NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Notice on Rotating Chair Tenure

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Notice on Rotating Chair Tenure

    In accordance with Huawei’s Rotating Chair system, Ms. Sabrina Meng will assume the position of Rotating and Acting Chair of Huawei from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. During her term, Ms. Meng will serve in the company’s top leadership position and head the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.
    Sabrina Meng’s Bio

    Ms. Meng holds a master’s degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Ms. Meng joined Huawei in 1993 and has held positions including Director of the International Accounting Dept, CFO of Huawei Hong Kong, and President of the Accounting Mgmt Dept. Ms. Meng now serves as Deputy Chairwoman of the Board, and Rotating Chairwoman and CFO of Huawei.
    Since 2003, Ms. Meng has led the establishment of Huawei’s globally unified finance organizational structure, processes, regulations, and IT platforms. From 2007 to 2014, Ms. Meng implemented the Integrated Financial Services (IFS) Transformation Program across the company around the world, making fine-grained management part of Huawei’s DNA for sustainable growth.
    In 2014, Ms. Meng led the company’s data transformation and established a comprehensive data management system, creating a single source for data and making data a strategic asset of the company. During the same period, Ms. Meng implemented transformation programs for Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR), Consistency of Inventory Accounts and Goods (CIAG), treasury management, and tax management. This has transformed the finance team into a business partner and value integrator, and supported the rapid and stable development of the company’s business worldwide.
    Since 2019, Ms. Meng has developed a blueprint for the digital transformation of finance based on the company’s strategic vision and long-term development plan. She has led the development of key risk indicators and risk control models, making contactless risk controls a reality at Huawei. She has guided the establishment of an agile operations management system which has facilitated intelligent operations management and decision-making based on data and AI algorithms. She has also guided the establishment of an integrated management platform for key financial operations scenarios, to achieve collaborative operations and matrix management based on data sharing and real-time interactions.
    Under Ms. Meng’s leadership, Huawei has established a world-leading digital and intelligent finance organization, laying a solid foundation for the company’s operations and supporting the company’s efforts to realize its strategies in the new era.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: DRC President Felix Tshisekedi must be held accountable for human rights violations

    Source: Amnesty International –

    By Jean Mobert Senga, Amnesty International’s DRC researcher

    Speaking at the UN General Assembly on 25 September 2024, President Tshisekedi ignored the continuing deterioration of human rights under his own government. The international community must push him to change course.

    At the start of his first term in 2019, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi promised to protect human rights — but his government appears to have embarked on a crusade against his own pledges.

    The DRC authorities’ response to the armed conflict and inter-communal violence that has ravaged the country for decades has failed to improve the security situation. In some cases, it has made it worse.

    While the international community must address serious human rights abuses by armed groups in eastern DRC, including Rwanda and other countries’ alleged support to some armed groups, it must also increase pressure on President Tshisekedi’s government to uphold human rights, tackle impunity, and address deep-rooted socioeconomic injustices.

    The DRC is enduring one of the most protracted humanitarian crises in the world. From east to west and from north to south, the civilian population faces daily threats of violence from a myriad of armed groups. Congolese soldiers and affiliated militia groups also continue to target civilians and commit horrendous crimes, often with impunity.

    A profound failure

    Internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly women and girls, disproportionately bear the brunt of this conflict. IDP camps are rife with sexual violence, exacerbated by poor security conditions and insufficient humanitarian aid. The continued failure of the Tshisekedi administration to protect populations made vulnerable by these living conditions is inacceptable.

    The international community must hold the DRC government accountable not only for its failure to prevent and punish sexual violence and attacks against civilians, but also for its inaction in addressing the humanitarian catastrophe. Both the Congolese government and the international community must increase funding for the chronically underfunded humanitarian response to meet the urgent needs of affected populations, including shelter, food, healthcare and education.

    The international community must hold the DRC government accountable not only for its failure to prevent and punish sexual violence and attacks against civilians, but also for its inaction in addressing the humanitarian catastrophe.

    Jean Mobert Senga, DRC Researcher, Amnesty International

    A key contributing factor to the deteriorating human rights situation in the eastern DRC is the ongoing “State of Siege” imposed in North Kivu and Ituri since May 2021. This exceptional measure, which is akin to a state of emergency, has effectively militarized everyday life, concentrating all powers in the hands of military and police officials, including powers which should be those of civilian authorities. Tshisekedi’s government must urgently end the “State of Siege” and work towards a human rights-centred approach to restoring security.

    Meanwhile, a crackdown on dissent has swept the nation under the pretext of defending the country against enemies. Journalists, civil society activists, and political opponents have faced threats, arbitrary detention, and judicial harassment. By weaponizing the judiciary, the Tshisekedi administration has betrayed the hopes and aspirations of those who resisted the repression of their rights under the Kabila regime.

    Equally alarming is the government’s decision in March this year to reinstate the death penalty after more than two decades of hiatus. Military courts have since handed down more than a hundred death penalty sentences, heightening the risk of politically motivated executions.

    The recent tragedy at Makala prison in Kinshasa, where over 120 people died, hundreds were injured, and more than 200 women and girls were subjected to sexual violence, including gang rape, underscores the dire state of prison conditions in the DRC. President Tshisekedi must ensure that the courts conduct a transparent and prompt investigation and prosecute all responsible, including political and security officials who may have failed to prevent these horrific events. The international community must push for and assist in urgent criminal and penitentiary reforms to ensure such tragedies are never repeated.

    Despite repeated calls for justice, the government has so far largely failed to bring both Congolese and foreign perpetrators of crimes under international law to justice. Powerful actors continue to operate with impunity, deepening the cycle of violence. Efforts towards other forms of justice, including compensations and reparations, remain dismally inadequate. Victims and survivors are frustrated by the lack of transparency and the slow pace of these efforts, which often feel more symbolic than substantive.

    Despite repeated calls for justice, the government has so far largely failed to bring both Congolese and foreign perpetrators of crimes under international law to justice. Powerful actors continue to operate with impunity, deepening the cycle of violence.

    Jean Mobert

    It is not only armed conflict that poses an existential threat to thousands of people in the country. The DRC is a critical supplier of copper and cobalt, minerals that are essential to the global transition to renewable energy. However, as highlighted in Amnesty International’s 2023 report “Business as Usual?”, increased investments in the industrial mining sector have led to human rights abuses, including mass forced evictions and environmental pollution, leaving frontline communities in limbo. Toxic pollution and dangerous working conditions continue to plague artisanal miners, particularly in the cobalt-rich southern provinces.

    The international community cannot afford to ignore the grave human rights situation in the DRC any longer. President Tshisekedi’s allies — especially the United States, South Africa, Angola, Belgium, and France — must use their influence to demand accountability for human rights violations.

    This oped first ran in South Africa’s Daily Maverick

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 39

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 45/2024

    		 Peberlyk 4
    6200 Aabenraa
    Denmark

    Tel +45 74 37 37 37
    Fax +45 74 37 35 36

    Sydbank A/S
    CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
    sydbank.dk
    30 September 2024  

    Dear Sirs

    Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 39
    On 28 February 2024 Sydbank announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,200m. The share buyback programme commenced on 4 March 2024 and will be completed by 31 January 2025.

    The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.

    The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:

      Number of shares VWAP Gross value (DKK)
    Accumulated, most recent
    Announcement

    2,163,000

    		  

    772,968,750.00
    23 September 2024
    24 September 2024
    25 September 2024
    26 September 2024
    27 September 2024    		 17,000
    17,000
    15,000
    15,000
    16,000    		 335.79
    339.99
    335.19
    337.94
    335.70    		 5,708,430.00
    5,779,830.00
    5,027,850.00
    5,069,100.00
    5,371,200.00
    Total over week 39 80,000   26,956,410.00
    Total accumulated during the
    share buyback programme

    2,243,000

    		  

    799,925,160.00

    All transactions were made under ISIN DK 0010311471 and effected by Danske Bank A/S on behalf of Sydbank A/S.

    Further information about the transactions, cf Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse and Commission delegated regulation, is available in the attachment.

    Following the above transactions, Sydbank holds a total of 2,325,322 own shares, equal to til 4.26% of the Bank’s share capital.

    Yours sincerely
            
    Mark Luscombe        Jørn Adam Møller
    CEO        Deputy Group Chief Executive

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Notice on Rotating Chair Tenure Sep 30, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Notice on Rotating Chair Tenure
    Sep 30, 2024

    In accordance with Huawei’s Rotating Chair system, Ms. Sabrina Meng will assume the position of Rotating and Acting Chair of Huawei from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. During her term, Ms. Meng will serve in the company’s top leadership position and head the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.
    Sabrina Meng’s Bio

    Ms. Meng holds a master’s degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Ms. Meng joined Huawei in 1993 and has held positions including Director of the International Accounting Dept, CFO of Huawei Hong Kong, and President of the Accounting Mgmt Dept. Ms. Meng now serves as Deputy Chairwoman of the Board, and Rotating Chairwoman and CFO of Huawei.
    Since 2003, Ms. Meng has led the establishment of Huawei’s globally unified finance organizational structure, processes, regulations, and IT platforms. From 2007 to 2014, Ms. Meng implemented the Integrated Financial Services (IFS) Transformation Program across the company around the world, making fine-grained management part of Huawei’s DNA for sustainable growth.
    In 2014, Ms. Meng led the company’s data transformation and established a comprehensive data management system, creating a single source for data and making data a strategic asset of the company. During the same period, Ms. Meng implemented transformation programs for Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR), Consistency of Inventory Accounts and Goods (CIAG), treasury management, and tax management. This has transformed the finance team into a business partner and value integrator, and supported the rapid and stable development of the company’s business worldwide.
    Since 2019, Ms. Meng has developed a blueprint for the digital transformation of finance based on the company’s strategic vision and long-term development plan. She has led the development of key risk indicators and risk control models, making contactless risk controls a reality at Huawei. She has guided the establishment of an agile operations management system which has facilitated intelligent operations management and decision-making based on data and AI algorithms. She has also guided the establishment of an integrated management platform for key financial operations scenarios, to achieve collaborative operations and matrix management based on data sharing and real-time interactions.
    Under Ms. Meng’s leadership, Huawei has established a world-leading digital and intelligent finance organization, laying a solid foundation for the company’s operations and supporting the company’s efforts to realize its strategies in the new era.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 30, 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –

    Presidency of the Council of Ministers

    Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
    ……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….

    Press release

    Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on September 30, 2024

    The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the Draft State Budget (OGE) Bill for 2025, presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, with a total value of US$ 2.6 billion allocated to the Central Administration, the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA) and Social Security, including the Social Security Reserve Fund. This amount includes an allocation of US$ 2.07 billion for the Central Administration, US$ 482 million for Social Security and US$ 62 million for the RAEOA.

    The 2025 State Budget Bill continues the strategy of implementing the priorities set out in the Government Programme, under the motto “Investment in strategic infrastructure, strengthening the economy and improving the well-being of citizens”. The Proposal is formulated based on the Strategic Objectives of the IX Constitutional Government, with a view to promoting the socio-economic development of the Nation through targeted investments in strategic infrastructure, economic strengthening and initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of citizens. The 2025 State Budget aims to promote economic development and improve the living conditions of the Timorese population, through a clear strategy focused on sustainable economic growth, improving public services and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all citizens.

    In terms of strategic infrastructure, US$227.3 million has been earmarked for the construction, expansion, rehabilitation and maintenance of road networks and bridges, as well as for the implementation of measures to protect against natural disasters, with the aim of improving connectivity and protecting communities from the effects of climate change. Funding is also provided for the rehabilitation of Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport and for the completion of the submarine fibre optic cable that will link Timor-Leste to Australia. The expansion of the internal fibre optic network will enable the provision of high-speed internet throughout the country from 2025 onwards. In the electricity sector, the budget foresees a significant increase in subsidies to the public company EDTL, EP, with the aim of improving and expanding the continuous supply of electricity, especially in rural and remote areas, ensuring a more stable and comprehensive service.

