NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnicians at the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Egypt

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The international student construction team “Dune” has completed its work in Egypt. 49 people from different parts of our country worked at the construction site of the first Egyptian nuclear power plant “El-Dabaa”. Polytechnic University was represented in the team by fifth-year student of IPMET Darina Zaitseva and sixth-year student of ISI Maria Khorosheva.

    The International Student Construction Team “Dune” was founded in 2021 and is a labor project of the All-Russian Youth Public Organization “Russian Student Teams”. The host organization of the labor project is the holding company “TITAN-2” (a strategic partner of the State Corporation “Rosatom”). This is one of the largest holdings that carries out construction, installation and other types of work at construction sites in Russia and abroad.

    Darina Zaitseva worked at the construction site of the nuclear power plant in the economics and finance directorate (control and other expenses department). She kept a register of memos on employee transfers, processed documents and entered information into a special program. Based on the results of her work, Darina was recognized as the best fighter in the detachment.

    Of course, this is an unforgettable experience. Both in terms of working in another country and in terms of working on a project of such a scale! I never thought that I would ever be able to take part in the construction of a nuclear power plant. Immersion in another culture, completely different from ours, gave me vivid impressions. It is one thing to come as a tourist, and another to live for two months in constant interaction with local residents. And I want to say a big thank you for the fascinating excursions to the management of the TITAN-2 holding. In general, no matter how you look at it, this entire trip was filled with new experiences and unforgettable emotions! – said Darina.

    Maria Khorosheva worked in the quality control directorate, visiting the construction site daily as part of the inspection commission. In addition to work, excursions were organized for the children to the Alexandria Library, the World War II Museum in El Alamein, and, of course, to Cairo to visit the famous pyramids of Giza.

    Working on such a large-scale project once again proved to me how much I love construction. It was very interesting not only to watch, but also to participate in the construction of a unique industrial building, such as a nuclear power plant. For me, this experience showed what kind of construction industry I would like to work in. And, of course, I went abroad for the first time and fulfilled my childhood dream – to visit Africa! – shared Maria.

    El Dabaa NPP is the first nuclear power plant in Egypt. It is being built in the city of the same name in the Matrouh Governorate on the Mediterranean coast, approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Cairo. El Dabaa consists of four power units with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts each, equipped with Russian-class VVER-1200 water-moderated reactors of the latest third generation.

    In 2022, workers at the El Dabaa NPP successfully completed the course of Russian as a foreign language and received certificates. The training was organized by the Rosatom Technical Academy as part of the comprehensive training of specialists. The training complex, designed for accelerated language acquisition, was developed by teachers of the Center for Russian as a Foreign Language (Center for RCL) of the Higher School of International Educational Programs of SPbPU.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Hola Prime Launches Industry-First One-on-One Mentorship from Market Experts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The trading industry has long suffered from a gap in structured, personalized education. While information is widely available, traders are often left in a sea of fragmented resources, outdated strategies, and generic advice that fails to address the realities of live market conditions. Without direct feedback, many struggle with risk management, execution, and psychological barriers, leading to repeated failures in trading challenges and inconsistent performance. Hola Prime is taking a significant step by offering a level of personalized guidance that is virtually unheard of in the industry – one-on-one mentorship with seasoned trading professionals.

    For the first time, traders will have direct access to some of the most experienced minds in the financial markets. This initiative is not about passive learning; it is about real-time assessment, expert feedback, and actionable improvement strategies tailored to each trader’s needs. Over 85% of traders report improved confidence and decision-making abilities after personalized mentorship. One-on-one mentorship provides traders with an opportunity to analyze their trades with professionals, identify weaknesses in their strategy, and develop a structured, data-driven approach to the markets. Whether it is understanding why a challenge was failed, adjusting risk parameters, or refining execution tactics, these sessions offer an unprecedented level of support.

    Unlike generic trading courses or group webinars, these sessions are fully tailored to the individual trader. There is no other firm in the industry offering this level of direct, personal engagement with professional traders.

    The initiative is backed by a panel of 20 elite trading professionals, each with decades of experience across multiple asset classes. Howard Friend, with over 30 years in financial markets, specializes in FX market trap trading and algorithmic strategies. Jannie Barwise, an expert in CFDs and futures, provides deep insights into asymmetric trading and volatility adaptation. Sam Saleh, a former institutional trader, shares his expertise in S&P 500 futures and order flow execution. Igor Milosevic, a quantitative strategist and PhD in machine learning, helps traders integrate algorithmic techniques into their trading systems. Michael Keller, a Forex day trading expert, guides traders in disciplined execution and structured risk management. Walter Anga, a gold and crypto trading specialist, teaches systematic, non-discretionary approaches to high-volatility markets. Richard Krugel, a recognized authority in Nasdaq and crude oil trading, helps traders refine technical analysis and market timing strategies.

    Beyond mentorship, Hola Prime is also enhancing its educational offerings through live trading sessions and in-depth trading courses, focusing on real-market conditions and execution. Additionally, traders gain access to execution reports that provide full transparency on market conditions, including spreads, liquidity flows, and order execution dynamics. This ecosystem of education, mentorship, and live market insights represents a fundamental shift in how trading knowledge is delivered and applied.

    Somesh Kapuria, CEO of Hola Prime, emphasized the firm’s commitment to bridging the knowledge gap in trading education: “Financial literacy extends beyond theoretical learning – it requires real-world application. Traders need structured guidance from professionals who have gained success in the markets, and we are committed to providing that through direct, hands-on mentorship.”

    Himanshu Chandel, Marketing Director at Hola Prime, highlighted the industry-first nature of this initiative: “No one in the trading industry is offering this level of personalized mentorship. Traders don’t just need information; they need precise, expert-led feedback on their trading decisions.”

    To mark Financial Literacy Month, Hola Prime is offering a 25% discount on $10K to $100K accounts.. Traders interested in personalized coaching can book sessions through Discord or the Hola Prime website. Given the exclusive nature of these sessions, early booking is advised as availability is limited.

    Social Links

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565158992654&sk=about_contact_and_basic_info

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holaprime_global/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtVEJa1Ml132Be7tnk-DjeQ

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hola-prime/?viewAsMember=true

    X: https://x.com/HolaPrimeGlobal

    Discord: https://discord.gg/TJ7TcHPXBf

    Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/HolaPrime/

    Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/HolaPrime/

    Medium: https://medium.com/@social_46267

    Media Contact

    Company: Hola Prime

    Contact: Media Team

    Email: marketing@holaprime.com

    Website: https://holaprime.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ) – 2024 Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    02 April 2025

    CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ)

    LEI: 549300HGWKR2Q5T8GK64

    CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ) – 2024 Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

    Stockholm – 02 April 2025 – CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ) (the “Company”) announces that the Annual Report and Audited Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 were published and posted on 02 April 2025 on the Company website.

    The audited accounts for the Guarantor, CoinShares Capital Markets (Jersey) Limited, for the year ended 31 December 2024 are also available on the website.

    Interested persons may access electronic copies of these documents at https://coinshares.com/etp/documents/

    About CoinShares XBT Provider

    CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ) (“CoinShares XBT Provider”), a CoinShares company, is the Swedish-domiciled issuer of the Bitcoin Tracker One (SE0007126024), Bitcoin Tracker Euro (SE0007525332), Ether Tracker One (SE0010296574), Ether Tracker Euro (SE0010296582), series of certificates (collectively, the “Certificates”) which are designed to synthetically track the performance of the price of the relevant underlying crypto-asset, bitcoin or ether, (in Swedish Krona or Euro, respectively), less a fee component.

    In 2015, Bitcoin Tracker One became the first bitcoin-referenced security available on a regulated exchange when it listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. In 2017, Ether Tracker One became the first ether-referenced security available on a regulated exchange when it listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. The Certificates are available and traded in the same manner as any other share or instrument listed on their respective exchanges.

    CoinShares XBT Provider’s Prospectus is approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) and the Certificates are governed by Swedish law. CoinShares XBT Provider is not a licensed financial advisor. The views presented in this release are the opinions of the Board of CoinShares XBT Provider and no other party. Bitcoin and Ether are volatile assets and their prices (and the price of securities that are referenced to them) can move quickly, positively or negatively. Prospective investors in the Certificates should carefully consider the suitability of such an investment and whether they have sufficient financial resources in order to be able to bear the risks associated therewith and, in connection with such a determination, should carefully read CoinShares XBT Provider’s latest Prospectus (including, in particular, the risk warnings set out therein). The Certificates do not confer on the holders thereof any claim to or against the relevant underlying crypto-asset to which they are referenced. The value and any payment due under the Certificates will be affected by the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Euro or, as the case may be, between the US Dollar and the Swedish Kronor. Any returns upon the Certificates will not be the same as the returns which a direct investment of an equivalent sum in the relevant underlying crypto-asset could produce. The Certificates are non-equity linked, non-principal protected, unsecured and unsubordinated and do not bear interest.

    Certificates are non-equity linked, non-principal protected, unsecured and unsubordinated and do not bear interest.

