Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The cumulative exports (merchandise & services) during April-February2024-25 is estimated at USD 750.53 Billion, as compared to USD 706.43 Billion in April-February2023-24, an estimated growth of 6.24%

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Commerce & Industry

    The cumulative exports (merchandise & services) during April-February2024-25 is estimated at USD 750.53 Billion, as compared to USD 706.43 Billion in April-February2023-24, an estimated growth of 6.24%

    The cumulative value of merchandise exports during April-February2024-25 was USD 395.63 Billion, as compared to USD 395.38 Billion during April-February2023-24, registering a positive growth of 0.06%

    The cumulative Non-Petroleum exports in April-February2024-25 valued at USD 337.01Billion registered an increase of 6.43% as compared to USD 316.64Billion in April-February2023-24

    Major drivers of merchandise exports growth in February2025 include Electronic Goods, Rice, Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals including processed minerals, RMG of all Textiles and Coffee

    Electronic Goods exports increased by 26.46% from USD 3 Billion in February2024 to USD 3.79 Billion in February2025

    RMG of all Textiles exports increased by 3.97 % from USD 1.48 Billion in February 2024 to USD 1.53 Billion in February 2025

    Rice exports increased by 13.21% from USD 1.05 Billion in February2024 to USD 1.19 Billion in February2025

    Marine products exports increased by 3.40% from USD 0.49 Billion in February 2024 to USD 0.51 Billion in February 2025

    Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals including processed minerals exports increased by 24.25% from USD 0.40 Billion in February2024 to USD 0.50 Billion in February2025

    Coffeeexports increased by 22.32% from USD 0.15 Billion in February2024 to USD 0.18 Billion in February2025

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 6:44PM by PIB Delhi

    • India’s total exports (Merchandise and Services combined) for February2025* is estimated at USD 71.95 Billion, registering a positivegrowth of 3.16 percent vis-à-vis February2024.Total imports (Merchandise and Services combined) for February2025* is estimated at USD 67.52 Billion, registering a negative growth of (-)11.34 percent vis-à-vis February2024.

    Table 1: Trade during February2025*

     

     

    February2025

    (USD Billion)

    February2024

    (USD Billion)

    Merchandise

    Exports

    36.91

    41.41

    Imports

    50.96

    60.92

    Services*

    Exports

    35.03

    28.33

    Imports

    16.55

    15.23

    Total Trade

    (Merchandise +Services) *

    Exports

    71.95

    69.74

    Imports

    67.52

    76.15

    Trade Balance

    4.43

    -6.41

    * Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for January2025. The data for February2025 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release. (ii) Data for April-February2023-24 and April-September2024 has been revised on pro-rata basis using quarterly balance of payments data.

    Fig 1: Total Trade during February2025*

    • India’s total exports during April-February2024-25* is estimated at USD 750.53 Billion registering a positive growth of 6.24 percent. Total imports during April-February2024-25* is estimated at USD 839.89 Billion registering a growth of 7.28 percent.

    Table 2: Trade during April-February2024-25*

     

     

    April-February2024-25

    (USD Billion)

    April-February2023-24

    (USD Billion)

    Merchandise

    Exports

    395.63

    395.38

    Imports

    656.68

    621.19

    Services*

    Exports

    354.90

    311.05

    Imports

    183.21

    161.71

    Total Trade

    (Merchandise +Services) *

    Exports

    750.53

    706.43

    Imports

    839.89

    782.90

    Trade Balance

    -89.37

    -76.47

     

    Fig 2: Total Trade during April-February2024-25*        

      

    MERCHANDISE TRADE

    • Merchandise exports during February2025 were USD 36.91 Billion as compared to USD 41.41 Billion in February2024.
    • Merchandise imports during February2025 were USD 50.96 Billion as compared to USD 60.92 Billion in February2024.

     

    Fig 3: Merchandise Trade during February2025

     

    • Merchandise exports during April-February2024-25 were USD 395.63 Billion as compared to USD 395.38Billion during April-February2023-24.
    • Merchandise imports during April-February2024-25 were USD 656.68 Billion as compared to USD 621.19 Billion during April-February2023-24.
    • Merchandise trade deficit during April-February2024-25 was USD 261.06 Billion as compared to USD 225.81 Billion during April-February2023-24.

    Fig4: Merchandise Trade during April-February2024-25

    • Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in February2025 were USD 28.57Billion compared to USD 29.99Billion in February2024.
    • Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports in February2025 were USD 35.02Billion compared to USD 33.96Billion in February2024.

     

    Table 3: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during February2025

     

    February2025

    (USD Billion)

    February2024

    (USD Billion)

    Non- petroleum exports

    31.10

    33.19

    Non- petroleum imports

    39.07

    44.03

    Non-petroleum & Non-Gems & Jewellery exports

    28.57

    29.99

    Non-petroleum & Non-Gems & Jewellery imports

    35.02

    33.96

    Note: Gems & Jewellery Imports include Gold, Silver & Pearls, precious & Semi-precious stones

     

    Fig 5: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during February2025

    • Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in April-February2024-25 were USD 310.09 Billion, compared to USD 286.55 Billion in April-February2023-24.
    • Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports in April-February2024-25 were USD 415.85 Billion, compared to USD 388.82 Billion in April-February2023-24.

     

    Table 4: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during April-February2024-25

     

    April-February2024-25

    (USD Billion)

    April-February2023-24

    (USD Billion)

    Non- petroleum exports

    337.01

    316.64

    Non- petroleum imports

    489.96

    458.80

    Non-petroleum &Non Gems& Jewellery exports

    310.09

    286.55

    Non-petroleum & Non Gems & Jewellery imports

    415.85

    388.82

    Note: Gems & Jewellery Imports include Gold, Silver & Pearls, precious & Semi-precious stones

    Fig 6: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during April-February2024-25

    SERVICES TRADE

    • The estimated value of services export for February2025* is USD 35.03 Billion as compared to USD 28.33Billion in February2024.
    • The estimated value of services imports for February2025* is USD 16.55 Billion as compared to USD 15.23Billion in February2024.

    Fig 7: Services Trade during February2025*

    • The estimated value of service exports during April-February2024-25* is USD 354.90 Billion as compared to USD 311.05 Billion in April-February2023-24.
    • The estimated value of service imports during April-February2024-25* is USD 183.21 Billion as compared to USD 161.71 Billion in April-February2023-24.
    • The services trade surplus for April-February2024-25* is USD 171.69 Billion as compared to USD 149.34 Billion in April-February2023-24.

    Fig 8: Services Trade during April-February2024-25*

    • Exports ofTobacco (26.76%), Electronic Goods (26.46%), Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals Including Processed Minerals (24.25%), Coffee (22.32%), Rice (13.21%), Jute Mfg. Including Floor Covering (12.41%), Other Cereals  (11.65%), Meat, Dairy & Poultry Products (6.7%), Carpet (4.87%), Rmg Of All Textiles (3.97%), Marine Products (3.4%), Spices (0.98%) and  Fruits & Vegetables (0.87%) record positive growth during February2025 over the corresponding month of last year.
    • Imports of Silver (-75.04%), Gold (-61.98%), Pearls, Precious & Semi-Precious Stones (-41.61%), Coal, Coke & Briquettes, Etc. (-35.63%), Petroleum, Crude & Products (-29.59%), Iron & Steel (-23.37%), Transport Equipment (-16.93%), Newsprint (-12.43%), Artificial Resins, Plastic Materials, Etc. (-6.21%), Professional Instrument, Optical Goods, Etc. (-5.01%), Machine Tools (-3.68%), Fruits & Vegetables  (-0.93%) record negative growth during February2025 over the corresponding month of last year.
    • Services exports is estimated to grow by 14.10percent during April-February2024-25* over April-February2023-24.
    • Top 5 export destinations, in terms of change in value, exhibiting positive growth in February2025 vis a vis February2024 are U S A (10.37%), Australia (76.19%), Japan (26.55%), Brazil (10.85%) and Nigeria (10.75%).
    • Top 5 export destinations, in terms of change in value, exhibiting positive growth in April-February2024-25 vis a vis April-February2023-24 are U S A (9.1%), U Arab Emts (5.19%), U K (12.47%), Japan (21.67%) and Netherland (3.68%).
    • Top 5 import sources, in terms of change in value, exhibiting growth in February2025 vis a vis February2024 are Thailand (145.45%), China P Rp (7.83%), Brazil (162.18%), Ireland (117.17%) and Oman (30.24%).
    • Top 5 import sources, in terms of change in value, exhibiting growth in April-February2024-25 vis a vis April-February2023-24 are U Arab Emts (29.21%), China P Rp (10.41%), Thailand (42.4%), U S A (7.23%) and Russia (4.9%).

    *Link for Quick Estimates

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2111954)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘India 2047: Building a Climate Resilient Future’ Conference to be organized by MoEFCC in collaboration with Two Institutes at Harvard University USA, in New Delhi from 19th – 22nd March 2025

    Source: Government of India

    ‘India 2047: Building a Climate Resilient Future’ Conference to be organized by MoEFCC in collaboration with Two Institutes at Harvard University USA, in New Delhi from 19th – 22nd March 2025

    Four days Conference to focus on Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change 

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 6:06PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with two institutes at the Harvard University, USA, is organizing a Conference on ‘India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future’, from 19th – 22nd March 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and the Salata Institute For Climate and Sustainability at the Harvard University, USA are the organising partners for the event. This event will serve to identify the key challenges in adaptation and fine tune India’s response in terms of policies, programmes and action at the field level geared towards a climate-resilient India@2047.

    Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog and Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh will grace the inaugural session of this conference. The event would also be addressed by distinguished speakers from Government of India, academia, research institutions, private sector and the Harvard University. Notable amongst these are Prof. Tarun Khanna, Director, The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor at the Harvard Business School; Prof. Jim Stock, Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University, Prof. Daniel P. Schrag, Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard University, amongst others.

    The Conference will be organized over a period of four days, where multiple breakout sessions with several technical sessions focusing on adaptation and resilience under the following themes: (i) Climate Science and its implications on Water & Agriculture, (ii) Health, (iii) Work, and (iv) Built Environment.

    1. The theme on Climate Science and its implications on Agriculture and Water will explore the scientific, policy, and practical dimensions of adapting to heatwaves, changing monsoon patterns, and water distribution issues.
    2. The theme on Health convenes leading health professionals and health system experts, from India and the world to address essential questions on the impact of heat.
    3. The theme on Work will focus on impact of climate change on labour productivity.
    4. The theme on Built Environment seeks to examine how built environment should be prepared for rising temperatures over the coming decades.

    There will be several crosscutting issues across these themes, such as governance, traditional knowledge, livelihood and skilling, gender, and financing. The workshops aim to generate tangible outputs such as research papers, technical documents, and policy briefs, as agreed upon by participants to contribute scientific evidence to global initiatives. This event will be a special opportunity to discuss adaptation and resilience to climate change amongst a receptive and influential audience in a location where this issue is an immediate concern.

    This Conference will bring together government, academia, civil society, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. It will enable stakeholders to develop strategies for a sustainable and climate-resilient future for India, which will require multipronged interdisciplinary planning.

    With a focus on policy integration, scientific advancements, and localized adaptation strategies, the Conference aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps that hinder effective climate planning. This is not just another Conference —it is a crucial opportunity to engage with influential stakeholders in the region where climate adaptation is an urgent priority. The insights gathered here will directly contribute to shaping India’s upcoming National Adaptation Plan, ensuring that it is evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with India’s broader development goals.

    As India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047, this upcoming Conference will be a significant step toward ensuring a climate-resilient future, backed by innovation, collaboration, and actionable policy insights.