    In the natural resources sector, the proposal allocates US$40 million to improve industrial and oil and mineral extraction areas on the country’s southern coast, contributing to economic development and strengthening energy security.

    In the financial sector, an investment of US$5 million is expected in the capitalization of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, with the aim of strengthening the stability and resilience of the national financial system.

    The bill allocates a significant portion of the spending, around US$406 million, to support civil society, health and social services. In human capital development, US$17.2 million is allocated to vocational and technical training programs, as well as to grant scholarships. Education will also receive US$145.8 million to build new schools, train teachers and strengthen the education management system.

    In health, the budget allocates US$99.2 million to improve the hospital network and health centers throughout the country, in addition to US$14.2 million for the acquisition and distribution of essential medicines and medical equipment. In terms of social protection, the Bolsa da Mãe program will be strengthened with an increase of more than US$7 million, plus US$2.86 million earmarked for improving the health and nutrition of pregnant women and children. The proposal also includes a transfer of US$124.1 million to the Social Security Budget, an increase of US$37.4 million compared to 2024, which reflects the expansion of the Social Security system and the value of the social old-age and disability pension. END

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has submitted a draft three-year budget for 2025–2027 to the State Duma

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The draft law on the federal budget for 2025 and for the planning period of 2026 and 2027 has been submitted to the State Duma for consideration. The order to submit it was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    Document

    Order dated September 28, 2024 No. 2693-r

    When drafting the new three-year budget, the Government proceeded from the need to fulfill social obligations to citizens and solve priority tasks outlined by the President.

    Thus, one of the main priorities is targeted support for pregnant women and families with children.

    Submission to the State Duma of the draft federal law developed by the Ministry of Finance “On the federal budget for 2025 and for the planning period of 2026 and 2027”

    12 hours ago

    In particular, over 4 trillion rubles have been allocated for monthly benefits in connection with the birth and upbringing of a child for 2025–2027. Over 1.7 trillion rubles have been planned for the provision of maternity capital, and over 12 billion rubles over three years for subsidies for housing for young families.

    Dmitry Grigorenko on the introduction to the State Duma of the draft federal law developed by the Ministry of Finance “On the federal budget for 2025 and for the planning period of 2026 and 2027”

    12 hours ago

    It is proposed to allocate approximately 37.5 billion rubles to support regional demographic programs aimed at increasing the birth rate.

    The necessary funds have also been allocated for such important areas as hot meals for schoolchildren, payments to class teachers, major repairs and construction of new educational institutions, provision of medicines for beneficiaries, increasing the level of pension provision and resuming indexation of pensions for working pensioners.

    The draft budget allocates over 130 billion rubles to help citizens who find themselves in difficult life situations under the social contract program.

    More than 80 billion rubles are planned for the development of a long-term care system for the elderly and disabled who need such assistance.

    The Government’s priority tasks include the implementation of national projects. A total of more than 18 trillion rubles have been allocated for their financing (19 projects) over three years. Over 40 trillion rubles have been allocated from the federal budget over six years. Compared to the national projects in effect in 2019–2024, funding from the federal budget has been almost doubled.

    An equally important area is financial support for the regions. It is planned to allocate 3.3 trillion rubles annually for these purposes.

    The draft of the new three-year federal budget is based on the basic version of the socio-economic development forecast. It implies that in 2025–2027, economic dynamics will be on a moderate trajectory of 2.5–2.8% of GDP.

    Budget revenues in 2025 will amount to 40.3 trillion rubles, in 2026 – 41.8 trillion rubles, in 2027 – 43.2 trillion rubles.

    Expenditures in 2025 are planned at 41.5 trillion rubles, 44 trillion rubles in 2026, and 45.9 trillion rubles in 2027.

    The execution of the new three-year federal budget is expected with a deficit of 0.5% of GDP in 2025, 0.9% of GDP in 2026 and 1.1% in 2027. During this period, the non-oil and gas deficit will be reduced to 5% of GDP in 2027 (by 2.5 percentage points compared to 2024).

    The main sources of deficit financing in 2025–2027 will be government borrowing. The volume of government debt will remain at a safe level.

    Along with the draft of the new three-year budget, the Government also sent draft budgets of extra-budgetary funds and a number of other bills of decisive importance for public finances to the lower house of parliament.

    This year, the budget package was submitted entirely via electronic communication channels for the first time. This was the result of systematic work to improve the interaction between the Government Office and the State Duma.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52839/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nina Hingorani-Crain reappointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of NS&I

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    HM Treasury has announced today the reappointment of Nina Hingorani-Crain as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of NS&I for a second, three-year term.

    HM Treasury has announced today that Nina Hingorani-Crain has been reappointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of NS&I (National Savings and Investments), as of 1 November 2024. The reappointment will be for a term of three years.

    Non-Executive Directors on NS&I’s Board ensure a sound strategy is in place to meet the organisation’s remit of raising cost-effective debt financing for the government. They also act as an external source of advice, have oversight of risk control, and ensure NS&I’s links with its outsourcing partners remain open and transparent.

    NS&I is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, offering a range of savings and investments. All products offer 100% capital security because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.

    Nina was first appointed as a Non-Executive Director in November 2021. She has held a number of high-profile executive and non-executive roles, including as Chief of Staff and Principal Private Secretary to the Chair of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) during the global financial crisis and as Chief of Staff leading the transition of the FSA into the Financial Conduct Authority, the current financial services regulator. She is currently on the Board of Nest (the workplace pension scheme set up by the UK government), a London mental health and community health NHS Foundation Trust, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). She has previously served on the Board of the Charity Commission for England & Wales, and the Boards of several other national and regional organisations.

    Further information:

    The reappointment has been made in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Nina Hingorani-Crain has confirmed that she has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Hellmann announces logistics partnership with Lacoste Mexico

    Source: Hellmann

    Osnabrueck, Mexico City, September 30, 2024. Global logistics service provider Hellmann Worldwide Logistics announces a contract logistics partnership with the iconic fashion-sport brand Lacoste in Mexico.

    As part of the cooperation, Hellmann, who was recently recognized as an outstanding employer (“Super Empresa”) by Mexican Expansion magazine, is managing a dedicated, full-service distribution center for Lacoste Mexico. 

    Operating out of a state-of-the-art 11,000 square meter warehouse in Mexico City, Hellmann manages the supply of 45 retail locations and direct to consumer shipments across Mexico. The array of services provided by Hellmann includes receiving, inventory management, as well as pick, pack and ship operations for outgoing B2B and e-commerce orders.

    Since Hellmann established its fashion logistics division over two decades ago, the freight forwarder has evolved into a leading provider of end-to-end logistics from production facilities to point of sale for several players in the fashion and retail sector. In addition to contract logistics services, a network of regional teams of experts situated in major markets provide flexible omni-channel concepts, e-commerce, fulfillment and logistics solutions around the globe.

    “Thanks to our very successful track record, we are pleased to strengthen our market position in fashion and lifestyle logistics in the Americas by partnering with Lacoste in Mexico. As a company with a strong focus on providing tailor-made solutions to fashion and retail companies, we are delighted to support Lacoste in their expansion in the Mexican market,” says Volker Sauerborn, Chief Operating Officer Contract Logistics, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

    About Hellmann

    Since its foundation over 150 years ago, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has developed into one of the largest international logistics providers in the world. With more than 12,000 employees, the company is active in 57 countries and generated sales of EUR 3.5 billion in 2023.The range of services includes classic forwarding services by road, rail, air- and seafreight, as well as a comprehensive range of CEP services, contract logistics, industry and IT solutions.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Economy – KOF Economic Barometer: Recovery tendency confirmed

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    In September, the KOF Economic Barometer continues to rise, albeit only very slightly. However, this month’s small increase nevertheless confirms the much more pronounced rise in the previous month. The Swiss economy is slowly working its way out of the trough.

    The KOF Economic Barometer rises by 0.5 points. It now stands at 105.5 (revised from 105.0 in August). In August, the Economic Barometer had climbed by a revised 3.7 points. In September, almost all indicator bundles for the economic sectors point to a more favourable outlook than before. Above all, the indicators for the manufacturing industry and, to a lesser extent, those for the financial and insurance services, the construction industry and the other services. In the hospitality industry, the rather above-average prospects remain almost unchanged. On the demand side, the indicators for consumer demand are also almost unchanged, pointing to a rather above-average further development. By contrast, the indicators for future foreign demand are weakening.

    In the producing industries (manufacturing and construction), in particular the indicators for the general business situation, export opportunities and intermediate input purchases are increasingly pointing to an improvement. By contrast, those for production activity and employment development suggest a less favourable further development than in the previous month.

    Within the manufacturing, the outlook for chemical and pharmaceutical companies as well as for the metal industry is improving. By contrast, it is weakening for the electrical industry as well as the textile and clothing segment.

    KOF Economic Barometer and Reference Series: Annual Update

    The annual 2024 revision took place in September. These updates always comprise the following steps: a redefinition of the pool of indicators that enter the selection procedure, an update of the reference time series and a renewed execution of the automated variable selection procedure. For further background information, we refer to a separate document.

    The updated pool of indicators now consists of 553 economic time series. The updated reference series is the smoothed growth rate of Swiss GDP distributed across the three months of a quarter from 2014 until and including 2023, based on the official quarterly real GDP statistics, adjusted for the effects of major international sporting events, as released by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in early September 2024. SECO, in turn takes the release of the previous year’s annual GDP data published by the SFSO into account.

    The 2023 vintage of the KOF Economic Barometer (published until August 2024) comprised 324 indicator variables. The current 2024 vintage, which is now replacing the 2023 vintage, consists of 360 indicator variables. Compared to the previous vintage, 74 indicators are new and 38 dropped out of the set of selected indicators. The Barometer is the rescaled weighted average of the selected indicators, where the weights correspond to the loadings of the first principal component.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Telecommunications – Industry growth and rising energy demand put pressure on tech sector sustainability efforts

    Source: The International Telecommunication Union

    Cutting value-chain emissions could be key to reducing carbon footprints to net zero, ITU-WBA report shows.

    Geneva, 30 September 2024 – The carbon footprint of the digital technology sector is growing to keep pace with global demand for hardware, network services, data storage and emerging technologies, according to a report co-authored by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA).  

    Alongside commitments expressed across industry to embrace both digital growth and environmental sustainability, the report reveals an overall decline in progress towards climate goals. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in the global tech sector have increased, while transparency and accountability remain a challenge.

    Greening Digital Companies 2024 offers insights and best practices to help tech companies worldwide accelerate their emissions reductions, achieve low-carbon operations, and improve climate reporting.

    “An effective green transition needs digital companies to drive progress and lead by example,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “This report is an important tool for understanding where to focus efforts to maximize digital technology’s immense potential to advance sustainability in the face of climate change for the digital future we want. The report’s findings formulate a clear call for action for leaders gathering at the Green Digital Action meeting at COP29’s landmark Digitalisation Day.”

    Balancing benefits and costs

    Digital technologies offer numerous socio-economic benefits and can accelerate progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Tech can enhance weather predictions and climate-change monitoring, optimize energy use, and help integrate low-emission technologies.

    But to advance sustainable development, industry must monitor and address its own environmental challenges, including carbon emissions, energy and water consumption, e-waste, and raw-material depletion.

    Greening Digital Companies 2024 evaluates the greenhouse gas emissions and energy use of 200 leading digital companies around the world.

    Of the 200 companies covered in the report, 148 reported electricity consumption totaling 518 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2022, about 1.9 per cent of the world total. The 10 companies with the highest consumption levels – all headquartered in East Asia or the United States – consumed 51 per cent of this total, 9 per cent higher than in 2021.

    Assessing the corporate value chain

    The report’s 2024 edition provides the first comprehensive overview of corporate value-chain emissions. Often referred to as “Scope 3,” these make up most of the emission footprints of digital companies.

