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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Conference Call for February 25, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today announced that it has scheduled its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings conference call and webcast for Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM EST. During the call, Bitdeer management will discuss the preliminary and unaudited financial and operational results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, followed by a question-and-answer session.

    Bitdeer will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 preliminary and unaudited results before the call at approximately 7:00 AM EST on February 25, 2025. A copy of the earnings release will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    Conference Call Information:

    • Date: February 25, 2025
    • Time: 8:00 AM EST / 9:00 PM SGT
    • Participant Call Links:
      • Live Webcast: Link
      • Participant Call Registration: Link

    Participants wishing to join the conference call by phone should register using the Participant Call Registration link provided above. After completing the registration, the participants will receive an email with the necessary details to access the call including dial-in number, passcode, and PIN. To ensure a timely start, the Company encourages all callers to connect about 5 minutes before the scheduled time.

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of Bitdeer’s website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive computing solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    Nishant Sharma
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Delinea Enhances Enterprise Security by Giving Greater Visibility and Control Over All User Identities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Delinea, a pioneering provider of solutions for securing human and non-human identities through centralized authorization, has introduced new capabilities on its leading cloud-native platform, including credential and password support for workforce and business users, intelligent identity lifecycle management and behavioral analytics spanning all identity types. These new features will enable enterprises to comprehensively manage the full identity lifecycle across all users from any access point while automating management and entitlements as users evolve. Additionally, with the new Delinea Platform App, the power of the platform is now available on iOS and Android devices, enabling administrators to manage access from anywhere.

    Identity has become a critical pillar of cybersecurity strategies, with over half of organizations allocating 20% or more of their IT budget to identity and access management technology and processes, according to recent Delinea research. As identity-based attacks continue to surge, the latest enhancements to the Delinea platform are aimed at helping enterprises create an all-encompassing security environment to make it easier to manage all identities, enforce access policies, and respond to security threats.

    “The complexity of managing digital identities is only increasing, and organizations must overcome mounting challenges related to security visibility, access control, and automation,” said Jeremy Weiss, executive security strategist, GSSO at CDW. “The new additions to the Delinea Platform will enable our customers to address these challenges head-on with agile, intuitive, and scalable solutions that strengthen security and improve organizational efficiency.”

    Increase visibility with Delinea Credential Manager
    Delinea Credential Manager simplifies and secures credentials while providing IT administrators and security leaders with comprehensive visibility and control over access for every identity. The enterprise-grade vault reduces risk, boosts security policy adoption with a simplified experience, and ensures seamless user access across any device, anywhere. Administrators gain centralized oversight of all credentials and user activity across the entire workforce, while business users benefit from a user-friendly interface that makes credential access both frictionless and secure.

    Administrators also gain real-time visibility into all identities and can simplify credential management, minimizing shadow IT and credential fatigue. Unified access controls remove vulnerabilities business users present from disjointed credential use, improving productivity while maintaining strict security protocols.

    Intelligently automate access provisioning with Identity Lifecycle Management
    Identity Lifecycle Management (ILM) provides agile, centralized control over all identities, making it easy to automate joiner-mover-leaver (JML) processes and reduce the risk of overprovisioned or orphaned accounts. With the average onboarding process taking over four days, ILM drastically reduces the manual workload, providing efficient, secure, and auditable identity provisioning and de-provisioning across the organization. IT and security teams can use ILM to reduce administrative overhead, enforce security protocols, and automate key workflows that improve both efficiency and compliance.

    Reduce risk with Platform Analytics
    The Platform Analytics feature empowers IT and security teams to stay one step ahead of potential threats by continuously monitoring and analyzing users’ digital behaviors. By establishing a baseline for each user’s behavior, Platform Analytics detects deviations and automatically triggers customized actions to address abnormal actions in real-time.

    Anywhere, Anytime Access with Delinea Platform App
    The Delinea Platform App offers administrators full visibility and control over their organization’s identity security environment, no matter where they are. With this secure mobile app, administrators can monitor and manage all identities, view behavior insights, configure security workflows, and respond to access requests, ensuring privileged access is continuously monitored and protected.

    “Enterprises today are facing a different kind of identity crisis in the age of AI, as they must now contend with an explosion of human and non-human identities to manage and provision,” said Phil Calvin, Chief Product Officer at Delinea. “In adding these new capabilities and mobile app to the Delinea Platform, we’re enabling our customers to be more agile. We’re constantly innovating to make it even easier to secure all identities, prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, and streamline the management of user credentials, all while minimizing user friction.”

    To learn more about the Delinea Platform, visit: https://delinea.com/products

    About Delinea
    Delinea is a pioneer in securing identities through centralized authorization, making organizations more secure by seamlessly governing their interactions across the modern enterprise. Delinea allows organizations to apply context and intelligence throughout the identity lifecycle across cloud and traditional infrastructure, data, and SaaS applications to eliminate identity-related threats. With intelligent authorization, Delinea provides the only platform that enables you to discover all identities, assign appropriate access levels, detect irregularities, and immediately respond to identity threats in real-time. Delinea accelerates your teams’ adoption by deploying in weeks, not months, and makes them more productive by requiring 90% fewer resources to manage than the nearest competitor. With a guaranteed 99.995% uptime, the Delinea Platform is the most reliable identity security solution available. Learn more about Delinea on delinea.com, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

    Media Contact
    Justin Ordman
    Corporate Communications Director
    justin.ordman@delinea.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d824fd94-e074-4f61-a7ab-3951dbbc0d72

    The MIL Network –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: A music expert’s tips on making an unforgettable mixtape (or playlist) for your Valentine

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester

    There’s something about tangible music that the digital world simply can’t touch. Whether that’s putting a new record on the turntable, popping a shiny CD out of its jewel case or clicking a tape into place on a cassette deck.

    I still remember a time when cassette was king – when the ultimate Christmas present was a pack of blank tapes, and recording your favourite songs from the radio without the interference of the DJ’s voice was a skill to be proud of.

    Then, of course, there was the mixtape. Lovingly compiled over weeks, dubbed from CDs, other cassettes, the radio or LPs, the track listings would be written on the back in your neatest handwriting. When the time was right, you passed it on to that special someone.

    The process wasn’t without risk, of course. Critic Christopher Partridge has noted that, for many of us, popular music is central to the construction of our identities and sense of self. That means that creating something so personal often felt like giving up a section of our diaries.

    A practical guide to making a physical mixtape.

    Handing it over to the wrong person and having your taste ridiculed was a surefire way to spend the next few days wallowing in self-pity, eating multipacks of crisps and listening to The Smiths. Handing it over to the right person, though, and seeing them share your love for those most precious of songs was a certain way to take a relationship to the next level.

    Cassette tapes and players are having a second lease on life. They can be bought online for as little as £30, or even cheaper if you get lucky in a charity shop.

    So, this Valentine’s Day, why not do something that really shows how much you care, and go old school instead of just sending over another Spotify link? Here are five top tips from a seasoned mixtape maker.

    Looking for love this Valentine’s Day? Whether you want to improve your relationship with others or with yourself, The Quarter Life Glow-up can help.

    This six-week newsletter course from The Conversation will bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    1. Be honest

    Romantic mixtapes are supposed to be an opportunity for you to share the tracks that you love; a chance to say “this is a piece of me – what do you think?” If you’re choosing tracks simply because you think they’ll make you look current, deep or edgy, therefore, you’re not being true to the process. Pick the songs that mean something to you and don’t overthink how they may look to someone else.

    2. Be considerate

    Writing on your CD or cassette can add an extra personal touch.
    Isabela Donô Peixoto/Dupe

    If you know the recipient of your mixtape quite well, chances are you might also know a little something about their music tastes.

    Tip one still applies in such an instance, but that’s not to say you should force-feed them Metallica, for example, if they’ve previously said they hate heavy metal. Doing so would either show you to be someone who doesn’t listen (bad), or someone who listens, but doesn’t care (worse).

    So, be considerate, but don’t spend the whole time thinking “Oh God: will they hate this?” They might do, of course, but if they haven’t given you a clue either way, it’s a risk you’ll have to take.

    3. Don’t be cringey

    Mixtapes, especially Valentine’s mixtapes, are not about vicariously displaying your feelings for someone through the voice and lyrics of others. Instead, they are about showing that you trust someone enough to share the songs that are important to you.

    If you own vinyl records, try playing them while recording with a blank cassette.
    Cora Pursley/Dupe

    To that end, please, no Let’s Get It On or J’taime… Moi Non Plus. Not least because it may make the object of your affection cringe, which (hopefully) won’t be your desired reaction.

    Also, try to avoid cringey behaviours when presenting the mixtape, whether that’s saying, “oh, you’re going to LOVE this,” followed by winks and elbow nudges, or, on the flipside, being almost apologetic: “You’re probably going to hate it … but here it is anyway.”

    Instead, just go with something like, “I made you this,” hand it over, and let the music do the rest of the talking.

    4. Sequencing

    When it comes to deciding the running order of your mixtape, it can be looked upon like the sequencing of an album.

    Joy Division and New Order’s Peter Hook says that a tracklist should “build up … slow down” and then have a “big finish”. Taylor Swift says she never likes to put two happy songs in a row or two of the same kind of sadness in a row. Adele swears by leaving the biggest and boldest track to the end. And Elbow’s Guy Garvey likes to include a short post-script of song after the record sounds like it’s ended, which feels like extra kisses at the bottom of a letter.

    Unfortunately, our modern attention spans may also need to be taken into consideration. Radio expert Kelli Fannon admits that she can only get through the first three or four songs of an album (or mixtape) before the phone rings, someone asks a question, or she has a meeting to run to. And she’s not alone.

    So, if there are a few songs you really want your lover to hear, ignore the sequencing advice of the stars, and make sure you put those tracks first.

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

    5. Variety is the spice of life

    I’ll never forget my wife’s face when she came to the end of Satan Rejected My Soul by Morrissey, which I’d inexplicably and inadvisably put on the mixtape I’d made for her a few weeks after we’d met.

    Sure, I sulked for a bit (how could she not like it?) but we moved past it, and 20 years on I just know not to play Morrissey within her earshot. It’s unlikely the recipient of your tape is going to love every track and, so long as they let you down respectfully, all is well.

    With hindsight, I can’t think of an instance where Satan Rejected My Soul should ever be on a mixtape. So do yourself (and your love interest) a favour and leave that one off.

    Glenn Fosbraey 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. A music expert’s tips on making an unforgettable mixtape (or playlist) for your Valentine – https://theconversation.com/a-music-experts-tips-on-making-an-unforgettable-mixtape-or-playlist-for-your-valentine-249240

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Camp Hill virus explained: what are the risks of a henipavirus outbreak in America?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Shirin Ashraf, Postdoctoral Researcher, MRC-Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow

    A new pathogen, called Camp Hill virus, was recently discovered in Alabama, drawing attention to a group of viruses known as henipaviruses. This is a big deal because other viruses in this group are linked to serious, often fatal, disease, and this is the first time one of them has been found in North America.

    Camp Hill virus was discovered by looking at tissue samples from short-tailed shrews that were collected in 2021. It’s a new species of virus that’s related to other dangerous viruses such as Nipah and Hendra, which have caused serious outbreaks in other parts of the world. It’s also distantly related to the measles virus.

    The first known henipavirus, Hendra virus, was identified in Australia in 1994. There have been just seven cases of humans getting infected – four of them were fatal.

    Nipah virus, discovered in Malaysia in 1998, is much more deadly. It has caused 30 outbreaks in south-east Asia, infecting over 600 people, with death rates as high as 100% in some cases.

    These viruses usually cause fever and other serious symptoms, such as brain swelling and difficulty breathing. They are thought to be carried by bats and can spread to humans through their saliva or urine. Horses are also thought to be carriers.

    Thanks to new technology that allows scientists to study the genetics of viruses, they’ve now found nearly 20 species of henipaviruses around the world. These viruses have been found on every continent except Antarctica, including places like Ghana, China, Australia and Brazil. This shows that henipaviruses are probably common in nature, and new ones could pop up almost anywhere.

    For example, in China, a virus called Mojang virus was linked to the deaths of three workers who were exposed to it in a mine. Another virus, Langya, spread by shrews, caused an outbreak in which 35 people got sick – although they all recovered.

    So far, other henipaviruses haven’t caused human infections, but the potential is there.

    The rapid growth in our understanding of these viruses comes from improvements in technology and global efforts to study diseases. But it also reminds us that viruses can suddenly jump from animals to humans in unpredictable ways.

    Whether a virus can harm humans depends on how well it can infect human cells, and how badly it affects the body. Some viruses cause mild symptoms, while others can lead to life-threatening diseases. Studying these viruses requires scientists to look closely at their genetic code and run laboratory tests to understand how they work.

    Henipaviruses can infect many animals, including bats, horses, monkeys, dogs, cats and even rodents. This means they are more adaptable and have a higher chance of jumping from animals to humans in different ways. In comparison, a virus like measles can only infect humans, which makes it less likely to spread to other species.

    No drugs or vaccines … yet

    There is no cure for henipavirus infections, but researchers are working on a vaccine for Nipah virus. Some new treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, are also being developed but aren’t ready for use yet. This makes Nipah and Hendra viruses major public health concerns. The World Health Organization has called for more research to help fight them.

    While there’s no evidence that Camp Hill virus has infected any humans yet – and the chances of it doing so are low – its discovery in North America is a reminder that viruses can emerge anywhere. Even though shrews usually live in forests and don’t come into much contact with people, the potential for the virus to spread remains a worry.

    The more we learn about these viruses, the better we’ll be at creating vaccines that can protect us from both known and new threats. Keeping up with research and staying prepared is crucial to protecting global health from future outbreaks.

    Shirin Ashraf 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. Camp Hill virus explained: what are the risks of a henipavirus outbreak in America? – https://theconversation.com/camp-hill-virus-explained-what-are-the-risks-of-a-henipavirus-outbreak-in-america-249183

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Podcasts are a great tool for political persuasion – just ask this 18th century thinker

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Katie East, Senior Lecturer in the History of Radical Ideas, Newcastle University

    Podcasts have been around for more than two decades, but the last few years – and particularly their influence in the 2024 US election – have solidified their role in the media landscape.

    Some of the most popular podcasts in the US and UK (such as The Joe Rogan Experience and The Rest is Politics) have a conversational format. They typically include two or more people discussing topics in an unstructured, uncensored way. The hosts and guests are unencumbered by word counts or TV timeslots. Such podcasts are a viable medium for political persuasion.

    There is some debate as to whether podcasts are simply an extension of the echo chambers formed in other media. But as a researcher of intellectual history and political discourse, I believe that conversational podcasts offer a uniquely valuable way to unpick political questions – and change the listener’s point of view.

    To understand the value of conversation as a means of communication, I suggest looking to writing from 18th-century Britain. This period saw a shift away from monarchy towards parliamentary government, along with the explosion of print culture. Popular engagement with political issues grew, and discussion of politics became a notable pastime.

    The rapidly expanding public sphere produced countless works on the art of conversation. Traditionally, they have been interpreted as indicative of the Georgian fascination with civility and politeness, instructing the reader in the proper behaviour for civilised discussion.

    However, the work of the Independent minister Isaac Watts (1674-1748) reveals a different view. Watts achieved prominence as a writer on education and as a philosopher. He engaged with key Enlightenment debates concerning reason, dogmatism and freedom of thought.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.

    In 1741, Watts published The Improvement of the Mind, which outlined the most effective ways of acquiring and creating useful knowledge. Among these was conversation.

    Watts viewed conversation as a tool for persuasion. This was not in the sense of compelling someone to your view – he explicitly warned against approaching conversation with a dogmatic mindset – but rather as a collective endeavour to reach the truth of a matter. Ultimately, this is a much more enduring form of persuasion.

    The appeal of conversation

    There is a logic to the appeal of conversational podcasts in a world of increasing isolation and division. Even the supposed great connector – social media – offers only a facade of conversation. While social media connects people more than ever before, the natural flow and deep engagement of a conversation is difficult to replicate online. Exchanges are rarely immediate, numerous voices are vying for position and tone of voice or expression is obscured behind faceless avatars.

    Conversation, Watts argued, offers a greater clarity of understanding of an opposing position than a one-way interaction like reading (or scrolling). A person can explain their meaning in different terms if it is not initially clear. If questions arise, the speakers can unpack the nuances before becoming hostile.

    Moreover, Watts argued, encountering a different perspective can draw the conversation closer to “evidence and truth” in unexpected ways.

    This supports the idea that conversation is the best forum for better understanding a different stance from your own. Such a view paves the way for the kind of “agreeable disagreement” celebrated by The Rest is Politics.

    Even listening to an conversation can help you understand a stance different from your own.
    Yuri A/Shutterstock

    It was not only that the nature of conversation facilitated better mutual understanding, in Watts’ view, but also that it offered unique creative possibilities in the pursuit of truth. The act of conversation demanded more active engagement of the mind and the “secret chambers of the soul,” drawing forth ideas which might otherwise have remained lodged deep in the recesses of the mind. Not only could hidden thoughts be revealed, but entirely new ones could be created through the process of conversing.

    Watts likened two people in conversation to flints being struck together: in motion working together they could produce fire, but stationary and solitary nothing could be created. In solitude “our souls may be serene,” Watts wrote, “but not sparkling”.

    Conversation and disagreement

    Watts recognised that caution was needed to avoid the most likely pitfalls of conversation: the echo chamber and the risk of hostility.

