Category: Business

MIL-OSI Global: ‘For You’: What to know about news on TikTok

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Anne Oeldorf-Hirsch, Associate Professor of Communication Technology, University of Connecticut

People work inside the TikTok building in Culver City, Calif., in March 2024. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

Last time you scrolled the “For You” page on TikTok, did you get a video about current events? Politics? Breaking news?

If you’re one of the 63% of teens or 33% of adults in the U.S. who uses TikTok, you probably have. But where did it come from? Who created it? And should you believe what it told you?

As a communication researcher who has studied news content on social media for over a decade, I can share three crucial things to know about news you get on TikTok: What videos count as news, how they got to you, and what you should do when you see them.

These are three of what media researchers know as the “5 C’s” of news literacy: content, circulation and consumption. While they can be applied to any kind of news use, they are especially important for TikTok, where anyone can create content, and the algorithm decides what we see.

First C: Content

TikTok is full of user-generated content – content that is created by other users on the app rather than official news organizations – so it’s important to think about what is in your feed. This means knowing what is actually news and what is something else, like opinion or advertising.

Any user can post their opinion, whether or not it’s backed up by any proof. TikTok has some rules about what cannot be posted, such as content that is considered inappropriate for minors or harmful content like harassment or hate speech. Still, anyone can post their own ideas about anything, including current events. This means that just because a video is on the app doesn’t make it true.

TikTok has become a major player in advertising, with ad revenues in the U.S. alone expected to reach over US$13 billion in 2026. TikTok does its best to make videos that have been boosted with paid advertising look like any other content. You may have seen videos that seem like “real” content – uncompensated thoughts from an individual user – only to discover that they’re part of a paid brand partnership.

However, the platform does have rules about ads and gives some clues for identifying paid posts. Look for a “sponsored” or “ad” label near the video’s caption or username. Another thing to look for is what’s called a “call-to-action” in the caption, like “tap the link to learn more!”

TikTok doesn’t have specific rules for sharing news, and it doesn’t separate news from other categories of information, like opinion, comedy or video blogs. Journalists at reputable news outlets, on the other hand, must follow certain standards.

For one, journalists will vet and cite their sources. That means they will share who they interviewed or what expert gave them their information, and that they’ve done research to make sure it’s a trustworthy source in the first place. They and their publication’s editors will also verify or fact-check content to make sure it’s true. So a video that shares news content should state where the information is from and link to that source.

Second C: Circulation

If you didn’t search for a TikTok video, it probably found you. By now, regular social media users know that TikTok has an algorithm that decides what content to show them. Algorithms are equations that learn what you like and decide how to recommend more of the same content to you.

On TikTok, you can click on “Share” and then “Why this video” to learn more about why a video was recommended for you. Usually, it’s because you’ve watched, liked or commented on similar content, searched for related topics or followed similar accounts. Recommendations also include videos that were posted recently near you and topics that are popular where you live.

The most important thing to remember is that each TikTok user is getting their own customized feed of content based on their behavior. Unlike in the past, when more of our news came from mainstream media – such as reading the same city newspaper or watching the same local news – now we may not know what news someone else is getting. If you see a lot of content about the same topic, that’s likely because of the algorithm customizing your feed, not necessarily because it’s the most important topic in the news.

A little skepticism pays off.
Philippe TURPIN/Photononstop via Getty Images

Third C: Consumption

You probably know about “fake news” – what researchers usually call misinformation – and that there is a lot of it online. Social media apps know it too, and have tried different ways to keep it from spreading, like using fact-checkers to flag problematic content.

However, my team’s own research shows that these fact-checking programs may not be very successful. Some apps, like Facebook and Instagram, are even stopping fact-checking programs altogether. While TikTok doesn’t allow disinformation campaigns that are intended to deceive people, the app doesn’t prohibit people from sharing information that is simply inaccurate.

That means, beyond the clues you already read about above, you will need to develop your own skills in judging what’s real on TikTok.

First, think about your own opinions and biases. We all have them! Even news organizations can have biases, meaning some of them tend to report news from a certain political viewpoint.

The more you engage with content you already agree with, the more you will get of it, and the stronger your opinions can become about it. Instead, think about what other viewpoints exist and search for content from their side. One way to do this is to seek out content from reputable news organizations across the political spectrum.

Second, pay attention to where you get information. Is all your news coming from social media? Research shows that Americans who rely on social media as their main source of news are less knowledgeable than those who get news from almost any other news source. In a 2020 study, they couldn’t answer as many questions about current events like Donald Trump’s impeachment and the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, and were more likely to come across conspiracy theories. Pick a news website or two and sign up for their alerts instead.

Finally, continue to evaluate the content on your “For You” page. You don’t need to stop using TikTok, but do keep looking for those clues about whether information is credible: Who is it from? Is it a journalist, a news organization? Or maybe it was a news influencer, someone who has a large following on social media for sharing current events but who is not necessarily a journalist. Do they cite and link to sources?

If you can’t find this information, you should search about the topic online. If you don’t find any reputable news organizations reporting on it, you may want to think again about trusting it and sharing it.

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

– ref. ‘For You’: What to know about news on TikTok – https://theconversation.com/for-you-what-to-know-about-news-on-tiktok-247975

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How to find climate data and science the Trump administration doesn’t want you to see

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Eric Nost, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Guelph

Government scientists at NOAA collect and provide crucial public information about coastal conditions that businesses, individuals and other scientists rely on. NOAA’s National Ocean Service

Information on the internet might seem like it’s there forever, but it’s only as permanent as people choose to make it.

That’s apparent as the second Trump administration “floods the zone” with efforts to dismantle science agencies and the data and websites they use to communicate with the public. The targets range from public health and demographics to climate science.

We are a research librarian and policy scholar who belong to a network called the Public Environmental Data Partners, a coalition of nonprofits, archivists and researchers who rely on federal data in our analysis, advocacy and litigation and are working to ensure that data remains available to the public.

In just the first three weeks of Trump’s term, we saw agencies remove access to at least a dozen climate and environmental justice analysis tools. The new administration also scrubbed the phrase “climate change” from government websites, as well as terms like “resilience.”

Here’s why and how Public Environmental Data Partners and others are making sure that the climate science the public depends on is available forever:

Why government websites and data matter

The internet and the availability of data are necessary for innovation, research and daily life.

Climate scientists analyze NASA satellite observations and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather records to understand changes underway in the Earth system, what’s causing them and how to protect the climates that economies were built on. Other researchers use these sources alongside Census Bureau data to understand who is most affected by climate change. And every day, people around the world log onto the Environmental Protection Agency’s website to learn how to protect themselves from hazards — and to find out what the government is or isn’t doing to help.

If the data and tools used to understand complex data are abruptly taken off the internet, the work of scientists, civil society organizations and government officials themselves can grind to a halt. The generation of scientific data and analysis by government scientists is also crucial. Many state governments run environmental protection and public health programs that depend on science and data collected by federal agencies.

Removing information from government websites also makes it harder for the public to effectively participate in key processes of democracy, including changes to regulations. When an agency proposes to repeal a rule, for example, it is required to solicit comments from the public, who often depend on government websites to find information relevant to the rule.

And when web resources are altered or taken offline, it breeds mistrust in both government and science. Government agencies have collected climate data, conducted complex analyses, provided funding and hosted data in a publicly accessible manner for years. People around the word understand climate change in large part because of U.S. federal data. Removing it deprives everyone of important information about their world.

Bye-bye data?

The first Trump administration removed discussions of climate change and climate policies widely across government websites. However, in our research with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative over those first four years, we didn’t find evidence that datasets had been permanently deleted.

The second Trump administration seems different, with more rapid and pervasive removal of information.

In response, groups involved in Public Environmental Data Partners have been archiving climate datasets our community has prioritized, uploading copies to public repositories and cataloging where and how to find them if they go missing from government websites.

Most federal agencies decreased their use of the phrase ‘climate change’ on websites during the first Trump administration, 2017-2020.
Eric Nost, et al., 2021, CC BY

As of Feb. 13, 2025, we hadn’t seen the destruction of climate science records. Many of these data collection programs, such as those at NOAA or EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, are required by Congress. However, the administration had limited or eliminated access to a lot of data.

Maintaining tools for understanding climate change

We’ve seen a targeted effort to systematically remove tools like dashboards that summarize and visualize the social dimensions of climate change. For instance, the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool mapped low-income and other marginalized communities that are expected to experience severe climate changes, such as crop losses and wildfires. The mapping tool was taken offline shortly after Trump’s first set of executive orders.

Most of the original data behind the mapping tool, like the wildfire risk predictions, is still available, but is now harder to find and access. But because the mapping tool was developed as an open-source project, we were able to recreate it.

Preserving websites for the future

In some cases, entire webpages are offline. For instance, the page for the 25-year-old Climate Change Center at the Department of Transportation doesn’t exist anymore. The link just sends visitors back to the department’s homepage.

Other pages have limited access. For instance, EPA hasn’t yet removed its climate change pages, but it has removed “climate change” from its navigation menu, making it harder to find those pages.

During Donald Trump’s first week back in office, the Department of Transportation removed its Climate Change Center webpage.
Internet Archive Wayback Machine

Fortunately, our partners at the End of Term Web Archive have captured snapshots of millions of government webpages and made them accessible through the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine. The group has done this after each administration since 2008.

If you’re looking at a webpage and you think it should include a discussion of climate change, use the “changes” tool“ in the Wayback Machine to check if the language has been altered over time, or navigate to the site’s snapshots of the page before Trump’s inauguration.

What you can do

You can also find archived climate and environmental justice datasets and tools on the Public Environmental Data Partners website. Other groups are archiving datasets linked in the Data.gov data portal and making them findable in other locations.

Individual researchers are also uploading datasets in searchable repositories like OSF, run by the Center for Open Science.

If you are worried that certain data currently still available might disappear, consult this checklist from MIT Libraries. It provides steps for how you can help safeguard federal data.

Narrowing the knowledge sphere

What’s unclear is how far the administration will push its attempts to remove, block or hide climate data and science, and how successful it will be.

Already, a federal district court judge has ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s removal of access to public health resources that doctors rely on was harmful and arbitrary. These were put back online thanks to that ruling.

We worry that more data and information removals will narrow public understanding of climate change, leaving people, communities and economies unprepared and at greater risk. While data archiving efforts can stem the tide of removals to some extent, there is no replacement for the government research infrastructures that produce and share climate data.

Eric Nost is affiliated with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative and the Public Environmental Data Partners, which have received funding for some of the work reviewed in this piece from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Sustainable Cities Fund, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Alejandro Paz is affiliated with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative.

– ref. How to find climate data and science the Trump administration doesn’t want you to see – https://theconversation.com/how-to-find-climate-data-and-science-the-trump-administration-doesnt-want-you-to-see-249321

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Parents can soon use QR codes to reveal heavy metal content in baby food

Source: The Conversation – USA – By C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut

It’s impossible to eliminate heavy metals from baby food entirely, but testing can help consumers make informed decisions. Jeff Greenberg via Getty Images

Parents across the U.S. should soon be able to determine how much lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury are in the food they feed their babies, thanks to a California law, the first of its kind, that took effect this year.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, every company that sells baby food products in California is required to test for these four heavy metals every month. That comes five years after a congressional report warned about the presence of dangerously high levels of lead and other heavy metals in baby food.

Every baby food product packaged in jars, pouches, tubs and boxes sold in California must carry a QR code on its label that consumers can scan to check the most recent heavy metal readings, although many are not yet complying.

Because companies seldom package products for a single state, parents and caregivers across the country will be able to scan these QR codes or go online to the companies’ websites and see the results.

I am a pharmacist researcher who has studied heavy metals in mineral supplements, dietary supplements and baby food for several years. My research highlights how prevalent these toxic agents are in everyday products such as baby food. I believe the new California law offers a solid first step in giving people the ability to limit the intake of these substances.

How do heavy metals get into foods?

Soil naturally contains heavy metals. The earth formed as a hot molten mass. As it cooled, heavier elements settled into its center regions, called the mantle and core. Volcanic eruptions in certain areas have brought these heavy metals to the surface over time. The volcanic rock erodes to form heavy metal-laden soil, contaminating nearby water supplies.

Another major source of soil contamination is the exhaust from fossil fuels, and in particular leaded gasoline. Some synthetic fertilizers contribute, too.

Heavy metals in the soil can pass into foods via several routes. Plants that yield foods such as sweet potatoes and carrots, apples, cinnamon, rice and plant-based protein powder are especially good at extracting them from contaminated soil.