    Scope 3 emissions include everything from material suppliers and outsourced device production to the use of a company’s end-products by consumers. Such end-products range from cell phones and computers to search engines and AI chatbots.

    On average, these emissions are six times greater than the combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions that a company produces itself or is responsible for indirectly, according to the report.

    Many companies struggle to accurately calculate and attribute their Scope 3 emissions, with common challenges including lack of data from suppliers, double counting, and inconsistent application of emission-allocation principles.

    “Digital companies need to do their part in the fight against climate change,” said Lourdes O. Montenegro, Director of Research and Digitisation at the World Benchmarking Alliance. “This report uniquely offers evidence-based insights on the sector’s state of play. We are bringing these data and insights to the attention of the international community to help ensure that the impact on people and planet is consequential to success in business.”

    Managing emissions from emerging technologies

    The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will further strain energy resources and keep adding to emissions, the report makes clear.

    The report also notes the contributions that AI and other transformative technologies can make to support sustainable development.

    To help digital companies meet sustainability goals, Greening Digital Companies 2024 underscores the role of governments in implementing monitoring frameworks and accelerating the availability of green energy.

    “From the development point of view, it is increasingly important for industry players to more closely monitor their own greenhouse gas emissions and act to reduce emissions and energy use,” said Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau.

    “GHG impacts can be devastating and include extreme and changing weather patterns and rising sea levels. If left unchecked, climate change will undo part of the development progress of the past. Governments can support the tech industry’s efforts to balance innovation with sustainability, fostering a twin transition towards digital growth and environmental responsibility.”

    Liberalizing energy markets, reducing red tape for permitting, modernizing power grids, and investing in energy storage are all ways that governments can support industry sustainability efforts. Renewable energy investment is also critical.

    Research and analysis to support green digital action

    Greening Digital Companies 2024 reflects ITU’s wider push for effective climate action across the global tech industry.

    ITU, the UN Agency for Digital Technologies, urges the industry to take responsibility for its own emissions; helps develop and promote technical standards to cut emissions in line with global climate goals; and encourages industry partners worldwide to support ITU’s Green Digital Action, aiming to strengthen the contribution of digital technologies to climate and environmental action.

    Notes:

    Advance interviews under the embargo are available.

    The full report is available for media preview at https://bit.ly/4gAdZYI

    The report will be launched Monday 30 September during the ITU-WBA webinar: “Greening Digital Companies 2024: Monitoring emissions and climate commitments,” taking place in two sessions to accommodate different world regions:

    Session One: 9:00 – 10:15 CEST / Session Two: 18:00 – 19:15 CEST

    To register: http://www.itu.int/go/gdc-24

    The upcoming UN Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29) will host the first Digitalisation Day at a COP, shining a spotlight on the growing opportunities and challenges posed by increasing digitalisation. This will include the inaugural high-level meeting on digitalisation at a COP.

    Resources and background information:

    • Virtual launch event of the Greening Digital Companies 2024 report, 30 September 2024
    • Greening Digital Companies 2024: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments
    • Greening Digital Companies 2023: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments
    • Greening Digital Companies 2022: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments.

    International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

    About ITU

    The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, it is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

    Learn more: http://www.itu.int

    About WBA

    The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) is a non-profit organization that assesses and ranks the performance of the world’s most influential companies on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Data in this report were collected as part of the WBA Digital Inclusion Benchmark, which assesses the world’s leading technology companies on their performance in enhancing access to digital technologies, improving digital skills, fostering trustworthy use, and innovating openly, inclusively and ethically. In addition, WBA produces the Climate and Energy Benchmark, which measures corporate progress against the Paris Agreement and covers 450 of the world’s most influential companies in high-emitting sectors such as the automotive, utilities, oil, gas and transport industries.

    Learn more: https://www.worldbenchmarkingalliance.org/ 

    Appendices

    Greening Digital Companies 2024 report: a focus on Scope 3 emissions

    The Greening Digital Companies 2024 report provides the first comprehensive overview of corporate supply chain, or Scope 3, emissions, which are roughly six times Scope 1 and 2 emissions combined.

    Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions from a company’s upstream and downstream activities, such as outsourced suppliers in information and communication technologies (ICTs) manufacturing and emissions from the use of products like computers and smartphones.

    By definition, Scope 3 emissions are outside the company’s direct control. But firms can exert important influence through their choice of suppliers, on the one hand, and the energy efficiency of their products and services, on the other.

    Scope 3 reporting, however, is beset by a lack of data from suppliers and transparency. A total of 75 of the 200 companies provide relevant data across all 15 categories, ranging from purchased goods/services, upstream transportation and distribution, waste generated in operations, to business travel, use of sold products, and downstream leased assets. But most fall short in their reporting.

    “Despite an abundance of guidance, the majority of digital companies do not calculate a full Scope 3 emissions inventory,” said the report. “This makes it impossible to assess progress in reducing emissions across their value chain.

    While 103 digital companies covered in this report have submitted an emissions reduction target to SBTi, only 73, just over one-third, have a Scope 3 target.

    By the numbers:

    ASSESSMENT: DISCLOSURE, TARGETS, PERFORMANCE

    • The Greening Digital Companies report assesses companies on their data disclosure, targets and performance.

    • Only three of 200 digital companies scored 90% or higher (Apple, Logitech, Telefonica).

    • 26 companies scored 75% or higher (see figure below), up four from the assessment in the 2023 edition of the report.

    • Only 70 companies had at least a “passing grade” of 50%, and 27 scored zero.

    • The top 26 performers are all headquartered in Europe or the US

    SCOPE 1 & 2: OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS

    ● 166 companies reported emissions totaling 293 million tCO2e in 2022, amounting to 0.8% of global emissions from energy use and 12% more than in 2021.

    ● Top 10 emitting companies – all in the US or East Asia – accounted for 55%of the total, with all but one reporting increased operational emissions in 2022.

    ● The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) has not validated the emissions reduction target of any top ten emitters as aligned with the Paris Agreement 1.5°C target.

    ELECTRICITY & RENEWABLE ENERGY

    ● 2022 electricity consumption for the 148 companies providing data topped 500 terawatt-hours (TWh), 1.9% of the global total.

    ● The top ten – all headquartered in East Asia and the US – consumed 51% of the total, 9% more than in 2021.

    ● The top four corporate purchasers of renewable energy globally in 2022 were digital companies: Amazon, Meta, Alphabet and Microsoft (see figure below).

    ● Sixteen companies reported sourcing 100% renewable electricity (see figure below). Four of which – Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft and Deutsche Telekom – highlight that despite purchasing renewable electricity, it is not always available where their data centres are located or the electricity grid was not always supplying them.

    ● Four top ten companies consuming electricity in 2022– Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft and Deutsche Telekom – purchased 100% renewable energy, but it has not always been available where needed.

    ● Samsung and TSMC have committed to 100% renewable electricity, but not before 2050 and 2040 respectively.

    ● None of the three Chinese telecom operators in the top ten electricity consumers have made commitments towards 100% renewable electricity.

    TARGETS VALIDATED BY THE SCIENCE BASED TARGETS INITIATIVE (SBTi)

    ● 104 (out of 200) digital companies have submitted Scope 1 & 2 emissions reduction targets to the SBTi, of which 69 have been validated.

    ● Of the 69 validated targets: 45 companies are on track, 13 are not on track, and 11 have seen emissions rise.

    ● Validated targets account for 19% of the 200 companies’ total emissions (56 million tCO2e).

    ● 81% of the 294 million tCO2e of total operational emissions are not covered by an SBTi target.

    SCOPE 3: CORPORATE VALUE CHAIN EMISSIONS

    ● Among companies that report all relevant Scope 3 emissions, Scope 1 accounts for 4%, Scope 2 for 15% and Scope 3 for 81%. Scope 3 emissions are on average 6 times greater than Scope 1 and 2 combined (see figure below).

    ● Only 75 of 200 companies provided a complete Scope 3 inventory despite it accounting for most digital company emissions.

    AI & DATA CENTERS

    • Generating responses to Chatbot queries (“inference”) accounts for up to 90% of total machine learning cloud computing costs according to research by Amazon Web Services.

    • A ChatGPT inquiry needs almost ten times as much electricity to process as a standard web search.

    • Data centers consumed about 460 TWh of electricity in 2022, a figure which is projected to increase 35% to 100% by 2026. At the upper end of this range, this demand is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption in Japan.

    • Large cloud providers are experiencing rapid growth in energy use and consequent emissions. Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft operational GHG emissions are up 62% from 2020 reaching 47 million metric tons in 2023 (see figure below). Electricity use has grown even faster, up 78% over the same period and standing at just over 100 TWh in 2023, around what the entire country of the Philippines uses in a year. The trio have made huge investments to decarbonize their operations: they all procure 100% renewable electricity and they were three of the top four corporate purchasers of green energy in 2022.

    • Given the uncertainty surrounding the climate impacts of AI, it will be important for energy usage and GHG emissions to be included as key metrics when evaluating AI models.

    ADDITIONAL NUMBERS

    ● The number of global Internet users has doubled since 2010, and data traffic has expanded 25-fold

    ● E-waste increased 82% from 2010 to 2022, and on current trends will reach 82 million metric tonnes by 2030, equivalent to nearly 8 kg of e-waste per person every year according to the Global E-waste Monitor 2024.

    The International Telecommunication Union: http://www.itu.int
    World Benchmarking Alliance: worldbenchmarkingalliance.org

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI: Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Sept. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bango (AIM: BGO), today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

    Financial Overview (unaudited):

    Results for the 6 months ended 30 June 2024  1H24 1H23 Change
           
    Total Revenue $24.1M $20.3M +18.6%  
             
    Transactional Revenue1 $16.4M $15.5M +5.3%  
             
    DVM, Audiences & One-Off2 $ 7.7M $ 4.7M +62.5%  
             
    Annual recurring revenue (ARR)3 $12.9M $5.6M +130.4%  
           
    Net Revenue Retention4 159%      
             
    Adjusted EBITDA5 $4.0M ($0.2M) +$4.2M
           
    Profit/(Loss) before taxation ($3.4M) ($4.9M) +$1.5M
           
    Net (Debt6)/Cash ($5.1M) $5.5M -$10.6M


    Notes:

    • Transactional revenue grew 9.4% on a constant currency basis.
    • Other Income of $1.4M, which is not included in the revenue figure above, related to recovery of tax costs from the acquisition of DOCOMO Digital. $1.1M will be accounted for as a tax cost, resulting in $0.3M profit.
    • Gross profit margin of 80.8% (1H23: 90.0%) reduced from 82.8% in 2H 2023 due to geographic mix. Improvements expected in 2H 2024 as high margin DVM revenue grows.
    • Net debt6 of $5.1M at 30 June 2024 (net debt of $3.9M at 31 Dec 2023) after R&D investment of $7.6M in the period.

    Operational Highlights

    • Bango signed 4 new Digital Vending Machine® (DVM) customers in 1H24, including a Bank in Brazil. Post-period there has been a further 3 new customer wins.
    • A leading European telco that adopted the DVM in 2020 extended their contract for a further 3 years, with a minimum contract value of $1.5M over the term.
    • 13 new subscription content providers were added to the DVM in 1H24, taking the total to 106.
    • The eDisti7 program now has 20 content providers, including Microsoft and Disney, allowing Bango to provide a ‘pre-stocked’ Digital Vending Machine, reducing time to revenue for both DVM customers and Bango.
    • Bango signed a global agreement with Uber to accelerate the take-up of Uber One subscriptions through telco channels, proving the appeal of the Bango DVM beyond digital video, music and gaming services.
    • The ‘global technology leader’ (announced in June 2022) launched its first two telcos with Bango in 1H24. Additional launches are underway.
    • Chartered Accountant Tony Perkins joined the Bango Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee. In Q3, Tony was appointed as Senior Independent Director replacing Eric Peacock who retired from the Board to focus on his recovery from an accident.

