Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TARGET OF WORKS AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED UNDER JJM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

    To make provision of tap water supply to every rural household across the country, Government of India in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal since August, 2019.

    At the start the Mission, only 3.23 Crore (16.7%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 12.03.2025, under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal around 12.29 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 12.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.15%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes and works for the remaining 3.84 Crore households are at various stages of completion as per saturation plan of the respective State/ UT. State/ UT-wise details are as at below. Further, Hon’ble Finance Minister during her budget speech 2025- 26 has announced extension of Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with an enhanced total outlay.

    States have informed that lack of dependable drinking water sources in water-stressed, drought prone and desert areas, presence of geo-genic contaminants in ground water, uneven geographical terrain, scattered rural habitations, delay in release of the matching State share in some States, lack of technical capacity with implementing agencies, Gram Panchayats and local communities to plan, manage, operate & maintain the water supply schemes, rising price of raw materials, delay in obtaining statutory/ other clearances, etc. are few of problems being faced in the implementation of the Mission.

    To address the challenges holistically and overcome these, Government of India has taken a number of steps, inter alia including implementation of Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure through M/o Finance for financial assistance as 50-year interest free loan for capital investment projects; nomination of a nodal officer in the Department for coordinating with Central nodal Ministries/ Departments/ agencies to facilitate the States in obtaining Statutory/ other clearances; setting up of State Programme Management Units (SPMUs) and District Programme Management Units (DPMUs) and implementation of “Nal Jal Mitra Programme” for ensuring availability of skilled local persons at village level to bridge the gap in availability of technical skill sets and of HR for programme management;

    Under the Mission, States have been advised for source recharging, viz. dedicated bore well recharge structures, rainwater recharge, rejuvenation of existing water bodies, reuse of greywater, etc., in convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGS, Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), 15th Finance Commission tied grants to RLBs/ PRIs, State schemes, CSR funds, etc.

    Further, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign aiming to encourage water conservation at grass-root levels with people’s participation was launched in 2019 in 256 water stressed districts of the country. Morever, recognizing the importance of sustainable water management especially for drinking water availability, JSA-CTR was implemented with the theme “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water” in 2023. Similarly, in 2024, JSA is being implemented with the theme “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti” from 09.03.2024 to 30.11.2024 emphasizing the pivotal role played by women in the field of water conservation.

    Water being a State subject, States have been empowered to plan, design, approve, implement and operate & maintain drinking water supply schemes. Complaints/ Grievances received at Centre level through Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS – https://pgportal.gov.in/) and Department’s website (https://jalshakti-ddws.gov.in/) and other physical mediums are transferred to water supply department of respective State Governments for their timely redressal.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

    Annex referred to in part (a) & (b) reply to Rajya Sabha unstarred Question No. 1831 answered on 17.03.2025

    JJM: State/ UT-wise status of tap water connections in rural households as on 12.03.2025

     (Number in lakhs)

    S. No.

    State/ UT

    Total rural HHs

    Rural HHs with tap water supply as on 15.8.2019

    Rural HHs with tap water connection as on date

    Rural HHs yet to be provided with tap water connection

    No.

    %

    No.

    %

    No.

    %

    1.

    A & N Islands

    0.62

    0.29

    46.02

     0.62

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    2.

    Arunachal Pr.

    2.29

    0.23

    9.97

     2.29

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    3.

    DNH & DD

    0.85

    0.00

    0.00

     0.85

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    4.

    Goa

    2.64

    1.99

    75.44

     2.64

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    5.

    Gujarat

    91.18

    65.16

    71.46

     91.18

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    6.

    Haryana

    30.41

    17.66

    58.08

     30.41

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    7.

    Himachal Pr.

    17.09

    7.63

    44.64

     17.09

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    8.

    Mizoram

    1.33

    0.09

    6.91

     1.33

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    9.

    Puducherry

    1.15

    0.94

    81.33

     1.15

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    10.

    Punjab

    34.27

    16.79

    48.98

     34.27

     100.00

     –   

     –  

    11.

    Telangana

    53.98

    15.68

    29.05

     53.98

     100.00

     –  

     –  

    13.

    Uttarakhand

    14.50

    1.30

    8.99

     14.12

     97.38

     0.38

     2.62

    14.

    Ladakh

    0.41

    0.01

    3.48

     0.39

     96.54

     0.01

     3.46

    12.

    Bihar

    167.55

    3.16

    1.89

     160.36

     95.71

     7.19

     4.29

    15.

    Nagaland

    3.64

    0.14

    3.82

     3.37

     92.76

     0.26

     7.24

    16.

    Lakshadweep

    0.13

     

    0.00

     0.12

     91.41

     0.01

     8.59

    17.

    Sikkim

    1.33

    0.70

    52.96

     1.21

     91.00

     0.12

     9.00

    18.

    Maharashtra

    146.80

    48.44

    33.00

     130.36

     88.80

     16.44

     11.20

    20.

    Uttar Pr.

    267.22

    5.16

    1.93

     236.78

     88.61

     30.44

     11.39

    19.

    Tamil Nadu

    125.28

    21.76

    17.37

     110.85

     88.48

     14.43

     11.52

    21.

    Tripura

    7.51

    0.25

    3.26

     6.40

     85.30

     1.10

     14.70

    27.

    Karnataka

    101.32

    24.51

    24.19

     84.92

     83.81

     16.40

     16.19

    24.

    Meghalaya

    6.51

    0.05

    0.70

     5.33

     81.92

     1.18

     18.08

    23.

    Assam

    72.25

    1.11

    1.54

     58.84

     81.44

     13.41

     18.56

    22.

    J & K

    19.22

    5.75

    29.93

     15.59

     81.12

     3.63

     18.88

    26.

    Chhattisgarh

    50.02

    3.20

    6.39

     40.33

     80.63

     9.69

     19.37

    25.

    Manipur

    4.52

    0.26

    5.74

     3.59

     79.59

     0.92

     20.41

    28.

    Odisha

    88.69

    3.11

    3.50

     67.89

     76.54

     20.81

     23.46

    29.

    Andhra Pr.

    95.53

    30.74

    32.18

     70.51

     73.81

     25.02

     26.19

    30.

    Madhya Pr.

    111.82

    13.53

    12.10

     76.13

     68.09

     35.68

     31.91

    33.

    Rajasthan

    107.75

    11.74

    10.90

     60.11

     55.79

     47.64

     44.21

    34.

    West Bengal

    175.56

    2.15

    1.22

     96.43

     54.93

     79.13

     45.07

    31.

    Jharkhand

    62.56

    3.45

    5.52

     34.25

     54.75

     28.31

     45.25

    32.

    Kerala

    70.77

    16.64

    23.51

     38.48

     54.38

     32.29

     45.62

     

    Total

    19,36.70

     3,23.63

    16.71

     15,52.19

     80.15

     3,84.51

    19.85

    Source: JJM – IMIS                           HH: Households

    ****

    Dhanya Sanal K

    Director

    (Rajya Sabha US Q1831)

    (Release ID: 2111850) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Surveys conducted by Government

    Source: Government of India (2)

    1

    Household Consumer Expenditure Survey

    January, 2004 – June, 2004

    Report No. 505: Household Consumer Expenditure in India

    2

    Employment and Unemployment Survey

    January, 2004 – June, 2004

    Report No. 506: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India

    3

    Survey on Morbidity and Health care

    January, 2004 – June, 2004

    Report No. 507: Morbidity, Health Care and the Condition of the Aged

    4

    Household Consumer Expenditure Survey

    July, 2004 – June, 2005

    Report No. 508: Level and Pattern of Consumer Expenditure, 2004-05

    Report No. 509: Household Consumption of Various Goods and Services in India, 2004-05

    Report No. 510: Public Distribution System and Other Sources of Household Consumption, 2004-05

    Report No. 511: Energy Sources of Indian Households for Cooking and Lighting, 2004-05

    Report No. 512: Perceived Adequacy of Food Consumption in Indian Households 2004-2005

    Report No. 513: Nutritional Intake in India 2004-2005

    Report No. 514: Household Consumer Expenditure Among Socio-Economic Groups: 2004 – 2005

    5

    Employment and Unemployment Survey

    July, 2004 – June, 2005

    Report No. 515: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India 2004-05

    Report No. 516: Employment and Unemployment Situation Among Social Groups in India 2004-05

    Report No. 517: Status of Education and Vocational Training in India 2004-05

    Report No. 518: Participation of Women in Specified Activities along with Domestic Duties 2004-2005

    Report No. 519: Informal Sector and Conditions of Employment in India 2004-05

    Report No. 520: Employment and Unemployment Situation in Cities and Towns in India

    Report No. 521: Employment and Unemployment Situation among Major Religious Groups in India

    6

    Employment & Unemployment

    July 2005 – June 2006

    Report No. 522: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India

    7

    Consumer Expenditure

    July 2005 – June 2006

    Report No. 523: Household Consumer Expenditure in India, 2005-06

    8

    Household Consumer Expenditure

    July 2006 – June 2007

    Report No. 527: Household Consumer Expenditure in India, 2006-07

    9

    Household Consumer Expenditure

    July 2007 – June 2008

    Report No. 530: Household Consumer Expenditure in India

    10

    Employment & Unemployment and Migration Particulars

    July 2007 – June 2008

    Report No. 531: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India, 2007-08

    Report No. 533: Migration in India, 2007-2008

    11

    Participation and Expenditure on Education

    July 2007 – June 2008

    Report No. 532: Education in India: 2007-08 Participation Expenditure

    12

    Particulars of Slum

    July 2008 – June 2009

    Report No. 534: Some Characteristics of Urban Slums, 2008-09

    13

    Housing Condition

    July 2008 – June 2009

    Report No. 535: Housing Condition and Amenities in India, 2008-09

    14

    Domestic Tourism

    July 2008 – June 2009

    Report No. 536: Domestic Tourism in India, 2008-09

    15

    Employment and Unemployment

    July 2009 – June 2010

    KI(66/10): Key Indicators of Employment and Unemployment in India, 2009-10

    Report No. 537: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India, 2009-10

    Report No. 539: Informal Sector and Conditions of Employment in India

    Report No. 543: Employment and Unemployment situation among Social Groups in India

    Report No. 548: Home-based Workers in India

    Report No. 550: Participation of Women in Specified Activities along with Domestic Duties, 2009-10

    Report No. 551: Status of Education and Vocational Training in India

    Report No. 552: Employment and Unemployment situation among Major Religious Groups in India

    Report No. 553: Employment and Unemployment situation in cities and towns in India

    16

    Household Consumer Expenditure

    July 2009 – June 2010

    KI (66/1.0): Key Indicators of Household Consumer Expenditure India, 2009-10

    Report No. 538: Level and Pattern of Consumer Expenditure

    Report No. 540: Nutritional Intake in India

    Report No. 541: Household Consumption of Various Goods and Services in India

    Report No. 542: Energy Sources of Indian Households for Cooking and Lighting

    Report No. 544: Household Consumer Expenditure across Socio-Economic Groups

    Report No. 545: Public Distribution System and Other Sources of Household Consumption

    Report No. 547: Perceived Adequacy of Food Consumption in Indian Households

    17

    Consumer Expenditure

    July 2011 – June 2012

    KI (68/1.0): Key Indicator of Household Consumer Expenditure in India

    Report No. 555: Level and Pattern of Consumer Expenditure, 2011-12

    Report No. 558: Household Consumption of Various Goods and Services in India, 2011-12

    Report No. 560: Nutritional Intake in India, 2011-12

    Report No. 562: Household Consumer Expenditure across Socio- Economic Groups, 2011-12

    Report No. 565: Public Distribution System and Other Sources of Household Consumption, 2011-12

    Report No. 567: Energy Sources of Indian Households for Cooking & Lighting, 2011-12

    18

    Employment and Unemployment

    July 2011 – June 2012

    KI (68/10): Key Indicator of Employment and Unemployment in India, 2011-12

    Report No. 554: Employment & Unemployment Situation in India, 2011-12

    Report No. 557: Informal Sector and Conditions of Employment in India

    Report No. 559: Participation of Women in Specified Activities along with Domestic Duties

    Report No. 563: Employment and Unemployment situation among Social Groups in India

    Report No. 654: Employment and Unemployment situation Towns in India

    Report No. 566: Status of Education and Vocational Training in India

    19

    Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition

    July 2012 – December 2012

    KI (69/1.2): Key Results of Survey on Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition in India

    Report No. 556: Drinking Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Housing Condition in India

    20

    Particulars of Slums

    July 2012 – December 2012

    KI (69/0.21): Key Indicators on Urban Slums in India

    Report No. 561: Urban Slums in India, 2012

    21

    Land and Livestock Holdings

    January 2013 – December, 2013

    KI (70/18.1): Key Indicators of Land and Livestock Holdings in India

    Report No. 571: Household Ownership and Operational Holdings in India

    Report No. 572: Livestock Ownership in India

    22

    All India Debt and Investment

    January 2013 – December, 2013

    KI (70/18.2): Key Indicators of Debt and Investment in India

    Report No. 570: Household Assets and Liabilities

    Report No. 577: Household Indebtedness in India

    Report No. 578: Household Assets and Indebtedness among Social Groups

    Report No. 579: Household Capital Expenditure in India

    23

    Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households

    January 2013 – December, 2013

    KI (70/33): Key Indicators of Situation of Agricultural Households in India

    Report No. 569: Some Characteristics of Agricultural Households in India

    Report No. 573: Some Aspects of Farming in India

    Report No. 576: Income, Expenditure, Productive Assets and Indebtedness of Agricultural Households in India

    24

    Social consumption: Health

    January 2014 – June, 2014

    KI (71/25.0): Key Indicators of Social Consumption: Health

    Report No. 574: Health in India

    25

    Social consumption: Education

    January 2014 – June, 2014

    KI (71/25.2): Key Indicators of Social Consumption: Education in India

    Report No. 575: Education in India, 2014

    26

    Domestic Tourism Expenditure

    July, 2014 – June, 2015

    KI (72/21.1): Key Indicators of Domestic Tourism in India

    Report No. 580: Domestic Tourism in India

    27

    Household Expenditure on Services and Durable Goods

    July, 2014 – June, 2015

    KI (72/1.5): Key Indicators of Household Expenditure on Services and Durable Goods

    28

    Manufacturing sector enterprises

    July 2005 – June 2006

    NSS Report No. 524: Operational Characteristics of Unorganised Manufacturing Enterprises in India, 2005-06

     

    NSS Report No. 525: Unorganised Manufacturing Sector in India, 2005-06 – Employment, Assets and Borrowings

     

    NSS Report No. 526: Unorganised Manufacturing Sector in India, 2005-06 – Input, Output and Value Added

    29

    Service sector enterprises excluding Trade

    July 2006 – June 2007

    NSS Report No. 528: Service Sector in India (2006-07): Operational Characteristics of Enterprises

     

    NSS Report No. 529: Service Sector in India (2006-07): Economic Characteristics of Enterprises

    30

    Unincorporated non-agricultural enterprises in

    manufacturing, trade and other service sector

    (excluding Construction)

    July 2010 – June 2011

    KI (67/2.34): Key Results of Survey on Unincorporated Non-agricultural Enterprises (Excluding Construction) in India

     

    NSS Report No. 546: Operational Characteristics of Unincorporated Non-agricultural Enterprises (Excluding Construction) in India

     

    NSS Report No. 549: Economic Characteristics of Unincorporated Non-agricultural Enterprises (Excluding Construction) in India

    31

    Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)

    Continuous annual Survey conducted for every financial year from 2003-04 to 2013-14

    Reports released for all surveys of ASI conducted for every financial year from 2003-04 to 2013-14.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – New Zealand Joint Statement

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 2:39PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, is on an Official Visit to India on 16-20 March 2025. Prime Minister Luxon, who is on his first visit to India in his current capacity, is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai, and is accompanied by Hon. Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities, and Sport and Recreation, and Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, Agriculture, and Forestry, and a high-level delegation comprising of officials, and representatives of businesses, community diaspora, media and cultural groups.

    Prime Minister Luxon was accorded a warm and traditional welcome in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Luxon. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue on 17 March 2025 in New Delhi with Prime Minister Luxon as the Chief Guest delivering the Inaugural Keynote Address. The Prime Minister laid a wreath at Raj Ghat Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and also called on President Droupadi Murmu.

    The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared desire to further strengthen the growing bilateral relationship between India and New Zealand which is anchored in shared democratic values and robust people-to-people ties. Both leaders recognized that there remains significant potential for further growth in the bilateral relationship and agreed to cooperate closely in diverse areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, science and technology, agri-tech, space, mobility of people and sports.

    The Prime Ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and agreed to strengthen multilateral cooperation. The Prime Ministers recognised that we face an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world. They noted that, as maritime nations, India and New Zealand have a strong and common interest in an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where the rules-based international order is upheld.

    The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the right of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.

    The Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the strong connections between the people of the two countries, with Indian-origin people making up almost six percent of New Zealand’s population. They appreciated the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and their positive role in facilitating people-to-people ties between the two countries. Both leaders agreed on the significance of ensuring the safety and security of the Indian community, including students, in New Zealand, and of New Zealanders in India and visitors to India.

    Cooperation in trade, investment and financial matters:

    The Prime Ministers welcomed sustained trade and investment flows between India and New Zealand and called for further exploring the potential to expand bilateral trade. They encouraged businesses on both sides to cultivate links; explore emerging economic and investment opportunities to build upon the complementarities of the two economies.

    The Leaders called for greater two-way investment, reflective of the ongoing strong momentum in bilateral cooperation.

    The Prime Ministers agreed to enhance the trade and investment relationship between India and New Zealand to realise its untapped potential and to contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

    The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of FTA negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial trade agreement to achieve deeper economic integration. The Leaders agreed that a comprehensive trade agreement offers a significant opportunity to enhance trade and economic cooperation. By leveraging each country’s strengths, addressing their respective concerns, and tackling challenges, a bilateral trade agreement can foster mutually beneficial trade and investment growth, ensuring equitable gains and complementarities for both sides. The Leaders committed to designate senior representatives to steer these negotiations to resolution as soon as reasonably possible.