    He was emphatic that conversation with those whose opinions differed from your own was necessary. If knowledge and truth were to be discovered, then new ideas had to be considered. As noted, he also warned against dogma, advising patience regarding a firm and unalterable proposition until you have grounds for it.

    Most interestingly, he warned against bothsidesism, or arguing a question pro and con for the sake of it. This, he argued, would embed confrontation in the conversation and prevent the mind from being in the proper position to uncover the truth.

    Today, the polarisation resulting from avoiding views different from our own, and from deliberately seeking out binary positions for the sake of confrontation is all too apparent.

    Yet the popularity of conversational political podcasts indicates the appetite for a different approach to political discussion. Though they didn’t have podcasts in the 18th century, conversation was a public endeavour, performed at coffee houses and replicated in print so the audience could also learn good practice and understand – so listen on.

    Katie East 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. Podcasts are a great tool for political persuasion – just ask this 18th century thinker – https://theconversation.com/podcasts-are-a-great-tool-for-political-persuasion-just-ask-this-18th-century-thinker-245213

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Struggling with money? Here are 5 tips for growing your income from a financial expert

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Lisa Kramer, Professor of Finance, University of Toronto

    Whether you are just starting or looking to advance your financial skills, there are steps you can take to improve your financial situation. (Shutterstock)

    Personal finance can often feel overwhelming, with many Millennial and Gen Z individuals struggling with student loans, the high cost of living, housing market challenges and a general sense of financial anxiety. But just as any challenge can be overcome through skill development and persistence, so can your finances.

    Whether you are just starting or looking to advance your financial skills, there are steps you can take to improve your financial situation. From basic recommendations to more advanced strategies, here are some ways to get yourself on the path to financial stability.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.

    Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    1. Create a budget

    The first step to mastering your finances is working out where your money is going. You may discover, as my now-husband realized when he was a graduate student, that you’re spending a third of your food expenditures on coffee.

    Once you determine where your money is going, you can reign in some of your expenses and ensure some money is left over each month to devote to debt repayment or savings. Creating a budget is essential for doing this.

    The Government of Canada has an online budget planner tool available, as does the United States Federal Trade Commission and the United Kingdom government’s Money and Pensions Service.

    Once your budget is made, you can focus on reducing discretionary costs and redirect those savings toward your financial goals.

    Create a realistic budget that aligns with your financial goals.
    (Shutterstock)

    2. Boosting your income

    It can be difficult to reduce expenses in an inflationary environment — especially when the cost of basic needs like food and shelter are becoming increasingly expensive in Canada, the United States and elsewhere.

    But you can still find ways to boost your income without necessarily getting a second or third job.



    Read more:
    Maths that will help you as an adult: from baking a cake to asking for a pay rise

    It can be daunting to ask your employer for a raise, but you’re much more likely to get one if you ask. Arm yourself with quantifiable evidence about your productivity and work ethic. Then, rehearse your request with a mentor who is further along on your career path.

    If you don’t succeed on your first try, use the experience to understand how to secure a raise in the future. Another way to get a raise? While still employed — and on your own time, not company time — look for a new job, get an offer and use it as leverage to politely negotiate a raise. If you’re still unsuccessful, it may be time to move on to that new job.

    3. Build your pension

    Older generations are more likely to have worked in jobs that came with defined-benefit pensions, a type of pension plan that provides someone with a stream of income after they retire.

    These days, jobs are less likely to come with such perks. A recent World Bank report found about half of gig workers worldwide have no retirement plan; in some countries, that figure is as high as 75 per cent.

    It’s important to check if your current employer offers a defined contribution pension plan, which involves you and your employer contributing to a saving account that grows over time.

    Even if you don’t have access to such a plan, consider using a robo-advisor to replicate one of its key features by setting up an automatic monthly contribution to an investment account. Then, you can increase the amount you contribute every time you get a raise.

    You should also consider allocating that investment to a well-diversified stock index, or to a blend of stocks and bonds if you are relatively risk averse. An exchange-traded fund, also known as an ETF, is a low-cost way to do this compared to buying mutual funds. While the value of your investment may go up and down over the short term, it is likely to perform well over the long term.

    Talking to a financial advisor is always a good idea if you feel stuck.
    (Shutterstock)

    4. Steady does it

    Once you have set up automatic contributions and established a routine of increasing them over time, you will see your investment account balance start to grow. Even if you can put away only small amounts each month in the beginning, you’ll develop good financial habits.

    Your next task should be avoiding the temptation of timing the ups and downs of financial markets by actively trading. To dodge this common pitfall, avoid examining the balance of your investment account on a month-to-month basis and keep contributing, regardless of whatever may be happening in financial markets.



    Read more:
    If you have money anxiety, knowing your financial attachment style can help

    Ironically, overconfident investors often underperform the market when they try — and fail — to outperform by frequently trading their investment holdings. Successful investors understand the most reliable path to wealth accumulation is paved with a buy-and-hold mentality, meaning you should purchase investments with the intention of keeping them long-term rather than frequently buying and selling.

    5. Imagine the future

    When you’re young, it can be hard to identify with an abstract future version of yourself in retirement. Your golden years may be decades in the future, and it can seem like you have ages to prepare for whatever life will bring you at that stage in life.

    However, research shows that the clearer you can mentally picture your future self, the more motivated you will be to make sensible saving and retirement planning decisions for your future self.

    Try imagining what your life will be like when you’re retired, or what you will look like. Will you have grey hair or wrinkles? How will you spend your time? Picture your future self in retirement and the kind of life you would like to have.

    Meet the challenge head-on

    If you still find yourself overwhelmed by these tips and don’t know where to begin, consider contacting a fee-only financial advisor to analyze your situation and provide you with personalized advice.

    Remember, no matter what financial challenge you may face, it’s simply a new opportunity to overcome. With the right strategies and support, you’ll be able to tackle any financial hurdles and work toward a more secure future for yourself.

    Achieving financial stability is a journey that requires ongoing effort and dedication. Each milestone you reach brings you closer to your ultimate goal.

    Lisa Kramer has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Securities Institute Research Foundation.

    – ref. Struggling with money? Here are 5 tips for growing your income from a financial expert – https://theconversation.com/struggling-with-money-here-are-5-tips-for-growing-your-income-from-a-financial-expert-234623

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: SOAR Team at WORK! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    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 #SOAR

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f4Y6deXfUc

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welsh and UK Government Ministers visit GE Aerospace to Highlight Support for Welsh Aerospace Sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    • English
    • Cymraeg

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith MP and Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy Rebecca Evans MS, met with engineers, apprentices, and senior management to discuss ambitions of both Welsh and UK Governments to drive innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector. 

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith MP with GE Aerospace apprentices.

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith MP today visited GE Aerospace’s world-class maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Nantgarw, to reaffirm the UK Government’s commitment to supporting high-skilled jobs, cutting-edge innovation, and economic growth in Wales as part of its forthcoming Industrial Strategy.

    Joined by Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Ministers met with engineers, apprentices, and senior management to discuss how GE Aerospace’s investment in its MRO capabilities aligns with the broader ambitions of both Welsh and UK Governments to drive innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector. 

    With more than 1,300 employees, GE Aerospace’s Nantgarw site is one of the largest and most advanced engine MRO facilities in the world, servicing engines for global airlines, including the GE90 and CFM56, and playing a key role in supporting sustainable aviation. With Welsh Government financial support, Nantgarw will also be home to the GE9X engine upon int entry into service.

    As part of its long-term commitment to Wales, GE Aerospace recently announced a multi-million-pound investment in its Nantgarw MRO facility, further strengthening its capabilities and ensuring it remains a global leader in engine maintenance and repair. The investment is part of GE Aerospace’s global, multiyear $1 billion MRO spending surge that was announced last Autumn.

    The visit follows the Chancellor’s recent Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) funding announcement, which provides significant UK Government support for research into next-generation aviation technologies, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in the industry.

    Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales said:

    The UK’s aerospace sector is a cornerstone of our economy, and Wales plays a critical role in its success. 

    Our Industrial Strategy is a vital part of achieving our number one mission of growing the economy, and we are committed to seeing that companies like GE Aerospace get the support and investment they need to remain at the forefront of innovation in a highly competitive sector, in order to help us achieve that economic growth.

    The recent ATI funding announcement further demonstrates our commitment to developing greener, more efficient aviation technologies while securing high-quality jobs for the future.

    Steve Edwards, Managing Director at GE Aerospace’s site in Wales said:

    The Wales team is proud to provide world-class MRO services for our global airline customers. While we continue to focus on safety, quality, delivery and cost in that order, we are equally excited about the future. Looking ahead, our site will become the new overhaul home for the GE9X engine, the largest the most powerful commercial aircraft engine ever built. 

    Government support, including initiatives such as the Aerospace Growth Partnership along with long term funding for the Aerospace Technology Institute, will continue to provide companies such as GE Aerospace the confidence to grow, invest and mature new technologies and capabilities in the UK. 

    Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning said:

    Wales is a centre of excellence for aerospace-related manufacturing and maintenance activities, and this world-leading facility by GE Aerospace is another feather in the cap for our thriving aerospace sector.

    Our £5m funding contribution has helped equip the facility and the current workforce to upskill, while developing the next generation of aircraft engineers through training and apprenticeships. This means high-value employment opportunities for people living in the surrounding communities.

    The visit underscored the strong partnership between industry and government in driving innovation and investment, ensuring that companies such as GE Aerospace and the wider aerospace sector remain at the forefront of the UK and Welsh Governments’ industrial strategies.

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    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mercer County, W.Va., Disaster Recovery Center closed Feb. 11 due to forecast inclement weather

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Mercer County, W.Va., Disaster Recovery Center closed Feb. 11 due to forecast inclement weather

    Mercer County, W.Va., Disaster Recovery Center closed Feb. 11 due to forecast inclement weather

    Mercer County, W.Va., Disaster Recovery Center closed Feb. 11 due to forecast inclement weatherCHARLESTON, W.Va.– Due to forecast inclement weather, the FEMA Mercer County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Princeton will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. The DRC is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Additional changes based on weather conditions may occur. Please check FEMA’s DRC locator at fema.gov/drc for up-to-date information. The center is located at: Disaster Recovery CenterLifeline Princeton Church of God250 Oakvale Road Princeton, WV 24740 Hours of operation through Feb. 14, 2025:Tuesday, Feb. 11:  ClosedWednesday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 noonDRCs are accessible to all, including survivors with mobility issues, impaired vision, and those who are who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.Please note: The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance was Feb. 7, 2025. The DRC operations were extended through Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, to provide Mercer County residents the opportunity to speak face-to-face with staff about their disaster assistance applications.Survivors do not have to visit a DRC to check on the status of their FEMA application. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone. For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4851 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
    kelly.magarity
    Tue, 02/11/2025 – 01:38

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Maui Wildfires Settlement Will Move Forward According to Hawai‘I Supreme Court Decision

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Maui Wildfires Settlement Will Move Forward According to Hawai‘I Supreme Court Decision

    Posted on Feb 10, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 
     

    MAUI WILDFIRES SETTLEMENT WILL MOVE FORWARD ACCORDING TO HAWAI‘I SUPREME COURT DECISION 
     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 10, 2025

    HONOLULU – In a unanimous decision today, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruled against insurance companies and in favor of the state, to allow the $4 billion dollar Maui wildfires litigation settlement to move forward.

    Insurance companies had refused to enter into a settlement with the defendants, claiming that they had the right to make claims against the defendants, including the state of Hawaiʻi, to recoup what was paid out to the fire victims, a process referred to as subrogation.

    All five Hawai‘i Supreme Court justices said in their written order that the exclusive remedy, under HRS 663-10, is for the property and casualty insurer to request the money paid out to be reimbursed by the insured. The settlement monies from the defendants will go directly to fire victims rather than to the insurance companies.

    “As Governor of Hawai‘i, I welcome the state Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to uphold the $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement. We reached this historic settlement for the wildfire survivors on Maui through a collaborative effort to do what is right (pono), for our people, consistent with our values,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “The settlement came exactly one year after the fire occurred, when most felt it could take five years or more to reach agreement. Today’s decision will help our people heal much sooner, as we continue to rebuild and recover.”

    Governor Green went on to say, “Going forward I will continue to work with all parties, including those who opposed the settlement, to expedite our critical recovery as a people and a state.”

    “We are very pleased that this hurdle to resolving the claims of the fire victims has been cleared,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez.

    The case was remanded to the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit for further proceedings. The Supreme Court decision can be found here.

    # # # 

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: UK Approved KK MINER Launches Best Free Cloud Mining for Bitcoin (BTC) and Dogecoin (DOGE)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Traditionally, cryptocurrency mining requires large capital investments, complex technical setups, and high energy consumption. However, KK MINER is changing the industry by providing accessible, cost-effective cloud mining solutions for Bitcoin (BTC) and Dogecoin (DOGE). As a UK-approved platform, KK MINER democratizes mining by removing the barriers of expensive hardware and technical expertise. With its advanced security, seamless user experience, and guaranteed daily payouts, KK MINER stands out as one of the most promising cloud mining platforms in the crypto ecosystem.

    Features of KK MINER
    KK MINER is designed to provide a safe, efficient and profitable mining experience for users of all levels. Some of its main features include:

    • Enhanced Security: KK MINER integrates McAfee® and Cloudflare® protection to ensure that user data and mining activities are protected from potential cyber threats.
    • Zero Management Fees: Unlike many other platforms that charge hidden fees, KK MINER operates with complete transparency by eliminating unnecessary fees.
    • 100% Uptime Guarantee and 24/7 Technical Support: Users can enjoy continuous mining operations without downtime, ensuring continuous earnings.
    • Multiple Cryptocurrency Support: KK MINER supports mining more than six cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, etc.
    • Daily Payouts and Instant Signup Bonus: New users can get a $10 signup bonus, earn $1 for free every day, and start mining immediately without upfront investment.

    How to start free cloud mining with KK MINER
    KK MINER provides an easy and hassle-free introduction to cloud mining. Users can start mining in just three simple steps:

    Step 1: Choose a cloud mining provider
    KK MINER offers a $10 free mining plan that simplifies the mining process without the need for expensive mining hardware. This free plan allows users to earn $1 in passive income per day for free without taking any financial risk.

    Step 2: Register an account
    The account creation process is very smooth and only requires an email address. After registration, users can immediately access KK MINER’s mining dashboard to monitor their earnings in real time.

    Step 3: Select a mining contract
    KK MINER offers a variety of contract options to meet the needs of different investment levels. Each contract guarantees a fixed return and predictable daily payouts, ensuring a transparent and profitable mining experience.

    Why KK MINER stands out in cloud mining

    Easy access
    KK MINER is designed for both beginners and experienced miners. The user-friendly interface ensures that even people who have no knowledge of cryptocurrency mining can seamlessly participate and earn rewards.

    Profitability and Flexibility
    Unlike traditional mining setups that require long-term commitments and large investments, KK MINER offers flexible contract terms and guaranteed returns. Users can withdraw earnings daily, reinvest for higher returns, or exit at any time.

    Worry-free experience
    KK MINER handles all technical issues of mining, including equipment maintenance and energy costs. This allows users to focus on maximizing their earnings without having to worry about the complexity of the operation.

    Will KK MINER be the next big thing in the cryptocurrency space?
    The rise of cloud mining platforms like KK MINER marks a change in the way users participate in cryptocurrency mining. Several factors contribute to its potential to become a game changer in the industry:

    1. Regulatory Approval and Compliance As a UK-approved platform, KK MINER offers legitimacy and trust, addressing one of the key issues associated with cloud mining – security and reliability.
    2. Sustainable Mining Model Through energy-efficient cloud mining solutions, KK MINER mitigates the environmental impact of traditional mining methods, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious investors.
    3. High Adoption Rate and Market Potential An increasing number of retail and institutional users are exploring passive income opportunities in crypto mining, suggesting that platforms like KK MINER are likely to see widespread adoption in the coming years.
    4. Competitive Advantages over Traditional Mining Unlike traditional mining, which requires expensive ASIC miners and high electricity consumption, KK MINER offers a cost-effective alternative that lowers barriers to entry while ensuring profitability.

    Final Thoughts
    KK MINER’s innovative approach to cloud mining promises to reshape the industry, making cryptocurrency mining more convenient, safer, and more profitable. With zero-cost onboarding, guaranteed daily payouts, and a user-friendly experience, KK MINER offers an attractive opportunity for those looking to earn passive income through Bitcoin (BTC) and Dogecoin (DOGE) mining.

    As the cryptocurrency space continues to grow, KK MINER could become a key player in the cloud mining space, offering an attractive alternative to traditional mining setups. Whether you are a beginner exploring cryptocurrency mining for the first time, or a seasoned investor seeking a low-risk, high-return opportunity, KK MINER is worth considering as the next big thing in the cryptocurrency space. Visit the official website: https://kkminer.top/

    Contact:
    KK MINER
    Email: info@kkminer.top
    Website: https://kkminer.top/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by KKMiner. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d91f593-be07-4bf7-a401-d5042b902cb6
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1cfa8316-a13a-437d-a29d-fb7525b9712d
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/463e5de5-b7f1-443d-8ab6-7f9a55a30fcc

    The MIL Network –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses inaugural session of India Energy Week 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered his remarks at the inauguration of third edition of India Energy Week 2025 via video message today. Addressing the gathering at Yashobhoomi, he emphasized that the attendees are not just part of the Energy Week, but are also integral to India’s energy ambitions.