    Presentation and Webcast

    A presentation of the interim results will be made to investors and analysts at 10:00 BST today via the Investor Meet Company Platform. Those wishing to join the call can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free via:
    https://www.investormeetcompany.com/bango-plc/register-investor

    Full RNS announcement

    Read the full Interims Results RNS announcement here: https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/bango_plc/news/rns/story/r7ze9jw

    Paul Larbey, Chief Executive Officer of Bango, commented:

    “The first six months of 2024 have gone to plan and are in-line with the Trading Update issued in July. The payments business continues to deliver growth, providing cash to fund expansion of the Digital Vending Machine® (DVM), which continues to be adopted as the defacto standard platform for subscription bundling by the world’s largest companies. The addition of Disney+ to the Bango eDisti program is further evidence of this and will help accelerate time-to-revenue from DVM deals. With 4 new DVM wins in the 1H and a further 3 in Q3, the pipeline built over the past years continued to deliver results and provides confidence in meeting market expectations for the full year.

    The subscriptions market is vast and growing, and the percentage of subscriptions bundled through channels is increasing. Bango’s leadership position in this market is strengthening with the DVM now playing a key role in the customer acquisition and engagement strategies of major content brands. We are excited by the opportunity ahead and remain on track to continue our strong growth trajectory and return to a positive net cash position in FY25.”

    1 Transactional Revenue is revenue derived by charging a percentage of the retail price paid by the consumer and is made up of direct carrier billing, resale and revenue share amounts.
    2 DVM, Bango Audiences & one-off Revenue includes all DVM license and support fees, revenue from Bango Audiences (discontinued in Q1) and one-off fees including DVM set-up and change requests.
    3 Annual Recurring Revenue is the expected annual revenues to be generated in the next 12 months based on contracted revenues recognized as at 30 June 2024.
    4 Net Revenue Retention is a measure of the retention and expansion of revenue from customers over the previous 12 months and is calculated by dividing the ARR from existing customers at the end of 1H24 to the ARR from those same customers at the end of 1H23.
    5 Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization, negative goodwill, exceptional items, share of net loss of associate and share based payment charge 
    6 Net debt is cash and cash equivalents plus short-term investments less the loan from NHN and borrowings. Barclays continues to provide an overdraft facility which was not used at the end of the period .
    7eDisti is a program that allows Bango to resell subscriptions from content providers removing the need for a commercial agreement between the DVM customer and the content provider.

    Contact Details:  
    investors@bango.com

    About Bango

    Bango enables content providers to reach more paying customers through global partnerships. Bango revolutionized the monetization of digital content and services, by opening-up online payments to mobile phone users worldwide. Today, the Digital Vending Machine® is driving the rapid growth of the subscriptions economy, powering choice and control for subscribers.

    The world’s largest content providers, including Amazon, Google and Microsoft trust Bango technology to reach subscribers everywhere.

    Bango, where people subscribe. For more information, visit http://www.bangoinvestor.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 21 startups transforming education with AI

    Source: Google

    Picture a world where students, regardless of their background, can learn in a personalized way. Imagine teachers with tools that anticipate their needs, freeing them to focus on what they do best: inspiring and guiding their class. This isn’t a distant dream, but a reality being shaped by entrepreneurs in the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Education program.

    Selected from a pool of more than 600 applicants from across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the 21 participating startups are all using AI to create more inclusive, engaging and effective educational pathways. From building intelligent tutors that adapt to each student’s pace, to platforms that make education accessible even in remote areas, we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have on learners around the world.

    Each founder and their team will receive three months of mentorship by Google experts, resources to help grow their technology, business and global reach, and a collaborative community of fellow founders to support one another. Learn more about the Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Education cohort:

    • Angaza Elimu (Kenya): An eLearning platform that creates a more personalized and engaging experience, fostering stronger connections between learners and teachers.
    • BLISKO (Poland): An AI-powered platform that personalizes learning for children ages 0-6, that focuses on building strong relationships and creating personalized learning plans that fit each child’s unique needs, abilities and interests
    • Complori (Germany): A hybrid learning platform that equips children, ages 7-16, with hard skills such as technological understanding and programming, and soft skills through live and online group lessons.
    • Correcto (Spain): An AI-powered platform that enhances Spanish writing skills, offering tools tailored for Spanish-speaking users.
    • Digify Africa (South Africa): A high-tech learning platform, delivered via a low-tech interface, that improves access to education for low-income learners.
    • eKidz (Germany): An app that makes acquiring literacy and a new language easy and accessible for every child. Utilizing a purpose-built AI voice recognition students with precise diagnostics and support.
    • EvidenceB (France): An AI tutoring platform that works for any subject, available as a subscription service. Teachers get helpful data insights to guide their instruction.
    • ExamSolutions (UK): An AI-powered tutoring platform combining visual, auditory and textual content tailored for learning and exam preparation for math at GCSE & A-level.
    • Hawkings Education (Spain): An AI online learning system, making the experience more personalized for students and giving teachers better tools.
    • Jotit (Israel): A first of its kind, turning any standard Chromebook or tablet into an all-in-one learning space, creating a focused, distraction-free environment which keeps handwriting at its core.
    • LearnWise AI (Netherlands): A platform empowering universities and colleges worldwide to revolutionize student support through custom AI assistants.
    • MOONHUB (UK): A VR training platform that allows people to train like they were on the job from anywhere, any time to assess how people react to their observed virtual worlds.
    • Optima (UAE): An AI-powered education platform and course creation engine with a focus on data and AI engineering skills. Optima’s approach combines live interactive sessions, self-paced learning and AI-assisted tutoring.
    • OpenCyberAI (United Kingdom): An educational platform dedicated to cybersecurity, offering virtual simulations through interactive training, powered by an AI personalizing your learning path.
    • Pandatron (Finland): A platform supports talent development and helps employees adapt to digital and cultural changes by using AI-powered coaching conversations to identify underlying issues within the organization.
    • SignLab (Norway): An AI sign language digital platform that makes learning more accessible, effective, and affordable.
    • Story Spark (United Kingdom): An AI-powered story generator and reading platform for children combining innovative literacy education with engaging and personalized content.
    • ubiMaster (Germany): A live, personal online tutor platform designed to make learning with experts easy and widely available.
    • Utiva Education (Nigeria): A tech platform that helps people in Africa learn skills needed for global jobs, enabling companies to hire talent across different regions and increasing employment in the region.
    • Wilco (Israel): A platform helping both businesses and software vendors easily provide high-end training and education materials for their employees, candidates or users.
    • Wiloki (France): An online tutoring platform for children ages 7-14, using AI-powered tools to personalize the learning path according to each child’s unique educational profile and motivational triggers.

    As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI in education, one thing is certain: The path towards more personalized, effective and inspiring learning experiences has just begun.

    Learn more about our selected startups at startup.google.com.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with members of the “Custodi del Bello” (“Guardians of Beauty”) Project

    Source: The Holy See

    Audience with members of the “Custodi del Bello” (“Guardians of Beauty”) Project, 30.09.2024
    This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the participants in the “Guardians of Beauty” Project promoted by the Italian Episcopal Conference.
    The following is the address delivered by the Pope to those present:

    Address of the Holy Father
    Address of the Holy Father
    Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome!
    I am pleased to meet you. I greet Bishop Giuseppe Baturi, secretary general of the Italian Episcopal Conference, and Bishop Carlo Redaelli, president of Caritas Italia. I thank all of you for being here and for what you do for our cities.
    Being Guardians of Beauty is a great responsibility, besides being an important message for the ecclesial community and for society as a whole. I would therefore like to reflect with you precisely on the name of your project, which is not a simple slogan, but indicates a way of being, a style, a life decision orientated towards two major purposes: to guard and beauty.
    To safeguard means to protect, to conserve, to watch over, to defend. It is a multi-form action which requires attention and care, because it sets out from the awareness of the value of whom or what is entrusted to us. It therefore does not permit distraction or idleness. Those who guard keep their eyes wide open, they are not afraid to spend time, to get involved, to take responsibility. And all this, in a context that often invites us not to “get our hands dirty”, to delegate, is prophetic, because it calls for personal and community commitment. Everyone, with his or her own abilities and skills, with intelligence and heart, can do something to look after things, others, the common home, from a perspective of integral care for creation.
    Saint Paul tells us that “creation has been groaning in travail” (Rom 8:22); its cry joins that of so many of the earth’s poor, who urgently call for serious and effective decisions to promote the good of all, from a perspective that therefore cannot only be environmental, but must become ecological in a broader, integral sense.
    Many people today find themselves at the margins, rejected, forgotten in an increasingly efficiency-based, ruthless society: the poor, migrants, the elderly and the disabled who are alone, the chronically ill. And yet everyone is precious in the eyes of the Lord (cf. Is 43:1-4). Therefore I urge you, in your work of requalification of many places left to neglect and degradation, always to keep as your primary objective the care of the people who live in and frequent them. Only in this way can creation be restored to its beauty.
    And this is indeed the other value: together with guardianship, beauty. Today we talk about it a great deal, to the point of making it an obsession. Often, however, we consider it in a distorted way, confusing it with ephemeral and standardizing aesthetic models, more linked to hedonistic, commercial and advertising criteria than the integral development of people. An approach of this type is deleterious, because it does not help the best in each person to flourish, but rather leads to the degradation of humankind and of nature. If, indeed, “someone has not learned to stop and admire something beautiful, we should not be surprised if he or she treats everything as an object to be used and abused without scruple” (Encyclical Letter Laudato si’, 215).
    Instead, it is a question of learning to cultivate beauty as something unique and sacred for every creature, conceived, loved and celebrated by God ever since the origins of the world (cf. Gen 1:4), as an inseparable unity of grace and goodness, of aesthetic and moral perfection.
    This is your mission; and I encourage you, as cooperators in the Creator’s great design, not to tire of transforming ugliness into beauty, degradation into opportunity, disorder into harmony.
    May Saint Joseph, the humble and silent guardian of the “fairest of the sons of men” (cf. Ps 45:2), of the Word incarnate in which all things were created and exist (cf. Col 1:16-17), accompany you and be a model for your work. With his discreet and industrious fidelity, Saint Joseph contributed to restoring beauty to the world.
    Thank you for the great deal of good you do! I bless you and pray for you. And I ask you, please, to pray for me.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2024 Article IV Mission to Cambodia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 30, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • The Cambodian economy is projected to grow by 5½ percent in 2024, faster than in 2023, but performance is uneven across sectors. Garment and agricultural exports are strong, and tourism is recovering while real estate and construction are undergoing a correction.
    • Fiscal policy needs to rebuild buffers, while supporting a durable and inclusive recovery of the economy. Raising revenues for growth-enhancing spending on education, health, and infrastructure is important. The risk of debt distress remains low.
    • Monetary and financial measures need to focus on safeguarding financial stability against the backdrop of slowing credit growth and rising non-performing loans (NPLs).
    • Structural reforms to enhance human capital, make the business environment more competitive, and strengthen institutions and governance would promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.

    Phnom Penh,Cambodia : An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Kenichiro Kashiwase, visited Cambodia during September 17-30 to hold discussions for the 2024 Article IV consultation. At the end of the mission, Mr. Kashiwase issued the following statement:

    “Cambodia’s economic growth has strengthened, but the recovery remains uneven. Real GDP growth is estimated at 5 percent in 2023, a similar pace as in 2022. For 2024, the economy is projected to expand by 5½ percent driven by a strong rebound in garment and agricultural exports and the ongoing recovery in tourism. However, the construction and real estate sectors are going through a correction, following rapid growth in prior years.

    “Inflation has moderated to an average of 1.6 percent (y/y) in the first half of 2024, down from 2.1 percent in 2023, reflecting global commodity price trends and weak domestic demand growth. For the full year, inflation is projected to reach around 1.5 percent before converging towards the long-term trend of 3 percent.

    “The current account (CA) balance is expected to swing back to a deficit of around 1¾ percent of GDP this year as strong imports are expected to outpace robust export growth. International reserves improved and coverage remains broadly adequate.