     Within the context of FTA negotiations, the Leaders agreed to discussions between respective authorities on both sides to explore early implementation of cooperation in the digital payments sector.

    The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) under the aegis of the Customs Cooperation Arrangement (CCA) signed in 2024, which would facilitate easier movement of goods between the two countries by our respective trusted traders through close cooperation between customs authorities, thereby boosting bilateral trade.

    The Leaders welcomed new cooperation on horticulture and forestry, including: the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Horticulture which would enhance bilateral cooperation by promoting knowledge and research exchanges, development of post-harvest and marketing infrastructure; and the signing of a Letter of Intent on Forestry Cooperation that encourages policy dialogues and technical exchanges.

    The Leaders recognized the positive role played by tourism in generating economic growth, increasing business engagements and generating greater understanding between people of the two countries. They welcomed the growing flows of tourists between India and New Zealand. They appreciated the update to the India-New Zealand Air Services Agreement and agreed to encourage their carriers for commencement of direct (non-stop) flight operations between the two countries.

    Political, defence and security cooperation:

    The Prime Ministers recognised the significance of parliamentary exchanges and encouraged regular visits of parliamentary delegations between the two countries.

    The Prime Ministers acknowledged the shared history of sacrifice of Indian and New Zealand service personnel who fought and served alongside one another around the world over the past century.

    The Prime Ministers welcomed sustained progress in defence engagements, including through participation in military exercises, staff college exchanges, regular port calls by naval ships, and exchange of high-level defence delegations. They recalled that the Indian Naval sailing vessel Tarini made a port call at Lyttelton, Christchurch, New Zealand in December 2024. They also referred to the upcoming port call in Mumbai by the Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Te Kaha.

    Both Leaders welcomed the signing of the India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding for Defence Cooperation. This will further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and establish regular bilateral defence engagement. Both sides noted the need for ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes of communication and agreed there needs to be regular dialogue to discuss enhancement of maritime safety.

    New Zealand welcomed India joining the Combined Maritimes Forces. Both Leaders welcomed advancement in defence ties during New Zealand command of Command Task Force 150.

    Both Leaders appreciated the regular training exchanges of officers, including at Defence Colleges on reciprocal basis. Both sides agreed for enhanced capacity building cooperation.

    Prime Minister Luxon expressed New Zealand’s interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Prime Minister Modi welcomed New Zealand into this partnership with like-minded countries which seek to manage, conserve and sustain the maritime domain. Further cooperation as maritime nations is also being explored between India and New Zealand with discussions taking place between experts on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) which is being established at Lothal, Gujarat.

    Cooperation in science & technology and disaster management:

    The two Leaders noted the significance of research, scientific connections, technology partnerships and innovation as an important pillar of the bilateral partnership and called for exploring such opportunities in mutual interest. Both sides stressed the need for stronger collaboration to develop and commercialize technologies in identified areas through closer collaboration between businesses, and industries.

    The two sides recognized the challenges for their economies presented by climate change and the transition to low emissions climate resilient economies. Prime Minister Luxon welcomed India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and reiterated New Zealand’s strong support as a member since 2024. Prime Minister Modi welcomed New Zealand joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which aims at making systems and infrastructure resilient in order to achieve the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

    The two Leaders welcomed work towards a Memorandum of Cooperation on earthquake mitigation cooperation between relevant authorities of India and New Zealand, which would facilitate inter alia exchange of experiences in earthquake preparedness, emergency response mechanism, and capacity building.

    Education, mobility, sports and people to people ties:

    Both Prime Ministers agreed that there exists great potential to further strengthen the growing education and community links between India and New Zealand. They encouraged academic institutions of both countries to build future-oriented partnerships focused on areas of mutual interest including in areas of science, innovation, new and emerging technologies.

    The Leaders encouraged the creation of further opportunities for Indian students seeking quality education programmes in New Zealand. They noted the significance of skill development and mobility of skilled personnel to support expanded engagement in sectors, including science, innovation, and new and emerging technologies. The two Leaders agreed, within the context of the trade agreement negotiations, which the Leaders have agreed to launch, to also launch negotiations on an arrangement facilitating the mobility of professionals and skilled workers between the two countries, while also addressing the issue of irregular migration.

    The Leaders welcomed the signature of the refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement between the Indian Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Ministry of Education. This Arrangement will facilitate the continued exchange of information on India’s and New Zealand’s respective education systems as the basis for strengthening the bilateral education relationship.

    The Leaders noted that India and New Zealand enjoy close sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and other Olympic sports. They welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Sports to foster greater sporting engagement and collaboration between countries. They also welcomed the “Sporting Unity” events planned in 2026, to recognise and celebrate 100 years of sporting contact between India and New Zealand.

    The Prime Ministers acknowledged the importance of robust systems of traditional medicine in India and New Zealand, and welcomed discussions between experts, including science and research experts, on both sides to understand and explore possible areas of cooperation, including through sharing of information and best practices and visits of experts.

    Both Prime Ministers noted the growing interest among New Zealanders in Yoga and Indian music and dance, as well as the free observance of Indian festivals. They encouraged further promotion of bilateral ties including through music, dance, theatre, films, and festivals.

    Cooperation in regional and multilateral fora:

    Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.

    The Leaders noted cooperation between India and New Zealand in various regional fora, including ASEAN-led fora such as the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and the ASEAN Regional Forum. The Leaders reaffirmed the importance of these regional bodies and ASEAN centrality for furthering security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and emphasised the importance of all parties maintaining peace and stability in the region.

    Both Leaders emphasized on the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a United Nations that is reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in its membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective. New Zealand endorsed India’s candidature for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. The two sides agreed to explore the possibility of extending mutual support to each other’s candidatures at the multilateral fora.

    Both Leaders emphasized the importance of upholding the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, and acknowledged the value of India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group in context of predictability for India’s clean energy goals and its non-proliferation credentials.

    Both Leaders reaffirmed their firm support for peace and stability in the Middle East and welcomed the agreement for the release of hostages and ceasefire of January 2025. They reiterated their call for continued negotiations to secure a permanent peace, which includes the release of all hostages and the rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza. Both Leaders stressed the importance of a negotiated two-State solution, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine, and living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in peace and security with Israel.

    The Leaders exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and expressed support for a just and lasting peace based on respect for international law, principles of the UN charter, and territorial integrity and sovereignty.

    The two Leaders reiterated their absolute condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and the use of terrorist proxies in cross-border terrorism. Both stressed the urgent need for all countries to take immediate, sustained, measurable, and concrete action against UN-proscribed terrorist organizations and individuals. They called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, dismantling of terror infrastructure, including online, and bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly. The two leaders agreed to cooperate in combating terrorism and violent extremism through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.

    The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the progress in ongoing bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral partnership for mutual benefit as well as for the benefit of the Indo-Pacific Region. They called for exploring the potential to deepen bilateral engagement and explore new avenues of cooperation, including in the fields of green and agriculture technologies.

    Prime Minister Luxon thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Government and the people of India for the warmth and hospitality extended to him and to the members of his delegation during his Official Visit to India. Prime Minister Luxon invited Prime Minister Modi to undertake a reciprocal visit to New Zealand.

     

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – New Commission portfolio dedicated to housing and implications for Member State and local authority competences – E-002995/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU is facing a severe housing crisis impacting millions of people. To help tackle this crisis, the Commission has appointed the first-ever Commissioner for Housing and has established a Task Force for Housing.

    It assists the Commission in coordinating the work among its services and supporting Member States, Mayors and local authorities to address structural drivers, to unlock public and private investment for affordable and sustainable housing, and to add value at EU level, where needed.

    The Commission will be working closely with the European Parliament and the Council, across institutions and different levels of public administrations, and across sectors.

    The Commission will assess various aspects of the lack of affordable housing. Throughout 2025, the Commission intends to extensively consult all relevant stakeholders. All this will feed into the European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP) and ensure that the plan is well-targeted.

    In addition, the Commission services are examining how state aid rules for housing could be revised to enable housing support measures, notably for energy efficiency and social housing, and conduct an analysis of the impact of housing speculations and its economic consequences.

    The Commission will also work together with the European Investment Bank to establish a pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing and work closely with other international financial institutions, national promotional banks, and institutions and other stakeholders in this work. The Commission will also develop a European Strategy for Housing Construction.

    Regarding the impact of migration on the housing market, the Commission will assess it during the development of the EAHP.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures to expand electricity infrastructure for the green transition – E-002681/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Interconnected and stable electricity grids, both at transmission and distribution levels, are a key enabler of the clean energy transition.

    The development of distribution grids is addressed in several legal as well as non-legislative acts, including the Electricity Directive[1]; several actions targeting the distribution networks have also been tabled for the first time in the Grid Action Plan[2].

    The Commission will continue to actively upgrade the EU grid infrastructure. The Commission will look at the legal framework on European grids with the aim to help upgrade and expand grids to support rapid electrification, and will table a Clean Investment Strategy to support efforts to prioritise investment in clean energy infrastructure.

    An Electrification Action Plan will also be tabled to ensure an encompassing strategy towards an EU energy system powered with homegrown, clean electricity.

    In addition, the Commission is continuously monitoring skill shortages in the energy sector. The Commission estimates that the transition to clean energy will require 3.9 million additional skilled workers[3].

    The latest European skills and jobs survey[4] shows that energy supply and manufacturing are among the sectors with the highest upskilling needs in terms of technical and job-specific skills.

    To address these shortages, the Commission will[5], inter alia, promote the setting-up and implementation of new sectoral and regional skills partnerships under the Pact for Skills and support the work of all the Skills Academies in net-zero technologies.

    The Commission will also establish a Union of Skills[6], which will focus, among others, on investment, adult and lifelong learning, skill retention and recognition of different types of training.

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2024/1711.
    • [2] COM/2023/757 final, Concrete actions of the Grid Action Plan include supporting better distribution grid planning and anticipatory investment to be able to connect new loads and renewables on time, coordinate action on the grid hosting capacity for both transmission and distribution grids, promotion of smart grids and innovative network technologies also via Technopedia platform, which should be jointly established by ENTSO-E and the EU DSO entity and further actions to support accelerating the permitting procedures.
    • [3] Commission Communication on Labour and skills shortages in the EU: an action plan, COM(2024) 131 final. Electrical engineers, electrical engineering technicians, building and related electricians, electrical mechanics and fitters as well as environmental engineers were listed in Annex of the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an EU Talent Pool, listing occupations, for which an EU-wide shortage has been identified.
    • [4] Cedefop (2021).
    • [5] These actions are all included in the action plan on labour and skills shortages in the EU.
    • [6] As announced in the Political Guidelines.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – State intervention by the Spanish Government in investee companies – E-000233/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Article 345 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) stipulates that the Treaties shall in no way prejudice the rules in Member States governing the system of property ownership. Hence, Member States may for instance act as economic operators and invest in and control companies.

    The rules for the control exercised over a company by a Member State based on its shareholding in that company, are then set by the relevant national corporate law provisions of each Member State.

    On that basis, each Member State has the right to act as a shareholder in a company, to the extent the exercise of such shareholding rights is in line with the relevant national corporate law and does not infringe relevant provisions of EU law, such as Article 106 TFEU (concerning possible special and exclusive rights) or Article 107 TFEU (concerning possible state aid).

    Last updated: 17 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Human rights violations by the Cuban regime in the light of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Cuba – E-002998/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. EU development cooperation aims at improving the living conditions of the Cuban population, in the framework of the partnership established under the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement[1]. No EU funds are channelled through the Cuban authorities. EU funding is directly transmitted to the implementing agencies in charge of the various EU projects, be it United Nations (UN) agencies, agencies of the Member States or European non-governmental organisations.

    2. There has been some progress on each of the priorities agreed in the framework of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement and enumerated in its Article 2. In particular, the Agreement has framed EU-Cuba relations through a critical yet constructive engagement. It has supported Cuba’s economic modernisation through the progressive expansion of its private sector, and fostered improvements in human rights, including the adoption of the Family Code[2], the acceptance of 81% of recommendations under the UN Universal Periodic Review, and the recent decision by Cuba to free 553 detainees. It has also encouraged Cuba to advance towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, facilitated dialogue on trade and economic relations, as well as to address the impact of the United States embargo on the island, which also affects EU companies and citizens. The EU is committed to pursue its efforts to achieve additional, more significant results in all areas, with emphasis on the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms and to promote EU interests.

    3. As indicated, no funds are directed at the Cuban Government. The objective of all EU cooperation initiatives is to support the Cuban population as a whole, which is currently enduring a particularly severe economic crisis, combined recently with other natural hazards such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

    • [1] Council Decision (EU) 2016/2232 of 6/12/2016 — OJ L337.
    • [2] Law 156/2022, Of. Gazette 99 of 27/09/22.
    Last updated: 17 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need for a permanent ceasefire and the escalation of violence in the West Bank – E-000984/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000984/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    João Oliveira (The Left)

    The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on 15 January 2025 made it possible to ramp up humanitarian aid, although a far cry from what is really needed. According to figures dating from mid-February from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 91 % of the Palestinian people are still enduring acute food insecurity. More than 48 000 Palestinians have lost their lives and over 111 000 have been wounded owing to Israel’s genocide-like action. On top of this, some 70 % of Palestine’s infrastructure has been razed to the ground, as its territory continues to be destroyed.

    Despite the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Israeli military attacks in the West Bank are going from bad to worse. According to the UN, more than 40 000 Palestinians have been forced from their homes and land, on a scale that hasn’t been seen in decades, and between 21 January and 20 February of this year, Israeli forces reportedly killed 51 Palestinians in the West Bank.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.What measures is the Council taking to ensure that the ceasefire becomes permanent and that humanitarian aid actually finds its way to where it is needed?
    • 2.Is the Council in favour of suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement and imposing an arms embargo, among other measures?
    • 3.What measures will the Council take to ensure that the Palestinian people can enjoy their rights as a nation, to put an end to the Israeli occupation and to create a Palestine state, as has been called for in UN resolutions?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 17 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission contradictions over the regulation of corporate sustainability – E-000957/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000957/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE)

    The Commission has brought forward the simplification omnibus package, which is a set of measures designed to simplify the rules on corporate sustainability in relation to regulations adopted by President von der Leyen, at her own initiative, during the last parliamentary term.

    In particular:

    – 80 % of companies have been excluded from the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which clearly shows the approach originally adopted to have been a mistake;

    – 90 % of companies have been exempted from the obligations under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which signals a further rethink of climate strategies;

    – the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive has been amended to alleviate the burden on large companies.

    Given the need to simplify and deregulate in order to mitigate the impact on companies of multiple and excessive regulatory burdens, can the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.Will it review the arrangements for assessing impacts and consulting with stakeholders so as to ensure a more precise analysis that takes into account the effects on the competitiveness of European companies?
    • 2.Can it quantify the costs already incurred by companies in adapting to the (now-simplified) regulations, and is it considering means of compensating for these costs?
    • 3.Will it adopt a better-integrated approach, assessing the overall impact of legislative packages rather than that of individual proposals, so as to avoid cumulative adverse effects on companies that necessitate regulatory reviews in the short term, hence creating legal uncertainty?

    Submitted: 6.3.2025

    Last updated: 17 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – DEVE – AFET exchange of views with Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    UNRWA.jpeg © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    On 17 March, at 15:00 – 16:30 the AFET and DEVE Committees will meet with the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini for an exchange of views.

    Mr Lazzarini is expected to provide Members with an overview of the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict and how UNRWA operations are affected, in light of the recent Israeli ban on UNRWA in its own territory. UNRWA provides assistance and protection to 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Luis de Guindos: Interview with The Sunday Times

    Source: European Central Bank

    Interview with Luis de Guindos, Vice-President of the ECB, conducted by Jon Ihle

    16 March 2025

    The progress of annual inflation, at least up until February, looked like it was going in the wrong direction. Are you still confident that it will converge towards 2% sometime this year?

    The disinflation process is on track. There was a small pick-up inflation in recent months, but this had been expected, mostly on account of unfavourable base effects in November, December and January.

    The main reason for our confidence that inflation will come down to 2% is that all indicators for services and underlying inflation are moving in the right direction. A very important one is compensation per employee. According to recent data and in line with our projections, wage growth is moderating, which will help services inflation to gradually decline.

    At the same time, we need to keep in mind that factors like tariffs and fiscal policy are causing a lot of uncertainty. But taking this into account, we are confident that headline inflation will converge on a sustainable basis towards our 2% medium-term target towards the end of this year or the beginning of next.

    Let’s talk about some of the factors in this uncertain environment. What are the specific factors that are influencing the Governing Council’s thinking about the rate path right now, and how has that changed since the start of the easing cycle?

    We have already reduced interest rates by a total of 150 basis points. This is what we refer to in our monetary policy statement as a “meaningfully less restrictive” stance than at the beginning of the cycle.

    Our projections now show that inflation will converge towards our target in the medium term. But again, we need to consider the uncertainty of the current environment, which is even higher than it was during the pandemic. For instance, our projections don’t include the definitive level of the tariffs imposed by the United States and its trade partners, since the current situation is so volatile.

    Nevertheless, we are confident that inflation is moving towards our target on a sustainable basis, for example due to the moderation in wage growth I mentioned earlier. Even energy prices, which had also resulted in a small pick-up in inflation, have started to decline.

    Markets in the last few weeks have had some very strong reactions to the external environment. I’m thinking of the increase in German bond yields, changing expectations for fewer rate cuts from the ECB and the stock market correction in the United States. Does any of that feed into the ECB’s thinking on the rate path?

    We look at a wide range of indicators, all of which have an impact on our analysis. These include the evolution of wages and of the economy in terms of domestic demand and growth. And we of course look at financing conditions, for which our bank lending survey is very useful.

    It’s true that bond yields have increased due to the new German Government’s budgetary plans and that we have seen a correction in US equities from very high levels. But we also need to try to look through the short-term evolution of markets and distinguish between short-term volatility and permanent or medium-term forces. If we were to be as volatile as the markets, that wouldn’t be very reassuring.

    You said the uncertainty now is even greater than during the pandemic. How would you characterise it? What are the big unknowns at the moment?

