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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lift off for Tech Interdependence? | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    As the technology ecosystem evolves, encompassing advancements in AI, biotechnology, edge computing, robotics and beyond, the interdependence of these technologies presents immense opportunities and complex challenges.

    How can we pave the way for unprecedented growth and innovation in our interconnected future?

    Speakers: Hiroaki Kitano, Cristiano Amon, Aiman Ezzat, Jeremy Jurgens, Magdalena Skipper, Aidan Gomez

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mogyc3UAku0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Solar Together returns – residents can boost renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions and save on bills with solar panel initiative

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Residents of Hertfordshire are coming together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

    Solar Together helps homeowners feel confident they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from qualified installers.

    Residents, including those from St Albans District, can join the group-buying scheme which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points.

    There is also an option to acquire retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. 

    The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid. 

    It is free to register here from Monday 27 January and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.

    St Albans City and District Council (SADC) is working in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and  iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the move to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible. 

    Councillor Raj Visram, SADC’s Lead for Climate, said:

    One of our priorities as a Council is to tackle the climate emergency and encourage the District to become net zero by 2030.

    Our involvement with the Solar Together scheme is one of the many actions we are taking to achieve these goals.

    The feedback we have received from residents who have taken advantage of the offer in previous years has been highly positive. Residents in St Albans District have been among the most enthusiastic in the county.

    I urge any interested householder who has yet to make a Solar Together enquiry, to do so now. They can potentially cut harmful emissions and save money on their energy bills at the same time.

    SADC and other Councils enable the scheme and do not benefit financially in any way. 

    Solar Together, which has already proven to be a hit across the county, operates like this:

    1. Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation. 

    2. Approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations. 

    3. After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration. 

    4. If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system. 

    5. Telephone and email help desks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment. 

    Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, said:

    With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of Hertfordshire are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid. 

    The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider.

    iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems.

    To date, Solar Together has installed over 16,480 solar panels in Hertfordshire, reducing carbon emissions by 31,180 tonnes over 25 years – equivalent to 17,000 cars off the road in that time.

    iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 200 schemes have led to 185,000 residents installing solar PV systems. 

    Media contact:  John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727- 819533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.
     
    About Solar Together

    The Solar Together scheme, delivered by iChoosr, is a group-buying initiative that enables households and businesses to purchase solar panels at a competitive price. By teaming up with local authorities, the scheme is able to leverage the collective buying power of residents to negotiate better rates from trusted solar panel providers. This not only helps to make solar energy more accessible and affordable but also supports the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Solar Together is currently responsible for 10% of MCS-certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) solar panel installations in England – the independent certification scheme that certifies microgeneration (renewable energy) products and installers.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Identity fraud: BaFin warns consumers against offers on websites zinsify.de and smbcgroup.asia

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority BaFin warns consumers against offers on websites zinsify.de and smbcgroup.asia. According to information available to BaFin, banking transactions and financial services are being provided on these websites without the required authorisation. The services are not actually offered by SMBC Bank EU AG. This is a case of identity fraud by unknown perpetrators.

    Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the required authorisation. Information on whether companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminals operating an illegal financial service to launder millions of euros busted

    Source: Eurojust

    Investigations into the group began in 2023 when border police in Spain noticed suspicious trips from their airports transporting large sums of money. The trips to Cyprus by members of the criminal group were used to deliver criminal profits, which were then laundered. Authorities stopped the criminals from travelling and seized more than EUR 1.8 million.

    The authorities discovered that the group was running a sophisticated money laundering service for other criminal organisations. The group acted as a financial service to transfer criminal profits internationally. Cryptocurrencies were used to move cash profits between criminal organisations. To dispose of the cash profits, money was transported on commercial flights, mainly to Cyprus, and by public transport to neighbouring countries of Spain. The group was able to carry out four to six money laundering transactions per week. 

    Running this financial service required a professionally structured organisation consisting of at least 52 members, operating mostly from Spain and Cyprus. The group worked with contacts outside of their organisation to liaise with clients and receive the cash to be laundered. Their contacts are linked to several commercial companies around the world. 

    As the financial service was used throughout Europe, authorities had to work together to stop the criminal group. An international investigation was launched by setting up a joint investigation team (JIT) at Eurojust between Spanish, Cypriot and German authorities, Eurojust and Europol. Through the JIT, information from tax and judicial authorities was exchanged that led to the takedown of the criminal group. Europol supported this international operation with experts specialised in financial crime, fighting high-risk criminal networks, unravelling money laundering structures, and tracing cryptocurrency flows.

    A series of actions were carried out to stop the financial service. In October 2024, actions were carried out in Spain, France and Cyprus to dismantle the criminal group. This was followed by actions in November 2024 that targeted actors working with the criminal group. A total of 91 searches were carried out, 77 in Spain, 1 in France and 13 in Cyprus. Twenty suspects were arrested in Spain, one in France and two in Slovenia. Authorities seized a total of EUR 8 million in cash, 2 million in bank accounts and froze EUR 27 million in cryptocurrency. Investigations into the group and its financial service continue.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Spain: Investigating Judge no 2 of El Prat de Llobregat; Public Prosecution Office of Barcelona; Guardia Civil Special Central Unit 3, Destabilizing Threat Group-UCO
    • Cyprus: Attorney General’s Office; MOKAS (Unit for Combating Money Laundering); Criminal Investigation Department (CID) (in collaboration with other police departments)
    • Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office, Landshut; Customs Investigation Office, München
    • France: Judicial Court of Marseille, Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction against organised crime (JIRS) ; National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF), Marseille/Nice. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Supersession of the Board of Directors and Appointment of Administrator – Aviom India Housing Finance Private Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 45-IE(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and as per recommendation of National Housing Bank (NHB), the Reserve Bank has today superseded the board of directors of Aviom India Housing Finance Private Limited (the company) owing to governance concerns and defaults in meeting various payment obligations, and appointed Shri Ram Kumar, ex-CGM of Punjab National Bank, as the Administrator under Section 45-IE(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The Reserve Bank intends to shortly initiate the process of resolution of the company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Insolvency and Liquidation Proceedings of Financial Service Providers and Application to Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2019, and would also apply to the NCLT, New Delhi, for appointing the Administrator as the Insolvency Resolution Professional.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2011

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A catalogue of errors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The case of K & B Haulage Limited, recently heard by the Traffic Commissioner for the West of England, Kevin Rooney, has revealed a series of serious compliance failures affecting the company’s restricted goods vehicle operator’s licence.

    The licence itself had already been downgraded from standard international.

    The public inquiry uncovered severe and persistent compliance failings, jeopardising road safety and undermining fair competition.

    The commissioner’s findings included tax and MOT violations, where multiple vehicles were operated without valid tax or MOTs for extended periods and maintenance shortcomings with infrequent safety inspections – with some vehicles operating in dangerous conditions, including one driven with three bald tyres after being declared unroadworthy. Driver hours were mismanaged, and tachograph downloads were delayed by up to 237 days, with drivers failing to record required manual entries.

    On top of this, a there was a lack of oversight from former transport manager Richard Simcox who failed to fulfil basic compliance duties, contributing to widespread operational failings and a culture of non-compliance.

    The operator also engaged in subcontracting work to a company without the required operator’s licence, violating legal requirements, and Mr. Gettings admitted to lying during a DVSA investigation and failed to cooperate with vehicle inspections.

    Commissioner Rooney said “The compliance shortcomings alone with vehicles untaxed, untested and un-inspected, the lack of any drivers’ hours management or working time, mean that this is not a business I can have any confidence will be compliant in the future. The operation has been so dangerous that it must come to an end… The shortcomings I have found reflect a recklessness on the part of the operator, and a recklessness that is shown still to persist by the actions in October. Road safety has been compromised and the use of a Ltd Company driver is unfair competition.”

    The commissioner determined that K & B Haulage Limited was no longer fit to hold an operator’s licence. The company’s licence has been revoked, and its director, Kyle Gettings, has been disqualified as an operator for a period of two years. Transport manager Richard Simcox has also lost his good repute and been disqualified for an extended period.

    More details can be found here.

    For any further details or enquiries, please contact: pressoffice@otc.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Finding the Best Wireless Modem for Rural America: Results are in, and Nomad Air 2 is 10X faster than Local DSL

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nomad Internet, a leader in providing high-speed internet solutions for rural America, has announced breakthrough results from a rigorous modem testing initiative led by Jaden Garza, CINO at Nomad Internet & Jessica Garza, Chief Operating Officer of Nomad Internet. The company’s new Nomad Air 2 Wireless Modem outperformed local DSL networks by over 10 times, achieving blazing-fast download speeds of 513 Mbps compared to the local DSL average of 39.6 Mbps in real-world rural environments.

    The tests, conducted in areas with zero traditional cell service, were designed to evaluate the performance of over a dozen wireless modems from leading manufacturers under real-world rural conditions. The results proved that the Nomad Air 2 is the best option for rural communities and a significant step forward in closing the digital divide.

    “This is game-changing for rural America,” said Jaden Garza, CINO at Nomad Internet. “We pushed these modems to their limits in places with no urban network advantages, and the Nomad Air 2 consistently delivered speeds faster than even some fiber networks. It’s a testament to our commitment to bringing high-speed, reliable internet to the last mile.”

    Real-World Results, Real Impact

    The testing process included hours of rigorous analysis and optimization by Garza and his team, with the Nomad Air 2 achieving a download speed of 513 Mbps—outshining all other modems tested.
    “This modem is a game-changer for rural or underserved people. It levels the playing field, providing access to affordable, high-speed internet for people who traditional providers have left behind,” added Jessica Garza.

    Partnerships Driving Innovation

    Nomad Internet credited partners like Inseego Corp, whose modem technology played a pivotal role in delivering these speeds, and Ookla, which provided the tools to measure this breakthrough.
    “We are grateful for the incredible work of Inseego Corp and partners like Ookla, whose technology makes advancements like this possible,” Mr. Garza said.

