs, discover information, and take instant actions with minimal effort. With the latest upgrades, users can now get even more done on their phone. Circle to Search with Google will quickly recognize phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on the screen, so that users can take actions with minimal effort.

Galaxy A26 5G also comes with the Object Eraser which allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Users can manually or automatically select objects to erase, achieving a cleaner, more polished final image with just a few taps.

AI Select intuitively understands the context by enabling instant search and extraction of information with a single click. My Filters enables users to create their personalised filters. This innovative function allows users to capture the look and feel of their preferred photos by mimicking their colours and styles and instantly applying them to new images. Each custom filter is conveniently saved in the Camera app for easy access in future projects, allowing for a more personalized and creative photography experience.

AWESOME DESIGN AND DISPLAY
Galaxy A26 5G stands out with its premium glass back appearance in four stylish colours—Peach, Mint, White, and Black—allowing users to express their personality through its expressive design. The larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display enhances viewing experiences with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is also thinner than its predecessor, measuring just 7.7mm in thickness, making it sleek and easy to hold.

AWESOME PERFORMANCE
At the heart of Galaxy A26 5G is the Exynos 1380 processor, ensuring seamless multitasking, enhanced gaming, and smooth everyday performance. The vapour chamber is now 3.7 times larger as compared to the last generation, which keeps the device running efficiently even during intense gameplay. Backed by a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charge support, Galaxy A26 5G provides all-day power to keep up with your lifestyle.

AWESOME CAMERA
Photography enthusiasts will love the flagship 50MP OIS Main Camera, which captures crisp, blur-free images. The 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera is perfect for expansive landscapes, while the 2MP Macro Camera enables detailed close-up shots. A 13MP Front Camera ensures high-quality selfies, and helps capture sharp, steady images.

AWESOME DURABILITY
Galaxy A26 5G sets a new benchmark for durability in its segment, and is designed to withstand everyday challenges while ensuring long-term reliability. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ offers superior scratch and drop resistance, providing enhanced protection against accidental bumps and falls. The IP67 water and dust resistance rating ensures added peace of mind, making Galaxy A26 5G resilient against spills, splashes, and dust exposure.

The Galaxy A26 5G is built to last with segment-leading 6 years of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates, ensuring users benefit from the latest software advancements and robust security protections for years to come. By combining a durable build with future-ready software support, Samsung reinforces its position as a brand that prioritizes long-term value and reliability for consumers.

AWESOME SECURITY AND PRIVACY
Samsung is also taking security and privacy to the next level with the integration of One UI 7.0 on Galaxy A series for the first time. The Samsung Knox Vault adds an extra, fortified layer of protection, ensuring users have complete control over their data with enhanced transparency and security settings. With features like Theft Detection and Knox Matrix, users can manage and customize their security preferences effortlessly.

AWESOME PROPOSITION
Designed to offer a premium experience at an accessible price point, Galaxy A26 5G is now available at an incredible price of INR 22999* starting today on Samsung.com, Samsung Exclusive Stores, leading online platforms, and retail stores across the country. Galaxy A26 5G comes with 8GB RAM in two storage options – 128GB and 256GB, both of which are expandable up to 2TB via microSD, providing ample space for all content.

Variant
Original Price
Net Effective Price
Colours
Offers
8GB/256GB
INR 27999
INR 25999

Awesome Peach, Awesome Mint, Awesome White and Awesome Black
Primary Offer:
*INR 2000 Bank Cashback (HDFC and SBI)

Additional Offer:
Samsung Care+: 1 year Screen Protection at just INR 1699
₹999

Up to 12 months No Cost EMI
8GB/128GB
INR 24999
INR 22999

MIL OSI Economics –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: As part of Career Day, university representatives and employers discussed how to improve the training of specialists

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Round table at SPbGASU

As part of the SPbGASU Career Day, a round table “Employers and Universities. Trends and Prospects” was held on March 20. Its participants discussed what is needed to train specialists who best meet modern industry requirements.

Opening the meeting, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy Marina Malyutina said that holding a round table has become a tradition: it is important for the university to receive feedback from partners.

A Proven Partnership

Marina Viktorovna presented a letter of thanks to Nanosoft LLC and personally to the director of programs for the development of interaction with educational organizations “Nanosoft Development” Oleg Egorychev. “We express our deep gratitude for your active participation in organizing the “Career Day of SPbGASU” and training personnel for the construction industry. We greatly appreciate your contribution to the development of professional competencies of students,” the letter says.

In his response, Oleg Egorychev emphasized that SPbGASU is a long-standing, kind and informative partner of Nanosoft. Together with the university, the company recently held two free educational courses on “Digital Modeling in Construction”. The company plans to hold the next course, as well as organize retraining of teachers from other universities on the basis of SPbGASU.

Oleg Olegovich said that Nanosoft contributes to solving the tasks set by the head of state – to achieve technological sovereignty, to transition all sectors of the economy to domestic software, including engineering. The company provides its software free of charge to universities, colleges and comprehensive schools; systematically and massively conducts training of the faculty of universities, teachers and mentors of colleges, teachers of comprehensive schools in the use of software. “Because the entry point to any educational process is not licenses at all. These are the teachers, teachers, mentors who lead this educational process,” he noted.

Mutual benefit

Marina Malyutina spoke in detail about the cooperation of SPbGASU with partners. The university practices traditional, well-proven forms of interaction: open lectures, seminars, master classes of specialists, excursions to enterprises, career days and job fairs. This also includes the work of company specialists as external part-time workers and members of the State Examination Commission, industrial practice, providing topics for course projects and final qualification works, access to knowledge bases.

At the same time, innovative methods are being introduced: case championships, competitions with expert consultations. The most famous of them is the student TIM championship.

Later, the university began to extend this format to secondary vocational education institutions, colleges, and schools, motivating students to enroll in SPbGASU by selecting a target applicant.

Another new form introduced last year is mini-courses from partners. The university sees a certain gap between the competencies of graduates and those competencies that are in demand on the labor market. In order to reduce this gap, the university offers partners to conduct small special courses from specialists of companies that “grow” students. The courses are voluntary, the topic is a product approach, project activities.

Marina Malyutina expressed confidence that technological sovereignty is achieved in various ways, including by cultivating innovative entrepreneurial thinking in young people. Since last year, the university has joined the Startup as a Diploma program and has become a participant in the TechnoPiter accelerator. Third place in this program was taken by a student of SPbGASU, who received 200 thousand rubles as a reward.

SPbGASU expects mentors and experts from companies in the context of developing technological entrepreneurship. In addition, the university invites companies to place their symbols, information stands, and videos on how a future specialist can realize themselves in the university buildings.

Targeted training

The Vice-Rector for Youth Policy also focused on targeted training. The audience learned that targeted training comes in two forms: by quota – only for companies with state participation, and not by quota – for any companies, including individual entrepreneurs.

Under the quota, the contract is concluded at the admission stage. There is a separate competition for such applicants. The training is conducted at the expense of the state budget. After admission, the company pays the students a stipend. But there are risks and difficulties here: the company cannot choose a specific student. In the event of the student being expelled or the employer refusing to employ him, the party that has not fulfilled its obligations pays a fine in the amount of the cost of training.

A contract for non-quota training can be concluded at any stage of training. There are various options for paying for training – at the expense of the student, the company, at the expense of the state budget, if the contract is concluded with a student studying on a budget place. The positive effect for the company is that it is possible to choose a specific student: look at his academic performance, the topic of term papers and understand how suitable he is. The university is ready to help in this choice. There are fewer risks in this case: the student is already profiled, motivated, he is a target by definition, the probability of his expulsion is small. The company can provide him with support measures. Fines are paid in the same cases as with targeted training under a quota.

At SPbGASU, quota-based targeted training is coordinated by the admissions committee, while non-quota-based training is coordinated by the student entrepreneurship and career center.

Project-based learning

First Vice-Rector Svetlana Golovina emphasized: SPbGASU is for practical orientation, but this entails some difficulties. Students start working from the third year and miss classes. The university makes every effort to ensure that they receive knowledge, including through the Moodle e-learning and testing system, where lectures and assignment texts are available at any time.

Svetlana Gennadyevna reported on the development of curricula for project-based learning. Project-based learning is an approach in which students learn through independent planning and development of solutions to a problem or task. An expert council of employers has been created for this purpose under the educational and methodological council of SPbGASU. The transition to project-based learning is planned for 2027.

The First Vice-Rector reported that the university is interested in systemic cooperation and invited employers to join in the development of project activities and student technological entrepreneurship. Partner support can be advisory: in the form of feedback on the quality of graduate training, participation in the development of programs. Expert: participation in the assessment of student projects, support for teams in competitions, olympiads, training. Informational: you can talk about projects on your resources. Organizational: you can take on some of the tasks of preparing and holding certain events. Material: you can provide software, equipment, premises. Financial: student bonuses, investments in the implementation of projects, startups.

For partners, the value of cooperation lies in finding ideas for solving current problems, developing their scientific and technical base, and innovations. In addition, this supports the image of a socially responsible company and increases brand awareness, and forms a personnel reserve. The company gets the opportunity to form a demand for competencies and influence the content and results of education, which develops the potential of current employees through mentoring and tutoring, and reduces the time and resources for the adaptation of young specialists.

The roundtable participants completed a survey on new formats of interaction, discussed the importance of mentoring and acquiring fundamental knowledge, and expressed their willingness to join forces to ensure that graduates meet the requirements of the labor market.

The event was organized by the Center for Student Entrepreneurship and Career of SPbGASU.

SPbGASU and Nanosoft company thank the representatives of Severnaya Kompaniya, Region LLC, TITAN-2 holding, Glavstroy-Saint Petersburg Specialized Developer LLC, Samolet Group PJSC, StroyKraft LLC, Setl Group, Design Institute No. 2 LLC, ZVSK Invest LLC, Gipronickel Institute LLC, Alfa-Bank, Atomenergoproekt JSC, VDC, ENITA LLC, and LSR Group for their participation in the round table.

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 –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Will mummy make it better? The curious case of mummified remedies in early modern medicine

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol

Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock

The history of medicine is filled with remedies that, viewed through a modern lens, seem perplexing, misguided or downright macabre. Among these is “mumia” — a medicinal substance derived from mummified human remains.