    First, the policies of the new US Administration. There’s a lot of talk about tariffs, but it’s not just about that. The new Administration has also been quite clear about deregulating banks, non-banks and crypto-assets. And beyond that, they have announced that they want to modify corporate tax, which could affect capital flows across the Atlantic. In general, what we’re seeing is that the new US Administration isn’t very open to continuing with multilateralism, which is about cooperation across jurisdictions and finding common solutions for common problems. This is a very important change, and a big source of uncertainty.

    Second, and as a result of the new Administration’s attitude towards defence, we have the European Commission’s proposal to increase national defence spending by 1.5% of GDP. This is certainly a decision in the right direction, and it will have an impact on the macroeconomic outlook. We don’t know enough details about the package to make an accurate assessment about its impact on the economy, but it will likely be positive for growth and have a limited impact on inflation.

    Let’s focus on defence. Are you comfortable with national budget rules being relaxed to accommodate more defence spending? Will you need to adjust your monetary policy as those changes in fiscal policy come through?

    We always take fiscal policy into account because it interacts with monetary policy. In this case, we need to know the concrete details of the package before we can make an accurate assessment. How will spending be distributed across items? In terms of economic impact, spending more on military wages is not the same as spending more on weapons. How much will be spent outside of the EU? How is it going to be financed? One part will be common debt, but the package is much larger than that. The rest could be covered by taxes or a reduction in public spending. All of these factors are important to know in order to assess the impact of the package on the economy.

    It looks like we may be moving closer towards a resolution of the war in Ukraine, or at least a ceasefire. Would that be beneficial for the euro area economy? Would it change anything of what you’ve outlined so far?

    From a human standpoint, a peace agreement would obviously be very positive. And in general, it would be beneficial for the economy as well. But we would need to see the exact terms of a potential settlement to know for sure.

    Turning to the United States, what role do you see for the ECB in terms of managing trade shocks and the overall approach of the Trump administration?

    We need to keep in mind that the current situation is very volatile. It seems like every day a new tariff is imposed or one that has already been announced is removed. Hopefully we’ll soon have more clarity on the US Administration’s plans for the time ahead.

    Obviously, a trade war would be a lose-lose situation for everybody. It would have a much worse impact on growth than on inflation. This is because increasing tariffs raises prices at first, but lower growth subsequently offsets this initial price increase. We also need to look not only at bilateral tariffs between the United States and Europe but also at what economists call “trade diversion”. This means that, for example, tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese goods could redirect trade flows to Europe, along with whatever economic impact that may have.

    Once we have all the details of the final policies, we will be able to better assess their impact based on all these factors. We are now using a baseline scenario and several alternative scenarios with different trade distortions to try to calibrate the impact as best as we can.

    Another aspect of the uncertainty in the United States is the way Trump is changing the relationship of the White House to many of the independent agencies in Washington. One of those might be the Federal Reserve. What would it mean for the ECB if its independence were to erode under President Trump? Has that scenario been discussed at all in the Governing Council?

    No, we haven’t discussed that because we can’t imagine it happening. The independence of the Federal Reserve is enshrined in law. We will always defend the independence of central banks, which is crucial to ensure they can fulfil their mandates.

    There are a lot of question marks over the predictability of the United States. Does Europe need to start thinking about making the euro more of a global reserve currency, if the dollar becomes less reliable?

    The euro is already a reserve currency, and strengthening its role in that respect is not part of our mandate. But keeping inflation low, increasing the potential growth of the European economy, signalling openness to trade agreements with different jurisdictions and making the European Union a model for free trade all over the world – all of this would strengthen the role of the euro as a reserve currency.

    But do you see a need for Europe to step more into that role ahead of the United States?

    I wouldn’t make comparisons with the United States. What Europe should do is maintain the position that it has always had as an open economy, in favour of free trade, the free flow of capital and multilateralism.

    Earlier you said that a trade war would be very detrimental to growth, but we don’t know all the details yet. How has the ECB’s view on euro area growth evolved in the last few months?

    We have downgraded our growth outlook for 2025 and 2026 by 0.2 percentage points. There are two main drivers behind that downward revision. First, uncertainty about the economy in the coming months has clearly dented confidence, and this is having an impact on investment. And second, a possible trade war would reduce net exports.

    Philip Lane has said recently that the conditions in the euro area are right for a pick-up in household consumption. Do you share his optimism that it can increase and maybe drive economic growth?

    All the factors that Philip indicated are correct. Real wages have increased, inflation is declining, interest rates are coming down and financing conditions are better. But still, the reality is that consumption is not picking up.

    This is because consumers don’t always react to developments in their short-term real disposable income. They also consider what might happen with the economy over the medium term, which is clouded in uncertainty. The possibility of a trade war or wider geopolitical conflict has an impact on consumer confidence.

    Eventually, the increase in the factors that Philip pointed out will prevail. But right now, the lack of consumer confidence due to the uncertainty of the world economy is offsetting that effect.

    European households have enormous cash savings at the moment, especially since the pandemic. Christine Lagarde has spoken frequently about turning those cash savings into investment to drive innovation and growth. Are you optimistic that this can become a reality?

    The capital markets union is certainly very important, but looking at the current economic situation in Europe, it’s crucial to put structural reforms in place to make it more productive and competitive. This is also what the Letta and Draghi reports argued.

    Fully integrating the internal market will be key here. It’s very difficult to have a capital markets union if you don’t have an integrated economy for goods and services. There are certainly concrete actions we can take to complete the capital markets union, but we should also focus on removing the internal obstacles to a real single market in Europe.

    There are three key elements here: fully integrating the Single Market, completing the banking union and completing the capital markets union. We must make progress on these three elements in parallel; it will be very difficult to make progress on one of them in isolation.

    Which of those elements would you say the ECB has the most influence on? And what can it do?

    Our mandate is price stability, but we also have an advisory role and produce expert opinions. Our economists and researchers carry out a lot of analytical work on Europe. The European Council and the Commission listen to what we have to say, and we are also accountable to the European Parliament. So we continuously use our voice to make the points that we believe are key to making the European economy more productive and competitive.

    Are you happy with the levels of credit flow from European banks to households and businesses?

    They are on the rise, following the rate cuts and the improvement in financing conditions. Demand for credit is not very strong, at least from a corporate standpoint, although it’s gradually increasing. This has to do with the lack of investor confidence. If you have doubts about the future and you’re waiting to see what will happen with trade, fiscal policy and geopolitical risk, you don’t invest, so you also don’t borrow. But in the case of households, we have started to see a significant increase in demand for mortgages.

    Speaking of housing: in several countries of the euro area, housing is in crisis. There’s an undersupply, and financing isn’t available to everybody that wants to buy a house. Do you think at this stage, nearly 15 years after the financial crisis, that lending rules are still too tight? Have regulators overcorrected on capital rules for banks, harming consumers and households?

    The current situation is very different to the one that we had 15 years ago. As a finance minister in Spain, I was dealing with the burst of a big housing and credit bubble, similar to what we saw in Ireland. Now, residential real estate prices are a big problem, but the drivers aren’t the same as the ones we had back then. From a financing standpoint, the situation is very different because the banks’ solvency is not in question.

    That being said, current developments in house prices are having a very negative impact on young people, who have a lot of trouble accessing housing. In some countries, this may have to do with issues with the rental market and how it is regulated. Policies should be put in place to make housing, mainly in the rental market, much more affordable. At the European level, improving the performance of the rental market will be very important in the near future. We should foster common action to achieve this, because it’s a significant source of social upset.

    But this is for national governments to do, not the ECB. We do need to analyse the situation, however, because not all countries are in the same position with respect to their rental markets. And there are lessons to be learned from the policies some countries have put in place.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Artificial intelligence will track transactions and select a medicine

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The spring cycle of seminars on artificial intelligence at the Polytechnic opened with a presentation of a project to improve the quality of plants and transition to green farming.

    Alexander Fedotov, a leading researcher at the laboratory “Modeling of Technological Processes and Design of Power Equipment”, told the seminar participants about how artificial intelligence helps in processing multidimensional spatial data from remote sensing of natural and technical systems. Natural and technical systems are important for sustainable development, since they allow the efficient use of natural resources, minimizing damage to the environment.

    Results were presented on the use of deep learning algorithms for recognizing objects in 3D scenes from laser scanning point clouds. This development is interesting because segmentation of 3D scenes is always a labor-intensive and non-trivial task.

    The system for detecting phytosanitary threats based on artificial intelligence developed by a team of scientists allows determining the condition of plants and identifying their diseases at the earliest stage. To carry out the research, the scientists, together with colleagues from the All-Russian Research Institute for Plant Protection, created their own datasets of spectral portraits of diseased and healthy plants based on hyperspectral images.

    Another relevant area is the analysis of transactions in blockchain networks. It plays an important role in the fight against money laundering. One of the key areas in this area is the classification of addresses, which allows identifying suspicious transactions and distinguishing between legitimate and illegal transactions. Using big data technologies, graph structure analysis, expert rules and machine learning methods (gradient boosting, such as LGBM, XGBoost, CatBoost, as well as interpretable AI methods (xAI SHAP), scientists were able to effectively track anomalous transactions. Through active learning, the model is constantly being improved. According to Alexander Fedotov, foreign solutions in this area are still inferior in efficiency, which emphasizes the need to develop domestic technologies for analyzing blockchain transactions.

    Associates in the field of AI in pharmacology presented associate professors of the Higher School of Biomedical systems and technologies: the head of the nano-and microcapsulation of biologically active substances Alexander Timin and researchers of the laboratory Sergey Shipilovsky and Andrei Makashov. Scientists talked about world trends in solving the problem of manifestation of side effects from different drugs using the example of antitumor drugs. Currently, emphasis is on targeted use of drugs. Scientists of SPBPU, using a retrosynthetic analysis of large data arrays (Big Data), establish a dependence between the structure and biological activity. A trained neural network generates potential structures with the required properties and predicts the affinity of binding with targeted molecules. The proposed approach allows you to calculate the properties based on the structure, create training samples (more than 40,000 molecules), predict the structure of leading formations in the space of experimental samples. These decisions and the developed neural network filter, which monitors the effect of molecules on the body, significantly reduce temporary and material costs on preclinical studies. Answering the questions of the seminar about the reality of ambitions ten times to reduce the cost of new drugs to the market, young scientists replied that in the conditions of the possibilities that appeared with the departure of foreign companies from the Russian market and the interest of domestic manufacturers, their search technologies for the lead structure have already been studied by industrial partners and received approval. At the same time, Sergey Shipilovsky noted that their development is precisely the search for the most effective drugs, and not their creation, since artificial intelligence cannot be engaged in synthesis, it can only treat data, predict the properties of drugs.

    Summing up the results of the seminar, the Head of the Department of Scientific Projects and Programs Natalia Leontyeva emphasized that cases involving industrial partners are of great interest, and invited to continue the topic at the next seminar, which will take place on March 26 at 14.00 in the Kapitsa Hall.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Elena Vinogradova: “Both at work and at home I strive for a stable life balance”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On March 17, the director of the Department of Economics and Finance of SPbPU, Doctor of Economic Sciences Elena Vinogradova, celebrates her anniversary.

    We congratulate Elena Borisovna and take this opportunity to say that the university is proud of such a specialist – passionate, purposeful, talented.

    Many colleagues, knowing Elena Borisovna well as a high-class professional, would like to learn more about her as a person. We provide you with such an opportunity. Read the interview with Elena Borisovna Vinogradova in our special project “Persona”.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Buddhist Thematic Circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’, and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ extends financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for development of Buddhist Tourism. The ‘Buddhist Circuit’ has been identified as one of the thematic circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Details of projects sanctioned under the Buddhist thematic circuit is at Annexure.

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture undertakes conservation and preservation of protected monuments as well as take action for providing public amenities such as toilets, drinking water, parking, pathways, signage, benches, ramps, wheel chairs etc. at various monuments including protected Buddhist Sites, under the Annual Conservation program. Providing public amenities and improving them is a regular activity.

    The 1st Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS), was organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi, a grantee body of this Ministry. The said summit was based on Asian spirit tradition and cultural & religious cooperation among Asian Nations. The 1st Asian Buddhist Summit witnessed presence of more than 650 delegates including 130 foreign delegates from 26 Asian countries, diplomats from 12 countries and 40 Monks each from Mahayana and Theravada traditions. It has been decided to hold Asian Buddhist Summit in alternate years.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

     

    Annexure

     

    Details of projects sanctioned under the Buddhist thematic circuit:

     

    S. No.

    State/UT

    Circuit

    Sanction Year

    Name of the Project

    Amount Sanctioned (₹ Cr.)

    Amount Released/ Authorized

    (₹ Cr.)*

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Buddhist Circuit

    2017-18

    Development of Buddhist Circuit: Shalihundam- Bavikonda- Bojjanakonda -Amravati- Anupu

    35.24

    30.02

    2

    Bihar

    Buddhist Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Buddhist circuit- Construction of Convention Centre at Bodhgaya

    95.18

    95.18

    3

    Gujarat

    Buddhist Circuit

    2017-18

    Development of Junagadh- Gir Somnath- Bharuch-Kutch- Bhavnagar- Rajkot- Mehsana

    26.68

    22.28

    4

    Madhya Pradesh

    Buddhist Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Sanchi-Satna-Rewa-Mandsaur-Dhar

    74.02

    72.75

    5

    Uttar Pradesh

    Buddhist Circuit

    2016-17

    Development of Srawasti, Kushinagar, & Kapilwastu

    87.89

    72.56

     

    * Includes amount of authorization to CNA through TSA Model I for Central Sector Scheme.

    Under the PRASHAD Scheme, ‘Development of Pilgrimage Facilitation at Four Patron Saints at Yuksom, Sikkim’ project was sanctioned for an amount of Rs.33.32 Crore in the year 2020-21.

    Under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme of Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, the operational guidelines for Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale were issued by the Ministry of Tourism. In line with the guidelines, on 26.11.2024 Government of India has approved a Project ‘Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in Shrawasti’ in Uttar Pradesh for a cost of Rs. 80.24 Crore.

     

    ****

     

    (Release ID: 2111822) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Global Engagement Scheme to promote Indian Art and Culture

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Culture implements “Global Engagement Scheme” to promote India’s rich cultural heritage internationally and enhance India’s global image.

    The key Scheme objectives include strengthening cultural ties with foreign nations, promoting bilateral cultural contacts, projecting India’s cultural identity on the world stage and encouraging inbound tourism. The Global Engagement Scheme is administered through Indian Missions abroad to achieve its objective through following components:

     

    1. Festival of India:

     

    The artists practicing Indian art forms, are given opportunity to perform abroad under the banner of ‘Festival of India’. The artists from diverse cultural fields such as Folk Art including Folk Music, Folk Dance, Folk Theatre & Puppetry, Classical and Traditional Dance, Experimental/Contemporary Dance, Classical/Semi Classical Music, Theatre etc. perform in the ‘Festivals of India’ abroad.

     

    1. Grant in aid to Indo Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies:

     

    Grant in aid is released to Indo Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies actively functioning in foreign counties through our Indian Missions with the object of fostering closer friendship and cultural contacts between India and foreign country concerned.

    The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous organisation under Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), promotes Indian culture (including folk arts & culture) worldwide through its Cultural Centres and Missions/Posts abroad. Activities conducted by them include inter-alia, teaching of Yoga, Dance, Music (vocal and instrumental), Sanskrit and Hindi; organising/supporting Conferences/ Seminars/ Workshops in different fields of Indian culture; supporting Chairs of Indian Studies in foreign universities; gifting of busts/statues of Mahatma Gandhi and other national icons, exchanging visual arts exhibitions, celebrating International Day of Yoga and Indian festivals, hosting visitors under various Visitors Programmes (Academic / Distinguished /Important /Gen. Next Democracy Network); and sponsoring scholarships to foreign students under different scholarship schemes.

    ICCR has also concluded MoUs with various State Governments to promote their culture abroad and to facilitate cultural exchanges with foreign countries. ICCR also hosts incoming foreign cultural troupes to enable Indians to discover various foreign cultures.

    Ministry of Culture has empaneled 627 artists/groups under various art forms and artists are selected from the empaneled list for deputing to perform in the Festivals of India abroad. The Folk artists are paid performance fee @ Rs. 35,000/- (to leader/main artist) and @ Rs. 7000/- (to accompanying artist) for each performance in Festival of India.

    Also, the Ministry of Culture administers a Scheme by the name of ‘Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists’ with the objective to support old and poor artists aged 60 and above, who have contributed significantly in their specialized fields of arts, letters including folk art or are still contributing. Financial assistance under this scheme is provided maximum up to Rs. 6000/- per month to the selected artists after adjusting the amount of State artists pension received, if any.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

     

    (Release ID: 2111820) Visitor Counter : 60

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Boosting of Leisure Tourism in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 3:49PM by PIB Delhi

    As per data from the Bureau of Immigration, India recorded 9.52 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in 2023, reflecting a 47.90% increase compared to 2022. The number of FTAs for Leisure, Holiday, and Recreation in 2023 was 4.40 million, registering an 86.96% growth compared to 2022. Similarly, FTAs for Business and Professional purposes stood at 0.98 million in 2023, marking a 49.66% increase from the previous year.

    FTAs have recovered to 87.1% of the pre-pandemic levels closely aligning with the global recovery rate of 88.8% and surpassing the Asia-Pacific region’s recovery rate of 65.4%.

    The growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) is mainly driven by the post-pandemic revival of global travel and increasing confidence in India as a diverse and culturally rich destination. Enhanced air connectivity has improved accessibility to key tourist spots, while continuous development of tourism infrastructure has elevated the visitor experience. Additionally, targeted domestic and international marketing campaigns have strengthened India’s global appeal, positioning it as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.

    Ministry of Tourism has taken several measures/initiatives over the years to increase tourist arrivals in the country, details of which are:

     

    ●       The Ministry of Tourism under the schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ provides financial assistance to State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations/ Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure and facilities at various tourism destinations in the country.