    Closing the Digital Divide

    The Nomad Air 2 represents Nomad Internet’s mission to close the digital divide, empowering rural communities with faster, more reliable, and more affordable connectivity than ever before. Whether it’s for work, education, or entertainment, this modem ensures no one is left behind.

    A Look Back at All the New Launches by Nomad Internet in 2025

    While the record-breaking modem speeds have taken center stage, Nomad Internet is also introducing new products and initiatives to enhance connectivity and customer engagement further.

    Nomad Omni Data

    One of the company’s most anticipated launches, Nomad Omni Data, redefines rural internet connectivity by offering simultaneous access to two of America’s largest networks.

    Key Features of Nomad Omni Data:

    • Dual-Network Access: The modem transitions to the most rapid and robust network signal.
    • Unlimited Data: Users experience limitless browsing, streaming, and gaming without concerns about data limits or throttling.
    • Blazing Speeds: Boasting download speeds reaching 1 Gbps, users enjoy smooth streaming, swift downloads, and gaming without interruptions.
    • Affordable Upgrade: For only $19.95/month, users can access the complete capabilities of dual-network power.

    This feature is ideal for rural families, digital nomads, and gamers who demand reliable, high-speed internet regardless of location.

    Unlimited Power Plan

    The Unlimited Power Plan has been designed by Nomad Internet for customers seeking unparalleled connectivity at an unbeatable value. This plan caters to modern, mobile lifestyles priced at $119.95 per month with a lifetime discount of $30.

    Features of the Unlimited Power Plan:

    • 500 Mbps Speeds: Say goodbye to buffering and enjoy ultra-fast connections for video calls, streaming, and more.
    • 8K Streaming: Experience unparalleled clarity for entertainment and content creation.
    • Low Latency: Competitive gamers can enjoy smooth, lag-free gameplay.

    The Unlimited Power Plan highlights Nomad Internet’s dedication to providing affordable, flexible solutions that enable users to remain connected regardless of location.

    #NomadSpeedChallenge

    Nomad Internet has introduced the #NomadSpeedChallenge to commemorate its progress, encouraging customers to post their internet speed results to win a year of complimentary Nomad Internet service.

    How to Participate:

    1. Test the Speed: Run a speed test using tools like Ookla or Fast.com.
    2. Capture the Results: Take a screenshot or record the speed test.
    3. Share the Experience: Post the results on social media platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok using the hashtags #NomadSpeedChallenge and #NomadInternet, and tag @NomadInternet.
    4. Submit the Entry: Upload the speed test and social media link to the official contest page.

    This initiative celebrates Nomad Internet’s achievements and builds a sense of community among users who rely on its services to power their digital lives.

    Empowering Connectivity in the Digital Age

    The industry leader in rural connectivity, Nomad Internet, released the Nomad Air 2 gadget and additional products, starting with the Unlimited Power Plan and Nomad Omni Data. Nomad Internet is dedicated to breaking down digital connectivity barriers and empowering individuals in rural and remote areas to enjoy the high-speed internet they need to succeed in today’s digital landscape.

    Jessica Garza emphasized that Nomad Internet delivers high-speed internet to the communities that need it most. “We are transforming possibilities for rural and nomadic populations through unprecedented modem speeds, creative data plans, or customer initiatives such as the #NomadSpeedChallenge.”

    About Nomad Internet

    Nomad Internet is America’s leading wireless internet provider for rural communities, delivering high-speed, reliable, and affordable connectivity to those in areas where traditional services fall short.

    For more information, visit www.nomadinternet.com.

    Media Contact

    Company Name: Nomad Internet

    Contact Person: Manish Roshan

    Email: manish@nomadinternet.com

    Website: https://nomadinternet.com

    Phone: +1 281 800 1000

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by the Nomad Internet. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information shared in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment, financial, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment or trading decisions. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9f5723c-5676-4c59-9960-f213d8175c52

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/738a6ea2-75fe-4998-8d85-0eb2ad6e1e7b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d225766-a42d-4881-9678-5cb04c297ea1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Embrace Change Acquisition Corp. Announces Entering into a Definitive Merger Agreement with Tianji

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Embrace Change Acquisition Corp. (“Embrace Change”) (NASDAQ: EMCG, EMCGU, EMCGR), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, and Tianji Tire Global (Cayman) Limited (“Tianji,” or the “Company”), a leading tire manufacturer with operations mainly conducted by its subsidiaries based in mainland China, today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) that will result in Tianji becoming a publicly listed company upon the closing of the transaction contemplated there in (the “Proposed Transaction”) on January 26, 2025. Upon closing, the combined company will be renamed “Tianji Tire Global Group (Cayman) Limited” (the “Combined Company”) and expects to list its Class A ordinary shares on Nasdaq.

    Tianji is a leading tire manufacturer with operations mainly conducted by its subsidiaries based in mainland China, specializing in the design, research and development, production and sales of tires, with a primary focus on all-steel, tubeless radial tires for medium- and short-distance transportation.

    Key Transaction Terms

    As provided in the Merger Agreement, the merger consideration is $450 million, payable by newly-issued securities of the Combined Company valued at $10.00 per share.

    Cash proceeds raised will consist of Embrace Change’s approximately $26 million in trust (assuming no redemptions by Embrace Change’s existing public shareholders) which is anticipated to support the Company’s growth capital needs and to be used for general working capital purposes. After the closing, Tianji shareholders are expected to retain a majority of the outstanding shares of the Combined Company and Tianji will designate a majority of proposed directors for the Combined Company’s board.

    The Tianji management team, led by its CEO Hailong Cheng, will continue to run the Combined Company after the closing of the Proposed Transaction.

    The boards of directors of Tianji, Embrace Change and Embrace Change’s two merger subsidiaries have unanimously approved the Proposed Transaction, which is expected to be completed in mid–2025, subject to, among other things, approval by Embrace Change’ and Tianji’ shareholders, and satisfaction (or waiver, as applicable) of the conditions provided in the Merger Agreement, including regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, including a registration statement in connection with the Proposed Transaction being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

    Additional information about the Proposed Transaction, including a copy of the Merger Agreement, will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by Embrace Change with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. Additional information about the Proposed Transaction will be described in the Registration Statement, which Embrace Change and/or its subsidiary will file with the SEC.

    Advisors

    Loeb & Loeb LLP, Ogier (Cayman) LLP and Beijing Dacheng Law Offices, LLP are serving as legal advisor to Embrace Change. Han Kun Law Offices LLP and Harney Westwood & Riegels are serving as legal advisor to Tianji.

    About Tianji

    Tianji is a leading tire manufacturer with operations mainly conducted by its subsidiaries based in mainland China, specializing in the design, research and development, production and sales of tires, with a primary focus on all-steel, tubeless radial tires for medium- and short-distance transportation. The Company’s collection of tires is curated under six renowned brands, namely the premium brand SEMES, the mid- to high-end brand Tianxin, the mass-market brands Lunaite, Aoben and GFT Rider, as well as the brand Kuangshan Jiuhao designed specifically for mining transportation. Each of these brands stands out in quality and technical performance characteristics with distinctive features and precise identities.

    Founded in 2020, Tianji has successfully established an extensive presence in China, and is continuing to expand its footprint nationwide to reach more potential customers.

    About Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.

    Embrace Change Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Embrace Change and/or its subsidiary will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form F-4 (as amended, the “Registration Statement”), which will include a proxy statement/prospectus. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, Embrace Change will send the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to its shareholders. This press release is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TIANJI, EMBRACE CHANGE, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. The Registration Statement and any other relevant filed documents (when they are available) can be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These documents (when they are available) can also be obtained free of charge from Embrace Change at https://www.Embrace Change.com/insights or upon written request at Embrace Change Acquisition Corp., 5186 CARROLL CANYON RD, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the pending transactions described herein, and the parties’ perspectives and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction, including the anticipated initial enterprise value and post-closing equity value, the benefits of the proposed transaction, integration plans, expected synergies and revenue opportunities, anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates for growth, the expected management and governance of the combined company, and the expected timing of the transactions. The words “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, assumptions (including assumptions about general economic, market, industry and operational factors), known or unknown, which could cause the actual results to vary materially from those indicated or anticipated.

    Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) risks related to the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the pending business combination, including the risk that the transaction may not close due to one or more closing conditions to the transaction not being satisfied or waived, such as regulatory approvals not being obtained, on a timely basis or otherwise, or that a governmental entity prohibited, delayed or refused to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction or required certain conditions, limitations or restrictions in connection with such approvals; (ii) risks related to the ability of Embrace Change and the Company to successfully integrate the businesses; (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the applicable transaction agreements; (iv) the risk that there may be a material adverse change with respect to the financial position, performance, operations or prospects of the Company or Embrace Change; (v) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the Proposed Transaction; (vi) the risk that any announcements relating to the Proposed Transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Embrace Change’s securities; (vii) the risk that the Proposed Transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of the Company to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers and on their operating results and businesses generally; (viii) the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; and (ix) risks relating to the Combined Company’s ability to enhance its services and products, execute its business strategy, expand its customer base and maintain stable relationship with its business partners.

    A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the Prospectus filed on August 9, 2022 relating Embrace Change’s initial public offering and in the Registration Statement and proxy statement that will be filed with the SEC by Embrace Change and/or its subsidiary in connection with the proposed transactions, and other documents that the parties may file or furnish with the SEC, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and Embrace Change, the Company and their subsidiaries undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made except as required by law or applicable regulation.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the transactions described above and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Embrace Change or the Company, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    Embrace Change and the Company, and certain shareholders of Embrace Change, and their respective directors, executive officers and employees and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the holders of Embrace Change ordinary shares in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about Embrace Change’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Embrace Change ordinary shares is set forth in the Prospectus filed on August 9, 2022 and filed with the SEC as modified or supplemented by any Form 3 or Form 4 filed with the SEC since the date of that filing. Other information regarding the interests of the participants in the proxy solicitation will be included in the Registration Statement/proxy statement pertaining to the proposed transaction when it becomes available. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

    Tianji and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Embrace Change in connection with the proposed business combination. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed business combination will be included in the Registration Statement/proxy statement pertaining to the proposed transaction when it becomes available for the proposed business combination.