    India Energy Week was envisioned as more than just another industry conference—it was designed to be a dynamic platform redefining global energy dialogues. In just two years, this self-funded initiative has achieved precisely that, becoming the world’s second-largest energy event. IEW 2025, scheduled from February 11-14, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, represents a significant milestone in shaping the global energy narrative.

     

    Highlighting that experts worldwide are asserting that the 21st century belongs to India, Shri Modi remarked, “India is driving not only its growth but also the growth of the world, with the energy sector playing a significant role”. He emphasized that India’s energy ambitions are built on five pillars: harnessing resources, encouraging innovation among brilliant minds, economic strength and political stability, strategic geography making energy trade attractive and easier, and commitment to global sustainability. The Prime Minister noted that these factors are creating new opportunities in India’s energy sector.

    “India has grown from the tenth largest to the fifth largest economy in the past decade”, remarked Shri Modi. He highlighted that India’s solar energy generation capacity has increased thirty-two times in the last ten years, making it the third-largest solar power generating nation in the world. He noted that India’s non-fossil fuel energy capacity has tripled and that India is the first G20 country to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Prime Minister emphasized India’s achievements in ethanol blending, with a current rate of nineteen percent, leading to foreign exchange savings, substantial farmer revenue, and significant reductions in CO2 emissions. He highlighted India’s goal of achieving a twenty percent ethanol mandate by October 2025. He remarked that India’s biofuels industry is ready for rapid growth, with 500 million metric tonnes of sustainable feedstock. He further noted that during India’s G20 presidency, the Global Biofuels Alliance was established and is continuously expanding, now involving 28 nations and 12 international organizations. He highlighted that this alliance is transforming waste into wealth and setting up Centers of Excellence.

    Highlighting that India is continuously reforming to fully explore the potential of its hydrocarbon resources, Shri Modi highlighted that major discoveries and extensive expansion of gas infrastructure are contributing to the growth of the gas sector, increasing the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix. He noted that India is currently the fourth largest refining hub and is working to increase its capacity by 20 percent.

    Pointing out that India’s sedimentary basins hold numerous hydrocarbon resources, some of which have already been identified, while others await exploration, the Prime Minister highlighted that to make India’s upstream sector more attractive, the Government introduced the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). He emphasized that the Government has provided comprehensive support to the sector, including opening the Exclusive Economic Zone and establishing a single-window clearance system. Shri Modi noted that changes to the Oilfields Regulation & Development Act now offer stakeholders policy stability, extended leases, and improved financial terms. He emphasized that these reforms will facilitate the exploration of oil and gas resources in the maritime sector, increase production, and maintain strategic petroleum reserves.

    Prime Minister underlined that due to several discoveries and the expanding pipeline infrastructure in India, the supply of natural gas is increasing. He emphasized that this will lead to a rise in the utilization of natural gas in the near future. He also highlighted that there are numerous investment opportunities in these sectors.

    Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in his address at the event, highlighted the growing significance of the event, which has rapidly become the second-largest energy conference in the world in just three years. This year’s edition has drawn over 70,000 energy professionals from more than 50 countries, including over 20 Ministers and 100 CEOs from Fortune 500 energy companies, making it a key forum 6for discussions on the evolving global energy landscape.

    Shri Puri underscored that IEW 2025 comes at a crucial juncture amid major geopolitical shifts that have reshaped the global energy order. He stressed that the conference offers a unique opportunity for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and chart a course for a balanced and inclusive energy transition. While reaffirming India’s commitment to sustainability, he emphasized that the transition must be pragmatic, recognizing the continued role of hydrocarbons alongside renewables, hydrogen, and biofuels. He cited the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) projection of global energy investment surpassing USD 3 trillion in 2024, with USD 2 trillion dedicated to clean energy technologies, as a clear indication of the accelerating shift toward cleaner energy sources.

    The Minister highlighted India’s leadership in driving energy innovation and entrepreneurship, noting that major global energy firms like BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron operate Global Capability Centres in India, employing thousands of Indian engineers to develop cutting-edge solutions for energy efficiency, data analytics, and sustainable operations. He also acknowledged the role of 500+ entrepreneurs participating in start-up challenges such as Avinya and Vasudha, and the 700 exhibiting companies, including over 100 start-ups, showcasing AI-driven energy solutions, quantum computing applications, and advancements in biofuels and battery technologies.

    A key theme of his address was energy justice, where he warned against fragmented energy policies that could deepen inequality by leaving developing economies behind in the transition. He emphasized the need for resilient supply chains in critical minerals, semiconductors, and emerging energy technologies, calling for global collaboration to prevent disruptions that could hinder progress. He also pointed out that India is strategically investing in diverse energy sources, including scaling up biofuel production, increasing its gas share from 6% to 15%, and targeting 5 million metric tonnes of hydrogen production by 2030 to ensure a smooth transition without compromising energy security.

    Concluding his remarks, Shri Puri urged all stakeholders to leverage India Energy Week as a platform for forging transformative partnerships and shaping the global energy agenda. He invited the 6,000+ delegates to engage in the conference’s discussions over the next four days, focusing on strategies to stabilize energy markets, drive technological advancements, and enhance international cooperation. With India playing an increasingly central role in the global energy ecosystem, IEW 2025 is set to be a landmark event for defining the future of energy.

    *******

    MONIKA

    (Release ID: 2101769) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE INDEX

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi

    As per the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), 2023 India moved up to 22nd Rank in the Global Ranking in International Shipments category and the Overall 38th Rank in Logistics Performance Index score. Indian Ports have registered quantum improvement in “Turn Around Time”. Global comparison of Indian Ports on “Turn Around Time” parameter, as published in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Report-2023, acknowledges Indian Ports “Turn Around Time” as 0.9 days which is better than USA (1.5 days), Australia (1.7 days), Belgium (1.3 days), Canada (2.0 days), Germany (1.3 days), UAE (1.1 days), Singapore (1.0 days), Russian Federation (1.8 days), Malaysia (1.0 days), Ireland (1.2 days), Indonesia (1.1 days), New Zealand (1.1 days) and South Africa (2.8 days).

    The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 was developed in alignment with the principles of the blue economy. It outlines long-term aspirations for India’s maritime sector and provides a broad action plan for implementation. The vision aims to transform the sector through various key initiatives, including the expansion of port capacity through greenfield and brownfield developments, enhancing operational efficiency by leveraging automation and digitization, and making the sector more sustainable through green initiatives such as the development of hydrogen hubs. In addition to sustainability, the vision emphasizes the development of islands and the cruise sector, aiming to boost coastal tourism and related infrastructure. It also focuses on strengthening maritime capacity building by enhancing workforce training and skill development. Furthermore, the vision aspires to elevate India’s global maritime presence by increasing participation in international maritime platforms. Another critical area of focus is the shipbuilding and repair sector. The vision seeks to position India as a global leader in shipbuilding while also working toward increasing the country’s shipping tonnage. To achieve these ambitious objectives, the strategy proposes a comprehensive set of interventions spanning infrastructure development, policy reforms, technological advancements, institutional strengthening, and regulatory enhancements.

    GMIS 2023 attracted investment commitment of ₹10 lakh crore. This includes signing of 360 MoUs, with an investment commitment of ₹8.35 lakh crore (including international collaborations), and the announcement of additional investible projects worth ₹1.68 lakh crore.

    This information was given by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in Rajya Sabha, today.

    ***

    G.D. Hallikeri/Henry

    (Release ID: 2101760) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ENHANCING PORT EFFICIENCY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 4:07PM by PIB Delhi

    During the year 2023-24, the Major Ports handled total cargo traffic of 820 million tonnes against a combined capacity of 1,630 million tonnes per annum, resulting in approximately 50% capacity utilization. From 2013-14 to 2023-24, the average turnaround time of Major Ports has decreased by an impressive 49%, while the average Output per Ship Berth Day has seen a significant rise of 52% during the same period. India’s logistics performance has significantly improved, rising to 38th position in the 2023 World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), up from 54th in 2014. This progress is attributed to factors like reduced port dwell times, faster turnaround times and significant advancements in international shipment and delivery timeliness rankings.

    Infrastructure development and capacity augmentation of Major Ports is a continuous process. It involves construction of new berths and terminals, mechanization of existing berths and terminals, capital dredging for increasing drafts for attracting larger vessels, development of road, rail and waterways connectivity, etc. Further, Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra has been approved to be developed as the mega container port in the country catering the requirement of handling new generation mega size container vessels.

    This information was given by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in Rajya Sabha, today.

    ***

    G.D. Hallikeri/Henry

    (Release ID: 2101759) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India and Israel united against terrorism, pledge stronger ties: Shri Piyush Goyal at India Israel Business Forum

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India and Israel united against terrorism, pledge stronger ties: Shri Piyush Goyal at India Israel Business Forum

    Commerce Minister invites investment from Israel, says India offers a stable and growing market

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

    India and Israel’s common enemy is terrorism and Prime Ministers of both nations work with a shared purpose to eliminate it. This was stated by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his address at the India Israel Business Forum organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) today in New Delhi.

    In the last decade, Shri Goyal noted, the Government has focused on strengthening the macroeconomic fundamentals of the country with a strong emphasis on improving the infrastructure to take economic prosperity to every corner of the country. He also pointed out the Centre’s efforts to provide public welfare over the years. Today the efforts have given rich dividends. The nation is standing on strong macroeconomic fundamentals with ability to withstand Covid, war and amidst turbulent geopolitical times, he said.

    In a bid to prepare the nation to leverage the opportunities, Shri Goyal spoke of 10 Ds – Democracy, Demographic Dividend, Digitalisation of the economy, Decarbonisation, Determination, Dependability of India, Decisive Leadership, Diversity, Development and Demand.

    India has a strong judiciary to fall back on, the Minister noted, and said that the young demographic will provide a strong workforce for the future decades to come. Minister Goyal emphasised on India being a dependable partner to Israel as the country is known to keep every commitment it makes. He also stressed on the demand potential of the country that has shown rapid growth and is set to increase every year. Calling India and Israel natural allies, he noted that due to India’s large demand growth Israel has several key areas from technology to appliances to invest in.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2101747) Visitor Counter : 118

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Second India-France AI Policy Roundtable held on the sidelines of AI Action Summit 2025 in Paris, France

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 12:27AM by PIB Delhi

    The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India in partnership with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, IndiaAI Mission and Sciences Po Paris organised an official side-event to the AI Action Summit 2025, titled ‘2nd India-France AI Policy Roundtable’ on 10th February 2025 at the Sciences Po Paris university campus.

    The roundtable discussion started with opening remarks by PSA Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood where he highlighted India’s priorities in global AI policy and governance, including responsible AI development and deployment, equitable benefit sharing, adoption of a techno-legal framework for AI governance, interoperable data flows, and collaboration on AI safety, research, and innovation. Prof. Sood also stressed upon the potential for India and France to synergize on various policy positions and technological initiatives, fostering benefits not only at the bilateral level but also on a global scale by leveraging complementary knowledge and skill sets.

    Shri Amit A. Shukla, Joint Secretary, Cyber Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India and H.E. Henri Verdier, Ambassador for Digital Affairs, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs gave co-chairs remarks highlighting (a) DPI for AI; (b) AI foundation models; (c) global AI governance and (d) Priority areas, such as integrating AI in addressing global challenges. They also mentioned cross-border data flows lacking arbitration mechanisms and the importance of aligned views on data sovereignty.

    Following the co-chair remarks, interventions were made by Dr. Preeti Banzal (Adviser/Scientist G, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India);  Smt. Kavita Bhatia (Scientist ‘G’ & Group Coordinator, AI & Emerging Technology and Bhashini, MeitY, Government of India); Mr. Clément Bacchi (International Digital Policy Lead, Directorate General of Enterprises, Ministry of the Economy and Finance); Ms. Hélène Costa (Project Director, French ministry for the ecological transition); Mr. Sharad Sharma (Co-Founder, iSPIRT Foundation); Mr. Francis Rousseaux (International Technical Expert on AI, iSPIRT Foundation); Dr. Sarayu Natarajan (Founder, Aapti Institute); Mr. Charbel-Raphaël Segerie (Executive Director, Centre pour la Sécurité de l’IA); Mr. Saurabh Singh (Head, Digital and AI Policy, AWS India & South Asia); Mr. Alexandre Mariani (International Affairs Manager, Sciences Po Paris); Kapil Vaswani (Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research); Sunu Engineer (Entrepreneur, Co-Founder, Transforming.Legal); Vivek Raghavan (Co-Founder, Sarvam AI).

    The interventions emphasized the need for democratized access to AI resources, and capacity building while recognizing the importance of techno-legal frameworks. The participants highlighted the significance of sovereign AI models, ethical AI deployment and the need to define globally accepted terminologies and standards. Speakers also aligned on multilingual LLMs, federated AI compute infrastructure, and interoperable access to AI research, datasets, and high-performance computing resources. The meeting also covered key discussions on collaboration between India and France. Opportunities mentioned included creating indigenous foundation models and adopting a balanced governance approach to minimize risks while fostering innovation. Sustainable AI and energy-efficient computing was highlighted, alongside the importance of cross-border cooperation in AI research, datasets, and startups. The conversation also touched on AI’s societal impact, data governance, and the role of global institutions in shaping AI safety frameworks.

    The Second Roundtable built upon key objectives from the First Roundtable organised in IISc, Bengaluru during Technology Dialogue 2025 on 25th January 2025. The First Roundtable discussion focussed on inclusive AI frameworks, diverse datasets, infrastructure and skills, and foundational models. It also addressed governance and innovation, public-private partnerships, sustainability and health, and academic and data collaboration. Both discussions highlighted ethical and responsible AI, along with sector-specific and long-term goals.

    For more information, visit: https://technologydialogue.in/ai-rt-feb.html

     

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO, Washington DC hosts Chinese New Year Reception (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKETO, Washington DC hosts Chinese New Year Reception (with photos)
    HKETO, Washington DC hosts Chinese New Year Reception (with photos)
    *******************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 6 (Washington DC time). Some 700 guests attended to welcome the Year of the Snake.     The reception began with performances by musicians Yang Enhua, Hong Ting Laurina and Ding Yijie from the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong. Speaking to a distinguished audience, which included US government officials, congressional staff, Ambassadors and others, Sylvester Wong, Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, said the performances exemplified the “perseverance and diversity of Hong Kong’s performing arts scene and the power of inclusion across the arts.” He acknowledged Cathay Pacific Airway’s support for the musicians’ US tour.            Mr Wong provided an update on growth forecasts for Hong Kong’s economy and the strength of Hong Kong-US commercial ties.                 He highlighted the robust trade ties between Hong Kong and the US, reporting that US goods exports to the city last year totaled nearly US$26 billion. Over the past 10 years, the US has realized a trade surplus of US$271 billion with Hong Kong.           With the Hong Kong government’s recently announced reduction of the duty on imported alcoholic beverages, coupled with the city’s vibrant cocktail culture, Mr Wong stressed that there was strong potential for US whiskeys in Hong Kong.      Mr Wong highlighted Hong Kong’s robust measures to amplify the city’s competitiveness by strengthening traditional pillar industries, while cultivating new growth areas.      He reported on the recent commissioning of the Three-Runway System in the Hong Kong International Airport, which would increase passenger and cargo flows and boosts interconnectivity. Illustrating greater interconnectivity, he announced that Cathay Pacific Airways would soon launch nonstop service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Hong Kong.      In cultivating new growth areas, Mr Wong reported that Hong Kong had continued to step-up the competitiveness of its financial market. With over 1 100 fintech companies operating in the city, innovative financial products run the gamut from mobile payments to virtual asset trading. “The pace of financial innovation requires our regulatory regime to be nimble,” said Mr Wong. “Our regulatory approach ensures market innovation while managing risks.”      Beyond the world of business, Mr Wong said that Hong Kong offered unforgettable experiences for American visitors, including iconic events like Art Basel and the Clockenflap music and arts festival. Thanks to Hong Kong athletes’ achievements at international sporting events and the new Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong had elevated its elite sports development and the status as the capital of international sports events.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2025Issued at HKT 8:52

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MILK PRODUCTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The productivity of Indigenous bovine breeds in the country is low compared to advanced dairy nations globally and this is mainly due to low genetic potential of dairy animals and animals are maintained on low plane of nutrition.  However, the total productivity of Bovines in the country has increased from 1640 kilograms per animal per year in 2014-15 to 2072 kilograms per animal per year in 2023-24 that is by 26.34% which is the highest productivity gain by any country in the world.  The productivity of the indigenous and non-descript cattle has increased from 927 kilograms per animal per year in 2014-15 to 1292 kilograms per animal per year in 2023-24 that is by 39.37 %. The productivity of the buffaloes has increased from 1880 kilograms per animal per year in 2014-15 to 2161 kilograms per animal per year in 2023-24 that is by 14.94%. Milk production in the country has increased from 146.31 Million Tonnes in 2014-15 to 239.30 Million Tonnes in 2023-24 that is by 63.55 % during the last 10 years. Rashtriya Gokul Mission envisages to achieve productivity of bovines upto 3000 kilograms of milk per animal per year by 2030.

    In order to complement and supplement the efforts of the States and Union Territories to improve the nutrition, management practices, genetic potential of local cattle breeds and to provide training and support to dairy farmers in adopting best practices, the details of the steps undertaken and schemes being implemented by Government of India is as under:

    1.         Rashtriya Gokul Mission: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission since December 2014 for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines. Following efforts are being made under the scheme to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines:

    (i)         Nationwide Artificial Insemination Program: Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is expanding artificial insemination coverage to boost the milk production and productivity of bovines, including indigenous breeds.