    About The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute

    The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute is a university-wide research institute at Harvard that engages in interdisciplinary research to advance and deepen the understanding of critical issues in South Asia and its relationship with the world.

    About The Salata Institute For Climate and Sustainability

    Established in 2022, The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability is an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to accelerating climate research, education, and action. Since 2023, the Salata Institute has supported the South Asia Adaptation Research Cluster, which comprises leading climate scientists, epidemiologists, planners, and experts. The cluster is dedicated to advancing climate adaptation research in the Indian subcontinent, focusing on the impacts of extreme heat and changing weather patterns. It aims to identify at-risk populations and inform targeted intervention strategies. The cluster collaborates with regional and international partners to ensure that adaptation strategies are both scientifically robust and aligned with local needs.

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2111922) Visitor Counter : 179

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘India 2047: Building a Climate Resilient Future’ Conference to be organized by MoEFCC in collaboration with the Harvard University USA, in New Delhi from 19th – 22nd March 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ‘India 2047: Building a Climate Resilient Future’ Conference to be organized by MoEFCC in collaboration with the Harvard University USA, in New Delhi from 19th – 22nd March 2025

    Four days Conference to focus on Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change 

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 6:06PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with the Harvard University, USA, is organizing a Conference on ‘India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future’, from 19th – 22nd March 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event will serve to identify the key challenges in adaptation and fine tune India’s response in terms of policies, programmes and action at the field level geared towards a climate-resilient India@2047. The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and the Salata Institute For Climate and Sustainability at the Harvard University, USA are the organising partners for the event.

    Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog and Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh will grace the inaugural session of this conference. The event would also be addressed by distinguished speakers from Government of India, academia, research institutions, private sector and the Harvard University. Notable amongst these are Prof. Tarun Khanna, Director, The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor at the Harvard Business School; Prof. Jim Stock, Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University, Prof. Daniel P. Schrag, Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard University, amongst others.

    The Conference will be organized over a period of four days, where multiple breakout sessions with several technical sessions focusing on adaptation and resilience under the following themes: (i) Climate Science and its implications on Water & Agriculture, (ii) Health, (iii) Work, and (iv) Built Environment.

    1. The theme on Climate Science and its implications on Agriculture and Water will explore the scientific, policy, and practical dimensions of adapting to heatwaves, changing monsoon patterns, and water distribution issues.
    2. The theme on Health convenes leading health professionals and health system experts, from India and the world to address essential questions on the impact of heat.
    3. The theme on Work will focus on impact of climate change on labour productivity.
    4. The theme on Built Environment seeks to examine how built environment should be prepared for rising temperatures over the coming decades.

    There will be several crosscutting issues across these themes, such as governance, traditional knowledge, livelihood and skilling, gender, and financing. The workshops aim to generate tangible outputs such as research papers, technical documents, and policy briefs, as agreed upon by participants to contribute scientific evidence to global initiatives. This event will be a special opportunity to discuss adaptation and resilience to climate change amongst a receptive and influential audience in a location where this issue is an immediate concern.

    This Conference will bring together government, academia, civil society, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. It will enable stakeholders to develop strategies for a sustainable and climate-resilient future for India, which will require multipronged interdisciplinary planning.

    With a focus on policy integration, scientific advancements, and localized adaptation strategies, the Conference aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps that hinder effective climate planning. This is not just another Conference —it is a crucial opportunity to engage with influential stakeholders in the region where climate adaptation is an urgent priority. The insights gathered here will directly contribute to shaping India’s upcoming National Adaptation Plan, ensuring that it is evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with India’s broader development goals.

    As India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047, this upcoming Conference will be a significant step toward ensuring a climate-resilient future, backed by innovation, collaboration, and actionable policy insights.

    About The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute

    The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute is a university-wide research institute at Harvard that engages in interdisciplinary research to advance and deepen the understanding of critical issues in South Asia and its relationship with the world.

    About The Salata Institute For Climate and Sustainability

    Established in 2022, The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability is an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to accelerating climate research, education, and action. Since 2023, the Salata Institute has supported the South Asia Adaptation Research Cluster, which comprises leading climate scientists, epidemiologists, planners, and experts. The cluster is dedicated to advancing climate adaptation research in the Indian subcontinent, focusing on the impacts of extreme heat and changing weather patterns. It aims to identify at-risk populations and inform targeted intervention strategies. The cluster collaborates with regional and international partners to ensure that adaptation strategies are both scientifically robust and aligned with local needs.

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2111922) Visitor Counter : 33

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CSC Academy collaborates with Shoolini University to offer quality online higher education to aspiring students across India

    Source: Government of India

    CSC Academy collaborates with Shoolini University to offer quality online higher education to aspiring students across India

    CSC Academy leverages operators (Village Level Entrepreneurs -VLEs) to boost student registrations, strengthening India’s workforce and economy

    From business to literature, CSC Academy Offers BBA, BCA, MBA, MCA, and MA (English) for aspiring students

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

    CSC Academy partners with Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, one of the top ranked universities in India to enhance the access to quality higher education in India.  The collaboration aims to offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs through online mode to students across country. This initiative of CSC Academy will bridge the education gap, providing industry-relevant skills and better career prospects, particularly for first-generation learners, especially in rural and disconnected areas.

    Through this initiative, Common Services Centre (CSC) operators (Village Level Entrepreneurs -VLEs) will facilitate student registrations, ensuring higher education is more accessible to aspiring students, even in remote areas. The objective of this program is to empower thousands of learners, strengthening India’s workforce and economy.

    Programs Offered:

    1. BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
    2. BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
    3. MBA (Master of Business Administration)
    4. MCA (Master of Computer Applications)
    5. MA (English Literature)

    Students can visit their nearest CSC Centre to enroll and take the first step towards a brighter future.

    Empowering students with affordable quality education nationwide

    Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, MD & CEO, CSC SPV, expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative:
    “This collaboration between CSC Academy and Shoolini University is a significant milestone in democratizing higher education. By leveraging the CSC network, we are making affordable quality learning opportunities accessible to students in every corner of the country.”

    Ashish Khosla, President, Shoolini University, added:
    “At Shoolini University, we are committed to academic excellence and innovation. Through this partnership, we aim to provide top-quality online education at affordable fees and equip students with the necessary skills to excel in their careers.”

    This partnership underscores a shared vision of expanding educational access and nurturing future-ready professionals. Together, Shoolini University and CSC Academy are set to redefine online higher education in India.

    About Shoolini University

    Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, located in Solan, is one of India’s top-ranked universities. It is featured in the top 500 global universities in the Prestigious THE 2025 World University Rankings and in the top 251 to 500 in several subjects in the QS World Subjects Rankings 2024 and 2025 and has consistently featured in top 100 Universities and Institutions in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). With over 500 patents granted and an H-Index of 150 Shoolini University is a leader in research and innovation, boasting a research quality that matches some of World’s best-known institutions.

    ****

    Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2111882) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 Launch

    Source: NASA

    A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company’s Dragon spacecraft is launched on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov onboard, Friday, March 14, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission is the tenth crew rotation mission of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. McClain, Ayers, Onishi, and Peskov launched at 7:03 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA Kennedy to begin a six-month mission aboard the orbital outpost.
    Image Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, Firefly Invite Media to Discuss End of Blue Ghost Moon Mission

    Source: NASA

    NASA and Firefly Aerospace will host a news conference at 2 p.m. EDT Tuesday, March 18, from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to discuss the company’s successful Blue Ghost Mission 1 on the Moon’s surface.
    Watch the news conference on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
    U.S. media interested in participating in person or remotely must request accreditation by 5 p.m., Monday, March 17, by contacting the NASA Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 or jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov. A copy of NASA’s media accreditation policy is online. To ask questions via phone, media must dial into the news conference no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.
    Firefly’s Blue Ghost lunar lander touched down March 2, on the Moon’s Mare Crisium basin. The lander’s NASA payloads were activated, collected science data, and performed operations as part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign to establish a long-term lunar presence. The mission is not designed to survive through the lunar night; however, Blue Ghost continued operations for five hours after lunar sunset on March 16.
    Participants will include:

    Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington 
    Jason Kim, CEO, Firefly Aerospace
    Ray Allensworth, spacecraft program director, Firefly
    Adam Schlesinger, CLPS project manager, NASA Johnson

    The Blue Ghost Mission 1 mission launched at 1:11 a.m., Jan. 15, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lander delivered 10 NASA science investigations and technology demonstrations including testing and demonstrating lunar drilling technology, regolith (lunar rocks and soil) sample collection capabilities, global navigation satellite system abilities, radiation tolerant computing, and lunar dust mitigation. The data captured will benefit humans on Earth in many ways, providing insights into how space weather and other cosmic forces impact our home planet. 
    NASA continues to work with multiple American companies to deliver science and technology to the lunar surface through the agency’s CLPS initiative. This pool of companies may bid on NASA contracts for end-to-end lunar surface delivery services, including all payload integration and operations, launching from Earth and landing on the surface of the Moon.
    Through the Artemis campaign, commercial robotic deliveries will perform science experiments, test technologies, and demonstrate capabilities on and around the Moon to help NASA explore in advance of Artemis Generation astronaut missions to the lunar surface, and ultimately crewed missions to Mars.
    For more information about the agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative: 
    https://www.nasa.gov/clps
    -end-
    Karen Fox / Alise FisherHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600  karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov
    Natalia Riusech / Nilufar RamjiJohnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 natalia.s.riusech@nasa.gov / nilufar.ramji@nasa.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Convicted of Armed Bank Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted BRIAN KEITH MAYS, 58, of Arkansas, of committing armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On January 21, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Superseding Indictment, charging Mays with armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On March 13, 2025, after a three-day trial, a federal jury found Mays guilty of both counts.

    According to evidence presented at trial, on July 5, 2024, Mays brandished a pistol at the FNB Community Bank in Harrah, Oklahoma, and demanded money from the tellers. The tellers complied, and Mays left the bank with $12,123.00. Agents with the FBI reviewed surveillance footage from the bank and an adjoining store, where they viewed Mays flee the scene. An eyewitness was able to obtain the tag number of the get-away vehicle, and an investigation into that car led authorities to Mays. Location data from Mays’s cell phone showed that Mays was in the area of the bank at the time of the robbery and visited a Walmart shortly after the robbery. While at Walmart, Mays transferred approximately $3,000.00 dollars to a person in Arkansas and could be seen on surveillance video pulling a large amount of cash from his pocket to pay for an item.

    At sentencing, Mays faces up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $500,000.00.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City and Fort Smith Field Offices, Harrah Police Department, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Drew E. Davis are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Federal Prison in Scheme Targeting Hundreds of U.S. Consumers and Multiple U.S. Retailers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Four Chinese nationals were sentenced to federal prison today for their participation in a complex scheme that involved the theft of hundreds of identities to defraud multiple domestic retailers out of at least $1.2 million.

    A fifth co-conspirator was previously sentenced to more than four years in prison, and a sixth is awaiting sentencing following a guilty plea.

    As part of the scheme, these six defendants stole the victims’ identities – including their Social Security numbers, dates of birth and home addresses – and used that information to make fake driver’s licenses that were used to access credit in the victims’ names at large national retailers, including Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Williams-Sonoma, Dillard’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

    The four defendants, all Chinese nationals who entered the country under false pretenses, were sentenced today by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson. All four pleaded guilty on January 6. They are:

    • Kar Kee “Steven” Cheung, 36, of Chino Hills, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of visa fraud, one count of possession of equipment used to manufacture false identification documents, and one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud;
    • Qian Guo, 37, of Chino Hills, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for one count of possession of equipment used to manufacture false identification documents and one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud;
    • Chongming “Ming” Wang, 28, of Temple City, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of aiding and abetting access device fraud in excess of $1,000; and
    • Jiaozhu “Yanny” Yan, 30, of Alhambra, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for one count of visa fraud.