    For further information, please contact:

    CoinShares XBT Provider AB (Publ)
    Artillerigatan 6,
    114 51 Stockholm
    Sweden
    ir@xbtprovider.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cautious Optimism for Building Products Distribution Rising as Sustained Demand for New Residential Construction Expected

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Global and north American building products distribution market has been steadily increasing in past years and is expected to continue for the years to come. A building product report said that: “Looking forward to 2025 and beyond, there is cautious optimism for the building products sector following a year of foundational growth in 2024. The Federal Reserve has heeded data indicating lower inflation and a cooling labor market, opting to cut the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points in mid-September. This was the FOMC’s first decision to ease monetary policy in four years, which, overlaid with market expectations for an additional 50 basis points of cuts by year-end 2024, has improved the outlook for construction spending and activity in both residential and non-residential markets moving forward.” It continued saying that; “The building products distribution market in North America and Europe is massive, topping $800 billion, and is expected to grow 5-9% through 2031, driven by private and public investment and economic growth. The building materials distribution market in North America and Europe is a massive market, topping $800 billion.”  Active companies active in the markets include: Capstone Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: CAPS), QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO), CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX), Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS), Titan America SA (NYSE: TTAM).

    The report added: “Through mid-October 2024, the residential building products market has been characterized by muted demand resulting in continued underperformance. The rapid rise in mortgage rates in 2022 and 2023 has created “gridlock” in the housing market – whereby existing homeowners, who would be sellers in a lower interest rate environment, have deferred transacting due to the historic differential between their existing mortgage rate (sub-4% for most), and current market rates (~6.5%). This “gridlock” has limited the supply of homes available-for-sale, keeping prices elevated. Record-high prices of homes available-for-sale, combined with higher mortgage rates, continues to put homeownership out of reach for many prospective first-time buyers, forcing them to remain on the sidelines until conditions improve. This has resulted in lower home sale activity, which has driven down renovation spending – much of which is performed in connection with the purchase or sale of a home. However, there is optimism on the horizon – September’s rate cut has the market on the precipice of a seismic shift, supported by structural long-term demand. As of the end of 2023, the shortage of single-family housing was estimated at more than 7.2 million units. With over 100 million individuals set to cross the median homebuying age of thirty-four by 2040, there is likely to be strong, sustained demand for new residential construction. “

    Capstone Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: CAPS) Targets $100M Run Rate Increases Q4 Revenue and Executes Strategic Brand Expansion – Revenue Up over 8% in Q4 Year-Over-Year – Toro Stone Launched in 6 New States – Capstone Holding Corp. (the “Company” or “Capstone”), a national building products distribution company that has successfully grown its business organically and through well-timed acquisitions, announced financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Matt Lipman, CEO of Capstone, said, “I’m proud of the team’s execution and focus on growth in the second half of the year. As the parent company, our mission is clear: double the size of the business through targeted, strategic acquisitions – and we believe we’re well on our way. We remain focused on scaling efficiently.”

    The Company is targeting an operating company revenue run rate by the end of 2025 of $100 million and Adjusted Instone EBITDA of at least $10 million. (The $100 million revenue and $10 million Adjusted Instone EBITDA numbers are targets for 2025 that include anticipated acquisitions. As these targets are dependent on closing acquisitions during 2025, the Company is unable to include a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP results to the corresponding GAAP measures as they are not available without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainties regarding the future identification and closing of acquisition targets.)

    Kevin Grotke, CEO of TotalStone, LLC (dba “Instone”), a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Capstone and its primary business activity, said, “I’m incredibly proud of our team’s execution and their sharp focus on customer acquisition and top-line growth. Their efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued success, and I’m excited to see the momentum carry into 2025 as we work toward achieving our ambitious goals – particularly the growth of our proprietary brands.”

    Capstone continues to position itself as a premier, national platform in the building products space. The Company is expanding its geographic footprint, strengthening its portfolio of proprietary brands, and delivering exceptional value to customers and stakeholders alike.

    FY 2024 Corporate and Operational Highlights – Set Acquisition Strategy for 2025:

    • Focused on Tuck-In Acquisitions, Sister Companies, and Platform Acquisitions
    • Deal environment and structures remain favorable
    • Acquisition multiples of 4-6x EBITDA
    • 20%- 45% of consideration as non-cash
    • Majority of activity centers around strategic Tuck-In Acquisitions to accelerate Instone’s earnings. Multiple sister company opportunities currently under review

    Q4 Revenue and Unit Volume Growth:

    • Instone delivered over 8% year-over-year revenue growth in the fourth quarter of 2024

    Successful Launch of Toro Stone:

    • Installed 90 displays across 6 new states
    • Received orders from over 50 customers

    Operational Efficiencies:

    • Completed targeted cost reduction initiatives
    • Achieved improved gross margins

    For more details, see Capstone’s annual report on the Form 10-K, available online, here. A detailed power point presentation of the Fiscal 2024 Update and targets for 2025 can be found online, here. Matt Lipman has also recorded a discussion of the presentation that is available at the same website.   CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Capstone Holding Corp. at: https://capstoneholdingcorp.com/news/.

    In other developments and happenings in the markets recently include:

    QXO, Inc. (NYSE: QXO) announced recently that it is extending its all-cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN) and amending the terms of its pending tender offer to reflect the terms of the previously announced definitive merger agreement between Beacon and QXO, including to increase the offer price to $124.35 per share in cash and reflect such other changes as contemplated by the merger agreement.

    Beacon’s board of directors unanimously recommends that all shareholders tender their shares into the offer, and has amended its recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 in support of the amended offer. The tender offer will remain open until 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on April 14, 2025.

    CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX) presented its 2024 Integrated Report recently, titled Our Future in Action: Accelerating a Sustainable World, showcasing its operational and strategic performance in 2024. The year 2024 was marked by solid financial results, the recovery of Cemex’s investment-grade rating, and progress in its decarbonization agenda in alignment with Cemex’s 2030 targets.

    In 2024, Cemex achieved the second-strongest sales and Operating EBITDA in its recent history, alongside the highest free cash flow after maintenance capital expenditures since 2017. The company also made significant progress on its decarbonization targets through its Future in Action program, continuing to lead the industry in profitable decarbonization efforts.

    “Our global team’s focused and committed efforts have advanced a business model with sustainable attributes, seeking to ensure both environmental progress and long-term value creation for Cemex,” said Fernando A. González, CEO of Cemex. “This year’s report demonstrates strategic progress in executing our growth strategy, reinforces our commitment to our Future in Action program, and underscores the power of going beyond traditional social responsibility to support our climate action goals.”

    Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS) announced recently that it will hold a conference call regarding 2025 first quarter results on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. ET. The conference call will be hosted by Masco President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Allman. Participants in the call are asked to register five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time by dialing 800-549-8228 or 289-819-1520. Please use the conference identification number 30320.

    The 2025 first quarter results and supplemental material will be distributed at 7:00 a.m. ET on April 23 and will be available on the Company’s website at www.masco.com.

    The conference call will be webcast simultaneously and in its entirety through the Masco Corporation website. Shareholders, media representatives and others interested in Masco may participate in the webcast by registering through the Investor Relations section on the Company’s website.

    Titan America SA (NYSE: TTAM), a leading fully-integrated producer and supplier of building materials, services and solutions in the construction industry operating along the U.S. East Coast, recently announced its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results. Titan America SA, including its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Titan America LLC, shall be referred to herein as “Titan America.”

    “In our first earnings announcement as a public company, we are pleased to report strong full-year financial results, while continuing to invest in Titan America’s future growth,” said Bill Zarkalis, President & CEO of Titan America. “Our uniquely vertically integrated business model, comprehensive logistics network, and strategic positioning led to record full-year 2024 results, with our sales volumes outperforming the broader market. We’re confident about the long-term secular trends in our markets, including infrastructure modernization, resilient urbanization, and manufacturing reshoring along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Looking ahead, we are poised for another solid year of growth and enhanced profitability in 2025.”

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup

    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/financialnewsmedia/

    DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated twenty five hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Capstone Holding Corp. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757 

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 2, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) plans to release financial results for the first quarter 2025 on Friday, May 2, 2025, before the opening of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Management will review Apollo’s financial results at 8:30 am ET via public webcast available on Apollo’s Investor Relations website at ir.apollo.com. A replay will be available one hour after the event.

    Apollo distributes its earnings releases via its website and email lists. Those interested in receiving firm updates by email can sign up for them here.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2024, Apollo had approximately $751 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Contacts
    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Robinhood Markets, Inc. to Announce First Quarter 2025 Results on April 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MENLO PARK, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (“Robinhood”) (NASDAQ: HOOD) announced that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, after market close. Robinhood will host a video call to discuss its results at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET on the same day. The video call and supporting materials will be available at investors.robinhood.com. The event will also be live streamed to YouTube and X.com via Robinhood’s official channels, @RobinhoodApp. Following the call, a replay and transcript will also be available at investors.robinhood.com.

    Ahead of the call, Robinhood shareholders can visit https://app.saytechnologies.com/robinhood-markets-2025-q1 to submit and upvote questions for management using the Q&A platform developed by Say Technologies. The Q&A platform will be open for question submission starting Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Shareholders will be able to submit and upvote questions until Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Management will address a selection of the most upvoted questions relating to Robinhood’s business and financial results on the earnings call. Shareholders can email hello@saytechnologies.com for any support inquiries.