Sometimes the contamination happens after harvesting. For example, local water that contains heavy metals is often used to rinse debris and bugs off natural products, such as leaves used to make a widely used supplement called kratom. When the water evaporates, the heavy metals are retained on the surface. Sometimes drying products in the open air, such as cacao beans for dark chocolate, allows dust laden with heavy metals to stick to their surface.

Producers can reduce heavy metal contamination in food in several ways, which range from modestly to very effectively. First, they can reserve more contaminated areas for growing crops that are less prone to taking in heavy metals from the soil, such as peppers, beans, squash, melons and cucumbers, and conversely grow more susceptible crops in less-contaminated areas. They can also dry plants on uncontaminated soil and filter heavy metals out of water before washing produce.

Producers are starting to use genetic engineering and crossbreeding to create susceptible plants that take up fewer heavy metals through their roots, but this approach is still in its early stages.

Sweet potatoes and other root vegetables are especially susceptible to absorbing heavy metals from soil.
skaman306 via Getty Images

How much is too much?

Although there is no entirely safe level of chronic heavy metal ingestion, heavy metals are all around us and are impossible to avoid entirely.

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released its first-ever guidance for manufacturers that sets limits on the amount of lead that baby food can contain. But the FDA guidance does not require companies to adhere to the limits.

In that guidance, the FDA suggested a limit of 10 parts per billion of lead for baby foods that contain fruits, vegetables, meats or combinations of those items, with or without grains. Yogurts, custards and puddings should have the same cutoff, according to the agency. Root vegetables and dry infant cereals, meanwhile, should contain less than 20 parts per billion of lead. The FDA regulations don’t apply to some products babies frequently consume, such as formula, teething crackers and other snacks.

The agency has not defined firm limits for the consumption of other heavy metals, but its campaign against heavy metals in baby food, called Closer to Zero, reflects that a lower dose is better.

That campaign also laid out plans to propose limits for other heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury.

Modestly exceeding the agency’s recommended dosage for lead or arsenic a few times a month is unlikely to have noticeable negative health effects. However, chronically ingesting too much lead or inorganic arsenic can negatively affect childhood health, including cognitive development, and can cause softening of bones.

How California’s QR codes can help parents and other caregivers

It’s unclear how many products consistently exceed these recommendations.

A study by Consumer Reports in 2018
found that 33 of 50 products had concerning levels of at least one heavy metal. In 2023, researchers repeated testing on seven of the failing products and found that heavy metal levels were now lower in three, the same in one, and slightly higher in three.

Because these tests assess products bought and tested at one specific time, they may not reflect the average heavy metal content in the same product over the entire year. These levels can vary over time if the manufacturer sources ingredients from different parts of the country or the world at different times of the year.

Consumers can call up heavy metal testing results with their smartphones at the grocery store.

That’s where California’s new law can help. The law requires manufacturers to gather and divulge real-time information on heavy metal contamination monthly. By scanning a QR code on a box of Gerber Teether Snacks or a jar of Beech Nut Naturals sweet potato puree, parents and caregivers can call up test results on a smartphone and learn how much lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury were found in those specific products manufactured recently. These test results can also be accessed by entering a product’s name or batch number on the manufacturer’s website.

Slow rollout

In an investigation by Consumer Reports and a child advocacy group called Unleaded Kids, only four companies out of 28 were fully in compliance with the California law as of early this year. Some noncompliant companies had developed no infrastructure, some had developed websites but no heavy metal information was logged in, and some had information but required consumers to enter batch numbers to access results, without the required QR codes on the product packaging.

The law requires companies to provide this information for foods produced after Jan. 1, 2025, with no provisions for extensions, and the major producers agreed to comply not only for California residents but to provide the results nationwide. California enforces noncompliance by embargoing misbranded baby food products, issuing penalties, and suspending or revoking registrations and licenses.

When companies’ testing and reporting systems are fully up and running, a quick scan at the grocery store will allow consumers to adapt their purchases to minimize infants’ exposures to heavy metals. Initially, parents and caregivers may find it overwhelming to decide between one chicken and rice product that is higher in lead but lower in arsenic than a competitor’s product, for example.

However, they may also encounter instances where one baby food product clearly contains less of three heavy metals and only slightly more for the fourth heavy metal than a comparable product from a different manufacturer. That information can more clearly inform their choice.

Regardless of the readings, health experts advise parents and caregivers not to eliminate all root vegetables, apples and rice but instead to feed babies a wide variety of foods.

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

– ref. Parents can soon use QR codes to reveal heavy metal content in baby food – https://theconversation.com/parents-can-soon-use-qr-codes-to-reveal-heavy-metal-content-in-baby-food-247579

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Hivello Secures Strategic Investment from Antanas Guoga “Tony G” to Scale Decentralised Compute

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blockmate Ventures Inc (TSX.V: MATE) (OTCQB: MATEF) (FSE: 8MH1) (“Blockmate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its majority-owned subsidiary, Hivello Holdings Ltd (“Hivello”) has secured a strategic investment from Tony G.

Tony G led a strategic investment into Blockmate on December 17, 2024. And as per Hivello’s release below, Tony G has followed on with a direct investment into Hivello directly.

Below is the press release from Hivello:

Hivello Secures Strategic Investment from Antanas “Tony G” Guoga to Scale Decentralized Compute

London & Amsterdam, February 13, 2025 – Hivello, a DePIN aggregator that enables users to earn by monetising idle computer resources across multiple decentralised networks, has announced a strategic investment from Antanas Guoga (Tony G), a well-known blockchain investor, entrepreneur, and advocate for decentralized infrastructure.

Antanas Guoga, widely known as Tony G, is a seasoned investor, entrepreneur, and advocate for blockchain innovation. As the chairman and major shareholder of TSXv-listed Sol Strategies Inc., a Canadian-based investment firm specializing in blockchain, AI, and decentralized technologies, Tony G has been instrumental in backing high-growth Web3 startups.

His strategic investments have helped scale multiple blockchain projects, with Sol Strategies recently surpassing a $500 million market capitalization. Beyond his role in the private sector, Tony G has a history of championing digital innovation in public policy. As a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP), he was a strong advocate for technological advancement, pushing for clearer blockchain regulations and greater adoption of decentralized solutions. His global network and deep understanding of the intersection between policy, technology, and finance make him a valuable partner for companies shaping the future of Web3.

Recognizing Hivello’s role in the future of DePIN, Tony G’s investment underscores his belief in DePIN as a major growth sector in Web3. His support will help accelerate Hivello’s expansion, enabling more users to seamlessly contribute to decentralized infrastructure while earning rewards. With his backing, Hivello is positioned to become a key player in the next generation of blockchain-powered compute networks.

In addition, Hivello is now live on Gate.io, MEXC, and Raydium! With both CEX and DEX options, more users can trade $HVLO and participate in the growing DePIN economy.

“Hivello is tackling one of the biggest challenges in DePIN—bridging complex infrastructure with everyday users,” said Tony G. “Their platform makes it incredibly easy for anyone to participate in and benefit from the decentralized economy. I see huge potential in their approach and am excited to support their journey.”

“Tony G’s investment is a strong validation of Hivello’s vision to simplify and scale decentralized physical infrastructure networks,” said Domenic Carosa, Co-Founder of Hivello. “His deep expertise in blockchain and infrastructure scaling, combined with his ability to back high-growth projects, will help accelerate our mission to make DePIN accessible to millions of users worldwide.”

(ENDS)

About Hivello
Hivello is a DePIN aggregator that enables users to earn by monetising idle computer resources across multiple decentralised networks. The Swiss-based HVLO Association will issue the $HVLO token under license from Hivello Holdings Ltd.

For more information about Hivello and to stay updated on its developments, visit www.hivello.com

Website | X | Discord | LinkedIn | Telegram

About Blockmate Ventures Inc.
Blockmate Ventures is a venture creator focussing on building fast-growing technology businesses relating to cutting-edge sectors such as blockchain, AI and renewable energy. Working with prospective founders, projects in incubation can benefit from the Blockmate ecosystem that offers tech, services, integrations and advice to accelerate the incubation of projects towards monetization. Recent projects include Hivello (download the free passive income app at www.hivello.com) and Sunified, digitising solar energy.

The leadership team at Blockmate Ventures have successfully founded successful tech companies from the Dotcom era through to the social media era. Learn more about being a Blockmate at: www.blockmate.com.

Blockmate welcomes investors to join the Company’s mailing list for the latest updates and industry research by subscribing at https://www.blockmate.com/subscribe.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Justin Rosenberg, CEO
Blockmate Ventures Inc
justin@blockmate.com
(+1-580-262-6130)

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. 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. Raindrop disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: Robinhood Markets, Inc. Reports January 2025 Operating Data

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Robinhood Markets, Inc. (“Robinhood”) (NASDAQ: HOOD) today reported select monthly operating data for January 2025:

Funded Customers at the end of January were 25.5 million (up approximately 310 thousand from December 2024, up approximately 2 million year-over-year).
Assets Under Custody (AUC) at the end of January were $204 billion (up 6% from December 2024, up 99% year-over-year). Net Deposits were $5.6 billion in January, translating to a 35% annualized growth rate relative to December 2024 AUC. Over the last twelve months, Net Deposits were $52.3 billion, translating to an annual growth rate of 51% relative to January 2024 AUC.
Equity Notional Trading Volumes were $144.7 billion (down 3% from December 2024, up 144% year-over-year). Options Contracts Traded were 166.6 million (up 2% from December 2024, up 57% year-over-year). Crypto Notional Trading Volumes were $20.4 billion (down 32% from December 2024, up over 200% year-over-year).
Margin balances at the end of January were $8.3 billion (up 5% from the end of December 2024, up 131% year-over-year).
Total Cash Sweep balances at the end of January were $26.3 billion (up 1% from the end of December 2024, up 57% year-over-year).
Total Securities Lending Revenue in January was $25 million (down 11% from December 2024, up 108% year-over-year).

	January 2025	December 2024	M/M Change	January 2024	Y/Y Change
(M – in millions, B – in billions)
Funded Customer Growth (M)
Funded Customers	25.5	25.2	+1%	23.5	+9%

Assets Under Custody (AUC) ($B)
Total AUC	$203.7	$192.9	+6%	$102.4	+99%
Net Deposits	$5.6	$5.3	NM	$3.8	NM

Trading
Trading Days (Equities and Options)	20	21	(5%)	21	(5%)
Total Trading Volumes
Equity ($B)	$144.7	$149.8	(3%)	$59.3	+144%
Options Contracts (M)	166.6	163.7	+2%	106.2	+57%
Crypto ($B)	$20.4	$30.2	(32%)	$5.9	+246%

Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) (M)
Equity	2.6	2.8	(7%)	1.7	+53%
Options	1.1	1.0	+10%	0.7	+57%
Crypto	0.9	1.0	(10%)	0.3	+200%

Customer Margin and Cash Sweep ($B)
Margin Book	$8.3	$7.9	+5%	$3.6	+131%
Total Cash Sweep	$26.3	$26.1	+1%	$16.8	+57%
Gold Cash Sweep	$25.6	$25.4	+1%	$16.1	+59%
Non-Gold Cash Sweep	$0.7	$0.7	–	$0.7	–

Total Securities Lending Revenue ($M)	$25	$28	(11%)	$12	+108%

For definitions and additional information regarding these metrics, please refer to Robinhood’s full monthly metrics release, which is available on investors.robinhood.com.

The information in this release is unaudited and the information for the months in the most recent fiscal quarter is preliminary, based on Robinhood’s estimates, and subject to completion of financial closing procedures. Final results for the most recent fiscal quarter, as reported in Robinhood’s quarterly and annual filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), might vary from the information in this release.

About Robinhood

Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD) transformed financial services by introducing commission-free stock trading and democratizing access to the markets for millions of investors. Today, Robinhood lets you trade stocks, options, futures (which includes options on futures, swaps, and event contracts), and crypto, invest for retirement, and earn with Robinhood Gold. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Robinhood puts customers in the driver’s seat, delivering unprecedented value and products intentionally designed for a new generation of investors. Additional information about Robinhood can be found at www.robinhood.com.

Robinhood uses the “Overview” tab of its Investor Relations website (accessible at investors.robinhood.com/overview) and its Newsroom (accessible at newsroom.aboutrobinhood.com), as means of disclosing information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner for purposes of the SEC Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg. FD). Investors should routinely monitor those web pages, in addition to Robinhood’s press releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts, as information posted on them could be deemed to be material information.