    “Fiscal deficit in 2023 is estimated at 2.8 percent of GDP with tax revenues falling due to softening of economic growth momentum and rising tax exemptions. Capital expenditure was also lower than planned due to delays in infrastructure execution. The fiscal deficit is projected at around 3 percent of GDP in 2024 and decline gradually over the medium term. Public debt to GDP is projected to increase moderately during the next decade, though the risk of debt distress remains low.

    “Credit growth has sharply slowed amidst deteriorating asset quality and high private sector debt. In 2024Q1, NPLs rose to 6 percent of total loans, reflecting emerging vulnerabilities with the temporary roll-back of the COVID-19 forbearance measures.

    “Risks to the outlook have shifted to the downside, notably due to weaker-than-projected demand from advanced economies and China, geoeconomic fragmentation, and high domestic private debt. Rising NPLs in the tourism and real estate sectors also pose risks to growth and financial stability. On the upside, a continued loosening of global financial conditions would support the recovery.

    “Turning to policies, fiscal policy needs to rebuild the buffers diminished by the pandemic, while accommodating a durable and inclusive recovery of the economy. In case of adverse shocks to the economy, fiscal policy should react with a focus on priority spending measures aligned with development goals and well-targeted social protection for the vulnerable. Strengthening revenues is important to create space for growth enhancing spending on education, health, and infrastructure. Tax exemptions and incentives should be reviewed and rationalized to reduce tax base erosion. Other measures to strengthen revenues include implementing the personal income tax and improving tax compliance and administration efficiency. Improving the targeting of social assistance programs and strengthening public investment management are also priorities. As Cambodia approaches graduation from the least developed country status, continuing to strengthen policy frameworks alongside enhancements to public financial management practices, improved fiscal transparency and governance, and the development of the domestic government bond market would be critical.

    “Monetary policy normalization should resume at a pace calibrated to the economic recovery and banking sector liquidity conditions. Important progress has been made in modernizing monetary policy and FX operations. Further efforts in this direction will be needed to enhance monetary policy transmission and support de-dollarization. Priorities include promoting an active KHR interbank market, developing a liquidity forecasting framework, further strengthening market determination of exchange rates, and improving the operational efficiency of monetary policy.

    “Financial sector policies should focus on maintaining financial stability. Forbearance measures should be phased out to alleviate capital misallocation and address risks of debt overhang. The authorities should ensure proper reporting of loans subject to forbearance and foster the preservation of banks’ liquidity and capital buffers. Provision of credit by real estate developers to homebuyers should be monitored closely and subject to stringent prudential requirements to avoid regulatory arbitrage. Intensified supervision efforts are warranted in the current environment. In the medium term, a comprehensive macroprudential policy strategy should be implemented, and a crisis resolution framework and deposit insurance scheme established.

    “Structural reforms are needed to diversify growth drivers and improve productivity. Enhancing skills and education is essential to reap the demographic dividend, foster technology adoption, and facilitate the transition to climate-resilient, higher-productivity industries. The government’s efforts to promote quality investment in higher-value-added activities and capture more of the value chain in agriculture are commendable. Further efforts to improve financial inclusion, advance digitalization, and enhance climate change resilience will also be needed for inclusive and sustainable development.

    “Continued efforts to strengthen institutions and governance, and to improve quality and transparency of public service deliveries would bolster long-term sustainable growth. Priorities include approval of the law on Whistleblower Protection, the draft law on Transparency, and the draft law on Access to Information. The National Audit Authority’s independence and resources should be strengthened along with improvements in the asset declaration regime and inter-agency cooperation. Addressing data limitations and improving macroeconomic data quality would benefit monitoring of the economy and policymaking. The IMF will continue to provide technical assistance to help improve statistics, and in other areas of capacity development.

    “The IMF team held discussions with senior officials of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the National Bank of Cambodia, and other public agencies, as well as a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of the business and banking sectors, and development partners. The team wishes to express its deep appreciation to the authorities and other interlocutors for open and constructive discussions.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/30/pr24349-cambodia-imf-staff-completes-2024-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: AIIB, Uzbekistan Cement Long-Term Partnership With Landmark Agreements at 9th AIIB Annual Meeting

    Source: Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) further solidified its long-standing partnership with the Republic of Uzbekistan through a series of agreements signed in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, at the Bank’s 9th Annual Meeting, its first in Central Asia.

    The agreements follow the signing of a three-year rolling pipeline for sovereign-backed financed projects by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and AIIB President Jin Liqun in Beijing. This strategic partnership established a solid foundation for the current agreements, aimed at supporting Uzbekistan’s sustainable development goals.

    At the Annual Meeting, the Bank and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) signed an agreement for a USD8.8 million contribution to support the Karakalpakstan and Khorezm Water Supply and Sanitation Project. This critical initiative aims to improve water resource management, sanitation services and flood risk management in some of Uzbekistan’s most water-stressed regions. The project aligns with AIIB’s green infrastructure and technology-enabled Infrastructure thematic priorities and is a key step in advancing Uzbekistan’s long-term goals for climate resilience and water security.

    Following this, AIIB signed a pivotal loan agreement with Asakabank, marking AIIB’s inaugural partnership with the financial institution. The RMB-denominated loan will expand Asakabank’s portfolio in renewable energy and energy efficiency and provide much-needed financial support for green investments. This agreement is a critical part of Uzbekistan’s energy transition strategy and highlights AIIB’s role in fostering climate-resilient infrastructure development across Central Asia.

    Building on this momentum, AIIB signed a mandate letter with SQB (formerly Sanoat Qurilish Bank) to promote sustainable energy projects. This partnership will provide longer-tenor funding than typically available in the market, equipping SQB to finance renewable energy projects and furthering AIIB’s contribution to Uzbekistan’s clean energy goals. The agreement strengthens the relationship that began with the signing of a letter of intent in January 2024.

    Finally, AIIB signed a grant agreement to expand and modernize the country’s public education infrastructure, which marked AIIB’s first project in Uzbekistan’s education sector. This project addresses the pressing need for additional classroom capacity and focuses on building new schools, renovating existing ones and introducing modern educational tools and technology. This initiative has special emphasis on gender inclusion, digital technology and climate resilience, and will ensure that Uzbekistan’s youth are well-equipped to meet the demands of the future.

    “The three-year rolling pipeline agreement between President Mirziyoyev and President Jin established a strategic framework for aligning Uzbekistan’s development goals with AIIB’s expertise and resources,” said Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB Vice President for Investment Clients Region 2 and Project and Corporate Finance, Global. “The agreements signed during the Annual Meeting further underscore AIIB’s commitment to advancing impactful, long-term projects that foster prosperity, resilience and sustainable growth in Uzbekistan.”

    “The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has been a long-standing partner of Uzbekistan, supporting our country in its pursuit of sustainable infrastructure and investment development, improving living conditions for people, and achieving the goals of the Strategy 2030,” said Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade and Governor for Uzbekistan at the AIIB. “The signing of the grant agreement for the project on the modernization and expansion of school infrastructure is another significant step on this path, supported by AIIB and our other partners.”

    AIIB’s continued investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy, education and water management demonstrate the Bank’s commitment to supporting Uzbekistan’s Sustainable Development Strategy: Vision 2030, which aims to alleviate poverty, promote inclusive growth and enhance resilience to global challenges. As AIIB and Uzbekistan continue to deepen their cooperation, these projects will serve as key drivers of the nation’s green transformation, promoting economic resilience and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

    About AIIB

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond—infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Medallion Bank Announces Fintech Strategic Partnership With Kashable

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Medallion Bank (Nasdaq: MBNKP), an FDIC-insured bank specializing in consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and home improvements, as well as loan products and services offered through fintech strategic partners, today announced a strategic partnership with Kashable, a leading fintech company dedicated to providing socially responsible credit and financial wellness solutions. This collaboration builds on Medallion Bank’s existing nationwide financing footprint while expanding Kashable’s services to a broader audience, offering working Americans access to affordable personal loans.

    “Adding Kashable to our growing strategic partnership program expands Medallion Bank’s consumer finance reach while supporting Kashable’s mission to improve the financial well-being of its customers” stated Donald Poulton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Medallion Bank. “Medallion Bank is proud to leverage our expertise in lending and partnerships to help extend Kashable’s services to a broader audience of working Americans.”

    Medallion Bank will originate personal loans on the Kashable platform, enhancing Kashable’s ability to introduce its services to employers, benefit administration platforms, marketplaces, and industry brokers, further solidifying its leadership in the financial wellness industry.

    “Our relationship with Medallion Bank provides Kashable with a strong financial partner that will support us on our journey to expand financial wellness into new communities, employers, and their employees. This partnership enables us to leverage our patented proprietary system and demonstrate an unparalleled ability to look beyond credit scores alone to reward long-term, stable employees,” added Einat Steklov, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Kashable. “The opportunities this partnership unlocks advance our mission of providing access to affordable credit with the convenience of automated repayments through deep integrations with HRIS and payroll systems.”

    About Medallion Bank

    Medallion Bank specializes in providing consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and home improvements, along with loan origination services to fintech strategic partners. The Bank works directly with thousands of dealers, contractors and financial service providers serving their customers throughout the United States. Medallion Bank is a Utah-chartered, FDIC-insured industrial bank headquartered in Salt Lake City and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medallion Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: MFIN).

    For more information, visit http://www.medallionbank.com.

    About Kashable, LLC

    Kashable is a financial technology company that provides access to Socially Responsible Credit™ and financial wellness solutions for employees, offered as an employer-sponsored voluntary benefit. By partnering with hundreds of employers, Kashable helps to provide access to financial health and wellness tools to millions of employees.

    Founded in 2013, Kashable deploys innovative technology to improve the financial well-being of working Americans with a commitment to both reliability and affordability. Offering a smart, economical, and fast alternative for employees who may otherwise be driven to borrow from retirement plans, high-rate credit cards, or other high-cost loans to bridge short-term gaps in their finances, Kashable focuses on providing a path to financial security.

    For more information, visit Kashable.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Please note that this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to business performance, cash flow, costs, sales, net investment income, earnings, returns and growth. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “remain,” “anticipate” or the negative version of this word or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature, such as “look forward.” These statements may relate to our future earnings, returns, capital levels, sources of funding, growth prospects, asset quality and pursuit and execution of our strategy. Medallion Bank’s actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements. For a description of certain risks to which Medallion Bank is or may be subject, please refer to the factors discussed under the captions “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” included in Medallion Bank’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the FDIC. Medallion Bank’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and other FDIC filings are available in the Investor Relations section of Medallion Bank’s website. Medallion Bank’s financial results for any period are not necessarily indicative of Medallion Financial Corp.’s results for the same period.

    Medallion Bank Contact:
    Investor Relations
    212-328-2176
    InvestorRelations@medallion.com

    Kashable Contact:
    Kashable@mww.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: reAlpha Invests in Xmore AI to Advance AI-Powered Cybersecurity Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ohio, Sept. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (“reAlpha”) (Nasdaq: AIRE), a real estate technology company developing and commercializing artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, today announced the selection of Xmore AI as the first company to secure investment from its newly launched reAlpha AI Labs, reAlpha’s research and development initiative.

    Xmore AI, co-founded by Dr. Benjamin Yan and Adrian Self, leverages over a decade of research in AI-driven cybersecurity and has developed a platform that consolidates multiple cybersecurity tools into a seamless, AI-driven solution, ensuring that enterprises can operate securely in a rapidly evolving digital environment. Dr. Yan is a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Michigan State University. Adrian Self, a cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in blockchain security and embedded systems, complements Dr. Yan’s expertise with his hands-on approach to security assessments and technology integration. This investment marks a strategic milestone for reAlpha AI Labs to accelerate the development of AI technologies and advance technology innovation in the real estate industry.