    About Robinhood

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

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

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

    Contacts

    Investor Relations

    ir@robinhood.com

    Media

    press@robinhood.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DriveItAway Holdings, Inc. Partners with Fleet-Connection to Offer its Flexible Lease Alternative to Commercial Fleet Customers with its New “DriveItAway Business Preferred” Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Philadelphia, PA, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    – DriveItAway Expands its Market to Enable All the Ability to Drive, and Then Buy Quality Vehicles, with No Long-Term Financial Commitment or Credit Threshold with Its Flexible Lease Subscription Program Now Offered to Small Commercial Businesses by launching its new “DriveItAway Business Preferred Program”

    – To Promote DriveItAway Business Preferred, DriveItAway has Partnered with Fleet-Connection and its Founder Sherb Brown, Former President of Bobit Business Media and Group Publisher of Major Fleet Publications – Listen to DriveItAway’s CEO John F. Possumato and Fleet-Connection’s Sherb Brown discuss this new endeavor as part of Elena Ciccotelli’s “The EVs for Everyone Podcast” (Episode 157)

    – DriveItAway’s Business Preferred Program Will Cater to the Approximately 12-15 Million Small Locally-Owned Businesses that Have an Immediate Need for an SUV, Truck, or Van, But Do Not Want to Make a Long Term Financial Commitment for a Vehicle or a Fleet of Vehicles, or Lack the Cash or Credit for a Traditional Vehicle Finance or Lease

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA, April 2 2025 – DriveItAway Holdings, Inc. ( OTC Marketplace: DWAY) (“DriveItAway” and “Company”), an automotive industry leader in new digital mobility platforms with its unique “flexible-lease/subscription to purchase” technology, continues to gain traction and visibility in its mission to enable all to drive, and then buy, affordable quality personal transportation, announces today the expansion of its service to small commercial fleet businesses, who find it difficult to buy or lease vehicles through traditional channels, with its newly created “DriveItAway Business Preferred” Program.

    To jump-start this endeavor, DriveItAway is partnering with Sherb Brown, a long-time fleet industry veteran, and his company, Fleet-Connection, which maintains one of the most comprehensive database and marketing engine for the millions of small fleet owners, who are “under the radar” in comparison to large, traditional fleet operators. Brown is the former President of Bobit Business Media and was the Group Publisher of major fleet publications, including Heavy Duty Trucking and Work Truck, along with general commercial-focused Websites and live events.

    “A long time ago, I started in the automotive business on the fleet and small commercial side, first as a franchise dealer, and I then helped design and present the dealer-based small commercial fleet education and training programs for Ford, General Motors and Jaguar,” says John F. Possumato, Founder & CEO of DriveItAway, “then, as now, one of the stumbling blocks for a new or small local business in acquiring needed vehicles is the credit requirements from both manufacturer captive finance companies and banks, who usually require three years in business and a strong balance sheet, something that a lot of small businesses do not have, especially new ones. In addition, many small businesses have seasonal or contract work, which may require a work truck or van for just six months or a year, where a conventional purchase or lease just won’t work. Our DriveItAway ‘Business Preferred’ open-ended, no obligation flexible lease now offers the new perfect alternative.”

    “Right now smaller fleets have access to the right inventory of vehicles, trucks, or vans to fill all needs,” says Sherb Brown, CEO of Fleet-Connection, “but many times the optimal means to acquire these vehicles does not exist. In many cases these small businesses are shut out of traditional commercial financing or leasing due to credit or years in business requirements, or have seasonal or contract work, where owning or long-term leasing vehicles wouldn’t be the right decision.” continues Brown, “this is the niche that DriveItAway’s Business Preferred flexible lease alternative fits, and we are excited to work with John and his team to add some visibility to the program.”

    This latest expansion to open up a new market of small commercial (non-gig) fleet follows directly with DriveItAway’s 2025 goals as stated in the Company’s ‘Year End Message to Shareholders.’

    “In January, I said that in addition to expanding our business to include small commercial fleet sales, our two other Company goals for 2025 are to increase our own vehicle credit line, and to continue to make ‘strong and deep industry alliances.’ In February, we were fortunate enough to announce that we increased our line and that Menachem Light, a true industry icon, has agreed to Chair our newly created Board of Advisors,” continues Possumato, “now in pursuing our goal to expand our services to small commercial fleet customers, it is particularly rewarding to be working with Sherb Brown, as he and I have known each other now for over three decades. Automotive fleet has always fundamentally been a people business, and with Sherb, we are working with the best in fleet.”

    All are encouraged to visit with John F. Possumato at the automotive industry events where he is a featured speaker in April – the Auto Intel Summit in Cary, NC, on April 8th; the National Vehicle Leasing Association Annual Conference in Clearwater, FL, on April 10th; and the International Car Rental Show in Las Vegas, NV, on April 14th.

    About DriveItAway Holdings, Inc.
    DriveItAway Holdings, Inc. is the first national dealer-focused mobility platform that enables car dealers to sell more vehicles in a seamless way through eCommerce, with its exclusive flexible lease app-based subscription. DriveItAway provides a comprehensive, turn-key, solutions-driven program with proprietary mobile technology and driver app, insurance coverages, and training to get dealerships up and running quickly and profitably in emerging online sales opportunities, to gain sales and market share.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” or “potential” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases which are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, and may cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, assumptions, and expectations, but they are not guarantees of future performance. We caution investors not to unduly rely on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DMG Blockchain Solutions Announces Preliminary March Operational Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) (“DMG” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company, today announces its preliminary operational results for March 2025:

    • Bitcoin Mined: 32 BTC (vs 27 BTC in Feb 2025)
    • Hashrate: 1.82 EH/s (vs 1.71 EH/s in Feb 2025)
    • Bitcoin Holdings: 458 BTC (vs 443 BTC in Feb 2025)
    • Days non-firm power curtailed: 0 (vs 3 in Feb 2025)

    DMG’s expected growth to 2.1 EH/s has experienced a slight delay. Currently, the Company operates 2 megawatts of S21 Hydro and S21+ Hydro miners, achieving a total fleet hashrate of nearly 1.9 EH/s. The next 2 megawatts are expected to be deployed by mid-April, following a minor delay in S21+ Hydro miner shipments, with the remaining 2 megawatt capacity scheduled for deployment by the end of April to accommodate the replacement of defective mining infrastructure components.

    DMG’s CEO, Sheldon Bennett, commented, “Despite a several-week delay relative to our prior guidance in achieving our 2.1 EH/s hashrate goal, we are pleased with the performance of our hydro mining equipment and expect to complete this phase of expansion shortly. While we continue optimizing the growth and efficiency of our Bitcoin mining fleet, our primary focus remains on securing high-value AI offtake agreements and attracting new clients for Systemic Trust and Terra Pool to advance our carbon neutral Bitcoin ecosystem. We believe these investments will maximize long-term shareholder value as we execute our strategy.”

    Grant of Stock Options and RSUs

    DMG announces the granting of stock options and RSUs to employees and directors of the Company. A total of 428,170 stock options (“Options”) and 1,050,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) have been granted. The Options are exercisable over five years at a price of $0.24 per share, with vesting in 25% increments on the six-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month anniversaries of the grant date. The RSUs vest in one year; these grants are designed to create an incentive structure that aligns longer-term performance with the Company’s growth.

    About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.

    DMG is a publicly traded and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the digital asset and artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, is an integral component of DMG’s carbon-neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, which enables financial institutions to move Bitcoin in a sustainable and regulatory-compliant manner.

    For additional information about DMG Blockchain Solutions and its initiatives, please visit www.dmgblockchain.com. Follow @dmgblockchain on X, LinkedIn and Facebook, and subscribe to the DMG YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest developments and insights.

    For further information, please contact:

    On behalf of the Board of Directors,

    Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director
    Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406

    Email:   investors@dmgblockchain.com
    Web: www.dmgblockchain.com

    For Investor Relations: investors@dmgblockchain.com

    For Media Inquiries:
    Chantelle Borrelli
    Head of Communications chantelle@dmgblockchain.com

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

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding DMG’s strategies and plans, energizing the remaining 2 MW of hydro miners in April 2025, increasing DMG’s hashrate to 2.1 EH/s, securing highvalue AI off-take agreements and attracting new clients for Systemic Trust and Terra Pool to advance DMG’s carbon neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, the opportunity and plans to monetize bitcoin transactions and provide additional products and services to customers and users, the continued investment in Bitcoin network software infrastructure and applications, the expected allocation of capital, developing and executing on the Company’s products and services, increasing self-mining, increasing hashrate, efforts to improve the operation of its mining fleet, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company’s technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information.

    Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty rate or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMG’s production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate mining difficulty.

    Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoin; the demand and pricing of Gen AI data centers and usage; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG’s bitcoin; DMG’s relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG’s facilities; DMG’s ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers’ needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG’s business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMG’s past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoin from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG’s products, services and blockchain and Gen AI technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ESET Doubles Down on North American Corporate Solutions Business with New Field CISO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, is growing its Corporate Solutions business in North America with the appointment of Charles (Chuck) Everette as Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Following the recent appointment of ESET’s global Chief Corporate Solutions Officer Martin Talian, today’s news marks a significant milestone as the division looks to rapidly gain further traction in North America.