“Robinhood” and the Robinhood feather logo are registered trademarks of Robinhood Markets, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Contacts

Investor Relations

ir@robinhood.com

Media

press@robinhood.com

The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference: Presentations Now Available for Online Viewing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series, today announced the presentations from the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference, held February 12^th and 13^th are now available for online viewing.

REGISTER NOW AT: https://bit.ly/4gEZkum

The company presentations will be available 24/7 for 90 days. Investors, advisors, and analysts may download
investor materials from the company’s resource section.

Select companies are accepting 1×1 management meeting requests through February 17^th

To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

February 12^th

February 13^th

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®

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The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Could Elon Musk’s government takeover happen in the UK? A constitutional law expert’s view

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephen Clear, Lecturer in Constitutional and Administrative Law, and Public Procurement, Bangor University

It has been less than a month since Donald Trump retook the Oval Office. But with dozens of executive orders, every day has brought substantial change.

While Trump claims he has a democratic mandate to cut government waste, it is the unelected Elon Musk who has been behind the most radical changes. Musk, the world’s richest man, joined the US government as head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which Trump established by executive order.

Trump and Doge have begun dismantling government agencies, introduced widespread recruitment freezes, and withheld billions of dollars in federal funds – including freezing foreign aid and dismantling USAid. Through Doge, Musk has also gained access to IT and payment systems in the US Treasury and other major departments.

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Their actions have not been without legal challenge. A judge issued a temporary order restricting Musk from accessing the Treasury’s files due to the risk of exposing sensitive data. In response, Trump has expanded Musk’s power further, instructing government officials to cooperate with Doge.

It already appears that Trump is prepared to defy court orders related to these changes. The US is on the cusp of a constitutional showdown.

A key question for the UK is whether something similar could happen here. In theory, the answer is yes – but it would be difficult for anybody to enact.

There have been ongoing concerns, including some raised by the current government, around the size of the UK government and the budget deficit. Politicians from the Reform party are already saying that Britain needs to adopt a Musk-style approach to cut government waste.

Compared to other systems of government, UK prime ministers have almost unparalleled power to change existing, and establish new, government departments as they see fit. So it would be well within the gift of the prime minister to establish a new department like Doge – though there could be limits to its power to change things like national spending, given the need for budgetary approval by parliament.

There is also plenty of precedent for private citizens like Musk to work in the UK government. This could be as a special adviser: a temporary “political” civil servant who advises the government and is appointed under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. Previous examples include Alastair Campbell (Tony Blair’s spokesman) and Dominic Cummings (Boris Johnson’s senior adviser). While cabinet ministers hire their special advisers, the prime minister approves all appointments.

Alternatively, civilians can be brought more directly into government as ministers. Under constitutional convention, a member of the UK government is a member of either the Commons or Lords. Someone who is not an elected politician can be appointed to the Lords (and a ministerial role) by the prime minister. Rishi Sunak did this when he made David Cameron foreign secretary, as did Keir Starmer with businessman-turned-minister for prisons James Timpson.

There have even been debates in recent years over whether this convention of government ministers needing to be members of parliament can be dispensed with, given it lacks legal enforcement. But this raises questions about how you afford parliament opportunities to scrutinise the work of such ministers, if they are not even in the Lords.

Read more:
Plans for ministers who aren’t in parliament raise concerns for UK democracy – constitutional expert

Constitutional limits

However, the kind of actions that Trump and Musk are currently undertaking could not strictly pan out the same way under the UK’s constitutional arrangements.

While it does not have executive orders in the same way as the US, there are means for the UK government to administratively act without passing legislation through parliament.

The government’s power can be exercised through orders in council via the monarch. These can either be via statutory orders (where the power has been granted through an act of parliament) or prerogative powers.

The prerogative refers to powers that government ministers have, which do not require the consent of parliament. For example, to enter international treaties or wars, or the ability to call an election.

The monarch also retains some prerogative powers – for example, to appoint or dismiss a prime minister, and to summon or prorogue (end a session of) parliament. But by convention, the monarch fulfils these functions in a ceremonial and symbolic capacity – without input in the decisions. In reality, they merely follow the advice of the prime minister on these matters.

Importantly, prerogative powers can only be used when legislation does not exist to the contrary – and the UK government cannot arbitrarily change prerogative powers or create new ones.

President Trump signals that there is more to come from Doge.

One way a Musk-style takeover would struggle in the UK is if a proposed change affected primary legislation and left it redundant. It has been established since 1610 that prerogative powers cannot be used to change or make law without parliament.

To give hypothetical examples: if the UK government tried to exercise its powers in a way which ran contrary to the International Development Act, failed to fulfil a legally promised government function, or went against human rights obligations, they would be doing so contrary to UK constitutional principles – not least parliamentary sovereignty, separation of powers, and the rule of law.

Should this happen, the courts can intervene. This was tested in Miller 1, the legal case over whether the prime minister alone had the power to leave the EU, or whether parliamentary approval was needed. It was decided that the government could not rely on its prerogative powers to trigger Brexit without parliament’s approval, as this would change primary law.

And, as was clear when it came to Boris Johnson’s decision to prorogue parliament, the Supreme Court will nullify government action which it deems unconstitutional.

Read more:
Q+A: Supreme Court rules Boris Johnson’s prorogation of UK parliament was unlawful – so what happens now?

In this sense, it is a well-established common law principle that judges will rely on the rule of law to check what the government is doing, and would view parliament as never truly intending to pass any law which would exclude that oversight. Any attempt to legislate to block courts from having that check would be an unconstitutional violation.

Here, the UK has the advantage of a strong independence of the courts. Since 2006, judicial appointments have been the responsibility of an independent commission. There is also a separate, independent selection process for the Supreme Court. This effectively bars the prime minister from changing the composition of the courts in the same way the US president can.

What if parliament went rogue?

Some may be minded that, if a reformist government had a majority in parliament and existing laws were preventing change in the UK, then it could easily change the law through an act of parliament. This was the risk of the now-defunct Rwanda plan, where the government effectively tried, through legislation, to overrule the Supreme Court and send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Should this have continued, it would probably have faced legal challenges at the European court of human rights. Here is where efforts to remove the UK from the European convention on human rights, or to repeal the Human Rights Act, would have become consequential.

Read more:
How the bill to declare Rwanda a ‘safe’ country for refugees could lead to a constitutional crisis

Of course, even with the strongest majorities, backbench MPs do not always vote with their government, and would be less likely to do so if the leader was attempting to do something extreme, unprincipled and unconscionable.

We would be in relatively uncharted constitutional waters if the prime minister then ignored a Supreme Court ruling. But while rarely used, there are mechanisms available to parliament in such cases to use motions of no confidence in the government to instigate change to the executive.

Unless the law is radically changed, the machinery of parliament, with the checks and balances of the Supreme Court, would make a US-style overhaul challenging – if not, theoretically, impossible. But while it is not codified into one text, the UK does still have a constitution and the safeguards that come with it – as well as hundreds of years of convention to back it up.

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

– ref. Could Elon Musk’s government takeover happen in the UK? A constitutional law expert’s view – https://theconversation.com/could-elon-musks-government-takeover-happen-in-the-uk-a-constitutional-law-experts-view-249544

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: What does Platonic love really mean?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Armand D’Angour, Professor of Classics, University of Oxford

If the object of your affection were to suggest that a “platonic” relationship might be of more interest to them, your heart might sink a little. The common understanding of Platonic love, so called after the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, is that it indicates a relationship of strong affection from which sex is excluded. But there’s potentially much more to the concept of Platonic love than the absence of romantic or physical passion.

The term is derived from Plato’s writing on the topic of love in the Symposium, a work composed in the early fourth century BC. It’s set at a dinner party in Athens that supposedly took place much earlier in 416 BC, when a playwright called Agathon won first prize for his tragic drama.

Agathon threw a party – symposium in Greek means “drinking together” – where everyone over-indulged. So the following night the partygoers, including the philosopher Socrates, decided that instead of drinking they would give speeches in praise of the god of love, Eros (whence comes the word “erotic”).

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In the course of the party, the comic poet Aristophanes offers a humorously extravagant story about the origins of love:

Once upon a time human beings were duplicates of what we are today, with four arms, four legs, and two faces. These double-humans came in three types, male-male, female-female, and male-female. They were over-powerful beings who threatened the gods – so Zeus decided to split them in half. Now we’re just halves of a whole, and each half desperately seeks its matching half in a quest for completion. This is what we mean by love.

Humour aside, Aristophanes’ tale accounts for both sexual orientation and why human beings may feel incomplete alone.

There’s great thoughtfulness and variety in the Symposium. In addition to this comic representation of love as literally “seeking our other half”, Plato reports four speeches given by participants, followed by a presentation by Socrates, and finally an extended contribution by the flamboyant Alcibiades, who bursts in late on the gathering.

For ancient Greeks, love was literally divine. The notion that love is a god (Eros) or goddess (Aphrodite) distinguishes many of the speeches in the Symposium. Another culturally distinctive feature is that the party consists entirely of men, who tacitly acknowledge that love is to be thought of as homoerotic.

In ancient Athens, heterosexual relations were rarely seen to involve an intellectual dimension. Women and girls were generally not educated, so the notion of intellectual engagement as a component of a relationship was something reserved for love between men, although Plato’s propositions about love don’t exclude (as Aristophanes’ tale shows) love between the sexes or between women.

In Plato’s day, Athens’ rival city Thebes had established a unit of warriors, the Sacred Band, consisting of 150 pairs of male lovers. The first speaker, the young aristocrat Phaedrus, argues that an army of this kind will be invincible, because men will always strive to show courage in front of the partner they love.

He takes sexual love for granted in arguing that love “inspires lovers to act nobly in matters of life and death”. The following speaker, Pausanias, makes a distinction between true love and sex, insisting that the latter should be reserved for committed relationships.

Other speakers offer more abstract views of love – as a force of universal harmony, or (as Agathon argues) a stimulus to artistic creativity. Socrates then offers to “tell the truth about love”, recounting how Diotima (a fiction evidently based on a real woman, Aspasia of Miletus) had taught him that love begins with physical desire but leads on to “higher” forms such as love of knowledge, beauty, and truth.

The final speech is given by the drunken latecomer to the party, the playboy politician Alcibiades, famously beloved of Socrates. The most handsome youth of his day, he describes how he once tried in vain to seduce the older man. Socrates was not interested because – as he argued a true lover should be – he was keener on improving the young man’s soul through philosophy than being gratified by his body.

Properly understood, then, Platonic love is not about the negation of passion but about its elevation and transformation. This means it cannot be simply narcissistic. Aristophanes’ myth of the original human beings seeking a similar matching half is challenged by Socrates’ doctrine.

Love’s aim, we eventually learn, is not to complete us, but to inspire us to grow creatively in relation to another person. Not to guide us to love our mirror image, but to lead us to educate and be educated by another person to become the highest version of ourselves.

This invites us to think about relationships in terms of shared aspirations. From this point of view, Platonic love means focusing on what lies beyond the relationship itself, on the ideals that connect those who truly love each other.

In practice, one might conclude, the highest form of love is a partnership in which two people are united by a common creative quest. Such love is not passionless, but a powerful force that begins with physical desire but ends with its transcendence.

To love Platonically is to see in another person not just what they are, but what they may be inspired to become, and to climb together toward something greater than one might attain alone.

Seen in this light, the quest for our “matching half” proposed by Aristophanes, if only in jest, cannot be the answer. And though we may not be wholly satisfied with any of the views expressed in the dialogue, the aim of the Symposium is surely to invite us to continue the conversation.

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

– ref. What does Platonic love really mean? – https://theconversation.com/what-does-platonic-love-really-mean-249625

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: In the struggle to get Britain working, the long shadow of austerity could be part of the problem

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Guilherme Klein Martins, Lecturer in Economics, University of Leeds

pxl.store/Shutterstock

Austerity is an unusual economic concept. While it is one of the economic terms that attracts the most interest from the public, it remains controversial in policy debates. Advocates argue that reducing government deficits through spending cuts and tax increases restores confidence and stabilises economies. Critics, however, warn that these policies just deepen downturns.

My recent research, using data from 16 countries over several decades, provides new evidence supporting the second view. That is, austerity has significant and persistent negative effects on employment and the size of an economy (measured by GDP), with the damage lasting more than 15 years.

A common defence of austerity is that while it may slow growth in the short term, it ultimately strengthens economies by reducing debt and making room for private-sector expansion. But my findings challenge this assumption.