    ●       Ministry of Tourism through its various campaigns and events promotes various tourism destinations and products of India in domestic and international markets. Some of the initiatives are Dekho Apna Desh campaign, Chalo India campaign, International Tourism Mart, Bharat Parv.

    ●       The Incredible India Content Hub was launched which is available in the public domain. Promotions are also carried out through the web-site – www.incredibleindia.org and social media handles of the Ministry.

    ●       Thematic tourism like wellness tourism, culinary tourism, rural, eco-tourism, etc. amongst other niche subjects are promoted so as to expand the scope of tourism into other sectors as well.

    ●       Enhance the overall quality and visitor experience through initiatives focused on capacity building, skill development such as ‘Capacity Building for Service Providers’ ‘Incredible India Tourist Facilitator’ (IITF), ‘Paryatan Mitra’ and ‘Paryatan Didi’.

    ●       For improving air connectivity to important tourist destinations, Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with Ministry of Civil Aviation under their RCS-UDAN Scheme. As on date, 53 tourism routes have been operationalized.

    ●       e-Visa scheme is now available to 167 countries and it is available for 9 sub-categories:

     

    i.        e-Tourist Visa

    ii.       e-Business Visa

    iii.      e-Medical Visa

    iv       e-Conference Visa

    v.       e-Medical Attendant Visa

    vi.      e-Ayush Visa

    vii.     e-Ayush Attendant Visa

    viii.   e- Student Visa

    ix.      e-Student X Visa

     

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2111811) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM VIKAS SCHEME FOCUSES ON UPLIFTMENT OF MINORITIES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 3:39PM by PIB Delhi

    The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a flagship Scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs which converges five erstwhile schemes viz. ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘Hamari Dharohar’ and ‘USTTAD’; and focuses on upliftment of six notified minority communities through skill development; entrepreneurship and leadership of minority women; and education support for school dropouts. The scheme also provisions to facilitate credit linkages by connecting beneficiaries with loan programs offered by the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Under the scheme, the Ministry has received some proposals and is in the process of shortlisting and finalising the projects.

    Ministry initiatives like Hunar Haat and Lok Samvardhan Parv aim at promoting entrepreneurship among traditional artisans through showcasing and marketing their products. Since 2015 to till date, 43 such events have been organised by the Ministry across the country.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today

    ***

    SS/ISA

    (Release ID: 2111797) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Carbon Emissions in Mining Operations

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 3:37PM by PIB Delhi

    In line with India’s Panchamrit & Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments, Ministry of Coal is promoting sustainable coal mining and reduction in carbon footprint by encouraging the following:

     

    • Greening InitiativesBio-Reclamation/Plantation: The Coal/Lignite PSUs have been constantly making efforts to minimize the footprints of coal mining through sustained reclamation and afforestation of areas in and around their operating mines.
    • Energy Efficiency Measures: Coal/Lignite PSUs have been taking various energy conservation and efficiency measures over the years to reduce carbon intensity such as replacement of conventional lights with LED lights, installation of energy-efficient air conditioners, super fans, deployment of EVs and installation of efficient water heaters, energy-efficient motors for pumps, auto timers in street lights etc.
    • Green Credit Programme: Coal PSUs are also participating in extensive plantation under Green Credit Program launched by MoEF&CC.
    • First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects: The Coal PSUs have taken steps to upgrade the mechanized coal transportation and loading system under ‘First Mile Connectivity’ projects. Commissioning of FMC projects in coal mining areas reduces consumption of diesel significantly and therefore reduces carbon emissions.
    • Deployment of Blast free technology in coal mining: Coal companies are deploying modern equipment having environment friendly features, like Surface Miner, Continuous Miner in coal mining, which eliminates the drilling, blasting and crushing operations in coal and hence, in turn, obviates pollution caused due to these operations. Rippers are also being deployed for blast-less removal of overburden in some mines.
    • Renewable Energy and clean coal initiatives: Coal PSUs have also started commissioning Renewable Energy power projects. Additionally, they are venturing into various clean coal technologies like Coal gasification, Coal Bed methane (CBM) etc.

    Sustainable coal production is being promoted by ensuring compliance with applicable environmental laws like prior Environmental Clearance (EC), Forest Clearance (FC), Consent to Operate (CTO), Consent to Establish (CTE) etc. In addition, the steps adopted to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact due to coal mining includes:

     

    • Use of surface miners, continuous miners, highwall / longwall mining, etc.
    • Increasing installation & usage of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiatives to reduce coal transport via roads.
    • Improving energy efficiency across coal mining projects.
    • Reclamation and eco-restoration of mined-out areas including development of eco-parks, mine tourism sites, etc.
    • Conceptualizing re-purposing of de-coaled areas for sustainable uses like installation of renewable energy generation plants, development of agricultural avenues for surrounding communities, development of mine sumps, etc.

    At present, there is no specific directive / guideline stipulating the number of times mining companies are required to review their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), particularly with reference to carbon emissions.

    This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    *****

    Shuhaib T

     

    (Release ID: 2111792) Visitor Counter : 66

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM’S NEW 15 POINT PROGRAMME AIMS TO ENSURE THAT UNDERPRIVILEGED AND WEAKER SECTIONS OF MINIORITY COMMUNITIES HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR AVAILING VARIOUS GOVERNMENT WELFARE SCHEMES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 3:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for welfare of Minorities is implemented by Ministry of Minority Affairs since its launch in the year 2006. It is an overarching programme which covers various schemes/initiatives of the participating Ministries/Departments with an aim to ensure that the underprivileged and weaker sections of six centrally notified minority communities have equal opportunities for availing the various Government welfare Schemes and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the Country.

    The schemes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs covered under the 15 Point Programme are exclusively meant for notified minorities. Further, 15% of the outlays and targets, to the extent possible, of schemes/ initiatives implemented by other participating Ministries/ Departments are earmarked for notified minorities. The schemes of Ministry of Minority Affairs and other participating Ministries included in the Programme, including schemes for education and employment, are as under:

    i. Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme (Ministry of Minority Affairs)

    ii. Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme (Ministry of Minority Affairs)

    iii. Merit-cum- Means based Scholarship Scheme (Ministry of Minority Affairs)

    iv. National Minorities Development Finance Corporation (NMDFC) Loan Schemes

    v. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan (M/o Education)

    vi. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM) (M/o Rural Development)

    vii. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramin Kaushal Yojana (M/o Rural Development)

    viii. Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (M/o Rural Development)

    ix. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana -National Urban Livelihoods Mission (M/o Housing & Urban Affairs)

    x. Priority Sector Lending by Banks (Department of Financial Services)

    xi. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (Department of Financial Services)

    xii. POSHAN Abhiyaan (Ministry of Women & Child Development)

    xiii. National Health Mission (Department of Health & Family Welfare)

    xiv. Ayushman Bharat (Department of Health & Family Welfare)

    xv. National Rural Drinking Water Programme (Jal Jeevan Mission), (Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation)

    The schemes included in the 15 Point Programme are monitored at various levels by the participating ministries and Ministry of Minority Affairs in its role as the nodal Ministry, coordinates the implementation of relevant schemes of other Ministries/Departments under the Programme to facilitate the achievement of saturation levels. Under the saturation approach of Government many of the components have achieved mainstreaming. Furthermore, consistent efforts are being made to improve the full delivery of benefits in the various relevant schemes for minority communities.

    No modifications are proposed at present for the programme.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    SS/ISA

    (Release ID: 2111794) Visitor Counter : 76

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Coal Supply and Logistics to Meet Electricity Demand

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 3:36PM by PIB Delhi

    There is adequate availability of coal in the country. The focus of the Government is on increasing the domestic production of coal to meet the energy requirement of the country. The country has witnessed highest ever coal production in the year 2023-24. The all-India domestic coal production in the year 2023-2024 was 997.826 MT in comparison to 893.191 MT in the year 2022-2023 with the growth of about 11.71 %.

    In the current year 2024-25, the country has produced 929.15 MT (provisional) of coal (upto February, 2025) in comparison to 881.16 MT in the corresponding period of the last year 2023-24 with a growth rate of 5.45%.

    Ministry of Power communicated their domestic coal requirement of 906.1 million tonnes (MT) for the financial year 2025-26, against which Ministry of Coal (MOC) has conveyed the domestic coal supply plan of 906.1 million tonnes (MT) to the power sector for FY 2025-26.

    As per Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the coal stock at domestic coal-based power plants stands at 53.49 million tonne (MT) as on 10.03.2025, in comparison to 44.51 MT in the corresponding day of the last year 2023-24 with a growth rate of 20.20%. The current coal stock is sufficient for about 20 days at 85% Plant load factor (PLF).

    The supply of coal to the power plants is a continuous process. Coal supply is continuously monitored by the coal companies and also by an Inter-Ministerial Sub-Group comprising of representatives from Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) which meet regularly to take various operational decisions to enhance supply of coal to Thermal Power Plants.

    Besides, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has also been constituted comprising of Chairman, Railway Board; Secretary, Ministry of Coal; Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Secretary, Ministry of Power; to monitor augmentation of coal supply and power generation capacity. Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Chairperson, CEA are co-opted as Special Invitees as and when required by the IMC.

    This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    *******

    Shuhaib T

    (Release ID: 2111791) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Achieves Strong Final Year-End 2024 Results, Delivers on Capital Allocation Promises, and Introduces 2025 Combined Company Outlook

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    2024 Achievements Position Diversified on a Meaningful Path Forward as a Stronger and Larger Company

    Executed Approximately $2 Billion of Acquisitions in an Advantageous Pricing Environment

    Third year of Consistent Operating Costs Despite Broader Industry and Inflationary Pressures

    Maverick Integration Anticipated to Provide Meaningful Financial and Operational Benefits to Drive Free Cash Flow Acceleration

    Created a PDP Solution for Upstream Peers to Facilitate Operated Acquisitions with an Undeveloped Inventory Focus

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC; NYSE: DEC) is pleased to announce its operational and final audited results for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    Diversified remains a differentiated key player in acquiring and building a portfolio of assets through value-accretive transactions while simultaneously unlocking hidden value through its unique operational framework, strategic development partnerships, and growing adjacent business segments, including coal mine methane (CMM), energy marketing and well-retirement. By completing over $4.0 billion of acquisitions since its public listing in 2017, Diversified has built a large-scale integration and operating company that remains focused on delivering de-risked, reliable cash flow for its shareholders. With the combination of maturing assets and M&A activity leading to growth-oriented E&P’s recycling capital through divestment, there remains an ample opportunity set for Diversified’s continued growth. Additionally, with most upstream acquisitions today focusing on increasing undeveloped inventory, Diversified provides a creative and actionable solution as the PDP purchasing partner for those E&P’s that only value inventory.

    Only Publicly Traded Champion of the PDP Subsector with Unique Strategic Advantages

    • Large Operational Scale: Multiple geographies in core basins including Western Anadarko (largest producer), Permian, Appalachia, Barnett and Ark-La-Tex with commodity product diversification
    • Vertical Integration: In-house marketing, extensive midstream network, wholly-owned processing infrastructure, and a well retirement business segment
    • Leading Technology Platform: 100% cloud architecture, supporting well level data capture, information for actionable production optimization, and real-time monitoring which mitigates production downtime
    • Beneficial Financing Solution: Demonstrated ability to access numerous capital solutions, including investment grade, low-cost Asset Backed Securities, commercial banking facilities and equity investment partners
    • Flexible Capital Allocation: shareholder returns-focused model prioritizing Free Cash Flow for systematic debt reduction, fixed dividend payments, opportunistic share repurchases, and accretive acquisitions
    • Proven Process to Capture Synergies: established integration playbook and sophisticated corporate infrastructure provides considerable expense savings and unlocks sustainable value

    Delivering Consistent and Reliable Results in 2024        

    • Delivered average net daily production: 791 MMcfepd (132 MBoepd)
      • December exit rate of 864 MMcfepd (144 MBoepd)
    • Year end 2024 reserves of 4.5 Tcfe (747 MMBoe; PV10 of $3.3 billion(b))
    • Total Revenue, inclusive of hedges of $946 million(e), net of $151 million in commodity cash hedge receipts that supplemented Total Revenue of $795 million
    • Operating Cash Flow of $346 million; Net loss of $87 million, inclusive of $141 million tax-effected, non-cash unsettled derivative fair value adjustments
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $472 million(c); Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $211 million(d)
      • 2024 Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 51%(c)
      • 2024 Adjusted Operating Cost per unit of $1.70/Mcfe ($10.22/Boe)

    Achieving Expectations

    • Recommend a final quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share
    • Generated $49 million of cash proceeds through land sales and Coal Mine Methane Revenues
    • Retired over $200 million in debt principal through amortizing debt payments
    • Returned $105 million to shareholders, including $21 million in share buybacks(h)
    • Completed $585 million (gross) in strategic and bolt-on acquisitions during 2024
    • Retired 202 Diversified wells in Appalachia, marking third consecutive year to exceed 200 wells
    • OGMP Gold Standard and MSCI AA Rating for third and second consecutive year, respectively
    • Decreased Scope 1 methane intensity to 0.7 MT CO2e per MMcfe, a 13% reduction from 2023

    Powerful Step Forward

    • Closed transformative $1.3 billion acquisition of Maverick Natural Resources (“Maverick”)
      • Largest Producer in the Western Anadarko Basin (WAB)
      • Entry into the Permian basin
      • Expecting to achieve over $50 million in annual synergies by year-end 2025
    • Closed the accretive bolt-on acquisition of assets from Summit Natural Resources
      • Anticipate over 300% increase in cash flow from CMM environmental credit sales in the next 24 months
    • Developed a unique partnership to create an innovative, reliable, net-zero data center power solution
    • Enhancing free cash flow growth in 2025 by advantageously added natural gas hedges (related to ABS & recent acquisitions) and planning approximately $40 million from the divestiture of undeveloped leasehold during the first half of 2025

    CEO Rusty Hutson, Jr. commented:

    “Our over 1,600 women and men of Diversified remain the driving force behind our strong operational and financial performance in 2024. Whether it’s natural gas to power the technology of the future or the everyday needs of families and businesses across our operating region, Diversified provides the reliable and sustainable energy needed, and we continue to invest in growing our business while expanding our opportunity set of cash flow generation through verticals in a variety of end markets.

    We have built a Company that remains highly focused on long-term value creation through the growth of our platform and our ability to leverage vertical integration and scale to operate a structurally and dependably higher-margin business that delivers de-risked, consistent cash flow. Our focused strategy, disciplined leadership team, sound operating practices, and the strong demand for natural gas provide us with momentum as we begin the year and the confidence to achieve our full-year 2025 expectations while executing against our capital allocation strategy. We are starting the year in a position of strength as a bigger, better business, and there has never been a more exciting time for our Company and the energy industry. We feel privileged to be at the heart of the energy renaissance as the Right Company at the Right Time to help provide essential energy needs.”

    Combined Company 2025 Outlook

    Following the recently completed acquisition of Maverick, Diversified expects to realize significant operational synergies associated with a larger, consolidated position in Oklahoma and the ability to improve the overall cost structure of the Maverick Natural Resources assets while continuing to prioritize returns and Free Cash Flow generation.

    The following outlook incorporates a nine-month contribution from the recently acquired Maverick.

      2025 Guidance
    Total Production (Mmcfe/d) 1,050 to 1,100
    % Liquids ~25%
    % Natural Gas ~75%
    Total Capital Expenditures (millions) $165 to $185
    Adj. EBITDA(millions) $825 to $875
    Adj. Free Cash Flow(millions) ~$420
    Leverage Target 2.0x to 2.5x
    Combined Company Synergies (millions) >$50
    Includes the value of anticipated cash proceeds for 2025 land sales
     

    Posting of 2024 Annual Report and Notice of Annual General Meeting

    Diversified has published to the Company’s website its 2024 Annual Report and Notice of AGM, along with the form of proxy for the AGM. These documents can be viewed or downloaded from Diversified’s website at https://ir.div.energy/financial-info.

    The Company has also provided copies of these documents to the National Storage Mechanism that, in accordance with UK Listing Rule 6.4.1R, will be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    Annual General Meeting Arrangements

    The Company’s AGM will be held on April 9, 2025 at 1:00pm BST (8:00am EDT) at the offices of FTI Consulting, 200 Aldersgate, Aldersgate Street, London EC1A 4HD.

    Presentation and Webcast

    DEC will host a conference call today at 12:30 pm GMT (8:30am EDT) to discuss these results. The conference call details are as follows:

    A corporate presentation will be posted to the Company’s website before the conference call. The presentation can be found at https://ir.div.energy/presentations.

    Footnotes:

    (a) Corporate decline rate of ~10% calculated as the change in average daily production for the month of December 2023 (775 MMcfepd), adjusted for the impact of acquisitions and divestitures occurring during the 2024 calendar year, to the average daily production for the month of December 2024.
    (b) Based on the Company’s year-end PDP reserves and using 10-year NYMEX strip, as at December 31, 2024.
    (c) Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depletion, and amortization, and includes adjustments for items that are not comparable period-over-period; As presented, Adjusted EBITDA includes the impact of the accounting basis for land sales; Adjusted EBITDA Margin represents Adjusted EBITDA (excluding the adjustment for the accounting basis on land sales) as a percent of Total Revenue, Inclusive of Settled Hedges; For purposes of comparability, Adjusted EBITDA Margin excludes Other Revenue of $16 million and Lease Operating Expense of $19 million in 2024 associated with Diversified’s wholly owned plugging subsidiary, Next LVL Energy. For more information, please refer to Non-IFRS Measures, below.
    (d) Free Cash Flow represents net cash provided by operating activities less expenditures on natural gas and oil properties and equipment and cash paid for interest; As used herein, Adjusted Free Cash Flow represents Free Cash Flow, plus cash proceeds from undeveloped acreage sales; For more information, please refer to Non-IFRS Measures, below.
    (e) Calculated as total revenue recorded for the period, inclusive of the impact of derivatives settled in cash. For more information, please refer to Non-IFRS Measures, below.
    (f) Calculated as the availability on the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility (“SLL”) and cash on hand (unrestricted)of December 31, 2024; Does not include the impact of Letters of Credit.
    (g) Net Debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA, or “Leverage” or “Leverage Ratio,” is measured as Net Debt divided by Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA; Pro forma adjusted EBITDA includes adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2024 for the annualized impact of acquisitions completed during the year. Net Debt calculated as of December 31, 2024 and includes total debt as recognized on the balance sheet, less cash and restricted cash; Total debt includes the Company’s borrowings under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility (“SLL”) and borrowings under or issuances of, as applicable, the Company’s subsidiaries’ securitization facilities. For more information, please refer to Non-IFRS Measures, below.
       