From the 12th to the 17th century, physicians across Europe prescribed powdered mummy as a cure-all for ailments ranging from internal bleeding and broken bones to epilepsy and melancholia.

Once regarded as a potent elixir infused with the life force of the ancients, mumia was a staple in apothecaries, sought after by the wealthy and recommended by the learned. Yet, as medical knowledge evolved, so too did attitudes toward this unusual remedy, and by the 18th century, it had largely faded into obscurity.

The belief in mumia’s healing power was deeply rooted in prevailing medical theories of the time. One such theory was the doctrine of signatures, which held that natural substances resembled the ailments they were meant to cure.

Mummified flesh, preserved for centuries, seemed an obvious candidate for treating decay, wounds and internal deterioration. Another influential idea was vitalism, the notion that life force could be transferred from one body to another, particularly from a preserved human to a living patient.

Adding to this was the European fascination with the medical traditions of the Islamic world. Arabic physicians such as Avicenna had described the therapeutic use of bitumen – a naturally occurring tar-like substance also called mūmiyā – that had medicinal applications in wound healing.

When these texts were translated into Latin, European scholars mistakenly conflated mūmiyā with Egyptian mummies, assuming that the embalmed dead were imbued with similar restorative properties. The result was a booming trade in ground-up human remains, with mummies sourced from Egyptian tombs, grave robbers and even local execution sites.

Grave robbers got in on the racket.
David Leshem/Shutterstock

Mumia was prescribed for an astonishing array of conditions. Physicians believed it could speed up healing, prevent infection and even cure epilepsy. Ingested in powdered form or mixed into tinctures, it was recommended for internal bleeding, strokes and tuberculosis. Some suggested it could ward off melancholy or restore youthful vitality, making it a popular remedy among the European elite.

Apothecaries stocked mummy powder alongside other human-derived medicines such as powdered skull (cranium humanum) and distilled human fat (axungia hominis).

The more ancient the remains, the more potent they were thought to be. However, as the demand for mumia outstripped the supply of genuine Egyptian mummies, opportunistic traders turned to more recent corpses – some even resorting to robbing the gallows to meet the market’s needs.

Eventual decline

Despite its widespread use, mumia was not without its detractors. By the 16th century, some physicians began to question both its efficacy and its ethical implications. The Swiss physician Paracelsus (1493–1541) argued that only fresh human remains – not ancient, embalmed flesh – had medicinal value, while others dismissed the practice as nothing more than superstition.

The growing emphasis on empirical science in the 17th and 18th centuries further eroded faith in mumia. As anatomy and pathology advanced, the idea that centuries-old preserved tissue could heal the living seemed increasingly implausible. At the same time, public attitudes toward human remains began to shift.

The rise of Egyptology and archaeological interest in mummies reframed them as historical artefacts rather than medical commodities, making their consumption distasteful even to those who had once sworn by their healing properties.

By the early 18th century, mumia had largely disappeared from medical practice, relegated to the annals of history as an example of medicine’s sometimes gruesome past.

Mumia’s decline serves as a reminder of how medical knowledge evolves, shedding once-revered treatments in favour of evidence-based approaches. Yet, while medicinal cannibalism may seem shocking today, the pursuit of miraculous cures continues. From stem cell therapies to longevity supplements, the desire to harness the essence of life itself persists – albeit with more scientific rigour.

Looking back at the use of mummified medicine, we are reminded that the boundary between science and superstition is not always as clear as we might like to believe.

Michelle Spear 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. Will mummy make it better? The curious case of mummified remedies in early modern medicine – https://theconversation.com/will-mummy-make-it-better-the-curious-case-of-mummified-remedies-in-early-modern-medicine-247727

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Time to stop blaming bats and newts for blocking development? A new fund could support nature and ease building delays

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Graham Haughton, Professor, Urban and Environmental Planning, University of Manchester

Great news for the greater horseshoe bat? ATTILA Barsan/Shutterstock

For years, nature has been blamed as a blocker of economic growth. After some ministerial bluster about not letting newts and bats get in the way of growth ambitions, the UK government released more details of its plans to get Britain building again.

The centrepiece of its aspirations to balance both nature and economic growth is a nature restoration fund, to be set up in England through changes to habitat regulations. This should allow developers to stay within their legal obligations towards nature through a payment scheme without delaying their projects.

The broad concept is that, as an alternative to relocating important species or improving habitats on the site of a proposed development, a developer could pay into the nature restoration fund. This would pay for larger, more strategically located schemes to protect the species in question.

The fund simplifies and streamlines the regulations while collecting funds to promote more, bigger, better and increasingly joined-up sites for nature.

Protecting nature is not just about bats and newts. According to trade association the Home Builders Federation (HBF), there are 160,000 homes being delayed by what are known as “nutrient neutrality” measures. These rules were a response to growing public concerns about land and water pollution caused by nutrient loads – pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus – associated with livestock farming and spillages from sewage works.

Government agency Natural England advised 74 local authorities that they should not allow any more house building in their areas unless this pollution could be mitigated. But this has led to lengthy and expensive project-by-project reviews to identify potential damage.

How will a fund help?

The fund will build on some schemes that are already known to work. One such scheme works for the protection of great-crested newts. Another successful scheme is Thames Basin Heaths project, working to protect and enhance heathland sites where rare birds such as nightingales breed. Crucially, this scheme allows new development to go ahead in adjacent areas.

The fund will be run by Natural England, which aims to draw on these experiences to unblock development at a large scale rather than at single-site level, pooling contributions from developers to pay for mitigation measures when there is a risk to nature.

If a particular “blocking” issue is identified, experts from Natural England will produce a plan, which must be approved by the environment secretary. A levy on developers will then pay for mitigation measures “in perpetuity” (often 30 years), allowing the development to get under way.

Read more:
The government has revealed its plans to get Britain building again. Some of them might just work

Environmental experts have cautiously welcomed the general principles and approach of the nature restoration fund. But there has also been concern about whether the plan is well enough thought through. There are also questions on how well it will integrate with other schemes.

A widespread worry is for the future of biodiversity net gain – which includes measures for creating and improving habitat banks using biodiversity units, effectively a form of “nature market”. This approach sets a target of 10% for biodiversity improvement based upon the combined distinctness, condition and significance of affected habitats over the lifetime of the development. But these measures are only just getting started.

The concern is that providers of sites for these habitat banks – which might be councils, landowners, charities or private businesses, for example – might get cold feet and pull out if they can’t be certain that their plans will be compatible with the nature restoration fund.

The Thames Basin Heaths scheme has been protecting the breeding grounds of nightingales.
Erni/Shutterstock

There is concern, too, about how payments from the nature restoration fund would be calculated. These will need to be locally appropriate and not pit nature restoration and biodiversity net gain against each other if, for example, landowners are forced to choose a particular scheme for their land that they are then committed to for decades. With two parallel systems in play, the relationship between them must be crystal clear, otherwise shared goals could be missed.

Another question is whether Natural England can be both regulator and financial beneficiary of the new scheme. There have been calls from some of those already involved in nature markets for some form of independent oversight.

And it will also be vital that the new scheme respects what’s known as the “mitigation hierarchy”. This hierarchy aims to avoid, reduce and then mitigate any impacts on nature on-site in that order. Then developers should consider off-site measures in areas where there could be greater gains for biodiversity.

But a danger here is that this could disconnect people from nature even further by mitigating ecological loss miles away from the site of the damage. This disconnection is considered to be a critical underlying cause of biodiversity loss.

There is much to like about the nature restoration fund, but there is a risk that little will be achieved without the government showing genuine ambition and allocating enough money and staff to properly monitor and enforce it over the long term. Only time will tell whether it achieves the government’s goal of speeding up development.

At the moment, it is not clear how the fund will complement similar schemes and there is a danger of creating a complex patchwork in nature restoration funding. But if it works well, it could provide a richer funding ecosystem for nature recovery – a much-needed boost for England’s nature-depleted landscape.

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

– ref. Time to stop blaming bats and newts for blocking development? A new fund could support nature and ease building delays – https://theconversation.com/time-to-stop-blaming-bats-and-newts-for-blocking-development-a-new-fund-could-support-nature-and-ease-building-delays-252765

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Three graphic novels that address the history of slavery – and commemorate resistance

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dominic Davies, Senior Lecturer in English, City St George’s, University of London

Millions of people were abducted from west Africa and forcibly trafficked to the Americas over the 400 years of the transatlantic slave trade, from the 15th to the 19th century.

Slavery treated these people as forms of property. It forced them, with brutal violence, to work on plantations producing commodities such as cotton and coffee, sugar and tobacco. Their labour powered the world economy for several centuries.

While common understanding of this history has improved, less frequently remembered are those who spearheaded resistance against slavery. Revolutionary uprisings led by enslaved people themselves, as well as actions by radical groups such as Quakers and mutinous pirates, challenged slavery long before William Wilberforce and Britain’s abolition movement.

Now, an increasingly popular genre of the graphic novel is building public awareness and memory of these movements. Composing its stories of the past from framed documents, fragmented images and scraps of text, the form of the graphic novel resembles an archive. It is therefore well-placed to bring forgotten histories to life and to reflect on how those histories were recovered.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

Here are three recent graphic novels that can help us to remember resistance against slavery. They follow in the footsteps of historian Rebecca Hall’s collaboration with artist Hugo Martínez, Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts (2021), which I would also strongly recommend.

1. Toussaint Louverture: The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History

By C.L.R. James, Nic Watts, and Sakina Karimjee (2023)

In the early 1930s, the anti-colonial historian, C.L.R. James, wrote a play about the 1791 Haitian Revolution and its leader, Toussaint Louverture.

It dramatised the story of the only successful slave revolt in history, when 100,000 slaves rose up against their white masters and eventually secured independence after almost 15 years of struggle.

James’s play was performed only twice in 1936, with the great African American actor Paul Robeson in the title role. The script was then lost for several decades, until 2005, when the historian Christian Høgsberg discovered a copy in the archives at the University of Hull and published a new edition of the play.

In 2012, graphic artist, Nic Watts and theatre practitioner, Sakina Karimjee, decided to bring James’s play back to life – not on the stage, but in the pages of a graphic novel.