I analysed episodes of austerity, defined as large fiscal contractions (reduced state spending or large tax increases) across a variety of advanced economies. What I found was the negative impact on GDP remains substantial even after a decade and a half. On average, GDP is more than 5.5% lower 15 years after a large austerity shock than would have been expected if there had been no austerity, based on statistical estimates.

Beyond GDP, austerity has a lasting impact on labour markets (the number of jobs on offer and people available to do them). My research shows that large fiscal contractions lead to a significant drop in the total number of hours worked, which is a key indicator of labour market health.

This is a crucial finding, as policymakers often assume that labour markets will adjust quickly after an economic shock. Instead, results suggest employment levels (which is best measured by the total number of hours worked by everyone in the labour force) remain depressed for more than a decade after major austerity measures.

One reason for this is the connection between investment and employment. When governments cut spending, firms delay investments. This, in turn, lowers productivity growth and reduces job creation.

If businesses anticipate that the economy will remain weak for a long time, they adjust their hiring and investment strategies. This can reinforce a cycle of stagnation. My results suggest that, on average, an austerity shock generates a reduction of 4% in the total worked hours and 6% in the capital stock (the value of physical assets like buildings and machines used to produce goods and services) after 15 years.

The effects of an austerity shock on countries’ GDP:

UK: A case study

Perhaps one of the most striking real-world examples of the long-term effects of austerity is the UK. Following the 2008 global financial crisis, the UK government implemented sweeping austerity measures starting in 2010. These policies were framed as necessary to reduce the budget deficit and restore investor confidence. Spending cuts affected key areas, including welfare, healthcare, education and local government services like social housing, roads and leisure facilities.

The 2010 coalition government brought in more than £80 billion of cuts to public spending.

But here’s a conundrum. The UK’s fiscal deficit (the difference between what it spent and what it raised in taxes) after the implementation of these policies was greater than before the austerity cuts. The deficit in 2023/2024 was 5.7% of GDP, while in 2007/2008, it was 2.9%.

What is evident is that these measures are associated with stagnant wages, weakened public services and sluggish GDP growth. Productivity growth has remained weak, and long-term economic damage is evident in underfunded infrastructure and an increasingly fragile NHS.

More than a decade later, real earnings have barely recovered to pre-crisis levels. The past 15 years have been the worst for income growth in generations, with working-age incomes growing by only 6% in real terms from 2007 to 2019, compared to higher growth rates in countries including the US, Germany and Ireland.

Read more:
How the UK’s austerity policies caused life expectancy to fall

My findings contribute to a growing body of research challenging the longstanding view that shocks like austerity have only short-run effects. Traditionally, models assume that economies return to their long-run growth paths after temporary disruptions. But recent evidence, including my research, suggests that demand shocks can have persistent effects on supply by reducing investment and participation in the labour force.

In the wake of the COVID pandemic, many governments responded with generous financial support, temporarily reversing the austerity-driven policies of the previous decade. The strong recovery in some economies suggests that government spending can play a crucial role in sustaining long-run growth. On the other hand, a return to austerity measures could once again lead to prolonged stagnation.

What should policymakers take away from this? First, the assumption that austerity is a path to long-term prosperity needs to be re-evaluated. While reducing excessive public debt might be important, the economic costs of large and rapid cuts to spending can far outweigh the benefits.

Second, policymakers should recognise that timing matters. Gradual adjustments to spending, when really necessary, should be accompanied by measures to support investment and employment in order to reduce the likelihood of causing long-term harm.

Finally, economic policy should prioritise long-term growth over short-term deficit reduction. Governments facing tough spending choices should explore alternative approaches – things like progressive taxation and targeted public investment. And when cuts are needed, they should avoid implementing them during periods of economic recession.

Austerity is often framed as a necessary sacrifice for future prosperity. As governments consider fiscal strategies in an era of rising debt and economic uncertainty, they should take heed of austerity’s long-run costs. The evidence suggests that a more balanced approach – one that prioritises investment and economic stability – may be the wiser path forward.

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

– ref. In the struggle to get Britain working, the long shadow of austerity could be part of the problem – https://theconversation.com/in-the-struggle-to-get-britain-working-the-long-shadow-of-austerity-could-be-part-of-the-problem-249888

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Prime Minister of Manipur resigns: Archbishop Neli wants “a clear orientation towards peace”

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Archdiocese of Imphal

Imphal (Agenzia Fides) – “With the resignation of the Prime Minister, we find ourselves in a political stalemate and we must wait and see. The situation in which Manipur finds itself today is very complex and it is not easy to find a solution. It is necessary to continue efforts to activate a path of dialogue that involves all possible actors, at the local level, at the level of the central government, at the level of the representation of civil society and the communities in conflict”, said Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, capital of the Indian state of Manipur, on the situation in the north-eastern Indian state, which is in a state of polarization between the two communities of the Meitei and Kuki-zo, who started an inter-ethnic conflict in May 2023. While on the ground the provisional solution was to divide the conflicting parties into isolated and strictly separate areas, “efforts to activate dialogue with a negotiating table and mediators,” explains the Archbishop. Now the political earthquake is leading to a situation of uncertainty and stalemate: “The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs Manipur, will have to find another politician to appoint as Prime Minister. In the meantime, the administration is temporarily subordinate to the central government in Delhi. Now we have to wait and see, and the situation will become even more complicated,” notes Archbishop Neli. If the BJP fails to appoint a new Prime Minister due to internal disputes, the state parliament could be dissolved and new elections held. Biren Singh, a member of the BJP and Prime Minister of Manipur for two terms, resigned due to growing disagreements within his own party, mainly related to the handling of the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The political crisis in Manipur is unfolding against a backdrop of ongoing ethnic violence, which continues to displace thousands of people in precarious conditions. After months of clashes, sporadic outbreaks of violence involving armed groups in both factions continue to occur despite the massive deployment of security forces sent by the central government.The local Catholic community, which has believers in both the Meitei and Kuki communities, is calling for “a clear orientation towards peace,” said Archbishop Neli, who, along with other religious leaders, is personally involved in organizations and forums ready to participate in any initiative for dialogue and mediation. “We are in the Jubilee Holy Year and the theme is hope: our hope is that a concrete step of reconciliation can take place this year,” he concludes. “The most important thing is a common will. Let us pray and hope that the Lord will accompany us on this path of rapprochement and pacification.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 14/2/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City prepares for 30th varsity Aberdeen Boat Race Scotland’s longest continuous running boat race will celebrate its 30th contest when Aberdeen’s two universities battle it out along the River Dee next month.

Source: University of Aberdeen

Scotland’s longest continuous running boat race will celebrate its 30th contest when Aberdeen’s two universities battle it out along the River Dee next month.
Taking place on Saturday 15 March, the Aberdeen Boat Race will see the top crews from both Robert Gordon University (RGU) and University of Aberdeen face off to claim city bragging rights.
The nation’s answer to the famous Oxford-Cambridge rivalry takes in 3.5km of the River Dee, beginning by the Bridge of Dee before crossing the finishing line at Aberdeen Boat Club and the respective university boathouses.
Setting this year’s race day apart from any other, there will also be a special 500m double skull contest that will see RGU’s Principal and Vice Chancellor Steve Olivier join forces with Sports President Abhishek Kumar as they take on Aberdeen University’s Tonis Tilk, Vice President for Activities, and Dr Heather May Morgan, Dean for Enterprise and Innovation.
Professor Steve Olivier said: “The 30th Aberdeen Boat Race provides a great opportunity to not only support the sporting prowess of our students but also celebrate the city and make the most of what’s on offer in Aberdeen.
“I look forward to the event and wish good fortune to all of those involved. If you can make it, it would be great to see a strong crowd lining the banks and bridges to encourage each crew over the finish line.”
Leaders of each crew are looking forward to the challenge that awaits them. For RGU, Laura Stewart is President of the University’s Boat Club as well as a fourth year Business with Marketing student. She said: “The build up to race day is on and I’m excited to see how the crews match up against each other. With a few different races throughout the day, it should shape up to be an entertaining event for all to come and watch.
“We’re currently training hard to try and win back the title. Aberdeen University’s had a few years in a row so winning on the 30th occasion would be something special. I’m excited to see everyone down at the river cheering on the crews.”
Her counterpart is Katharina Kusserow, President of the Aberdeen University Boat Club and third year PhD researcher in Medical Sciences. She added: “I am excited for the crews to race and celebrate the 30th Aberdeen Boat Race. We have trained hard in the run up to the day and will do our best to defend the title. We’re really grateful for all our supporters and can’t wait to feel that encouragement on the day.”

The day promises to bring together the communities of both universities with the north-east’s public and I encourage everyone to come along and show their support for this very special event.” Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen

Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, said: “This year marks a significant milestone as the Aberdeen Boat Race has now been a major highlight in the city’s sporting calendar for 30 years.
“Every year students from the two universities give it their all and their sporting excellence is evident on the water. The day promises to bring together the communities of both universities with the north-east’s public and I encourage everyone to come along and show their support for this very special event.”
The event at Aberdeen Boat Club will include both a second crew race and an alumni boat race. The head-to-head standing for the main race makes for pleasant reading for University of Aberdeen who take a 21-8 lead into the 30th contest.
The showpiece race will also bring the curtain down on the final event of this year’s Granite City Challenge, where sports clubs from both city universities compete against each other in 40+ contests.
This year’s race has gained sponsorship from neospace, a flexible workspace and wellness facility on Riverside Drive adjacent to the River Dee and the route that the crews will take.
Scott Paton, Managing Director, said: “neospace is proud to sponsor the Aberdeen Boat Race, a fantastic local event just steps from our door. With wellness at the heart of our ethos, we’re excited to support competitors with NeoGym’s state-of-the-art training facilities.”
Both universities are partners alongside Scottish Rowing to comprise University Rowing Aberdeen, a rowing programme established in 2012 that presents Aberdeen-based students the opportunity to learn to row, train, compete and fulfil their ambitions within the sport.
The Aberdeen Boat Race, which first began in 1996, regularly attracts crowds to the River Dee. Hot refreshments will be available within the Aberdeen Boat Club boathouse.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International trade mission to Ukraine deepens industry ties and boosts growth
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

First-of-its-kind international defence trade mission to Kyiv deepens industry ties between Ukraine and its allies
The UK and allies have deepened industry ties with Ukraine by leading a first-of-its-kind international defence trade mission to Kyiv this week.

Led by the Minister for the Armed Forces, the trade delegation, which included Norway and The Netherlands, met with Ukrainian ministers, officials, and industry partners to strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance defence cooperation in support of Ukraine.

This was the fifth trade mission to Ukraine by Britain’s Task Force HIRST, but the first in conjunction with allies, setting a blueprint for future trade missions to be international as the norm.

Following the visit, UK companies have agreed to work more closely with Ukrainian partners, agreeing to new commitments that will build on previous agreements and boost their capabilities.

Despite a significant Russian airstrike targeting Kyiv on Wednesday morning this week, which killed one innocent civilian, the trade mission went ahead successfully, highlighting that the UK and our Allies will not be intimidated by Putin’s brutal tactics.

With firms across the UK ramping up defence production to meet Ukraine’s requirements, support for Ukraine will directly boost the UK defence sector, create UK jobs, and deliver on this Government’s growth agenda and Plan for Change.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP said:

The UK is continuing to lead the way on global support for Ukraine. By strengthening defence industry ties with allies, we are providing Ukraine with the firepower it needs on the battlefield, whilst bolstering our own defence industrial base —creating jobs and driving investment.

Our partnerships with The Netherlands, Norway, and Ukraine will help build resilient supply chains to ensure we put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to achieve a just and lasting peace through strength.

We will stand with our allies to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Minister, along with officials from the Ministry of Defence and Department for Business and Trade, attended meetings focused on continuing to develop the industrial relationship with Ukraine, boosting their capabilities on the battlefield, whilst supporting growth back in the UK.

The Ministry of Defence set up Task Force HIRST to drive increases in UK, Ukrainian and allies’ industrial capacity to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as national military resilience.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS said:

Our continued industrial partnership with the Ukraine will be pivotal if we are to strengthen our collective security. It is an honour for ADS and our members to work in such close collaboration with Ukraine.

UK support to Ukraine has, at its heart, the knowledge that helping Ukraine is protecting our values and way of life.

The visit coincided with the NATO meeting of defence ministers, where the Defence Secretary announced a new £150 million package of military aid to Ukraine.

The £150 million package includes thousands of drones, dozens of battle tanks and more than 50 armoured and protective vehicles to be deployed to Ukraine by the end of spring, building on the thousands of pieces of equipment the UK has already given to Ukraine.