    For Company-specific items, refer also to the Glossary of Terms and/or Alternative Performance Measures found in Diversified’s 2024 Annual Report

    For further information, please contact:  
    Diversified Energy Company PLC +1 973 856 2757
    Doug Kris dkris@dgoc.com
    www.div.energy  
       
    FTI Consulting dec@fticonsulting.com
    U.S. & UK Financial Public Relations  
       

    About Diversified Energy Company PLC

    Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

    Important Notices

    This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions, with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“the Group”) following the Maverick Acquisition. These statements, which contain the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “seek”, “continue”, “aim”, “target”, “projected”, “plan”, “goal”, “achieve”, “outlook” and words of similar meaning, reflect the Company’s beliefs and expectations and are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment the Company and the Group will operate in and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. No representation is made that any of these statements or forecasts will come to pass or that any forecast results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or the Group to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Company’s or the Group’s ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behaviour of other market participants, the actions of regulators and other factors such as the Company’s or the Group’s ability to continue to obtain financing to meet its liquidity needs, changes in the political, social and regulatory framework in which the Company or the Group operate or in economic or technological trends or conditions, and the Company’s or Group’s ability to realize expected benefits of the Maverick acquisition. Past performance of the Company cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance. As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The list above is not exhaustive and there are other factors that may cause the Company’s or the Group’s actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, including the risk factors described in the “Risk Factors” section in the Company’s Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of their date and neither the Company, nor the Group nor any of its respective directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or advisers expressly disclaim any obligation to supplement, amend, update or revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, except where it would be required to do so under applicable law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements in this announcement may not occur. No statement in this announcement is intended as a profit forecast or a profit estimate and no statement in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that the financial performance of the Company for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published for the Company.

    The contents of this announcement are not to be construed as legal, business or tax advice. Each shareholder should consult its own legal adviser, financial adviser or tax adviser for legal, financial or tax advice respectively.

    Percentages in tables have been rounded and accordingly may not add up to 100 per cent. Certain financial data have also been rounded. As a result of this rounding, the totals of data presented in this announcement may vary slightly from the actual arithmetic totals of such data.

    Use of Non-IFRS Measures

    Certain key operating metrics that are not defined under IFRS (alternative performance measures) are included in this announcement. These non-IFRS measures are used by us to monitor the underlying business performance of the Company from period to period and to facilitate comparison with our peers. Since not all companies calculate these or other non-IFRS metrics in the same way, the manner in which we have chosen to calculate the non-IFRS metrics presented herein may not be compatible with similarly defined terms used by other companies. The non-IFRS metrics should not be considered in isolation of, or viewed as substitutes for, the financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS. Certain of the key operating metrics are based on information derived from our regularly maintained records and accounting and operating systems.

    Non-IFRS Disclosures

    Adjusted EBITDA

    As used herein, EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depletion, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA further adjusts for items that are not comparable period-over-period, including accretion of asset retirement obligations, other (income) expense, loss on joint and working interest owners receivable, (gain) loss on bargain purchases, (gain) loss on fair value adjustments of unsettled financial instruments, (gain) loss on natural gas and oil property and equipment, costs associated with acquisitions, other adjusting costs, non-cash equity compensation, (gain) loss on foreign currency hedge, net (gain) loss on interest rate swaps and other similar items.

    Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating profit (loss), net income (loss), or cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing, and financing activities. However, we believe this measure is useful to investors in evaluating our financial performance because it (1) is widely used by investors in the natural gas and oil industry as an indicator of underlying business performance; (2) helps investors more meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the often-volatile revenue impact of changes in the fair value of derivative instruments prior to settlement; (3) is used in the calculation of a key metric in one of our Credit Facility financial covenants; and (4) is used by us as a performance measure in determining executive compensation. When evaluating this measure, we believe investors also commonly find it useful to assess this metric as a percentage of our total revenue, inclusive of settled hedges, which we refer to as adjusted EBITDA margin.

      Year Ended
      December 31,
    2024
    December 31,
    2023
    December 31,
    2022
    Net income (loss) $ (87,001 ) $ 759,701   $ (620,598 )
    Finance costs   137,643     134,166     100,799  
    Accretion of asset retirement obligations   30,868     26,926     27,569  
    Other (income) expense(a)   (1,257 )   (385 )   (269 )
    Income tax (benefit) expense   (136,951 )   240,643     (178,904 )
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization   256,484     224,546     222,257  
    (Gain) loss on bargain purchases           (4,447 )
    (Gain) loss on fair value adjustments of unsettled financial instruments   189,030     (905,695 )   861,457  
    (Gain) loss on natural gas and oil properties and equipment(b)   15,308     4,014     93  
    (Gain) loss on sale of equity interest   7,375     (18,440 )    
    Unrealized (gain) loss on investment   4,013     (4,610 )    
    Impairment of proved properties(c)       41,616      
    Costs associated with acquisitions   11,573     16,775     15,545  
    Other adjusting costs(d)   22,375     17,794     69,967  
    Loss on early retirement of debt   14,753          
    Non-cash equity compensation   8,286     6,494     8,051  
    (Gain) loss on foreign currency hedge       521      
    (Gain) loss on interest rate swap   (190 )   2,722     1,434  
    Total adjustments $ 559,310   $ (212,913 ) $ 1,123,552  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 472,309   $ 546,788   $ 502,954  
    Pro forma adjusted EBITDA(e) $ 548,570   $ 553,252   $ 574,414  
    1. Excludes $1 million in dividend distributions received for our investment in DP Lion Equity Holdco during the year ended December 31, 2024.
    2. Excludes $27 million, $24 million and $2 million in cash proceeds received for leasehold sales during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, less $14 million and $4 million of basis in leasehold sales for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    3. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Group determined the carrying amounts of certain proved properties within two fields were not recoverable from future cash flows, and therefore, were impaired.
    4. Other adjusting costs for the year ended December 31, 2024, were primarily associated with legal and professional fees related to the U.S. listing, legal fees for certain litigation, and expenses associated with unused firm transportation agreements. For the year ended December 31, 2023, these costs were primarily related to legal and professional fees for the U.S. listing, legal fees for certain litigation, and expenses for unused firm transportation agreements. For the year ended December 31, 2022, these costs mainly included $28 million in contract terminations, which enabled the Group to secure more favorable future pricing, and $31 million in deal breakage and/or sourcing costs for acquisitions.
    5. Includes adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2024 for the Oaktree, Crescent Pass, and East Texas II acquisitions to pro forma their results for the full twelve months of operations. Similar adjustments were made for the year ended December 31, 2023 for the Tanos II Acquisition, as well as for the year ended December 31, 2022 for the East Texas I and ConocoPhillips acquisitions.

    Total Revenue, Inclusive of Hedges and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

    As used herein, total revenue, inclusive of settled hedges, accounts for the impact of derivatives settled in cash. We believe that total revenue, inclusive of settled hedges, is a useful measure because it enables investors to discern our realized revenue after adjusting for the settlement of derivative contracts.

    As used herein, adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated as adjusted EBITDA expressed as a percentage of total revenue, inclusive of settled hedges. Adjusted EBITDA margin encompasses the direct operating costs and the portion of general and administrative costs required to produce each Mcfe. This metric includes operating expense, employee costs, administrative costs and professional services, and recurring allowance for credit losses, which cover both fixed and variable costs components. We believe that adjusted EBITDA margin is a useful measure of our profitability and efficiency, as well as our earnings quality, because it evaluates the Group on a more comparable basis period-over-period, especially given our frequent involvement in transactions that are not comparable between periods.

      Year Ended
      December 31,
    2024
    December 31,
    2023
    December 31,
    2022
    Total revenue $ 794,841   $ 868,263   $ 1,919,349  
    Net gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments(a)   151,289     178,064     (895,802 )
    Total revenue, inclusive of settled hedges $ 946,130   $ 1,046,327   $ 1,023,547  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 472,309   $ 546,788   $ 502,954  
    Adjusted EBITDA margin   50 %   52 %   49 %
    Adjusted EBITDA margin, excluding Next LVL Energy   51 %   53 %   50 %
    1. Net gain (loss) on commodity derivative settlements represents the cash paid or received on commodity derivative contracts. This excludes settlements on foreign currency and interest rate derivatives, as well as the gain (loss) on fair value adjustments for unsettled financial instruments for each of the periods presented.

    Free Cash Flow

    As used herein, free cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities, less expenditures on natural gas and oil properties and equipment, and cash paid for interest. We believe that free cash flow is a useful indicator of our ability to generate cash that is available for activities beyond capital expenditures. The Directors believe that free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to service debt obligations, make strategic acquisitions and investments, and pay dividends.

      Year Ended
      December 31,
    2024
    December 31,
    2023
    December 31,
    2022
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 345,663   $ 410,132   $ 387,764  
    LESS: Expenditures on natural gas and oil properties and equipment   (52,100 )   (74,252 )   (86,079 )
    LESS: Cash paid for interest   (123,141 )   (116,784 )   (83,958 )
    Free cash flow $ 170,422   $ 219,096   $ 217,727  
    Cash generated through divestitures of land $ 40,986   $ 28,160   $ 2,472  
    Adjusted free cash flow $ 211,408   $ 247,256   $ 220,199  


    Net Debt and Net Debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA (“Leverage”)

    As used herein, net debt represents total debt as recognized on the balance sheet, minus cash and restricted cash. Total debt includes borrowings under our Credit Facility and borrowings under, or issuances of, our subsidiaries’ securitization facilities. We believe net debt is a useful indicator of our leverage and capital structure.

    As used herein, net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA, also referred to as “leverage” or the “leverage ratio,” is calculated by dividing net debt by adjusted EBITDA. We believe this metric is a crucial measure of our financial liquidity and flexibility, and it is also used in the calculation of a key metric in one of our Credit Facility financial covenants.

      As of
      December 31,
    2024
    December 31,
    2023
    December 31,
    2022
    Total debt(a) $ 1,693,242   $ 1,276,627   $ 1,440,329  
    LESS: Cash   5,990     3,753     7,329  
    LESS: Restricted cash(b)   46,269     36,252     55,388  
    Net debt $ 1,640,983   $ 1,236,622   $ 1,377,612  
           
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 472,309,000   $ 546,788,000   $ 502,954,000  
    Pro forma adjusted EBITDA(c) $ 548,570   $ 553,252   $ 574,414  
    Net debt-to-pro forma adjusted EBITDA(d) 2.9x
      2.2x
      2.4x
     
    1. Includes adjustments for deferred financing costs and original issue discounts, consistent with presentation on the Statement of Financial Position.
    2. The increase of restricted cash as of December 31, 2024, is due to the addition of $21 million and $3 million in restricted cash for the ABS VIII Notes and ABS IX Notes, respectively, offset by $7 million and $9 million for the retirement of the ABS III Notes and ABS V Notes, respectively.
    3. Includes adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2024 for the Oaktree, Crescent Pass, and East Texas II acquisitions to pro forma their results for the full twelve months of operations. Similar adjustments were made for the year ended December 31, 2023 for the Tanos II Acquisition, as well as for the year ended December 31, 2022 for the East Texas I and ConocoPhillips acquisitions.
    4. Excludes long-term plant financing of $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: RAAC Launches Testnet for $235m Gold-Backed RWA Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RAAC, a decentralized Real World Asset (RWA) lending and borrowing ecosystem, is announcing the launch of its testnet today in the face of strong institutional demand. This has helped the project secure $235 million in gold-backed deposits at launch from one of the largest gold reserves in North America, while it also pursues opportunities in US rental property and more.

    Grounded in the $1.8 billion Curve ecosystem, RAAC is a member of the Chainlink Build program and has been incubated by The LLamas – a DeFi community that supports, builds, and promotes Curve ecosystem growth.

    Curve founder and RAAC advisor Michael Egorov says: “Most value in crypto is driven by DeFi and payments. However, as for DeFi, this value is currently derived mostly from crypto speculation. We need projects like RAAC to go beyond our crypto bubble, realize the true potential of programmable, decentralized money, and eventually have the global financial system naturally re-architected.”

    Initially, RAAC will develop protocols integrating gold-backed and real estate-backed tokens from asset owners through Instruxi – a leading institutional tokenization provider that serves both the digital and traditional asset space. These asset owners include Pretio DeFi Solutions, which, with its partners, has secured a contract with the North Terrace Mining Project in British Columbia to acquire 1 million troy ounces of proven gold reserves for tokenization.

    At the time of tokenization, these reserves are valued at approximately $400 million—20% of a discounted spot price of $2,000 per troy ounce. Over a 10 to 15-year production cycle, once the gold is extracted, refined, and securely stored, the tokenized asset’s total estimated value could reach up to $3 billion, depending on market conditions and future gold prices.

    RAAC founder Kevin Rusher says: “RAAC has been in the works for a long time. This is not something we wanted to rush. Our team believes passionately in increasing access to the world’s most stable assets in one of the world’s most volatile sectors. We will achieve all this and more with RAAC. We don’t want to bring the next billion users into decentralized finance, but the next $100 billion.”

    The tokenization process will transform these proven gold reserves into fractional digital assets, which will be deposited into the Pretio Foundation DAO. The DAO Treasury will manage a comprehensive digital ecosystem that leverages on-chain liquidity and advanced DeFi protocols from the RAAC ecosystem. 

    This ecosystem will operate via stablecoins minted by the Pretio Treasury, initially backed by the gold reserves—and later by additional precious metals. At RAAC’s launch, Pretio will contribute an initial $235 million in treasury assets, with further assets to be added to the ecosystem over time.

    Pier S. Bjorklund, manager of Pretio DeFi Solutions, remarks: “The North Terrace Mining Project exemplifies our commitment to innovation. Pretio DeFi and our partners are setting a new standard by seamlessly integrating traditional gold mining with state-of-the-art blockchain, decentralized finance technologies, and sustainable mining practices.”

    Mathew Harrowing, co-founder of Instruxi, adds: “One of the biggest issues RWA tokenization faced was on-chain liquidity. RAAC solves that elegantly while providing a vehicle for asset holders and traditional finance institutions to get credible exposure to the DeFi market with a stable and predictable yield. It’s truly game-changing.”

    RAAC’s testnet is available to non-US persons and will be followed by a closed beta. Currently, the Ethereum mainnet launch and Token Generation Event are scheduled for Q2.

    *RAAC is only available in a limited number of jurisdictions and is not available to US persons*

    About RAAC 
    RAAC is a decentralized lending and borrowing ecosystem that is widening participation in tokenized Real World Assets like real estate and gold. The platform allows users to borrow against their holdings at competitive rates, while also offering investors access to high-value arbitrage opportunities. Providing a bridge between traditional and decentralized finance, RAAC is modernizing the way investors can access and profit from the world’s most stable assets. 

    Profile Links:

    Contact

    CEO and Founder
    Rebecca Jones
    Block3 PR
    rebecca@block3.pr

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1439670f-0439-46e4-b2c2-93bf24d79c64

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Tower Semiconductor Recognized by Northrop Grumman with Supplier Excellence Award

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel, March 17, 2025 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has recognized Tower Semiconductor as one of its top supplier partners during the company’s Supplier Excellence Awards Ceremony held recently.

    “Tower Semiconductor has supported Northrop Grumman in delivering technologies that enhance national security for the U.S. and our allies,” said Ken Brown, Vice President, Enterprise Global Supply Chain, Northrop Grumman. “The high-quality performance, dedication and partnership of our supplier teams drive operational excellence to ensure warfighters have next generation advantages in advanced weapons, aircraft, missile defense and space.”

    Recognized for Performance Excellence, Tower Semiconductor is instrumental in supporting Northrop Grumman with delivering innovative and cost-effective military and security solutions to give its customers a competitive advantage in a complex field.

    “It is an honor to once again receive the Northrop Grumman Supplier Excellence Award. This recognition underscores Tower Semiconductor’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional quality, reliability, and service to our Aerospace & Defense customers,” said Mike Scott, Sr. Director and General Manager of Aerospace & Defense Business Unit, Tower Semiconductor. “We take great pride in supporting Northrop Grumman and the broader defense community with our advanced technologies, manufacturing capabilities and dedicated A&D organization.”

    About Tower Semiconductor         

    Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), the leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, provides technology, development, and process platforms for its customers in growing markets such as consumer, industrial, automotive, mobile, infrastructure, medical and aerospace and defense. Tower Semiconductor focuses on creating a positive and sustainable impact on the world through long-term partnerships and its advanced and innovative analog technology offering, comprised of a broad range of customizable process platforms such as SiGe, BiCMOS, mixed-signal/CMOS, RF CMOS, CMOS image sensor, non-imaging sensors, displays, integrated power management (BCD and 700V), photonics, and MEMS. Tower Semiconductor also provides world-class design enablement for a quick and accurate design cycle as well as process transfer services including development, transfer, and optimization, to IDMs and fabless companies. To provide multi-fab sourcing and extended capacity for its customers, Tower Semiconductor owns one operating facility in Israel (200mm), two in the U.S. (200mm), two in Japan (200mm and 300mm) which it owns through its 51% holdings in TPSCo, shares a 300mm facility in Agrate, Italy with STMicroelectronics as well as has access to a 300mm capacity corridor in Intel’s New Mexico factory. For more information, please visit: www.towersemi.com.

    Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. A complete discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements included in this press release or which may otherwise affect Tower’s business is included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Tower’s most recent filings on Forms 20-F, F-3, F-4 and 6-K, as were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Israel Securities Authority. Tower does not intend to update, and expressly disclaim any obligation to update, the information contained in this release. 