    Contacts:

    Embrace Change Acquisition Corp.
    contact@embracechange.top

    Tianji Tire Global (Cayman) Limited
    Ray Jin
    ray966@msn.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Barnwell Industries, Inc. Adopts Limited-Duration Shareholder Rights Plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONOLULU, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Barnwell Industries, Inc. (NYSE American: BRN) (“Barnwell” or the “Company”) today announced that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Barnwell has adopted a limited-duration shareholder rights plan (“Rights Plan”) designed to protect the interests of the Company and all of its shareholders. The Rights Plan is also intended to provide the Board sufficient time to make informed judgments and take actions that are in the best interests of Barnwell and all of its shareholders.

    The Rights Plan was adopted in response to the significant ownership position of Ned Sherwood and his affiliates (the “Sherwood Group”), which, based on public records, is approximately 30.00% of Barnwell’s outstanding common stock, and the refusal of the Sherwood Group to extend the Cooperation and Support Agreement, entered into by Alexander Kinzler, the former CEO of the Company, and Secretary and General Counsel of the Company, and the Sherwood Group, following its pending expiration.

    A special committee of the Board of Directors (“Special Committee”), consisting of Kenneth Grossman and Joshua Horowitz, was established by the Board on November 7, 2024, to review, consider and make recommendations to the Board with respect to certain corporate governance matters.

    The Special Committee recommended to the Board that the Rights Plan be adopted to protect all shareholders of the Company from any entity, person or group achieving control over the Company through a “creeping” acquisition or otherwise. Such “creeping” control would, in the Special Committee’s view, among other things, not be in the best interest of the shareholders of the Company.

    The Board believed it was prudent to adopt the Rights Plan after concerted efforts by the Special Committee to engage with the Sherwood Group were rebuffed. Notwithstanding the statements made by Ned Sherwood to members of the Board and management of the Company that he will obtain control of the Company in the new year and will bring fresh ideas and perspectives to address the Company’s operations, the Sherwood Group has not offered any ideas regarding the Company’s businesses, made any recommendations to improve shareholder value or provided any new investment opportunities or alternative investment strategies, despite repeated requests to do so.

    The Rights Plan is designed to enable Barnwell’s shareholders to realize the long-term value of their investment, provide an opportunity for shareholders to receive fair and equal treatment in the event of any proposed takeover of Barnwell and guard against tactics to gain control of Barnwell without paying shareholders an appropriate premium for that control. The Rights Plan is not intended to deter good faith offers to purchase its shares or preclude the Board or the Special Committee from taking action that it believes is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.

    The Special Committee recognizes that the Sherwood Group has a large share position and welcomes engagement with them, and any other shareholder, that is consistent with the Company’s status as a 70-year-old oil & gas exploration and development company. If the Sherwood Group were to gain control, and based upon interaction with the Sherwood Group Board designees, the Special Committee believes it is highly likely that the Sherwood Group would seek to modify the Company’s core business and strategy, including but not limited to exiting the Company’s oil & gas businesses at discounts to their value in order to seek undefined and vague “opportunities”.

    With the new Rights Plan, the Board seeks to deter the Sherwood Group from its efforts to take “creeping” control of the Company by purchasing more shares. The Special Committee remains willing to engage with the Sherwood Group and other shareholders to develop constructive ideas for the future of the Company. However, at this point the Special Committee can only conclude that the Sherwood Group intends to pursue its goals by running its board slate for election at the next annual meeting, without informing stakeholders what it intends to do if it achieves full control of the Board. The Company has been clear with shareholders about its commitment to maintaining the business in which shareholders invested and has honored that commitment.

    The Rights Plan is similar to other common stock rights plans adopted by other publicly held companies. Under the Rights Plan, Barnwell will issue one right for each Barnwell common share outstanding as of the close of business on February 7, 2025. All shareholders will receive one right for each share owned. The rights will initially trade with Barnwell’s common stock and will become exercisable only if a person acquires 20% or more of Barnwell’s outstanding common stock. Any shareholders with beneficial ownership of 20% or more of Barnwell’s outstanding common stock (including the Sherwood Group) prior to this announcement are grandfathered at their beneficial ownership levels at the date the Rights Plan was adopted but are not permitted to acquire additional common stock representing 0.25% or more of the outstanding common stock, subject to limited exceptions, without triggering the Rights Plan. The Rights Plan is effective immediately and will expire in one year, unless the rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged. Any extension would be subject to prior approval by the Company’s shareholders.

    Pursuant to the Rights Plan, should it be triggered, the Board may decide that:

    • Each right will entitle shareholders (other than the acquiring person, whose rights will have become void and will not be exercisable) to purchase a specific number of shares of Barnwell common stock at an effectively half price.
    • Alternatively, (on a cashless basis) each outstanding right (other than the rights held by the acquiring person, whose rights will have become void) will be exchanged for one share of common stock.

    Further details about the Rights Plan will be contained in a Form 8-K and Form 8-A to be filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The information contained in this press release contains “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A forward-looking statement is one which is based on current expectations of future events or conditions and does not relate to historical or current facts. These statements include various estimates, forecasts, projections of Barnwell’s future performance, statements of Barnwell’s plans and objectives, and other similar statements. Forward-looking statements include phrases such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “will be,” “should,” or similar expressions. Although Barnwell believes that its current expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure that the expectations contained in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such statements. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause actual results to differ materially from Barnwell’s expectations are set forth in the “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and other sections of Barnwell’s annual report on Form 10-K for the last fiscal year and Barnwell’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, as they speak only as of the date of this press release, and Barnwell expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    CONTACT: Kenneth S. Grossman
      Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
      Phone: (516) 482-8841
      Email: kensgrossman@gmail.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC’s Insurance Fund Account Provides $414M+ to Mitigate Traders’ Bankruptcy Losses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has provided over $414 million through its Insurance Fund Account to cover deficits that occur when users’ losses during liquidation exceed their available margin as of January 23, 2025. This impressive figure underscores MEXC’s commitment to asset security and risk mitigation. Combined with Proof of Reserve, MEXC offers traders robust protection against extreme market fluctuations.

     

    How MEXC’s Insurance Fund Account Mitigates Risk for Traders
    The MEXC Insurance Fund Account, launched in November 2024, is specifically designed to protect traders from extreme market fluctuations, such as those experienced during a bull run, where rapid price swings can lead to a user’s account value to dip below the required margin level, triggering a liquidation. Should the liquidation price be worse than expected, resulting in losses that exceed than the available margin (a scenario known as bankruptcy), the Insurance Fund steps in to cover these excess losses, thus facilitating a smoother liquidation process.

    The fund is continually replenished by surpluses generated from liquidation orders executed at better-than-expected prices, ensuring its stability and ongoing protection during periods of high volatility.

    In line with its commitment to transparency, MEXC provides users with direct access to both current and historical insurance fund amounts for various cryptocurrencies on the platform.

    In addition, MEXC provides Proof of Reserve to ensure asset safety and maintain transparency for its users. This allows users to trade with confidence, free from concerns about withdrawal runs. The reserve rates are updated every two months. As of Dec 1, 2024, the latest reserve rates for various cryptocurrencies are as follows:

    • USDT: 104.52%
    • USDC: 116.52%
    • BTC: 105.88%
    • ETH: 105.65%

     

    By offering high leverage alongside an Insurance Fund Account and Reserve Rate exceeding 100%, MEXC ensures multiple layers of protection to safeguard traders’ positions and ensure asset security.

    The Go-To Platform for Seamless Crypto Trading
    In addition to implementing robust safety measures to ensure a secure trading environment, the platform offers a variety of features and services designed to enhance the user experience. These features help traders minimize costs and maximize returns. MEXC is committed to empowering traders by enabling investments across the widest range of assets, ensuring safe and seamless transactions regardless of market conditions.

    • M – Most Trending Tokens: MEXC is known for its rapid token listings and diverse selection of popular tokens, helping users capitalize on emerging opportunities. To date, over 3,000 tokens have been listed on the platform.
    • E – Everyday Airdrops: MEXC makes it easy for users to engage in daily airdrop events and receive substantial rewards without complex procedures. In 2024, the platform completed 2,293 airdrop events, distributing over $136 million in rewards.
    • X – Xtremely Low Fees: MEXC offers highly competitive trading fees, helping users reduce costs and maximize their growth potential.
    • C – Comprehensive Liquidity: Backed by strong liquidity and market depth, MEXC ensures the efficient and seamless execution of every transaction, minimizing slippage even during volatile conditions.

    These features have helped MEXC attract over 30 million users across over 170 countries, establishing it as the platform of choice for an increasing number of traders around the world.

    Learn more about the MEXC Insurance Fund Account.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 30 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    MEXC Official Website｜X｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article about cryptocurrencies does not represent MEXC’s official stance or investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully evaluate market fluctuations, project fundamentals, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e38abd1a-038c-4b15-9bd1-930ea95076bd
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7973d05e-acf0-4aee-95b0-a1fb0e6c4a71
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78296b51-e6d1-48cd-a47f-a0fbd90dd493

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gate Ventures Joins Morph VC Collective to Accelerate Mainstream Blockchain Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gate Ventures, the venture capital arm of Gate.io, is proud to announce its membership in the newly launched Morph Venture Capital Collective, a prestigious network of top-tier venture capital firms supporting cutting-edge consumer blockchain projects. This strategic partnership will enable Gate Ventures to further expand its portfolio in the blockchain space, particularly within the Morph ecosystem, which focuses on fostering the mass adoption of blockchain technology.