In a boost to the UK’s economy, the package also includes a multi-million-pound contract with UK defence firm Babcock, who will train Ukrainian personnel to maintain and repair crucial equipment such as Challenger 2 tanks, self-propelled artillery, and combat reconnaissance vehicles inside Ukraine. Through this agreement, equipment can be serviced and returned to the frontline quicker.

This is part of the UK’s unprecedented £4.5 billion pledge for Ukraine this year, its highest-ever level.

The Government is clear that the security of the UK starts in Ukraine and is therefore committed to Ukraine’s long-term security as a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change.

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Published 14 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Dominion Lending Centres Inc. Announces Quarterly Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dominion Lending Centres Inc. (TSX:DLCG) (“DLCG” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.03 per class “A” common share that will be payable on March 14, 2025 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2025. The dividend will be designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian income tax purposes.

About Dominion Lending Centres Inc.

Dominion Lending Centres Inc. is Canada’s leading network of mortgage professionals. DLCG operates through Dominion Lending Centres Inc. and its three main subsidiaries, MCC Mortgage Centre Canada Inc., MA Mortgage Architects Inc. and Newton Connectivity Systems Inc., and has operations across Canada. DLCG extensive network includes over 8,000 agents and over 500 locations. Headquartered in British Columbia, DLC was founded in 2006 by Gary Mauris and Chris Kayat.

DLCG can be found on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn @DLCGmortgage and on the web at www.dlcg.ca.

Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

Eddy Cocciollo
President
647-403-7320
eddy@dlc.ca James Bell
EVP, Corporate and Chief Legal Officer
403-560-0821
jbell@dlcg.ca

NEITHER THE TSX EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: FAVO Capital Files Form S-1 Registration Statement as It Advances Toward Nasdaq Uplisting

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. , Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN — FAVO Capital, Inc. (OTC: FAVO), a private credit firm providing alternative financing solutions to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced that it has filed a Form S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with its planned uplisting to the Nasdaq Capital Market.

This filing marks a significant milestone in FAVO Capital’s strategy to expand its market presence, increase liquidity, and broaden access to institutional investors. The uplisting is expected to enhance the company’s ability to scale its funding operations and strengthen its balance sheet as it continues to deliver innovative private credit solutions to SMBs.

“Filing our S-1 is a key step in our journey toward Nasdaq,” said Shaun Quin, President of FAVO Capital. “This transition represents our commitment to transparency, financial discipline, and long-term value creation. Uplisting will allow us to expand our investor base and accelerate growth as we continue serving small and medium-sized businesses with flexible financing solutions.”

Use of IPO Proceeds

FAVO Capital intends to use proceeds from the offering to strengthen its balance sheet, reduce high-cost debt, and support strategic growth initiatives. By lowering borrowing costs and improving capital efficiency, the company aims to accelerate profitability, enhance liquidity, and expand its market presence while continuing to invest in technology-driven underwriting and operational scalability.

“Our strategy is focused on sustainable long-term growth,” said Glen Steward, Chief Strategy Officer of FAVO Capital. “We have built a strong foundation and positioned the company for scalability. With our IPO proceeds, we plan to optimize our financial structure while continuing to expand our market reach, gain significant market share, and grow our syndication partnerships.”

Growth Strategy & Market Positioning

FAVO Capital specializes in private credit solutions, including the purchase of future receipts, lines of credit, and asset-backed loans. Since its inception, the company has syndicated over $1 billion in capital and supported more than 20,000 businesses. Its technology-driven focus, continued development of its proprietary customer service relationship (CRM) platform, and core funding model, provide a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing alternative lending sector.

“This filing is a testament to the company’s growth and implementation to date,” said Vincent Napolitano, CEO of FAVO Capital. “I am proud of what the team has achieved. Our long-term financial roadmap prioritizes debt reduction, operational efficiency, and expanding our footprint as a leader in private credit. This uplisting is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering shareholder value.”

The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The offering is subject to market conditions, SEC review, and approval of Favo Capital’s listing application by Nasdaq.

This press release does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale.

For further updates and investor information, visit www.favocapital.com.

About FAVO Capital, Inc.

FAVO Capital, Inc. (OTC: FAVO) is a private credit firm specializing in alternative financing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the United States. Since its inception, FAVO Capital has syndicated over $1 billion in funding and supported more than 20,000 businesses. FAVO Capital is committed to financial transparency, sustainable growth, and empowering SMBs with flexible funding solutions. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the company also has operations in New York and the Dominican Republic. For more information, visit www.favocapital.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains 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. These statements include, but are not limited to, projections, estimates, and expectations regarding future trends, financial performance, and operational strategies. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “believes,” “plans,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” or similar expressions.

These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, market conditions, regulatory developments, competition, economic conditions, and the company’s ability to execute its business strategy.

Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances, or changes in expectations after the date of this press release, except as required by law.

Company Contact:
FAVO Capital, Inc.
4300 N University Drive
D-105
Lauderhill, FL 33351

Investor Relations:
Scott McGowan
InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN)
Phone: 310.299.1717
ir@favocapital.com

The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: Fintech Startup Infini Integrates Crypto to Transform Traditional Banking
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HONG KONG, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infini is redefining the fintech landscape by seamlessly integrating crypto solutions into traditional banking. With a vision to empower users through secure, intuitive, and innovative financial services, Infini is revolutionizing how individuals engage with digital assets.

Bridging Web2 and Web3: The Genesis of Infini

Founded in 2024 by a team of financial experts and tech innovators—Crypto Whale Christian Li and Tech Lead Ryan Sun—Infini was created to make financial empowerment accessible to all. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company has secured financial licensing and compliance partnerships, ensuring a seamless experience for users worldwide who seek to bridge Web2 and Web3.

Infini’s core mission is to introduce yield-generating opportunities to traditional finance users, enabling seamless crypto payments and earnings while lowering barriers to entry.

Rapid Growth and Expanding Ecosystem

Since its inception, Infini has experienced exponential growth. In just six months, the platform has achieved a remarkable 500% Compound Monthly Growth Rate (CMGR) in Monthly Active Users (MAUs). This success stems from Infini’s user-first approach, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive financial tools tailored for payments, investments, and wealth management.

Unlocking the Power of Crypto for Everyday Use

Infini enables users to leverage their crypto holdings for real-world transactions. Through strategic partnerships with leading payment gateways, users can seamlessly deposit and withdraw stablecoins (USDT/USDC) into their Infini accounts. Whether shopping online or making in-store purchases, Infini facilitates instant crypto-to-fiat conversions, ensuring frictionless global accessibility without reliance on traditional banking infrastructures.

Infini Earn: Smart Investment Opportunities

Infini Earn allows users to generate yield on their account balances through an optimized delta-neutral strategy, offering an average return of 10% APY. By providing a secure and accessible way to earn passive income, Infini bridges the gap between traditional finance and crypto, empowering individuals to take full control of their wealth without intermediaries.

Introducing the Infini Card: A Crypto-Enabled Debit Solution

A standout feature of Infini is the Infini Card, a Visa/Mastercard-enabled prepaid debit card linked to Infini Earn and the broader payment ecosystem. This card allows users to spend their stablecoin balances at global merchants, just like a traditional debit card.

How It Works:
1. Simple Application: Users can sign up at Infini’s platform by providing basic personal information, paying a one-time activation fee, and depositing stablecoins.
2. Instant Access: The card is ready for use immediately. Spending limits can be increased through Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
Key Benefits:
- Earn While You Spend: Infini balances continue to generate yield even as users make purchases.
- Secure & Compliant: Custodial security and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance are ensured by Cobo, an ISO 27001-certified partner.
- No Barriers to Entry: Users can start with as little as $1, making crypto earnings accessible to retail investors without complex learning curves.
- Global Acceptance: Accepted worldwide at Visa and Mastercard merchants, including Apple Pay and Google Pay integrations.
- Instant Crypto-to-Fiat Conversion: Transactions are seamlessly converted at the point of sale, providing a frictionless payment experience.
A User-Centric Approach to Fintech Innovation

Infini continuously evolves its platform based on user feedback, refining transaction speeds, security measures, and support services. A dedicated customer support team is available via email and live chat, offering personalized assistance for transactions, account management, and investment insights.

As fintech and crypto landscapes rapidly evolve, Infini is at the forefront, delivering integrated, user-friendly financial solutions. Whether you are a seasoned crypto enthusiast or a newcomer exploring digital assets, Infini provides a seamless platform that blends the reliability of traditional finance with the innovation of crypto.

Contact Information:
Company: Infini
Address: Hong Kong
Email: contact@infini.money
X: https://x.com/0xinfini
Contact Person: Valerio Li

The MIL Network –
February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: NordVPN verifies its no-logs assurance assessment for the fifth time

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LONDON, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NordVPN, a leading cybersecurity company, underwent an independent assurance engagement at the end of 2024. Seeking to maintain a high level of trust and transparency, NordVPN commissioned Deloitte Audit Lithuania, one of the market-leading Big Four firms, to conduct an assurance report on the configuration of its IT systems, supporting infrastructure, and no-logs claims.

For the fifth time in NordVPN’s history, an independent team of researchers verified that the company’s no-logs statement is accurate and aligns with its privacy claims.

“The trust we earn from our customers underscores everything we do in the cybersecurity industry. It’s a currency that’s hard to acquire and one we never take for granted. To maintain that trust, we not only strive each year to innovate and develop world-leading cybersecurity products, but we also fully commit to our promise not to monitor or record our users’ online traffic. Having this assurance reaffirmed by independent, globally respected researchers for the fifth time demonstrates that privacy isn’t just a buzzword at NordVPN — it’s in our DNA,” says Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN.

During the engagement process, Deloitte’s practitioners interviewed NordVPN’s employees and inspected server infrastructure, and technical logs. They had access to NordVPN services from November 18 until December 20, 2024 and reviewed privacy relevant configuration settings and deployment processes of standard VPN, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, obfuscated servers, and P2P servers.

Deloitte Audit Lithuania conducted the assessment in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 (Revised) (ISAE 3000), established by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) with the aim of examining NordVPN’s IT system configuration and management.

NordVPN’s first independent no-log engagement was completed in 2018, followed by second, third, and fourth assessments in 2020, 2022, and 2023, showing the company’s continuous commitment to privacy.

The full no-logs assurance engagement report is available to all NordVPN users, after logging in to their Nord Account user control panel.

ABOUT NORDVPN

NordVPN is the world’s most advanced VPN service provider, chosen by millions of internet users worldwide. The service offers features such as dedicated IP, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN servers, which help to boost your online privacy with zero tracking. One of NordVPN’s key features is Threat Protection Pro™, a tool that blocks malicious websites, trackers, and ads and scans downloads for malware. The latest creation of Nord Security, NordVPN’s parent company, is Saily — a global eSIM service. NordVPN is known for being user friendly and can offer some of the best prices on the market. This VPN provider has over 6,400 servers covering 111 countries worldwide. For more information, visit https://nordvpn.com.

More information: brigita@nordsec.com

The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 13 persons arrested for illegally disposing 35 000 tonnes of hazardous waste

Source: Europol

Abusing an infrastructure of legal businesses, the criminal network is believed to have managed the illegal trafficking and disposal of the waste from the countries of origin, mainly Italy, to the destination in Croatia. To that end, the criminal network relied on legal companies in Italy, as well as transport companies and other legitimate businesses in Italy and Croatia. Laboratory…

MIL Security OSI –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: China Medical System （867.HK） is Included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SHENZHEN, CHINA, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In February 11th 2025, with a Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) score of 61, surpassing 93% of global peers, China Medical System Holdings Limited (“CMS” or the “Group”) has been included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025 (the “Yearbook 2025”). This marks the Group’s first inclusion in the global edition of S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook (the “Yearbook”), following the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) inclusion for consecutive two years.

Since its launch in 2008, the Yearbook’s professionalism and authority have been highly recognized by global ESG investors and other stakeholders. The Yearbook aims to identify outstanding companies in sustainable development from each industry. 7,690 companies across 62 industries were assessed, while only 780 stood out and were included in the Yearbook 2025. The inclusion in the Yearbook 2025 represents a high recognition of sustainable development practices of CMS.

CMS has been actively responding to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for years, by integrating ESG governance into its corporate strategy and formulating an ESG strategy covering various dimensions in operation. The Group continues to invest in innovation to enhance the accessibility of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, and actively take its social responsibilities to create greater value at the business, industry, and societal levels. The Group’s sustainability performance has also been recognized by several authoritative ESG rating institutions. The Group’s MSCI ESG rating has been maintained at “AA”; the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) sustainability rating is in the top 10% of the industry; and the Sino-Securities Index ESG rating is “AA”.