    Mike Logozzo, President and Chief Operating Officer of reAlpha, emphasized the broader impact of Xmore AI’s technology: “At reAlpha AI Labs, we aim to create an environment where innovative AI startups can thrive. Xmore AI’s focus on cybersecurity aligns with our vision and we believe Xmore AI’s technology will enhance the security and scalability across our AI homebuying platform and our recently acquired portfolio companies.” reAlpha’s recently acquired portfolio companies include Naamche, Hyperfast, Be My Neighbor, and AiChat.

    “Xmore AI represents the next generation of forward-thinking innovation we envisioned to collaborate with when we launched reAlpha AI Labs,” said Vinayak Grover, Associate Vice President of AI Labs at reAlpha. “Their expertise in cybersecurity, particularly for AI operations, will be critical as AI becomes more integrated into enterprise systems.”

    In addition to enhancing reAlpha’s AI homebuying platform through its AI-cybersecurity expertise, Xmore AI is developing a software that will consolidate multiple cybersecurity tools to provide AI-cybersecurity solutions to enterprises in multiple industries. At the core of Xmore AI’s innovation is its ability to address the unique vulnerabilities created by the rapid expansion of AI across industries. We believe Xmore AI is well-positioned to address critical challenges like data privacy, compliance, and risk management, by providing innovative solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the cybersecurity landscape.

    “With AI becoming more integrated into how businesses operate, it is essential that cybersecurity evolves alongside it,” said Dr. Yan, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xmore AI. “Through our partnership with reAlpha AI Labs, we believe we are in a position to deliver scalable, cutting-edge security solutions that protect enterprises from the emerging risks of AI integration.”

    Launched earlier this year, reAlpha AI Labs is designed to support innovative AI startups with funding, technical resources, and strategic partnerships. By providing early-stage funding along with access to reAlpha’s extensive network, the program is committed to accelerating the growth and efficacy of AI-driven solutions.

    The incubation of Xmore AI not only highlights reAlpha AI Labs’ commitment to cybersecurity, but it also marks reAlpha AI Labs’ broader mission to drive AI advancements across sectors like real estate, fintech, and enterprise technology.

    About reAlpha Tech Corp.

    reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) is a real estate technology company developing an end-to-end commission-free homebuying platform. Utilizing the power of AI and an acquisition-led growth strategy, reAlpha’s goal is to offer a more affordable, streamlined experience for those on the journey to homeownership. For more information, visit https://www.realpha.com/.

    About Xmore AI

    Xmore AI is developing a software that will offer innovative AI-driven cybersecurity solutions by consolidating multiple cybersecurity tools into a single platform, which will provide real-time risk analysis, vulnerability detection, and IT operations management, all while ensuring privacy by keeping data within the enterprise.

    About the reAlpha Platform

    reAlpha (previously called “Claire”), announced on April 24, 2024, is reAlpha’s generative AI-powered, commission-free, homebuying platform. The tagline: No fees. Just keys.™ – reflects reAlpha’s dedication to eliminating traditional barriers and making homebuying more accessible and transparent.

    reAlpha’s introduction aligns with major shifts in the real estate sector after the National Association of Realtors agreed to settle certain lawsuits upon being found to have violated antitrust laws, resulting in inflated fees paid to buy-side agents. This development is expected to result in the end of the standard six percent sales commission, which equates to approximately $100 billion in realtor fees paid annually. The reAlpha platform offers a cost-free alternative for homebuyers by utilizing an AI-driven workflow that assists them through the homebuying process.

    Homebuyers using the reAlpha platform’s conversational interface will be able to interact with Claire, reAlpha’s AI buyer’s agent, to guide them through every step of their homebuying journey, from property search to closing the deal. By offering support 24/7, Claire is poised to make the homebuying process more efficient, enjoyable, and cost-efficient. Claire matches buyers with their dream homes using over 400 data attributes and provides insights into market trends and property values. Additionally, Claire can assist with questions, booking property tours, submitting offers, and negotiations.

    Currently, the reAlpha platform is under limited availability for homebuyers located in 20 counties in Florida, but reAlpha is actively seeking new MLS and brokerage licenses that will enable expansion into more U.S. states.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about Xmore AI’s technology and the reAlpha AI Labs initiative; the anticipated benefits of Xmore AI’s technology and the reAlpha AI Labs initiative; reAlpha’s ability to anticipate the future needs of the short-term rental market; future trends in the real estate, technology and artificial intelligence industries, generally; and reAlpha’s future growth strategy and growth rate. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “project”, “strive”, “budget”, “forecast”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: reAlpha’s limited operating history and that reAlpha has not yet fully developed its AI-based technologies; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; whether reAlpha’s technology and products will be accepted and adopted by its customers and intended users; reAlpha’s ability to leverage Xmore AI’s technology and the reAlpha AI Labs initiative into its existing business and the anticipated demand for reAlpha AI Labs collaborations and partnerships; Xmore AI’s ability to develop its software to consolidate cybersecurity tools to provide AI-cybersecurity solutions to enterprises and the anticipated demand for such software; the inability to maintain and strengthen reAlpha’s brand and reputation; the inability to accurately forecast demand for short-term rentals and AI-based real estate focused products; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain reAlpha’s growth; the inability of reAlpha’s customers to pay for reAlpha’s services; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in reAlpha’s U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although reAlpha believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. reAlpha’s future results, level of activity, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements. For more information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to reAlpha’s filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and reAlpha does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Media
    irlabs on behalf of reAlpha
    Fatema Bhabrawala
    fatema@irlabs.ca

    1 https://market.us/report/ai-in-cybersecurity-market/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Phase 2 of Government and Business partnership to be launched

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, September 30, 2024

    President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to launch Phase 2 of the Business and Government partnership on Tuesday.

    The launch will be held at the Industrial Development Corporation in Johannesburg.

    READ | Deepening government, business partnership critical for SA

    “The partnership was established over a year ago with the aim of securing progress in energy, transport and logistics, and the combating of crime and corruption as enablers of economic growth and the creation of jobs.

    “The partnership has made substantial progress thus far, particularly in the significant reduction in load shedding. 

    “President Cyril Ramaphosa and senior government and business leaders will provide feedback on progress to date, and ambitions for the year ahead,” the Presidency said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: QUADIENT: Signing of a contract with an investment service provider to execute the share buyback program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     

    Signing of a contract with an investment service provider to execute the share buyback program

    Paris, 30 September 2024

    Quadient S.A. (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, today announces the signing of a share buyback contract with an investment services provider to execute its share buyback program announced Monday 23 September1.

    Under the terms of this contract, Quadient mandates the investment service provider to acquire shares on the market and on its behalf for up to €30 million (total purchase price excluding ancillary costs) over a period of up to 18 months2.

    The share buyback program will be carried out under the authorization granted by the 2024 Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on 14 June 2024, and may be renewed or extended, up to a maximum of 10% of the total number of shares comprising the share capital of the Company as set out in the 19th resolution of the 2024 Annual General Meeting. Quadient intends to cancel the shares acquired through the share buyback program apart from a portion of up to €10 million, which will be dedicated to future equity-based long term incentive plans for employees and management, as set out in the 19th resolution of the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

    The buybacks will be carried out subject to market conditions and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations, including the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014 and the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052. Quadient hereby confirms the absence of any agreement with any of its existing shareholders regarding their potential participation in the share buyback program.

    About Quadient®

    Quadient is a global automation platform provider powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing.

    For more information about Quadient, visit https://invest.quadient.com/en/

    Contacts

    1Press release announcing the share buyback program can be found here

    2Subject to the renewal of the share buyback authorizations at the 2025 AGM

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Changes in the number of own shares held by Aktia Bank Plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Aktia Bank Plc
    Stock Exchange Release
    30 September 2024 at 1.00 p.m.

    Changes in the number of own shares held by Aktia Bank Plc

    Aktia Bank Plc has today, based on a decision made by the company’s Board of Directors, transferred a total of 4,586 own shares held by the company to eight persons based on the company’s remuneration programs. Of the transferred shares, 2,086 were transferred to six persons as part of variable remuneration previously deferred in accordance with regulation, and 2,500 shares to two persons as part of the Restricted Share Plan.

    The divestment of own shares is based on the authorisation by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on 3 April 2024. After the above-mentioned divestments, a total of 71,490 shares remain in the company’s possession.

    Aktia Bank Plc

    Further information:
    Oscar Taimitarha, Director, Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 562 2315, ir (at) aktia.fi

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Mass media
    http://www.aktia.com

    Aktia is a Finnish asset manager, bank and life insurer that has been creating wealth and wellbeing from one generation to the next for 200 years. We serve our customers in digital channels everywhere and face-to-face in our offices in the Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Vaasa and Oulu regions. Our award-winning asset management business sells investment funds internationally. We employ approximately 850 people around Finland. Aktia’s assets under management (AuM) on 30 June 2024 amounted to EUR 14.1 billion, and the balance sheet total was EUR 12.4 billion. Aktia’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd (AKTIA). aktia.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Issue of Equity and Total Voting Rights and Capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Albion Development VCT PLC

    Issue of Equity and Total Voting Rights and Capital

    LEI Code 213800FDDMBD9QLHLB38

    Albion Development VCT PLC (the “Company”) announces that, further to the Dividend Reinvestment Scheme (details of which were set out in the Circular issued to shareholders in August 2008), the Company allotted 601,452 Ordinary shares of 1 penny each (the “new ordinary shares”) in the capital of the Company on 30 September 2024. The new ordinary shares were issued at a price of 93.51 pence per ordinary share, comprising the most recent net asset value less the dividend of 2.40 pence per ordinary share.

    Accordingly, application has been made to the UK Listing Authority for the admission of the 601,452 new ordinary shares to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading on the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities and it is expected that dealings will commence on 1 October 2024. The new ordinary shares will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares in issue.

    Following the issue of the new ordinary shares, the capital of the Company as at 30 September 2024 consists of 167,999,646 ordinary shares of which 19,309,045 shares are held in treasury.

    Therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 148,690,601 which may be used by shareholders or other persons as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

    30 September 2024

    For further information please contact:

    Vikash Hansrani
    Operations Partner
    Albion Capital Group LLP
    Tel: 020 7601 1850

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Singapore and Ghana Launch First Call for Project Applications under Implementation Agreement on Carbon Credits Cooperation

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Singapore, 30 September 2024 — Singapore and Ghana have set out the processes for authorising carbon credit projects under their Implementation Agreement on carbon  credits cooperation, in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Applications may be submitted through Singapore’s Carbon Markets Cooperation website, at http://www.carbonmarkets-cooperation.gov.sg.

    2               The carbon credit projects authorised under the Implementation Agreement will channel financing towards emissions reduction or removal projects in Ghana. These projects can promote sustainable development and generate benefits for local communities, including job creation, clean water access, improvements to energy security, and reducing environmental pollution (See Annex A for potential project types).

    3               Authorised projects can generate carbon credits aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Under Singapore’s International Carbon Credit (ICC) Framework, these credits may be eligible for use by Singapore-based carbon tax-liable companies to offset up to 5% of their taxable emissions.

    4               From 30 September 2024, interested parties may submit applications for their carbon credit projects in Ghana to be authorised. Applications submitted will be reviewed by Singapore and Ghana governments on a rolling basis as they are received.

    Application and Authorisation Process

    5               The application and authorisation process comprises four stages, each corresponding to a different stage of implementation for the carbon credit project (See Annex B). The first three stages require applicants to submit details on the design and implementation plan for the carbon credit project in the lead-up to project authorisation. The final stage is for corresponding adjustments to be applied to the carbon credits generated from the authorised project, in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

    6               Singapore and Ghana will assess applications against each country’s respective requirements. For Singapore, these projects must meet Singapore’s Eligibility Criteria for International Carbon Credits. The Eligibility Criteria, and the list of eligible carbon crediting programmes and methodologies under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement, are at Annex C, and on the Carbon Markets Cooperation website. The list will be reviewed regularly to maintain relevance and uphold environmental integrity.