    The Morph VC Collective aims to connect promising blockchain projects with a diverse group of reputable venture capitalists, including Pantera Capital, Spartan Group, Foresight Ventures, and now, Gate Ventures. By joining this collaborative initiative, Gate Ventures will contribute to the collective’s mission to support sustainable growth for consumer blockchain applications, offering funding, strategic partnerships, and mentorship to accelerate the development and market access of emerging projects.

    “We’re excited to be part of the Morph VC Collective, a key initiative that aligns with our mission to support blockchain innovation,” said Kevin Yang, Managing Partner of Gate Ventures. “By collaborating with other leading VCs, we’re helping bridge the gap between groundbreaking blockchain projects and the resources they need to succeed. Morph’s ecosystem is primed to drive the next wave of consumer adoption, and we are proud to be part of this transformative movement.”

    Morph’s initiative will provide blockchain projects building in its ecosystem with invaluable exposure to top-tier investors and guidance to navigate the early stages of growth. Projects will be assessed based on technical feasibility, team composition, scalability, market potential, and more, ensuring that the most promising applications receive the support they need to thrive.

    As part of this collaboration, Gate Ventures will also have access to a curated pipeline of high-potential projects within the Morph ecosystem, further strengthening its commitment to identifying and nurturing the next generation of blockchain applications.

    “We’re excited to welcome Gate Ventures to the Morph VC Collective. Their addition further strengthens our network of strategic partners working to accelerate mainstream blockchain adoption. Together with our growing coalition of leading VCs, we’re building a robust support system that empowers teams to create impactful consumer applications.” said Cecilia Hsueh, CEO of Morph.

    With a strong focus on mass adoption, Morph’s innovative platform is designed to cater to mainstream audiences, including gamers and social media users, making it a perfect match for Gate Ventures’ investment philosophy. Together, the two entities aim to drive the widespread use of blockchain technology and revolutionize the way decentralized applications interact with everyday users.

    For more information on Gate Ventures’ involvement in the Morph VC Collective and the opportunities it provides to blockchain projects, visit www.gate.io/ventures.

    About Gate Ventures

    Gate Ventures, the venture capital arm of Gate.io, is focused on investments in decentralized infrastructure, middleware, and applications that will reshape the world in the Web 3.0 age. Working with industry leaders across the globe, Gate Ventures helps promising teams and startups that possess the ideas and capabilities needed to redefine social and financial interactions.

    About Morph

    Morph is the pioneering consumer layer, acting as the distribution hub for the resources builders need to launch and scale for the mass market. It leverages a hybrid solution of ZK and Optimistic roll-up technology and a decentralized sequencer to enable limitless possibilities within mainstream audiences, making it a user-friendly option for developers who require a chain to build these types of apps.

    Media Contact:
    Elaine Wang at elaine.w@gate.io

    Disclaimer
    The content herein does not constitute any offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making any investment decisions. Please be noted that Gate.io and/or Gate Ventures may restrict or prohibit the use of all or a portion of the services from restricted locations. For more information, please read its applicable user agreement.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aaa70831-c1f4-4497-bdbb-4ef3b74f8192

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: What do trade unions have to do with human rights?

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Trade unions are critical to protecting and promoting human rights including economic, social, and cultural rights and the right to be free from discrimination.

    First, they play a key role through negotiations with employers and collective action in supporting workers’ rights. In so doing, unions balance the scales of power, ensuring that workers are in a position to advocate for their rights, and holding those who run wealthy and powerful companies to account.

    Second, the benefits of trade unions go far beyond the workplace. Unions are the fuel that keeps the fires of social justice and people power burning so that workers’ rights are respected and protected by law. Throughout history, unions have been the driving force behind calls on governments and employers to acknowledge and prevent human rights abuses that are connected to their business operations. They also ensure laws are adopted and reformed to better respect and protect the rights of workers.

    Finally, unions have a long history of solidarity with other global human rights movements. From strikes in the 80s against apartheid in South Africa to the union-backed campaigns against Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, their actions consistently demonstrate the bond between trade unionism and social justice.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Tresu Investment Holding A/S – Financial calendar 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TRESU INVESTMENT HOLDING A/S
    ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 01.2025
    27.01.2025

    Please be informed of the dates in 2025 for Tresu Investment Holding A/S’ planned announcements to NASDAQ Copenhagen A/S.

    Financial Calendar 2025    
    Annual Report 2024 Wednesday 30 April 2025
    Annual General Meeting Wednesday 30 April 2025
    Interim Report 1st Quarter 2025 Thursday 12 June 2025
    Interim Report 2nd Quarter 2025 Wednesday 10 September 2025
    Interim Report 3rd Quarter 2025 Wednesday 26 November 2025

    Torben Børsting
    CFO, TRESU

    Phone: +45 5130 2780

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: #iubilaeum2025 – Holy Mass on the occasion of Sunday of the Word of God and of the Jubilee of the World of Communication

    Source: The Holy See

    #iubilaeum2025 – Holy Mass on the occasion of Sunday of the Word of God and of the Jubilee of the World of Communication, 26.01.2025
    At 9.30 this morning, Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, on the occasion of Sunday of the Word of God, which takes as its theme this year “I hope in Your Word” (Ps 119:7-4), and of the Jubilee of the World of Communication, the Holy Father Francis presided over Holy Mass in the Vatican Basilica.
    During the Eucharistic Celebration, the Pope conferred the ministries of Lector and Catechist to lay men and women from various countries throughout the world.
    The following is the homily delivered by Pope Francis after the proclamation of the Gospel:

    Homily of the Holy Father
    The Gospel we have heard tells of the fulfilment of a prophecy overflowing with the Holy Spirit. It is fulfilled by the One who comes “with the power of the Spirit” (Lk 4:14): Jesus, the Saviour.
    The Word of God is alive: down the centuries, it accompanies us and by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is at work in every age. For the Lord is always faithful to his promise, which, in his love for humanity, he always keeps. This is exactly what Jesus says in the synagogue in Nazareth: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk 4:21).
    Sisters and brothers, what a happy coincidence! On the Sunday of the Word of God, at the beginning of this Jubilee Year, we proclaim this page of Luke’s Gospel, in which Jesus reveals himself as the Messiah, “anointed” (v. 18) and sent to “proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (v. 19)! Jesus is the living Word in whom all the Scriptures find their fulfilment. In the today of the sacred Liturgy, we are his contemporaries; we too, filled with amazement, open our hearts and minds to listen to him, for “it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 7). I said a word: amazement. When we hear the Gospel, the words of God, it is not simply a matter of listening to or understanding them, no. They must reach our hearts and bring about what I said, “amazement”. The word of God always amazes us; it always renews us. It enters our hearts and always renews us.
    In this spirit of exultant faith, we are invited to accept the ancient prophecy as coming from the very Heart of Christ, and to reflect on five actions that characterize the unique and universal mission of the Messiah. A unique mission, because he alone can fulfil it; a universal mission, because he wants to involve everyone in it.
    First, Jesus was anointed “to bring good news to the poor” (v. 18). This is the “gospel”, the good news, which Jesus proclaims: the Kingdom of God is at hand! When God reigns, we are saved. The Lord comes to visit his people, caring for the lowly and the wretched. The Gospel is a word of compassion; it calls us to exercise charity, to forgive our neighbour’s debts and to be generous in serving others. Let us not forget that the Lord is close, merciful and compassionate. God’s style is one of closeness, mercy and compassion.
    Christ’s second action is to “proclaim release to the captives” (v. 18). Brothers, sisters, evil’s days are numbered, because the future belongs to God. With the power of the Spirit, Jesus redeems us from all guilt and liberates our hearts from all that holds them in bondage, for he brings the Father’s forgiveness into the world. The Gospel is a word of mercy, which calls us to become passionate witnesses of peace, solidarity and reconciliation.
    The third action with which Jesus fulfils the prophecy is to grant “recovery of sight to the blind” (v. 18). The Messiah opens the eyes of our heart, all too often dazzled by the allure of power and vain things: the diseases of the soul that prevent us from acknowledging God’s presence and hide from our gaze the weak and the suffering. The Gospel is a word of light, which beckons us to the truth and calls us to bear witness to our faith and to be consistent in its practice.
    Jesus’ fourth action is to “let the oppressed go free” (v. 18).  No form of bondage can resist the work of the Messiah, who makes us brothers and sisters in his name. The prisons of persecution and the dungeons of death are flung full open by the passionate power of God. The Gospel is a word of freedom, calling us to conversion of heart, integrity of mind and perseverance in trial.
    Lastly, the fifth action: Jesus was sent “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (v. 19). That year is a new age, an age that does not devour life, but regenerates it. It is a “Jubilee”, and in this sense, like the one we now celebrate as a way of preparing in hope for our definitive encounter with the Redeemer. The Gospel is a word of joy, summoning us to mutual acceptance and fellowship, as we make our pilgrim journey towards the Kingdom of God.
    By these five actions, Jesus even now fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy. By releasing us from our captivity, he tells us that God draws close to us in our poverty, redeems us from evil, enlightens our eyes, breaks the yoke of oppression, and brings us into the joy of a time and greater history in which he makes himself constantly present, to walk beside us and to guide us to eternal life. True, the salvation he bestows on us is not yet fully realized. We know this. Yet wars, injustice, pain and death will not have the final word. The Gospel never disappoints.
    Brothers and sisters, on the Sunday devoted in a special way to the word of God, let us thank the Father for having spoken to us by his own Word, made flesh for the salvation of the world. All the Scriptures, which have human writers and the Holy Spirit as their true authors (cf. Dei Verbum, 11), point to this event. The whole Bible speaks of Christ and his work, which the Spirit makes present and active in our lives and in history. When we read the Scriptures, when we pray and study them, we do not simply receive information about God; we receive his Spirit, who reminds us of all that Jesus said and did (cf. Jn 14:26). In this way, our hearts, inflamed by faith, wait in hope for the coming of God. Brothers, sisters, we must become more familiar with reading the Scriptures. I would like to suggest that all of us get a small, pocket-sized copy of the Gospels or the New Testament. We could always have it with us in a bag so that we can read it at various points throughout the day. One verse, two verses so that throughout the day we will have contact with the Lord. A small copy of the Gospels is enough.
    Let us respond with enthusiasm to the good news of Christ! For the Lord has not spoken to us as silent listeners, but as his witnesses, called to evangelize at all times and in every place. Today, forty brothers and sisters from various parts of the world have come to receive the ministry of Lector. Thank you! We are grateful to them and we pray for them. We are all praying for you. Let us commit ourselves to bringing the good news to the poor, proclaiming release to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, letting the oppressed go free and announcing the year of the Lord’s favour. Then yes, sisters and brothers, we will transform the world in accordance with the will of God, who created it and redeemed it in his immense love. Thank you!