    ESET’s Corporate Solutions division was launched globally in 2022 to deliver custom solutions and high-value threat intelligence for Fortune 500 companies and large enterprises to proactively defend against advanced threats. Featured at ESET World 2025, the Corporate Solutions team in North America and globally delivers highly configurable, scalable, and innovative solutions for customers operating critical infrastructure, providing financial services as well as government and defense organizations. This includes highly configurable, scalable, and innovative solutions designed for organizations delivering mission critical services. Specialized solutions offered by Corporate Solutions include but are not limited to:

    • Air-gapped instances for local sandboxing and threat analysis
    • Managed cybersecurity services covering end-to-end perimeter
    • Advanced scanning solutions for complex and high-volume environments
    • Long-life support aligned with customer’s product lifecycles
    • Integrated solutions for both homes and businesses
    • High-value cybersecurity advisory services

    ESET Corporate Solutions excels in the design, delivery, and operation of these solutions and services, offering various levels of customization.

    “Large Fortune 500 companies and North America enterprises have incredibly complex cybersecurity requirements, and Chuck brings the rare combination of visionary leadership, relationships, and hands-on expertise to drive momentum for Corporate Solutions locally,” said Martin Talian. “His deep technical knowledge and ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences make him an invaluable asset to our organization and a trusted voice in the industry. We are thrilled to welcome him to the ESET team and to see this business reach its full potential in North America.”

    Everette is an accomplished cybersecurity veteran with more than two decades of global IT security leadership. After starting his career as a hands-on practitioner in manufacturing and finance, he rose through the ranks to become a Deputy CISO of Fidelity National Information Services, where he oversaw 80% of the United States’ financial traffic and built a 60-person Security Operations Center (SOC) from the ground up. Everette has acted as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, and venture capital firms evaluating cybersecurity investments. He has also worked extensively with federal agencies, including Homeland Security, and has been involved in addressing many of the most significant data breaches over the past 15 years.

    “As a CISO and security practitioner myself, it’s important to me that I work with vendors known for technology excellence — and that’s what led me to ESET,” said Everette. “ESET is recognized across the industry for the strength of its products, in-house innovation, and unwavering commitment to its customers. I’m not coming in as a salesperson but as a peer who can relate to other CISOs because I’ve been in their shoes. I’m excited to help grow ESET’s presence in the North American market.”

    A respected voice in the cybersecurity industry, Everette has spoken at prestigious conferences such as RSA and Black Hat, and has authored articles for Forbes and Dark Reading. His deep network of industry professionals and unwavering commitment to advancing cybersecurity make him a pivotal figure in the field.

    To learn more about ESET Corporate Solutions, visit https://www.eset.com/us/business/corporate-solutions/.

    About ESET

    ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyber threats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Infinidat Earns 5-Star Rating in the 2025 CRN® Partner Program Guide for the Fourth Consecutive Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WALTHAM, Mass., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infinidat, a leading provider of enterprise storage solutions, today announced that the company has been recognized by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, with a 5-Star Award in the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide. This is the fourth year in a row that the company has earned a 5-star rating for Infinidat’s Partner Program. CRN’s 5-Star Award is an elite recognition given to companies, including Infinidat, with partner programs designed to nurture lasting, profitable, and successful channel relationships.

    “Infinidat consistently delivers high value to our channel partners, laser-focused on empowering them to grow their business. Earning CRN’s 5-Star Award recognition for the fourth consecutive year demonstrates that our Partner Program supercharges the channel and fuels the achievement of business goals,” said Eric Herzog, CMO at Infinidat. “Infinidat is playing a critical role in not only enhancing our partners’ growth and profitability, but also providing best-in-class enterprise storage solutions and next-generation data protection solutions that are differentiated and transformative. Our exceptional channel partner program offers high-quality training, resources, and support to enable our partners to uniquely meet the storage and data protection needs of large-scale enterprise customers worldwide.”

    For the 2025 Partner Program Guide, the CRN research team evaluated vendors based on program requirements and offerings such as partner training and education, pre- and post-sales support, marketing programs and resources, technical support, and communication. Program elements such as financial incentives, sales and marketing assistance, training and certification, technical support and more can set vendors, including Infinidat, apart from the competition.

    “Being featured on the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide highlights the dedication these technology vendors have to evolving with solution providers, driving innovation, and supporting mutual success,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “This critical annual project empowers solution providers to identify vendors that are committed to enhancing their partner programs and meeting the always-changing business needs of the channel and end customers. The guide provides deep insight into the distinctive value of each partner program so solution providers can make strategic partnership decisions with confidence.”

    To read the profile of Infinidat in CRN’s 2025 Partner Program online guide, click here. The 2025 Partner Program Guide will be featured in the April 2025 issue of CRN.

    About The Channel Company:
    The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

    About Infinidat
    Infinidat provides enterprises and service providers with a platform-native primary and secondary storage architecture that delivers comprehensive data services based on InfiniVerse®. This unique platform delivers outstanding IT operating benefits, support for modern workloads across on-premises and hybrid multi-cloud environments. Infinidat’s cyber resilient-by-design infrastructure, consumption-based performance, 100% availability, and cyber security guaranteed SLAs align with enterprise IT and business priorities. Infinidat’s award-winning platform-native data services and acclaimed white glove service are continuously recommended by customers. For more information, visit www.infinidat.com.

    Connect with Infinidat
    About Infinidat
    Read our blog
    Follow us on X
    Join us on LinkedIn
    Visit us on Facebook
    See us on YouTube
    Be our partner

    Media Contact
    Infinidat
    Sapna Capoor
    Director of Global Communications
    scapoor@infinidat.com I Mobile: +44 (0) 7789684159

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Jimmy Etheredge Joins Monarch Private Capital Executive Management Committee to Enhance Investor Value and National Impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monarch Private Capital (Monarch), a nationally recognized impact investment firm that develops, finances, and manages a diversified portfolio of projects generating both federal and state tax credits, welcomes James O. (Jimmy) Etheredge, former CEO of Accenture – North America, as a member of the firm’s Executive Management Committee and a Managing Director of Corporate Solutions.

    With nearly four decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies to transform their businesses, Etheredge brings deep expertise in corporate transformation and strategic growth. As CEO, he grew Accenture’s North America business to $30 billion. He will lead a strategic initiative to optimize renewable energy, historic rehabilitation, and affordable housing tax strategies and solutions for institutional and corporate investors. His board roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Southern Company, Encora, and Grant Thornton further position him to add long-term value to Monarch’s mission of delivering financial and social benefits through impact investment strategies.

    “Joining Monarch is the culmination of a long-standing passion I have had for driving positive change through smart and innovative investments,” said Etheredge. “This opportunity allows me to leverage decades of financial experience, passion, and leadership to positively impact corporate America. I am honored to help Monarch scale its mission and align capital with real-world impact.”

    “Jimmy’s ability to build lasting relationships and drive strategic innovation makes him an invaluable addition to Monarch,” said Robin Delmer, Partner, Co-Founder & Co-CEO at Monarch Private Capital. “His expertise in corporate growth and leadership in navigating evolving markets will strengthen our ability to deliver value to investors and the communities we serve.”

    Beyond his executive leadership, Etheredge contributes to the Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta Police Foundation, and the Boy Scouts of America through nonprofit board service. A Georgia native, Etheredge holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is a trustee and member of the university’s Hill Society.

    Etheredge’s hire reinforces Monarch’s commitment to attracting proven business leaders who can help the company deliver unparalleled solutions to corporate tax equity investors.

    For more information about Monarch Private Capital, visit www.monarchprivate.com.

    About Monarch Private Capital

    Monarch Private Capital manages impact investment funds that positively impact communities by creating clean power, jobs, and homes. The funds provide predictable returns through the generation of federal and state tax credits. The Company offers innovative tax credit equity investments for affordable housing, historic rehabilitations, renewable energy, film, and other qualified projects. Monarch Private Capital has long-term relationships with institutional and individual investors, developers, and lenders participating in these federal and state programs. Headquartered in Atlanta, Monarch has offices and professionals located throughout the United States.

    CONTACT

    Jane Rafeedie

    Monarch Private Capital

    Jrafeedie@monarchprivate.com

    470-283-8431

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c392e08a-05cb-4b38-b0ed-83b68de0312e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Advanced Flower Capital Provides $14 Million Secured Credit Facility to Subsidiaries of Standard Wellness Holdings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCG) (“AFC”) today announced that it has committed to a $14 million senior secured credit facility to various subsidiaries of Standard Wellness Holdings (“Standard Wellness”), a privately held multi-state operator of cannabis cultivation, processing, and retail facilities. $10.5 million of the senior secured credit facility was funded at close. Standard Wellness intends to use the proceeds from the loan to acquire a dispensary in Missouri, relocate a dispensary in Utah, and refinance and consolidate various debt facilities.

    “Jared and the Standard Wellness team have proven to be astute capital allocators, and we are excited to support them as they continue to expand and optimize their business. As we continue to diversify our portfolio, Standard Wellness has many of the characteristics we are looking for in borrowers: a stable business in attractive limited license states, led by a battle-tested management team with a track-record of success,” said Daniel Neville, AFC’s Chief Executive Officer.