    ###

    Tower Semiconductor Company Contact: Orit Shahar | +972-74-7377440 | oritsha@towersemi.com

    Investor Relations Contact: Liat Avraham | +972-4-6506154 | liatavra@towersemi.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Advances U.S. Strategy with Completion of Stronghold Digital Mining Acquisition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    -1.1 GW PA Growth Pipeline Strategically Located for HPC/AI and BTC Mining-
    – Positions Bitfarms as the leading Bitcoin miner in PJM market-

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s second amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 17, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global Bitcoin and vertically integrated data center company, today announced the successful completion of its previously announced acquisition of Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc. (“Stronghold” or “SDIG”).

    The acquisition of Stronghold yields the following benefits:

    Strategic MW Growth

    • Increases energy portfolio to 623 Megawatts Under Management (“MWuM”) with incremental 165 MW of active generating capacity and 142 MW of immediately available import capacity
    • Secures 1.1 GW growth pipeline in Pennsylvania, including current power generation capacity, current grid import capacity and future import capacity
    • PJM demand response programs anticipated to reduce overall electricity costs

    U.S. Portfolio Expansion

    • Rebalances year-end 2025 energy portfolio to 80% North American and 20% international

    Advancement of HPC/AI Strategy

    • Potential to develop two power campuses totaling nearly one gigawatt for HPC/AI
    • Strategic partners WWT and ASG prioritizing Stronghold sites for potential HPC/AI conversion

    EH Growth

    • Adds nearly 1 Exahash Under Management (“EHuM”) through existing Canaan hosting agreements with 50% profit split, bringing Bitfarms total to 18 EHuM
    • Previously announced Stronghold hosting agreements are now Bitfarms self-mining

    Ben Gagnon, Chief Executive Officer of Bitfarms, stated, “The completion of this strategic acquisition further expands our U.S. footprint and makes us the industry leader in the PJM market. With Stronghold’s portfolio of power assets, combined with our operational expertise and balance sheet strength, we are well positioned to create long-term value for our shareholders by executing on our US strategy and developing an HPC/AI business geared for scale. Our combined PJM pipeline, spanning three sites in Pennsylvania, totals over 1 GW with strategically located land, power and fiber that is well-suited for both HPC/AI and Bitcoin mining. This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Bitfarms, and we’re thrilled to welcome the talented Stronghold team to write that chapter with us.”

    Transaction Details

    Bitfarms acquired Stronghold in a stock-for-stock merger pursuant to which Stronghold shareholders received 2.52 shares of Bitfarms for each share of Stronghold they own and Stronghold became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bitfarms. Approximately 59,678,164 Bitfarms common shares and 10,574,848 Bitfarms warrants are being issued in connection with the consummation of the merger. In addition, approximately $44.5 million was paid at closing to retire outstanding Stronghold loans.

    In connection with the completion of the transaction, SDIG’s common stock ceased trading on Nasdaq prior to the opening of trading today.

    About Bitfarms Ltd.

    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global Bitcoin and vertically integrated data center company that sells its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated mining facilities with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers.

    Bitfarms currently has 15 operating Bitcoin data centers in four countries: the United States, Canada, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    http://x.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Glossary of Terms

    • MWuM = Megawatts Under Management, the electrical capacity currently being utilized or available to utilize in Bitfarms data centers which includes immediately available grid import capacity and active generation capacity
    • EHuM = Exahash Under Management, which includes Bitfarms’ proprietary hashrate and hashrate being hosted by Bitfarms for third-party hosting clients
    • EH or EH/s = Exahash or exahash per second
    • MW or MWh = Megawatts or megawatt hour
    • HPC/AI = High Performance Computing / Artificial Intelligence
    • PJM = Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding the positive impact of the Stronghold acquisition and the ability to gain access to additional electrical power and grow hashrate of the Stronghold business, target hashrate, opportunities relating to the Company’s geographical diversification and expansion, the merits of the rebalancing operations to North America and projected growth, the North American energy and compute infrastructure strategy, opportunities relating to the potential of the Company’s data centers for HPC/AI, performance of the plants and equipment upgrades and the impact on operating capacity including the target hashrate and multi-year expansion capacity, the opportunities to leverage Bitfarms’ proven expertise to successfully enhance energy efficiency and hashrate, and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information.

    This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to: an inability to apply the Company’s data centers to HPC/AI opportunities on a profitable basis; a failure to secure long-term contracts associated with HPC/AI customers on terms which are economic or at all; the construction and operation of the Company’s facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; an inability to successfully integrate the business of Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc. as contemplated, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the anticipated merits of the HPC/AI strategy, the benefits and programs of the PJM deregulated market and the objectives of diversification in general may not be realized as planned; efforts to improve and optimize the performance of equipment may not be successful; the digital currency market; the ability to successfully mine digital currency; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; it may not be possible to profitably liquidate the current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on operations; an increase in network difficulty may have a significant negative impact on operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; the anticipated growth and sustainability of hydroelectricity for the purposes of cryptocurrency mining in the applicable jurisdictions; the inability to maintain reliable and economical sources of power for the Company to operate cryptocurrency mining assets; the risks of an increase in the Company’s electricity costs, cost of natural gas, changes in currency exchange rates, energy curtailment or regulatory changes in the energy regimes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates and the adverse impact on the Company’s profitability; future capital needs and the ability to complete current and future financings, including Bitfarms’ ability to utilize an at-the-market offering program ( “ATM Program”) and the prices at which securities may be sold in such ATM Program, as well as capital market conditions in general; share dilution resulting from an ATM Program and from other equity issuances; the risk that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting could result in a misstatement of the Company’s financial position that may lead to a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements if not prevented or detected on a timely basis; any regulations or laws that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability to mine digital currencies that will be consistent with historical prices; and the adoption or expansion of any regulation or law that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business, or make it more costly to do so. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov), including the restated MD&A for the year-ended December 31, 2023, filed on December 9, 2024. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Investor Relations Contacts:

    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Media Contacts:

    Caroline Brady Baker
    Director, Communications
    cbaker@bitfarms.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Salary.com to Explore Pay Trends for 2025 and Beyond During This Week’s ADP Meeting of the Minds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WALTHAM, Mass., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    WHO: David Turetsky, Vice President, Consulting at Salary.com, a leading provider of compensation market data and software
       
    WHAT: Will deliver “Pay Trends: 2025 and Beyond” during this week’s ADP Meeting of the Minds.
       
    WHEN: The event will take place Tuesday, March 18 – Friday, March 21, 2025. Turetsky will present on Wednesday, March 19, at 8:00 a.m. PT.
       
    WHERE: Resorts World
      3000 S Las Vegas Boulevard
      Las Vegas, Nev.
       
      For additional event information, including registration, click here.
       

    DETAILS:

    With a new administration in office, sweeping changes are already happening in the pay world – and quickly. For HR and compensation teams, the political, economic and social environment directly impacts how they pay employees and contractors, making it imperative that they stay abreast of what’s occurring at the state and federal level.

    During ADP Meeting of the Minds, David Turetsky, Vice President, Consulting at Salary.com, will consider how pay evolved in 2024 and where it is headed in 2025. Turetsky will examine regulatory and compliance issues around compensation and pay and discuss how shifting demographics drive new wage pressures. He’ll also look at the job market in different industries and how the winds of change may blow beyond 2025, offering insights into strategies to combat pay compression, tight budgets and new policies.

    For more information about ADP Meeting of the Minds, including how to register, click here.

    About Salary.com
    Salary.com has been helping organizations with human capital needs for over 25 years. The company leads the industry in compensation data, software, and services. More than 30,000 organizations in 30+ countries use Salary.com’s solutions to hire and retain talent and compete in a changing world. Salary.com provides over 10 billion data points across over 225 industries using a proprietary AI framework to ensure fair pay. The company’s main product, CompAnalyst®, helps organizations simplify hiring, reduce guesswork, and increase retention. Employee trust depends on fair pay, and Salary.com helps get it right. For additional information, please visit www.salary.com/business.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Sprott Physical Gold Trust Net Asset Value Reaches $10 Billion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sprott Inc. (NYSE/TSX: SII) (“Sprott”) on behalf of the Sprott Physical Gold Trust (NYSE Arca/TSX: PHYS) (“PHYS” or “the Trust) today announced that PHYS’s net asset value (“NAV”) has surpassed US$10 billion.

    “We would like to thank our unitholders for their trust and support in helping the Sprott Physical Gold Trust reach this significant milestone,” said John Ciampaglia, Chief Executive Officer of Sprott Asset Management. “Since its launch in 2010, the Sprott Physical Gold Trust has provided investors with a secure and convenient way to own physical gold. In today’s uncertain world, the importance of fully-allocated, segregated physical gold has never been more clear,” added Mr. Ciampaglia.

    As of March 13, 2025, PHYS held 3.4 million ounces of gold on behalf of its unitholders.

    “Gold prices have set new records in 2025, driven largely by global central bank purchases. We expect this trend to accelerate and broaden as investor participation increases,” said Whitney George, Chief Executive Officer of Sprott.

    PHYS was created to invest and hold substantially all of its assets in physical gold bullion. Its goal is to provide a secure, convenient and exchange-traded investment alternative for investors who want to hold physical gold without the inconvenience that is typical of a direct investment in physical gold bullion. All of the gold held by PHYS is fully allocated and redeemable by investors, subject to minimum holding requirements.

    About Sprott

    Sprott is a global asset manager focused on precious metals and critical materials investments. We are specialists. We believe our in-depth knowledge, experience and relationships separate us from the generalists. Our investment strategies include Exchange Listed Products, Managed Equities and Private Strategies. Sprott has offices in Toronto, New York, Connecticut and California and the company’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol (SII). For more information, please visit www.sprott.com.

    About the Trust

    Important information about the Trust, including the investment objectives and strategies, applicable management fees, and expenses, is contained in the prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units of the Trusts on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) or the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). If the units are purchased or sold on the TSX or the NYSE, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units or shares of the Trusts and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, our expectation that gold buying accelerates and broadens as investor participation increases.

    With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Trust has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things, the gold market. While the Trust considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Trust’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A discussion of risks and uncertainties facing the Trust appears in the Trust’s continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sec.gov and www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Trust disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact:

    Glen Williams
    Managing Partner
    Investor and Institutional Client Relations
    Direct: 416-943-4394
    gwilliams@sprott.com

    Media contact:

    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    (646) 569-5897
    sprott@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Renasant and The First Announce Receipt of Regulatory Approvals for Merger

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TUPELO, Miss. and HATTIESBURG, Miss., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renasant Corporation (NYSE: RNST) (“Renasant”) and The First Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: FBMS) (“The First”) jointly announced today that they have received all necessary regulatory approvals to complete the proposed merger of The First with and into Renasant, and the related merger of The First’s wholly owned subsidiary, The First Bank, with and into Renasant Bank, Renasant’s wholly owned subsidiary. Renasant and The First previously announced that their respective shareholders approved the proposed merger at special shareholder meetings on October 22, 2024.

    “We’re excited to have received regulatory approval to move forward with the merger between The First and Renasant,” said Renasant CEO and Executive Vice Chairman, Mitch Waycaster. “We believe this merger creates a transformative partnership between two great organizations with shared values and a commitment to serving our customers and communities.”

    Renasant and The First expect to close the merger on April 1, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The combination will result in a financial services institution with approximately $26 billion in assets and more than 250 locations throughout the Southeast, as well as offering factoring and asset-based lending on a nationwide basis.

    “I am confident we are building a strong foundation for the future, and we look forward to seeing our alliance come to fruition,” said The First CEO and President, Hoppy Cole. “We believe the combination of our two like-minded banks will unlock new possibilities that neither could achieve alone.”

    About Renasant Corporation:
    Renasant Corporation is the parent of Renasant Bank, a 120-year-old financial services institution. Renasant has assets of approximately $18.0 billion and operates 186 banking, lending, mortgage, and wealth management offices throughout the Southeast as well as offering factoring and asset-based lending on a nationwide basis. Additional information is available on Renasant’s website: www.renasantbank.com.

    About The First Bancshares, Inc.:
    The First Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is the parent company of The First Bank. Founded in 1996, the First has operations in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Additional information is available on The First’s website: www.thefirstbank.com.

    Forward-looking statements:
    This press release may contain, or incorporate by reference, statements about Renasant Corporation that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words and phrases such as “may,” “approximately,” “continue,” “should,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “is likely,” “look ahead,” “look forward,” “believes,” “will,” “intends,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “plan,” “could,” “potential,” “possible” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information about Renasant’s future financial performance, business strategy, and projected plans and objectives, including related to the merger transaction involving Renasant and The First, and are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management. Renasant’s management believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but they are all inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Renasant’s control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Prospective investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and, accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made.

    Additional information about the Renasant/First Merger:
    This communication is being made in respect of the merger transaction involving Renasant and The First. In connection with the merger, Renasant filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a definitive proxy statement for The First that also constitutes a definitive prospectus of Renasant, and Renasant may file additional documents concerning the merger with the SEC. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Before making any investment decision, The First investors are urged to read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and any other documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the merger or incorporated by reference in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus because they will contain important information about Renasant, The First and the merger. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to shareholders of The First on September 17, 2024. Investors may obtain copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed by Renasant (when they become available) free of charge at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). In addition, documents filed with the SEC by Renasant will be available free of charge from Jim Mabry, Chief Financial Officer, Renasant Corporation, 209 Troy Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804-4827, telephone: (662) 680-1281.

    Contacts:   For Media:
    John S. Oxford
    Senior Vice President
    Chief Marketing Officer
    (662) 680-1219joxford@renasant.com
      For Financials:
    James C. Mabry IV
    Executive Vice President
    Chief Financial Officer
    (662) 680-1281jim.mabry@renasant.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SAIC Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Q4 FY25 revenues of $1.84 billion, 5.8% organic growth(1); FY25 revenues of $7.48 billion, 3.1% organic growth(1); organic growth adjusted for divestitures
    • Q4 FY25 net income of $98 million, adjusted EBITDA(1) of $177 million or 9.6% of revenue; FY25 net income of $362 million, adjusted EBITDA(1) of $710 million or 9.5% of revenue
    • Q4 FY25 diluted earnings per share of $2.00, adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) of $2.57; FY25 diluted earnings per share of $7.17, adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) of $9.13
    • Q4 FY25 cash flows provided by operating activities of $115 million, free cash flow(1) and transaction-adjusted free cash flow(1) of $236 million; FY25 cash flows provided by operating activities of $494 million, free cash flow(1) of $499 million, transaction-adjusted free cash flow(1) of $507 million
    • Q4 FY25 net bookings of $1.3 billion; book-to-bill ratio of 0.7; trailing twelve months book-to-bill ratio of 0.9
    • FY26 guidance introduced above prior targets for revenues, adjusted EBITDA(1), adjusted EBITDA margin(1), and adjusted diluted EPS(1)

    RESTON, Va., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Science Applications International Corporation (NASDAQ: SAIC), a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation’s digital transformation across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets, today announced results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended January 31, 2025.

    “I am proud of the results we delivered in the quarter with revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share, and free cash flow ahead of guidance,” said Toni Townes-Whitley, SAIC Chief Executive Officer. “Subsequent to quarter close, we received a $1.8 billion award for our largest recompete win in recent years, the System Software Lifecycle Engineering program. This important win along with a backlog of submitted bids valued at approximately $20 billion reflect the momentum we are building inside the company. I want to thank the team for a strong finish to the year and for their commitment and dedication to our customers’ mission during these uncertain times.”

    Fourth Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2025: Summary Operating Results

      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      January 31,
    2025

        Percent
    change
        February 2,
    2024
        January 31,
    2025

        Percent
    change
        February 2,
    2024
     
      (in millions, except per share amounts)
    Revenues $ 1,838     %   $ 1,737     $ 7,479     —  %   $ 7,444  
    Operating income   138     75  %     79       563     (24 )%     741  
    Operating income as a percentage of revenues   7.5 %   300 bps     4.5 %     7.5 %   -250 bps     10.0 %
    Adjusted operating income(1)   176     42  %     124       705     %     659  
    Adjusted operating income as a percentage of revenues   9.6 %   250 bps     7.1 %     9.4 %   50 bps     8.9 %
    Net income   98     151  %     39       362     (24 )%     477  
    EBITDA(1)   175     48  %     118       708     (21 )%     891  
    EBITDA as a percentage of revenues   9.5 %   270 bps     6.8 %     9.5 %   -250 bps     12.0 %
    Adjusted EBITDA(1)   177     39  %     127       710     %     668  
    Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues   9.6 %   230 bps     7.3 %     9.5 %   50 bps     9.0 %
    Diluted earnings per share $ 2.00     170  %   $ 0.74     $ 7.17     (19 )%   $ 8.88  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) $ 2.57     80  %   $ 1.43     $ 9.13     16  %   $ 7.88  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 115     83  %   $ 63     $ 494     25  %   $ 396  
    Free cash flow(1) $ 236     143  %   $ 97     $ 499     21  %   $ 414  
    Transaction-adjusted free cash flow(1) $ 236     98  %   $ 119     $ 507     %   $ 486  

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see Schedule 6 for information about this measure.

    The Company utilizes a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Friday closest to January 31, with fiscal quarters typically consisting of 13 weeks. Fiscal years 2025 and 2024 both consisted of 52 weeks.

    Fourth Quarter Summary Results

    Revenues for the quarter increased $101 million compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to ramp up in volume on new and existing contracts, partially offset by contract completions.

    Operating income as a percentage of revenues increased to 7.5% for the quarter as compared to 4.5% in the comparable prior year period primarily due to improved profitability across our contract portfolio, lower incentive-based compensation expense, and lower stock-based compensation related to the restructuring and executive transition.

    Adjusted EBITDA(1) as a percentage of revenues for the quarter was 9.6%, compared to 7.3% for the prior year quarter primarily due to improved profitability across our contract portfolio, lower incentive-based compensation expense, and lower stock-based compensation related to the restructuring and executive transition.

    Diluted earnings per share for the quarter was $2.00 compared to $0.74 in the prior year quarter. Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) was $2.57 for the quarter compared to $1.43 in the prior year quarter. The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding during the quarter decreased to 49.0 million shares from 52.7 million during the prior year quarter.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see Schedule 6 for information about this measure.