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with Albania

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    January 27, 2025

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Albania on January 17, 2025.

    The Albanian economy has turned in a strong performance in recent years, underpinned by prudent macroeconomic policies. Output is now well above its pre-pandemic trend thanks to a booming tourism sector. Prudent fiscal policies contributed to a remarkable reduction in public debt while proactive monetary policy, falling global commodity prices, and lek appreciation have facilitated disinflation. External imbalances have shrunk considerably.

    Growth prospects are expected to remain robust. Following an expansion of 3.9 percent in 2023, real GDP growth is projected to average around 3½ percent in 2024–2029, driven by domestic consumption, tourism, and construction activity. End-of-year inflation in 2024 is expected at around 2 percent, below the Bank of Albania’s (BoA) 3 percent target. Although base effects from a significant month-on-month drop in early 2024 will temporarily push up inflation in the first half of 2025, a sustained return to target is not expected before 2026, given the high degree of inertia in the inflation process in Albania.

    The authorities are expected to outperform their 2024 budget target. With revenues on track, thanks to the favorable conjuncture, and capital spending execution lagging, the primary surplus is projected at around 0.5 percent of GDP in 2024, marginally higher than the
    0.3 percent of GDP budget target. The 2025 budget aims for a zero primary balance. The public debt ratio, expected at around 56 percent at end-2024, is expected to decline to around 50 percent in 2029 and is assessed to be sustainable over the medium-term.

    Systemic vulnerabilities in the financial system appear broadly contained. The banking sector remains well-capitalized and liquid with average prudential ratios well above regulatory requirements. However, banks’ large-borrower and sovereign exposures represent sources of risk, as does the rapid expansion of banks’ lending to the real estate sector, which has seen continued price increases and accounts for two-thirds of unhedged FX loans.

    Notwithstanding the upbeat macroeconomic picture, considerable structural challenges remain. GDP per capita stands at just around a quarter of the U.S. and EU-15 levels, amid rapid aging and emigration. Wide-ranging reforms, including to enhance governance and public financial management frameworks, boost human capital and productivity, are needed to catalyze lasting higher growth and convergence. 

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed Albania’s recent strong economic performance, underpinned by prudent macroeconomic policies and booming tourism. Directors concurred that the outlook remains favorable with broadly balanced risks, but noted structural challenges related to rapid population aging, emigration, low productivity, and governance shortcomings. They emphasized the importance of preserving macroeconomic stability while advancing reforms to accelerate convergence with the EU and promote sustainable and inclusive growth.

    Directors considered that maintaining a modest annual primary surplus alongside continued efforts to strengthen debt management would reinforce fiscal resilience. While welcoming the progress on the authorities’ medium‑term revenue strategy, they emphasized that sustained revenue administration and tax policy reforms will be needed to address rising spending needs. Directors stressed that public investment and fiscal risk management reforms, especially related to state‑owned enterprises and public‑private partnerships, remain critical to fiscal transparency.

    Directors agreed that uncertainty around the outlook calls for a continued data‑dependent approach to monetary policy. As the sustained lek appreciation is assessed to be largely driven by fundamentals, Directors emphasized that the exchange rate should be allowed to adjust more flexibly, with intervention serving as a complementary tool to address non‑fundamental fluctuations. Carefully weighing the costs and benefits of further reserve accumulation would also be important.

    Directors concurred that continued supervisory vigilance is vital given pockets of vulnerability in the financial sector related to credit growth in the real estate sector as well as banks’ large borrower and sovereign exposures. They encouraged the authorities to ensure strict regulatory compliance and greater alignment with EU standards, and to enhance the macroprudential toolkit. Deepening financial markets and improving oversight of non‑bank financial institutions are key to enhancing resilience and preserving integrity.

    Directors emphasized that deeper reforms are needed to maximize the gains from the EU accession process. Policies should focus on enhancing productivity by fostering global value chain integration, removing barriers to firm growth, and promoting access to bank lending. Further efforts to update education and training programs, advance on the digital agenda, boost female labor force participation, and diversify renewable energy sources would also be important. Directors emphasized that continued infrastructure investments and governance reforms—including the implementation of the 2024–30 Anticorruption Strategy and further implementation of AML/CFT international standards—are key priorities.

     

    Albania: Selected Economic Indicators

    Population: 2.8 million (2023)

    Per capita GDP ($): 8300 (2023)

    Life expectancy (years): 76.8 (2023)

    Literacy rate: 99% (2022)

    Nominal GDP ($bn): 23.0 (2023)

    Poverty rate: 21.7% (2023)

    Quota: SDR 139.3 million (0.03 percent of total)

     

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

     

    Proj.

    Output

    Real GDP growth (%)

    3.9

    3.6

    3.5

    3.5

    Output gap (%)

    0.5

    0.3

    0.1

    0.0

    Prices

          Inflation (%, average)

    4.8

    2.2

    2.8

    2.8

          Inflation (%, end-period)

    3.9

    2.0

    2.2

    3.0

    General government finances

    Revenues (% GDP)

    27.2

    28.1

    27.9

    27.9

    Expenditures (% GDP)

    28.5

    29.8

    30.4

    30.5

    Fiscal balance (% GDP)

    -1.3

    -1.7

    -2.5

    -2.6

    Public debt (% GDP) 1/ 2/

    58.4

    56.4

    55.5

    54.5

    Primary balance (% GDP)

    0.7

    0.5

    0.0

    0.0

    Money and credit

    Broad money (% change)

    2.0

    7.1

    5.4

    6.6

    Credit to the private sector (% change)

    5.0

    10.7

    5.4

    6.6

    Balance of payments

    Current account (% GDP)

    -1.2

    -3.4

    -3.7

    -3.9

    FDI (% GDP)

    5.7

    6.0

    6.0

    5.8

    Reserves (months of imports)

    7.3

    6.3

    6.2

    6.3

    External debt (% GDP)

    46.2

    41.0

    39.8

    38.7

    Sources: Albanian authorities, World Bank, UNDP, and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Public debt refers to the general government and includes all public domestic and external guarantees as well as arrears from central and local government and VAT refund arrears.

    2/ The 2021 SDR allocation equivalent at present to $170 million is recorded with the Bank of Albania and is used as a credit line.
               

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summing up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Eva Graf

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/01/24/pr25016-albania-imf-executive-board-concludes-2024-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Nighteenth International Capacity-building Seminar on Trade and Transport Facilitation and data sharing

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    This event is organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Government of Turkmenistan, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), with the participation of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Organisation for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD), the railway agencies of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Eurasian Development Bank, and other partners from the States participating in the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

    This event is part of the implementation of the for the Digitalization of Multimodal Data and Document Exchange along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Using UN Legal Instruments and Standards, which was adopted by the SPECA Summit on 24 November 2023 in Baku. It follows up on the request of the SPECA Governing Council for capacity-building on the UN/CEFACT standards.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Eightienth International Capacity-Building Seminar on Trade and Transport Facilitation

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    This event is organized in collaboration between the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Government of Turkmenistan, and other partners. It is part of the work plan of the SPECA Chairmanship of Turkmenistan in 2025 and part of the implementation of the SPECA “Roadmap for the digitalization of multimodal data and document exchange along the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, using United Nations legal instruments and standards”. It focuses on the port-to-port data exchange across the Caspian Sea. The problem to tackle is the fragmentation of digitalization efforts in supply chains along the Trans-Caspian corridor and other SPECA corridors. The solution we suggest is to map and/or align data in flows of information about cargo moved along multimodal digital trade and transport corridors to the global semantic standards and Multimodal Transport Reference Data Model (MMT RDM) maintained by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile’s GPTBots.ai Integrates DeepSeek R1 LLM

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced that its leading enterprise AI agent platform, GPTBots.ai, has integrated the innovative DeepSeek R1 large language model (LLM). This addition further enhances GPTBots.ai’s robust ecosystem of AI capabilities, which already includes some of the most advanced LLMs in the market, such as OpenAI, Azure, Meta Llama, Mistral AI, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, Ali Qwen and Zhipu GLM, etc.

    The integration of DeepSeek R1 underscores GPTBots.ai’s commitment to providing businesses with cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to enterprise needs. Known for its exceptional performance in complex reasoning tasks, DeepSeek R1 brings a new level of efficiency, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness to the platform, making it an invaluable tool for enterprises seeking to optimize their operations.

    A Comprehensive Ecosystem of Leading LLMs

    With the addition of DeepSeek R1, GPTBots.ai now offers one of the most comprehensive selections of LLMs in the industry. Enterprises can choose from a diverse range of models, including:

    • OpenAI GPT Series: Known for its unparalleled natural language understanding and generation capabilities.
    • Anthropic Claude: A model designed for safety and reliability in enterprise applications.
    • Meta Llama: A powerful open-source model for multilingual and multi-modal tasks.
    • Google Gemini: Renowned for its cutting-edge AI capabilities and integration with Google’s ecosystem.
    • Mistral AI and Zhipu GLM: High-performance models optimized for specific enterprise use cases.