    Previously in this case, Sizhen “Rachel” Liu, 35, also a Chinese national and a resident of Chino Hills, was sentenced on January 6 to 50 months in federal prison for one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of access device fraud in excess of $1,000.

    The sixth defendant in the case, Hyun Woo “Scott” Jung, 30, of Ontario, pleaded guilty on February 10 to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of possession with intent to use unlawfully five or more false identification documents. Jung is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Wilson on May 5.

    The ongoing investigation in this matter is being conducted by the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. The DSS Los Angeles Field Office has created a tipline to solicit information confidentially from sources with information about this scheme. Security and loss prevention personnel from large national retailers, particularly those identified above, are encouraged to contact the DSS LA Retail Fraud Tipline if they have information about Los Angeles-area transactions closely matching this scheme. Suspects using fake driver’s licenses as part of this scheme may also be opening retail-branded credit accounts in the victims’ names.

    During this investigation, DSS has received substantial assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, with additional support coming from the Alhambra Police Department, the Arcadia Police Department, and the Bel Air, Maryland Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kim Meyer of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Hallador Energy Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial and Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Q4 2024 Total Revenue of $94.2 Million; FY’24 Total Revenue of $404.4 Million –
    – Q4 2024 Operating Cash Flow up Materially to $32.5 Million; FY’24 Operating Cash Flow of $65.9 Million –
    – Q4 2024 Adjusted EBITDA up ~3x YoY to $6.2 Million; FY’24 Adjusted EBITDA of $16.8 Million –

    TERRE HAUTE, Ind., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hallador Energy Company (Nasdaq: HNRG) (“Hallador” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    “2024 was a transformative year for Hallador as we continued our evolution from a bituminous coal producer to a vertically integrated independent power producer (“IPP”), while also advancing our products and services up the energy value chain,” said Brent Bilsland, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This deliberate transition aligns with market trends and reflects our conviction in the superior economics of the IPP business model. In fall 2024, we reached an important milestone in our transformation by signing a non-binding term sheet with a leading global data center developer on a transaction that would, if completed, sell a majority of our power production and accredited capacity at enhanced margins for more than a decade to come. We are making meaningful progress toward finalizing definitive agreements for this transaction within the exclusivity period that runs from January through early June 2025, further strengthened by our partner’s commitment to pay up to $5 million during this period. While navigating these complex transactions requires coordination across multiple stakeholders and while there can be no assurance that definitive agreements will be entered into, we remain encouraged by our partner’s commitment and believe this strategic partnership will drive long-term value for our shareholders.”

    “The ongoing industry shift from dispatchable generators, such as coal and natural gas, to non-dispatchable resources like wind and solar, has increased the value of our Hallador Power subsidiary due to the enhanced reliability, resilience and consistency that we provide over the less predictable non-dispatchables. At the same time, the retirement of coal-based generation has reduced demand for coal supply, impacting the value of our Sunrise Coal subsidiary. In anticipation of these market dynamics, we proactively reduced production volume and shifted our focus away from the higher cost coal reserves, which lowered our operational cash costs in the fourth quarter. These strategic actions along with lower long-term coal price projections resulted in a fourth-quarter non-cash write-down of Sunrise Coal’s carrying value by approximately $215 million, which underscores the foresight of our transition to power generation in the coming years.”

    Bilsland continued, “Looking ahead, our focus remains on maximizing the value of our Merom Power Plant while actively pursuing opportunities to acquire additional dispatchable generators that can add durability, scale, and geographic expansion to our electric operations. Additionally, we are forging strong relationships with sophisticated counterparties to secure favorable collateral terms and effectively manage our forward power sales in 2025 and 2026, which we believe will enhance our financial flexibility in the short to medium term. During 2024, we also reduced our bank debt by more than 50% to $44 million at year-end. We are excited about our continued transformation from a commodity-focused coal producer to an IPP with a secure fuel supply, a strategy we believe will unlock expanding energy market margins, drive sustainable growth, and enhance cash flow generation for our shareholders.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Hallador advanced its restructuring efforts for its subsidiary Sunrise Coal, focusing on production optimization and cost reductions to strengthen its operations.
      • During 2024, the Company reduced its coal production volume by approximately 40% and shifted its focus away from the higher cost portions of its coal reserves. This optimization of coal production reduced Hallador’s operational cash cost structure to better align its coal strategy to support its internal electric generation.
      • As a result of reducing coal production, optimizing its reserve base, and the declining price of contracted coal sales, Hallador realized an approximate $215 million non-cash write down in the fourth quarter associated with the carrying value of its Sunrise Coal subsidiary.
    • The Company continues to shift its revenue mix to prioritize electric sales as an independent power producer.
      • Fourth quarter electric sales were $69.7 million or 74% of total Q4 revenue, compared to $37.1 million or 31% of total Q4 revenue in the year-ago period.
      • Fourth quarter Coal sales were $23.4 million or 25% of total revenue, compared to $81.3 million or 68% of total revenue in the year-ago period.
    • Hallador continues to focus on forward sales to secure its energy position.
      • At year-end, Hallador had total forward energy, capacity and coal sales to 3rd party customers of $1.1 billion through 2029, up from $937.2 million at the end of the third quarter.
      • Subsequent to year end, Hallador signed an exclusive commitment agreement with a leading global data center developer, effective January 2, 2025. This agreement is in furtherance of the previously announced non-binding term sheet signed during the third quarter of 2024, reflecting an important milestone as both the Company and the developer seek to finalize a definitive transaction agreement to support the delivery of energy and capacity (through a utility partner) to a potential data center development within the State of Indiana. The completion of this proposed transaction is subject to, among other matters, the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements and there can be no assurance that definitive agreements will be entered into or that the proposed transaction will be consummated on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all.
    • The Company continues to strengthen its balance sheet.
      • Total bank debt was $44.0 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $70.0 million at September 30, 2024 and $91.5 million at December 31, 2023.
      • Total liquidity was $37.8 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $34.9 million at September 30, 2024 and $26.2 million at December 31, 2023.
     
    Financial Summary ($ in Millions and Unaudited)
                             
        Q1 2024   Q2 2024   Q3 2024   Q4 2024
    Electric Sales   $ 60.7     $ 59.4     $ 71.7     $ 69.7  
    Coal Sales– 3rd Party   $ 49.6     $ 32.8     $ 31.7     $ 23.3  
    Other Revenue   $ 1.3     $ 1.0     $ 1.4     $ 1.8  
    Total Operating Revenue   $ 111.6     $ 93.2     $ 104.8     $ 94.8  
    Net Income (Loss)   $ (1.7 )   $ (10.2 )   $ 1.6     $ (215.8 )
    Operating Cash Flow   $ 18.5     $ 26.1     $ (11.2 )   $ 32.5  
    Adjusted EBITDA*   $ 6.8     $ (5.8 )   $ 9.6     $ 6.2  

    _________________________________

    *   Non-GAAP financial measure, defined as operating cash flows less effects of certain subsidiary and equity method investment activity, plus bank interest, less effects of working capital period changes, plus other amortization

    Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, income from operations, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Our method of computing Adjusted EBITDA may not be the same method used to compute similar measures reported by other companies.

    Management believes the non-GAAP financial measure, Adjusted EBITDA, is an important measure in analyzing our liquidity and is a key component of certain material covenants contained within our Credit Agreement, specifically the minimum quarterly EBITDA. Noncompliance with the covenants could result in our lenders requiring the Company to immediately repay all amounts borrowed. If we cannot satisfy these financial covenants, we would be prohibited under our Credit Agreement from engaging in certain activities, such as incurring additional indebtedness, making certain payments, and acquiring and disposing of assets. Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA is critical to the assessment of our liquidity. The required amount of Adjusted EBITDA is a variable based on our debt outstanding and/or required debt payments at the time of the quarterly calculation based on a rolling prior 12-month period.

    Reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure, Adjusted EBITDA, to Income (Loss) before Income taxes, the most comparable GAAP measure, is as follows (in thousands) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

     
    Reconciliation of GAAP “Income (Loss) before Income Taxes” to non-GAAP “Adjusted EBITDA”
    (In $ Thousands and Unaudited)
                 
           Year Ended
           December 31, 
           2024       2023 
    NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ (226,138 )   $ 44,793  
    Interest expense     13,850       13,711  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     (9,404 )     4,465  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     65,626       67,211  
    EBITDA     (156,066 )     130,180  
    Other operating revenue     (275 )     10  
    Stock-based compensation     4,454       3,554  
    Asset impairment     215,136        
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     1,628       1,804  
    Other amortization     (46,310 )     (30,613 )
    (Gain) loss on disposal or abandonment of assets, net     (50 )     398  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     2,790       1,491  
    Equity method investment (loss)     746       552  
    Settlement of litigation     2,750        
    Other reclassifications     (8,043 )      
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 16,760     $ 107,376  
                     
     
    Solid Forward Sales Position – Segment Basis, Before Intercompany Eliminations (unaudited):
                                                     
        2025   2026   2027   2028   2029   Total
    Power                                                
    Energy                                                
    Contracted MWh (in millions)     4.25       3.36       1.78       1.09       0.27       10.75  
    Average contracted price per MWh   $ 37.24     $ 44.43     $ 54.66     $ 52.94     $ 51.33          
    Contracted revenue (in millions)   $ 158.27     $ 149.28     $ 97.29     $ 57.70     $ 13.86     $ 476.40  
                                                     
    Capacity                                                
    Average daily contracted capacity MWh     773       727       623       454       100          
    Average contracted capacity price per MWd   $ 201     $ 230     $ 226     $ 225     $ 230          
    Contracted capacity revenue (in millions)   $ 55.95     $ 61.12     $ 51.40     $ 37.33     $ 3.47     $ 209.27  
                                                     
    Total Energy & Capacity Revenue                                                
                                                     
    Contracted Power revenue (in millions)   $ 214.22     $ 210.40     $ 148.69     $ 95.03     $ 17.33     $ 685.67  
                                                     
    Coal                                                
    Priced tons – 3rd party (in millions)     2.95       2.50       2.50       0.50             8.45  
    Avg price per ton – 3rd party   $ 51.04     $ 55.49     $ 56.74     $ 59.00     $          
    Contracted coal revenue – 3rd party (in millions)   $ 150.57     $ 138.73     $ 141.85     $ 29.50     $     $ 460.65  
                                                     
    TOTAL CONTRACTED REVENUE (IN MILLIONS) – CONSOLIDATED   $ 364.79     $ 349.13     $ 290.54     $ 124.53     $ 17.33     $ 1,146.32  
                                                     
    Priced tons – Intercompany (in millions)     2.30       2.30       2.30       2.30             9.20  
    Avg price per ton – Intercompany   $ 51.00     $ 51.00     $ 51.00     $ 51.00     $          
    Contracted coal revenue – Intercompany (in millions)   $ 117.30     $ 117.30     $ 117.30     $ 117.30     $     $ 469.20  
                                                     
    TOTAL CONTRACTED REVENUE (IN MILLIONS) – SEGMENT   $ 482.09     $ 466.43     $ 407.84     $ 241.83     $ 17.33     $ 1,615.52  
                                                     

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act). Statements that are not strictly historical statements constitute forward-looking statements and may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words such as “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “guidance,” “target,” “potential,” “possible,” or “probable” or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “will,” “should,” or “could” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those relating to our ability to execute definitive agreements with respect to the non-binding term sheet with a leading global data center developer.   Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and analyses made by Hallador and its management in light of experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate under the circumstances that involve various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Hallador’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Hallador undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

    Conference Call and Webcast

    Hallador management will host a conference call on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial and operational results, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
    Time: 5:30 p.m. Eastern time
    Dial-in registration link: here
    Live webcast registration link: here

    The conference call will also be broadcast live and available for replay in the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.halladorenergy.com.