    Annex A

    Potential Carbon Credit Project Types for Applications

    Project Type Description
    Clean Water Supply Rural communities are provided with water purification technologies (e.g. UV-based disinfection systems). This empowers communities with an alternate source of clean and safe drinking water without relying on the conventional method of using firewood to boil water. This reduces carbon emissions from burning firewood and associated deforestation activities, and carbon credits are issued based on the emissions reduced.
     
    Local communities can also benefit from improved water safety and security.
    Efficient and Clean Cookstoves In rural areas where households use firewood for their cooking and heating needs, the switch to efficient and clean cookstoves (e.g. cookstoves that use renewable fuel like biogas or solar energy) enables households to meet their cooking and heating needs more efficiently and cleanly. This reduces the burning of firewood and resulting carbon emissions from deforestation. Carbon credits are issued based on the emissions reduced.
     
    Co-benefits are also delivered to local communities, including cleaner air quality through the reduction of firewood burning.
    Green Mobility As Electric Vehicles (EVs) replace fossil fuel-powered vehicles for transportation needs, there are emissions reductions as EVs are more efficient and potentially powered by green energy. Carbon credits are issued based on the emissions reduced.
     
    There are also sustainable development benefits for local communities. Skilled jobs are created for the maintenance of EV infrastructure, and improves air quality from reduced reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

    Annex B

    Flowchart of Application and Authorisation Process

    Joint Committee The Joint Committee is a coordination body that oversees the administration of the Implementation Agreement. The Joint Committee under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement is co-chaired by the Director-General of Climate Change at the National Climate Change Secretariat of Singapore, and the Director of Environment, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation of Ghana.
    Stage A: Project Application Applicants are to submit a concept note on the intended project, indicating the programme and methodology that the project will be developed under, and broadly how the project will be implemented to uphold environmental integrity (e.g. explanations on how the project will demonstrate additionality).
    Stage B: Project Design As the project concept is further developed, applicants are to submit a project design document (PDD) on the intended project. The PDD should contain the detailed implementation plan (e.g. how the baseline emissions will be determined, how the project will address permanence and leakage concerns).
    Stage C: Project Authorisation Under this stage, applicants are to submit a validation report from a third-party auditor determining that the project design meets all the rules and requirements of the intended methodology and carbon crediting programme. After receiving Letters of Authorisation from both Singapore and Ghana, the project should proceed to be registered under the intended carbon crediting programme, and proceed to implementation.
    Stage D: Corresponding Adjustment Application As the authorised project is implemented and the emission reductions and removals have been verified by a third-party auditor, the carbon crediting programme will issue carbon credits to the project. Applicants are to submit a Proof of Issuance from the carbon crediting programme accompanied with the verification report from the third-party auditor, to be considered for corresponding adjustments to be applied to the issued carbon credits, in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

     

    Annex C

    Singapore’s Eligibility Criteria and the Eligibility List under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement

    Eligibility Criteria

     1               The Eligibility Criteria requires ICCs to represent emissions reductions or removals that occur within the timeframe specified under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and meet seven principles to demonstrate environmental integrity (see Table C-1 below).

     Table C-1: Eligibility Criteria for ICCs

    Principle Definition
    To comply with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the certified emissions reductions or removals must have occurred between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2030.
    Not double-counted The certified emissions reductions or removals must not be counted more than once in contravention of the Paris Agreement.
    Additional The certified emissions reductions or removals must exceed any emissions reduction or removals required by any law or regulatory requirement of the host country, and that would otherwise have occurred in a conservative, business-as-usual scenario.
    Real The certified emissions reductions or removals must have been quantified based on a realistic, defensible, and conservative estimate of the amount of emissions that would have occurred in a business-as-usual scenario, assuming the project or programme that generated the certified emission reductions or removals had not been carried out.
    Quantified and verified The certified emissions reductions or removals must have been calculated in a manner that is conservative and transparent, and must have been measured and verified by an accredited and independent third-party verification entity before the ICC was issued.
    Permanent The certified emissions reductions or removals must not be reversible, or if there is a risk that the certified emissions reductions or removals may be reversible, there must be measures in place to monitor, mitigate and compensate any material reversal of the certified emissions reductions or removals.
    No net harm The project or programme that generated the certified emissions reductions or removals must not violate any applicable laws, regulatory requirements, or international obligations of the host country.
    No leakage The project or programme that generated the certified emissions reductions or removals must not result in a material increase in emissions elsewhere, or if there is a risk of a material increase in emissions elsewhere, there must be measures in place to monitor, mitigate and compensate any such material increase in emissions.

    Eligibility List under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement

     2               The Eligibility List of carbon crediting programmes and methodologies in Table C-2 adhere to the Eligibility Criteria and meet the requirements of both Singapore and Ghana. The carbon crediting programmes and methodologies that are eligible may be different for each host country, as host countries also have their own criteria.

     Table C-2: Eligibility List under the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement 

    Carbon Crediting Programmes  Methodologies 
    Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG)  All active methodologies published before 31 March 2023, except those under the “Land Use and Forestry & Agriculture” category of GS4GG 
    Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)  All active methodologies published before 31 March 2023, except those that are under the “Sectoral Scope 14” category of VCS, with these allowable exceptions: 
    ·     Scenario 2a and 3 of VCS Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR) framework  
    ·     VM0012 
    ·     VM0017 
    ·     VM0021 
    ·     VM0022 
    ·     VM0024 
    ·     VM0026 (and VMD0040) 
    ·     VM0032 
    ·     VM0033  
    ·     VM0036  
    ·     VM0041 
    ·     VM0042 
     
    Where any VCS methodology is used, the project participant will be required to demonstrate the Sustainable Development contributions or co-benefits of the relevant mitigation activity by submitting to the Joint Committee its verification report under the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards (CCB Standards), the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta) or another standard recognised by VCS for such purpose. 

    Annex D

    Information on the Singapore-Ghana Implementation Agreement

     1               Singapore and Ghana signed an Implementation Agreement on carbon credits cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on 27 May 2024. Since the signing, Singapore has been working with Ghana to operationalise the Implementation Agreement.

     2               As an additional contribution to mitigation of global emissions, Singapore has committed to having 2% of the correspondingly adjusted carbon credits authorised under this Implementation Agreement cancelled at first issuance. These carbon credits cannot be sold, traded, or counted towards any country’s emission targets, and will instead contribute towards a net reduction in global emissions.

     3               Singapore has committed to channelling the value from 5% of the correspondingly adjusted carbon credits authorised under this Implementation Agreement towards adaptation measures such as heat resilience measures and coastal protection in Ghana.

     4               This is the second Implementation Agreement for Singapore, after the first with Papua New Guinea which was signed in December 2023. Singapore signed MOUs / Letters of Intent on carbon credits collaboration with countries such as Bhutan, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Vietnam, Rwanda, Senegal, and Sri Lanka, with the aim of inking similar Implementation Agreements.

     5               Effective international cooperation, such as through carbon markets, is an important part of Singapore’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, given Singapore’s national circumstances as an alternative-energy disadvantaged country with limited domestic mitigation potential.

     

     

     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNICEF and WFP unveil eco-friendly joint office in Uganda

    Source: World Food Programme

    KAMPALA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) have today inaugurated a new eco-friendly joint office complex on Mbuya Hill, Kampala, marking a significant milestone in their partnership to serve vulnerable communities in Uganda.

    Built on 2.6 acres, the new eco-friendly office space is designed with sustainability at its core. Around 80 per cent of the building’s energy needs will be met through solar power, reflecting both agencies’ commitment to environmental stewardship. The building also features water recycling, rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment initiatives, and energy-efficient designs to maximise natural light. 

    “The UN remains committed to delivering critical services to those most in need in Uganda,” said Susan Ngongi Namondo, UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda. “This joint office is a testament to our commitment to collaboration, maximising resources, and delivering impactful services to the people of Uganda.”

    The office complex also includes amenities to support staff well-being such as a wellness centre, green spaces, and gender-sensitive facilities like breastfeeding rooms. A conference facility and multiple creative spaces are also included to encourage cross-sector collaboration and innovation.  

    “This new eco-friendly office demonstrates WFP’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the well-being of our employees, and the strength of partnership. By working together, we are better equipped to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of vulnerable communities in Uganda,” said Abdirahman Meygag, WFP’s Country Director in Uganda.   

    This building project, which began with a ground-breaking ceremony on 13 December 2022 has contributed to Uganda’s economy through local procurement of construction materials, technical services, and the creation of around 200 jobs, including employment opportunities for women and youth.

    “This new climate-smart office building is more than just a workspace; it is a symbol of our commitment to building a sustainable future for the next generation. By investing in eco-friendly infrastructure, we are demonstrating to the children of today that their future matters. This building embodies our responsibility to protect not only the most vulnerable, but also the environment they will inherit,” said Munir Safieldin, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.

    A tree-planting ceremony will follow the inauguration, symbolising UNICEF’s and WFP’s commitment to sustainability. Staff are expected to transition to the new premises before the end of the year.

    ###

    About WFP

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. 

    Follow us on @WFP_Uganda @WFP_Africa

    About UNICEF

    UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential. UNICEF’s work is funded entirely through voluntary contributions.

    For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit http://www.unicef.org/uganda 

    Follow UNICEF on X,  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Student Olympiad “I am a professional”: the new season has started

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    September 26th was held press conference, dedicated to the opening of the VIII season of the student Olympiad “I am a professional“, the co-organizer of which is the Higher School of Economics. This project of the presidential platform “Russia – the Country of Opportunities” is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

    “I am a professional” is a large-scale platform for testing the knowledge and applied skills of students from Russian universities. The Olympiad has been held since 2017 and covers more than 70 subject areas – from aircraft manufacturing to artificial intelligence. The list of areas is updated annually, taking into account the requests of participants and current changes in the labor market. In the VIII season, such new disciplines as “Project Management” and “Digital Product Management and Innovation” will be presented.

    Participants of the Olympiad learn to solve industry practical problems, which allows training highly qualified specialists already at the stage of study at the university. All tasks are developed by experts from leading universities and research institutes, of which there are more than 30, together with specialists from more than 600 partner companies, including Yandex, Sber, VTB, Rosatom and others.

    “I am a professional” pursues two global goals: to create conditions for professional and personal development of Russian youth and to increase the number of those who seek opportunities for self-realization and want to be successful in the Russian labor market. Therefore, the main idea of this season was the theme “Work and study in Russia”.

    “In Russia, the need for professionals is enormous — all industries need fresh ideas and people who can implement them. Today is the best time to study and work in Russia, because it is here that the best opportunities open up, the most interesting professional challenges, and therefore career prospects, are available. “I am a professional” helps a talented student and his potential employer find each other. The largest and most technologically advanced companies in our country are looking for ambitious interns. “I am a professional” is not just an Olympiad, it is a community that supports you, where your potential is revealed, where you grow both as an individual and as a highly competent specialist,” says Andrey Betin, Executive Director of ANO “Russia — Country of Opportunities”, Rector of the Senezh Management Workshop.

    Over the past seven seasons, more than 1.2 million students have taken part in the Olympiad. The number of registrations is several times higher: in the seventh season alone, over 850 thousand were received, of which more than 17 thousand were students of the Higher School of Economics, which corresponds to the second position in the university rankings by total number of registrations. Moreover, in 2023, HSE was the university that organized seven areas – economics, design, sociology, journalism, business informatics, urban studies and quantum technologies – for which more than 100 thousand registrations were recorded.

    The best participants of the Olympiad receive benefits when entering the master’s and postgraduate programs of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and other leading universities, as well as the opportunity to do an internship and start a career in a large Russian company. Prizes from 100 to 300 thousand rubles are provided for the medalists of the Olympiad: over seven seasons, the total amount of cash prizes amounted to more than 500 million rubles for 3,500 medalists.

    The Olympiad includes the Career Development Center “I am a Professional”, which provides access to internships and vacancies in leading Russian companies, consultations with career experts, educational events and excursions to the offices and production facilities of industry leaders – partners of the Olympiad. More than 300 thousand Olympiad participants gained experience in career navigation, and more than 100 thousand completed internships with the possibility of subsequent employment.