    (ii)        Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection: This program aims to produce high genetic merit bulls, including bulls of indigenous breeds. Progeny testing is implemented for Gir, Sahiwal breeds of cattle, and Murrah, Mehsana breeds of buffaloes. Under the Pedigree selection programme Rathi, Tharparkar, Hariana, Kankrej breed of cattle and Jaffarabadi, Nili Ravi, Pandharpuri and Banni breed of buffalo are covered.

    (iii)       Implementation of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Technology: To propagate elite animals of indigenous breeds, the Department has established 22 IVF laboratories. The technology has important role in genetic upgradation of bovine population in single generation. Further, to deliver technology at reasonable rates to farmers Government has launched IVF media.

    (iv)       Sex-Sorted Semen Production: The Department has established sex sorted semen production facilities at 5 government semen stations located in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. 3 private semen stations are also producing sex sorted semen doses.

    (v)        Genomic Selection: To accelerate genetic improvement of cattle and buffaloes, the Department has developed unified genomic chips—Gau Chip for indigenous cattle and Mahish Chip for buffaloes—specifically designed for initiating genomic selection in the country.

    (vi)       Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs): Under the scheme MAITRIs are trained and equipped to deliver quality Artificial Insemination services at farmers’ doorstep.

    (vii)      Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using sex sorted semen: This program aims to produce female calves with up to 90% accuracy, thereby enhancing breed improvement and farmers’ income. Farmers receive support for assured pregnancy upto 50% of the cost of sex sorted semen.

    (viii)     Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology: This technology is utilized for the rapid genetic upgradation of bovines and an incentive of Rs 5,000 per assured pregnancy is made available to farmers interested in taking up IVF technology.

    2.         National Livestock Mission (NLM): National Livestock Mission (NLM) aims to create employment generation, entrepreneurship development, increase in per-animal productivity and thus targeting increased production of meat, goat milk, egg and wool under the umbrella scheme Development Programme.  The scheme envisages following three submissions: (i) Sub-Mission on Breed Development of Livestock and Poultry; (ii) Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development and (iii) Sub-Mission on Innovation, Extension. Details of the activities covered under these submissions are as under:

    (A) Sub-mission on Breed Development of Livestock and Poultry:  This Sub-Mission has following activities: (I)                 Establishment of Entrepreneurs for breed development: under this activity following sub activities are included (i) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for breed development of Rural Poultry and (ii) Establishment of Entrepreneur for breed development in small ruminant sector (sheep and goat farming). (II) Genetic Improvement of Sheep and Goat breeds: under this activity following are the sub activities: (i) Establishment of Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Semen Bank for sheep and goat; (ii) Establishment of State Semen Bank: (iii) Propagation of Artificial Insemination through existing cattle and buffalo Artificial Insemination centers and (iv)  Import of exotic sheep and goat germplasm.  (III) Promotion of Piggery Entrepreneur. (IV) Genetic Improvement of Pig breeds: Under this activity following activities are implemented:  (i) Establishment of pig semen collection and processing lab and (ii) Import of exotic pig germplasm. (V) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for horse, donkey, mule and camel. (VI) Genetic Improvement of Horse, Donkey, Mule, Camel:  (i) Regional Semen Station for Horse, donkey and camel; (ii) Nucleus Breed Farm for Conservation of Horse/Donkey/Camel germplasm and (iii) Breed Registration Society.

    (B) Sub-Mission on feed and fodder development: The Sub-Mission of the feed and fodder is covering the following activities: (I)     Assistance for quality Fodder seed production. (II) Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder. (III) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for Fodder Seed processing Infrastructure (processing and grading unit/ fodder seed storage godown). (IV) Fodder production from Non-Forest Wasteland / Rangeland / Non-arable Land” and “Fodder Production from Forest Land.

    (C)       Sub Mission on Innovation and Extension: Under this Sub-Mission the following are the activities: (I) Research and Development and innovations. (II) Extension activities. (III) Livestock Insurance programme.

    3.         National Programme for Dairy Development: This scheme focuses on creating dairy infrastructure for the procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products in the cooperative dairy sector inter alia training and awareness programs for dairy farmers, input services such as cattle-feed and mineral mixtures, and assistance for quality testing of milk and milk products, thereby improving the economic condition of dairy farmers enrolled in cooperatives.

    4.         Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC): The scheme is implemented for providing assistance for control of animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis and also to provide assistance to State Governments for Control of other infectious diseases of livestock including dairy animals. Mobile Veterinary Units are established under the scheme to deliver quality livestock health services at farmers doorstep. Under the vaccination programme: (i) more than 100 crore vaccinations have been done against FMD including 35 crore vaccination performed during current year; and (ii) about 4.3 crore calves vaccinated against Brucellosis under brucellosis control programme including 1.3 crore calves vaccinated during current year. Under the component of Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD- MVU), 100% financial assistance is provided towards procurement & customization of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) with recurring operational expenditure in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern & Himalayan States; 60% for other States, and 100% for UTs for delivery of veterinary healthcare services through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) through a Toll-Free Number (1962) at farmers’ doorsteps which include disease diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, minor surgical interventions, audio-visual aids and extension services. So far, 4016 MVUs are operational in 28 states and 65 lakh farmers benefitted. This helps in increasing productivity

    5.         Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) The scheme is to facilitate incentivisation of investments to establish (i) Dairy processing and product diversification infrastructure, (ii) Meat processing and product diversification infrastructure and (iii) Animal Feed Plant (iv) Breed Improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication Farm, (v) Veterinary Vaccine and Drugs production facilities, (vi) Animal waste to wealth management (Agri-waste Management). Keeping in view of the success of AHIDF, the erstwhile Dairy Processing Infrastructure Development Fund has been subsumed with the AHIDF on 01.02.2024. Now total size of the fund is Rs 29110 cr.

    The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Livestock Mission with a Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development. Under the Submission, fodder development activity is undertaken through strengthening of fodder seed chain (Breeder-Foundation-Certified) thereby improving the availability of certified/quality fodder seeds required for production of high quality and  nutritious fodder. Approx.  1.03 lakh Tons of fodder seeds were produced under the Component Assistance for Quality Fodder Seeds Production since 2021-22 with release of funds of Rs.636.83 crores. The details of the progress under the component is at Annexure-I

    Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute ( IGFRI) Jhansi along with its All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Forage Crops & Utilization with 22 coordinated centers located in 21 states of the country are dedicatedly working on development of high yielding and nutritious fodder crop varieties for different agro-climatic conditions of the country and many varieties have been released for cultivation. Different approaches of crop improvement viz. speed breeding, apomixes; gene editing, SS markers, transgenic etc. are being used to develop high yielding trait specific cultivars. Major thrust are being placed for the development of varieties with attributes of high yielding, nutritionally superior, climatically resilient and resistant for different biotic factor. Till now more than 400 improved varieties in 40 fodder crops has been developed for different parts of the country and out of these about 200 varieties are in seed production chain. During last five years (2019-2024) nutritionally better and high yielding 86 varieties/ hybrids in 17 fodder crops have been identified/ notified for the cultivation in different agro-climatic regions of the country.

    Annexure-I

    Progress under component Assistance for Quality Fodder seeds Production under realign National Livestock Mission (NLM)

    1. Physical Progress – Year and Class wise Fodder Seed Production (Qtls)

    Class of seeds

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    Total

    Breeder

    530.13

    0

    0

    0

    530.13

    Foundation

    6120.87

    21864.75

    15312.89

    12832.06

    56130.57

    Certified

    104852.2

    303222.4

    407874.5

    159383.0

    975332.1

    Total

    111503.2

    325087.2

    423187.4

    172215.1

    1031993
    1. Financial Progress – Year-wise Release of funds

    Year

    Release of funds (Rs.in crores)

    2021-22

    100.44

    2022-23

    159.99

    2023-24

    156.07

    2024-25

    (As on 4.2.2025)

    220.31

    Total Releases

    636.83

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DAIRY VALUE CHAIN

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Animal Husbandry is an important sub-sector of Indian agricultural economy and plays a multifaceted role in providing nutrition and livelihood support to the rural population. Milk plays an important role in nutritional security as it is important source of animal protein. Milk is a near complete food and has high nutritive value. It contains body building proteins, bone forming minerals, health giving vitamins, furnishes energy giving lactose and milk fat. Milk and dairy products are vital sources of nourishment for billions globally, benefiting people of all ages, from young children to older adults, by supporting health and active lifestyles. Nutrient-dense and energy-rich, milk provides high-quality protein along with essential micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus, all in forms that the body can readily absorb. Numerous studies highlight the key role of milk and dairy in supporting healthy nutrition and development throughout life, particularly during childhood. As of date per capita availability of milk  has increased to 471 gram / day higher than, ICMR recommendation of 300 gram/ day. The livestock sector apart from contributing to national economy in general and to agricultural economy in particular also provides employment generation opportunities, asset creation, handling mechanism against crop failure and social and financial security. The benefit of the schemes has been accruing to all farmers engaged in dairying in terms of enhancement in milk production and productivity of bovines. Value of output of milk is more than Rs.11.16 lakh crore during 2022-23 (As per National Accounts Statistics 2024)  which is the highest of the agriculture produce and even more than the combined value of Paddy and Wheat. The schemes are playing important role in enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines to meet growing demand of milk and making dairying more remunerative to the rural farmers of the country.

    In order tostrengthen the dairy value chain right from quality feed, breed, processing, value addition to market linkages the following steps are undertaken by Government of India:

     

    1.         Rashtriya Gokul Mission:        Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission since December 2014 for development and conservation of indigenous breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines. Following steps are taken under the scheme to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines:

    (i)         Nationwide Artificial Insemination Program: Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is expanding artificial insemination coverage to boost the milk production and productivity of bovines, including indigenous breeds. As on date, 8.32 crore animals have been covered, with 12.20 crore artificial inseminations performed, benefiting 5.19 crore farmers.

     

    (ii)        Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection: This program aims to produce high genetic merit bulls, including bulls of indigenous breeds. Progeny testing is implemented for Gir, Sahiwal breeds of cattle, and Murrah, Mehsana breeds of buffaloes. Under the Pedigree selection programme Rathi, Tharparkar, Hariana, Kankrej breed of cattle and Jaffarabadi, Nili Ravi, Pandharpuri and Banni breed of buffalo are covered. So far 3,988 high genetic merit bulls have produced and inducted for semen production.

     

    (iii)       Implementation of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Technology: To propagate elite animals of indigenous breeds, the Department has established 22 IVF laboratories. The technology has important role in genetic upgradation of bovine population in single generation. Further, to deliver technology at reasonable rates to farmers Government has launched indigenously developed IVF media.

     

    (iv)       Sex-Sorted Semen Production: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has established sex sorted semen production facilities at 5 government semen stations located in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. 3 private semen stations are also producing sex sorted semen doses. So far 1.15 crore sex-sorted semen doses from high genetic merit bulls have been produced and made available for Artificial Insemination.

     

    (v)        Genomic Selection: To accelerate genetic improvement of cattle and buffaloes, the Department has developed unified genomic chips—Gau Chip for indigenous cattle and Mahish Chip for buffaloes—specifically designed for initiating genomic selection in the country.

     

    (vi)       Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs): Under the scheme MAITRIs are trained and equipped to deliver quality Artificial Insemination services at farmers’ doorstep. During the last 3 years 38,736 MAITRIs have been trained and equipped under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

     

    (vii)      Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using sex sorted semen: This program aims to produce female calves with up to 90% accuracy, thereby enhancing breed improvement and farmers’ income. Farmers receive support for assured pregnancy upto 50% of the cost of sex sorted semen. As of now, 341,998 farmers have been benefited from this program. Government has launched indigenously developed sex sorted semen technology to deliver sex sorted semen at reasonable rates to farmers.

     

    (viii)     Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology: This technology is utilized for the rapid genetic upgradation of bovines and an incentive of Rs 5,000 per assured pregnancy is made available to farmers interested in taking up IVF technology.

     

    2.         National Livestock Mission (NLM): The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing NLM scheme since the financial year 2014-15. In view of the present need of the sector the NLM scheme has been revised and realigned from financial year 2021-22. The National Livestock Mission along with along other components and subcomponents of the scheme covers Sub-Mission on feed and fodder development.

    The Sub-Mission of the feed and fodder is covering the following activities:

    Activity I:        Assistance for quality Fodder seed production: 100% incentivization for production of all categories of fodder seed production by Central and State Govt. institutions;

    Activity II:       Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder: One time 50% capital subsidy up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to the Individuals. SHG, FCOs JLG, FPOs, Dairy Cooperative societies, section 8 companies are incentivized for the value addition such as Hay/Silage/Total Mixed Ration(TMR)/ Fodder Block.

    Activity III: Establishment of Entrepreneurs for Fodder Seed processing Infrastructure (processing and grading unit/ fodder seed storage godown):  One time 50% capital subsidy up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to companies, start-ups/ SHGs/FPOs/FCOs/JLGs/ Cooperative societies Section 8 companies and other credible organizations for establishing fodder seed processing infrastructure.

    Activity IV:      Fodder production from Non-Forest Wasteland / Rangeland / Non-arable Land” and “Fodder Production from Forest Land: The Central assistance is provided for production of various fodder in the degraded non-forest wasteland / rangeland / grassland/ non-arable land and forest land to enhance the vegetation cover of problematic soils like saline, acidic and heavy soil. 

    The Scheme National Livestock Mission also provides assistance to States/ UTs for livestock Insurance and component is implemented on 60:40 sharing basis between the Central Government and States and 90:10 sharing basis for North-Eastern and Himalayan States. Along with other livestock species dairy animals including cattle buffaloes are covered under the component.

    3.         National Programme for Dairy Development: This scheme focuses on creating dairy infrastructure for the procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products in the cooperative dairy sector inter alia training and awareness programs for dairy farmers, input services such as cattle-feed and mineral mixtures, and assistance for quality testing of milk and milk products, thereby improving the economic condition of dairy farmers enrolled in cooperatives.

    4.         Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC): The scheme is implemented for providing assistance for control of animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis and also to provide assistance to State Governments for Control of other infectious diseases of livestock including dairy animals. Mobile Veterinary Units are established under the scheme to deliver quality livestock health services at farmers doorstep. Under the vaccination programme: (i) more than 100 crore vaccinations have been done against FMD including 35 crore vaccination performed during current year; and (ii) about 4.3 crore calves vaccinated against Brucellosis under brucellosis control programme including 1.3 crore calves vaccinated during current year. Under the component of Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD- MVU), 100% financial assistance is provided towards procurement & customization of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) with recurring operational expenditure in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern & Himalayan States; 60% for other States, and 100% for UTs for delivery of veterinary healthcare services through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) through a Toll-Free Number (1962) at farmers’ doorsteps which include disease diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, minor surgical interventions, audio-visual aids and extension services. So far, 4016 MVUs are operational in 28 states and 65 lakh farmers benefitted.

    5.         Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) The scheme is  to facilitate incentivisation of investments to establish (i) Dairy processing and product diversification infrastructure, (ii) Meat processing and product diversification infrastructure and (iii) Animal Feed Plant (iv) Breed Improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication Farm, (v) Veterinary Vaccine and Drugs production facilities, (vi) Animal waste to wealth management (Agri-waste Management). Keeping in view of the success of AHIDF, the erstwhile Dairy Processing Infrastructure Development Fund has been subsumed with the AHIDF on 01.02.2024. Now total size of the fund is Rs 29110 crore.  So far 131 projects of dairy processing with the total project cost of Rs 5976 crore has been sanctioned under the scheme and 77 breed improvement projects with the total project cost of Rs 1027.82 crore.