James, who died in 1989, might not have guessed that he would one day be a co-creator of a graphic novel. But he would surely have been impressed with Toussaint Louverture, which takes readers through the Haitian Revolution in almost 300 thrilling pages.

The graphic novel uses its uniquely spatial medium to map the connections between the French Revolution, which proclaimed universal rights for all men, and the slave uprising in Haiti, which sought to realise those rights in France’s colonies. It is packed with powerful symbols and imagery that build a rich picture of the strategies and tactics that led to the uprising’s eventual victory.

2. Prophet Against Slavery: Benjamin Lay, A Graphic Novel

By David Lester, edited by Paul Buhle and Marcus Rediker (2023)

Historian Marcus Rediker has devoted his career to uncovering early histories of resistance against slavery and sharing them in compelling and accessible formats.

In 2021 he teamed up with the illustrator, David Lester, and longtime graphic historian, Paul Buhle, to translate this work into graphic novels.

The first, Prophet Against Slavery, takes readers back to a Quaker meeting house in the early 1700s. In its dramatic opening scene, Benjamin Lay disrupts the meeting with a piece of performance theatre. He appears to stab his own arm in protest against slavery, though we later learn that the spouting blood was in fact “red pokeberry juice”.

Lay was an innovator of performance protest, and he developed the strategy of boycotting commodities produced by slave labour. As Prophet Against Slavery details, he was one of the earliest and most outspoken abolitionists, campaigning for the end of the transatlantic slave trade almost a century before Wilberforce.

He was also a pioneer of veganism and an advocate for animal rights. Lay saw the parallels between early capitalism’s enclosure of common land in England and slavery’s enclosure of people’s bodies in the US. The claustrophobic borders of Lester’s graphic novel dramatise these acts of property making, even as they document Lay’s stubborn attempts to liberate the oppressed from bondage.

The enslaved themselves do not have a voice in Prophet Against Slavery. But Lester uses powerful charcoal sketches and image-only panels to make sure their presence is never forgotten.

These haunting images remind readers of the human cost of slavery without presuming to speak for those whose voices have been excluded from the written archive.

3. Under the Banner of King Death: Pirates of the Atlantic, A Graphic Novel

By David Lester and Marcus Rediker (2023)

Rediker and Lester teamed up again for Under the Banner of King Death. The title refers to the skull and cross bones flag that flies on the masts of pirate ships.

But this is not your conventional story of evil pirates drinking rum and hunting for gold (although there is some of that). It is rather a portrait of the pirate ship as a space of self-determination and political freedom at a time when, as Rediker puts it, “poor people had no democratic rights anywhere in the world”.

The graphic novel tells the story of John Gwin, an African-American man who escaped from slavery in South Carolina. After being kidnapped by the Royal African Company to labour on a slaving ship, he decides to resist. He rallies his shipmates, liberates the Africans below deck, and leads a mutiny to overthrow Skinner, the tyrannical captain.

With Skinner deposed, the pirates establish a commune at sea: “A world turned upside down,” as Gwin calls it. “All captains and officers elected. All tars [sailors] treated as brothers. No tyranny of the lash.” There is no hierarchy on this ship. Instead, they return to west Africa and begin breaking people out of slave castles along the coast.

Lester’s pen-and-ink sketches and frantic page layouts capture the scattergun nature of pirate life in the 17th century. It was a dangerous existence. Such was the threat posed by pirates to the ruling order that the British Navy worked quickly to capture them and make an example. Under the Banner of King Death starts and ends with hanging scenes, where pirates were put to death in public.

But while the British state could hang the pirates, it couldn’t kill their idea of freedom from slavery. Lester and Rediker recover this history and remind us of the revolutionary spirit that the skull and cross bones flag once represented.

These graphic novels commemorate new histories of resistance to the slave trade, while also reminding us of the historiographic work that must be put into recovering and retelling them, now and in the future.

Dominic Davies 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. Three graphic novels that address the history of slavery – and commemorate resistance – https://theconversation.com/three-graphic-novels-that-address-the-history-of-slavery-and-commemorate-resistance-251740

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: There’s a global tug-of-war for Greenland’s resources – but the new government has its own plans

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nicolas Jouan, Senior Defence and Security Analyst, RAND Europe

Greenland’s parliamentary election was held on March 11 against a backdrop of repeated calls from the Trump administration for America to annex the island. The poll delivered a momentous shift in Greenland’s political landscape as the pro-business Demokraatit (Democrats) emerged as the biggest winners overturning the two left-leaning parties which had formed the previous government.

Securing nearly 30% of the vote and gaining seven seats for a total of ten in the Inatsisartut (parliament), the party now holds the strongest mandate it has ever had. Close behind was the nationalist Naleraq party, which secured 24.5% of the vote and gained four seats, bringing their total to eight.

While both parties are united in their rejection of Trump’s ambitions and share a vision of Greenlandic independence, their approaches couldn’t be more different. Demokraatit advocates for a gradual, measured process, prioritising economic development. The party considers that economic self-sufficiency and strengthening domestic infrastructure are key preconditions to achieve independence. Naleraq, on the other hand, is pushing for a rapid break from Denmark. Its line is that Greenland will only be able to unleash its potential, economic and otherwise, once independent.

Independence has long been the dominant theme of Greenlandic politics. Ever since the territory gained home rule in 1979, most political parties across the spectrum have championed the idea of full independence from the kingdom of Denmark. Even the two major challengers – the Inuit Ataqatigiit, which lost five seats at the election to drop to seven, and the once-dominant Siumut, which lost six and now holds just four seats – are pro-independence.

But while independence remains a defining issue, the real story of this election is Greenland’s economy. The island is sitting on a treasure trove of rare earth elements, uranium, iron and other minerals critical to global industries. Yet despite decades of interest from foreign investors, strict regulations and environmental concerns have often slowed development.

With Demokraatit’s rise, that could change. The party is pushing for pro-business policies, including tax incentives, streamlined regulations and reduced state intervention in key industries like mining, fisheries and tourism. If successful, these reforms could transform Greenland into a major player in the global supply chain.

Despite its electoral gains, Demokraatit faces a challenge in implementing its economic vision. The party’s potential coalition partner, Naleraq, is deeply sceptical of foreign investment, at least when it comes from Denmark and Europe. While open to partnerships with the US, Naleraq is adamant that Greenland must retain full control over its resources, resisting any foreign influence that could compromise national sovereignty.

This ideological divide could create friction within a potential coalition government. Will Demokraatit’s pro-business agenda be tempered by Naleraq’s nationalistic stance? Or will the promise of economic growth push both parties toward compromise?

Global powers are watching

Greenland’s election came at a time when it was already the focus of world attention. Its strategic location and vast resources have attracted growing interest from global superpowers – none more so than the US. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a move widely considered unrealistic, but indicative of Washington’s strategic priorities.

American interest in Greenland isn’t new. The island is home to the Pituffik Space Base, formerly Thule Air Base, since the 1950s as a critical part of North American missile defence and whose Arctic position makes it a key player in both American territorial defence and Nato’s security architecture. Pituffik is the only non-Danish military presence in the territory and is the northernmost American military base.

But the White House’s rhetoric has taken a more insistent tone, raising questions about whether the US might attempt to exert greater influence over Greenland’s economic and political future. The interest in Greenland seems guided by at least two factors: its strategic position at the centre of the North Atlantic security complex and its economic potential with hard-to-access but abundant resources.

In both cases, the growing involvement of both Russia and China in the Arctic seem to make the US wary of a potentially independent Greenland getting closer to unfriendly great powers.

Denmark’s central government is walking a diplomatic tightrope when it comes to responding to the US government’s repeated intentions to annex Greenland. Copenhagen has sought to Europeanise the debate, floating the idea of Greenland joining the European Union. Taking this step would provide welcome economic support to the island but could also clash with Greenland’s scepticism toward European interference.

Greenland now stands at a crossroads. Domestically, negotiations between Demokraatit and Naleraq will likely shape the trajectory of the island’s economic and independence ambitions. Internationally, major powers – including the US, the EU and possibly even China and Russia – are positioning themselves to engage with Greenland’s untapped potential.

As the world’s focus on Greenland intensifies, one thing is clear: this Arctic nation is no longer a remote outpost. It is fast becoming a key battleground for economic, political and strategic influence in the North Atlantic.

Nicolas Jouan 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. There’s a global tug-of-war for Greenland’s resources – but the new government has its own plans – https://theconversation.com/theres-a-global-tug-of-war-for-greenlands-resources-but-the-new-government-has-its-own-plans-252396

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Facing annexation threats, should Canadians lament for a nation — like George Grant did in 1963?

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By David Edward Tabachnick, Professor of Political Science, Nipissing University

A decades-old lament for Canada is back on some Canadians’ minds as United States President Donald Trump makes repeated annexation threats.

Canadian political philosopher George Grant’s Lament for a Nation was published in 1965 — the same year Canada’s iconic Maple Leaf flag was first unfurled on the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill — and unexpectedly inspired many Canadians to feel a sudden sense of pride and confidence that their country could and must stand up to its giant imperialistic neighbour to the south.

Sixty years later, there are calls to “Bring Back Grumpy George” and renew his decades-old warning. There are also attempts to understand Grant’s continued relevance in the 21st century, as well as new volumes on his work.

Canadian nationalist movement of 70s

On the face of it, Grant’s slim volume may seem the perfect tonic for what ails Canada today. Consider that William Christian, Grant’s biographer, called its publication “one of the most significant factors in creating the Canadian nationalist movement of the 1970s” while esteemed journalist Charles P.B. Taylor dubbed it “a Bible for younger nationalists.”

It “is the sun under which a generation of Canadian nationalists warm themselves,” Andrew Potter writes in his introduction to the 40th anniversary edition of Grant’s most famous work, “but it also casts the long dark shadows in which they must operate.”

One need only wade a little into the volume to see those “the long dark shadows.” The subtitle to Grant’s book says it all: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism. So, far from being a call to arms, Lament for a Nation was, as Grant put it, a “cry out at the death or at the dying of something loved…[to mourn] the end of Canada as a sovereign state.”