    “Having closed on several debt facilities in the cannabis space, our team was extremely impressed with AFC’s working knowledge of the complexities of our industry. Their focus on meeting a tight timeframe to close and efficient approach to due diligence validated our decision to work with them and allowed us to cost effectively simplify our capital structure.” stated Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness.

    AFC will hold the entire credit facility, which is secured by a first lien on all of Standard Wellness’s Utah operations and its dispensaries in St. Louis, MO and Cincinnati, OH, and a second lien on its Ohio cultivation facility. The collateral assets include owned real estate in Utah and Ohio and the value of those subsidiary’s cannabis licenses. AFC Agent LLC served as agent for this transaction.

    In connection with the transaction, Gramercy Capital Group, LLC (through INTE Securities LLC) served as financial advisor to Standard Wellness.

    About Advanced Flower Capital

    Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (Nasdaq:AFCG) is a leading commercial mortgage REIT that provides institutional loans to state-law compliant cannabis operators in the U.S. Through the management team’s deep network and significant credit and cannabis expertise, AFC originates, structures, underwrites and manages loans ranging from $10 million to over $100 million, typically secured by quality real estate assets, license value and cash flows. It is based in West Palm Beach, Florida. For additional information regarding the company, please visit https://advancedflowercapital.com/.

    About Standard Wellness

    Founded in 2017 in Ohio, Standard Wellness is a vertically integrated cannabis company operating across Ohio, Missouri, and Utah, with cultivation, processing, and dispensary licenses in Maryland. The company operates five retail locations under The Forest brand and has been a pioneer in the industry, including making the first-ever legal marijuana sale in Ohio through its dispensary The Forest Sandusky and the first ever delivery to a Utah pharmacy in February 2020.

    With approximately 350 employees, Standard Wellness is dedicated to improving quality of life by providing safe and legal access to cannabis for medical and adult use.

    About INTE Securities, LLC:

    INTE Securities LLC is a member of FINRA (www.finra.org) / SIPC (www.sipc.org). To view INTE Securities LLC, go to www.finra.org/brokercheck

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect the company’s current views and projections with respect to, among other things, market expansion and borrower activity and growth initiatives. All statements, other than historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “will,” “intends,” “plans,” “guidance,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” and “future” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions and are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results. Certain factors, risks and uncertainties discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in AFC’s most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings, could cause actual results and performance to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Advanced Flower Capital Inc.
    Robyn Tannenbaum
    561-510-2293
    ir@advancedflowercapital.com

    Media Contact

    Profile Advisors
    Rich Myers & Rachel Goun
    347-774-1125
    afc@profileadvisors.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Provident Bank Elevates Tara Brady to Chief Experience Officer to Drive Customer Experience and Brand Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ISELIN, N.J., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, is pleased to announce that Tara Brady has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Experience Officer (CXO), responsible for leading the bank’s marketing and customer experience strategies, and ensuring seamless, customer-centric engagement across the organization. Ms. Brady will also focus on fostering deep collaboration and synergy between customer experience and employee experience. Since joining Provident, Ms. Brady has been instrumental in centralizing and enhancing the experience for customers. Her new role expands this work in support of the bank’s growth throughout the region.

    With a focus on delivering consistent and coordinated communications, and a unified brand identity, Ms. Brady will champion a customer-first mindset across all departments. “At Provident, the customer is at center of everything we do. We remain committed to honoring Provident’s rich history of serving our communities while continuing to evolve to meet our customers’ changing needs,” said Ms. Brady. “By challenging the status quo and empowering our employees with the right tools and solutions, we can better support our customers and ensure a consistent, high-quality experience across the organization.”

    Leading both the marketing and customer experience teams, Ms. Brady will play a pivotal role in shaping brand awareness, supporting business growth, and reinforcing the bank’s commitment to delivering outstanding results.

    As CXO, Ms. Brady will drive initiatives that cultivate employee empowerment, enhance customer trust, and strengthen brand loyalty, with the goal of building advocates for life. “Tara has been instrumental in placing the customer experience at the forefront as we continue our journey as a super community bank—offering the capabilities of a larger financial institution with the personal touch of a local organization,” said Anthony Labozzetta, President and CEO. “Tara’s passion and unwavering commitment to Provident, our team members, and—most importantly—our customers, make her exceptionally well-suited for this role.”

    Ms. Brady brings more than a decade of experience revitalizing and reshaping the sales and customer experience cultures of leading financial institutions. Most recently, she served as Director of Customer Experience for Provident Bank. Prior to her time with Provident, Ms. Brady held customer experience-focused leadership positions of increasing responsibility with Affinity Federal Credit Union, WSFS Bank and Wells Fargo.

    About Provident Bank
    Founded in Jersey City in 1839, Provident Bank is the oldest community-focused financial institution based in New Jersey and is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS). With assets of $24.05 billion as of December 31, 2024, Provident Bank offers a wide range of customized financial solutions for businesses and consumers with an exceptional customer experience delivered through its convenient network of 140 branches across New Jersey and parts of New York and Pennsylvania, via mobile and online banking, and from its customer contact center. The bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc. To learn more about Provident Bank, go to www.provident.bank or call our customer contact center at 800.448.7768.

    Media Contact:
    Provident Bank
    Keith Buscio – keith.buscio@provident.bank
    Vested – providentbank@fullyvested.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3141c80f-54ff-45ed-87d2-c9b51557e8a0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Views sought on proposals to reshape libraries and community services

    Source: City of Leicester

    THE city council is asking for views on proposals to ensure libraries and community centres remain accessible to everyone in Leicester – in spite of the worst budget situation the council has ever seen.

    The council is proposing to operate its library and community services from 12 multi-service centres and the city’s Central Library.

    If the proposals are agreed, the council would invest £1million in the buildings to enable them to operate as hubs, bringing together a range of services provided by the council and partners.

    The council is also proposing to expand book collections at some children’s centres; expand the home library service that delivers books direct to the door of housebound residents; and introduce self-service libraries to extend opening hours outside of staffed times.

    The Central Library on Bishop Street would continue to provide a city-wide service, with a slight reduction in opening hours.

    The changes are being put forward following a city-wide survey and engagement exercise carried out in 2023. The proposals would reduce council spending by £2.1m per year and contribute to the £23m of savings the council needs to make to balance its budget.

    The savings could be made by making some of buildings available for community organisations to run. Reductions in staff numbers and opening hours are also proposed.

    Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for libraries and community centres, said: “We are very proud of our libraries and community centres in Leicester. They play an important role in bringing people together, and we know that the services they offer are greatly valued.

    “Sadly, after many years of Government cuts to our budgets we can no longer afford to run them in the same way, and so have looked for new ways to keep providing the services people most value, in a place close to where they live.

    “That’s why we’re proposing to bring services together in new multi-service hubs, ensuring they continue to be accessible across the city, while making the savings we need by reducing the number of buildings we run.

    “Making some buildings available for community groups to run is another way we can ensure that services continue to be delivered. We have seen how well this can work at New Parks Community Centre and the African Caribbean Centre.

    “Supporting local groups to run libraries, is also a tried and tested option that is working well in the county and other places.

    “These proposals have been drawn up after very careful consideration of the feedback we’ve had from service users and residents, and no decisions have yet been taken. I would urge anyone who has an interest in these services to let us have their views.”

    Facilities which could be made available for the local community to run are: Belgrave, Coleman, and Netherhall neighbourhood centres; Braunstone Frith and Rushey Mead recreation centres; Eyres Monsell Community Centre; Evington, Knighton and Rushey Mead libraries; Gilmorton community rooms; and the Tudor Centre.

    The St Matthews Centre would close, and the library would be relocated to somewhere nearby. Disposal options would be looked at for the Fosse Centre, which – owing to the work needed to the building – is not suitable for transferring to the community.

    Of the 12 sites the council proposes to keep – which would be renamed as hubs to reflect their multi-service offer – five could have staffed opening for 40 hours a week. These include Beaumont Leys Library Hub and Highfields Library Hub. Additional self-access hours would be offered on top of the 40 hours at Belgrave Library Hub; The Brite Centre Library Hub; and St Barnabas Library Hub.

    The remaining seven sites could open for 30 hours a week, including Aylestone Library (already located in the leisure centre); Westcotes Library Hub; St Matthews Library (which could relocate to a building nearby); and Thurnby Lodge Centre Hub (with a new self-service library). Additional self-access hours on top of the 30 hours, are proposed for Hamilton Library Hub; New Parks Centre Hub; and Pork Pie Library Hub.

    Consultation on the proposals will run from 2 April to 29 June. Questionnaires are available to complete on the council’s consultation website. 

    Open meetings will be held in different neighbourhood venues, details of which are on the consultation website.

    The council set its budget for 2025/26 in February. Its financial outlook is very difficult due to previous government austerity cuts, the rising costs of social care, and an increase in homeless families requiring support.

    It plans to use £110m of one-off monies to help maintain services in the short term, together with savings of £23m a year by 2027/28. There will remain a gap between spending and income of £68m by 2027/28, requiring the council to take every opportunity available to reduce costs.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Students Meet with Wall Street Leaders

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The UConn Finance Society hosted its 9th Annual Finance Conference today at Morgan Stanley headquarters in Manhattan. Wall Street leaders joined business students and alumni to discuss trends in equities, dealmaking, and how to start a career in the sector.