     

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – B10-0127/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Ingeborg Ter Laak, Michael Gahler, Lukas Mandl, Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    B10‑0127/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    (2025/2553(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes Region,

    – having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 February 2023 entitled ‘A renewed EU Great Lakes Strategy: Supporting the transformation of the root causes of instability into shared opportunities’,

    – having regard to the statement of 25 January 2025 by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU on the latest escalation in eastern DRC,

    – having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding of 26 October 2023 on sustainable raw materials between the EU and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

    – having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding of 19 February 2023 on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains between the EU and Rwanda,

    – having regard to the letter of 27 December 2024 from the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the President of the UN Security Council,

    – having regard to the press statement by the UN Security Council of 26 January 2025 on the situation in Democratic Republic of Congo,

    – having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 1533 (2004) of 12 March 2004,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas for decades the resource-rich and multi-ethnic eastern region of the DRC has been plagued by violence, war and unimaginable human suffering; whereas the long-term consequences of the terrible 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi are still fuelling violence, hatred and forced displacements today;

    B. whereas on 27 January 2025 the roughly 2 000-soldier-strong rebel group M23 gained control of Goma, the capital of the DRC region of North Kivu and a central hub with two million inhabitants; whereas numerous UN reports have confirmed the presence of 3 000-4 000 Rwandan soldiers in the DRC who are cooperating with the M23 and are taking part in combat operations; whereas on 6 February 2025 the M23 reiterated that it wanted to ‘liberate all of the Congo’ in its first public meeting as its fighters advanced towards South Kivu;

    C. whereas there have been numerous UN reports about the illegal smuggling of minerals from the DRC to Rwanda, which then sells these minerals on the international market, claiming that they originate from Rwanda; whereas Rwandan exports of gold and coltan have risen sharply in recent years;

    D. whereas numerous UN Group of Experts reports have documented that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel military group; whereas Rwanda has even sent numerous soldiers into the DRC; whereas in 2012 the M23 briefly captured Goma, but Rwanda ended its support for the rebel force due to international pressure and a cut in development funding;

    E. whereas, since the resurgence of the M23, the already very dire humanitarian situation has further deteriorated, with a total lack of humanitarian assistance, forced evictions from camps for internally displaced people and increased violence against innocent civilians, including a large increase in sexual violence against girls and women;

    F. whereas after a ceasefire that lasted several years, the M23 fighters took up arms again at the end of 2021; whereas martial law has been in force since 2021 in eastern DRC and the civilian government has been replaced by the military;

    G. whereas, before this latest episode in the crisis, 800 000 internally displaced people were already in overcrowded sites for displaced people around Goma; whereas over 6.4 million people were already displaced throughout the country before the current escalation (of which 2.9 million were new displacements in 2024 alone);

    H. whereas for decades the central DRC Government has not been able to ensure complete control over the vast territory of the DRC, particularly in eastern DRC; whereas more than 100 rebel groups have exploited this vacuum and are often supported by neighbouring countries to ensure access to the many natural resources in eastern DRC, among other reasons; whereas the rebel groups often recruit child soldiers in a blatant violation of international law and assault on humanity;

    I. whereas the conflict is fuelled by the smuggling of minerals, such as tin, tungsten, coltan (tantalum), gold and diamonds, which are often mined in inhumane conditions; whereas armed groups control mining areas and smuggling routes, whereas gold and coltan, in particular, are transported across the border to Rwanda (and Uganda) and from there sold on as ‘conflict-free’ raw materials; whereas the DRC Government estimates that it loses USD 1 billion a year in revenue from raw materials illegally taken out of the country; whereas in addition to state and rebel actors from outside the DRC, many Congolese actors from the security sector are also part of these complex interdependencies;

    J. whereas on 8 February 2025 at a joint summit in Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam, the regional blocs of southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and eastern Africa, the East African Community (EAC), called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, demanded the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from the DRC territory, urged all warring parties to hold peace talks within five days, and demanded the reopening of Goma airport and other key routes to facilitate humanitarian aid; whereas the African Union is set to address the matter at a meeting in Addis Ababa on 14 February 2025; whereas other mediation efforts are ongoing, notably by France, which aims to bring all actors to the negotiation table;

    K. whereas the EU and Rwanda Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains is focused on the advancement of due diligence and traceability, cooperation in fighting against the illegal trafficking of raw materials and alignment with international environmental, social and governance standards; whereas the EU has a similar memorandum of understanding with the DRC and other countries in the region;

    L. whereas Rwanda has repeatedly claimed that the DRC is supporting rebels from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an extremist group who aim to overthrow the government in Rwanda; whereas the FDLR is also accused of guerrilla attacks and assaults on civilians, such as the assassination of the late Italian Ambassador Luca Attanasio in 2021; whereas the government in Kinshasa published a declaration at the end of 2023 stating that all soldiers cooperating with the FDLR would be arrested; whereas Rwanda claims that the DRC Government is not militarily capable of providing full security in the east of its country;

    M. whereas Uganda and the DRC have been cooperating in many ways, including in their efforts to fight terrorism in the region; whereas this has led to an increased Ugandan presence in eastern DRC, which has also resulted in increased illegal transfers of minerals from eastern DRC to Uganda;

    N. whereas a private Romanian security company and a small number of independent military trainers had been active on the side of the DRC Government from the beginning of 2023, but largely withdrew in the midst of intensified fighting in late January 2025;

    O. whereas the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Monusco) has been trying to stabilise eastern DRC since 1999; whereas the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been deployed since December 2023, with 2 100 soldiers from Tanzania and Malawi and 2 900 soldiers from South Africa;

    P. whereas public sentiment in Kinshasa against perceived inaction by the international community led to attacks on and the looting of the diplomatic missions of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and the United Nations, as well as civil society organisations;

    Q. whereas the EU is trying to intensify its presence in the region, including through its recent support for the ‘Green Corridor Kivu-Kinshasa’ programme via a Global Gateway initiative, which aims to help establish a sustainable 2 600 km corridor connecting eastern DRC to Kinshasa and the Atlantic Coast, covering 540 000 km2;

    R. whereas the Commission announced new humanitarian support for the DRC, with an initial amount of EUR 60 million for 2025; whereas the EU is a major donor to the humanitarian response in the DRC and has provided over EUR 272 million in humanitarian assistance since early 2023;

    S. whereas the DRC has been a clear critic of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and has supported numerous resolutions at the UN and other international forums condemning the Russian war of aggression and expansion;

    T. whereas the Council appointed Johan Borgstam as the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region on 1 September 2024;

    1. Strongly condemns the breaches of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of eastern DRC by the rebels of the M23 and Rwanda;

    2. Urges the Rwandan Government to withdraw its troops from DRC territory, the presence of whom is a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, and cease cooperation with the M23 rebels; underlines that the territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected;

    3. Calls on all regional actors to cease their support to the numerous rebel groups; demands therefore that both the M23 and FDLR groups, among others, be dissolved; underlines that, as well as Rwanda and the DRC, all regional actors have a special responsibility in this regard;

    4. Recalls that only an inclusive and regional approach will be able to address and tackle the multifaceted long-standing problems in the region; strongly welcomes the joint SADC and EAC peace summit in Dar es Salaam on 8 February 2025; reiterates in this regard its full support to the Luanda and Nairobi processes and calls on all Great Lake countries, in particular the DRC and Rwanda, to urgently pursue negotiations in these frameworks; emphasises that any solution must also address the root causes of the conflict, including, but not limited to, the illicit trafficking of natural resources; underlines that regional organisations, such as the African Union, the SADC and the EAC, must play a central role in all of these efforts; underlines as well that a lasting solution requires a reform of the DRC security sector, with a better organised DRC army and administration;

    5. Expresses concern over the lack of coherence in the EU response to the Great Lakes Region’s crises and calls on the Council to reassess the implementation of its renewed EU Great Lakes strategy; recalls that the EU and its special representative for the region are ready to assist all mediation efforts; urges the EU to cooperate with other actors on the ground, in particular Monusco, to ensure the protection of civilians in eastern DRC;

    6. Is appalled by the shocking use of sexual violence as a tool of repression and weapon of war in eastern DRC, as well as the unacceptable recruitment of child soldiers by the various rebel groups; demands that these matters be addressed by the international community without delay; strongly reiterates that any attack against UN-mandated forces is inexcusable and might be considered a war crime;

    7. Is outraged by the humanitarian catastrophe and lack of humanitarian assistance and expresses its concern that the crisis will further deteriorate unless immediate action is taken, including improved humanitarian access and improvements to the sanitary situation; is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of displaced people in eastern DRC and in the DRC as a whole; underlines that all countries in the region have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of international aid workers on their territories; underlines that Rwanda has a special responsibility to facilitate humanitarian access to the region;

    8. Expresses its condolences to all the victims of the recent violence and expresses its gratitude to the numerous aid workers who, despite the very difficult and challenging conditions, continue to provide much-needed support to the population;

    9. Reiterates its condemnation of hate speech and xenophobia, as well as ethnic-based politics; underlines that all those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC must be held accountable;

    10. Calls for an urgent increase in the overall EU support budget for the region, in particular given the unknown future engagement of the US Government;

    11. Expresses its strong concern about the increasing presence of disinformation campaigns; condemns in particular efforts by Russia to foster anti-Western sentiments through the dissemination of fake news about Western players on social media;

    12. Calls on the Commission to urgently review its engagement with Rwanda and prepare a set of possible measures with clear pathways towards implementation in case the Rwandan Government does not swiftly reverse its policies, including, among others, a possible suspension of bilateral assistance and a halt of the Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains;

    13. Calls on the Member States to consider the adoption of additional restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that sustain, support or benefit from the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC, as well as those responsible for inciting violence, or exploiting the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, including through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources;

    14. Urges the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Member States to immediately cease military assistance to the Rwandan armed forces via the European Peace Facility;

    15. Expresses its concern about the increasing presence of Chinese actors in the mining sector of the DRC and the region acting without respect for economic and social responsibilities; recalls that European industries and companies in the region will only have long-term security of supply if a long-lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict is found;

    16. Strongly condemns the attack on diplomatic institutions of the EU, its Member States and civil society organisations, such as political foundations in Kinshasa, and underlines that the protection of civilians and diplomatic staff must be guaranteed; demands that those responsible be brought to justice;

    17. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Governments of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe and South Africa, as well as the secretariats of Monusco, the SADC and the EAC.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU-Israel Association Council meeting 2025 – P-000539/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000539/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Marc Botenga (The Left), Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Irene Montero (The Left)

    The EU plans to hold an Association Council meeting with Israel in February 2025. Due to Israel’s disregard for human rights and international law, including through illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank, no such meetings took place between 2012 and 2022. Similar concerns impeded the meetings in 2023 and 2024.

    Indeed, Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which constitutes the framework for these meetings, states that ‘relations between the Parties … shall be based on respect for human rights’, underscoring that this ‘constitutes an essential element of this Agreement’.

    Since the 2022 meeting of the Association Council, the International Court of Justice has confirmed the illegal character of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli prime minister for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    • 1.Does the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy recognise that war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide violate Article 2?
    • 2.Will the meeting of the Association Council be made conditional upon Israel’s compliance with Article 2? If not, why not?
    • 3.If the meeting does take place, what measures will the European side put on the table to make Israel comply with Article 2?

    Submitted: 5.2.2025

    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – B10-0106/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Reinier Van Lanschot, Mārtiņš Staķis, Maria Ohisalo, Sergey Lagodinsky, Markéta Gregorová, Ville Niinistö, Erik Marquardt, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Villy Søvndal
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    B10‑0106/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

    (2025/2522(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

    – having regard to the statement of 1 December 2024 by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos on Georgia,

    – having regard to the Council conclusions on Enlargement of 17 December 2024,

    – having regard to the Association Agreement of July 2016 between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, and its establishment of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas mass grass-roots protests have been taking place in Georgia since the October 2024 parliamentary election; whereas civil society, opposition parties and international and local observers did not accept the reported election results and continue to demand a new election; whereas the protests have been marred by the police’s use of excessive and disproportionate violence, countless arrests and the ill treatment of detainees while in custody;

    B. whereas local and international human rights organisations have documented a worrying trend of police brutality, stating that hundreds of protesters, dispersed and arrested by police, have faced violence that, in some cases, amounts to torture; whereas Georgia’s police forces are operating under a veil of apparent impunity, using sporadic acts of violence by protesters, often provoked by their own actions, as a pretext for repression; whereas no officials responsible for abuses have been held accountable;

    C. whereas hundreds of anti-government protesters and activists are still being detained, of whom more than 300 are alleging that they suffer beatings, torture and other ill treatment in detention; whereas detainees face swift court hearings resulting in fines or detention for alleged administrative offences, while dozens of people have been arrested on criminal charges in the context of the ongoing anti-government protests;

    D. whereas UN experts have condemned the pattern of repression and human rights violations in Georgia, while the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has called this suppression a serious breach of the right of freedom of assembly;

    E. whereas prominent journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Georgian independent news outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was detained in Batumi on 12 January 2025 for posting a protest poster and then detained again after she suffered ill treatment while in detention, which allegedly resulted in her slapping a Batumi police officer who had insulted her; whereas the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office then charged her with ‘attacking a police officer,’ a criminal offence that carries a prison sentence of four to seven years; whereas on 20 January, it became known that Amaghlobeli had begun a hunger strike; whereas international and local human rights organisations, foreign and Georgian politicians, 14 embassies and more than 300 Georgian journalists, editors and media managers have expressed deep concern about her medical condition and called for her immediate release;

    F. whereas the ruling Georgian Dream party convened the new parliament in violation of the country’s constitution, resulting in a boycott of parliament by the opposition; whereas on 5 February 2025, Georgian Dream members of parliament (MPs) voted to strip 49 opposition MPs of their mandates; whereas Georgian authorities have arrested several opposition figures, including politicians Nika Melia and Gigi Ugulava;

    G. whereas Georgian Dream has adopted new legislation that came into effect on 30 December 2024, which imposes further arbitrary restrictions on the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, along with hefty fines for the use of protest slogans or posters, and enables preventive detentions of anyone suspected of planning to violate these rules governing public assembly or other laws, for up to 48 hours; whereas the authorities are routinely abusing administrative and criminal proceedings by the Georgian authorities as part of the worsening crackdown on protest and peaceful dissent;

    H. whereas the Georgian authorities continue to ignore the numerous local and international calls to repeal the law ‘on transparency of foreign influence’ and the law ‘on family values and protection of minors’; whereas Georgian Dream has, however, announced plans to replace the so-called foreign agent legislation with a tougher law it describes as a ‘direct copy of the current US Foreign Agents Registration Act’; whereas Georgian Dream has also announced plans for a new draft law on media control which would reportedly restrict media funding from foreign sources, establish ‘standards for media objectivity and journalistic ethics’ and define institutional mechanisms for monitoring and safeguarding these standards;

    I. whereas a growing number of civil servants have been dismissed after speaking out against the halting of Georgia’s EU membership process, with Prime Minster Kobakhidze stating that the country’s civil service was going through a ‘process of self-cleansing’;

    J. whereas Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the For Georgia party and former prime minister, and Zviad Koridze, a journalist and a member of Transparency International Georgia, were physically assaulted in two separate incidents on 15 January;

    K. whereas Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution states that the constitutional bodies must take all measures within the scope of their competences to ensure the full integration of Georgia into the European Union;

    L. whereas the EU has firmly halted Georgia’s EU accession process, redirected EU funding from Georgia’s government to civil society and suspended visa-free travel to the EU for Georgian diplomats and officials; whereas, at the December 2024 Foreign Affairs Council, Hungary and Slovakia blocked broadly demanded targeted sanctions against leading Georgian officials, including Bidzina Ivanishvili;

    M. whereas Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have bilaterally imposed targeted sanctions against Ivanishvili and 10 government officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri; whereas, in December 2024, the US imposed individual sanctions against Ivanishvili, while the UK imposed individual sanctions against Mr Gomelauri, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, Tbilisi Police Department Director Sulkhan Tamazashvili, Chief of the Special Tasks Department Zviad Kharazishvili, and Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department Mileri Lagazauri; whereas on 13 January 2025, UK MP James MacCleary put forward a motion to sanction Ivanishvili in the House of Commons;

    N. whereas Ivanishvili and his family members have reportedly begun transferring their business assets, worth dozens of millions of euros, from offshore entities to Georgia-registered companies following the imposition of the US targeted sanctions;

    O. whereas a significant incentive for Georgian Dream and Ivanishvili in particular to remain on their confrontational path with democracy at home and against European integration is their confidence in cultivating alternative economic development opportunities with Russia, and the continued and growing geo-economic leverage of Georgia in respect of the West; whereas Georgia is a key partner country of the ‘Middle Corridor’ in terms of connectivity, energy and trade relations;

    1. Stands in solidarity with all people in Georgia who, for over three months, have been protesting for their country’s democracy and constitution, human rights and EU values; reiterates its unwavering support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations and their wish to live in a prosperous and democratic country, free from corruption, that fully respects fundamental freedoms, protects human rights and guarantees an open society, independent media and free and fair elections;

    2. Reconfirms its position that the reported extensive electoral fraud during the October 2024 parliamentary election undermined the integrity of the election process, the legitimacy of the results and the public’s trust in any new government, and that the results therefore do not serve as a reliable representation of the will of the Georgian people; calls for a new election within a year, and for the process to be conducted in an improved electoral environment by an independent and impartial election administration, under diligent international observation, in order to ensure a genuinely fair and transparent electoral process;

    3. Considers that the actions of the Georgian Dream party, both in parliament and on the streets against its own citizens, are rapidly steering the country towards authoritarianism, in a seemingly deliberate attempt to demonstrate that the will of the Georgian people no longer determines the country’s future;

    4. Condemns all violence against protesters and the ill treatment of detainees by Georgia’s police forces, especially the growing reports of torture; strongly urges the Georgian authorities to guarantee the right of citizens to assemble and to refrain from using unwarranted force against them; demands that all officials responsible for unlawful use of force, including acts of torture and other ill treatment, must be held fully accountable;

    5. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners and those detained during the anti-government protests; expresses its deep concern about the medical condition of Mzia Amaghlobeli and denounces Georgian Dream for her unlawful detention and criminal prosecution, which was intended to instil fear among independent media representatives, activists and civil society at large;

    6. Condemns the termination of the mandates of 49 opposition MPs by Georgian Dream; considers this the latest step in Georgian Dream’s attack on political pluralism in the country; warns the Georgian authorities that any attempts to turn its threats of a ban on established political parties into a reality would alienate Georgia from the EU and make any move towards EU accession impossible;

    7. Condemns the attacks on Giorgi Gakharia and Zviad Korids; demands an independent investigation into the incidents and for those responsible to be held accountable;

    8. Reiterates its call on the Georgian authorities to repeal the law ‘on transparency of foreign influence’ and the law ‘on family values and protection of minors’; expresses concern about recently announced and introduced laws limiting freedom of expression and assembly, increasing state control of the media and further tightening of the so-called foreign agent legislation; underlines that the law and policies implemented by Georgian Dream are unconstitutional and incompatible with Georgia’s EU integration;