In other words, Lament was never intended to whip Canadians into a nationalist fervour, but to spell out Canada’s unfortunate and inevitable disappearance as a nation.

‘Blending into the (U.S.) empire’

By this logic, the next six decades of failed strategies to diversify the Canadian economy and stillborn plans to grow its military are symptoms of a disease that had already killed the patient; Canada is the zombie nation, an apparently democratic electoral system without real substance. Grant wrote:

“Canada has ceased to be a nation, but its formal political existence will not end quickly. Our social and economic blending into the empire will continue apace, but political union will probably be delayed. Some international catastrophe or great shift of power might speed up this process.”

For Grant, Canada’s original death knell was acquiescence to American demands that it accept their nuclear weapons on its soil. While Canada had both the technical ability and practical capacity to build its own bombs after the Second World War, leaders decided against it.

Jack Mackenzie, first president of Atomic Energy Control Board, explained in a 1953 address: “Canada is the only country in the world with sizeable atomic energy establishments where no bombs are being made, and where all the thinking and planning is focused on peacetime aspects.”

But in the context of the Cold War, this principled choice was viewed as a sign of weakness by Americans, who worried about Soviet bombers travelling unrestricted over the Arctic.

Defence crisis

This worry led to the so-called defence crisis that dominated the federal 1963 election campaign, fought between Conservative Prime Minister Diefenbaker and Liberal Lester B. Pearson.

A beleaguered Diefenbaker had cancelled the vaunted Avro Arrow program a few years earlier, hesitated to commit the Navy to participate in the blockade of Cuba and then balked at accepting American warheads for the BOMARC interceptor missiles designed to stop those bombers.

The pugnacious Pearson was once a champion of non-proliferation and had shocked his supporters during his infamous Scarborough speech when he announced his surprising agreement that U.S. nukes had to be deployed on Canadian soil in the name of our “commitments for Canada in continental and collective defence,” including NORAD and NATO.

For Grant, Diefenbaker’s defeat to Pearson was a stake through the heart of the Canada from which it would never recover. In 1963, the Royal Canadian Air Force delivered a shipment of nuclear warheads to the BOMARC missile site near RCAF Station North Bay, Ont., just up the road from where I write today.

End of Canadian nationalism?

A few years before his passing in 1988, Grant made it clear in a 1985 interview with Lawrence (Larry) Schmidt, a theologian and a scholar of Grant’s work, that “people have read a little book I wrote called Lament for a Nation wrongly. I was talking about the end of Canadian nationalism. I was saying that this is over and people read it as if I was making an appeal for Canadian nationalism. I think that is just nonsense. I think they just read it wrongly.”

Today, Canadian economic well-being and security are no more in Canada’s control then they were in 1965. Trump is merely saying the quiet part out loud in his craven desire to make Canada the 51st state.

Was Grant wrong?

But, as it turns out, Grant was wrong. Canada is not the zombie nation. It may have been in a bit of daze for the last while, but Canadians have their elbows up again.

Read more:
Why Gordie Howe’s elbows are Canada’s answer to Donald Trump

Now out of a stupor, Canadians are reviewing the wisdom of purchasing F-35s, buying new radar systems to assert our sovereignty over the Arctic and attempting to drop interprovincial trade barriers.

Mind you, this is nothing new. In the face of American disapproval, Canada trades with Cuba, claims the Northwest Passage as its internal waters and negotiated a successful Acid Rain Treaty. Canada led the charge to ban the use of land mines and refused to participate in the American missile shield plan.

Canada didn’t send its young men to die in the jungles of Vietnam and refused to participate in the ill-conceived Iraq War. And it still protects its fresh water and health care.

New policy for common cause

Still, rather than merely reacting to American insults and pressures, Canada is long overdue to develop contemporary and responsive policy, the very thing Grant thought would allow Canada to become and stay a sovereign country, at least for a while.

As writer and historical researcher Mark Wegierski notes, this could unite conservatives and progressives in common cause.

While Canadians may be divided at times, they need to use this moment of unity to make sure Canada stays alive and kicking.

David Edward Tabachnick 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. Facing annexation threats, should Canadians lament for a nation — like George Grant did in 1963? – https://theconversation.com/facing-annexation-threats-should-canadians-lament-for-a-nation-like-george-grant-did-in-1963-252337

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: World Water Day 2025: Preserving Africa’s Water Resources (By Mtchera Johannes Chirwa and Anthony Nyong)

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

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, March 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

By Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Director for Water Development and Sanitation, and Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org).

Each year, World Water Day highlights the pressing challenges surrounding global water resources and the actions needed to address them. Nowhere is this more critical than in Africa, where nearly 1.4 billion people live, a number expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. On the continent, approximately 411 million people – almost one-third of the total population – lacked basic drinking water services as of 2020. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, about 387 million people struggle daily without access to safe water.

Africa is home to vital natural water towers, including mountains and glaciers that play a key role in water security and climate resilience. However, these resources are under serious threat. Glaciers in the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kenya, the Virunga Mountains, and Mount Kilimanjaro are shrinking at an alarming rate and are expected to vanish entirely by 2050, jeopardizing water supplies for millions of people. On this World Water Day, the urgency to protect what remains and to collaborate on securing water resources for future generations has never been greater.

Water is fundamental to Africa’s socioeconomic development. The International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa estimates that Sub-Saharan Africa loses 5% of its GDP annually – equivalent to $170 billion per year – due to poor water infrastructure. Yet, investing in water security offers enormous returns. According to the African Union, every dollar invested in water and sanitation generates at least seven dollars in benefits across health, education, food security, and environmental protection.

Climate change amplifies water scarcity, disrupting hydrological cycles, altering rainfall patterns, and reducing water availability for crops, livestock, and pasture. This directly threatens food and nutritional security across the continent. Addressing these challenges requires both practical solutions and strong policy frameworks. Integrated water management plans focused on river basins and catchments are essential for optimizing water use, while investing in resilient infrastructure ensures reliable access, particularly in regions prone to floods and droughts. Water-saving practices, such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse, can help maximize available resources. Restoring natural ecosystems, including riverbanks and wetlands, plays a crucial role in safeguarding water sources. Nature-based solutions, such as afforestation and ecosystem restoration, are equally important in strengthening water resilience and helping landscapes adapt to climate change.

Policy measures must complement these practical interventions. Strengthening water management laws and regulations is crucial for long-term success. Establishing and training local water management committees enhances coordination and decision-making, while improved weather monitoring and early warning systems help communities prepare for and respond to climate shocks more effectively.

The African Development Bank has placed water security and climate resilience at the center of its Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) (apo-opa.co/420gbm3), aligning with the Africa Water Vision 2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Recognizing that water security is a cornerstone of progress across all sectors, the Bank invests approximately $2.8 billion annually to build resilience.

To further accelerate climate action, it has established the Climate Action Window (apo-opa.co/4iSKTEr) under the African Development Fund, aiming to mobilize between $4 billion and $8 billion for climate-focused initiatives. Seventy-five percent of these funds are allocated to climate adaptation, with significant investments dedicated to water infrastructure. During the first call for proposals in December 2023, nine water-focused projects, totaling approximately $72 million, were selected to enhance investment in water infrastructure and sanitation. An additional 12 projects, amounting to $98 million, address multiple sectors, including water access for agriculture, improving the resilience of water systems, and strengthening climate information and early warning systems.

Currently, the Bank manages 121 active water operations, including six multinational and regional projects valued at approximately $6 billion – all are based on climate-informed designs. The African Water Facility (www.AfricanWaterFacility.org), hosted and managed by the African Development Bank, also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that water sector projects are designed with sustainability and climate resilience in mind. In Kenya, the Bank-funded Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program (apo-opa.co/4kYg0Ao) has significantly improved access to water supply across 19 towns, while wastewater management services have been expanded in 17 towns, benefitting more than three million people. The program incorporates solar energy to reduce water production and distribution costs. The Othaya Sewerage Wastewater Treatment Project, as part of this initiative, promotes waste reuse for energy and agriculture through the production of cooking briquettes and organic fertilizer.

In Ethiopia and South Sudan, the Bank’s Climate Proof Water for Food Project is designed to enhance adaptation and resilience for approximately 211,000 people in Ethiopia’s Gambella region and South Sudan’s Unity State. This initiative includes the construction and rehabilitation of four solar-powered water supply systems and integrated flood management measures to support the transition to climate-smart agriculture.

Tackling Africa’s water security and climate challenges requires strategic planning, investment in resilient infrastructure, and policies that integrate climate adaptation into water management frameworks. The African Development Bank’s ongoing initiatives demonstrate that placing water at the heart of climate action – by investing in resilient infrastructure, restoring ecosystems, and strengthening governance – is crucial in mitigating the impact of climate change and preserving the continent’s water resources for future generations.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Signs US$ 20 Million Line of Financing Agreement with Trustbank in Uzbekistan

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

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org/), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, signed a US$20 million Line of Trade Financing Agreement with Trustbank in Uzbekistan under the Murabaha structure. This agreement aims to bolster trade finance accessibility for SMEs, women entrepreneurs, green financing initiatives, and food security aimed at reinforcing Uzbekistan’s economic resilience.

Under this facility, import and pre-export financing will be available to private-sector businesses in Uzbekistan, driving trade and supporting sectors critical to the country’s economic development.

The signing ceremony took place at ITFC’s headquarters, with Mr. Sardor Normukhamedov, Chairman of the Management Board of Trustbank, and Mr. Nazeem Noordali, Officer-in-Charge, CEO ITFC, formalizing the agreement.

Commenting on the signing, Nazeem Noordali stated: “The private sector remains a key driver of Uzbekistan’s economic development, and Trustbank’s commitment to supporting its growth is commendable. At ITFC, we are dedicated to empowering businesses through strategic trade finance solutions, and this partnership with Trustbank provides a robust platform to achieve tangible and lasting economic impact.”

“Our bank always strives for innovation, reliability and dynamic development. Cooperation with ITFC will allow us to combine our experience and advanced financial instruments to create effective solutions that meet modern challenges.” stated Mr. Sardor Normukhamedov.

This financing falls within the US$600 million Framework Agreement signed between ITFC and the Republic of Uzbekistan in March 2024, which underscores ITFC’s long-term commitment to fostering private sector development and strengthening the trade ecosystem of Uzbekistan.