     
    Hallador Energy Company
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    As of December 31,
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
                 
        2024   2023
    ASSETS            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 7,232     $ 2,842  
    Restricted cash     4,921       4,281  
    Accounts receivable     15,438       19,937  
    Inventory     36,685       23,075  
    Parts and supplies     39,104       38,877  
    Prepaid expenses     1,478       2,262  
    Assets held-for-sale           1,540  
    Total current assets     104,858       92,814  
    Property, plant and equipment:            
    Land and mineral rights     70,307       115,486  
    Buildings and equipment     429,857       537,131  
    Mine development     92,458       158,642  
    Finance lease right-of-use assets     13,034       12,346  
    Total property, plant and equipment     605,656       823,605  
    Less – accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization     (347,952 )     (334,971 )
    Total property, plant and equipment, net     257,704       488,634  
    Equity method investments     2,607       2,811  
    Other assets     3,951       5,521  
    Total assets   $ 369,120     $ 589,780  
                 
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Current liabilities:            
    Current portion of bank debt, net   $ 4,095     $ 24,438  
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     44,298       62,908  
    Current portion of lease financing     6,912       3,933  
    Contract liabilities – current     97,598       66,316  
    Total current liabilities     152,903       157,595  
    Long-term liabilities:            
    Bank debt, net     37,394       63,453  
    Convertible notes payable           10,000  
    Convertible notes payable – related party           9,000  
    Long-term lease financing     8,749       8,157  
    Deferred income taxes           9,235  
    Asset retirement obligations     14,957       14,538  
    Contract liabilities – long-term     49,121       47,425  
    Other     1,711       1,789  
    Total long-term liabilities     111,932       163,597  
    Total liabilities     264,835       321,192  
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 22)            
    Stockholders’ equity:            
    Preferred stock, $.10 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; none issued            
    Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 42,621 and 34,052 issued and outstanding, as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     426       341  
    Additional paid-in capital     189,298       127,548  
    Retained earnings (deficit)     (85,439 )     140,699  
    Total stockholders’ equity     104,285       268,588  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 369,120     $ 589,780  
                     
     
    Hallador Energy Company
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    For the years ended December 31,
    (in thousands, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
                 
        2024   2023
    SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES:            
    Electric sales   $ 261,527     $ 267,927  
    Coal sales     137,448       361,926  
    Other revenues     5,419       5,025  
    Total sales and operating revenues     404,394       634,878  
    EXPENSES:            
    Fuel     49,343       103,388  
    Other operating and maintenance costs     118,364       199,855  
    Cost of purchased power     10,888        
    Utilities     15,914       17,730  
    Labor     116,164       152,417  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     65,626       67,211  
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     1,628       1,804  
    Exploration costs     260       904  
    General and administrative     26,527       26,159  
    Asset impairment     215,136        
    (Gain) loss on disposal or abandonment of assets, net     (50 )     398  
    Settlement of litigation     2,750        
    Total operating expenses     622,550       569,866  
                 
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS     (218,156 )     65,012  
                 
    Interest expense (1)     (13,850 )     (13,711 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     (2,790 )     (1,491 )
    Equity method investment (loss)     (746 )     (552 )
    NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES     (235,542 )     49,258  
                 
    INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT):            
    Current     (169 )     (164 )
    Deferred     (9,235 )     4,629  
    Total income tax expense (benefit)     (9,404 )     4,465  
                 
    NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ (226,138 )   $ 44,793  
                 
    NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE:            
    Basic   $ (5.72 )   $ 1.35  
    Diluted   $ (5.72 )   $ 1.25  
                 
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING            
    Basic     39,504       33,133  
    Diluted     39,504       36,827  
                     
     
    Hallador Energy Company
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    For the years ended December 31,
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
                 
        2024   2023
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
    Net income (loss)   $ (226,138 )   $ 44,793  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
    Deferred income tax (benefit)     (9,235 )     4,629  
    Equity method investment (loss)     746       552  
    Cash distribution – equity method investment           625  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     65,626       67,211  
    Asset impairment     215,136        
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     2,790       1,491  
    (Gain) loss on disposal or abandonment of assets, net     (50 )     398  
    Amortization of debt issuance costs     1,747       3,233  
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     1,628       1,804  
    Cash paid on asset retirement obligation reclamation     (1,407 )     (3,384 )
    Stock-based compensation     4,454       3,554  
    Amortization of contract asset and contract liabilities     (70,203 )     (97,018 )
    Director fees paid in stock     150        
    Change in current assets and liabilities:            
    Accounts receivable     4,499       9,952  
    Inventory     (13,610 )     15,548  
    Parts and supplies     (227 )     (10,582 )
    Prepaid expenses     784       1,186  
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (14,580 )     (18,992 )
    Contract liabilities     103,181       33,804  
    Other     643       610  
    Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 65,934     $ 59,414  
                     
     
    Hallador Energy Company
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    For the years ended December 31,
    (in thousands)
    (continued)
    (unaudited)
                 
        2024   2023
    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:            
    Capital expenditures   $ (53,367 )   $ (75,352 )
    Proceeds from sale of equipment     4,239       62  
    Proceeds from held-for-sale assets     3,200        
    Investment in equity method investments     (542 )      
    Net cash used in investing activities     (46,470 )     (75,290 )
                 
    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:            
    Payments on bank debt     (147,000 )     (59,713 )
    Borrowings of bank debt     99,500       66,000  
    Payments on lease financing     (5,633 )      
    Proceeds from sale and leaseback arrangement     5,134       11,082  
    Issuance of related party notes payable     5,000        
    Payments on related party notes payable     (5,000 )      
    Debt issuance costs     (673 )     (6,013 )
    ATM offering     34,515       7,318  
    Taxes paid on vesting of RSUs     (277 )     (2,101 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (14,434 )     16,573  
    Increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash     5,030       697  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of year     7,123       6,426  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of year   $ 12,153     $ 7,123  
                 
    CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 7,232     $ 2,842  
    Restricted cash     4,921       4,281  
        $ 12,153     $ 7,123  
                 
    SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
    Cash paid for interest   $ 10,511     $ 9,966  
                 
    SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
    Change in capital expenditures included in accounts payable and prepaid expense   $ 356     $ 1,882  
                     

    About Hallador Energy Company

    Hallador Energy Company (Nasdaq: HNRG) is a vertically-integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP) based in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Company has two core businesses: Hallador Power Company, LLC, which produces electricity and capacity at its one Gigawatt (GW) Merom Generating Station, and Sunrise Coal, LLC, which produces and supplies fuel to the Merom Generating Station and other companies. To learn more about Hallador, visit the Company’s website at http://www.halladorenergy.com/.

    Company Contact

    Marjorie Hargrave
    Chief Financial Officer
    (303) 917-0777
    MHargrave@halladorenergy.com

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sean Mansouri, CFA
    Elevate IR
    (720) 330-2829
    HNRG@elevate-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: South Plains Financial, Inc. Publishes 2024 Community Impact Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUBBOCK, Texas, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South Plains” or the “Company”), the parent company of City Bank (the “Bank”), today announced the release of the Company’s 2024 Community Impact Report. This report demonstrates South Plains’ ongoing commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen in each of the unique communities in which the Company and the Bank operate.

    “At South Plains, we value the importance of doing business the right way, for our customers, employees and our communities,” commented Curtis Griffith, South Plains’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our core purpose at City Bank is to use the power of relationships to help people succeed and live better by creating a great place to work, helping people achieve their goals, and investing generously in our communities. I am very proud of our achievements over the past year and excited with the many opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to strive to make a positive impact and help people live better.”

    Highlights from the 2024 Community Impact Report:

    • Provided more than $400 million in loans for small businesses, farms and community development during the year ended December 31, 2024.
    • Employees volunteered more than 4,200 hours to 184 organizations.
    • South Plains Food Bank recognized City Bank as the group of the year, as we continue to help serve more than 57,000 individuals annually.
    • Provided 1,257 hours of learning to more than 500 students in our Texas and New Mexico markets in our first full year with our EverFi partnership.

    For more information, please read the Company’s 2024 Community Impact Report, available at www.spfi.bank/communityimpact.

    About South Plains Financial, Inc.

    South Plains is the bank holding company for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas and has additional banking operations in the Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, and College Station, Texas markets, and the Ruidoso, New Mexico market. South Plains provides a wide range of commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in its market areas. Its principal business activities include commercial and retail banking, along with investment, trust and mortgage services. Please visit https://www.spfi.bank for more information.

    Available Information

    The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its web site (under www.spfi.bank and, more specifically, under the News & Events tab at www.spfi.bank/news-events/press-releases). The Company intends to use its web site as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, investors should monitor the Company’s web site, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts.

    The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company’s web site is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

    Contact:

    Mikella Newsom, Chief Risk Officer and Secretary
      investors@city.bank
      (866) 771-3347
       

    Source: South Plains Financial, Inc.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission payments to media in Europe – E-000839/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000839/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Klara Dostalova (PfE), Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE), Ondřej Kovařík (PfE), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Jana Nagyová (PfE), Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE)

    According to reports from Il Fatto Quotidiano[1], Echo24[2] and Tichys Einblick[3] of 11 February 2025, the Commission allegedly distributed EUR 132.82 million to media outlets across Europe in a non-transparent manner. The allocation of these funds was reportedly decided upon by Parliament President Roberta Metsola, with the support of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the European Council, the European Investment Bank and the European Economic and Social Committee. These grants are in addition to the millions awarded annually to the media, which have already been subject to past criticism. Instead of using public tenders for media funding, the Commission allegedly relied on a so-called ‘framework contract’ under which all funds were channelled through the advertising agency Havas Media France (Vivendi Group). The agency then determined the actual distribution of the funds in consultation with the EU’s leadership, without public scrutiny.

    • 1.Which media outlets received these payments totalling EUR 132.82 million and for what specific purpose?
    • 2.Were those funds intended to influence the outcome of the 2024 European elections?
    • 3.In light of these revelations, how does the Commission intend to dispel concerns that it has interfered in independent, democratic elections?

    Submitted: 25.2.2025

    • [1] https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/in-edicola/articoli/2025/02/11/ben-130-milioni-dati-ai-media-cosi-lue-ottiene-buona-stampa/7872331/.
    • [2] https://www.echo24.cz/a/HVv3s/zpravy-svet-dalsi-skandal-v-bruselu-evropska-unie-poslala-desitky-milionu-medialnim-domum-pred-volbami#dop_ab_variant=1446310&dop_source_zone_name=hpfeed.sznhp.box.
    • [3] https://www.tichyseinblick.de/daili-es-sentials/geheime-millionen-eu-finanziert-medien/.
    Last updated: 17 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves acquisition of steel-making coal portfolio of Anglo American plc in Australia by Peabody MNG Pty Ltd and Peabody SMC Pty Ltd

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 8:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved acquisition of steel-making coal portfolio of Anglo-American plc in Australia by Peabody MNG Pty Ltd and Peabody SMC Pty Ltd.

    The proposed transaction involves the acquisition by Peabody MNG Pty Ltd (Peabody MNG) and Peabody SMC Pty Ltd (Peabody SMC) (collectively, Acquirers), of a portion of assets and businesses associated with Anglo American plc’s (Anglo) steel-making coal portfolio in Australia (Proposed Combination).