    9. Condemns the broader campaign of attacks by the Georgian authorities vilifying civil society organisations and reputable international donors that support democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Georgia; notes in this regard attempts by Georgian Dream officials to align themselves on these issues with US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk;

    10. Deplores efforts by Hungary and Slovakia to block EU targeted sanctions against Georgian Dream officials at the December 2024 Foreign Affairs Council; reiterates its call on the Council to impose, without delay, individual sanctions on the officials and political leaders in Georgia who are responsible for the democratic backsliding, violations of electoral laws and standards, brutality by police and their proxies and the ill treatment of detainees, administrative abuses and misuse of state institutions, such as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party Kakha Kaladze, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, and Chairman of the Georgian Dream party Irakli Garibashvili, and to extend these sanctions to judges passing politically motivated sentences; reiterates its call on the Council and the EU’s democratic partners, in particular the UK, to impose immediate and targeted personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and to freeze all his assets for his role in the deterioration of the political process in Georgia and for acting against the country’s constitutionally declared interests, including efforts to restore Russia’s sphere of influence over the country;

    11. Welcomes in this regard the sanctions imposed bilaterally by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; encourages other Member States, especially those hosting relevant assets, to similarly impose targeted sanctions against Georgian Dream officials, in particular Mr Ivanishvili, in a coordinated fashion, if EU level sanctions fail to be adopted in the Council; calls on France to revoke Ivanishvili’s Légion d’honneur;

    12. Reiterates its call for the EU and the Member States to adjust and accelerate the EU funding mechanisms for Georgian civil society and independent media to help make them resilient against efforts by the Georgian Government to cut off their financial lifeline; calls for the focus of that funding to reflect adjusted project needs in the context of a more hostile and anti-democratic environment; stresses that both fresh EU funding for Georgian civil society and the effective allocation of funding is more important than ever now that President Trump has frozen all such funding from the US; stresses that in Georgia’s increasingly repressive climate there is a rapidly growing need for EU and Member State emergency support for Georgian civil society and media, including core operational support, as well as support in countering disinformation;

    13. Calls for targeted sanctions on the financial sector of Georgia, as well as political and financial divestment away from planned connectivity projects, in order to disincentive Georgian Dream’s efforts to become a thriving hub for (illicit) Russian financial markets, and a key ‘partner of necessity’ for the West in the Caucasus in the Middle Corridor; stresses that there can be no deep political and economic relations between Georgia and the EU without Georgia upholding fundamental rights and the Georgian Constitution;

    14. Calls on VP/HR Kallas and Commissioner Kos, along with Magdalena Grono as the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, to travel to Georgia at their earliest convenience in order to meet with civil society and democratic/pro-European opposition leaders, express support for political prisoners, and more broadly show that the EU has not forgotten those in Georgia protesting for democracy and human rights; expresses its continued support for the efforts of Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, who continues to represent Georgia’s democratic ambitions;

    15. Calls for an immediate and comprehensive audit of EU policy towards Georgia in the context of the halt in the country’s EU accession process; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to conduct a review of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, in particular Georgia’s adherence to the requirements of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and its general principles;

    16. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to the President, Prime Minister and Parliament of Georgia.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Simplifies BNB Memecoin Trading with MemeX and Zero-Fee On-Ramp

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has launched the BNB Chain Meme Token List, providing real-time tracking and one-click trading for the most popular meme tokens. As meme tokens surge in popularity on BNB Chain, this feature — alongside the powerful MemeX discovery tool, limit orders, and a zero-fee BNB on-ramp event — ensures users have the right tools to stay ahead of the market and discover early-stage tokens.

    The Meme Token List is a real-time leaderboard that shows the top-performing and emerging meme tokens on BNB Chain. It’s designed to make trading simple by helping users easily find trending tokens and understand market movements. By offering quick and easy access to token insights, Bitget Wallet helps users discover new opportunities without missing key moments.

    To further boost the memecoin trading experience, Bitget Wallet includes MemeX and limit order support for BNB Chain. MemeX is an exclusive discovery tool that finds new, high-potential tokens within seconds of their creation. It also filters out high-risk tokens, giving users added safety when trading. The limit order feature allows users to set a target price for buying or selling, and trades will automatically execute when the market hits their set price. This helps users stay in control, especially when the market is moving fast.

    To make it easier and cheaper to trade meme tokens, users can buy BNB directly within Bitget Wallet with zero on-ramp fees. Bitget Wallet has partnered with Simplex and OnMeta for a special BNB on-ramp event running from February 12, 20:00 to February 19, 20:00 (UTC+8). During this period, users benefit from zero-fee BNB purchases and the chance to win a share of the $5,000 $BGB prize pool. This streamlined, cost-effective on-ramp removes fees and delays, giving users a head start in the fast-moving meme token market.

    “Meme tokens are entering a new era where virality and fun will continue, but the big wins will come from smart strategies and early moves,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “We expect trends like cross-vertical memes, AI-driven tokenomics, and sustainable community models to define the next wave of memecoin trading. Our goal is to give users the best tools to capture these opportunities and stay ahead of the next big trend.”

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/715e20ac-07d0-4a57-ab07-7e15ac959754

    The MIL Network –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC – 10 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 10 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 12,255,282 2.2671    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 12,255,282 2.2671    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 5,625 61.406p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 11 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – B10-0107/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0107/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

    (2025/2522(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular that of 28 November 2024 on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud[1],

    – having regard to the European Council conclusions of 14 and 15 December 2023 and of 27 June 2024,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy’ (COM(2023)0690) and to the accompanying Commission staff working document of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘Georgia 2023 Report’ (SWD(2023)0697),

    – having regard to the joint statement of 8 November 2023 by the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Georgia on the Commission recommendation of 8 November 2023 on the EU membership application of Georgia,

    – having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part[2], which entered into force on 1 July 2016,

    – having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular Article 215(2) thereof, and to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 29 thereof,

    – having regard to the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia and to its September 2009 report,

    – having regard to the final conclusions of the international election observation mission relating to the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the exercise of freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in the Georgian constitution;

    B. whereas Georgia, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights and a member of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;

    C. whereas Russia has illegally occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia since the August 2008 conflict that followed Georgia’s attack on Tskhinvali on the night of 7 to 8 August 2008;

    D. whereas in June 2014, the EU and Georgia signed an Association Agreement that entered into force on 1 July 2016;

    E. whereas in December 2023, the European Council granted Georgia the status of EU candidate country;

    F. whereas in March 2017, the EU visa facilitation agreement with Georgia came into effect, following Georgia’s successful implementation of all the benchmarks set in its visa liberalisation action plan;

    G. whereas on 27 January 2025, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement, specifically affecting diplomats and officials, who may now be required to apply for a visa when travelling to the EU;

    H. whereas on 28 November 2024, in response to the European Parliament’s November 2024 resolution on Georgia, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would suspend accession talks until the end of 2028 and refuse all EU budget support; whereas he also stated that by 2028, Georgia would be ‘more prepared than any other candidate country to open accession talks with Brussels and become a Member State in 2030’;

    I. whereas the parliamentary elections held on 26 October 2024 were the first to take place in Georgia under a fully proportional electoral system and were also the first elections to be held since Georgia was granted the status of EU candidate country in December 2023;

    J. whereas the legal framework in Georgia provides an adequate basis for conducting democratic elections, but several long-standing recommendations of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Venice Commission remain unaddressed, despite numerous reforms;

    K. whereas on 16 November 2024, the Georgian electoral authority announced the official results of the country’s parliamentary elections, confirming that the ruling Georgian Dream party had won 89 seats in the 150-seat parliament after receiving 53.93 % of the vote, while four opposition parties had passed the 5 % threshold and had received a combined 37.44 % share of the vote;

    L. whereas the international election observation mission on the parliamentary elections in Georgia comprised 529 observers from 42 countries, including 380 expert observers deployed by the ODIHR, 60 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, 39 from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, 38 from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and 12 from the European Parliament;

    M. whereas the election campaign in Georgia was competitive and generally allowed contestants to campaign freely, but was marred by the use of highly divisive rhetoric and imagery, as well as isolated incidents of violence, event disruptions, verbal abuse and the destruction of campaign materials, as reported by both ruling and opposition parties;

    N. whereas the administration of the elections was generally orderly, but they took place in a tense environment, with overcrowding in many polling stations and several incidents of physical altercations and intimidation;

    O. whereas President Salome Zourabichvili publicly accused the Georgian Government of electoral fraud and irregularities in the recent parliamentary elections; whereas President Zourabichvili subsequently refused to testify before the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office regarding these allegations;

    P. whereas Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as President of Georgia on 29 December 2024; whereas the outgoing President, Salome Zourabichvili, refused to step down despite the official end of her term of office; whereas opposition parties boycotted the Georgian Parliament in protest;

    Q. whereas Georgia has over 26 000 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – 1 for every 142 citizens, which is greater than the EU average;

    R. whereas following the 2020 parliamentary elections, the NGO International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy, which received external funding, challenged the official election results and questioned their legitimacy, but later admitted that it had made a significant error in its calculations;

    S. whereas the Parliament of Georgia adopted the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ law, which was signed into law on 3 June 2024 despite the President’s veto; whereas the law was met with protest from parts of Georgian civil society; whereas the law requires organisations receiving more than 20 % of their funding from overseas to register as ‘agents of foreign influence’;

    T. whereas on 17 September 2024, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the ‘family values and the protection of minors’ law, which bans gender transition, prohibits adoption by gay and transgender people, nullifies, on Georgian territory, same-sex marriages performed abroad, and provides a legal basis for the authorities to outlaw Pride events and public displays of the LGBTQI+ rainbow flag and to impose the censorship of films and books;

    U. whereas the Venice Commission stresses that, in accordance with international standards, the state has a positive obligation to ensure gender equality; whereas on 4 April 2024, the Parliament of Georgia repealed the 2020 amendments introducing gender quotas for candidate lists in parliamentary and local elections, and abolished the associated financial incentives for political parties;

    V. whereas the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been operating in Georgia since 1992; whereas Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed that USAID funding was not directed toward genuine humanitarian objectives but was instead being used to ‘stage revolutions, sow disorder and destabilise countries, including Georgia’; whereas US President Donald Trump implemented a 90-day freeze on US foreign assistance to reassess its alignment with national interests;

    1. Recalls that the EU accession process is based on objective criteria; regrets the European Council’s decision to suspend financial assistance to Georgia; underlines the benefits of the visa facilitation agreement and the need to maintain it; emphasises the need for a constructive dialogue between the Government of Georgia and the EU; calls on the Government of Georgia to uphold its commitments to reform and continue implementing the necessary measures for its EU accession process;

    2. Stresses that Georgia’s future must be determined by the will of its people, free from external pressure or interference; emphasises that Georgia’s sovereignty and political trajectory should reflect the aspirations of its citizens; condemns any attempts, whether foreign or domestic, to undermine Georgia’s democratic institutions;

    3. Takes note of the final report of the international election observation mission, which stated that the overall legal framework in Georgia provides an adequate basis for conducting democratic elections, that voters were offered a wide choice of 18 candidate lists, that contestants could generally campaign freely and that the administration of the elections was generally orderly; is alarmed that these elections took place in a polarised environment and on an uneven playing field, and that there were reports of pressure on voters and cases where ballot secrecy was potentially compromised;

    4. Takes note of the results of the parliamentary elections that took place in Georgia on 26 October 2024; calls on all sides to work together constructively and peacefully and observe the rule of law, and to address the long-standing recommendations of the ODIHR and the Venice Commission with regard to elections and the increasing polarisation of Georgian society; calls for the EU to enter into a holistic and purposeful dialogue with the new Government of Georgia; calls on all foreign actors to respect the outcome of the elections;

    5. Rejects, with deep concern, the adoption of the ‘family values and the protection of minors’ law, and considers it an attack on the LGBTQI+ community and a threat to civil liberties as a whole; rejects, furthermore, the law’s implications for the media, given that it imposes censorship by banning broadcasters from reporting freely on LGBTQI+ issues; reiterates that media freedom and tolerance towards sexual minorities are key features of a functioning democracy;

    6. Notes that the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ law entails the risk that NGOs, civil society organisations, opposition media outlets and other organisations that receive funds from other countries will be labelled ‘foreign agents’;

    7. Emphasises that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to peaceful protest are fundamental freedoms and must be respected in all circumstances; expresses concern over reports of the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators; highlights the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, that ‘[a]ny restrictions to these rights must abide by principles of legality, necessity and proportionality’ and that ‘[t]he use of force during protests should always be exceptional and a measure of last resort when facing an imminent threat’;

    8. Emphasises that foreign assistance for humanitarian and development purposes must be allocated on the basis of need and human dignity, not geopolitical interests; stresses that such aid should remain impartial, transparent and focused on social and economic well-being, rather than serving as a tool for political leverage or interference;

    9. Regrets the Georgian Parliament’s decision to abolish mandatory gender quotas; reiterates the need for balanced gender representation in political participation; regrets the under-representation of women in the electoral process; calls on the Government of Georgia to undertake initiatives in this regard;

    10. Takes note of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statements at a press conference at the UN General Assembly in New York and the corresponding willingness of Georgian officials to resolve outstanding issues in a peaceful, diplomatic way; encourages both sides to undertake solid initiatives to this end;

    11. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the President, Government and Parliament of Georgia.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Royalty Pharma Reports Q4 and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Portfolio Receipts of $742 million in Q4 2024 and $2,801 million for FY 2024
    • Royalty Receipts growth of 12% in Q4 2024 and 13% for FY 2024
    • Net cash provided by operating activities of $743 million in Q4 2024 and $2,769 million for FY 2024
    • Full year 2025 guidance: Portfolio Receipts expected to be $2,900 to $3,050 million excluding future transactions

    NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Royalty Pharma plc (Nasdaq: RPRX) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 and introduced full year 2025 guidance for Portfolio Receipts.

    “We had an incredibly successful 2024, delivering double-digit growth in Royalty Receipts, which was significantly above our initial guidance, and deploying $2.8 billion of capital on value-enhancing royalties” said Pablo Legorreta, Royalty Pharma’s founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very excited for the opportunities ahead as the fundamentals of our business have never been stronger. Additionally, we have already taken two major steps at the start of 2025 to enhance shareholder value, announcing the acquisition of our external manager, which is expected to result in multiple financial and strategic benefits, and a new $3 billion share repurchase program, which highlights the confidence we have in our business and the attractive value we see in our shares. With a robust transaction pipeline and significant financial flexibility, I am confident that Royalty Pharma is well positioned to deliver attractive, compounding growth over the long term.”

    Strong Royalty Receipts growth; Portfolio Receipts growth impacted by a high base of comparison

    • Royalty Receipts grew 12% to $729 million in the fourth quarter and 13% to $2,771 million for full year 2024, driven by strong performance from Evrysdi, the CF franchise, Trelegy, Tremfya and new royalty acquisitions.
    • Portfolio Receipts increased 1% to $742 million in the fourth quarter of 2024; Portfolio Receipts decreased 8% from $3,049 million to $2,801 million for full year 2024, largely reflecting $525 million in Biohaven-related milestone payments received in 2023.

    Capital Deployment of $2.8 billion in 2024 with royalties on eight new therapies added to the portfolio

    • Record year for synthetic royalty transactions for Royalty Pharma with $925 million announced in 2024.
    • Significantly expanded development-stage portfolio by acquiring royalties on four potential new therapies.

    Exciting new product launches expected across the royalty portfolio in 2025

    • Royalty Pharma to benefit in 2025 from new product launches, including Servier’s Voranigo, Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cobenfy, Ascendis’ Yorvipath, Syndax and Incyte’s Niktimvo and Geron’s Rytelo.

    Financial guidance for full year 2025 (excludes contribution from future transactions)

    • Royalty Pharma expects 2025 Portfolio Receipts to be between $2,900 million and $3,050 million, representing expected growth of 4% to 9%.

    Financial & Liquidity Summary

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
      (unaudited)
    ($ and shares in millions) 2024 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Portfolio Receipts 742 736 1% 2,801 3,049 (8)%
    Net cash provided by operating activities 743 773 (4)% 2,769 2,988 (7)%
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)* 669 682 (2)% 2,565 2,806 (9)%
    Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP)* 678 687 (1)% 2,452 2,708 (9)%
    Weighted average Class A ordinary shares outstanding – diluted 589 598 (1)% 594 603 (1)%

    *See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section. Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are non-GAAP liquidity measures calculated in accordance with the credit agreement.

    Portfolio Receipts Highlights

          Three Months Ended December 31,
          (unaudited)
    ($ in millions)     2024 2023 Change
    Products: Marketers: Therapeutic Area:      
    Cystic fibrosis franchise Vertex Rare disease 237 207 14%
    Trelegy GSK Respiratory 74 60 23%
    Tysabri Biogen Neuroscience 61 68 (11)%
    Evrysdi Roche Rare disease 56 20 182%
    Xtandi Pfizer, Astellas Cancer 46 38 20%
    Imbruvica AbbVie, J&J Cancer 46 50 (10)%
    Promacta Novartis Hematology 44 44 (1)%
    Tremfya Johnson & Johnson Immunology 39 35 11%
    Cabometyx/Cometriq Exelixis, Ipsen, Takeda Cancer 20 18 11%
    Spinraza Biogen Rare disease 15 17 (13)%
    Orladeyo BioCryst Rare disease 11 8 36%
    Trodelvy Gilead Cancer 11 10 10%
    Erleada Johnson & Johnson Cancer 11 9 25%
    Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret Pfizer Neuroscience 7 5 49%
    Other products(5) 54 63 (14)%
    Royalty Receipts 729 651 12%
    Milestones and other contractual receipts 13 84 (85)%
    Portfolio Receipts 742 736 1%

    Results for full year 2024 and 2023 are shown in Table 5. Amounts shown in the table may not add due to rounding.