    This extensive lineup ensures that GPTBots.ai users can select the most suitable LLM for their unique business needs, whether it’s customer service automation, data analysis, or marketing optimization.

    “The integration of DeepSeek R1 aligns perfectly with our mission to empower enterprises with advanced AI solutions and unmatched flexibility,” said Jerry Yin, VP of GPTBots.ai. “With this addition, we’re enabling businesses to tackle complex challenges with greater efficiency and flexibility, while maintaining the highest standards of enterprise performance.”

    About GPTBots.ai

    GPTBots.ai is a complementary general-purpose LLM AI bot featuring private data input and continuous fine-tuning, which can replace ‘rule-based’ chatbots, improve user experience, and reduce costs. GPTBots.ai aims to provide users with an end-to-end business platform that can seamlessly integrate robots into existing applications and workflows via plug-ins. GPTBots.ai also allow users to have great access to, and more efficiently and effectively using, AIGC to improve overall corporate productivity and output quality.

    To know more, please visit https://www.gptbots.ai.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited

    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Aurora Mobile Limited

    E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen

    In China

    Ms. Xiaoyan Su

    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548

    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com

    In U.S.

    Ms. Linda Bergkamp

    Phone: +1-480-614-3004

    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: APAC automotive diesel engines market to register negative 2% CAGR over 2024-29, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    APAC automotive diesel engines market to register negative 2% CAGR over 2024-29, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Automotive

    The automotive engines market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is significantly influenced by increasingly stringent government regulations regarding exhaust emissions. Concurrently, in response to the growing trend of electrification, APAC governments are implementing policies and incentives designed to promote zero-emission vehicles. This shift is having a detrimental impact on the automotive diesel engines market. Against this backdrop, the APAC diesel engines market is expected to record a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.0% over 2024-29, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Global Sector Overview & Forecast: Engines Q3 2024” reveals that the diesel engines market is estimated at 4.6 million units in 2024 and is forecast to decrease to 4.2 million units by 2029 in the APAC region.

    Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Asian countries have demonstrated a proactive approach in implementing policies that foster the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market, aiming for environmental sustainability and enhanced competitiveness in the global automotive manufacturing and export sectors. This strategy is contributing to a declining demand for traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs).”

    While China has assertively positioned itself as the global leader in the EV market, other Asian nations are also making significant strides toward electrification. For example, Thailand has set an ambitious goal of transitioning 30% of its automotive production to EVs by 2030. To facilitate this transition, the Board of Investment (BOI) in Thailand introduced the Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Incentive Program in 2017. This program provides various incentives, including reductions in excise tax and exemptions from corporate income tax, to manufacturers that utilize locally produced batteries and components in their vehicles.

    Both the passenger and commercial vehicle segments are currently experiencing a trend toward electrification. However, diesel engines are expected to demonstrate a slower rate of decline in comparison to petrol engines. This dynamic is particularly significant in the context of the commercial vehicle segment, where the electrification process presents considerable economic challenges for fleet owners. The high initial investment required for electric fleets, which typically exceeds that of ICE counterparts, poses a substantial barrier.

    Palit adds: “When it comes to transporting heavy loads, ICE engines remain more advantageous. The battery systems needed to power heavy cargo trucks for long-distance hauls—such as Class 8 trucks, which typically require a battery capacity of 1-2 MWh—are considerably heavier than a full diesel tank. This additional weight diminishes the load-carrying capacity of the truck relative to that of an ICE vehicle, thereby impacting overall business efficiency. Inadequate charging infrastructure also works as a major restraint and reason for reluctance among fleet owners to shift towards electrification in countries such as India, Thailand, and Indonesia.”

    Due to slower EV adoption rates, several key automotive manufacturers have announced a delay in their ‘going-all-electric’ plan. For instance, Volkswagen has reduced one-third of the planned investment for EVs and has allocated that towards ICE-powered cars. Mercedes-Benz has announced its decision to discontinue the development of the forthcoming MB.EA platform, which was intended for mid- and full-sized electric vehicles. In a similar vein, Ford is reducing its financial commitments to electrification and has significantly decreased its orders for batteries. These developments may be perceived as advantageous for the engine market and could potentially mitigate the rate of market decline.

    Palit concludes: “In light of the numerous challenges associated with widespread electrification, which necessitates substantial investment and time, manufacturers are actively seeking solutions to comply with emission standards. The demand for turbocharged engines is increasing due to their ability to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

    “Furthermore, exhaust after-treatment solutions for ICEs, such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction systems, are also witnessing rising demand as they effectively diminish harmful emissions. While it is anticipated that the market for ICE-powered vehicles may eventually face decline and transition towards full electrification in the APAC region, the timeline for this shift appears to be extending beyond initial expectations.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Virtual reality revolutionizes training and operations in oil and gas industry, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Virtual reality revolutionizes training and operations in oil and gas industry, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Oil & Gas

    Virtual reality (VR) primarily has applications around training across the oil and gas value chain, i.e., from rigs and pipelines to refineries. Industry leaders such as Shell, and ExxonMobil are using VR simulations to train their employees in critical operations. This provides a highly safe and cost-efficient approach to introduce personnel to a new facility in both offshore and onshore terrains, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence report, “Virtual Reality in Oil and Gas,” presents an overview of the adoption of VR in the oil and gas industry. The applications of VR technology in the oil and gas industry includes generating training modules for the workforce and visualizing the asset under consideration for planning and decision making.

    Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “VR enhances the operational safety through immersive training programs. It can help develop safety procedures at production facilities to address smaller accidents as well as for emergency response.”

    Leading oil and gas companies such as Shell, BP, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, have adopted VR to train as well as aid regular workflows in operations. It offers a cost-effective means to acclimatize the workforce to various environments through immersive training programs. It also offers safe environment for the workforce to understand the workflows by participating in virtual walk-throughs, without being in proximity of heavy industrial equipment.

    Puranik continues: “Industry technicians work in hazardous environments, such as offshore rigs or at a densely packed equipment maze in a refinery. VR can be used to relay important information and instructions to the technician onsite, without the need to fly out experts to that location or carrying detailed instruction manuals for referencing.”

    VR plays a key role in the digital twin set up, helping companies recreate scenarios through detailed simulations. During planning and development, the collaborating teams can share information using VR to simulate various scenarios. It is useful in optimizing equipment performance and maximizing the asset life. Digital twins help to design workflows and identify bottlenecks to optimize a plant’s performance. Twins also help to create a 3D visualization of the seismic data using VR simulations.

    Puranik concludes: “Various aspects of a production platform can be modeled through VR simulations to enhance the understanding of personnel for on-field tasks. They can simulate the processes using VR before implementing on the operational floor. It thus reduces the scope for human errors during critical operations. Besides, designers and engineers can better visualize the layout under development using VR technology. This can potentially help to improve designs, and carefully plan its execution to optimize the project costs.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Telecom and pay-TV services revenue in New Zealand to grow at 1.5% over 2024-2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Telecom and pay-TV services revenue in New Zealand to grow at 1.5% over 2024-2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    The total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in New Zealand is expected to see a marginal yet consistent increase from $3.2 billion in 2024 to $3.4 billion in 2029, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5%. This will be supported by revenue growth in the mobile data, fixed voice and fixed broadband segments, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s New Zealand Telecom Operators Country Intelligence Report reveals that the  mobile voice service revenues will decline during the forecast period, in line with the steady drop in mobile voice service ARPU, with growing consumer shift toward mobile/OTT based communication platforms for voice calling and operators offering unlimited free voice minutes with mobile service plans.

    Mobile data service revenue, on the other hand, will continue to increase driven by the continued rise in mobile internet subscriptions, a robust growth in the adoption of 5G services, and an increase in mobile data ARPU over the forecast period.

    Hrushikesh Mahananda, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, says: “4G services accounted for a majority share of the overall mobile subscriptions in 2023. While 4G will remain the leading mobile technology generation, by subscriber volume through 2029, its share in total mobile subscriptions will gradually drop, as 5G service adoption increases.

    “5G subscriptions are set to increase at a rapid pace over the forecast period given the continued increase in 5G service availability due to the network expansion and upgradation efforts by operators across the country. For instance, in July 2024, 2degrees announced a five-year extension to its existing joint RAN technology in partnership with Ericsson to accelerate its 5G rollout across New Zealand and modernize its network with advanced 5G infrastructure.”

    In the fixed communication services segment, fixed voice revenue will increase marginally over the forecast period, supported by subscription gains in the VoIP segment. Fixed broadband services revenue will grow at a CAGR of 1.8% over the 2024-2029 period, driven by growth in the FTTH subscriptions and fixed wireless adoption too to a certain extent.

    Hrushikesh adds: “Growing demand for high-speed broadband connectivity, fiber-optic infrastructure expansions and the ongoing copper to fiber network migrations will support the growth in fiber broadband subscriptions in the country over the forecast period. For instance, Chorus plans to retire the copper network and transition to an entirely fiber-based network by 2030.

    Pay-TV services revenue will decline over the forecast period, due to the continued drop in DTH subscriptions and growing user preference for OTT video alternatives such as Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video, as well as declining pay-TV service ARPU.

    Mahananda concludes: “One New Zealand will lead the mobile services market in terms of subscriptions through 2029, given its strong focus on 4G and 5G network developments and expansion across the country and its various affordable prepaid and postpaid plans with unlimited calls and data.”

    Spark New Zealand led the fixed broadband services market and will retain its leadership through 2029, supported by its strong position in the DSL and FTTH segments.