    The Acquirers are newly incorporated special purpose vehicles formed for the purposes of the Proposed Combination. Each of them is ultimately owned by Peabody Energy Corporation (Peabody). Peabody, [together with its affiliates, (the Peabody Group)], the ultimate parent company of the Peabody Group, is a global producer and supplier of metallurgical and thermal coal. The Peabody Group’s activities in India are primarily focused on the sales of coal by way of imports.

    The assets being acquired as part of the Proposed Combination consist of a portion of Anglo’s assets and businesses associated with its steel-making coal portfolio in Australia (Target Business). The Target Business is currently owned and controlled by Anglo and its subsidiaries, which is a global mining company. In India, the Target Business supplies coal by way of imports.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves the proposed acquisition of shareholding in Dhoot Transmission Private Limited by BC Asia Investments XV Limited and BC Asia Investments XVI Limited

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 8:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of shareholding in Dhoot Transmission Private Limited by BC Asia Investments XV Limited and BC Asia Investments XVI Limited.

    The proposed combination envisages acquisition of shareholding in Dhoot Transmission Private Limited (DTPL) by BC Asia Investments XV Limited and BC Asia Investments XVI Limited. Certain inter-connected transaction is also envisaged.

    BC Asia Investments XV Limited and BC Asia Investments XVI Limited are indirectly owned and controlled by funds managed and/or advised by Bain Capital Partners LLC (Bain Capital). Bain Capital is a private equity investment firm that invests, through its family of funds.

    DTPL is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of auto-components in the electrical and electronics category (E & E Category) such as, wiring harnesses, automotive switches, electronic sensors and controllers (Flashers 24V), connectors, terminals, automotive cables, power cords, etc., to Original Equipment Manufacturers. DTPL also supplies wiring harnesses to the medical devices industry and the consumer durables industry.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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    (Release ID: 2112021) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves the acquisition of certain additional shareholding in Tata Play Limited (Tata Play) by Tata Sons Private Limited (Tata Sons) from Baytree Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd.

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 8:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of certain additional shareholding in Tata Play Limited (Tata Play) by Tata Sons Private Limited (Tata Sons) from Baytree Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd.

    The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition of 10% shareholding in Tata Play by Tata Sons.

    Tata Sons is an investment holding company, which is registered as a core investment company with the Reserve Bank of India and classified as a “Systemically Important Non-Deposit Taking Core Investment Company”.

    Tata Play, formerly known as Tata Sky, is one of India’s leading content distribution platforms providing Pay TV and Over-the-top (OTT) services. It provides Direct-to-Home (DTH) television, offering broadcaster’s satellite television channels and platform services across genres and languages. Tata Play also provides Tata Play Binge, an OTT platform that brings diverse and popular OTT apps on a single user interface.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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    (Release ID: 2112017) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launches PM Internship Scheme App in presence of MoS, Corporate Affairs Shri Harsh Malhotra

    Source: Government of India (2)

     Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman  launches PM Internship Scheme App  in presence of MoS, Corporate Affairs  Shri Harsh Malhotra

    PM Internship Scheme has the potential to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations- Finance Minister

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 8:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in the presence of MoS Corporate Affairs,  and MoS Road and Transport  Shri Harsh Malhotra launched  a dedicated mobile app for the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme on 17th March, at Samanvay Hall No. 5, at Parliament, New Delhi.

    The App has the following features:

    • Intuitive interface with a clean design and effortless navigation
    • Easy registration through Aadhaar face authentication
    • Effortless navigation – Eligible candidates can sift through opportunities by location etc.
    • Personalized dashboard
    • Access to a dedicated support team
    • Real time alerts to keep candidates abreast of new updates

     

    Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman commended the Prime Minister’s vision in introducing a package of five schemes to promote employment, skilling, and opportunities. She emphasized that the PM Internship Scheme has the potential to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations, thereby enhancing youth employability. She further urged the industry to actively participate in the scheme, highlighting that their involvement would contribute to nation-building while fostering a skilled workforce in the country.

    The Minister of State, Shri Harsh Malhotra observed that the launch of the PMIS App will significantly enhance accessibility to internship opportunities for the youth.

    With the PMIS application, the users can also explore the referral program recently announced by Ministry of Corporate Affair (MCA). The referral program would enable the registered youth to refer other eligible candidates for the scheme and win rewards. The registered youth on the PM Internship portal (web browser) can also participate in this referral program.

    The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS Scheme) announced in the Budget 2024-25, aims to provide internship opportunities to one crore youth in top 500 companies in five years. As an initiation to this Scheme, the Pilot Project targeted at providing 1.25 lakh internship opportunities to the youth was launched on 03.10.2024 for the Financial Year 2024-25. Salient features of the Scheme are:

    • 12-month paid internships in top companies of India.
    • This scheme provides an opportunity to the youth to get training, and gain experience and skills within the real-life environment (at least six months) of the businesses or organizations that help in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, in turn, assisting enhancement of her/his employability.
    • The scheme targets individuals aged 21 to 24 who are currently not enrolled in any full-time academic program or not in full-time employment, offering them a unique chance to kick-start their careers.
    • Each intern will be supported with monthly financial assistance of ₹5,000, supplemented by one-time financial assistance of ₹6,000.

    In the round I of the pilot project (October – December 2024), over 1.27 lakh opportunities in about 745 districts were posted by around 280 companies across 25 sectors. Over 82,000 offers were made to the candidates.

    The round II of the Pilot Project commenced in January 2025 and about 327 companies have posted more than 1.18 lakh opportunities (both new and edited unfilled opportunities of the previous round) across the country.  Of these, around 37,000 opportunities are for graduates, 23,000 for ITI holders, 18,000 for diploma holders, 15,000 for 12th-grade and 25,000 are available for candidates with 10th qualifications. Opportunities spanning across various sectors such as Automobile, Travel & Hospitality, Banking & Finance etc. and varied job roles, such as sales and marketing, technical roles for ITI passouts, HR internships, and more, have been provided. These opportunities are spread across 735 districts in all states and union territories of the country.

    In Round II of the Pilot Project, initiatives have been undertaken to enhance access to and spread awareness about the PM Internship Scheme. The dashboard of the PMIS Portal has been simplified, made more user-friendly, and greater details of the opportunities and roles offered have been provided. Officials from the MCA, state governments, and industry partners interacted with the youth at more than 80 outreach events held at various educational institutes, such as colleges and Rozgar Melas.

    A framework for assessment of the implementation of the Pilot Project, and to acknowledge and reward the efforts of the State and UTs in the implementation of the PMIS, has been introduced in round II of PMIS.

    The internship application window for round II is open up till 31ST March, 2025. 

    Eligible youth can apply through the new mobile app or through the Portal accessible at https://pminternship.mca.gov.in/.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English Translation of Press Statement by Prime Minister during India-New Zealand Joint Press Statement

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 7:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency, Prime Minister Luxon,
    Delegates from both the countries,
    Friends from Media,
    Namaskar!
    Kia Ora!

    I warmly welcome Prime Minister Luxon and his delegation to India. Prime Minister Luxon has had a long relationship with India. We all witnessed, how a few days ago, he celebrated the joyous festival of Holi in Auckland! Prime Minister Luxon’s affection towards the people of Indian origin living in New Zealand can also be seen from the fact that a large community delegation has accompanied him to India. It is a matter of great pleasure for us to have a young, energetic and talented leader like him as the Chief Guest of the Raisina Dialogue this year.

    Friends,

    Today we held in-depth discussions on various areas of our bilateral relations. We’ve decided to strengthen and institutionalise our defense and security collaboration. In addition to joint exercises, training, and port visits, a roadmap for bilateral defense industry collaboration will be developed. Our navies are working together in the Combined Task Force-150 for maritime security in the Indian Ocean. And, we are happy that a New Zealand naval ship is making a port call in Mumbai in two days.

    Friends,

    We have decided to begin discussions for a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. This shall increase the potential for bilateral trade and investment. Mutual cooperation and investment shall be encouraged in fields such as Dairy, Food Processing, and Pharma. We have given priority to mutual cooperation in the areas of Renewable Energy and Critical Minerals. Joint work shall be done in Forestry and Horticulture. I am confident that the large business delegation accompanying the Prime Minister shall get an opportunity to explore and understand the new possibilities in India.

    Friends,

    Whether it is cricket, hockey, or mountaineering, the two countries share a long-standing bond in sports. We have agreed to strengthen cooperation in sports coaching, player exchange, and areas such as sports science, psychology, and medicine. We have decided to celebrate 100 years of sports relations between our two nations in 2026.

    Friends,

    The Indian community living in New Zealand is making a valuable contribution to the country’s social and economic development. We have agreed to work swiftly on an agreement to simplify the mobility of skilled workers and address issues related to illegal migration. We shall also focus on enhancing UPI connectivity, promoting digital transactions, and boosting tourism. Our ties in the field of education are long-standing, and we invite universities from New Zealand to establish campuses in India.

    Friends,

    We stand united against terrorism. Whether it is the Christchurch terrorist attack of March 15, 2019 or the Mumbai attack of November 26, 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable. Strict action must be taken against those responsible for such attacks. We will continue to cooperate in combating terrorism, separatist, and extremist elements. In this regard, we have also shared our concerns about anti-India activities by certain illegal elements in New Zealand. We’re confident that we will continue to receive the full cooperation of the New Zealand Government against such illegal elements.

    Friends,

    We both support a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism. We welcome New Zealand joining the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative. Following its membership in the International Solar Alliance, we also congratulate New Zealand for joining the CDRI.

    Friends,

    Finally, in the language of Rugby, I would say – both of us are ready to “Front up” for a bright future in our relationship. We are ready to step up together and take responsibility for a bright partnership! And, I am confident that our partnership will prove to be a match-winning partnership for the people of both countries.

    Thank you very much!

    DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: YORK COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Highlight Proposed Multimillion Dollar Investments to Improve Care for Pennsylvanians in Long-Term Care Facilities

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 18, 2025York, PA

    ADVISORY – YORK COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Highlight Proposed Multimillion Dollar Investments to Improve Care for Pennsylvanians in Long-Term Care Facilities

    Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen and Department of Aging (PDA) representatives will visit Country Meadows of York-West to highlight Governor Josh Shapiro’s investments in the 2025-26 proposed budget that help improve care for Pennsylvania’s older adults.

    To curb the rise in nursing facility closures in communities where these older adults live, Governor Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget proposal includes $7.5 million to continue support for these long-term care facilities by increasing investments that help solve staffing challenges. The budget also proposes a $21 million investment to increase wages for direct care workers who provide services to adults with disabilities and older adults.

    More than 80,000 Pennsylvanians reside in over 700 nursing homes throughout the state. Over the past two years, investments disbursed through DOH’s Long-Term Care Transformation Office (LTCTO) helped meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s growing older adult population through major quality improvements in long-term care facilities. Country Meadows used the funding it received to help optimize its workforce and strengthen resident safety with the implementation of anti-fall software.

    WHO:
    Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen
    Special Advisor to the Secretary of Aging Gabrielle Szymanski
    Country Meadows Senior Vice President of Operations Amy Wagaman

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 1:30 PM

    WHERE:
    Country Meadows of York-West
    1920 Trolley Road
    York, PA 17408
    (Independent Living Dining Room)

    PARKING: Follow signs onsite to direct attendees to available parking.

    MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund completed the sale of Meraki Business Home in Vilnius, Lithuania

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The owner of Meraki Business Home in Vilnius, BH Meraki UAB, an SPV of Baltic Horizon Fund, closed a transaction at the end of last week, in accordance with which Groa Real Estate Opportunity Fund UAB, a fund managed by Groa Capital purchased Meraki Business Home in Vilnius, Lithuania.