This agreement, the third consecutive facility between ITFC and Trustbank, brings the total financing provided to the bank to over US$44 million, further unlocking trade opportunities and enhancing financial inclusion. Since 2019, ITFC has approved over US$168 million in support of Uzbekistan’s private sector, reinforcing its role in driving economic opportunities and advancing UN SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

MIL OSI Africa –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SIA gathers leaders of top security businesses for action on labour exploitation
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

SIA gathers leaders of top security businesses for action on labour exploitation

The SIA invited senior representatives from the private security industry to discuss ways that they and the regulator could combat labour exploitation together.
On 20 March 2025 the Security Industry Authority brought together senior leaders from the 30 largest private security businesses to discuss labour exploitation. This summit followed a similar event in December 2024, at which the 20 largest businesses were represented.

These events form part of Operation EMPOWER, which is the SIA’s response to labour exploitation. EMPOWER involves a dedicated multi-disciplinary team that includes intelligence specialists and criminal investigators working closely with HMRC. The event was intended to build on work started in December with a wider range of voices from the industry.

Michelle Russell, SIA Chief Executive, welcomed the delegates and said:

This meeting comes at an important time for the private security industry and the SIA, where strategic engagement and partnership between the regulator and the industry can deliver positive change. Together we can make a significant difference, strengthening the regulatory regime, rooting out criminality and improving public trust and confidence in the delivery of private security services.

Paul Fullwood, SIA Director of Inspections and Enforcement, said:

We have a shared responsibility to do the right thing. Collaboration and a change in culture is the key to this. The harm to individuals from labour exploitation is unacceptable; for every corrupt and criminal action carried out to maximise profit, there is likely to be a victim who is being deprived of their rights. We are very keen to engage, and very glad to have influential voices from the private security industry here with us. The solution to many of these problems can be found in this room – however, we will be engaging further across the UK private security industry.

The SIA asked delegates to consider 2 questions in particular:

What are the top 10 things that are broken or that prevent the UK private security industry from tackling labour exploitation effectively?

What are the top 10 actions that the private security industry or the SIA can do to address labour exploitation across the UK private security industry?

Topics under discussion included: the criminal gains to be made from non-compliant behaviour; issues raised by sub-contracting; educating buyers about the part they play in preventing labour exploitation; the SIA’s new business approval scheme (which is scheduled to replace the existing Approved Contractor Scheme); improvements in data-sharing between the SIA and the private security industry.

The summit closed with a commitment from all present to work in partnership to start developing key workstreams based on the discussions and put industry names to actions to take forward. The SIA is planning further engagement to capture the expertise and knowledge from others across the UK private security industry.

Further information

The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).

For further information about the SIA or to sign up for email updates visit www.gov.uk/sia. We also post articles and updates on WordPress. The SIA is on LinkedIn, Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and X (@SIAuk).

For media enquiries only, please contact  media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA updates methodology on the regulatory and supervisory equivalence of non-EU countries
Source: European Banking Authority

The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published its updated methodology for the assessment of regulatory and supervisory frameworks of non-EU countries. The changes reflect the amendments to the revised Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) and Capital Requirements Directive (CRD).

The methodology used to perform a thorough assessment of the jurisdiction’s regulatory and supervisory framework is based on the following two questionnaires published on the EBA’s website:
- The 1^st step questionnaire consists of a preliminary screening to determine whether the main requirements and principles are in place.
- The 2^nd step questionnaire is a more in-depth examination, systematically mapping provisions of the EU framework with that of the non-EU country.
Further to aligning the methodology with the latest regulatory developments, the EBA also streamlined its 2^nd step questionnaire to improve the overall user experience.

Finally, the content of the questionnaires was moved to an online platform, allowing countries to reply directly via a secured digital format. Upon request, interested non-EU jurisdictions may get a dedicated access to this platform. They may contact the EBA for further information (Equivalence@eba.europa.eu).

Legal Basis and background

Article 33(2) provides that the EBA shall assist the European Commission in preparing equivalence decisions pertaining to regulatory and supervisory regimes in non-EU countries following a specific request for advice from the European Commission or where required to do so by the legislative acts referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EU) 2010/1093.
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Flexera Earns 5-Star Rating in the 2025 CRN® Partner Program Guide

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ITASCA, Ill., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flexera, the global leader in technology spend and risk management, has been honored by CRN^®, a brand of The Channel Company, with a 5-Star Award in the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide. This annual guide is an essential resource for solution providers seeking vendor partner programs that match their business goals and deliver high partner value.

“Our partner community plays an essential role in helping customers achieve their business objectives despite the ever increasing amount of complexity and risk in the hybrid IT landscape,” said Brian Hibner, Senior Vice President of Alliances and Services at Flexera. “Flexera is committed to continuously investing and improving our channel so partners and Managed Service Providers can deliver high-quality services to customers powered by Flexera technology. This award is a testament to our focus to build a thriving partner ecosystem where our partners supply high value, high-margin services the market is desperate for.”

In 2024 alone, Flexera made a significant investment in its channel program, bolstering its extensive benefits, capabilities and certifications to make it easier than ever for partners to develop, launch and attain higher margins with new services. The investment also provided Flexera with the ability to accelerate development for its Managed Service Provider (MSP) capabilities and expand its in-house partner team, with plans for continued hiring in 2025.

Now with the acquisition of Spot (bringing its key product lines CloudCheckr, Eco, Ocean and Elastigroup into the Flexera One portfolio), Flexera has added even more MSP relationships to its burgeoning ecosystem, particularly in the FinOps space.

“Being featured on the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide highlights the dedication these technology vendors have to evolving with solution providers, driving innovation, and supporting mutual success,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “This critical annual project empowers solution providers to identify vendors that are committed to enhancing their partner programs and meeting the always-changing business needs of the channel and end customers. The guide provides deep insight into the distinctive value of each partner program so solution providers can make strategic partnership decisions with confidence.”

The extensive support and resources technology vendors offer through their partner programs are a critical consideration for solution providers assessing which IT vendors, service providers, and distributors to team with in building world-class technology solutions. Program elements such as financial incentives, sales and marketing assistance, training and certification, technical support and more can set vendors apart and play a key role in boosting their partners’ long-term growth and profitability.

The 5-Star Award is an elite recognition given to companies that have built their partner programs on the key elements needed to nurture lasting, profitable, and successful channel partnerships.

For the 2025 Partner Program Guide, the CRN research team evaluated vendors based on program requirements and offerings such as partner training and education, pre- and post-sales support, marketing programs and resources, technical support, and communication.

The 2025 Partner Program Guide will be featured in the April 2025 issue of CRN and published online at www.CRN.com/PPG beginning March 24, 2025.

Follow Flexera

About Flexera
Flexera helps organizations understand and maximize the value of their technology, saving billions of dollars in wasted spend. Powered by the Flexera Technology Intelligence Platform, our award-winning IT asset management, FinOps and SaaS management solutions provide comprehensive visibility and actionable insights on an organization’s entire IT ecosystem. This intelligence enables IT, finance, procurement, FinOps and cloud teams to address skyrocketing costs, optimize spend, mitigate risk and identify opportunities to create positive business outcomes. More than 50,000 global organizations rely on Flexera and its Technopedia reference library, the largest repository of technology asset data. Learn more at flexera.com.

About The Channel Company:
The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

Follow The Channel Company: X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

© 2025 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

For more information, contact:
Flexera Media Contact:
Ciri Haugh
Flexera
publicrelations@flexera.com

The Channel Company Contact:
Kristin DaSilva
The Channel Company
kdasilva@thechannelcompany.com

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Notice of optional redemption of bonds due 23 December 2029
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Dated 24 March 2025

Notice to the bondholders of EUR 20,000,000 6.15 % Tier 2 Subordinated Bonds due 23 December 2029 (ISIN: LT0000404287) (the “Bonds”).

THIS NOTICE CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) No 596/2014 (“MAR”)

THIS NOTICE IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION OF BONDHOLDERS. IF BONDHOLDERS ARE IN ANY DOUBT AS TO THE ACTION THEY SHOULD TAKE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS IMMEDIATELY.

THIS NOTICE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM PART OF ANY OFFER, INVITATION TO SELL OR ISSUE, OR ANY SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR, ANY SECURITIES OF AKCINĖ BENDROVĖ ŠIAULIŲ BANKAS.

Akcinė bendrovė Šiaulių bankas (Tilžės gatvė 149, Šiauliai, LT-76348, Lithuania, LEI 549300TK038P6EV4YU51) (the “Issuer”) hereby gives notice to the bondholders (the “Bondholders”) of the Bonds, that pursuant to Terms & Conditions of the Bonds approved on 20 December 2019 and provided for in the prospectus approved on 27 April 2020 for the purpose of admission of the Bonds to trading on regulated market and on 20 March 2025 having received permission of the European Central Bank, the Issuer will exercise its optional early redemption call to fully redeem the outstanding Bonds on 24 April 2025 (the “Redemption Date“) at 100 % of the principal amount of the Bonds outstanding (EUR 10,000 for each Bond) together with accrued and unpaid interest on the Bonds (EUR 205.56 for each Bond) up to the Redemption Date (total redemption amount for each Bond shall be EUR 10205.56), having satisfied the applicable conditions to redemption.

The Issuer will request the cancellation of the listing of the Bonds on the Bond List of Nasdaq Vilnius AB (“Nasdaq Vilnius“) and the admission to trading on the Regulated Market of Nasdaq Vilnius, in each case with effect from (and including) the Redemption Date.

This notice is issued and directed only to the Bondholders and no other person shall, or is entitled to rely or act on, or be able to rely or act on, its contents and should not be relied upon by any Bondholder for any other purpose.

Terms used but not defined in this notice bear the same meaning as set out in, or incorporated by reference into, the Conditions.