    Sky, which operates in the DTH segment, is the only player operating in the pay-TV services market. The operator continues to offer a variety of pay-TV packages that cater to diverse subscriber demands, including kids and family content, entertainment, sports, movies.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Technological advancements to continue to drive surge in mobile sports betting, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Technological advancements to continue to drive surge in mobile sports betting, says GlobalData

    Posted in Sport

    With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, customers can now take sports bets at any time from anywhere. As mobile technology continues to advance and more customers engage in mobile betting, the surge in mobile sports betting is expected to continue, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Sports Betting – Strategic Intelligence,” reveals that esports betting is also a major trend, which is contributing to the revenue of online sports betting. The increase in the popularity of esports has resulted in a greater demand for esports betting.

    In 2024, the worldwide sports betting industry was estimated to be valued at just over $45 billion, according to Statista. Additionally, the UK is among the top three sports betting markets in Europe, with over 49% of gamblers placing their bets online.

    With a surge in sports betting, illegal activities related to it are also on the rise, particularly in the US. Over the past two years, dozens of professional and collegiate athletes and coaches have been suspended or fired for gambling violations. In 2024, the National Basketball Association (NBA) banned Jontay Porter for life after discovering Porter had violated the league’s rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors.

    Olivia Snooks, Sport Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The punishments and bans which are being handed out to players are showing that the legal system is working, with the increased visibility of the betting that is taking place helping spot anomalies. With that being said, however, the incidents involving players is not stopping.”

    The UK features as one of the larger gambling markets in the world; the convenience of mobile sports betting has significantly transformed the UK betting industry. Legal sports betting sites in the UK feature a broad range of options, soccer reigns supreme in the UK’s sports betting market. About 45% of active bettors place bets on soccer, with the Champions League and the English Premier League being the most common competitions to bet on. Betting on horse racing is also very popular in the UK and is a major driver in terms of revenue.

    Snooks concludes: “The upcoming ban on sports betting brands appearing as front-of-shirt sponsors for English Premier League soccer clubs marks a significant step in the industry’s self-regulation to promote socially responsible sports sponsorship. Despite the likely impact of the ban, some have argued that self-regulation does not go far enough to tackle the relationship between soccer and sports betting, particularly as the prohibition agreed by the Premier League is limited to front-of-shirt only.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Votes for Disaster Aid Package to Support Vermont’s Flood-Impacted Communities 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Welch-championed disaster package will support Vermont’s flood-impacted communities, fund the government
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tonight, the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive disaster aid package shaped by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), which will help states like Vermont recover from extreme weather and climate disasters by delivering more than $100.4 billion of relief. The American Relief Act, 2025 will also fund the government through March 14, 2025. It now goes to President Biden’s desk for his signature. 
    Senator Welch released the following statement after the vote: 
    “As I said in the days after Vermont’s catastrophic flooding in July 2023 and again in July 2024, it is the federal government’s job to stand up and help our neighbors when—through no fault of their own—a disaster hits. Senator Sanders, Congresswoman Balint and I have worked with our colleagues in other disaster-impacted states, across the aisle, and across the Capitol to get comprehensive disaster aid to President Biden’s desk. This bill will help communities in Vermont recover stronger and more resiliently than before the floods—and help so many other communities across America that are also recovering from extreme weather disasters.  
    “This bill will help Vermont’s homeowners get the buyout they’re waiting for, farmers and small businesses access the assistance they need, and provide communities flexible recovery funding. It will replenish FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, rebuild our highways and bridges, reimburse states for the repairs made after storms, and so much more. It will also, importantly, keep the government funded—something that shouldn’t be up for debate, and shouldn’t be used as a political football in the 11th hour. 
    “I promised we would not abandon Vermonters. I promised we would do everything possible to help Americans who were caught in the path of terrible storms. I’m proud that a bipartisan group of my colleagues found a way to work together, through the chaos of the past week, to get this over the finish line for families counting on this relief. I look forward to President Biden signing our bill for flood-impacted Vermonters.”  
    Senator Welch and the Vermont Congressional Delegation have advocated for disaster aid funding since Vermont’s catastrophic floods of July 2023. It contains many of his top priorities for the State: dedicated help for Vermont’s flood-impacted farmers, flexible spending through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief fund, money for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, and support for businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), among so much more. 
    In addition to helping disaster victims the bill will fund the will also fund the government through March 14, 2025, extend portions of the Farm Bill, help farmers with emergency economic assistance, and renews some expiring public health and Medicare programs. 
    Senator Welch spoke on the Senate floor last night about the need to work together to pass disaster aid for Vermont and communities across America. Watch Senator Welch’s remarks here:  

    Background on the Comprehensive Disaster Aid in the Continuing Resolution:   
    $100.4 billion in disaster aid:   

    $29 billion will fund FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) 
    More than $33 billion is dedicated to supporting agriculture, which includes:   

    $21 billion for disaster assistance to farmers and producers, including dedicated funding set aside via block grants for Vermont disaster victims who experiences crop, timber, livestock and on-farm infrastructure losses for 2023-2024;   
    $920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, to provide financial assistance to support debris removal and watershed restoration;  
    $362.5 million for the Rural Disaster Assistance Fund, to allow USDA Rural Development to quickly and flexibly address disasters-related needs using its existing programs, tailored to the specific needs of affected communities; and  
    $25 million in commodity assistance, which can help states with nutrition assistance.  

    The disaster aid funding also includes other funding:  

    $12 billion in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief funds to help communities recover with flexible funding;   
    $8 billion for the Federal Highways Administration emergency relief to reimburse states impacted by natural disasters; and  
    $2.25 billion for SBA loans. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO Jakarta promotes Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development in Malaysia (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKETO Jakarta promotes Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development in Malaysia (with photos)
    HKETO Jakarta promotes Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development in Malaysia (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) is supporting local comic companies under the Hong Kong Comics Development and Promotion Support Programme to take part in Comic Fiesta 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to promote Hong Kong’s creative talent and the latest Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development.      Speaking at the opening ceremony for the Hong Kong Pavilion today (December 21), the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, said that the Programme has recruited a total of 47 local comic companies since its inception in 2021. It provides funding and professional mentoring to these companies and their artists to support the creation, publication and promotion of original comic work.      “Comic Fiesta is one of the largest comic exhibitions in Malaysia. Comic companies under the Programme have attended this event for three consecutive years. Some Hong Kong comic products have even been identified by the local trade in Malaysia for publication in the Malay language, manifesting the global influence of Hong Kong’s creative industries.”      Miss Cheng added that the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development promulgated last month has introduced a series of relevant measures, such as supporting the industry in exploring international markets and assisting local arts practitioners to establish overseas networks for promoting and exporting their distinguished artwork. The HKETO Jakarta will continue to step up efforts on arts and cultural promotion, with a view to consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.      Also attending the opening ceremony were the Director of Malaysia of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Hoh Jee Eng, and industry leaders from both places.      Comic Fiesta 2024 is attended by 17 Hong Kong comic companies under the third edition of the Programme. The two-day exhibition will conclude tomorrow (December 22).

     
    Ends/Saturday, December 21, 2024Issued at HKT 14:36

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Germany’s Scholz urges swift deal with China over EV dispute

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gives an interview ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 19, 2024. Scholz on Thursday urged the European Union (EU) to quickly reach a deal with China on the tariff dispute over electric vehicles (EVs). (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday urged the European Union (EU) to quickly reach a deal with China on the tariff dispute over electric vehicles (EVs).

    “It makes no sense to have conflicts about this. Therefore, I appeal to everyone to bring these negotiations to a good result now,” said the German chancellor Scholz upon arriving at the European Council summit.

    China hopes that the EU will take concrete steps as soon as possible to jointly advance consultations on a price commitment plan for Chinese EVs, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

    China always stands for the resolution of trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and has been doing its utmost in the price commitment talks, said the ministry’s spokesperson He Yongqian.

    Scholz also called on the European Commission to ease the enforcement of financial penalties for EU carmakers that fail to meet the region’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emission targets set for next year.

    “In the current global pressures facing the automotive industry, especially in Europe, it makes no sense to further burden companies with penalties for unmet targets in 2025,” Scholz said.

    “The Commission should find a way so that, if penalties become necessary, they do not impact the financial liquidity of the companies that now need to invest in electro-mobility, modern products, and vehicles,” he added.

    The European Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050, including a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport. To support this goal, stricter EU emissions rules for automakers will take effect from 2025, requiring average emissions of 93.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer or less. Automakers exceeding this limit face fines of 95 euros (about 98.45 U.S. dollars) per gram per car.

    Industry estimates suggest European automakers could face penalties totaling 15 billion euros for failing to meet the targets, with Germany’s Volkswagen, the region’s largest automaker, among the most exposed. (1 euro= 1.04 dollar)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pubgoers given choice to prove age with phones next year in boost for high street and hospitality sectors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    People will be able to use digital ID’s on their phones to verify their age when purchasing alcohol in pubs, clubs, and shops from next year.

    • From next year, people can choose to use digital identities on their phones to prove their age when buying alcohol in high street pubs, clubs and shops – allowing landlords to serve pints more easily and reducing hassle in grocery queues.
    • Digital identity sector generated £2 billion in revenue in the UK last year and employed over 10,000 people – half of which were outside London – in a further boost to the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change which will secure economic growth and living standards.
    • The new laws will give people a voluntary, safe and secure way to prove their age without carrying physical documents, and make sure digital identities meet strict government standards.

    Christmas celebrations are set to get a digital upgrade next year, as the UK government plans to roll out a new law allowing pub and bar-goers, as well as shoppers, to use their phones to prove their age when buying alcohol, should they wish to do so. People can continue to use physical forms of ID if they prefer.  

    Digital identities could slash waiting times at bars and help avoid hold-ups at automated tills, allowing landlords to serve thirsty customers more quickly and easing frustrations for high street shoppers, with digital IDs set to drive economic growth that will ultimately put more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change. 