    “There are a million people out there who want to help you. It may not feel like it. But they do—especially people from UConn,” UConn Board of Trustees Chair and Morgan Stanley managing director Dan Toscano ’87 (BUS) said. Toscano candidly described his own struggle to get a foothold on Wall Street when he graduated in the aftermath of the Black Monday market crash. Toscano spent five years working other jobs before a door opened for him on Wall Street—but every job he worked taught him a great deal, and he urged students to make the most of every position they take.

    UConn Board of Trustees Chair and Morgan Stanley managing director Dan Toscano ’87 (BUS) speaks to students on Wall Street (photo courtesy of Stella Daniel (ENG) ‘26)

    The Finance Conference is an entirely student organized event that brings together UConn students, alumni, professionals, and industry experts to explore current trends in the finance sector. This was the first time the conference had been held in lower Manhattan. Christopher Walker ’19 (CLAS), a current Morgan Stanley associate in credit risk management, arranged for the venue in the heart of the financial district.

    “We hope to make the conference in New York an annual tradition going forward,” said Finance Society VP of Marketing Stella Daniel ’26 (ENG).

    “We want to engage as many alumni as possible,” and the Manhattan location makes that easier, Finance Society conference director Alexander Cameron ’26 (CLAS) said.

    Meeting in person and making those in person connections is extremely important, said Sheldon Kasowitz ’83 (BUS), the equity panelist at the event. He urged students to avoid remote work early on in their careers. Taking risks, moving abroad, and working in markets that are unpopular can all give you an edge, he said. Kasowitz moved to Hong Kong in his late 20s and also worked in Japan, eventually founding Indus Capital Partners, a hedge fund focused on mispriced large-cap Asian equities.

    Every panelist at the event was a UConn alum, and they hailed from a wide swath of finance, from mergers and acquisitions to private equity. More than 30 UConn alumni also attended the event.

    “It’s wonderful. I am incredibly impressed—it reflects the quality of the students, and it’s a credit to the school,” said Nicholas Willett ’22 (BUS), a hedge fund credit analyst.

    Current students also enjoyed the event.

    UConn students at Finance Day (Photo courtesy of Stella Daniel (ENG) ‘26)

    “I’ll be issuing securities in the broader public equities market after graduation. Hearing Sheldon talk about trends in the private equities market was amazing,” said graduating senior Aria Penna ’25 (BUS). Penna said she found Kasowitz’s insights on the Asian markets particularly compelling.

    Joseph Garcia ’27 (BUS) said he was interested in the different paths panelists took to get to their current positions. The incoming Sports Chair of the Student Board of Governors began his entrepreneurial journey early, selling snacks to fellow high school students during school and sporting events.

    Garcia said his philosophy for success is “whatever opportunity there is, take it!”

    The Finance Society is one of the largest student-run organizations at UConn. Their meetings are held at 6:30pm on Wednesdays in the School of Business.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: InvidiaTrade Enhances Investment Opportunities with PAMM Accounts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InvidiaTrade, a leading online trading platform, has introduced PAMM (Percentage Allocation Money Management) accounts. This new service allows investors to benefit from professional traders’ expertise while diversifying their portfolios. It provides an opportunity for investors to grow their capital without directly managing trades.

    PAMM accounts work by allowing investors to allocate funds to experienced Money Managers. These professionals handle trading activities, ensuring profits and losses are distributed based on each investor’s contribution. InvidiaTrade system ensures transparency, allowing investors to monitor their funds and choose Money Managers based on past performance.

    By using PAMM accounts, investors can participate in forex trading without requiring extensive market knowledge. This model offers an opportunity for higher returns while reducing risk exposure. Money Managers gain access to additional capital, enabling them to implement effective strategies. Their earnings depend on their performance, aligning their interests with investors.

    With PAMM accounts, InvidiaTrade continues its commitment to innovation in financial markets. This service empowers both investors and Money Managers, creating a balanced and efficient investment ecosystem. By focusing on transparency and advanced financial tools, InvidiaTrade remains a top choice for those looking to maximize their trading potential.

    About InvidiaTrade

    InvidiaTrade is a premier online trading platform providing advanced financial solutions to traders and investors worldwide. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and user-centric services, InvidiaTrade is committed to delivering secure, efficient, and transparent trading opportunities.

    For media inquiries, partnerships, or additional information, please contact:

    Organization: Invidia Trade

    Contact Person Name: Wilson Reed

    Website: https://invidiatrade.com/

    Email: support@invidiatrade.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Invidia Trade. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/964e74a4-380c-40a5-b96a-a9e4014c3b24

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited 
    The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
     
    Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
    Issued at HKT 16:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to Dah Sing Bank, Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to Dah Sing Bank, Limited 
    The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
     
    Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
    Issued at HKT 16:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPACT OF FTAS AND PTAS ON EXPORTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of India’s export of Cotton, Man-made, Wool, Silk and Technical Textiles during the last three years is attached at below.

    India has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its trading partners to give boost to India’s exports.

    The Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives to promote Indian textiles sector and enhance its competitiveness. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme to create a modern, integrated, world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on MMF Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program.

    Further, Government is also implementing Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for Apparel/Garments and Made-ups in order to enhance competitiveness by adopting principle of zero rated exports. Further, textiles products not covered under the RoSCTL scheme are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products. In addition, Government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies under Market Access Initiative Scheme implemented by Department of Commerce for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc at national and international levels.

    Ministry of Textiles through Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) promotes Handloom products of the country by implementing following schemes:

    1. National Handloom Development Programme;
    2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;

     

    • Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, skilling, product & design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic & international markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security etc.
    • Assistance in establishing international marketing linkages to suitable Apex/Primary handloom cooperative societies, corporations, producers’ companies, handloom awardees, exporters, other talented weavers etc. who are producing exclusive exportable handloom products.
    • Market penetration through organisation/participation in international fairs/exhibitions, big ticket events, Buyer Sellers Meet, Reverse Buyer Sellers Meet etc., for export promotion of handloom products. Publicity and brand development through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and other measures.
    • Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) is being implemented throughout the country to make available yarn to handloom weavers. Under the scheme, fright charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn; and component of 15% price subsidy is there for cotton hank yarn, domestic silk, wool and linen yarn and blended yarn of natural fibres.

    Around 2,600 handicrafts exporters registered with Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) were supported through participation in International trade fairs and Buyer Seller Meets organized in India and abroad under MAI Scheme of Department of Commerce. Around 582 member exporters of the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) were provided marketing support during 2024-25 (upto February 2025) under various schemes of the ministries.

    Ministry of Textiles promotes the provision of Geographical Indication (GI) of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, in respect of handloom & handicrafts products of pan India under the scheme, National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) & National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) respectively. Under the above scheme, financial assistance is provided for meeting the expenses in registering the designs/products, imparting training to personnel of implementing agencies and effective enforcement of G.I. registration. So far, a total no. of 214 handicrafts products and 104 handloom products, out of a total no. of 658 GI tagged products have been registered under the GI Act.

    To increase more marketing opportunities, the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) implementing various domestic & international marketing events under National Handicraft Development Programmes (NHDP) across the country wherein artisans are being provided a platform to sell their products. Further, an e-commerce portal (www.Indiahandmade.com) has been launched specifically for artisans & weavers where they can sell their products to buyers from all over the country. Artisans are being also onboarded on GeM portal where they can sell their products to government offices/PSU etc. 

     

    India’s export of Cotton, Man-made, Wool, Silk during the last three years:

    Value in USD Million

    Commodity

    FY 2021-2022

    FY 2022-2023

    FY 2023-2024

    Cotton Yarn

    5,498

    2,752

    3,780

    Other textile yarn, fabrics, madeups etc

    650

    730

    731

    Cotton Raw Incld. Waste

    2,816

    781

    1,117

    Cotton Fabrics, Madeups Etc.

    8,201

    6,821

    6,630

    Cotton Textiles

    17,166

    11,085

    12,258

    Manmade Staple Fibre

    680

    463

    402

    Manmade Yarn, Fabrics, Madeups

    5,615

    4,949

    4,679

    Man-made textiles

    6,294

    5,412

    5,081

    Wool Raw

    0

    1

    1

    Wollen Yarn, Fabrics, Madeups Etc.

    166

    204

    192

    Wool & Woolen textiles

    166

    205

    192

    Natural Silk Yarn, Fabrics, Madeup

    79

    72

    79

    Silk Raw

    2

    0

    2

    Silk Waste

    28

    22

    38

    Silk Products

    109

    95

    119

         Source: DGCIS provisional data

      

       India’s export of Technical Textiles during the last three years:

                                                                                                  Value in Rs. crore

    Commodity

    FY 2021-2022

    FY 2022-2023

    FY 2023-2024

    Technical Textiles

    21,194.62

    20,095.52

    21,407.38

              Source: Ministry of Commerce

     

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q4961)

    (Release ID: 2117660) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Functions of Radio Television Hong Kong and the Information Services Department

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ5: Functions of Radio Television Hong Kong and the Information Services Department 
         Radio Television Hong Kong and the Information Services Department are government departments under the purview of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau respectively. There are views that the aforesaid two departments, both being official media agencies, have overlapping functions. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the specific functions and staff establishment of the two departments;
     
    (2) whether it will, under the financial philosophy of keeping the expenditure within the limits of revenues while exploring new sources of income and managing costs, review how the structure of the two departments can be streamlined to reduce expenditure; and
     
    (3) whether it has explored ways to further enhance the compatibility of the two departments and the feasibility of their merger; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Having consulted the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Information Services Department (ISD), our consolidated reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Junius Ho is as follows:
     
         As a government department and the only public service broadcaster in Hong Kong, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) firmly implements the public purposes and mission under the Charter of RTHK, including promoting understanding of “one country, two systems”, proactively assisting in strengthening the dissemination of government information, engendering a sense of citizenship and national identity, and promoting sports and culture and social inclusion. RTHK currently operates five digital television channels and eight AM/FM radio channels. Unlike commercial broadcasters, programmes produced and broadcast by RTHK have to cater for the needs of the mass audience as well as the minority groups including ethnic minorities and the non-Chinese speaking group etc. In this connection, apart from disseminating government information, the radio and television programmes of RTHK also cover various aspects including news, public affairs, national education, sports, culture, lifestyle and education programmes etc.
     