    The sales price of the asset was approximately EUR 16 million. The proceeds of the transaction will be used to redeem EUR 3 million of Baltic Horizon Fund bonds and repay the loan from Bigbank.

    Baltic Horizon Fund informed the investors about the signing of the sale and purchase agreement via a stock exchange announcement published on 7 March 2025: https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=b44b29e9e4e39243051682af0fe3b84f5&lang=en&src=listed.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, FacebookX and YouTube.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: California’s dirty democrats exposed!

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Dirty. Deceitful. Democrats. They take industry money and cover for the oil and gas industry’s lies and deception and then claim to do so in the interest of working people. They hide behind their political party affiliation hoping we won’t notice.

    Well, the jig is up. This spring, Greenpeace USA, California Working Families Party and Courage California, along with other local and statewide allies are exposing California’s Dirty Dems — the Democratic State Assembly Members and Senators who take the most money from the oil and gas industry and have a poor voting record on progressive issues. 

    Californians, who are paying for the climate crisis with their lives, homes, money, and so much more, are tired of corrupt politicians making callous decisions about our future. It’s time to hold our leaders accountable to the families and communities they serve. 

    Are you ready to meet these Dirty Dems? Each week we will surprise the messiest Democratic legislators with events in their district to confront their climate records and demand they pledge to do better. Words aren’t enough — it’s time for action.

    Urge your legislator (Dirty Dem or not!) to take the no fossil fuels money pledge.

    Thousands of candidates and elected officials have already taken the pledge. Make sure your legislator knows that true leaders answer to the people, not to corporate donors. 


    Are you in Assembly Member Nguyen’s district? Demand that she do better by your community and take the no fossil fuel money pledge.

    Stephanie Nguyen — Assembly Member, District 10

    Stephanie Nguyen chooses corporate money over clean communities.

    Representing the 10th District of South Sacramento’s Elk Grove area, Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen has directly accepted $31K from the oil and gas industry, as well as personal gifts from the Western States Petroleum Association (the largest trade association representing the oil and gas industry in California). And during her election in 2022, a PAC funded primarily by big oil companies, including Chevron, spent $900K to get her elected.

    Assembly Member Nguyen has a shocking pattern of abstaining from voting on progressive priorities. She has received an F grade across the board from multiple environmental and environmental justice scorecards since she has been in office and she is on Courage California’s Hall of Shame.

    A few of the lowlights of Nguyen’s time in office:
    — Skipped the vote on a bill aimed at reducing noxious pollutants (linked to asthma and cancer) from being released into our communities
    — Skipped votes on multiple bills aimed at ensuring the oil and gas industry pays to clean up idle wells quickly and not stick taxpayers with the bill
    — Skipped the vote on a bill allowing the Civil Rights Department to better investigate and enforce civil rights violations
    — Voted against protections for grocery workers, against increasing the number of paid sick days, and against strengthening labor law enforcement

    Are you in Rep Nguyen’s district? Demand that she do better by your community and take the no fossil fuel money pledge.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Global: Researchers created sound that can bend itself through space, reaching only your ear in a crowd

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jiaxin Zhong, Postdoctoral Researcher in Acoustics, Penn State

    For your ears only. Cinefootage Visuals/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    What if you could listen to music or a podcast without headphones or earbuds and without disturbing anyone around you? Or have a private conversation in public without other people hearing you?

    Our newly published research introduces a way to create audible enclaves – localized pockets of sound that are isolated from their surroundings. In other words, we’ve developed a technology that could create sound exactly where it needs to be.

    The ability to send sound that becomes audible only at a specific location could transform entertainment, communication and spatial audio experiences.

    What is sound?

    Sound is a vibration that travels through air as a wave. These waves are created when an object moves back and forth, compressing and decompressing air molecules.

    The frequency of these vibrations is what determines pitch. Low frequencies correspond to deep sounds, like a bass drum; high frequencies correspond to sharp sounds, like a whistle.

    Sound is composed of particles moving in a continuous wave.
    Daniel A. Russell, CC BY-NC-ND

    Controlling where sound goes is difficult because of a phenomenon called diffraction – the tendency of sound waves to spread out as they travel. This effect is particularly strong for low-frequency sounds because of their longer wavelengths, making it nearly impossible to keep sound confined to a specific area.

    Certain audio technologies, such as parametric array loudspeakers, can create focused sound beams aimed in a specific direction. However, these technologies will still emit sound that is audible along its entire path as it travels through space.

    The science of audible enclaves

    We found a new way to send sound to one specific listener: through self-bending ultrasound beams and a concept called nonlinear acoustics.

    Ultrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies above the human hearing range, or above 20 kHz. These waves travel through the air like normal sound waves but are inaudible to people. Because ultrasound can penetrate through many materials and interact with objects in unique ways, it’s widely used for medical imaging and many industrial applications.

    In our work, we used ultrasound as a carrier for audible sound. It can transport sound through space silently – becoming audible only when desired. How did we do this?

    Normally, sound waves combine linearly, meaning they just proportionally add up into a bigger wave. However, when sound waves are intense enough, they can interact nonlinearly, generating new frequencies that were not present before.

    This is the key to our technique: We use two ultrasound beams at different frequencies that are completely silent on their own. But when they intersect in space, nonlinear effects cause them to generate a new sound wave at an audible frequency that would be heard only in that specific region.

    Audible enclaves are created at the intersection of two ultrasound beams.
    Jiaxin Zhong et al./PNAS, CC BY-NC-ND

    Crucially, we designed ultrasonic beams that can bend on their own. Normally, sound waves travel in straight lines unless something blocks or reflects them. However, by using acoustic metasurfaces – specialized materials that manipulate sound waves – we can shape ultrasound beams to bend as they travel. Similar to how an optical lens bends light, acoustic metasurfaces change the shape of the path of sound waves. By precisely controlling the phase of the ultrasound waves, we create curved sound paths that can navigate around obstacles and meet at a specific target location.

    The key phenomenon at play is what’s called difference frequency generation. When two ultrasonic beams of slightly different frequencies, such as 40 kHz and 39.5 kHz, overlap, they create a new sound wave at the difference between their frequencies – in this case 0.5 kHz, or 500 Hz, which is well within the human hearing range. Sound can be heard only where the beams cross. Outside of that intersection, the ultrasound waves remain silent.

    This means you can deliver audio to a specific location or person without disturbing other people as the sound travels.

    Advancing sound control

    The ability to create audio enclaves has many potential applications.

    Audio enclaves could enable personalized audio in public spaces. For example, museums could provide different audio guides to visitors without headphones, and libraries could allow students to study with audio lessons without disturbing others.

    In a car, passengers could listen to music without distracting the driver from hearing navigation instructions. Offices and military settings could also benefit from localized speech zones for confidential conversations. Audio enclaves could also be adapted to cancel out noise in designated areas, creating quiet zones to improve focus in workplaces or reduce noise pollution in cities.

    A sound only you can hear.
    Daly and Newton/The Image Bank via Getty Images

    This isn’t something that’s going to be on the shelf in the immediate future. For instance, challenges remain for our technology. Nonlinear distortion can affect sound quality. And power efficiency is another issue – converting ultrasound to audible sound requires high-intensity fields that can be energy intensive to generate.

    Despite these hurdles, audio enclaves present a fundamental shift in sound control. By redefining how sound interacts with space, we open up new possibilities for immersive, efficient and personalized audio experiences.

    Yun Jing receives funding from NSF.

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

    ref. Researchers created sound that can bend itself through space, reaching only your ear in a crowd – https://theconversation.com/researchers-created-sound-that-can-bend-itself-through-space-reaching-only-your-ear-in-a-crowd-252266

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump shrugs off stock market slump, but economic warning signs loom

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Conor O’Kane, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Bournemouth University

    bodrumsurf / Shutterstock

    During Donald Trump’s first term as US president, he regularly referred to rising stock markets as evidence of the success of his economic policies. “Highest Stock Market EVER”, Trump wrote on social media in 2017 after record gains. “That doesn’t just happen!”

    And after securing a second term in November 2024, some of Trump’s close advisers told the New York Times that the president “sees the market as a barometer of his success and abhors the idea that his actions might drive down stock prices”.

    This, in addition to a broader economic policy agenda committed to lower regulation and significant tax cuts, had Wall Street investors bullish about their prospects under the new Trump administration.

    But fears of an escalating trade war have seen the S&P 500, an index of the leading 500 publicly traded companies in the US, drop more than 10% from its February 2025 high. A decline of this magnitude in a major index is what professional traders refer to as a “correction”. In less than a month, roughly US$5 trillion (£3.9 trillion) has been wiped off the value of US stocks.

    So, what exactly is driving down stock prices? Economists cite the president’s brinkmanship, as well as his start-stop approach to tariffs with Canada and Mexico, as having rattled global investors. Some commentators believe this “chaotic” trade agenda has created huge uncertainty for consumers, investors and businesses.

    In view of such policies, a recent JP Morgan report said that US economic policy was “tilting away from growth”, and put the chances of a US recession at 40%, up from 30% at the start of the year. Moody’s Analytics has upped the odds of a US recession from 15% to 35%, citing tariffs as a key factor driving the downturn in its outlook.

    Any economic downturn would have an adverse impact on the profitability of US corporations, and the declining share prices reflect the negative outlook from investors.

    So far, the Trump administration appears unfazed by the US stock market decline. In an address to Congress on March 4, Trump declared his use of tariffs was all about making America rich again. “There will be a little disturbance, but we’re okay with that,” he said.

    The White House has, since then, announced that some short-term pain may be necessary for Trump to implement his trade agenda successfully, which is designed to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US.

    So, should we read this economic turbulence as a temporary blip? Or is it symptomatic of a more fundamental shift in the US economy?

    Change of strategy

    Stephen Miran, who was recently confirmed as chairman of Trump’s council of economic advisers, wrote a paper in November 2024 titled: A User’s Guide to Restructuring the Global Trading System. The paper gives us an insight into the Trump administration’s wider economic strategy.

    It sets out Trump’s desire “to reform the global trading system and put American industry on fairer ground vis-a-vis the rest of the world”. Miran cites persistent US dollar overvaluation as the root cause of economic imbalances.

    Miran does not believe that tariffs are inflationary, and argues that their use during Trump’s first presidential term had little discernible macroeconomic consequences. He does concede that tariffs may eventually lead to an appreciation – or further overvaluation – of the US dollar. However, Miran sees the extent of that appreciation as “debatable”.

    He sees tariffs as a tool for leverage in trade negotiations. The administration could, for example, agree to a reduction in tariffs in exchange for significant investment is the US by key trading partners. China investing in car manufacturing in the US is specifically mentioned in his analysis.

    Miran also states his belief that tariffs can be used to raise tax revenues from foreigners in order to retain low tax rates on American citizens.

    Some economists agree that the US dollar is overvalued. A combination of its role as the world’s reserve currency, as well as the attractiveness of the US economy as an investment destination, fuels demand for the US dollar and makes it stronger.

    A strong US dollar has made American manufacturing exports less competitive. This has cost American jobs. The “rust belt” states of the north-eastern and mid-western US have experienced a decline in manufacturing employment over the past 40 years, which is evidence of this.

    However, it is worth noting that the many US manufacturers who import manufactured parts or components to make their products do benefit from a stronger dollar. This is because it makes the parts and materials they are importing cheaper. US mortgage holders and investors also benefit from a stronger dollar through lower interest rates on loans.

    Steven Englander, the head of research and strategy at Standard Chartered bank, believes there are some contradictions in the Trump administration’s approach.