In the future, with its ESG vision of “becoming a world-leading sustainable pharmaceutical enterprise”, CMS will strengthen its practices in corporate governance, social contributions, and environmental protection, working together with all stakeholders to promote sustainable development and contribute to the realization of a more habitable planet.

About CMS
CMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs.

CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients.

CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development of its advantageous specialty fields and expand business boundaries. While strengthening the competitiveness of the cardio-cerebrovascular/gastroenterology business, CMS independently operates its dermatology and medical aesthetics business, and ophthalmology business, aiming to gain leading positions in specialty therapeutic fields, whilst enhancing the scale and efficiency. At the same time, CMS has expanded its business territory to the Southeast Asian market, striving to become a “bridgehead” for global pharmaceutical companies to enter the Southeast Asian market, further escorting the sustainable and healthy development of the Group.

CMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements
This press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert.

This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.

Media Contact

Brand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

Contact: CMS Investor Relations

Email: ir@cms.net.cn

Website: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/

Source: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Lake Ridge Bancorp, Inc. to OTCQX

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Lake Ridge Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: LRBI), the holding company for Lake Ridge Bank, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX^® Best Market.

Lake Ridge Bancorp, Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “LRBI.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for community banks in the U.S. public markets. The OTCQX Market enables banks to maximize the value of being a public company by providing transparent trading and easy access to company information for shareholders. To qualify for OTCQX, community banks must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

“We are so pleased to transition our stock trading activity to the OTC Markets Group Inc. With approximately 1,400 shareholders, we believe this is an appropriate step in providing our owners greater liquidity options as we continue to focus on long term shareholder value,” says Jim Tubbs, CEO of Lake Ridge Bank.

About Lake Ridge Bancorp, Inc.
Lake Ridge Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Lake Ridge Bank, which offers a full range of business and personal financial services, including business, real estate, agricultural, and consumer lending; crop insurance; wealth management and financial advisory services. With roots dating back to 1897, the bank is headquartered in Monona, Wisconsin with operations throughout southern Wisconsin. Lake Ridge Bank has approximately $3.0 billion in total assets and is the sixth largest bank in Wisconsin.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.
OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX^® Best Market, OTCQB^® Venture Market and Pink^® Open Market.

Our OTC Link^® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:
OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: TSplus Remote Support V4: Enhanced Performance, 4K Screen Sharing, and Faster Access

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSplus is thrilled to announce the latest updates to our Remote Support software, bringing substantial improvements to performance, screen sharing, and user experience. These enhancements are designed to make remote assistance smoother, faster, and more efficient for IT professionals and businesses worldwide.

Superior 4K Screen Sharing & Performance Optimization

The latest release introduces true 4K screen sharing support, ensuring crystal-clear remote sessions with exceptional image quality. Additionally, major optimizations have been implemented to improve encoding, decoding, and rendering, delivering better FPS stability and significantly reducing resource usage.

A new “Scale to Fit” button has also been added to the Display tab in Windows, allowing users to enable or disable image scaling on the viewer side for a more customized experience.

Faster Connection & Client Launch Time

The talented developers at TSplus significantly improved the Windows client’s opening time, making it up to three times faster than before. While the first launch may take slightly longer due to initial file extraction and Windows Real-Time Protection, subsequent launches will now consistently open in under one second. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users with customized clients, ensuring seamless and rapid access to remote support sessions.

Update Now for the Best Experience!

These upgrades take TSplus Remote Support to the next level, offering enhanced usability, faster response times, and superior support experience.

TSplus invites all its Remote Support users to update their software now and explore the full list of improvements in the detailed changelog: https://dl-files.com/RemoteSupport-changelog.html .

Download now and experience for free the best of TSplus Remote Support today!

Press Contact:

Caleb Zaharris
Marketing Director for TSplus
caleb.zaharris@tsplus.net

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2aab5efd-d961-4c6c-acbc-2a1a6b719cd7

The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: 180 Degree Capital Corp. Issues Q4 2024 Shareholder Letter

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Montclair, NJ, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 180 Degree Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:TURN) today issued the following Q4 2024 Shareholder Letter:

Fellow Shareholders,

We are incredibly proud of our recent announcement of the signing of a definitive agreement for 180 Degree Capital Corp. (“180 Degree Capital”) to enter into a business combination (the “Business Combination”) with Mount Logan Capital Inc. (“Mount Logan”). For those of you who have not had a chance to listen to our joint call with the team from Mount Logan or review the presentation deck that summarizes the proposed transaction, both can be found at https://ir.180degreecapital.com/ir-calendar/detail/2908/180-degree-capital-and-mount-logan-capital-proposed-merger. We expect to file a registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) soon. This document will give us the opportunity to speak with our shareholders more extensively about the proposed Business Combination and the process that led to our Board’s unanimous approval of this strategically important transaction.

This proposed transaction is not the end of 180 Degree Capital. We believe it is the logical next step in our evolution. It is also an opportunity that is not afforded commonly to closed-end funds, particularly since we believe most have limited differentiation. We believe there are clear reasons why 180 Degree Capital has this truly unique opportunity to combine with an asset manager and to transition to an operating company. We will get to those below, but first, I want to touch on why we believe Mount Logan is a proverbial “diamond in the rough.”

Mount Logan has the following attributes that we believe will provide value to 180 Degree Capital shareholders:

Mount Logan has what we believe to be an outstanding management team comprised of its CEO, Ted Goldthorpe, its Co-Presidents, Matthias Ederer and Henry Wang, and its CFO, Nikita Klassen;
Mount Logan’s asset management platform has approximately $2.4+ billion of assets under management (as of September 30, 2024) that we believe generates predictable fee revenue that can be used to benefit the growth of the combined company and its shareholders;
Mount Logan has operational leverage and unique investment access through its association with BC Partners, a leading global private equity and credit firm;
Mount Logan is focused on what we believe is the fast-growing market of private credit;
We believe that Mount Logan remains undiscovered by the majority of investors due to it being listed on the Cboe Canada exchange rather than a US national exchange; and
We believe Mount Logan is significantly undervalued by public market investors.

For 35 years, I have been a value investor attempting to uncover great companies that I believe are trading below their intrinsic value. As we spent more time with Ted and his colleagues over the past six months, it became abundantly clear to us that 1) we believe Mount Logan is one of these great undiscovered and undervalued companies and 2) the combination of our two companies has the potential to unlock substantial value for 180 Degree Capital shareholders by:

Shifting the valuation of our business from one based on net asset value to a valuation based on operating metrics with a foundation of what we believe will be more predictable fee-related revenues attributed to earnings from the management of permanent and semi-permanent capital vehicles. Other similar businesses commonly trade based on multiples of operating metrics rather than discounts to net asset value.
Changing to an asset-light operating company that leverages an association with BC Partners enables economies of scale that are not possible at 180 Degree Capital’s current size; and
Substantially increasing the available capital for us to be able to leverage our relationships with small and microcapitalization public companies, to develop capital structure solutions that seek to unlock value and generate favorable risk-adjusted returns.

I, as the largest individual shareholder of 180 Degree Capital, and Daniel as a top-ten shareholder, could not be more excited about the future of the combined entity. We believe the proposed Business Combination to be the best opportunity to build value for all shareholders of 180 Degree Capital. We believe strongly in 180 Degree Capital’s future under the leadership of Ted and his colleagues. I have been an investor in the public markets for 35 years, during which investors entrusted me with billions of dollars of capital. We are interested in building true value for shareholders over the short and long term. We believe this combination achieves both of these objectives.

We are not the only ones who understand the potential for value creation from this Business Combination. Some of our largest shareholders have signed either voting agreements or non-binding indications of support, that when combined with ownership of management and the board, account for approximately 27% of our outstanding shares in the aggregate. We appreciate the time and consideration these shareholders spent to understand the merits of this proposed Business Combination and their support for it.

While we work toward filing the registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed Business Combination with the SEC, we thought this would be a good time to reflect on our successes since the start of 180 Degree Capital in 2017. We believe that these successes have enabled us to enter at this next phase of 180 Degree Capital’s evolution and value creation for our fellow shareholders. Here are some of the data points we are proud of and show our contributions since I joined 180 Degree Capital’s predecessor company board of directors in June 2016, when we started 180 Degree Capital at the end of 2016, and the end of last year:

	June 30, 2016	December 31, 2016	December 31, 2024	Change from December 31, 2016
Day-to-Day Operating Expenses	~$6.0 million	~$6.3 million	~$3.5 million	-44%
% Private Investments	86%	92%	<1%	-91%
% Public Investments	14%	8%	>99%	+91%
% Cash + Public Securities of NAV	21%¹	27%	102%	+75%
Insider Ownership	2.1%²	2.6%²	12.7%	+10.1%

^1. Net of $5,000,000 in debt on balance sheet as of June 30, 2016.
^2. Excludes restricted stock subject to forfeiture provisions. The equity compensation program was terminated in March 2017 in conjunction with 180 Degree Capital’s transition from a business development company to a registered closed-end fund.

We slashed expenses, in part by transitioning from a business development company to a registered closed-end fund structure. A collateral impact of this transition was the elimination of our ability to compensate employees through the issuance of options or restricted stock. We didn’t care. It was the right decision for our shareholders. We transitioned the balance sheet. We substantially increased insider ownership through solely open market purchases. As noted previously, no equity was given to the management team or other employees as compensation. No one has bought and held more stock in the open market than me during that time period.

As the table below shows, we believe our shareholders have benefited from our ability to generate positive returns on our investments since we took over management of 180 Degree Capital. These returns were offset by material declines in the legacy private portfolio that we inherited.

Public Portfolio Contribution to Change in NAV (2017-2024)	Legacy Private Portfolio Contribution to Change in NAV (2017-2024)
+$3.13/share	-$2.41/share

TURN Public Portfolio Gross Total (Excluding SMA Carried Interest)

TURN Public Portfolio Gross Total (Including SMA Carried Interest)

Change in NAV

Change in Stock Price

Russell Microcap Index

Lipper Peer Group Average

Inception to Date
Q4 2016 – Q4 2024

+185.7%

+204.5%

-33.9%

-11.4%

+68.5%

+81.8%

Math is math. Our public market investment strategy over the history of 180 Degree Capital outperformed our comparable peers and indices. It is fair to ask why our stock price has not followed. We believe it is largely because of the significant negative impact of the private portfolio that we inherited, and the discounts disproportionately applied to closed-end funds of our size. Hence, I come back to our proposed Business Combination with Mount Logan, and what we believe it can do to potentially unlock value for 180 Degree Capital shareholders when we are no longer constrained by the market dynamics ascribed to closed-end funds.

We will let our upcoming registration statement and included joint proxy statement/prospectus provide the truth to our shareholders regarding how and why our Board unanimously approved this proposed Business Combination. In the meantime, our work over the prior eight years set up 180 Degree Capital for this next phase of what we believe will be long-term shareholder value creation. We realize our lack of scale has caused our expense ratio to be too high. We believe we have uncovered a unique solution for that and other growth-limiting issues with our proposed Business Combination. Our Board and management team firmly believe that this Business Combination is in the best interest of all of our shareholders. We could not be more excited about the potential for future value creation as a result of combining with Mount Logan, and we look forward to discussing this proposed combination with all of you and prospective future shareholders of the combined entity.

All the best,

Kevin M. Rendino
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

About 180 Degree Capital Corp.

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

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

Additional Information and Where to Find It

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

Certain Information Concerning the Participants

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

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

Non-Solicitation

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

The MIL Network –

February 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: TC Energy files 2024 annual disclosure documents
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — News Release – TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy or the Company) has today filed with Canadian securities authorities:
- Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024 with related Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Annual Report); and
- The Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024.
In addition, TC Energy filed its Form 40-F for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Copies of the filed documents are available at sedarplus.ca, sec.gov (for the Form 40-F) and in the Investors section of the Company website at tcenergy.com. Shareholders may request a paper copy of the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, free of charge, by calling the Company at 1.800.661.3805.

About TC Energy
We’re a team of 6,500+ energy problem solvers connecting the world to the energy it needs. Our extensive network of natural gas infrastructure assets is one-of-a-kind. We seamlessly move, generate and store energy and deliver it to where it is needed most, to homes and businesses in North America and across the globe through LNG exports. Our natural gas assets are complemented by our strategic ownership and low-risk investments in power generation.

TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate”, “intend” or other similar words). Forward-looking statements in this document are intended to provide TC Energy security holders and potential investors with information regarding TC Energy and its subsidiaries, including management’s assessment of TC Energy’s and its subsidiaries’ future plans and financial outlook. All forward-looking statements reflect TC Energy’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. We do not update our forward-looking information due to new information or future events, unless we are required to by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the most recent Quarterly Report to Shareholders and Annual Report filed under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

-30-

Media Inquiries:
Media Relations
media@tcenergy.com
403-920-7859 or 800-608-7859

Investor & Analyst Inquiries:
Gavin Wylie / Hunter Mau
investor_relations@tcenergy.com
403-920-7911 or 800-361-6522

PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/6b530914-f2e2-4c16-87d3-1a082b13e600

The MIL Network –
February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: JUMP! | U.S. Army

Source: US Army (video statements)

: Video by Pfc. Roberto Archila, 82nd Airborne Division

About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Jump #82ndAirborne

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjlbNn-Hx6s

MIL OSI Video –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Belt-Road professional forum held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Belt & Road Cross-Professional Forum took place today to promote Hong Kong’s professional services with the goal of deepening the sector’s collaboration with business communities of Belt & Road countries and the Mainland.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau emphasised Hong Kong’s role as a super connector as he highlighted the Belt & Road Initiative as being a key pillar in stabilising global economic development amid uncertainties.

Mr Yau said: “The US government announced plans to impose various kinds of tariffs on its imports, affecting a great many economies, including ours.

“It is of critical importance for both businesses and governments to adapt and face the challenges.

“From 2013 to 2022, Hong Kong’s direct investment position in Belt & Road countries tripled to nearly US$120 billion. In around the same period, our merchandise trade with Belt & Road countries surged by about 60%. Hong Kong’s business appeal has been growing, as both a super connector and a super value-adder.”

Mr Yau encouraged enterprises from the Mainland and Belt & Road countries to set up operations in Hong Kong, leveraging its world-class quality services and complementary support to expand into target markets effectively.

He also urged Hong Kong enterprises and professional services to partner with Mainland and Belt & Road enterprises to jointly explore new business opportunities through “bringing in and going global” – on one hand partnering with Mainland enterprises to jointly venture into new markets along the Belt & Road, and on the other hand assisting enterprises from Belt & Road countries in tapping the vast Mainland market to promote the prosperous growth of the Belt & Road.

The forum attracted over 250 participants, with over 30 business leaders sharing the latest business opportunities under the Belt & Road Initiative and showcasing dozens of business cases and potential projects in areas such as finance, law, and innovation and technology.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Masturbation remains taboo – but research shows how it can be good for you

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chantal Gautier, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Sex and Relationship Therapist, University of Westminster

nito/Shutterstock

Despite being a natural act, many people still feel awkward and embarrassed about masturbation. So, why does this topic make so many of us feel uncomfortable? The past can offer clues.

Throughout history, views on self-pleasure vary. Egyptians saw masturbation as sacred. Greeks viewed it as natural but not something to celebrate. And Romans considered it inferior to sex with a partner.

In medieval Europe, masturbation was labelled sinful and harmful. But 20th-century scholars, including sexologists Alfred Kinsey and Shere Hite, challenged negative perceptions and helped normalise masturbation.

However, the stigma attached to masturbation is stubborn and negative attitudes persist. Attitudes that it’s dirty, shameful or even harmful to touch yourself sexually are often shaped by conflicting messages rooted in societal norms, religious doctrines and inadequate sex education.

Masturbation remains taboo – some people consider it an unnatural act because it has no reproductive purpose. This negative belief can be bad for health if it contributes to psychological distress, including feelings of guilt and shame caused by ingrained condemnation.

However, through my experience as a sex therapist and psychology researcher, I understand how openly discussing masturbation with clients has been incredibly beneficial for their mental health. The more we talk about it, the easier it becomes to unravel those shame-filled thoughts. The key is creating a safe and non-judgmental space that encourages self-acceptance and understanding of what makes us tick.

For one thing, masturbation can be surprisingly educational when it comes to appreciating your body. It’s not just about pleasure; it’s about self-discovery and understanding your sexual response and anatomy while accepting that vulvas and penises come in all shapes and sizes.

Masturbation offers a safe, judgment-free way to explore and understand your body without any risk of pregnancy or STIs. It allows you to try out what feels good and what doesn’t – essentially getting to know your own pleasure map. It’s also a great way to experiment with sex toys.

Connecting with your body, including your genitalia, can also help you feel more at ease in your own skin and boost your confidence. Understanding what works for you can feel liberating.

It also makes it easier to communicate your needs and desires to others. By empowering yourself, you can take charge of your sexual experiences and fully embrace ownership of your body.

In sex therapy, masturbation is often included as a therapeutic tool. For example, clients may be asked to engage in masturbation exercises.

This could involve using techniques such as mindfulness to focus on sensations that help them reconnect, by turning their attention to their body and understanding what sensations lead to pleasure. So solo sex helps promote body awareness, which can be especially beneficial for anyone experiencing difficulty with orgasm.

The stop-start technique is another method used in sex therapy to help with issues like premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. It is designed to help people gain greater control, particularly with orgasm and erection management. Here, too, the focus is on the sensations of touch and for the client to build awareness of their sexual responses.

And, with masturbation, there’s no need to worry about anyone else’s expectations or feel any pressure about sexual performance. So sexual self-pleasure is a positive, safe way to explore the body without feeling rushed or self-conscious.

Masturbation is also associated with other health benefits. For some, it can reduce stress and promote sleep. During masturbation and orgasm, hormones such as oxytocin (sometimes called the “love hormone”) and endorphins are released. Both play a role in enhancing mood and feelings of relaxation.

Research has even found that men who ejaculate 21 or more times a month have a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer.

Read more:
Does ejaculating often reduce your risk of prostate cancer?

How much is too much?

As a sex and relationship therapist, I am often asked: “How much masturbation is too much?” There is no right answer to that.

Masturbation can be a healthy way to seek pleasure and for some people to cope with emotions like stress. However, if it becomes the primary or only means of emotional regulation, it may start to feel compulsive.

When this leads to a sense of loss of control, emotional distress or negative effects on daily life, it can be an issue. In these instances, sexual compulsivity attempts to resolve unmet needs, whether they are sexual, emotional or relational.

Psychosexual therapy is an effective, sex-positive and inclusive approach that helps clients develop a wider range of strategies for managing emotions, not just masturbation.

As we move toward a more inclusive and open understanding of sexuality, self-pleasure may one day be recognised not as something to feel guilty or ashamed about but as a natural form of self-expression. Until then, it remains a powerful act of self-love.

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

– ref. Masturbation remains taboo – but research shows how it can be good for you – https://theconversation.com/masturbation-remains-taboo-but-research-shows-how-it-can-be-good-for-you-249667

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Serbia is facing its largest-ever protest movement – why is Europe looking away?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andi Hoxhaj, Lecturer in Law, King’s College London

On November 1 2024, the roof of a newly €55 million renovated railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second biggest city, collapsed and killed 15 people. The deaths sparked Serbia’s largest wave of student-led anti-government protests since Yugoslavia’s disintegration in 2000.

The protests pose the most serious threat to Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić’s power since he became prime minister in 2014, and president in 2017. The protest movement has highlighted Vučić’s growing authoritarian rule and widespread corruption in Serbia.

Serbians believe that the deadly roof collapse was caused by government corruption. The station was renovated by a Chinese-led consortium as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative investments and growing political ties with Serbia. The Chinese consortium and Vučić refused to publish the railway station restoration procurement contract after protesters demanded it.

The protesters have four demands: the publication of all procurement documents concerning the renovation of the station, a stop to the prosecution of students arrested during the protests, the prosecution of police and security forces involved in attacking students during the protests and a 20% increase in the budget for higher education.

However, the Serbian government and media — most of which Vučić controls through a network of political patronage and cronyism – are downplaying the protests and threatening students.

Vučić claims that foreign powers are behind the protests to topple him and destabilise Serbia. Russia and China have fully supported Vučić’s claims that Serbia is the target of a western plot to orchestrate the protesters and overthrow Vučić.

Serbia’s history of corruption

In the decade after former president Slobodan Milošević was overthrown, Serbia implemented a number of democratic and anti-corruption reforms. As a result, the country climbed to 72nd place out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index in 2013. Serbia opened EU membership negotiations the following year.

However, since Vučić took office, Serbia has become more authoritarian. Corruption is widespread, and the government has exploited tensions and instability with most of its western Balkans neighbours, primarily Kosovo, for political gain.

Serbia was downgraded to partly free by Freedom House in 2019, and the V-Dem Institute (Varieties of Democracy) labelled it as as an “electoral autocracy”. Serbia dropped to 105th place in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index in 2024.

Many international organisations monitoring anti-corruption, human rights and democracy have reported Vučić’s authoritarian tendencies and corruption in Serbia.

A report from Amnesty International published in December 2024 describes Serbia as a “digital prison”. It has been reported that Serbian authorities are using surveillance technology to monitor and suppress the protesters and other political opponents.

International response

The EU has mostly stayed silent since the protests began. After receiving letters from NGOs and activists, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that the EU is following the protests in Serbia, and backed the rule of law and freedom of assembly.

This is a far cry from the EU’s response to protests in Georgia last year. EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen said “the Georgian people are fighting for democracy” – yet has stayed silent on the protests in Serbia.

Some argue this (lack of) response is because in August 2024, Vučić made a deal with the EU to provide lithium to the bloc – a boon to the EU’s electric vehicle production. There were also widespread protests against the lithium deal over its transparency and concerns that the mine would cause irreversible environmental destruction to Serbia’s Jadar Valley.

The US has also stayed quiet. President Donald Trump’s associates were recently granted permission to build a Trump hotel in Belgrade. Further, Rod Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois who served eight years in prison for corruption, is being considered as the new US ambassador to Serbia. Blagojevich, whose father is from Serbia, expressed support for Vučić and visited the country.

What is next for Serbia?

Serbia’s prime minister, Miloš Vučević, and Novi Sad’s mayor, Milan Đurić, both resigned in an effort to de-escalate the protests. Following the resignation of the PM, Vučić has said that he is open to the new government making the documents about the station collapse public.

While this may be a sign that the protests are loosening Vučić’s grip, the movement has only intensified, spreading to more than 200 towns on February 1.

Vučić has pledged to either form a new government within one month, or organise a new parliamentary election in the spring to address the protesters’ demands. However, this would barely paper over the cracks of systemic corruption in Serbia.

The student movement has revealed how democracy and the rule of law have eroded since Vučić came to power in 2014.

The protests have also exposed the international community’s complicity in supporting Vučić under the premise that he is a constructive partner for regional cooperation and stability in the western Balkans.

But to have a lasting impact in Serbia, the protesters should also demand a transitional government to undertake anti-corruption and democratic reforms to strengthen the rule of law, and to organise the next elections.

At the heart of these reforms must be constitutional changes, such as term limits on elected public office. Research shows stricter term limits can reduce the costs of corruption, abuse of power and attacks on the rule of law and democracy.

Term limits would also prevent figures with authoritarian tendencies, like Vučić, from becoming the state themselves with unlimited and unaccountable power.

The EU also has a role to play here. By not putting pressure on Vučić, the EU is empowering his authoritarian tendencies. Second, in EU membership negotiations, it should introduce electoral reform as a new requirement for all EU candidate countries.

Other leaders in the western Balkans have adopted similar authoritarian government models and patronage systems as Serbia to maintain power. These would undermine and threaten the EU rule of law, if they were to join the bloc today.

The EU must also publicly support student protesters who want Serbia to become more democratic and accountable. After all, the students are fighting for the very ideals on which the EU was founded.

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

– ref. Serbia is facing its largest-ever protest movement – why is Europe looking away? – https://theconversation.com/serbia-is-facing-its-largest-ever-protest-movement-why-is-europe-looking-away-249388

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boost of nearly £10m for Wolverhampton city highways improvements

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Investment from the highways capital programme for 2025/26 will be bolstered by an extra £500,000 City of Wolverhampton Council commitment, bringing the total to £9.7 million.

Potholes are a priority for the council and over the past year more than 7,900 have been repaired. But with more than 740 kilometres of carriageway to manage, prevention work is key.

That is why the council uses a data driven, informed strategy to identify where targeted surfacing works can extend the life of roads – reducing the need for reactive repairs.