    The legal changes will also mean that, by the time festive cheer fills the air again, carrying a bulky wallet to your favourite high street pub or risking losing valuable documents could be a thing of Christmas past. It also means that women will be safer on nights out, as they won’t have to show their driving license which risks revealing their address to bad actors.  

    Under the new system, people will be able to present secure digital identities as proof of age when buying alcohol, if they choose to. These digital identities, already provided by a host of companies, will have to be independently certified against government standards.  

    New insight, published today, reveals that companies providing these services generated £2.05 billion in 2023/2024, and employed over 10,000 people – half of which were outside London.  

    Productivity in the sector is also 42% higher than average levels across the economy, with each employee generating almost £80,000 of “gross value added” to the UK economy – with further support, such as these legal changes, expected to bolster this further. 

    Existing measures proposed in the Data (Use and Access) Bill will support the sector to boost the UK economy by £4.3 billion over the next decade. 

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

    This change benefits both consumers and businesses spurring the economic growth we need to put more money in the pockets of working people as part of our Plan for Change.

    By next Christmas, you won’t need to carry a wallet or risk losing important documents like your passport or driver’s license when heading out to celebrate.

    With a certified digital identity on your phone, you can raise a glass in your local pub without hassle – a merry step forward in making age verification safer, easier, and more convenient for everyone.

    Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, said:

    Digital ID can make life easier for both consumers and businesses, and we’re pleased to be supporting its introduction.

    There are fewer things more frustrating than realising you’ve forgotten your ID when heading to a pub, bar or restaurant, and hopefully these new measures will make that a thing of the past. I look forward to working with the government on its smooth implementation, which minimises additional costs for businesses.

    James Hawkins, from the British Beer and Pub Association (BPPA) said:

    This welcome change brings the Licensing Act in line with current technology and will make a visit to the pub easier for both customers and staff. 

    This additional way of carrying ID could be more convenient and reduce the risk of customers losing key ID documents when enjoying a night out.

    If they want to use it, landlords and retailers will be able to scan digital identities to verify a customer’s age without customers unnecessarily disclosing personal information like their name or address, as is often the case with driver’s licenses.  

    When a digital identity is presented in person, a quick programmatic check – like scanning a QR code or using NFC, the technology behind contactless bank cards which people use every day – will ensure everything is seamless and hassle-free.   

    Landlords will be able to choose from a host of digital verification service providers to help them check ages securely and quickly, with over 50 such companies already independently certified against the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework.  

    A recent consultation revealed support for updating the Licensing Act 2003 to allow digital identities to be used for alcohol sales. Respondents also endorsed the idea that providers of digital identity services should meet stringent government-approved standards under the framework.   

    To ensure stronger oversight, the Data (Use and Access) Bill, introduced in Parliament this year, seeks to place the framework on a statutory footing. Once passed, the Bill will pave the way for certified digital identities to be added to the list of accepted age verification methods, alongside traditional forms like passports and driver’s licenses.  

    By the time Britain is enjoying a festive tipple next year, landlords and retailers will have access to a public register on GOV.UK listing certified digital identity services. These digital identity services will offer a secure and convenient way to verify age for alcohol purchases, ensuring that celebrations can be merry, bright, and free from outdated processes.

    Notes to editors

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 December 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: Where does the aggression really begin?

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    New York prosecutors have charged Luigi Mangione with “murder as an act of terrorism” in his alleged shooting of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month.

    This news comes out at the same time as a Haaretz report titled “‘No Civilians. Everyone’s a Terrorist’: IDF Soldiers Expose Arbitrary Killings and Rampant Lawlessness in Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor.”

    The report contains testimony from Israeli troops that civilians are being murdered in Gaza and are then being retroactively designated as terrorists to justify their execution.

    “We’re killing civilians there who are then counted as terrorists,” a recently discharged officer told Haaretz.

    These two stories together say so much about the way the label “terrorist” is used under the US-centralised power umbrella.

    The guy who shot the health insurance CEO is a terrorist, but the people systematically slaughtering civilians in Gaza are not terrorists. The people fighting against those who are slaughtering the civilians are terrorists, and noncombatants are being categorized as belonging to this terrorist organisation in order to justify killing them. The al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria were terrorists, but now they’re a US puppet regime so soon they won’t be terrorists  —  but they need to be designated terrorists for a little while longer because the claim that Syria is crawling with terrorists is Israel’s justification for its recent land grabs there. The Uyghur militant group ETIM used to be a terrorist group, but now they’re not a terrorist group because they can be used to help carve up Syria and maybe fight China later on. The IRGC is a military wing of a sovereign nation, but it counts as a terrorist group because of vibes or something.

    Is that clear enough?

    Really the label “terrorist” is nothing more than a tool of imperial narrative control which gets moved around based on whether or not someone’s use of violence is deemed legitimate by the managers of the empire. Because Mangione’s alleged crime has ignited a public interest in class warfare, the label “terrorism” is being used to frame it as an especially heinous act of evil against an innocent member of the public.

    The empire’s favourite trick is to begin the historical record at the moment its enemies retaliate against its abuses. Oh no, a health insurance CEO was victimised by an evil act of terrorism. Oh no, Israel was just innocently minding its own business when it was viciously attacked by Hamas. Oh no, Iran attacked Israel completely out of the blue and now Israel must retaliate. Oh no, Russia just launched an entirely unprovoked war on Ukraine.

    Everything that led up to the unauthorised act of violence is erased from the record, because all of the violence, provocation and abuse which gave rise to the unauthorised act of violence were authorized by the empire. Authorised aggression doesn’t count as aggression.

    Whoever controls the narrative controls the world. If you control the narrative you can control not only when the historical record of violence begins but what kinds of violence qualify as violence. Killing people by depriving them of healthcare because denying healthcare services is how your company increases its profit margins? That’s not violence. Inflicting tyranny and abuse upon a deliberately marginalised ethnic group in an apartheid state? That’s not violence. Violence is when you respond to those forceful aggressions with forceful aggressions of your own.

    If we are to become a healthy society, we’re going to have to stop allowing some forms of violence, aggression and abuse to be redacted from the official records while others are listed and condemned. Those who care about truth and justice account for all forms of violence, aggression and abuse, not only those which inconvenience the rich and powerful.

    It is an act of aggression to do things which sicken and impoverish others in order to advance your own wealth.

    It is an act of aggression to pollute the biosphere we all depend on for survival in order to increase your profit margins.

    It is an act of aggression to use your wealth to manipulate your nation’s politics in ways which exacerbate inequality and injustice.

    It is an act of aggression to maintain an apartheid state which cannot exist without nonstop violence.

    It is an act of aggression to surround the earth with military bases and encircle nations which disobey your dictates.

    It is an act of aggression to try to rule the world using military violence, proxy conflicts, staged coups, threats, starvation sanctions, and financial and economic coercion.

    These are all acts of aggression, and any retaliation against them will never be an unprovoked attack. As we move into the future while these abuses exacerbate, it’s going to become very important to maintain an acute awareness of this.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: BNP PARIBAS GROUP: Signing of the share purchase agreement for AXA Investment Managers by BNP Paribas Cardif

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    SIGNING OF THE SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
    FOR AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS
    BY BNP PARIBAS CARDIF

    Press release
    Paris – 21 December 2024

    After entering into exclusive negotiations on August 1st, AXA and BNP Paribas Cardif announce the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement for AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM).

    This signing follows the completion of the information-consultation procedure on strategic issues with the relevant employee representative bodies of both AXA and BNP Paribas groups.

    “This signing marks an important step in the acquisition process of AXA IM and our long-term partnership with AXA. In anticipation of the closing process, all teams are now working to welcome AXA IM’s employees and customers into the BNP Paribas Cardif Group” said Renaud Dumora, Chairman of BNP Paribas Cardif, Deputy COO of BNP Paribas.

    As previously communicated, the agreed price for the acquisition and the long-term partnership is €5.1 billion, with the closing expected mid-2025 and an anticipated impact on BNP Paribas Group’s CET1 ratio of 25 bps subject to agreements with the relevant authorities.

    Press contacts
    Sandrine ROMANO – sandrine.romano@bnpparibas.com – +33 (0)6 71 18 23 05
    Thomas ALEXANDRE – thomas.alexandre@bnpparibas.com – +33 (0)6 02 19 48 69

    About BNP Paribas
    BNP Paribas is the European Union’s leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 63 countries and has nearly 183,000 employees, including more than 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Year in Review 2024: Be All You Can Be!

    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 #YIR2024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TcucR35bLY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Safeguarding Green Spaces & Heavy Industries Push for Net Zero | WEF | Top Stories of the Week

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    This week’s top stories of the week include:

    0:15 How corruption damages society – Corruption is a pervasive issue that undermines societies, economies, and governance. Defined as the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain, it has far-reaching consequences that go beyond financial losses. Understanding its impact and adopting strategies to fight it are critical to creating more equitable and sustainable societies.

    4:29 Tips for safeguarding green spaces – Just 37% of the world’s 500 most populous cities have developed a dedicated strategy around nature and biodiversity preservation. Travis Beck is Chief Park Officer at the Presidio, a historic national park site in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. He discusses 3 ways the park is safeguarding its future under his watch.

    7:24 Heavy industries push for net zero – Eight heavy-emitting sectors account for around 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. These sectors play a key role in the global economy. Demand is set to rise more than 60% by 2050, so it’s imperative to make them more sustainable. How are they getting on? The Net Zero Industry Tracker has the answers.

    10:42 Impact of climate change on profits – Researchers have calculated the business risks posed by climate hazards such as extreme weather, which pose a threat to companies’ fixed assets such as property, machinery and equipment. Together, these losses could cut 7% from companies’ profits every year by 2035, half as much as the losses incurred during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    _____________________________________________

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFMqedrRYt8

    MIL OSI Video –