    In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Englander said: “The problem for the new administration is that it simultaneously wants a weaker dollar, a reduced trade deficit, capital inflows, and the dollar to remain the key currency in international reserves and payments.”

    Reduced trade deficits and capital inflows would typically strengthen the US dollar, as does its position as the world’s reserve currency.

    As Miran says in his paper: “There is a path by which the Trump administration can reconfigure the global trading and financial systems to America’s benefit. But it is narrow, and will require careful planning, precise execution, and attention to steps to minimise adverse consequences.”

    Only time will tell whether the Trump administration can successfully navigate this “narrow” path. In the meantime, the recent turbulence in US stock prices appears to be acceptable to the Trump administration in their pursuit of reforming the global financial system.

    Conor O’Kane 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. Trump shrugs off stock market slump, but economic warning signs loom – https://theconversation.com/trump-shrugs-off-stock-market-slump-but-economic-warning-signs-loom-251988

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI: B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program Continues Support to B.C. Farmers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Starting March 17, farmers can apply to receive funding support to acquire new technology to support their operations through the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program.

    Launched in 2023 and delivered by Innovate BC, the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program provides B.C. and federal cost-shared funding to eligible participants, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), to adopt new technologies on-farm that will enhance profitability, productivity, and/or efficiency. This is the third intake for the program and focuses on new commercially available farming technologies that will help grow, raise, harvest, pack or store food more effectively, productively or profitably. The program will focus on funding labour-saving technologies that help address labour shortages and improve processes for labour-intensive tasks. 

    “In light of the heightened focus on sustainability, now more than ever, it is crucial for consumers to buy local produce, as this not only supports local economies and reduces carbon footprints, but also provides fresher, more flavourful food.” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “Thanks to this program, we’re helping farmers and food producers all over the province use technology to increase their efficiency and production, as well as address labor challenges the sector is facing. This new intake will allow more producers to have the latest equipment and software on their farms so they can be more competitive, improve their bottom line, and produce more of the food that feeds our communities.”

    Applications for this round of funding are open from March 17 to April 28. Farmers with operations within British Columbia can apply, with up to $2.25M available from the governments of Canada and British Columbia for the current 2025/2026 fiscal year. 

    Farmers can use the funding to buy new technologies, such as equipment and robotics that can operate independently and adapt to their environment. Examples are automated weeding equipment and harvesters or machinery that can perform tasks with minimal human interaction, like automated grading and sorting machines. 

    As of March 17, 2025, the program has awarded $4.12M to support 85 farm projects in B.C. with adopting new technologies.

    “With rising costs and shifting market conditions, investing in innovation is more critical than ever to strengthen local food security and keep B.C. farms competitive,’ said Peter Cowan, President + CEO of Innovate BC, “The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program helps farmers access cutting-edge agritech that boosts efficiency and resilience, ensuring they can keep their business productive and remain key contributors to our economy and communities. Innovate BC is proud to deliver this program on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, supporting a strong agricultural sector and a more prosperous B.C.”

    “Through B.C.’s Integrated Marketplace, we are supporting our agriculture sector to adopt new technologies to make their businesses more productive and profitable, and make our economy stronger,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “Through innovation, we can support our farmers and grow not only food but also a more resilient economy.” 

    Part of Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace suite of programming, the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resilience of Canada’s agriculture, agrifood and agriculture-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

    To learn more about Innovate BC, visit innovatebc.ca.

    Additional Quotes

    Sam DiMaria, Owner, Bella Rosa Orchards

    “Labour is the highest operating cost for my orchard, and I knew that adopting a mobile picking platform could help address this. The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program support allowed me to bring in the platform, which is already making a difference. Emerging technologies play a crucial role in making farming more efficient and cost-effective. Farmers must be willing to learn and embrace these changes, and government support can help us transition successfully.” 

    Media Contact

    Michael Gleboff
    Communications + Community Manager
    mgleboff@innovatebc.ca
    604602-5210

    About Innovate BC

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/12b1c076-c344-428e-8b97-1f55a4d5ac89

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Americans care so much about eggs prices – and how this issue got so political

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Clodagh Harrington, Lecturer in American Politics, University College Cork

    The price of eggs has risen dramatically in recent years across the US. A dozen eggs cost US$1.20 (92p) in June 2019, but the price is now around US$4.90 (with a peak of US$8.17 in early March).

    Some restaurants have imposed surcharges on egg-based dishes, bringing even more attention to escalating costs. And there are also shortages on supermarket shelves.

    In the coming months, the US plans to import up to 100 million of this consumer staple. Government officials are approaching countries from Turkey to Brazil with enquiries about eggs for export.

    Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins, who previously said that one option to the crisis was for people to get a chicken for their backyard, suggested in the Wall Street Journal that prices are unlikely to stabilise for some months. And Donald Trump recently shared an article on Truth Social calling on the public to “shut up about egg prices”.

    The main cause of the problem is an outbreak of avian flu that has resulted in over 166 million birds in the US being slaughtered. Around 98% of the nation’s chickens are produced on factory farms, which are ripe for contagion.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu has already spread to several hundred dairy cattle and to one human. The USDA recently announced a US$1 billion plan to counter the problem, with funding for improved bio-security, vaccine research and compensation to farmers.

    In January 2025, Donald Trump’s White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, blamed the previous administration for high egg prices. It is true that birds were slaughtered on President Joe Biden’s watch, but this was and remains standard practice at times of bird flu outbreaks and had also been the case during the Obama and first Trump administrations.

    However, this points to the way the rising price of eggs has become a political touchstone. It was referred to regularly in campaign speeches and press briefings as a sign of things going wrong and a symbol of the US economy faced. Donald Trump promised to fix the price of eggs swiftly if elected, but so far the issue shows no sign of going away.

    Prices are still trending up. Even when prices suddenly drop, as they have this week, the public know how much cheaper they used to be until recently, and do not tend to feel better.

    There are a number of reasons why egg prices have become an important to US politicians. First, almost everyone buys eggs. So the shortage and subsequent price rise is newsworthy and affects consumers in all income brackets.

    Secondly, they are a measure of broader economic vulnerabilities, so egg-related problems tend to be part of a larger story about how weak the economy is. And thirdly, egg prices are political because of Trump’s promise to bring them down.




    Read more:
    US inflation has increased since Trump took office – why prices are unlikely to come down soon


    Polls showed that the economy and inflation were key factors in voter choice on election day 2024. In February 2025, Donald Trump did an interview with NBC News in which he said he won the election on the border and groceries.

    On immigration, voters often base their opinions on what they perceive to be true. For example, tough rhetoric on building a wall may equate with a sense of feeling that the president is taking strong action, whether anything tangible actually materialises or not.

    With groceries, reality trumps perception. The price of eggs is printed on the box and the cost is paid directly by voters.

    Donald Trump on what he’s doing on egg prices and the economy.

    Then there are the egg producers. US farmers tended to overwhelmingly support Trump on election day, so it is prudent for him to feel their pain, or at least appear to. Farming areas voted for him increasingly in his three election efforts, even increasing their support for him in 2020 after trade wars and price increases which would have negatively impacted them.

    Another factor that may push up egg prices is that an estimated 70% of the factory farm workforce is immigrant labour, and as many as 40% are undocumented. Should the administration’s plans for high tariffs and mass deportations come to fruition, the industry would struggle to function.

    Further food price increases will be inevitable, with potential exacerbation via the funding freezes for some USDA programmes that Trump has enacted. As of March 2025, US$1 billion in cuts has been announced, the consequences of which are already being felt by farmers. The “pain now for gain later” message is a tricky political sell.

    Even in the current era of international turbulence, elections are largely won on more pedestrian matters. Specifically, “kitchen-table” economics is relatable to every voter, regardless of how grand, or not, their table is.

    Americans will be aware that in neighbouring Canada, egg prices have not risen dramatically and there have not been shortages. But prices in Canada have been traditionally higher than the US, this is in part at least because farming standards differ.

    The US does not have high welfare standards for agricultural workers or animals, and this shortcoming needs to be addressed in order to help reduce future risk of flu, but this is likely to also raise prices.

    Blaming the previous incumbent is not a durable stance for Donald Trump. As former president Harry Truman might remind him: “The buck stops here.” Right at his desk.

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

    ref. Why Americans care so much about eggs prices – and how this issue got so political – https://theconversation.com/why-americans-care-so-much-about-eggs-prices-and-how-this-issue-got-so-political-251752

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: BBC Gaza documentary: how an editorial blame game overshadowed an important film and destroyed trust

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dorothy Byrne, President of Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge

    The war in Gaza has been a notoriously controversial and difficult story to cover as a journalist. The Israeli government banned international journalists from the territory. At least 171 journalists and media workers in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank have been killed since the war began.

    The BBC has faced relentless accusations of bias from all sides. You would think, then, that when it commissioned the film Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, billed as a “vivid and unflinching view of life” in Gaza seen through the eyes of children, it would have been meticulous in its commissioning and oversight.

    Yet almost as soon as the programme was broadcast on February 17, a journalist outside the BBC revealed that one of the children featured in the film, 13-year-old Abdullah, who also acted as its narrator, was the son of a Hamas official. His father, Ayman Al-Yazouri, is a deputy minister of agriculture and therefore, as Hamas runs the government of Gaza, a Hamas official.

    No major investigation was required to find out who this man was – an expert on wastewater treatment, in particular on the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater, who received degrees from UK universities. No evidence has emerged that he is linked to Hamas’s militant operations. But getting someone with any link to what is classified as a terrorist organisation by western governments to narrate the film was inevitably going to be criticised – especially because the link wasn’t explained to viewers.

    The BBC pulled the film four days after its premiere and said it would investigate the matter. Where it really went wrong was that, for 12 days, the BBC tried to pin the blame elsewhere. It dumped on the production company, Hoyo Films, stating: “The production team had full editorial control of filming with Abdullah.” T

    I argue this is a weak defence. A broadcaster can’t blame someone else when a mistake appears in a film.

    Under Ofcom regulations, the broadcaster has full editorial responsibility, regardless of whether a freelance or independent crew carried out filming. Any mistake is the BBC’s mistake.

    I was head of news and current affairs at Channel 4 for 17 years. We sometimes made mistakes. It happens. But the key is not to make things worse by trying to wriggle out of blame.

    As it happens, Channel 4 also featured this child in some of its news coverage without initially disclosing his father’s role. “As international media access is restricted, Abdullah was sourced through an established journalist who has also worked for other major global media outlets,” Channel 4 News said in a statement.

    Ofcom regulations

    The BBC’s second excuse was even weaker. It said that filmmakers were asked in writing a number of times whether this child had any connection with Hamas.

    Here is a journalistic tip for the BBC’s news bosses: if you ask someone a question and they don’t answer, you don’t just keep asking. You demand answers or you go and get the answer yourself. As a former news boss myself, I would have demanded to see the boy’s entire family tree.

    Finally, after 12 days, the BBC took responsibility and issued an apology.
    BBC chair Samir Shah told MPs that people “weren’t doing their job” when it came to oversight of the production. Shah described it as “a dagger to the heart of the BBC claim to be impartial and to be trustworthy”.

    A child of 13 should arguably not have narrated the film at all. He was not narrating his own words but a script written by the programme makers, which included facts about the history and geopolitics of Gaza. I would point the BBC to Ofcom guidance that children under 16 should not be asked for views on matters likely to be beyond their capacity to answer properly without the consent of a responsible adult.

    On a subject like this, I would not have had a child narrate a film – especially not when one of the responsible adults in his life was a Hamas official.

    This was a powerful and beautifully shot film. It’s hard to see how any of its content could be described as pro-Hamas propaganda. The strongest moment was when a child said he hated Hamas because they had caused the war and all the misery being suffered now. But it’s almost certainly politically impossible for an amended version of the documentary to now be shown, which is a great loss.