         As for the ISD, it is responsible for the Government’s public relations, news dissemination, publicity and publication matters, and serves as a communication link between the Government and mass media including newspapers, television, radio, and magazines. The ISD also makes good use of the Internet, disseminating government information to the public directly by multi-media content so as to enhance the public’s understanding of and support for the Government’s work. In addition, the ISD also provides professional public relations advice to the Government and promotes government policies and services through different communication platforms and means (including RTHK), with a view to projecting an accurate image of Hong Kong within and outside the city while telling the good stories of Hong Kong.
     
         In view of the above, although RTHK and the ISD are both government departments and both carry the responsibility of disseminating government information, RTHK, as the public service broadcaster; and the ISD, being responsible for the Government’s public relations, perform different duties. There is no overlapping of their functions. As regards staff establishment, the establishment ceilings of RTHK and the ISD in 2024-25 are 762 and 451 posts respectively. Most of the civil service posts of RTHK belong to the Programme Officer grade while most of the civil service posts of the ISD belong to the Information Officer grade. The requirements for work nature, skills and experience of the two grades are different and hence merging the two departments with distinct functions may not be the most effective way to increase revenue and reduce expenditure in terms of overall operations. In addition, regardless of whether the merge would be implemented by having the Director of Information Services or the Director of Broadcasting to oversee both the ISD and RTHK, it would be difficult for the head of the merged department to manage the work of the two departments of which their missions, scopes of services and modes of operation are distinctly different. On the contrary, the merge may confuse the public with the role of RTHK as a public service broadcaster and the ISD in promoting the Government, which may be counterproductive to the Government’s overall public relations works.
     
         Notwithstanding the above, in response to the Productivity Enhancement Programme announced in the 2025-26 Budget, both RTHK and the ISD will comprehensively review their staffing and operation. In particular, RTHK will introduce appropriate measures including streamlining its structure and utilising technology for programme production etc to reduce manpower without affecting the quality of RTHK’s programmes and services. At present, RTHK has been committed to deploying artificial intelligence (AI) in developing smart broadcasting. Last year, RTHK officially launched the AI Lab, streamlining production flow with AI technology, as well as adopting various AI-generated tools to enhance productivity. This will not only improve the quality of programmes but also result in a more cost-effective use of manpower. Besides, the ISD will continue to make effective use of existing platforms of the Government while keeping in view market developments and global trends to step up the Government’s work in policy promotion and information dissemination. The ISD will also closely monitor the implementation of programmes under its purview and review their effectiveness regularly for the sake of more flexible and effective use of resources.
     
         Despite the different roles of RTHK and the ISD, we agree that the two departments can co-operate with each other and leverage their strengths, to promote government’s policies and disseminate government information more effectively. As such, both sides will continue to strengthen collaboration, for instance, the ISD is actively planning to work with RTHK on programme production under the theme of “Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the War of Resistance” to promote patriotism through storytelling in a vivid manner. RTHK can leverage the ISD’s strength in running a wide range of platforms and make use of those platforms to enhance the reach of its programmes, taking advantage of the synergy to tell good stories of the country and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, RTHK will continue to solidify its role as the public service broadcaster, including striving to strengthen its partnership with different broadcasters in the Mainland and other regions, continuing to produce different types of programmes on various themes in order to provide diversified radio and television programme choices for the public.
    Issued at HKT 14:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Promoting the setting up of family offices in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Jeffrey Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (April 2):
     
    Question:
     
         The Government has proposed in the latest Budget that it will formulate proposals on the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest, and develop a vibrant ecosystem for family offices. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) given that the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions for Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles) Bill 2022 was passed by this Council in 2023, which sought to provide profits tax concessions for family-owned investment holding vehicles managed by single family offices in Hong Kong, whether the authorities have assessed the adequacy of such tax concession measures and their effectiveness in encouraging family offices to establish a business presence in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) as it is learnt that a single family office is not required to apply for any licence under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) if it does not carry on a business of regulated activity in Hong Kong, whether the Government has estimated the number of family offices in Hong Kong which have not applied for such licence; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) of the progress and details of the Government’s formulation of proposals on the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest this year; and
     
    (4) whether it will study encouraging more Mainland high-net-worth individuals to make cross-border investments through family offices set up in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Family office (FO) business is an important segment of the asset and wealth management sector. According to the Asset and Wealth Management Activities Survey 2023 published by the Securities and Futures Commission, the size of private banking and private wealth management business attributed to FOs and private trusts clients reached $1,452 billion as of end-2023, providing huge business opportunities for the asset and wealth management sector and other related professional services. In consultation with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the reply to various parts of the question is as follows:
     
    (1) and (3) The Legislative Council passed the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions for Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles) Bill 2022 in May 2023, under which family-owned investment holding vehicles managed by single FOs in Hong Kong fulfilling the minimum asset threshold of HK$240 million and substantial activities requirement can enjoy profits tax exemption for qualifying transactions. The Government have maintained communication with the industry to evaluate the effectiveness of the tax concession regime, and announced in the 2025-26 Budget the proposals to further enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single FOs and carried interest, including expanding the scope of “fund” under the tax exemption regime, increasing the types of qualifying transactions eligible for tax concessions for funds and single FOs, enhancing the tax concession arrangement on the distribution of carried interest by private equity funds. The Government have completed the industry consultation on the enhancement measures on the preferential tax regimes. The Government are formulating the relevant enhancement measures with financial regulators based on the feedback received. The Government target to work out the details of the proposals by this year and submit the legislative proposals to the Legislative Council for consideration in 2026. If approved, the relevant measures will take effect from the year of assessment 2025/26.
     
    (2) and (4) A single FO is not required to apply for a licence under the Securities and Futures Ordinance if it does not carry on a business of regulated activity in Hong Kong. According to the research findings of the consultant commissioned by InvestHK and publicised in March 2024, there were around 2 700 single FOs operating in Hong Kong as of end-2023, with over half of them set up by ultra-high-net-worth individuals having a wealth of US$50 million or above. Meanwhile, since its establishment in June 2021 up to end-February 2025, the dedicated FamilyOfficeHK team of InvestHK has assisted over 160 FOs to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong (including 135 FOs having set up or expanded their business in Hong Kong after the profits tax exemption regime for single FOs has taken effect), including 98 single FOs and 63 multi-FOs. Currently, around 150 FOs have indicated that they are preparing or have decided to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong as tabulated below by geographical region:
     

    Region FOs preparing or having decided to set up or expand business in
    Hong Kong
    Mainland and Taiwan, China 82
    Europe and Americas 34
    Asia Pacific and Oceania 22
    Middle East 9
    Total 147

     
         InvestHK will continue to conduct diversified investment promotion activities (e.g. roundtables, seminars, meetings with investors, media interviews and external visits) to proactively reach out and encourage more high-net-worth individuals (including high-net-worth individuals from the Mainland) to set up FOs in Hong Kong. Furthermore, investors from the Mainland currently can make investment in Hong Kong through various mutual access arrangements. The Government has been actively exploring opportunities to introduce further expansion initiatives, including enhancements to the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect has been further enhanced since February 2024 to increase individual investor quota, lower the threshold for participating in the Southbound Scheme, expand the scope of participating institutions, the scope of eligible investment products, and enhance the promotion and sales arrangements. The Government will continue to discuss with financial regulatory authorities in the Mainland on various cross-boundary remittance arrangements, including how to provide more facilitation arrangements while ensuring that the risks are manageable.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: BHARAT TEX 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry has supported Export Promotion Councils/Associations in organizing a Global Mega Textile Event i.e. Bharat TEX  2025 to showcase the strength of the Indian textiles value chain, highlighting the latest progress/ innovations in textile & fashion Industry and positioning India as the most preferred destination for sourcing and investment in textile sector.

    The event spanned 2.2 million square feet and featured over 5,000 exhibitors, providing a comprehensive showcase of India’s textile ecosystem. More than 1,20,000 trade visitors, from more than 100 countries including global CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders, attended the event.

    Bharat TEX 2025 served as a premier platform for industry leaders, manufacturers, exporters, and innovators, bringing together key stakeholders from across the textile sector. The event facilitates collaboration among manufacturers, exporters, and importers, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their expertise, cutting-edge innovations, and latest collections to a global audience. It brought together the entire textile value chain from raw materials to finished products including accessories under one single roof.