    Fiscal Year 2025 Summary Results

    Revenues for the fiscal year increased $35 million compared to the prior year primarily due to ramp up in volume in existing and new contracts. This was partially offset by the sale of the Supply Chain Business ($188 million) in the prior year, and contract completions. Adjusting for the impact of the divestiture, revenues grew approximately 3.1%.

    Operating income as a percentage of revenues for the fiscal year decreased compared to the prior year primarily due to a $233 million gain recognized from the sale of the Supply Chain Business and a $7 million gain recognized from the deconsolidation of FSA in the prior year. This was partially offset by improved profitability across our contract portfolio, the resolution of the Assault Amphibious Vehicle (“AAV”) contract termination, lower incentive-based compensation expense, and lower stock-based compensation related to the restructuring and executive transition.

    Adjusted EBITDA(1) as a percentage of revenues for the fiscal year increased compared to the prior year. The increase was driven by improved profitability across our contract portfolio, the resolution of the AAV contract termination, lower incentive-based compensation expense, and lower stock-based compensation related to the restructuring and executive transition.

    Diluted earnings per share for the year was $7.17 compared to $8.88 in the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) was $9.13 for the year compared to $7.88 in the prior year. The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding during the year decreased to 50.5 million shares from 53.7 million shares during the prior year.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see Schedule 6 for information about this measure.

    Cash Generation and Capital Deployment

    Total cash flows provided by operating activities for the fourth quarter were $115 million, an increase of $52 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to lower tax payments in the current quarter, timing of vendor payments, and other changes in working capital, partially offset by higher cash outflows from the usage of the Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (“MARPA Facility”) with MUFG bank, LTD.

    Total cash flows provided by operating activities for the year were $494 million, an increase of $98 million from the prior year, primarily due to higher tax payments in fiscal 2024 from the sale of the Supply Chain Business and other changes in working capital, partially offset by higher incentive-based compensation payments in the current year.

    During the quarter, SAIC deployed $163 million of capital, consisting of $130 million of share repurchases in accordance with established repurchase plans, $18 million in cash dividends to shareholders, and $15 million of capital expenditures. For the year, SAIC deployed $638 million of capital, consisting of share repurchases of $527 million (approximately 4.2 million shares) in accordance with established repurchase plans, cash dividends of $75 million to shareholders, and $36 million of capital expenditures.

    Quarterly Dividend Declared

    As previously announced, subsequent to fiscal year-end, the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board of Directors”) declared a cash dividend of $0.37 per share of the Company’s common stock payable on April 25, 2025 to stockholders of record on April 11, 2025. SAIC intends to continue paying dividends on a quarterly basis, although the declaration of any future dividends will be determined by the Board of Directors each quarter and will depend on earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.

    Backlog and Contract Awards

    Net bookings for the quarter were approximately $1.3 billion, which reflects a book-to-bill ratio of approximately 0.7. Net bookings for the year were approximately $6.6 billion, which reflects a book-to-bill ratio of approximately 0.9.

    SAIC’s estimated backlog at the end of fiscal year 2025 was approximately $21.9 billion of which $3.4 billion was funded.

    SAIC was awarded the following contracts during the quarter:

    Notable New Awards:

    Department of Defense: During the quarter, SAIC was awarded the Defense Readiness Reporting System (“DRRS”) Sustainment task order under the recently awarded Personnel and Readiness Infrastructure Support Management (“PRISM”) Multiple Award Task Order Contract (“MATOC”) vehicle to support the Department of Defense (“DoD”) and its need to obtain critical services in a shorter time frame. The $187 million task order has a 3-year period of performance (one-year base, plus two, one-year options), tasking SAIC with modernizing DRRS to create a predictive, proactive readiness management tool for the DoD.

    Notable Recompete Awards:

    U.S. Space and Intelligence Community: During the quarter, SAIC was awarded approximately $480 million of contract awards by space and intelligence organizations. These awards represent a combination of new business and recompetes.

    Notable Awards Subsequent to Period End (not included in current quarter bookings):

    U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC): Subsequent to the end of the quarter, SAIC was awarded the System Software Lifecycle Engineering contract, a five-year (one year base, plus four, one-year option periods) $1.8 billion contract to continue mission engineering, integration, software development, and other life cycle support to CCDC-AvMC. Under the five-year award, SAIC will continue to develop and integrate advanced technologies throughout the software life cycle, including software development and maintenance.

    Fiscal Year 2026 Guidance

    The Company’s outlook for fiscal year 2026 is being provided. The table below summarizes fiscal year 2026 guidance and represents our views as of March 17, 2025. 

      CURRENT Fiscal Year PRIOR Fiscal Year
      2026 Guidance 2026 Targets
    Revenue $7.60B – $7.75B $7.55B – $7.75B
    Adjusted EBITDA(1) $715M – $735M ~$720M
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin %(1) 9.4% – 9.6% 9.3% – 9.5%
    Adjusted Diluted EPS(1) $9.10 – $9.30 $8.90 – $9.10
    Free Cash Flow(1) $510M – $530M $510M – $530M

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see Schedule 6 for information about this measure.

    Webcast Information

    SAIC management will discuss operations and financial results in an earnings conference call beginning at 10 a.m. Eastern time on March 17, 2025. The conference call will be webcast simultaneously to the public through a link on the Investor Relations section of the SAIC website (investors.saic.com). We will be providing webcast access only – “dial-in” access is no longer available. Additionally, a supplemental presentation will be available to the public through links to the Investor Relations section of the SAIC website. After the call concludes, an on-demand audio replay of the webcast can be accessed on the Investor Relations website.

    About SAIC

    SAIC is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

    We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.5 billion.​​​​ For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations: Joe DeNardi, joseph.w.denardi@saic.com 

    Media: Kara Ross, kara.g.ross@saic.com 

    GAAP to Non-GAAP Guidance Reconciliation

    The Company does not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking adjusted diluted EPS to GAAP diluted EPS or adjusted EBITDA margin to GAAP net income due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation. Because certain deductions for non-GAAP exclusions used to calculate net income may vary significantly based on actual events, the Company is not able to forecast GAAP diluted EPS or GAAP net income with reasonable certainty. The variability of the above charges may have an unpredictable and potentially significant impact on our future GAAP financial results.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this release contain or are based on “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “guidance,” and similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, among others, estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings, earnings per share, charges, total contract value, backlog, outstanding shares and cash flows, as well as statements about future dividends, share repurchases and other capital deployment plans. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from the guidance and other forward-looking statements made in this release as a result of various factors. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause or contribute to these material differences include those discussed in the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Legal Proceedings” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC, which may be viewed or obtained through the Investor Relations section of our website at saic.com or on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. SAIC expressly disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statement provided in this release to reflect subsequent events, actual results or changes in SAIC’s expectations. SAIC also disclaims any duty to comment upon or correct information that may be contained in reports published by investment analysts or others.

    Schedule 1:

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    CONDENSED AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      January 31,
    2025

        February 2,
    2024
        January 31,
    2025

        February 2,
    2024
     
      (in millions, except per share amounts)
    Revenues $       1,838     $ 1,737     $       7,479     $ 7,444  
    Cost of revenues           1,606       1,545               6,587       6,572  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses               94       114                 339       373  
    (Gain) loss on divestitures, net of transaction costs                —                          —       (240 )
    Other operating (income) expense                —       (1 )                (10 )     (2 )
    Operating income             138       79                 563       741  
    Interest expense, net               29       32                 126       120  
    Other (income) expense, net                 2       (1 )                   9       1  
    Income before income taxes             107       48                 428       620  
    Provision for income taxes                (9 )     (9 )                (66 )     (143 )
    Net income $           98     $ 39     $          362     $ 477  
                   
    Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:              
    Basic            48.6       52.0                50.1       53.1  
    Diluted            49.0       52.7                50.5       53.7  
    Earnings per share:              
    Basic $         2.02     $ 0.75     $         7.23     $ 8.98  
    Diluted $         2.00     $ 0.74     $         7.17     $ 8.88  

    Schedule 2:

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    CONDENSED AND CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
      January 31,
    2025

      February 2,
    2024
      (in millions)
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $              56   $ 94
    Receivables, net             1,000     914
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                 98     123
    Total current assets             1,154     1,131
    Goodwill             2,851     2,851
    Intangible assets, net                779     894
    Property, plant, and equipment, net                104     91
    Operating lease right of use assets                164     152
    Other assets                194     195
    Total assets $         5,246   $ 5,314
           
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $            744   $ 711
    Accrued payroll and employee benefits                339     370
    Debt, current portion                313     77
    Total current liabilities             1,396     1,158
    Debt, net of current portion             1,907     2,022
    Operating lease liabilities                173     147
    Deferred income taxes                 24     28
    Other long-term liabilities                169     174
    Equity:      
    Total stockholders’ equity             1,577     1,785
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $         5,246   $ 5,314

    Schedule 3:

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    CONDENSED AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      January 31,
    2025

        February 2,
    2024
        January 31,
    2025

        February 2,
    2024
     
      (in millions)
    Cash flows from operating activities:              
    Net income $            98     $ 39     $          362     $ 477  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization               36       36                  140       142  
    Deferred income taxes               12       16                    (3 )     (17 )
    Stock-based compensation expense               15       26                   53       68  
    Gain on divestitures                —                          —       (247 )
    Other                 2       (2 )                  (7 )     (6 )
    Increase (decrease) resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effect of the acquisitions and divestitures:              
    Receivables               22       96                  (86 )     (46 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                (7 )     (56 )                 24       (43 )
    Other assets                (9 )     (19 )                   1       (14 )
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities              (71 )     (128 )                 48       13  
    Accrued payroll and employee benefits               28       53                  (31 )     49  
    Operating lease assets and liabilities, net                 1       (1 )                  (6 )     (4 )
    Other long-term liabilities              (12 )     3                    (1 )     24  
    Net cash provided by operating activities   115       63                  494       396  
    Cash flows from investing activities:              
    Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment              (15 )     (11 )                (36 )     (27 )
    Purchases of marketable securities                (3 )     (2 )                (14 )     (8 )
    Sales of marketable securities                 2       1                   12       6  
    Proceeds from sale of equity method investments                —                         10        
    Proceeds from divestitures                —                          —       356  
    Cash divested upon deconsolidation of joint venture                —                          —       (8 )
    Other                (4 )     2                    (7 )     (5 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities              (20 )     (10 )                (35 )     314  
    Cash flows from financing activities:              
    Principal payments on borrowings            (325 )     (166 )           (1,381 )     (441 )
    Proceeds from borrowings              385                     1,499       160  
    Stock repurchased and retired or withheld for taxes on equity awards            (133 )     (89 )              (558 )     (382 )
    Dividend payments to stockholders              (18 )     (19 )                (75 )     (79 )
    Issuances of stock                 6       4                   20       17  
    Other                —                          (3 )      
    Net cash used in financing activities              (85 )     (270 )              (498 )     (725 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash               10       (217 )                (39 )     (15 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period               54       320                  103       118  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $            64     $ 103     $            64     $ 103  

    Schedule 4:

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      January 31,
    2025
        February 2,
    2024
        January 31,
    2025
        February 2,
    2024
     
      (in millions)
    Revenues              
    Defense and Intelligence $ 1,360     $ 1,352     $ 5,726     $ 5,817  
    Civilian   478       385       1,753       1,627  
    Total revenues $ 1,838     $ 1,737     $ 7,479     $ 7,444  
                   
    Operating income (loss)              
    Defense and Intelligence $ 96     $ 100     $ 440     $ 436  
    Civilian   63       19       168       158  
    Corporate   (21 )     (40 )     (45 )     147  
    Total operating income $ 138     $ 79     $ 563     $ 741  
                   
    Operating margin              
    Defense and Intelligence   7.1 %     7.4 %     7.7 %     7.5 %
    Civilian   13.2 %     4.9 %     9.6 %     9.7 %
    Total operating margin   7.5 %     4.5 %     7.5 %     10.0 %
                   
    Adjusted operating income (loss)(1)              
    Defense and Intelligence $ 113     $ 117     $ 509     $ 504  
    Civilian   75       31       216       206  
    Corporate   (12 )     (24 )     (20 )     (51 )
    Total adjusted operating income(1) $ 176     $ 124     $ 705     $ 659  
                   
    Adjusted operating margin(1)              
    Defense and Intelligence   8.3 %     8.7 %     8.9 %     8.7 %
    Civilian   15.7 %     8.1 %     12.3 %     12.7 %
    Total adjusted operating margin(1)   9.6 %     7.1 %     9.4 %     8.9 %


    Defense and Intelligence Results

    Revenues in the fourth quarter increased $8 million or 0.6% compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to ramp up in volume on existing and new contracts, partially offset by contract completions.

    Revenues in the fiscal year decreased $91 million or 2% compared to the prior year primarily due to the sale of the Supply Chain Business ($188 million) in the prior year, and contract completions. This was partially offset by ramp up in volume on existing and new contracts. Adjusting for the impact of the divestiture, revenues grew 1.7%.

    Operating income and adjusted operating income(1) as a percentage of revenues in the fourth quarter decreased compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to timing and volume mix.

    Operating income and adjusted operating income(1) as a percentage of revenues in the fiscal year increased from the prior year primarily due to ramp up in volume on existing and new contracts, and the resolution of the AAV contract termination, partially offset by contract completions and the gain on sale of the Supply Chain Business in the prior year.

    Civilian Results

    Revenues in the fourth quarter increased $93 million or 24% compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to ramp up in volume on existing contracts, partially offset by contract completions.

    Revenues in the fiscal year increased $126 million or 8% compared to the prior year primarily due to ramp up in volume on existing and new contracts, partially offset by contract completions.

    Operating income and adjusted operating income(1) as a percentage of revenues in the fourth quarter increased compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to improved profitability across our contract portfolio.

    Operating income and adjusted operating income(1) as a percentage of revenues in the fiscal year decreased compared to the prior year primarily due to timing and volume mix.

    Corporate Results

    Operating loss and adjusted operating loss(1) in the fourth quarter decreased $19 million and $12 million, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to lower incentive-based compensation expense, including acceleration of stock-based compensation related to the reorganization and executive transition in the prior year.

    Operating loss in the fiscal year increased $192 million compared to the prior year primarily due to gain on the sale of the Supply Chain Business in the prior year ($233 million) and the gain recognized from the deconsolidation of FSA ($7 million) in the prior year, partially offset by lower incentive-based compensation expense, and lower stock-based compensation related to the restructuring and executive transition.

    Adjusted operating loss(1) in the fiscal year decreased $31 million compared to the prior year primarily due to lower incentive-based compensation expense, and lower stock-based compensation related to the restructuring and executive transition.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see Schedule 6 for information about this measure.

    Schedule 5:

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    BACKLOG
    (Unaudited)
     
    The estimated value of our total backlog as of the dates presented was:
     
      January 31, 2025   February 2, 2024
      Defense and
    Intelligence
    Civilian Total SAIC   Defense and
    Intelligence
    Civilian Total SAIC
      (in millions)
    Funded backlog $ 2,599 $          845 $ 3,444   $ 2,707 $ 832 $ 3,539
    Negotiated unfunded backlog   15,341           3,072   18,413     16,316   2,908   19,224
    Total backlog $ 17,940 $       3,917 $ 21,857   $ 19,023 $ 3,740 $ 22,763


    Backlog represents the estimated amount of future revenues to be recognized under negotiated contracts and task orders as work is performed and excludes contract awards which have been protested by competitors until the protest is resolved in our favor. SAIC segregates backlog into two categories, funded backlog and negotiated unfunded backlog. Funded backlog for contracts with government agencies primarily represents contracts for which funding is appropriated less revenues previously recognized on these contracts, and does not include the unfunded portion of contracts where funding is incrementally appropriated or authorized by the U.S. government and other customers even though the contract may call for performance over a number of years. Funded backlog for contracts with non-government agencies represents the estimated value of contracts which may cover multiple future years under which SAIC is obligated to perform, less revenues previously recognized on these contracts. Negotiated unfunded backlog represents the estimated future revenues to be earned from negotiated contracts for which funding has not been appropriated or authorized, and unexercised priced contract options. Negotiated unfunded backlog does not include any estimate of future potential task orders expected to be awarded under indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ), U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) schedules or other master agreement contract vehicles, with the exception of certain IDIQ contracts where task orders are not competitively awarded and separately priced but instead are used as a funding mechanism, and where there is a basis for estimating future revenues and funding on future anticipated task orders.

    Schedule 6:

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (Unaudited)

    This schedule describes the non-GAAP financial measures included in this earnings release. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures may be useful in evaluating our financial information, they should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations, definitions, and how we believe these measures are useful to management and investors are provided below. Other companies may define similar measures differently.

    EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      January 31,
    2025

        February 2,
    2024
        January 31,
    2025

        February 2,
    2024
     
      (in millions)
    Revenues $ 1,838     $ 1,737     $ 7,479     $ 7,444  
    Net income   98       39       362       477  
    Interest expense, net and loss on sale of receivables   32       34       140       129  
    Provision for income taxes   9       9       66       143  
    Depreciation and amortization   36       36       140       142  
    EBITDA(1) $ 175     $ 118     $ 708     $ 891  
    EBITDA as a percentage of revenues   9.5 %     6.8 %     9.5 %     12.0 %
    Acquisition and integration costs               (2 )     1  
    Restructuring and impairment costs   4       15       8       23  
    Depreciation included in restructuring and impairment costs   (1 )     (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
    Recovery of acquisition and integration costs and restructuring and impairment costs   (1 )     (5 )     (3 )     (6 )
    Gain on divestitures, net of transaction costs                     (240 )
    Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 177     $ 127     $ 710     $ 668  
    Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues   9.6 %     7.3 %     9.5 %     9.0 %


    EBITDA is a performance measure that is calculated by taking net income and excluding interest and loss on sale of receivables, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure that excludes the impact
    of non-recurring transactions that we do not consider to be indicative of our ongoing operating performance. The acquisition and integration costs relate to the Company’s acquisitions. The restructuring and impairment costs represent the reorganization and facilities optimization costs or impairments of long-lived assets, along with associated depreciation included in those restructuring and impairment costs. The recovery of acquisition and integration costs and restructuring and impairment costs relate to costs recovered through the Company’s indirect rates in accordance with Cost Accounting Standards. The (gain) loss on divestitures includes gains associated with the deconsolidation of FSA and the sale of the logistics and supply chain management business, net of transaction costs. We believe that these performance measures provide management and investors with useful information in assessing trends in our ongoing operating performance and may provide greater visibility in understanding the long-term financial performance of the Company.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see above for definition.