    Royalty Receipts was $729 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 12% as compared to $651 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by strong growth from Evrysdi, the cystic fibrosis franchise, Trelegy, Xtandi and Tremfya. Royalty receipts from Evrysdi included the benefit of the additional royalties acquired in October 2023 and June 2024.

    Portfolio Receipts was $742 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 1% as compared to $736 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the same Royalty Receipts increases noted above, offset by a decrease in milestones and other contractual receipts, which reflected a $50 million payment related to the oral formulation of zavegepant in the prior period.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Royalty Pharma’s liquidity and capital resources are summarized below:

    As of December 31, 2024, Royalty Pharma had cash and cash equivalents of $929 million and total debt with principal value of $7.8 billion.

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, Royalty Pharma repurchased approximately two million Class A ordinary shares for $50 million. For full year 2024, Royalty Pharma repurchased approximately eight million Class A ordinary shares for $230 million. The weighted-average number of diluted Class A ordinary shares outstanding for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 589 million as compared to 598 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The weighted-average number of diluted Class A ordinary shares outstanding for full year 2024 was 594 million as compared to 603 million for full year 2023.

    In January 2025, Royalty Pharma’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which Royalty Pharma may repurchase up to $3.0 billion of its Class A ordinary shares. Royalty Pharma intends to repurchase $2.0 billion of its shares in 2025, subject to market conditions. The total value of shares repurchased will depend on the discount to the intrinsic value at which its Class A ordinary shares are trading. This new share repurchase program replaces the unused $465 million of the company’s original $1.0 billion share repurchase program that was announced in March 2023.

    Liquidity Summary

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
      (unaudited)
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Portfolio Receipts 742   736   2,801   3,049  
    Payments for operating and professional costs (72)   (54)   (236)   (243)  
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) 669   682   2,565   2,806  
    Interest received/(paid), net 8   5   (113)   (98)  
    Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) 678   687   2,452   2,708  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

    • Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was $669 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Portfolio Receipts minus payments for operating and professional costs.
    • Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) was $678 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Portfolio Cash Flow is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA minus interest paid or received, net. This measure reflects the cash generated by Royalty Pharma’s business that can be redeployed into value-enhancing royalty acquisitions, used to repay debt, returned to shareholders through dividends or share purchases, or utilized for other discretionary investments.

    Refer to Table 4 for Royalty Pharma’s reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net cash provided by operating activities.

    Capital Deployment was $522 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, consisting primarily of the acquisitions of royalties on Niktimvo and Rytelo. Capital Deployment reflects cash payments during the period for new and previously announced transactions. Capital Deployment was $2.8 billion for full year 2024.

    The table below details Capital Deployment by category:

    Capital Deployment

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
      (unaudited)
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Acquisitions of financial royalty assets (496)   (1,002)   (2,506)   (2,116)  
    Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone —   —   —   (50)  
    Development-stage funding payments – ongoing (1)   (1)   (2)   (2)  
    Purchases of available for sale debt securities —   —   (150)   —  
    Milestone payments (25)   —   (75)   (12)  
    Investments in equity method investees —   (2)   (11)   (13)  
    Acquisitions of other financial assets —   —   (18)   —  
    Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D 0   0   1   1  
    Capital Deployment (522)   (1,005)   (2,761)   (2,192)  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

    In January 2025, Royalty Pharma announced the sale of the MorphoSys Development Funding Bonds for $511 million in upfront cash (press release). This payment, combined with payments previously received, results in total cash proceeds of $530 million on the $300 million investment that was made in September 2022. The proceeds strengthen Royalty Pharma’s balance sheet and provide added flexibility to pursue its disciplined capital allocation strategy.

    Royalty Transactions

    For full year 2024, Royalty Pharma announced new transactions of up to approximately $2.8 billion. The announced transactions amount reflects the entire amount of capital committed for new transactions during the year, including potential future milestones.

    Recent transactions include:

    • In November 2024, Royalty Pharma acquired a synthetic royalty on Rytelo from Geron Corporation for an upfront payment of $125 million (press release). Rytelo is approved for the treatment of certain adult patients with low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes with transfusion-dependent anemia. Following the acquisition, Royalty Pharma is entitled to receive tiered royalties on U.S. net sales on Rytelo.
    • In November 2024, Royalty Pharma acquired a synthetic royalty on Niktimvo from Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for an upfront payment of $350 million (press release). Niktimvo is approved for the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease and will be co-commercialized by Incyte. Following the acquisition, Royalty Pharma is entitled to receive royalties on U.S. net sales on Niktimvo.

    The information in this section should be read together with Royalty Pharma’s reports and documents filed with the SEC at www.sec.gov and the reader is also encouraged to review all other press releases and information available in the Investors section of Royalty Pharma’s website at www.royaltypharma.com.

    Internalization Transaction

    In January 2025, Royalty Pharma agreed to acquire its external manager, RP Management, LLC (the “Manager”) (press release). This transaction to simplify Royalty Pharma’s corporate structure is expected to result in multiple benefits for shareholders. On a financial basis, the acquisition is expected to reduce costs and enhance economic returns on investments. Specifically, the acquisition will generate cash savings of greater than $100 million in 2026, rising to greater than $175 million in 2030 and driving cumulative savings of greater than $1.6 billion over ten years. The acquisition also increases shareholder alignment, enhances corporate governance, ensures management continuity and simplifies Royalty Pharma’s corporate structure.

    The total transaction value of approximately $1.1 billion(7) consists of approximately 24.5 million shares of Royalty Pharma equity that will vest over five to nine years, approximately $100 million in cash(8), and the assumption of $380 million of the Manager’s existing debt.

    The closing of the internalization transaction is subject to shareholders’ approval of the issuance of the share consideration and other customary closing conditions, including required regulatory approvals. The transaction is estimated to close during the second quarter of 2025.

    Key Developments Relating to the Portfolio

    The key developments related to Royalty Pharma’s royalty interests are discussed below based on disclosures from the marketers of the products.

    TEV-‘749 In January 2025, Teva announced that TEV-‘749 (olanzapine LAI) achieved Phase 3 targeted injections without PDSS (post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome), and the full safety presentation is expected in the second quarter of 2025.
    Cystic fibrosis franchise In December 2024, Vertex announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the new triple-combination modulator Alyftrek (vanzacaftor triple) for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in people ages 6 and older with at least one responsive mutation.

    In November 2024, Vertex announced that it had completed regulatory submissions for the vanzacaftor triple in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland, and reviews are underway.
    Skytrofa In December 2024, Ascendis announced the U.S. FDA accepted for review its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) in adult growth hormone deficiency for Skytrofa. The FDA set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of July 27, 2025.
    aficamten In December 2024, Cytokinetics announced that the FDA accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for aficamten for the treatment of Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The FDA has assigned the NDA a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date of September 26, 2025. Additionally, the European Medicines Agency validated the Marketing Authorization Application for aficamten, and it will now be reviewed by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP).
    Trodelvy In November 2024, Gilead announced plans to voluntarily withdraw the U.S. accelerated approval of Trodelvy for use in pre-treated adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, following the results of the Phase 3 TROPiCS-04 trial.
    Airsupra In October 2024, AstraZeneca announced that positive high-level results from the BATURA Phase 3b trial showed Airsupra met the primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the risk of a severe exacerbation when used as an as-needed rescue medication in response to symptoms compared to as-needed albuterol. These positive results triggered a milestone payment from AstraZeneca, of which Royalty Pharma received its pro rata portion of $27 million in January 2025.
    MK-8189 In October 2024, Merck updated its public disclosures to remove MK-8189 from its pipeline chart and Royalty Pharma does not anticipate making a further investment in this program.
    pelabresib In October 2024, Novartis announced that based on its review of 48-week data from the Phase 3 MANIFEST-2 study, longer follow-up time is needed to determine the regulatory path for pelabresib in myelofibrosis. Novartis will continue to follow patients in MANIFEST-2 and evaluate the potential for additional studies to support registration.
    trontinemab In October 2024, Roche presented its latest Phase 1b/2a interim results for trontinemab at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference, which demonstrated rapid and robust amyloid plaque depletion after 12 to 28 weeks of treatment and an overall favorable safety profile with very limited amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA-E) observed.


    2025 Financial Outlook

    Royalty Pharma has provided guidance for full-year 2025, excluding new transactions and borrowings announced after the date of this release, as follows:

      Provided February 11, 2025
    Portfolio Receipts $2,900 million to $3,050 million
    (Growth of ~+4% to 9% year/year)
    Payments for operating and professional costs Approximately 10% of Portfolio Receipts(1)
    Interest paid $260 million

    The above Portfolio Receipts guidance represents expected growth of 4% to 9% in 2025. Royalty Pharma’s full-year 2025 guidance reflects a negligible estimated foreign exchange impact to Portfolio Receipts, assuming current foreign exchange rates prevail for the rest of 2025.

    2025 guidance for payments for operating and professional costs and interest paid does not reflect the impact of the internalization transaction announced on January 10, 2025 and will be updated following the closing of the internalization transaction, which is expected to be in the second quarter of 2025.

    Total interest paid is based on the semi-annual interest payment schedule of Royalty Pharma’s existing notes and is anticipated to be approximately $260 million in 2025. Interest paid is anticipated to be approximately $138 million in the first quarter of 2025, which includes the first interest payment on the $1.5 billion notes issued in June 2024. Interest paid in the third quarter of 2025 is anticipated to be $119 million. De minimis amounts are anticipated in the second and fourth quarter of 2025. These projections assume no additional debt financing in 2025, including no drawdown on the revolving credit facility. In 2024, Royalty Pharma collected interest of $46 million on its cash and cash equivalents.

    Royalty Pharma today provides this guidance based on its most up-to-date view of its prospects. This guidance assumes no major unforeseen adverse events or changes in foreign exchange rates and excludes the contributions from transactions announced subsequent to the date of this press release.

    Financial Results Call

    Royalty Pharma will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results today at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time. Please visit the “Investors” page of the company’s website at https://www.royaltypharma.com/investors/events to obtain conference call information and to view the live webcast. A replay of the conference call and webcast will be archived on the company’s website for at least 30 days.

    About Royalty Pharma plc

    Founded in 1996, Royalty Pharma is the largest buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties and a leading funder of innovation across the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with innovators from academic institutions, research hospitals and non-profits through small and mid-cap biotechnology companies to leading global pharmaceutical companies. Royalty Pharma has assembled a portfolio of royalties which entitles it to payments based directly on the top-line sales of many of the industry’s leading therapies. Royalty Pharma funds innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry both directly and indirectly – directly when it partners with companies to co-fund late-stage clinical trials and new product launches in exchange for future royalties, and indirectly when it acquires existing royalties from the original innovators. Royalty Pharma’s current portfolio includes royalties on more than 35 commercial products, including Vertex’s Trikafta, GSK’s Trelegy, Roche’s Evrysdi, Johnson & Johnson’s Tremfya, Biogen’s Tysabri and Spinraza, AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson’s Imbruvica, Astellas and Pfizer’s Xtandi, Novartis’ Promacta, Pfizer’s Nurtec ODT and Gilead’s Trodelvy, and 14 development-stage product candidates.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information set forth herein does not purport to be complete or to contain all of the information you may desire. Statements contained herein are made as of the date of this document unless stated otherwise, and neither the delivery of this document at any time, nor any sale of securities, shall under any circumstances create an implication that the information contained herein is correct as of any time after such date or that information will be updated or revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or changes occurring after the date hereof.

    This document contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements that express the company’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results, in contrast with statements that reflect historical facts. Examples include discussion of Royalty Pharma’s strategies, financing plans, growth opportunities, market growth and plans for capital deployment, plus the benefits of the benefits of the internalization transaction, including expected accretion, enhanced alignment with shareholders, increased investment returns, expectations regarding management continuity, transparency and governance, and the benefits of simplification to its structure. In some cases, you can identify such forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “seek,” “project,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could” or “should,” the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to the company. However, these forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of Royalty Pharma’s performance, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and other variable circumstances, and other factors. Such risks and uncertainties may cause the statements to be inaccurate and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Many of these risks are outside of the company’s control and could cause its actual results to differ materially from those it thought would occur. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date hereof. The company does not undertake, and specifically declines, any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

    Certain information contained in this document relates to or is based on studies, publications, surveys and other data obtained from third-party sources and the company’s own internal estimates and research. While the company believes these third-party sources to be reliable as of the date of this document, it has not independently verified, and makes no representation as to the adequacy, fairness, accuracy or completeness of, any information obtained from third-party sources. In addition, all of the market data included in this document involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and there can be no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of such assumptions. Finally, while the company believes its own internal research is reliable, such research has not been verified by any independent source.

    For further information, please reference Royalty Pharma’s reports and documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Portfolio Receipts

    Portfolio Receipts is a key performance metric that represents Royalty Pharma’s ability to generate cash from Royalty Pharma’s portfolio investments, the primary source of capital that is deployed to make new portfolio investments. Portfolio Receipts is defined as the sum of Royalty Receipts and Milestones and other contractual receipts. Royalty Receipts includes variable payments based on sales of products, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma.

    Milestones and other contractual receipts include sales-based or regulatory milestone payments and other fixed contractual receipts, net of contractual payments to legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma. Portfolio Receipts does not include proceeds from equity securities or proceeds from purchases and sales of marketable securities, both of which are not central to Royalty Pharma’s fundamental business strategy.

    Portfolio Receipts is calculated as the sum of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Cash collections from financial royalty assets, Cash collections from intangible royalty assets, Other royalty cash collections, Proceeds from available for sale debt securities and Distributions from equity method investees less Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts, which represent contractual distributions of Royalty Receipts, milestones and other contractual receipts to RPSFT and the Legacy Investors Partnerships. Distributions to RPSFT substantially ended in December 2023 when Royalty Pharma acquired the remaining interest in RPCT held by RPSFT.

    Use of Non-GAAP Measures

    Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are non-GAAP liquidity measures that exclude the impact of certain items and therefore have not been calculated in accordance with GAAP.

    Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are important non-GAAP measures used to analyze liquidity because they are key components of certain material covenants contained within Royalty Pharma’s credit agreement. Royalty Pharma cautions readers that amounts presented in accordance with the definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow may not be the same as similar measures used by other companies or analysts. These non-GAAP liquidity measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for the analysis of Royalty Pharma’s results as reported under GAAP.

    The definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow used by Royalty Pharma are the same as the definitions in the credit agreement. Noncompliance with the interest coverage ratio, leverage ratio and Portfolio Cash Flow ratio covenants under the credit agreement could result in lenders requiring the company to immediately repay all amounts borrowed. If Royalty Pharma cannot satisfy these covenants, it would be prohibited under the credit agreement from engaging in certain activities, such as incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends, making certain payments, and acquiring and disposing of assets. Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are critical to the assessment of Royalty Pharma’s liquidity.

    Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are used by management as key liquidity measures in the evaluation of the company’s ability to generate cash from operations. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow when considering available cash, including for decision-making purposes related to funding of acquisitions, debt repayments, dividends and other discretionary investments. Further, these non-GAAP liquidity measures help management, the audit committee and investors evaluate the company’s ability to generate liquidity from operating activities.

    The company has provided reconciliations of these non-GAAP liquidity measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, being net cash provided by operating activities in Table 4.