    This debacle even resulted in a bizarre decision by the Royal Television Society to drop an award recognising the brave and brilliant work of journalists in Gaza (it has since reversed this after backlash from journalists). We have relied on journalists in Gaza to show us what is happening.

    They have continued filming when their own families have been killed. Their reports have been powerful and moving and true. Why should they be punished for a BBC cock-up?

    Falling trust

    I have never worked for the BBC, but I have always admired it for two things. First, for the brilliance of its journalists. Second, for its ability to turn a mistake into a PR catastrophe.

    The film contained editorial errors, but in my view the outrage built over days, resulting in calls not just for a public inquiry, but even a police inquiry, because the BBC wouldn’t take the rap. My journalistic heart went out to the great people who work at the BBC.

    This ghastly incident sits alongside other (quite different) recent scandals about the BBC: the bad behaviour (whether alleged or proven) of powerful presenters and figures Huw Edwards, Russell Brand, Tim Westwood and Gregg Wallace. In each case, it turned out that BBC bigwigs had received complaints over long periods of time before the stories went public.

    For many reasons beyond the BBC’s control, trust in the broadcaster is falling. It is constantly being attacked by the right-wing press, and undermined by conspiracy theorists who say you can’t trust the so-called mainstream media and that there is no such thing as truth.

    In a 2023 YouGov survey on trust in media, only 44% of Britons said they trust BBC journalists to tell the truth. That was nearly half the level of trust in the BBC 20 years earlier, yet it still made the BBC the most trusted media outlet in the UK. Other surveys by Ofcom of people who actually watch TV news put trust in its accuracy much higher – something like 70%.

    There is a general fall in trust in all institutions in the UK. The politicians and tabloids who attack the BBC are trusted far less than BBC journalists. But their unfair assaults make it all the more essential that the BBC avoids errors like this, and is transparent when those errors are revealed.

    Dorothy Byrne was formerly Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel Four, and Editor at Large at Channel Four.

    ref. BBC Gaza documentary: how an editorial blame game overshadowed an important film and destroyed trust – https://theconversation.com/bbc-gaza-documentary-how-an-editorial-blame-game-overshadowed-an-important-film-and-destroyed-trust-251760

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Video: LIVE: DOD Press Briefing from the Pentagon, March 17, 2025

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell brief the media at the Pentagon, March 17, 2025
    —————
    Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFR91N-E7Sc

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Cosponsors Four Bills to End Biden EV Mandates

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    BISMARCK, N.D. – The Biden administration repeatedly issued regulations directing the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EV) by consumers. These regulations forced manufacturers of cars and trucks to build more and more EVs, and even ban the sale of gasoline powered vehicles. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) co-sponsored four bills to protect consumer choice in automotive markets and roll back the misguided, overbearing rules.

    “For four long years, the Biden administration pushed EV mandate after EV mandate, attempting to force consumers toward costly vehicles,” said Cramer. “These bills roll back Washington’s burdensome, heavy-handed rules, putting consumers and their choice in the driver’s seat.”

    The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, led by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), repeals the Biden Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final tailpipe emissions standards for passenger cars and trucks, which are a de facto mandate for electric vehicles, and ensures future tailpipe regulations do not limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on their engine type.  

    U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin’s (R-OK) bill, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, preserves consumer choice and maintains competition in the automotive markets by preventing the implementation of the Biden EPA’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, which bans the sale of all conventional gasoline-powered cars by 2035.  

    The Freedom to Haul Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), will safeguard the trucking industry from impractical and costly mandates by preventing the implementation of the Biden EPA’s “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3” rule, a de facto EV mandate on the trucking industry. 

    Finally, U.S. Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) Stop California from Advancing Regulatory Burden (Stop CARB) Act eliminates Clean Air Act waiver exemptions which allow California and other states to dictate national emissions standards. California has over 100 active waivers that set higher emissions standards than the EPA, increasing costs and decreasing consumer choice in vehicles.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Appoints Antonio Aranibar of Bolivia United Nations Resident Coordinator in Equatorial Guinea

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Antonio Aranibar of Bolivia as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Equatorial Guinea, with the host Government’s approval, on 16 March.

    Mr. Aranibar brings more than 20 years’ experience in sustainable development, governance and peacebuilding to the role.  Prior to his appointment in Equatorial Guinea, he served as the UN Special Adviser to the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Venezuela from 2019 to 2024, where he supported the search for negotiated solutions to a protracted crisis, including through social and humanitarian agreements.  He was Head of Office of the UN Verification Mission in Medellin, Colombia, from 2016 to 2018, where he supported the implementation of the peace process between the Colombian State and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

    From 2013 to 2016, he was a researcher at the Central American Institute of Business Administration (INCAE) and Global Network Director of the Social Progress Index, a leading indicator to track progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Mr. Aranibar served as the Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Political Analysis and Prospective Scenarios Project, an initiative promoted by the United Development Programme (UNDP) in Latin America with proven impact in conflict prevention, dialogue promotion and institutional reform.  In this capacity, he served as Special Adviser to the United Nations in more than 20 countries from 2008 to 2013 using future studies for preventive diplomacy as well as for policy advocacy on development policies and institutional reforms.

    He began his career in UNDP Bolivia as an economist of the Human Development Network and Senior Policy Adviser.

    Mr. Aranibar holds a master’s degree in econometrics from the Autonomous University of Madrid in Spain and a bachelor’s degree in economic development from the University of Paris IX-Dauphine in France.  He is fluent in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese.  He is married and the proud father of three children.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bank of Canada announces planned changes to its Contingent Term Repo Facility

    Source: Bank of Canada

    The Bank of Canada is announcing changes to the eligibility criteria and review process for applications for its Contingent Term Repo Facility (CTRF). As non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) play an increasingly important role in fixed-income markets and in the global financial system, these changes provide greater clarity on the eligibility of NBFIs and define more precise criteria to guide the Bank’s review of applications for eligible counterparties. These changes will inform the Bank’s decision on whether to grant individual applicants access to the CTRF.

    The Bank will also make operational changes to enhance the efficiency of the CTRF. These changes include onboarding eligible counterparties prior to activation of the CTRF, conducting occasional readiness testing, and enhancing existing systems and processes that support the CTRF when the facility is used.

    CTRF eligibility criteria

    To ensure the CTRF remains an effective liquidity tool to address market disruptions in times of severe market stress, eligible counterparties will be subject to the following criteria:

    1. Significant activity: Eligible counterparties must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Bank, significant activity in Canadian-dollar money markets and/or fixed-income markets, either through the size of their CTRF eligible assets and/or level of repo activity.
    2. Regulation: The scope of the Bank’s review of eligible counterparties will depend on the extent to which they are subject to federal or provincial financial and/or market regulation.
    3. Risk assessment: Eligible counterparties that demonstrate significant activity and that are subject to federal or provincial regulation will undergo a standard risk assessment, while those that demonstrate significant activity but that are unregulated will be subject to a more comprehensive risk assessment.

    To better delineate the Bank’s liquidity facilities, any deposit-taking institutions currently eligible for the Bank’s Standing Term Liquidity Facility (STLF) will no longer be eligible for the CTRF.

    Additionally, to enhance efficiency and improve operational readiness, the Bank plans to transition CTRF operations from a bilateral standing facility to a fixed-rate, full allotment auction that uses the Bank of Canada Auction System (BCAS) to conduct the Bank’s other overnight and term repo operations. Under this new format, if the CTRF is activated, the auction will be conducted daily at a specified time and will include multiple predetermined tenors (up to a maximum of 30 days). Further details and implementation of these policy changes will occur later this year, at which point onboarding of new CTRF-eligible participants will commence.

    For further information, please contact:

    Director
    Financial Markets Department
    Bank of Canada

    Policy and Operations Advisor
    Financial Markets Department
    Bank of Canada

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Miami Inspector Pleads Guilty in a Scheme to Obstruct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Oversight of the Medicare Program

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

    MIAMI – Manuel Delgado, 64, has pleaded guilty to accepting cash bribes and self-dealing as part of a conspiracy to impede and obstruct the lawful functions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) in their administration and oversight of the Medicare program. 

    According to court documents, Manuel Delgado was a contractor for the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (“BOC”), who performed inspections of durable medical equipment (“DME”) companies to determine if they complied with CMS quality standards.  BOC accreditation was required before CMS would approve a company to bill Medicare for supplying durable medical equipment to Medicare patients.

    Delgado accepted cash bribes from numerous owners of DME companies to facilitate and expedite the accreditation process so those companies could be enrolled with and bill Medicare.  Delgado also formed DME companies in the names of family members in order to conceal his own personal interest in the companies.  Delgado himself inspected these companies and obtained BOC accreditation and CMS approval for the companies. Delgado then sold the companies to others, having made them valuable as Medicare-enrolled suppliers of durable medical equipment.  The estimated value of the fraudulently accredited DME companies that Delgado inspected was over $1.4 million.  

    Delgado entered his guilty plea during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ellen D’ Angelo, who will prepare a report and recommendation pursuant to a referral and instructions from U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore.      

    Delgado faces up to five years in prison. Any further proceedings will be set by the court.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan P. Lynch of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    FBI Miami and HHS-OIG investigated the case. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aimee C. Jimenez and Trial Attorney Jacqueline DerOvanesian of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove is handling the asset forfeiture.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20006.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Expands Multi-Chain MEV Protection for Safer Transactions and Stable Pricing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has upgraded its multi-chain MEV Protection, now enabled by default across Solana, BNB Chain, Ethereum, Base, Polygon, Arbitrum, and other mainstream blockchains. This enhancement safeguards users from transaction manipulation, including front-running, sandwich attacks, and excessive gas fees, ensuring a more secure and equitable trading experience.

    Integrated directly into Bitget Wallet’s Swap feature, MEV Protection requires no additional setup, allowing users to trade seamlessly with built-in security. Users can confirm that MEV Protection is active by checking for the “MEV” logo on the Swap page or within the transaction signature page. With this upgrade, every transaction executed through Bitget Wallet benefits from automated safeguards, reducing the risk of exploitative tactics used by MEV bots.

    Bitget Wallet’s enhanced MEV Protection introduces several advanced mechanisms to prevent unfair trading practices. MEV bots frequently manipulate liquidity pool prices, creating toxic spreads that impact trade execution. Bitget Wallet’s system blocks these false price fluctuations, ensuring users receive fair market prices. Additionally, gas price manipulation is a common MEV tactic, where bots inflate gas fees during high-demand trades. By intelligently predicting reasonable gas ranges and preventing artificial bidding wars, Bitget Wallet helps users avoid excessive transaction costs while ensuring trade stability.

    Looking ahead, Bitget Wallet plans to further enhance its security features and expand its services to support more blockchain networks. Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet, stated, “As MEV threats evolve, strengthening protection mechanisms remains essential for ensuring a stable and reliable trading environment. By continuously improving our platform, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and efficient DeFi ecosystem.”

    MEV has become a growing challenge in DeFi, as validators and bots exploit transaction ordering for profit at the expense of regular traders. Recently, users have reported major losses due to unchecked MEV manipulation, underscoring the urgency for effective countermeasures. These tactics not only distort market fairness but also contribute to failed transactions and increased costs. With the latest MEV Protection upgrade, Bitget Wallet aims to eliminate these vulnerabilities and create a more equitable trading ecosystem.

    For more details, please visit Bitget Wallet blog.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive onchain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace and crypto payment. Supporting over 100 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and 500,000+ tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300+ million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.
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    For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bce84f28-d7c0-415e-829e-6d6c52890df7

    The MIL Network