    Schedule 6 (continued):

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (Unaudited)

    Adjusted Operating Income

      Three Months Ended January 31, 2025
      GAAP
    results

        Restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
      Depreciation
    included in
    restructuring and
    impairment costs
        Recovery of
    acquisition and
    integration costs
    and restructuring
    and impairment
    costs
        Depreciation of
    property, plant,
    and equipment
      Amortization
    of intangible
    assets
      Non-GAAP
    results(1)

        Non-GAAP
    operating
    margin(1)
     
      (in millions)
    Defense and Intelligence $          96     $   $     $     $ 1   $ 16   $ 113     8.3 %
    Civilian             63                           12               75     15.7 %
    Corporate            (21 )     4     (1 )     (1 )     7                  (12 )   NM
    Total $        138     $            4   $             (1 )   $               (1 )   $              8   $          28   $        176     9.6 %
      Three Months Ended February 2, 2024
      GAAP
    results

        Restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
      Depreciation
    included in
    restructuring and
    impairment
    costs
        Recovery of
    acquisition and
    integration costs
    and restructuring
    and impairment
    costs
        Depreciation of
    property, plant,
    and equipment
      Amortization
    of intangible
    assets
      Non-GAAP
    results(1)

        Non-GAAP
    operating
    margin(1)
     
      (in millions)
    Defense and Intelligence $        100     $   $     $     $   $ 17   $ 117     8.7 %
    Civilian             19                           12               31     8.1 %
    Corporate            (40 )     15     (1 )     (5 )     7                  (24 )   NM
    Total $          79     $          15   $              (1 )   $              (5 )   $              7   $          29   $        124     7.1 %


    Adjusted operating income is a performance measure that primarily excludes the impact of non-recurring transactions that we do not consider to be indicative of our ongoing operating performance. The acquisition and integration costs relate to the Company’s acquisitions. The restructuring and impairment costs represent the reorganization and facilities optimization costs or impairments of long-lived assets, along with associated depreciation included in those restructuring and impairment costs. The recovery of acquisition and integration costs and restructuring and impairment costs relate to costs recovered through the Company’s indirect rates in accordance with Cost Accounting Standards. Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment relates to property, plant, and equipment specifically identifiable for each segment. Adjusted operating income also excludes amortization of intangible assets because we do not have a history of significant acquisition activity, we do not acquire businesses on a predictable cycle, and the amount of an acquisition’s purchase price allocated to intangible assets and the related amortization term are unique to each acquisition. We believe that these performance measures provide management and investors with useful information in assessing trends in our ongoing operating performance and may provide greater visibility in understanding the long-term financial performance of the Company.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see above for definition.

    Schedule 6 (continued):

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (Unaudited)

    Adjusted Operating Income

      Year Ended January 31, 2025
      GAAP
    results

        Acquisition
    and
    integration
    costs
        Restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
      Depreciation
    included in
    restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
        Recovery of
    acquisition and
    integration
    costs and
    restructuring
    and impairment
    costs
        Depreciation of
    property, plant,
    and equipment
      Amortization
    of intangible
    assets
      Non-GAAP
    results(1)

        Non-GAAP
    operating
    margin(1)
     
      (in millions)
    Defense and Intelligence $     440     $          —     $          —   $         —     $              —     $             2   $          67   $        509     8.9 %
    Civilian         168                  —                 —               —                      —                   —                48             216     12.3 %
    Corporate         (45 )                (2 )                 8               (1 )                    (3 )                 23                —              (20 )   NM
    Total $     563     $          (2 )   $           8   $         (1 )   $              (3 )   $           25   $        115    $        705     9.4 %
      Year Ended February 2, 2024
      GAAP
    results
      Acquisition
    and
    integration
    costs
      Restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
      Depreciation
    included in
    restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
      Recovery of
    acquisition and
    integration
    costs and
    restructuring
    and impairment
    costs
      Depreciation of
    property, plant,
    and equipment
      Amortization
    of intangible
    assets
      Gain on
    divestitures,
    net of
    transaction
    costs
      Non-GAAP
    results(1)
      Non-GAAP
    operating
    margin(1)
      (in millions)
    Defense and Intelligence $   436   $       —   $          —   $         —     $            —     $          1   $        67   $          —     $    504     8.7 %
    Civilian       158             —               —               —                    —                 —              48               —            206     12.7 %
    Corporate       147              1               23               (1 )                  (6 )              25              —            (240 )          (51 )   NM
    Total $   741   $         1   $         23   $         (1 )   $            (6 )   $        26   $      115    $      (240 )   $    659     8.9 %


    Adjusted operating income is a performance measure that primarily excludes the impact of non-recurring transactions that we do not consider to be indicative of our ongoing operating performance. The acquisition and integration costs relate to the Company’s acquisitions. The restructuring and impairment costs represent the reorganization and facilities optimization costs or impairments of long-lived assets, along with associated depreciation included in those restructuring and impairment costs. The recovery of acquisition and integration costs and restructuring and impairment costs relate to costs recovered through the Company’s indirect rates in accordance with Cost Accounting Standards. Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment relates to property, plant, and equipment specifically identifiable for each segment. Adjusted operating income also excludes amortization of intangible assets because we do not have a history of significant acquisition activity, we do not acquire businesses on a predictable cycle, and the amount of an acquisition’s purchase price allocated to intangible assets and the related amortization term are unique to each acquisition. The (gain) loss on divestitures includes gains associated with the deconsolidation of FSA and the sale of the logistics and supply chain management business, net of transaction costs. We believe that these performance measures provide management and investors with useful information in assessing trends in our ongoing operating performance and may provide greater visibility in understanding the long-term financial performance of the Company.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see above for definition.

    Schedule 6 (continued):

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (Unaudited)

    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

      Three Months Ended January 31, 2025
      As Reported
        Restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
        Recovery of
    acquisition and
    integration costs
    and restructuring
    and impairment
    costs
        Amortization of
    intangible
    assets
        Non-GAAP
    results(1)

     
      (in millions, except per share amounts)
    Income before income taxes $                107     $ 4     $ (1 )   $ 28     $                138  
    Income tax expense                       (9 )     (1 )           (2 )                       (12 )
    Net income $                  98     $ 3     $ (1 )   $ 26     $                126  
                       
    Diluted EPS $               2.00     $ 0.06     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.53     $               2.57  
      Three Months Ended February 2, 2024
      As Reported
        Restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
        Recovery of
    acquisition and
    integration costs
    and restructuring
    and impairment
    costs
        Amortization of
    intangible
    assets
        Gain on
    divestitures,
    net of transaction
    costs
      Non-GAAP
    results(1)

     
      (in millions, except per share amounts)
    Income before income taxes $                  48     $ 15     $ (5 )   $ 29     $   $                  87  
    Income tax expense                       (9 )     (1 )     1       (5 )     2                       (12 )
    Net Income $                  39     $ 14     $ (4 )   $ 24     $ 2   $                  75  
                           
    Diluted EPS $               0.74     $ 0.27     $ (0.08 )   $ 0.46     $ 0.04   $               1.43  


    Adjusted diluted earnings per share is a performance measure that excludes the impact of non-recurring transactions that we do not consider to be indicative of our ongoing operating performance. The acquisition and integration costs relate to the Comp
    any’s acquisitions. The restructuring and impairment costs represent the reorganization and facilities optimization costs or impairments of long-lived assets. The recovery of acquisition and integration costs and restructuring and impairment costs relate to costs recovered through the Company’s indirect rates in accordance with Cost Accounting Standards. Adjusted diluted earnings per share also excludes amortization of intangible assets because we do not have a history of significant acquisition activity, we do not acquire businesses on a predictable cycle, and the amount of an acquisition’s purchase price allocated to intangible assets and the related amortization term are unique to each acquisition. The (gain) loss on divestitures includes gains associated with the sale of the logistics and supply chain management business, net of transaction costs. We believe that this performance measure provides management and investors with useful information in assessing trends in our ongoing operating performance and may provide greater visibility in understanding the long-term financial performance of the Company.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see above for definition.

    Schedule 6 (continued):

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (Unaudited)

    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

      Year Ended January 31, 2025
      As Reported
        Acquisition
    and
    integration
    costs
        Restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
        Recovery of
    acquisition and
    integration costs
    and restructuring
    and impairment
    costs
        Amortization of
    intangible
    assets
        Non-GAAP
    results(1)

     
      (in millions, except per share amounts)
    Income before income taxes $              428     $ (2 )   $ 8     $ (3 )   $ 115     $              546  
    Income tax expense                  (66 )           (1 )           (18 )                    (85 )
    Net income $              362     $ (2 )   $ 7     $ (3 )   $ 97     $              461  
                           
    Diluted EPS $            7.17     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.14     $ (0.06 )   $ 1.92     $            9.13  
      Year Ended February 2, 2024
      As
    Reported

        Acquisition
    and
    integration
    costs
      Restructuring
    and
    impairment
    costs
        Recovery of
    acquisition and
    integration costs
    and restructuring
    and impairment
    costs
        Amortization of
    intangible
    assets
        Gain on
    divestitures,
    net of
    transaction costs
        Non-GAAP
    results(1)

     
      (in millions, except per share amounts)
    Income before income taxes $          620     $ 1   $ 23     $ (6 )   $ 115     $ (240 )   $            513  
    Income tax expense            (143 )         (2 )     1       (21 )     75                    (90 )
    Net Income $          477     $ 1   $ 21     $ (5 )   $ 94     $ (165 )   $            423  
                               
    Diluted EPS $        8.88     $ 0.02   $ 0.39     $ (0.09 )   $ 1.75     $ (3.07 )   $          7.88  


    Adjusted diluted earnings per share is a performance measure that excludes the impact of non-recurring transactions that we do not consider to be indicative of our ongoing o
    perating performance. The acquisition and integration costs relate to the Company’s acquisitions. The restructuring and impairment costs represent the reorganization and facilities optimization costs or impairments of long-lived assets. The recovery of acquisition and integration costs and restructuring and impairment costs relate to costs recovered through the Company’s indirect rates in accordance with Cost Accounting Standards. Adjusted diluted earnings per share also excludes amortization of intangible assets because we do not have a history of significant acquisition activity, we do not acquire businesses on a predictable cycle, and the amount of an acquisition’s purchase price allocated to intangible assets and the related amortization term are unique to each acquisition. The (gain) loss on divestitures includes gains associated with the deconsolidation of FSA and the sale of the logistics and supply chain management business, net of transaction costs. We believe that this performance measure provides management and investors with useful information in assessing trends in our ongoing operating performance and may provide greater visibility in understanding the long-term financial performance of the Company.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure, see above for definition.

    Schedule 6 (continued):

    SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (Unaudited)

    Free Cash Flow

      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      January 31,
    2025

        February 2,
    2024
        January 31,
    2025

        February 2,
    2024
     
      (in millions)
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 115     $ 63     $          494     $ 396  
    Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment              (15 )     (11 )                (36 )     (27 )
    Cash used (provided) by MARPA Facility              136       45                   41       45  
    Free cash flow(1) $          236     $ 97     $          499     $ 414  
    L&SCM divestiture transaction fees                —                          —       7  
    L&SCM divestiture cash taxes                —       18                    —       74  
    L&SCM divestiture transition services                —       4                     8       (9 )
    Transaction-adjusted free cash flow(1) $          236     $ 119     $          507     $ 486  
      FY26 Guidance
      (in millions)
    Net cash provided by operating activities $545M to $565M
    Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment Approximately $35M
    Free cash flow(1) $510M to $530M


    Free cash flow is calculated by taking cash flows provided by operating activities less expenditures for property, plant, and equipment and less cash flows from our Master Accounts Receivable Purchasing Agreement (MARPA Facility) for the sale of certain designated eligible U.S. government receivables. Under the MARPA Facility, the Company can sell eligible receivables up to a maximum amount of $300 million. Transaction-adjusted free cash flow excludes cash taxes, transaction fees, and other costs related to the divestiture of the logistics and supply chain management business from free cash flow as previously defined. We believe that free cash flow and transaction-adjusted free cash flow provides management and investors with useful information in assessing trends in our cash flows and in comparing them to other peer companies, many of whom present similar non-GAAP liquidity measures. These measures should not be considered as a measure of residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes.

    (1)Non-GAAP measure, see above for definition.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Sprott Physical Copper Trust Announces Filing to List on NYSE Arca

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sprott Asset Management LP (“Sprott Asset Management”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sprott Inc. (“Sprott”) (NYSE/TSX: SII), on behalf of the Sprott Physical Copper Trust (TSX: COP.UN) (TSX: COP.U) (the “Trust” or “COP”), a closed-ended trust created to invest and hold substantially all of its assets in physical copper metal, today announced that NYSE Arca has filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to list and trade COP’s trust units (the “Units)” on NYSE Arca (the “NYSE Application”) in order to permit a dual-listing of the Units on both the TSX and NYSE Arca.

    “We believe a U.S. listing of Sprott Physical Copper Trust Units would provide U.S. investors with easier access to the only exchange listed physical copper fund. Copper is a critical material essential to meet growing demand for electricity generation, distribution and storage,” said John Ciampaglia, CEO of Sprott Asset Management.

    The NYSE Application has not been approved by the SEC. Any listing of the Units on NYSE Arca will be subject to the SEC’s approval of the NYSE Application and the effectiveness of a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in respect of the listing. Sprott cannot provide any assurance that it will be successful in achieving a listing of the Units on the NYSE Arca.

    About Sprott
    Sprott Asset Management is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sprott and is the investment manager to the Trust. Sprott is a global leader in precious metals and critical materials investments. At Sprott, we are specialists. We believe our in-depth knowledge, experience and relationships separate us from the generalists. Our investment strategies include Exchange Listed Products, Managed Equities and Private Strategies. Sprott has offices in Toronto, New York, Connecticut and California and Sprott’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “SII”. For more information, please visit www.sprott.com.

    About the Trust
    Important information about the Trust, including the investment objectives and strategies, applicable management fees, and expenses, is contained in the prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units of the Trust on a stock exchange. If the units are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units or shares of the Trusts and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward looking statements”). Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the listing of the Units on NYSE Arca and the ability of such listing to increase investors’ access to investment opportunities in the copper market, as well as statements relating to trends in the copper market, including growing energy demand, electrification and adoption of new copper-intensive technologies. With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Trust has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: regulatory approvals in respect of the NYSE Application and the subsequent U.S. listing of the Units, as well as dynamics in the copper market. While the Trust considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Trust’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A discussion of risks and uncertainties facing the Trust appears in the Trust’s prospectus supplement dated July 8, 2024 and related short form base shelf prospectus dated July 3, 2024, as updated by the Trust’s continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Trust disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    Contact:
    Glen Williams
    Managing Partner
    Investor and Institutional Client Relations
    Direct: 416-943-4394
    gwilliams@sprott.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Descartes Study: 39% of High-growth Companies Leverage Trade Compliance as Competitive Advantage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA and LONDON, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, released findings from its study Top Three Traits of Companies with a Successful Approach to Trade Compliance. The study showed that 39% of fast-growing companies (those expecting greater than 15% growth over the next two years) consider trade compliance to be a competitive advantage and not only a regulatory requirement, compared to 22% of slower-growing companies (those with less than 5% growth expectations).

    Furthermore, 57% of companies surveyed believe technology is also very or extremely important for competitive advantage in trade compliance strategies (see Figure 1). This view is even more pronounced in growth businesses versus non-growth companies: 72%, or almost three quarters, of fast-growing companies believe technology is a valuable competitive differentiator, compared to just 41% of businesses predicting shrinking, limited, or no growth.

    Figure 1: Importance of technology for competitive advantage in trade compliance strategies

    Source: Descartes/SAPIO

    The study also revealed that 86% of fast-growing companies indicated technology is fundamental or highly important to growth strategies. Underscoring a strong link between technology, business expansion and trade compliance, 47% of fast-growing companies confirm investing in technology is the top approach to tackling international trade challenges—compared to just 18% of those expecting shrinking, limited, or no growth.

    In addition to gaining competitive advantage by leveraging trade compliance and investing in technology, higher-growth companies are focused on building a well-resourced compliance team. The study found that companies with greater than 15% expected growth in the next two years allocate an average of eight people to trade compliance activities, compared to six people in companies anticipating shrinking, limited, or no growth.

    “Given the volatility of the current trade landscape, rife with evolving tariffs, trade barriers, sanctions and regulations, effective and efficient global trade compliance is a distinct competitive differentiator,” said Jackson Wood, Director, Industry Strategy at Descartes. “Companies that invest in building their compliance teams view compliance as a strategic advantage. They leverage leading technologies to turn compliance into an engine for growth while creating more resilient supply chain operations.”

    Descartes and SAPIO Research surveyed 887 corporate decision makers in international trade compliance and/or supply chain intelligence across Argentina, Benelux, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, UK and USA. The goal was to understand the strategies, tactics and technologies used by companies involved in international trade to help gain a competitive advantage and ensure continued business growth, and to identify if these varied by factors such as country, industry, company size and business growth. Respondents are members of company leadership teams, from management level to Chief Executive Officer or Owner. To learn more, read the study Top Three Traits of Companies with a Successful Approach to Trade Compliance.

    Learn more about Descartes’ global trade intelligence solutions.

    About Descartes

    Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    Global Media Contact
    Cara Strohack                                                                     
    cstrohack@descartes.com  

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relate to Descartes’ global trade intelligence solution offerings and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada including Descartes’ most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2458abe4-87e5-4a31-8a58-b127eacde619

    The MIL Network