    Royalty Pharma Investor Relations and Communications

    +1 (212) 883-6772
    ir@royaltypharma.com

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Condensed Consolidated Operations (unaudited)
    Table 1
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Income and other revenues        
    Income from financial royalty assets 562   523   2,149   2,198  
    Other royalty income and revenues 32   73   114   157  
    Total income and other revenues 594   596   2,264   2,355  
    Operating expense/(income)        
    Provision for changes in expected cash flows from financial royalty assets 164   (77)   732   561  
    Research and development funding expense 1   1   2   52  
    General and administrative expenses 68   59   237   250  
    Total operating expense/(income), net 232   (17)   971   862  
    Operating income 362   613   1,292   1,492  
    Other (income)/expense        
    Equity in earnings of equity method investees (32)   (0)   (30)   (29)  
    Interest expense 66   47   226   187  
    Other income, net (7)   (152)   (234)   (366)  
    Total other expense/(income), net 27   (105)   (38)   (208)  
    Consolidated net income before tax 334   718   1,331   1,700  
    Income tax expense —   —   —   —  
    Consolidated net income 334   718   1,331   1,700  
    Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 126   223   472   565  
    Net income attributable to Royalty Pharma plc 208   494   859   1,135  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Selected Balance Sheet Data (unaudited)
    Table 2
     
    ($ in millions) As of December 31, 2024 As of December 31, 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents 929 477
    Total current and non-current financial royalty assets, net 15,911 14,827
    Total assets 18,223 16,382
    Current portion of long-term debt 998 —
    Long-term debt, net of current portion 6,615 6,135
    Total liabilities 7,880 6,298
    Total shareholders’ equity 10,342 10,084
     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
    Table 3
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Cash collections from financial royalty assets 777   747   2,983   3,201  
    Cash collections from intangible royalty assets 0   0   15   1  
    Other royalty cash collections 30   75   109   159  
    Distributions from equity method investees —   —   13   19  
    Interest received 9   8   46   72  
    Development-stage funding payments – ongoing (1)   (1)   (2)   (2)  
    Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone —   —   —   (50)  
    Payments for operating and professional costs (72)   (54)   (236)   (243)  
    Interest paid (1)   (3)   (160)   (169)  
    Net cash provided by operating activities 743   773   2,769   2,988  
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Distributions from equity method investees 3   5   24   44  
    Investments in equity method investees —   (2)   (11)   (13)  
    Purchases of equity securities —   —   (63)   —  
    Proceeds from equity securities —   —   99   —  
    Purchases of available for sale debt securities —   —   (150)   —  
    Proceeds from available for sale debt securities 13   1   20   1  
    Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities —   —   —   24  
    Acquisitions of financial royalty assets (496)   (1,002)   (2,506)   (2,116)  
    Acquisitions of other financial assets —   —   (18)   —  
    Milestone payments (25)   —   (75)   (12)  
    Other —   (2)   2   (2)  
    Net cash used in investing activities (506)   (1,000)   (2,678)   (2,073)  
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts (81)   (92)   (362)   (377)  
    Distributions to continuing non-controlling interests (31)   (24)   (125)   (120)  
    Dividends to shareholders (94)   (89)   (376)   (358)  
    Repurchases of Class A ordinary shares (53)   (30)   (230)   (305)  
    Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D 0   0   1   1  
    Contributions from non-controlling interests – other 1   1   4   7  
    Cash acquired in connection with purchase of non-controlling interest —   5   —   5  
    Proceeds from revolving credit facility —   350   —   350  
    Repayment of revolving credit facility —   (350)   —   (350)  
    Repayment of long-term debt —   —   —   (1,000)  
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount —   —   1,471   —  
    Debt issuance costs and other 0   (2)   (13)   (2)  
    Other 0   —   (9)   —  
    Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (258)   (232)   361   (2,149)  
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents (21)   (459)   452   (1,234)  
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 950   936   477   1,711  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 929   477   929   477  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (unaudited)
    Table 4
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) 743   773   2,769   2,988  
    Adjustments:        
    Proceeds from available for sale debt securities(6) 13   1   20   1  
    Distributions from equity method investees(6) 3   5   24   44  
    Interest (received)/paid, net(6) (8)   (5)   113   98  
    Development-stage funding payments – ongoing 1   1   2   2  
    Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone —   —   —   50  
    Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts(6) (81)   (92)   (362)   (377)  
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) 669   682   2,565   2,806  
    Interest received/(paid), net(6) 8   5   (113)   (98)  
    Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) 678   687   2,452   2,708  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Fourth Quarter and Full Year Portfolio Receipts Highlights (unaudited)
    Table 5
     
      Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Products:            
    Cystic fibrosis franchise 237 207 14% 857 771 11%
    Trelegy 74 60 23% 284 203 40%
    Tysabri 61 68 (11)% 262 279 (6)%
    Imbruvica 46 50 (10)% 191 210 (9)%
    Evrysdi 56 20 182% 174 66 163%
    Xtandi 46 38 20% 169 146 15%
    Promacta 44 44 (1)% 158 161 (2)%
    Tremfya 39 35 11% 140 116 20%
    Cabometyx/Cometriq 20 18 11% 73 66 10%
    Spinraza 15 17 (13)% 45 45 1%
    Trodelvy 11 10 10% 43 33 30%
    Erleada 11 9 25% 39 27 42%
    Orladeyo 11 8 36% 39 29 32%
    Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret 7 5 49% 26 18 39%
    Other products(5) 54 63 (14)% 273 277 (1)%
    Royalty Receipts 729 651 12% 2,771 2,449 13%
    Milestones and other contractual receipts 13 84 (85)% 31 599 (95)%
    Portfolio Receipts 742 736 1% 2,801 3,049 (8)%

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

    Royalty Pharma plc
    Description of Approved Indications for Select Portfolio Therapies
    Table 6

    Cystic fibrosis franchise Cystic fibrosis
    Trelegy Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
    Tysabri Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
    Evrysdi Spinal muscular atrophy
    Xtandi Prostate cancer
    Imbruvica Hematological malignancies and chronic graft versus host disease
    Promacta Chronic immune thrombocytopenia purpura and aplastic anemia
    Tremfya Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis
    Cabometyx / Cometriq Kidney, liver and thyroid cancer
    Spinraza Spinal muscular atrophy
    Orladeyo Hereditary angioedema
    Trodelvy Breast and bladder cancer
    Erleada Prostate cancer
    Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret Acute and preventative treatment of migraine


    Notes

    (1)  Portfolio Receipts is a key performance metric that represents Royalty Pharma’s ability to generate cash from Royalty Pharma’s portfolio investments, the primary source of capital that Royalty Pharma can deploy to make new portfolio investments. Portfolio Receipts is defined as the sum of Royalty Receipts and Milestones and other contractual receipts. Royalty Receipts include variable payments based on sales of products, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma (“Royalty Receipts”). Milestones and other contractual receipts include sales-based or regulatory milestone payments and other fixed contractual receipts, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma. Portfolio Receipts does not include proceeds from equity securities or proceeds from purchases and sales of marketable securities, both of which are not central to Royalty Pharma’s fundamental business strategy.

    Portfolio Receipts is calculated as the sum of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Cash collections from financial royalty assets, Cash collections from intangible royalty assets, Other royalty cash collections, Proceeds from available for sale debt securities and Distributions from equity method investees less Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts, which represent contractual distributions of Royalty Receipts and milestones and other contractual receipts to RPSFT and the Legacy Investors Partnerships. Distributions to RPSFT substantially ended in December 2023 when Royalty Pharma acquired the remaining interest in RPCT held by RPSFT.

    (2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined under the credit agreement as Portfolio Receipts minus payments for operating and professional costs. Operating and professional costs reflect Payments for operating and professional costs from the GAAP statements of cash flows. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation in Table 4.

    (3) Portfolio Cash Flow is defined under the credit agreement as Adjusted EBITDA minus interest paid or received, net. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation in Table 4. Portfolio Cash Flow reflects the cash generated by Royalty Pharma’s business that can be redeployed into value-enhancing royalty acquisitions, used to repay debt, returned to shareholders through dividends or share purchases or utilized for other discretionary investments.

    (4) Capital Deployment is calculated as the summation of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Investments in equity method investees, Purchases of available for sale debt securities, Acquisitions of financial royalty assets, Acquisitions of other financial assets, Milestone payments, Development-stage funding payments – ongoing, Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone less Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D.

    (5) Other products primarily include Royalty Receipts on the following products: Cimzia, Crysvita, Emgality, Entyvio, Farxiga/Onglyza, IDHIFA, Lexiscan, Nesina, Prevymis, Soliqua and distributions from the Legacy SLP Interest, which is presented as Distributions from equity method investees on the GAAP statements of cash flows.

    (6) The table below shows the line item for each adjustment and the direct location for such line item on the GAAP statements of cash flows.

    Reconciling Adjustment Statements of Cash Flows Classification
    Interest received/paid, net Operating activities (Interest paid less Interest received)
    Distributions from equity method investees Investing activities
    Proceeds from available for sale debt securities Investing activities
    Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts Financing activities

    (7) The total transaction value of approximately $1.1 billion is based on the closing price of Royalty Pharma plc common stock of $26.20 on January 8, 2025.

    (8) Consists of $200 million in cash less the amount of the management fees paid to the Manager from January 1, 2025 through the closing of the transaction.

    The MIL Network –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP Conference of Presidents’ statement on EU support for Ukraine

    Source: European Parliament

    Statement of the Conference of Presidents on continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression.

    Three years have passed since the Russian Federation launched its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, violating international law, the United Nations Charter, and undermining European and global security. The European Parliament Conference of Presidents again strongly condemns Russia’s ongoing war of aggression with deliberate targeting of civilian and critical infrastructure, and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population, all serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

    We reaffirm our steadfast solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and courage in defending their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

    The European Union must remain united in its commitment to support Ukraine that includes political, military, economic, humanitarian and financial assistance. We commend the efforts of Member States, institutions, civil society organisations, companies and citizens who have mobilised resources and provided refuge to millions of displaced Ukrainians. At the same time, we call on the EU and its Member States to increase and speed up the delivery of its support, in particular of its military support and establish a legal regime allowing for the confiscation of Russian-owned assets frozen by the EU.

    We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during this war of aggression. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

    We call for continued and enhanced military support to Ukraine, including the provision of defence equipment, training, and strategic assistance necessary to uphold Ukraine’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

    We reaffirm the EU’s commitment to sustainable and long-term financial and economic support to Ukraine, including macro-financial assistance, support for reconstruction and economic and social recovery, and measures to ensure the resilience of Ukraine’s economy and critical infrastructure.

    We call for the full implementation and a significant expansion of sanctions, including effective measures to prevent circumvention, against Russia and its accomplices, aimed at definitively undermining its capacity to wage war and holding accountable those responsible for aggression and human rights violations.

    We express full support for Ukraine’s European integration aspirations. The European Parliament remains committed to advancing Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, recognising its significant progress in reforms under the most challenging circumstances.

    In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine and countering Russian disinformation. We also highlight the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on the consequences of this war and on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula

    As we mark three years of this brutal aggression, the European Parliament Conference of Presidents honours the resilience of the Ukrainian people and pays tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB and Banco Santander join forces to boost Europe’s wind energy manufacturers

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The EIB provides a €500 million counter-guarantee enabling Santander to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion, expected to unlock €8 billion of investment to support wind energy manufacturers in Europe.
    • The agreement is part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package to boost Europe’s wind power manufacturing sector and accelerate the energy transition.
    • The operation is backed by InvestEU, the EU programme aiming to mobilise investment of more than €372 billion by 2027.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Santander have signed a €500 million counter-guarantee agreement that Santander will use to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion, expected to unlock €8 billion of investment to support wind energy equipment manufacturing companies in Europe.

    The guarantees will back investment by companies manufacturing wind energy and grid interconnection equipment, as well as key components for the wind sector. This will enable the manufacturers to receive advance payments as well as to provide performance guarantees when taking on new wind projects. The guarantees scheme also enables manufacturers to pay their suppliers in advance for the supply of wind farms and the related wind value chain components, which include turbines, grid connection infrastructure, cables and transformer stations.  

    The leverage effect of the EIB counter-guarantee is expected to mobilise additional funding from other investors to support increasing production and accelerate wind energy development, helping to stimulate investment in the real economy.

    The deal forms part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package launched in 2023, a dedicated package of counter-guarantees to improve access to finance for wind power sector and support increasing newly installed wind energy generation capacity by 32GW. This EIB financing scheme is being activated through agreements with the sector’s main lenders like Santander. It is a key component of the  European Wind Power Package launched by the European Commission, and is designed to further accelerate a just and swift transition to net zero, while boosting home-grown industrial innovation.

    “Wind energy will play a significant role in achieving the EU’s renewable-energy target. To unveil its full potential, the EIB together with Santander is putting in place de-risking instruments that will allow manufacturers to overcome some of the challenges impacting the sector such as supply chain disruptions, high costs or intense international competition,” said EIB Director of Financial Institutions Gemma Feliciani. “This new framework sponsored by the EIB wind package will accelerate the energy transition in Europe while strengthening its industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy.”

    Ricardo Gamazo, Santander Global Trade Finance team added: “The program has been very welcome by our clients in the wind equipment industry which face a large backlog of orders to meet the energy transition demand. This in turn creates large guarantee issuance requirements and this extra capacity goes a long way in securing credit lines in the market. We believe this agreement is another decisive step in buttressing energy security for the EU in a sustainable fashion”

    Background information

    About the EIB

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute towards EU policy goals. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.

    About Banco Santander

    Banco Santander (SAN SM) is a leading commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain and one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This operating model allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform providing services to individuals, SMEs, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising €220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030. At the end of 2024, Banco Santander had €1.3 trillion in total funds, 173 million customers, 8,000 branches and 207,000 employees.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: DPG Media signs new loan agreement with EIB

    Source: European Investment Bank

    DPG Media Group has signed a new lending agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Built around financing eight core priorities, the EIB finances investments that support EU policy goals, including digitalisation. After a first loan signed in 2022 to support the Group’s digitalisation of media platforms, DPG has now signed a further €120 million in the framework of further digitalisation and innovation of its media.

    DPG Media plans to spend a total of €392 million in this regard over the period 2024-2026, of which 30% will be financed with an EIB loan. This financing will allow DPG Media to accelerate its digital transformation and continue to play a leading role in digital innovation as a local player. As part of the project, DPG Media expects to increase its knowledge and expertise in artificial intelligence and content distribution, in alignment with the objectives of the Digital Europe Programme.

    EIB vice-president Robert de Groot: “Digitalisation and the development of advanced technologies play a key role in Europe’s competitiveness. These technologies must be an intrinsic part of the broad support for European entrepreneurs and companies. DPG’s investments to digitise its offering and services are in line with European ambitions. EIB loans are meant to foster this type of development.”

    Erik Roddenhof, CEO of DPG Media: “We are delighted with this new long-term loan from the European Investment Bank for our investments in our further digital transformation. We deem this necessary to be able to successfully offer independent and strong media as a local media player in a rapidly changing market that is increasingly dominated by global players. With this loan, the group diversifies its debt financing, both in terms of creditors and tenors. We regard the support of the European Investment Bank primarily as a quality stamp, not only for the creditworthiness of DPG Media, but especially for our digital efforts.”

    Looking ahead, DPG will invest to further develop its digital platform for end-users and advertisers, including with AI and text-to-speech applications.

    In recent years the investments in DPG’s advertising platform ‘Trusted Web’ marked a crucial and unique step to reduce dependence on big tech: advertisers no longer need to use third-party big tech purchasing platforms and tools to buy advertising campaigns at DPG Media.

    Furthermore, DPG invested heavily in audio technology, the digitalisation of its magazines and improvement of its streaming platforms on smart TVs, and the platform now also serves multiple users (besides VTM GO, Streamz and RTL Play also use the same platform). DPG Media has also implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to ensure its platforms remain resistant to emerging threats.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, it finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the EU, and the Capital Markets Union.   

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.   

    DPG Media Group’s mission is to inform, entertain and inspire people. The headquarters of the international media group, which is active in the Belgian, Dutch and Danish markets, are in Antwerp. DPG Media Group has a workforce of 5,396 employees and a portfolio of 90 strong publishing, broadcasting and services brands. Every day, the DPG Media Group brands reach a total of 15 million media users, both online and offline.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures taken by the government to stop food adulteration

    Source: Government of India

    Measures taken by the government to stop food adulteration

    Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products are conducted by FSSAI through its regional offices and State/ UTs; penal action taken against defaulting Food Business Operators

    Mobile food testing labs “Food Safety on Wheels” (FSWs) provided to extend the reach of basic testing facilities in remote areas

    Pan-India Surveillance of food products conducted by FSSAI, especially on staple foods and commodities prone to adulteration

    Mechanisms for receiving and addressing food adulteration complaints by consumers in place through the FSSAI helpline or Food Safety Connect mobile app

    Mandatory registration certification and licensing by FSSAI for food businesses; regular reviews of the certification process and improvement based on the stakeholder feedback in place

    Various campaigns launched by FSSAI to raise consumer awareness about food adulteration

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) through its regional offices and State/ Union Territories conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products. In cases where food samples are found to be non-conforming, penal action is taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations.

    To extend the reach of basic testing facilities even in remote areas, FSSAI has provided mobile food testing labs called Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs). FSSAI also conducts periodic Pan-India Surveillance of food products especially on staple foods and commodities that are prone to adulteration.

    FSSAI has also established mechanisms for receiving and addressing complaints related to food adulteration. Consumers can lodge complaints through the FSSAI helpline or Food Safety Connect mobile app, which are promptly investigated and acted upon as per FSS Act, Rules and Regulations. Further, FSSAI has launched various campaigns to raise consumer awareness about food adulteration.

    Details of samples analysed, found non-conforming and penal action taken during last 4 years are as below:

     

    Year

    No. of Samples Analysed

    No. of Samples found non-conforming

    No. of Civil Cases launched

    No. of Criminal Cases launched

    2020-21

    1,07,829

    28,347

    24,195

    3,869

    2021-22

    1,44,345

    32,934

    28,906

    4,946

    2022-23

    1,77,511

    44,626

    38,053

    4,817

    2023-24

    1,70,513

    33,808

    33,750

    4,737

    As per the FSS Act 2006, no person can commence a food business without holding a license under the Act.  Accordingly, petty food businesses such as petty retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors or temporary stall holders, etc with a turnover of less than 12 lakhs per annum have to take a registration certificate before starting any food business whereas food businesses having an annual turnover of more than 12 lakh need FSSAI license.

    A Food Business Operator (FBO) submits an online application through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, providing necessary documents, undergoing an inspection by FSSAI officials at their premises, and upon approval, receiving a registration certificate or license depending on their business type and turnover.         

    FSSAI regularly reviews the certification process and improves it based on stakeholder feedback.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    ****

    MV

    HFW/ Measures taken by the government to stop food adulteration/11 February 2025/4

    (Release ID: 2101739) Visitor Counter : 79

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025
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