For the purposes of MAR the person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement is Tomas Varenbergas (Head of Investment Management Division) and should any Bondholder have any queries in relation to this notice please contact:

Tomas Varenbergas
Head of Investment Management Division
tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt

Attachment
- AB Šiaulių bankas optional redemption of bonds due 23 December 2029 ISIN LT0000404287
The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Kvika banki hf.: Annual General Meeting 26 March 2025 – Candidacy to the Board and registration
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Deadline for the candidacy to the Board of Directors of Kvika banki hf. expired on 21 March 2025. The following candidates submitted their application for the Board of Directors for the AGM, to be held on 26 March 2025, at 4:00 pm at Nauthóll in Reykjavík, also accessible online through Lumi AGM:

In candidacy for the Board of Directors:
- Sigurður Hannesson
- Helga Kristín Auðunsdóttir
- Guðjón Reynisson
- Ingunn Svala Leifsdóttir
- Páll Harðarson
- Áslaug Eva Björnsdóttir
In candidacy as alternate members:
- Kolbrún Jónsdóttir
- Thomas Skov Jensen
It is the assessment of the Board that all candidacies are valid in accordance with Act No. 2/1995 respecting Public Limited Companies. According to the company’s articles of association the Board of Directors shall consist of five members and two alternate members.

Attention is drawn to the following. Shareholders or their proxies who wish to attend the meeting, either online or in person at Nauthóll in Reykjavík, are asked to register here no later than 4:00 pm today.

The registration must be accompanied by a photo of valid identification and power of attorney, if applicable. Voting will take place through Lumi AGM, whether shareholders attend the meeting at Nauthóll or participate electronically.

Further information on candidates and other information about the AGM is accessible at Kvika’s website.

The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Swing into summer with the City of Derry Jazz Festival

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Swing into summer with the City of Derry Jazz Festival

24 March 2025

Bennigans Bar was the perfect location to get the jazz vibe going with the launch the City of Derry Jazz Festival 2025, taking place May 01 – 05.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, was joined by Martin Venning from event sponsors Diageo, for the launch at one of the festival’s most popular jazz hubs, renowned for its top-class artists.

This year’s event marks 24 years of Ireland’s biggest Jazz extravaganza, and final preparations are now well underway to deliver an unsurpassable programme featuring over 320 performances, and brimming with musical talent from around the world. Music legend Billy Ocean tops this year’s bill, performing in the Millennium Forum on Saturday and Sunday May 3^rd and 4^th.

Looking ahead to the event, which is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mayor Barr said she couldn’t wait to get her dancing shoes on. “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love the City of Derry Jazz Festival,” she declared. “It’s a wonderful time to visit Derry as the city comes alive with music in every bar and on every street corner. The energy is infectious and the atmosphere is just incredible.

“The festival is the perfect warm up for the summer, and it’s an event that people of all ages can enjoy. You don’t have to be a jazz fanatic – we have performers here from all over the world and a real medley of musical genres to enjoy. And don’t forget the majority of the entertainment is free!”

This year’s programme includes old jazz favourites, local legends and plenty of new talent, ready to deliver five days packed with entertainment, from jazz workshops to live concerts and drama performances.

There will be beats on the streets with a variety of al fresco acts, bringing the vibrant sound of jazz to the entire city. Festival goers can also look forward to an exciting mix of jump, jive, blues, and swing, ensuring there’s something for every music enthusiast.

A highlight of the festival is the Live Music Now Schools Programme, which aims to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians through interactive performances and workshops in local post-primary schools. Young performers will have the chance to show off their talents performing live on the Gay McIntyre Stage, showcasing some of the finest jazz talent in the historic Guildhall Square.

Jazz Festival coordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said: “May is fast approaching and we have had so much interest this year from acts from all over who have heard about the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the brilliant welcome the performers enjoy. We have some really exciting new performers this year, and of course we can’t wait to welcome our headline act Billy Ocean.”

Martin Venning from Diageo said it would be an unforgettable weekend. “Diageo is delighted to continue supporting this fantastic festival, which celebrates the vibrant cultural scene here in the North West.

“It’s the perfect platform for both established local performers and new up and coming talent, who join world class artists from across the world for a show-stopping weekend that brings so much value to the local economy. It’s the only place to celebrate the May Bank Holiday.”

So join us for an unforgettable celebration of jazz, community, and culture at the 2025 City of Derry Jazz Festival!

For more information go to cityofderryjazzfestival.com and for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Orange Bank & Trust Promotes Two Officers to Support the Growth of Orange Wealth Management

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orange Bank & Trust Company (the “Bank”), the banking subsidiary of Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” – Nasdaq: OBT), is pleased to announce the promotion of two officers to support the ongoing expansion of Orange Wealth Management. Carla Alfieri has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Director of Private Banking and Jacqueline Weimmer will serve as Director of Trust Services.

As Senior Private Banking Officer, Alfieri will lead the Bank’s private banking division, focusing on managing relationships with high-net-worth clients. She will oversee the development of personalized financial solutions, identify new opportunities to grow the sector and implement strategic plans to enhance the private banking client experience. The Bank’s northern private banking and southern private banking departments will report directly to Alfieri.

Alfieri joined the Bank in 1988 as part of the Branch staff, advancing through numerous supervisory, management, and AVP positions including Senior Customer Service Representative, Assistant Branch Manager, AVP and Branch Manager, AVP and Business Development Officer, Corporate Training and Development Specialist, and most recently, VP and Senior Private Banker. She began working in Private Banking in 2018 and has played a significant role in the creation and success of the service, which now has more than 700 clients.

In her new role as Director, Weimmer will oversee the Trust Services division with a focus on business development efforts. She will manage client relationships and provide strategic direction to the Bank’s comprehensive trust and estate planning solutions, ensuring clients’ intentions are implemented effectively and efficiently. The Bank’s Special Needs Trust (SNT), Trust & Estates and Trust Operations departments will report directly to Weimmer.

She joined the Bank’s Trust Services Department in 2023 as First Vice President, Trust Officer, and Manager of the SNT and Guardianship Department in Mount Vernon. Weimmer previously worked for Comerica Bank in New York City, where she was Vice President and National Manager of the Special Needs Solutions Team. She has extensive experience with the intricacies of SNT administration and has focused her career on trust and estate planning for individuals with disabilities. She also has broad experience in managing personal trust accounts. She is a court-appointed Special Advocate for children in the foster care system and sits on the board of Care Point Health at Bayonne Hospital.

“We are delighted to welcome Carla and Jacqueline to their new roles as part of Orange Wealth Management,” said David Dineen, EVP, Senior Managing Director of Orange Wealth Management. “They have each demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to our clients. We know their expertise and commitment will continue to drive our mission of providing personalized, high-quality services.”

About Orange County Bancorp Inc.
Orange County Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Company and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. Orange Bank & Trust Company is an independent bank that began with the vision of 14 founders over 130 years ago. It has grown through ongoing innovation and an unwavering commitment to its community and business clientele to 2.5 billion in total assets. Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor in Goshen, NY. It was founded in 1996 and was acquired by the Company in 2012. In recent years, Orange Bank & Trust has added branches in Rockland, Westchester and the Bronx.

Contact:
Candice Varetoni
AVP Marketing Officer
cvaretoni@orangebanktrust.com
Orange Bank & Trust Company

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: 1.5 million-year-old bone tools discovered in Tanzania rewrite the history of human evolution

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jackson K Njau, Associate professor, Indiana University

The ancestors of humans started making tools about 3.3 million years ago. First they made them out of stone, then they switched to bone as a raw material. Until recently, the earliest clear evidence of bone tool making was from sites in Europe, dated to 400,000 years ago. But archaeologists have now found and dated bone tools in Tanzania that are a million years older.

The tools are made from the bones of large animals like hippos and elephants, and have been deliberately shaped to make them useful for butchering large carcasses.

The discovery of bone implements that are the oldest ever found, by far, casts light on human evolution. It shows that our hominin ancestors were able to think about and make this technology a lot earlier than anyone realised.

I am a scientist who co-directs a multidisciplinary research project team at the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, focusing on hominin evolution. Our project’s main goal has been to investigate the changes in hominin technology and behaviour that happened between 1.66 million and 1.4 million years ago.

We’re interested in this time period because it marks a pivotal change in human technology, from the rudimentary stone knives and cores of the Oldowan culture to the more advanced crafted stone handaxes of the Acheulean culture.

We found the Olduvai bone tools in 2018 and recently described them in the journal Nature. They show that by 1.5 million years ago, our ancestors (Homo erectus) had already developed the cognitive abilities required to transfer skills from making stone tools to making bone tools.

This leap in human history was a game-changer because it allowed early hominins to overcome survival challenges in landscapes where suitable stone materials were scarce.

Tools at Olduvai

Olduvai Gorge is a Unesco World Heritage site. It became well known in 1959 through the pioneering work of palaeontologists Louis and Mary Leakey, whose discoveries of early human remains reshaped our understanding of human evolution. The site offers an unparalleled window into human history, spanning nearly 2 million years.

Read more:
Finds in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge reveal how ancient humans adapted to change

Aside from fossilised bones, it has yielded the most detailed record of stone tool cultures in the world. It has documented the evolution from the simple chopping tools and stone knives of the Oldowan industry (about 2 million years ago) to the more advanced Acheulean tools (1.7 million years ago), such as handaxes, cleavers, picks and spheroids and then on – through arrowheads, points and blades (about 200,000 years ago) to the micro-blades of the Later Stone Age (about 17,000 years ago).

All these tools provide a glimpse into the ingenuity and cultural advancements of our early ancestors.

And now the picture has new detail.

Our team uncovered 27 ancient bone tools during excavations at the T69 Complex, FLK West site at Olduvai. We know how old they are because we found them securely embedded underground where they had been left 1.5 million years ago, along with thousands of stone artefacts and fossilised bones. We dated them using geochronological techniques.

Unlike stone, bone shafts crack and break in a way that allows the systematic production of elongated, well-shaped artifacts. Flaking them by hitting them with another object – a process called knapping – results in pointed tools that would be ideal for butchering, chopping and other tasks.

The knapped tools we found were made from large shaft fragments that came from the limb bones of elephants and hippos, and were found at hippo butchery sites. Hominins likely brought elephant bones to the site on a regular basis, and obtained limb bones from butchered hippos at the site itself.

What Homo erectus knew

The find shows that 1.5 million years ago, Homo erectus could apply knapping skills to bone. Homo erectus, regarded as the evolutionary successor to the smaller-brained Homo habilis, left a lasting imprint on history. Its fossils, found at Olduvai, offer a glimpse into a span of about a million years, stretching from 1.5 million to roughly 500,000 years ago.