Surface dressing is completed quickly with little disruption to traffic and protects the road from water and frost – one of the key causes of potholes.

Where required the council also carries out full road resurfacing projects.

Over the past 5 years the council has treated more than 560 square kilometres of carriageway by resurfacing or surface dressing and repaired more than 58,000 defects in roads and footways – up to 44 per working day.

A range of new surface dressing and full resurfacing works are included in the proposed highway improvements for 2025/26.

Other planned improvements include road safety and traffic management work with upgrades to the council’s car park management systems.

There will also be a completion of the streetlighting upgrade, with almost 30,000 streetlights now switched to energy and money saving LED, helping cut carbon emissions.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City, said: “By investing we can ensure an efficient, safe and smooth flowing network for all modes of transport that supports businesses and helps achieve our sustainable regeneration ambitions and climate change commitments.

“We know potholes are an important issue for people, as they are up and down the country.

“We have a clear data led, long term strategy to tackling this which strikes a safe and prudent balance of reactive and preventative maintenance as we move forward.”

The council will carry out the 2025/26 work under the next phase of its Highway Capital Programme. Funding has come through external grants and council resources.

The programme has delivered £37.5 million worth of improvements and development work since 2020.

Completed improvements in 2024/25 include several road safety and Safer Routes to Schools projects and a raft of maintenance works to carriageways, footpaths and structures, alongside surface treatments.

There has been an expansion of the CCTV network and smart technology systems and further rollout of electronic driver information signs, helping to manage car parks across the city.

The Highway Capital Programme aligns with the ongoing work of the Black Country Transport and Wolverhampton Major Transport Investment Programme to deliver transport schemes across the city and wider region, developed mainly with external funding.

Projects for delivery under this programme include the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across the region, active travel schemes and the ongoing development of the A4123, A449 and A454 corridors.

The planned improvements are pending approval at City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet meeting on 19 February.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA Tests Drones to Provide Micrometeorology, Aid in Fire Response

Source: NASA

In Aug. 2024, a team of NASA researchers and partners gathered in Missoula, to test new drone-based technology for localized forecasting, or micrometeorology. Researchers attached wind sensors to a drone, NASA’s Alta X quadcopter, aiming to provide precise and sustainable meteorological data to help predict fire behavior.
Wildfires are increasing in number and severity around the world, including the United States, and wind is a major factor. It leads to unexpected and unpredictable fire growth, public threats, and fire fatalities, making micrometeorology a very effective tool to combat fire.

The campaign was run by NASA’s FireSense project, focused on addressing challenges in wildland fire management by putting NASA science and technology in the hands of operational agencies.
“Ensuring that the new technology will be easily adoptable by operational agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and the National Weather Service was another primary goal of the campaign,” said Jacquelyn Shuman, FireSense project scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.
The FireSense team chose the Alta X drone because the U.S. Forest Service already has a fleet of the quadcopters and trained drone pilots, which could make integrating the needed sensors – and the accompanying infrastructure – much easier and more cost-effective for the agency.

The choice of the two sensors for the drone’s payload was also driven by their adoptability.
The first, called a radiosonde, measures wind direction and speed, humidity, temperature, and pressure, and is used daily by the National Weather Service. The other sensor, an anemometer, measures wind speed and direction, and is used at weather stations and airports around the world.

“Anemometers are everywhere, but are usually stationary,” said Robert McSwain, the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) lead, based at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. “We are taking a sensor type that is already used all over the world, and giving it wings.”

Robert Mcswain
FireSense Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Lead

Both sensors create datasets that are already familiar to meteorologists worldwide, which opens up the potential applications of the platform.

Traditionally, global weather forecasting data is gathered by attaching a radiosonde to a weather balloon and releasing it into the air. This system works well for regional weather forecasts. But the rapidly changing environment of wildland fire requires more recurrent, pinpointed forecasts to accurately predict fire behavior. It’s the perfect niche for a drone.

“These drones are not meant to replace the weather balloons,” said Jennifer Fowler, FireSense’s project manager at Langley. “The goal is to create a drop-in solution to get more frequent, localized data for wildfires – not to replace all weather forecasting.”

Jennifer Fowler
FireSense Project Manager

Drones can be piloted to keep making measurements over a precise location – an on-site forecaster could fly one every couple of hours as conditions change – and gather timely data to help determine how weather will impact the direction and speed of a fire.
Fire crews on the ground may need this information to make quick decisions about where to deploy firefighters and resources, draw fire lines, and protect nearby communities.
A reusable platform, like a drone, also reduces the financial and environmental impact of forecasting flights.
“A weather balloon is going to be a one-off, and the attached sensor won’t be recovered,” Fowler said. “The instrumented drone, on the other hand, can be flown repeatedly.”

Before such technology can be sent out to a fire, it needs to be tested. That’s what the FireSense team did this summer.

McSwain described the conditions in Missoula as an “alignment of stars” for the research: the complex mountain terrain produces erratic, historically unpredictable winds, and the sparsity of monitoring instruments on the ground makes weather forecasting very difficult. During the three-day campaign, several fires burned nearby, which allowed researchers to test how the drones performed in smokey conditions.
A drone team out of NASA Langley conducted eight data-collection flights in Missoula. Before each drone flight, student teams from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, and Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, Montana, launched a weather balloon carrying the same type of radiometer.

Once those data sets were created, they needed to be transformed into a usable format. Meteorologists are used to the numbers, but incident commanders on an active fire need to see the data in a form that allows them to quickly understand which conditions are changing, and how. That’s where data visualization partners come in. For the Missoula campaign, teams from MITRE, NVIDIA, and Esri joined NASA in the field.

Measurements from both the balloon and the drone platforms were immediately sent to the on-site data teams. The MITRE team, together with NVIDIA, tested high-resolution artificial intelligence meteorological models, while the Esri team created comprehensive visualizations of flight paths, temperatures, and wind speed and direction. These visual representations of the data make conclusions more immediately apparent to non-meteorologists.

Development of drone capabilities for fire monitoring didn’t begin in Missoula, and it won’t end there.
“This campaign leveraged almost a decade of research, development, engineering, and testing,” said McSwain. “We have built up a UAS flight capability that can now be used across NASA.”

Robert Mcswain
FireSense Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Lead

The NASA Alta X and its sensor payload will head to Alabama and Florida in spring 2025, incorporating improvements identified in Montana. There, the team will perform another technology demonstration with wildland fire managers from a different region.
To view more photos from the FireSense campaign visit: https://nasa.gov/firesense
The FireSense project is led by NASA Headquarters in Washington and sits within the Wildland Fires program, with the project office based at NASA Ames. The goal of FireSense is to transition Earth science and technological capabilities to operational wildland fire management agencies, to address challenges in U.S. wildland fire management before, during, and after a fire.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Global Trade Outlook 2025: Industry Insights
Source: International Chamber of Commerce

Headline: Global Trade Outlook 2025: Industry Insights
Share this:
What are businesses saying about trade policy?

Our recent industry consultations and roundtables reveal pressing concerns from the global business community:

Businesses of all sizes emphasize that policy uncertainty is their greatest challenge for planning investments, managing supply chains and creating jobs

Companies report that costly adaptations to trade restrictions are affecting innovation and profitability while providing no guaranteed protection against major disruptions

Supply chain resilience efforts face practical constraints, including skilled worker shortages and limited supplier availability

What does business say is fundamental?

The following key priorities emerged from our consultations and roundtables:

Active business participation in trade policy discussions to ensure industry perspectives are heard

A strong rules-based trading system anchored in a fully functioning World Trade Organization (WTO)

Stability and predictability for making informed long-term business decisions

How can we strengthen the trading system?

ICC calls for three concrete actions:

Governments should pursue complementary dialogue through plurilateral initiatives that can deliver tangible benefits.

WTO member states should reinvigorate multilateral trade talks by identifying practical areas where grand bargains could be secured to address major trade frictions.

Stakeholders should work to enhance negotiation mechanisms that can effectively address emerging trade challenges.

Download the full policy brief for more insights from our business consultations.

Connect with our trade experts to share your perspectives or learn more about ICC’s trade initiatives:

Valerie Picard, Head of Trade

Mélanie Laloum, Lead Economist

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MIL OSI Economics –
February 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Thales Alenia Space and ESA sign contract for HydRON to demonstrate first multi-orbit optical communication network
Source: Thales Group

Headline: Thales Alenia Space and ESA sign contract for HydRON to demonstrate first multi-orbit optical communication network
- Thales Alenia Space will develop the world’s first all-optical, multi-orbit optical space communication network
- ESA’s HydRON project will meet the challenge of bringing connectivity to multiple users to showcase the capabilities of optical communication technology
- The company will leverage its expertise to contribute to Europe’s technological independence in connectivity services through space.
Cannes, February 14, 2025 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for Element #2 of the HydRON (High-thRoughput Optical space Network) Demonstration System (DS) for the design, development, deployment and in-orbit demonstration of a full end-to-end optical system to verify and validate the world’s first all-optical, high-data-rate, multi-orbit transport network in space.

HydRON is set to transform the way data-collecting satellites communicate, using laser technology that will allow satellites to connect with each other and ground networks much faster.By enabling rapid, high-capacity connections between satellites and ground networks, HydRON will significantly enhance our ability to collect and utilize data from space.

HydRON optical communication for broadband in space ©ESA

The project will be conducted with the support of the various space agencies involved in this exciting challenge: the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Polish Space Agency (POLSA), the Romanian Space Agency (ROSA), Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Swiss Space Agency (SSO). Other agencies are expected to join during the project to expand the mission’s objectives. HydRON forms part of ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme within the Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate.

“I am really pleased Thales Alenia Space will be contributing to Europe’s technological independence in connectivity services through space,” said Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO and Senior Vice President, Observation, Exploration and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space. “Thales Alenia Space believes HydRON Demonstration System is the key enabler for the reliability and operability of a high-throughput optical network in space, paving the way for the future of commercial optical communications in Europe and globally.”

“It was an honour to sign this contract with Thales Alenia Space, which moves us closer to establishing Europe’s first optical communication network in space,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “HydRON is set to maintain Europe and Canada as global leaders in the optical domain. With the system being interoperable, HydRON will ensure we continue to grow ESA’s cooperation with our international partners.”

Thales Alenia Space’s role in HydRON-DS project

Thales Alenia Space, with its long track record in telecommunication networks and expertise in the production of optical terminals for space, developed in Zurich, has already coordinated a working group involving Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%), responsible for the ground segment, and other Italian and European companies for Phase A/B1 of the HydRON-DS project. This work was completed at the end of the 2023.

Today, Thales Alenia Space in Italy is ready to lead a European industry consortium for building the HydRON-DS Element #2 mission partition, including the space segment (LEO collector satellite and GEO optical payload) and ground segment (two optical ground stations, mission and network control center and satellite control center).

The project will develop and validate two concepts:
- Fiber in the Sky: multi-orbit optical telecommunications at high data rates between space and ground assets.
- Internet beyond the Clouds: innovative onboard routing techniques at high throughput (> 100 Gbps) to build an optical space transport network seamlessly integrated with terrestrial fiber-based networks.
The project includes up to two years of in-orbit demonstration to assess the capabilities of key technologies for optical communications and concepts of operations for the network architecture. It will also provide a service demonstration for potential demo users.

About ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme

The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space, coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its Member States to conduct space programmes and activities. Part of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), the Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme focuses on advancing optical and quantum technologies to revolutionise satellite communications. ScyLight supports the research, development and utilisation of these technologies, for instance through the HydRON project for seamlessly integrating space assets into terrestrial communication networks. ESA is enabling future quantum communication networks with ultra-secure global connectivity by advancing space-based quantum key distribution and maturing technologies already available today.

Through supporting industry to develop and extend its manufacturing capabilities, ScyLight helps prepare European and Canadian industry stakeholders to seize related market opportunities.

Learn more at https://connectivity.esa.int/optical-and-quantum-communications

ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately €2.2 billion in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 8 countries with 16 sites in Europe.
MIL OSI Economics –
February 15, 2025

Eddy Cocciollo President 647-403-7320 eddy@dlc.ca	James Bell EVP, Corporate and Chief Legal Officer 403-560-0821 jbell@dlcg.ca

Category: Business

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What does business say is fundamental?

How can we strengthen the trading system?

Governments should pursue complementary dialogue through plurilateral initiatives that can deliver tangible benefits.

WTO member states should reinvigorate multilateral trade talks by identifying practical areas where grand bargains could be secured to address major trade frictions.

Stakeholders should work to enhance negotiation mechanisms that can effectively address emerging trade challenges.

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