    In Season VIII, it is planned to expand access to the career portal – a platform where each participant can find a vacancy in the profile they are interested in. The opportunity to respond will also be available to Olympiad participants who have successfully passed the selection stage.

    “Today’s economic situation and challenges require new approaches to personnel training. The main task is to help young people not only gain knowledge, but also develop the skills that will allow them to confidently look to the future, adapt to changes and become leaders in their fields. The Olympiad participants are the people who will move the Russian economy forward tomorrow, create innovations and make our country stronger. And we, for our part, are doing everything possible to ensure that these young talents receive support and motivation for further development,” commented Alexander Shokhin, President of the HSE University and President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/edu/968285066.html

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC] – 27 09 2024 – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 27 SEPTEMBER 2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 10,320,990 1.3029    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 10,320,990 1.3029    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.375p ORDINARY SELL 5,700 75.444p
    0.375p ORDINARY SELL 6,291 76.4337p
    0.375p ORDINARY BUY 60 76.9p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

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

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

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

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

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

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

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

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
    Contact name: DAN SALISBURY
    Telephone number: 01253 376532

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ivorian Fintech, Daba Finance Crowned 2024 Ecobank Fintech Challenge Winner, taking home US$50,000

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    LOMÉ, Togo, September 30, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Ecobank (www.Ecobank.com), the leading pan-African financial services group, announced Daba Finance, the Ivorian Fintech, as the Grand Winner of its flasghip Ecobank Fintech Challenge 2024.

    Twelve (12) innovative fintech startups competed to impress the esteemed panel of five judges for the US$50,000 prize. The judges, comprised of renowned industry experts, evaluated the finalists based on criteria such as innovation, market potential, scalability and team strength.

    After fierce competition, Daba Finance takes home US$50,000 with its solution to make investing accessible to everyone by offering a one-stop investment platform for trading stocks, bonds, and other financial products.

    BOUM III JR, CEO of Daba Finance, expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity and the recognition, stating, “Winning this challenge propels our mission to make investing and wealth building opportunities available for all. With Ecobank as our partner, we are accelerating the journey to making our innovation accessible to millions and bringing financial empowerment to the continent.”

    The judges also rewarded two additional fintechs whose solutions made a lasting impression. Melanin Kapital from Kenya took second place, winning US$10,000 and Guinean’s fintech YMO secured third place with US$5,000. For the first time, the general public was given the opportunity to vote for their preferred fintech, and MiaPay from Togo won the “Public Choice Award” for this year’s edition.

    The 12 finalists were carefully selected from a record 1,550 Fintech Challenge 2024 entrants from 70 countries, demonstrating the competition’s rising prominence over its seven years. This also showcases the impressive innovation and creativity, especially on the African continent.

    At the Ceremony, all the finalists were enrolled into the prestigious Ecobank Fintech Fellowship programme, which provides them with valuable exposure to investors and industry leaders, access to Ecobank’s Banking Sandbox to test and develop their innovative solutions, with the possibility of scaling across the Bank’s large pan-African footprint.

    This annual event, which is unique in sub-Saharan Africa, is a testament to Ecobank’s commitment to helping African fintechs to develop and grow, and for the Bank to identify potential partnerships with fintechs which can be scaled to bridge the financial inclusion gap and streamline access to payments.

    During his remarks, Jeremy Awori, Group CEO of Ecobank stated, “The African continent is a hotbed for fintech innovation globally and is constantly pushing the boundaries to enhance convenience and establish new digitally enabled capabilities. Ecobank’s Fintech Strategy centres on leveraging our borderless pan-African digital platform, to provide cutting edge solutions to fintechs that will benefit millions of africans. I am particularly proud of what we have achieved so far with fintechs through our annual Ecobank Fintech Challenge.”

    He added: “I am hugely impressed by the quality of the pitch of our twelve finalists, and I want to congratulate Daba Finance for making it to the top of the podium. I look forward to seeing how our collaboration will help them grow and scale.” 

    He ended by expressing his sincere appreciation to the judges, sponsors and partners who include Konfidants, Proparco, Huawei, Asky Airlines, TechCabal, BlueSpace, Afrilabs, Africa Fintech Network, MEST Africa, Naija Startups, Expand in Africa and Founders Africa. He extended special thanks to Asky Airlines who donated round-trip tickets to the winners.

    Since its inception in 2017, the Ecobank Fintech Challenge has attracted over 7,000 applications from fintech innovators from 70 countries. This impressive pool of talent has resulted in 72 fintechs being inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [KEYWORDS STUDIOS PLC] – 27 09 2024 – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 KEYWORDS STUDIOS PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 27 SEPTEMBER 2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,382,971 1.7177    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,382,971 1.7177    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SELL 700 2432p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

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

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

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

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

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

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

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

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
    Contact name: DAN SALISBURY
    Telephone number: 01253 376532

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Tropical Storm Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>ATLANTA, Ga.- North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

    FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Homeowners and renters in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can apply.

    There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET daily. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

    To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

    FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allows North Carolinians access to a wider range of assistance and funds for serious needs.

    What You’ll Need When You Apply

    • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
    • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
    • Your Social Security number.
    • A general list of damage and losses.
    • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
    • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

    If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

    For the latest information about North Carolina’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How to Apply for FEMA Assistance in Florida After Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    How to Apply for FEMA Assistance in Florida After Hurricane Helene

    WASHINGTON — Florida homeowners and renters in 17 counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

    FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Homeowners and renters in Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties can apply.

    If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby and have additional damage from Hurricane Helene, you will need to apply separately for Helene and provide the dates of your most recent damage. Apply for either storm online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800- 621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

    FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allows Floridians access to a wider range of assistance and funds for serious needs.

    What You’ll Need When You Apply

    • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
    • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
    • Your Social Security number.
    • A general list of damage and losses.
    • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
    • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

    If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

    For the latest information about Florida’s Hurricane Helene recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom issues legislative update 9.29.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 29, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:
     

    • AB 98 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Planning and zoning: logistics use: truck routes.
    • AB 347 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Household product safety: toxic substances: testing and enforcement.
    • AB 772 by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – Child day care facilities.
    • AB 796 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Athletic trainers.
    • AB 801 by Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) – Student privacy: online personal information.
    • AB 866 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) – Juveniles: care and treatment.
    • AB 977 by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) – Emergency departments: assault and battery.
    • AB 1755 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) – Civil actions: restitution for or replacement of a new motor vehicle. A signing message can be found here.
    • AB 1810 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Incarcerated persons: menstrual products.
    • AB 1824 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) – California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt out right: mergers.
    • AB 1825 by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) – California Freedom to Read Act.
    • AB 1841 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Student safety: opioid overdose reversal medication: student housing facilities.
    • AB 1843 by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) – Emergency ambulance employees.
    • AB 1907 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – California Child and Family Service Review System: Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment.
    • AB 1934 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) – Digital financial asset businesses.
    • AB 2074 by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) – Pupil instruction: English Learner Roadmap Policy: statewide implementation plan. A signing message can be found here.
    • AB 2096 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Restraining orders: educational institutions.
    • AB 2119 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Mental health.
    • AB 2123 by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) – Disability compensation: paid family leave.
    • AB 2129 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Immediate postpartum contraception.
    • AB 2132 by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell) – Health care services: tuberculosis.
    • AB 2164 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Physicians and surgeons: licensure requirements: disclosure.
    • AB 2192 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Public agencies: cost accounting standards.
    • AB 2215 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Criminal procedure: arrests.
    • AB 2224 by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) – Special immigrant juvenile status: court orders and guardianship.
    • AB 2245 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Certificated school employees: permanent status: regional occupational centers or programs operated by single school districts.
    • AB 2318 by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) – State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account: receipts and expenditures: report.
    • AB 2343 by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) – CalWORKs: childcare programs.
    • AB 2357 by Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield) – University of California: school of medicine: University of California Kern County Medical Education Endowment Fund. A signing message can be found here.
    • AB 2377 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Sylmar) – Pupil instruction: physical education: accommodation: religious fasting.
    • AB 2443 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Transactions and use taxes: Cities of Lancaster, Palmdale, and Victorville.
    • AB 2458 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Public postsecondary education: student parents.
    • AB 2475 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Parole.
    • AB 2483 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Postconviction proceedings.
    • AB 2484 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Courts: juveniles: remote proceedings.
    • AB 2493 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – Tenancy: application screening fee.
    • AB 2499 by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) – Employment: unlawful discrimination and paid sick days: victims of violence.
    • AB 2531 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Deaths while in law enforcement custody: reporting.
    • AB 2738 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Sylmar) – Labor Code: alternative enforcement: occupational safety. A signing message can be found here.
    • AB 2741 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) – Rental car companies: electronic surveillance technology.
    • AB 2843 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) – Health care coverage: rape and sexual assault.
    • AB 2883 by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell) – California State University: University of California: Lunar New Year holiday.
    • AB 2988 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) – Courts.
    • AB 2998 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) – Opioid overdose reversal medications: pupil administration.
    • AB 3059 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Human milk.
    • AB 3145 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Family preservation services: standards.
    • AB 3206 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) – Alcoholic beverages: hours of sale: arenas in the City of Inglewood. A signing message can be found here. 
    • AB 3258 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) – Refinery and chemical plants.
    • SB 285 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – Criminal procedure: sentencing.
    • SB 379 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Victim services: restorative justice.
    • SB 442 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Sexual battery.
    • SB 504 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Wildfires: defensible space: grant programs: local governments.
    • SB 551 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) – Beverage containers: recycling.
    • SB 575 by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) – Marriage: underage marriage.
    • SB 918 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Law enforcement contact process: search warrants.
    • SB 940 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Civil disputes.
    • SB 946 by Senator Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) – Personal Income Tax Law: Corporation Tax Law: exclusions: wildfire mitigation payments.
    • SB 958 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Surplus state property: County of Napa.
    • SB 1143 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – Paint products: stewardship program.
    • SB 1174 by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) – Elections: voter identification.
    • SB 1303 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Public works.
    • SB 1379 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) – Public Employees’ Retirement Law: reinstatement: County of Solano.
    • SB 1386 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Evidence: sexual assault.

     The Governor also announced that he has vetoed the following bills:

    • AB 637 by Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – Zero-emission vehicles: fleet owners: rental vehicles. A veto message can be found here. 
    • AB 1111 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) – Cannabis: small producer event sales license. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1122 by Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield) – Commercial harbor craft: equipment. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1296 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) – Bar pilots: regulation of vessels. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1890 by Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) – Public works: prevailing wage. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1895 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Public health: maternity ward closures. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1973 by Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) – Personal Income Tax Law: Corporation Tax Law: Bobcat Fire: exclusions. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2058 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) – Devices: disclosures. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2178 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) – Prisons: bed thresholds. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2447 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) – California State University: fiscal transparency: internet website. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2693 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – Childhood sexual assault: statute of limitations. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2773 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) – Elders and dependent adults: abuse or neglect. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2892 by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell) – Vehicles: financial responsibility: self-insurance. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3179 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) – Emergency telecommunications medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3245 by Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) – Coverage for colorectal cancer screening. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3282 by the Committee on Judiciary – Courts. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 299 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Voter registration: California New Motor Voter Program. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 336 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – State grant programs: negotiated indirect cost rates. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 542 by Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) – Personal Income Tax Law: Corporation Tax Law: wildfires: exclusions. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 615 by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) – Vehicle traction batteries. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 782 by Senator Monique Limόn (D-Santa Barbara) – Gubernatorial appointments: report. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 984 by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) – Public agencies: project labor agreements. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1022 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – Enforcement of civil rights. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1066 by Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) – Hazardous waste: marine flares: manufacturer responsibility. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1155 by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) – Political Reform Act of 1974: postgovernment employment restrictions. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1281 by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley/Burbank) – Advancing Equity and Access in the Self-Determination Program Act. A veto message can be found here.

    For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

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