Now we know that these hominins not only understood the physical properties of bones but also knew about skeletal anatomy. They could identify and select bones suitable for flaking. And they knew which animals had skeletons large enough to craft reliable tools after the animals’ death.

Read more:
Large mammals shaped the evolution of humans: here’s why it happened in Africa

We don’t know exactly why they chose bones as a raw material. It may have been that suitable stone material was scarce, or they recognised that bones provided a better grip and were more durable.

Why haven’t such old bone tools been found before? The answer is likely that they are destroyed by weathering, abrasion from water transport, trampling and scavenger activity. Organic materials don’t always get time to fossilise. Also, analysts were not used to looking for bone tools among fossils.

This discovery will likely encourage researchers to pay closer attention to the subtle signs of bone knapping in fossil assemblages. This way we will learn more about the evolution of human technology and behaviour.

Jackson K Njau 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. 1.5 million-year-old bone tools discovered in Tanzania rewrite the history of human evolution – https://theconversation.com/1-5-million-year-old-bone-tools-discovered-in-tanzania-rewrite-the-history-of-human-evolution-251826

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Three guilty of conspiracy to murder following Woodford Green shooting in 2019

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Three men who shot a rival in his own home in east London have been convicted following a meticulous investigation that saw a combination of forensic and data-based evidence prove their guilt.

Daniel Kelly, along with brothers Stewart and Louis Ahearne, were found guilty of conspiracy to murder at the conclusion of a trial at the Old Bailey on Monday, 24 March.

The jury heard evidence that Kelly and the Ahearnes carried out the shooting in Woodford Green on 11 July 2019 after weeks of careful planning, including surveillance of their intended target after putting a tracking device on the car he used so they could follow his movements.

On the night of the shooting, the three travelled from their homes in southeast London to Woodford Green using a car that had been hired two days earlier by Stewart Ahearne.

While he waited in the car which was parked in Worcester Avenue, Kelly and Louis Ahearne snuck into a garden of a house on the street which overlooked the back garden of their target’s house in Malvern Drive. At around 23:09hrs, six shots were fired through the back doors and windows of the house in Malvern Drive, at least one of which struck their target – a man who was aged 45 at the time – who was standing in the kitchen.

Kelly and Ahearne fled back to the waiting car which drove away, leaving their victim fighting for his life.

Police and the London Ambulance Service attended. The victim was taken to hospital for emergency surgery that while saving his life would leave him permanently paralysed. Detectives secured the scene and began to piece together what had happened.

Over the course of the coming weeks, several vital evidential breakthroughs took place.

Following a forensic analysis of the victim’s house and garden area, DNA profiles were recovered from a fence area of the adjoining property in Worcester Avenue where the two suspects had fired the shots from. These profiles provided matches for both Kelly and Louis Ahearne.

Bullet casings found in the garden, and bullets found inside the address that had missed their target enabled detectives to establish the firearm used was a Glock SLP handgun. A search of Kelly’s address carried out in late August 2019 recovered a laser sight that was compatible with this weapon.

CCTV analysis of the area surrounding Malvern Drive picked up the car driven by Stewart Ahearne – this provided a vehicle registration number which detectives were able to use to confirm this was a hire car. After tracking down the venue it was hired from, the company were able to confirm Stewart Ahearne’s details as the vehicle’s hirer.

Using various techniques including ANPR and CCTV cameras, detectives pieced together the movements of the car after it was hired on 9 July 2019 in Dartford. Detectives subsequently established that the car had been used to commit a burglary at an address in Sevenoaks, Kent that same evening.

It was confirmed the car had travelled from southeast London where the three suspects were based, up to the Woodford Green area on both the 10 and 11 July prior to the trip to carry out the shooting.

On the 10 July, the defendants undertook a journey tracking a car known to be used by the victim. The court heard how the defendants had fitted a tracking device to the victim’s vehicle. Using an iPad, which was subsequently thrown into the River Thames but later recovered by officers, to track the car’s movements, the suspects now knew when and where their target would be.

Detectives also used phone data from devices attributed to Kelly and the Ahearnes to help track their movement both before and after the shooting. Marrying this up with camera footage from ANPR and CCTV, they could map the hire car following the victim’s car prior to the shooting.

Following the shooting, Stewart Ahearne returned the car to the hire company on 12 July. Even though it was subsequently re-hired, by 17 July officers had established it had been used by the suspects and traced it to Birmingham Airport. The car was forensically analysed and Kelly’s fingerprints were found on two places in the vehicle.

By October 2019, detectives were in a position to start making arrests. Between 30 October 2019 and 23 January 2020, all three suspects were arrested. All denied their involvement but the evidence that detectives had diligently compiled meant the three were charged.

Detectives continued to pursue all lines of enquiry and by piecing together the movements of Kelly and the Ahearnes an iPad used by Kelly to track the movements of the victim was recovered from the River Thames in 2024.

During the intervening period, the Met investigation team worked as part of a joint investigation with law enforcement teams from Switzerland. A burglary of the Museum of Far Eastern Arts had occurred in Geneva a month prior to this shooting with items of historical value stolen.

The court heard how elements of that offending echoed this shooting, including the use of a Renault Captur hire vehicle.

A Ming dynasty vase stolen in the burglary was recovered by the investigation team in London in October 2020.

Stewart and Louis Ahearne were extradited to Switzerland, they stood trial and were convicted in January 2024. Both were subsequently returned to the United Kingdom on extradition to be tried for this incident.

Detective Superintendent Matt Webb who led the investigation said:

“The court heard how the defendants, hardened organised criminals, acted together in a well-planned and orchestrated manner to shoot their victim. It is only for the intervention of police first responder and medical professionals that the victim wasn’t killed. This attack may look like the plot to a Hollywood blockbuster but the reality is something quite different. This was horrific criminality. The court heard how this was a clear and defined attempt to take a man’s life with those responsible making significant efforts to ensure this was successful.

“This conviction follows a number of years of investigation, I would like to thank our criminal justice partners and the investigation team for their diligence and tenacity in the attempt to bring those responsible to justice. The message here to those engaging in serious and organised crime is one I want to make very clear – the Metropolitan Police will not tolerate serious violence and the use of firearms in our communities; we will leave no stone unturned in bringing you to justice.

“Daniel Kelly, Louis and Stewart Ahearne will now undoubtedly face significant custodial sentences and I hope this time at His Majesty’s pleasure provides them the opportunity to reflect on their criminality and the impact it has on society.”

= The three defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to murder and were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at the Old Bailey on a date to be confirmed:

Daniel Kelly – 46 (26.10.78) of no fixed address;
Stewart Ahearne – 46 (21.08.78) of no fixed address;
Louis Ahearne – 36 (02.12.88) of no fixed address.

MIL Security OSI –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: BexBack Brings 100x Leverage, Double Deposit Bonus, and No KYC to Crypto Futures Trading
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The cryptocurrency landscape is shifting, and BexBack is leading the charge with a groundbreaking approach to crypto futures trading. As the market evolves, many traders face challenges with complex KYC procedures, limited leverage, and high fees. But BexBack is here to change all of that, offering 100x leverage, no KYC, and an incredible double deposit bonus to help traders maximize their potential with ease.

Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just beginning your journey, BexBack makes it simple for anyone, anywhere to access 100x leverage on crypto futures, without the need for identity verification, and double your funds instantly with the 100% deposit bonus. This offers you the power to trade with confidence and flexibility.

What Is 100x Leverage?

100x leverage allows you to control a much larger trading position with a smaller initial deposit. For example, with 1 BTC and 100x leverage, you can trade as if you had 100 BTC, giving you the potential for much higher returns in a volatile market. It’s a powerful tool that allows traders to maximize their profits—though it’s important to manage risk effectively to avoid liquidation.

What Is the 100% Deposit Bonus and How Does It Work?

The 100% deposit bonus means that when you deposit 0.001 BTC or equivalent in other cryptocurrencies, you will receive an instant 100% bonus on each deposit. This is not just limited to your first deposit but applies to every deposit you make. For example, deposit $10,000, and you’ll trade with $20,000. This bonus is an excellent way to increase your trading power, giving you more margin and more opportunities to profit. However, the bonus cannot be withdrawn directly, but it can be used to open larger positions and increase your overall potential profits.

Who Can Trade on BexBack Without KYC?

BexBack offers a no KYC (Know Your Customer) policy, meaning you can start trading immediately without the need for identity verification. Whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned trader, this quick registration process ensures you can dive straight into trading without delays. It’s perfect for those who value privacy and don’t want to go through the tedious paperwork that other platforms require.

What Is BexBack?

BexBack is a cutting-edge cryptocurrency exchange specializing in futures trading with up to 100x leverage. The platform is designed to provide users with a seamless, secure, and powerful trading experience. BexBack operates globally, offering traders access to major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP (Ripple), and Cardano (ADA). Based in Singapore, with a rapidly growing user base across over 200 countries, BexBack is committed to providing exceptional service and

Why Choose BexBack? What Are the Key Advantages?
- 100x Leverage for All Traders – Amplify your trading potential with up to 100x leverage on your positions.
- No KYC Required – Start trading immediately without needing to provide identity documents.
- 100% Deposit Bonus – Double your funds instantly with a 100% deposit bonus on every deposit.
- Demo Account – Practice risk-free with a demo account offering 10 BTC in virtual funds to simulate real trading scenarios without any risk.
- High-Speed Trading – No slippage, no spreads, and fast execution.
- Comprehensive Support – 24/7 customer support to help you with any issues or queries.
- Global Access – Trade from anywhere, anytime, with access to a global user base.
Start Trading on BexBack Today

Whether you’re looking to maximize profits in volatile markets, gain access to high-leverage trading, or simply enjoy a no-KYC trading experience, BexBack has everything you need to succeed.

Sign up now at www.bexback.com and claim your 100% deposit bonus along with a $50 welcome bonus. Take control of your crypto trading journey with BexBack today!

Website: www.bexback.com

Contact: business@bexback.com

Contact:
Amanda
business@bexback.com

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4eda04a-58b6-4d5d-a59b-222ad9e04a77
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8737ae09-12f8-4d64-bed7-19330ee52b4d
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3db01699-e1c9-4934-8967-5974b4f30ed0
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c9c74b5-9d81-42dd-bdf5-380a84d4ff55

The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: MHI 2025 Industry Report: Businesses Need Orchestration in their Supply Chains to Address Today’s Biggest Challenges; AutoScheduler.AI Already Has Proven Results
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AUSTIN, Texas, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Orchestration Platform and WMS accelerator, announces that the company has deployed numerous successful supply chain orchestration projects, resulting in increased efficiencies and lower costs for global CPG producers and distributors. AutoScheduler has been evangelizing warehouse orchestration for the past year. The MHI 2025 Industry Report: The Digital Supply Chain Ecosystem: Orchestrating End-to-End Solutions confirms that orchestration “has emerged as a critical strategy for organizations to remain competitive.”

“The MHI 2025 Industry Report and everyone I met at ProMat 2025 highlights the need for businesses this year to pursue a supply chain orchestration project, yet it wasn’t clear that people knew how to pursue one,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “But our clients are already enjoying success from their orchestration projects deployed over the past year with benefits such as 30% increases in pick rates, 33% less detention and dwell times, 12%+ gains in productivity, 50% reduction in costs, and more.”

The MHI 2025 Report mentions, “Many of the biggest challenges for today’s supply chain decision makers revolve around trying to effectively orchestrate the disparate elements
of their increasingly complex supply networks and logistics systems. In pursuit of end-to-end (E2E) supply chain orchestration—which provides clear, actionable information to maximize operating efficiency—many organizations have heavily invested in advanced data collection systems that capture large volumes of valuable information on forecasting, planning, talent, and operations. However, they often lack a holistic method to interpret the information and produce high-value, actionable conclusions.”

AutoScheduler.AI’s warehouse orchestration platform delivers what the MHI report declares is needed for a successful orchestration project and what benefits are achieved:
- Data collection technologies that allow enterprise systems to integrate and communicate
- Utilize AI, machine learning, digital twins, and other technologies
- Automation of critical tasks, including schedule optimization
- Labor management with skills identification
- Data analysis for faster decision-making
- Streamline operations across the supply chain
- Collaborate across planning, logistics, and manufacturing
- Gain visibility to make better-informed decisions
The MHI Report suggests businesses adopt a holistic perspective to assess their current state and plan for the future. A well-orchestrated supply chain connects systems seamlessly, eliminating silos, and ensuring smooth and coordinated operations that lead to better fulfillment times.

AutoScheduler.AI acts as the brain of a warehouse operation and is the only solution on the market designed to optimize operational activity to decrease touches and increase capacity per headcount.

About AutoScheduler.AI

AutoScheduler.AI empowers you to take full control of your warehouse with a cloud-based solution that seamlessly integrates with your existing WMS/LMS/YMS or any other solution. We automate critical tasks like labor scheduling, dock management, and task sequencing, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. You’ve already invested in the software to run your warehouse—what we do is provide the orchestration layer that ties it all together to make real-time data driven decisions. With AutoScheduler.AI, you get smart orchestration for a smarter, more agile warehouse. For more information, visit: http://www.autoscheduler.ai.

Contact:
Becky Boyd
MediaFirst PR
Becky@MediaFirst.Net
Cell: (404) 421-8497

The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: BYDFi Officially Launches Nillion Token, Opening NIL/USDT Spot Trading
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global crypto exchange BYDFi officially announces the launch of the Nillion token (NIL). Users will be able to trade the NIL/USDT spot pair, marking the first appearance of Nillion’s native token on the platform and accelerating the adoption of privacy-preserving computation across various industries.

Nillion: Humanity’s first blind computer

In today’s fast-evolving digital world, the risks of data breaches and personal information misuse are escalating. High-profile data scandals, such as the Cambridge Analytica incident, have exposed significant privacy vulnerabilities in modern society. As artificial intelligence (AI) technology becomes increasingly prevalent, safeguarding personal data privacy is now more critical than ever.

Nillion addresses this challenge with innovative solutions. As humanity’s first “blind computer,” Nillion leverages privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) such as Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Homomorphic Encryption, and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) to ensure that data remains private and secure throughout its transmission and processing. These groundbreaking technologies resolve the inherent conflict between privacy protection and efficiency in blockchain technology, enabling privacy-preserving applications across AI, DeFi, and data storage industries without exposing raw data.

Strategic Partnerships and Innovative Applications of Nillion

Nillion’s technology has already gained recognition from several leading industry projects, forming strategic partnerships with companies like Meta, Virtuals Protocol, and Ritual. These partnerships span key areas such as AI privacy computation, decentralized inference, and medical data governance. Nillion’s network has surpassed 500,000 validation nodes, showcasing its robust ecosystem growth.

Nillion’s innovative technology has substantial potential in the following areas:
- Privacy AI: Enabling compliant medical imaging analysis and financial fraud detection model training.
- Web3 Finance: Providing an off-chain data privacy computation layer for decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, ensuring privacy for transactions and data processing.
- Enterprise Applications: Assisting enterprises in building secure, GDPR-compliant data collaboration networks, enhancing data governance.
NIL Token: The Core Utility Token of Nillion’s Ecosystem

As the core utility token of the Nillion network, $NIL is used to pay for computation services, data storage fees, transaction costs, and serves key roles in ecosystem governance, node incentives, and network resource consumption. $NIL has secured strategic investments from top-tier institutions such as Binance Labs and Hashkey Capital, providing a strong financial foundation for its growth.

BYDFi Brings Rewarding Benefits and Easy Deposit Options

As one of the first exchanges to list the NIL token, BYDFi is offering substantial rewards to new users, with the opportunity to claim up to 8100 USDT in bonuses. Additionally, BYDFi features a convenient “Buy Crypto” option, enabling users to quickly purchase Nillion (NIL) via credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or by using their wallet balance for trading. BYDFi supports fiat deposits from over 150 countries and regions worldwide, making it easier for global users to participate in the NIL token trading.

About BYDFi

Founded in 2020, BYDFi is recognized as one of the top 10 best crypto exchanges globally by Forbes, trusted by over 1,000,000 users worldwide. Its upcoming product, “MoonX,” is a specialized memecoin trading tool designed for Degen traders. MoonX offers over 500,000 trading pairs, combined with smart trading tools, comprehensive market analysis, and advanced tech architecture to help users track smart money and target the next 1000x memecoin. BYDFi is committed to providing every user with a world-class crypto trading experience. BUIDL Your Dream Finance.
- Official Website: https://www.bydfi.com
- Customer Support: CS@bydfi.com
- Business Inquiries: BD@bydfi.com
- Media Inquiries: media@bydfi.com
Twitter( X )| LinkedIn| Facebook | Telegram| YouTube

The MIL Network –
March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Community Financial System Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) invites you to participate in a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial and operating performance for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Event:	Earnings Conference Call – First Quarter 2025

When:	Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time

How:	By conference call or from a simultaneous web cast

Access:	Conference Call Dial-In:	1-833-630-0464
		1-412-317-1809 – Outside the U.S. & Canada

	Webcast: https://app.webinar.net/OyoNkJ8Q5nX

Dimitar Karaivanov, Chief Executive Officer and President, along with Marya Wlos, incoming Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Joseph E. Sutaris, who will subsequently transition to Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations effective March 31, 2025, will provide an overview of the Company’s first quarter 2025 results. The management presentation will last approximately 15 minutes, followed by investor questions and discussion.

The Company’s results for the quarter will be released before the market opens on April 29, 2025, and will also be available in the ‘News’ section of the Company’s website at https://communityfinancialsystem.com.

The call will also be archived on the Company’s website for one year and can be accessed at any time and at no cost during this period.

About Community Financial System, Inc.

Community Financial System, Inc. is a diversified financial services company that is focused on four main business lines – banking, employee benefit services, insurance services and wealth management services. Its banking subsidiary, Community Bank, N.A., is among the country’s 100 largest banking institutions with over $16 billion in assets and operates approximately 200 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts. The Company’s Benefit Plans Administrative Services, Inc. subsidiary is a leading provider of employee benefits administration, trust services, collective investment fund administration, and actuarial consulting services to customers on a national scale. The Company’s OneGroup NY, Inc. subsidiary is a top 66 U.S. insurance agency. The Company also offers comprehensive financial planning, trust administration and wealth management services through its Wealth Management operating unit. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Company’s stock trades under the symbol CBU. For more information about the Company visit www.cbna.com or www.communityfinancialsystem.com.

For further information contact:
Joseph Sutaris,
E.V.P. and Chief Financial Officer
(315) 445-7396

The MIL Network –

March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Currency Chest operations on March 31, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of India

RBI/2024-25/129
DCM (CC) No.S3811/03.51.001/2024-25

March 24, 2025

All Currency Chest (CC) holding banks

Madam / Dear Sir

Currency Chest operations on March 31, 2025

In terms of instructions contained in circular DOR.CO.SOG(Leg)No.59/09.08.024/2024-25 dated February 11, 2025, all branches of the banks dealing with Government receipts and payments are to be kept open for transactions on March 31, 2025 (Monday-Public Holiday), so as to account for the Government transactions in FY 2024-25 itself. Since such transactions might necessitate operations at CCs, the banks are advised to keep their CCs open on March 31, 2025, akin to a normal working day.

2. The CC holding banks shall keep the linked branches suitably informed.

Yours faithfully,

(Sanjeev Prakash)
Chief General Manager-in-Charge

MIL OSI Economics –

March 25, 2025

Category: Business

Eventual decline

How will a fund help?

1. Toussaint Louverture: The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History

2. Prophet Against Slavery: Benjamin Lay, A Graphic Novel

3. Under the Banner of King Death: Pirates of the Atlantic, A Graphic Novel

Global powers are watching

Canadian nationalist movement of 70s

‘Blending into the (U.S.) empire’

Defence crisis

End of Canadian nationalism?

Was Grant wrong?

New policy for common cause

SIA gathers leaders of top security businesses for action on labour exploitation

Further information

Share this page

Updates to this page

Legal Basis and background

Swing into summer with the City of Derry Jazz Festival

Tools at Olduvai

What Homo erectus knew