    The government’s focus on increasing textile manufacturing, modernizing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and upgrading technology has strengthened India’s position as a global textile hub. Bharat Tex 2025 provided a platform to showcase these advancements while promoting sustainable and high-value textile production.

    Bharat TEX 2025 also featured a Global scale conference, Roundtables, Panel Discussions, and master classes. It included exhibitions that featured Special Innovation and Start up Pavilions. It also included hackathons based Startup Pitch Fest and innovation fests, Tech tanks and design challenges providing funding opportunities for startups through leading investors.

    Ministry of Textiles through Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) promotes Handloom products of the country including Rajasthan by implementing following scheme:

    1. National Handloom Development Programme;
    2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;
    • Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, skilling, product & design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic & international markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security etc.
    • Assistance in establishing international marketing linkages to suitable Apex/Primary handloom cooperative societies, corporations, producers’ companies, handloom awardees, exporters, other talented weavers etc. who are producing exclusive exportable handloom products.
    • Market penetration through organisation/participation in international fairs/exhibitions, big ticket events, Buyer Sellers Meet, Reverse Buyer Sellers Meet etc., for export promotion of handloom products. Publicity and brand development through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and other measures.
    • Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) is being implemented throughout the country to make available yarn to handloom weavers. Under the scheme, fright charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn; and component of 15% price subsidy is there for cotton hank yarn, domestic silk, wool and linen yarn and blended yarn of natural fibres.

    Similarly for handicrafts sector, the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) implements two schemes namely National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) for overall development and promotion of handicrafts sector across the country. Under these schemes, need based financial assistance is provided for end-to-end support to the artisans through marketing events, skill development, cluster development, formation of Producer Companies, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructural and technology support, research and development support, digitization, branding and marketing of handicraft products in domestic & international markets etc. which benefit the traditional crafts and artisans throughout the country including Rajasthan.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q4891)

    (Release ID: 2117659) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ROADMAP FOR TEXTILE SECTOR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Government in order to achieve Textile 2030 vision has been focusing on high-tech & high-growth product segments, leveraging inherent strengths, developing large scale plug and play infrastructure, keeping sustainability at the core, while ensuring large-scale livelihood opportunities, providing impetus to traditional sectors including handloom and handicrafts and becoming Atma-nirbhar in raw material value chain by implementing various schemes/initiatives across the country. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated , world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man Made Fibre (MMF) Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain; National Handloom Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for promotion of handicraft artisans. Under these schemes, support is provided for marketing, skill development, cluster development, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructure and technology support etc.

    The textile industry is one of the largest sources of employment generation in the country, employing over 45 million people directly. A total of 35,874 USD million exports of Textiles & Apparel including Handicrafts were reported during 2023-24.

    Further, for global branding of Indian Textile, Government has registered Kasturi Cotton India’s brand as a trademark to give a unique identity to Premium Quality Indian Cotton.

    A successful Global Mega Textile Event BHARAT TEX 2025 was organized in February, 2025 by Textile Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India to showcase, India’s prowess as a premier textile manufacturing hub, encompassing the entire value chain from raw materials to finished products. The event highlighted diversity and richness of Indian textiles, while emphasizing the industry’s manufacturing strength, global competitiveness as well as its commitment to sustainability and circularity.

    For upliftment of handloom weavers in Assam, the following support has been provided during last ten years and current year:

    • 88 Small Handloom Clusters and 2 Mega Handloom Clusters have been taken up for financial assistance of Rs.89.45 crore benefitting to 68,652 handloom workers. Out of these, one Small handloom cluster at Harangajao in DimaHasao district has been taken up for financial assistance of Rs.94.23 lakh benefiting 626 handloom workers.
    • To integrate Craft promotion with tourism, Craft Handloom Village has been set up at Mohpara (Assam).
    • More than 1.09 lakh beneficiaries enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
    • Total 15.10 lakh kg of yarn supplied under Transport Subsidy & Price Subsidy benefitting more than 39,000 handloom organisations/weavers.    

    For the upliftment of artisans need based assistance is provided under National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for end-to-end support through marketing events, skill development, cluster development, formation of Producer Companies, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructural and technology support, research and development support etc. which benefit the traditional crafts and artisans throughout the country including of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts in Assam.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q5011)

    (Release ID: 2117657) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: AGF Investments Announces Additional Ad Hoc Distributions for AGF Systematic Global Multi-Sector Bond ETF, AGF Systematic International Equity ETF and AGF Systematic US Equity ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGF Investments Inc. (AGF Investments) today announced additional ad hoc distributions for AGF Systematic Global Multi-Sector Bond ETF (ticker: QGB), AGF Systematic International Equity ETF (ticker: QIE) and AGF Systematic US Equity ETF (ticker: QUS), which usually pay quarterly/annual distributions.

    These ad hoc distributions are the result of previously announced proposed terminations of these three ETFs effective close of business on or about April 29, 2025 (the “ETF Termination Date”). Unitholders of record on April 9, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable on April 15, 2025.

    Please note: Final distributions will be announced on or about April 17, 2025.

    Details regarding the ad hoc “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    ETF Ticker Exchange Cash Distribution Per
    Unit ($)
    AGF Systematic Global Multi-Sector Bond ETF  QGB Cboe Canada Inc. $ 0.036985
    AGF Systematic International Equity ETF  QIE Toronto Stock Exchange $ 0.309045
    AGF Systematic US Equity ETF  QUS Toronto Stock Exchange $ 0.098268

    Further information about the AGF ETFs can be found at AGF.com.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With nearly $54 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    About AGF Investments

    AGF Investments is a group of wholly owned subsidiaries of AGF Management Limited, a Canadian reporting issuer. The subsidiaries included in AGF Investments are AGF Investments Inc. (AGFI), AGF Investments America Inc. (AGFA), AGF Investments LLC (AGFUS) and AGF International Advisors Company Limited (AGFIA). The term AGF Investments may refer to one or more of these subsidiaries or to all of them jointly. This term is used for convenience and does not precisely describe any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs.

    AGF Investments entities only provide investment advisory services or offers investment funds in the jurisdiction where such firm and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services.

    AGF Investments Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGF Management Limited and conducts the management and advisory of mutual funds in Canada.

    Disclaimer

    ETFs are listed and traded on organized Canadian exchanges and may only be bought and sold through licensed dealers. Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Exchange-traded funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. There is no guarantee that ETFs will achieve their stated objectives and there is risk involved in investing in the ETFs. Before investing you should read the prospectus or relevant ETF Facts and carefully consider, among other things, each ETF’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. A copy of the prospectus and ETF Facts is available on AGF.com.

    This information is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax, investment, financial, or other advice, and should not be relied upon for providing such advice. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    Media Contact

    Amanda Marchment
    Director, Corporate Communications
    416-865-4160
    amanda.marchment@agf.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fast Track to AV1 with Beamr: High-Quality at a Fraction of the Cost

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Beamr will showcase its high-performance AV1 solutions, accelerated by NVIDIA GPUs, and with simple, competitive pricing, at the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas

    HERZLIYA, Israel, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization technology and solutions, will showcase its high-quality, cost-effective solution for AV1 (AOMedia Video 1) codec upgrades at the 2025 NAB Show (Meeting room SL1730MR), held in Las Vegas from April 5-9, along with a simple, competitive pricing plan.

    Accelerated by NVIDIA GPUs and integrated with NVENC, an on-chip hardware-accelerated video encoder within NVIDIA GPUs, Beamr’s technology enables scalable, efficient AV1 upgrades with superior performance and high-quality results. While AV1 is an advanced video codec with improved image quality and superior compression, Beamr offers up to 30% additional compression.

    Beamr provides AV1 encoding at a quarter of the cost or less compared to CPU-based solutions and other alternatives, bringing it in line with AVC (H.264) encoding costs. Readily accessible on cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), as well as private cloud or on-premises environments, Beamr simplifies AV1 adoption for companies working with videos at large scale – across media and entertainment, user-generated content, AI, and more.

    “Available through straightforward, affordable pricing, Beamr removes barriers to AV1 adoption and allows users improved performance while significantly reducing video file sizes without sacrificing quality,” said Beamr CEO Sharon Carmel. “Our tests also show that optimized AV1 files by Beamr maintain full accuracy in AI applications such as facial recognition, action detection and enhancing machine learning models.”

    AV1 is backed by tech giants within the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), and it is widely supported across most operating systems and web browsers, as well as recent smartphone models, smart TVs and more. Despite these advantages, complexity and high adoption costs have limited AV1’s usage.

    Beamr’s video optimization technology is integrated with NVENC, and is available across multiple GPU platforms:

    The NVENC SDK 12.1 release added an API that supports external control and enables users to tightly integrate hardware encoders with support for AV1.

    Beamr video experts will be available throughout the NAB Show, April 5-9 in Las Vegas, to discuss cost-effective, high-quality, high-performance AV1 upgrades. For one-on-one meetings (Meeting room SL1730MR) please use this link.

    For more details about Beamr’s AV1 offering, visit this link.

    About Beamr

    Beamr (Nasdaq: BMR) is a world leader in content-adaptive video optimization and modernization. The company serves top media companies like Netflix and Paramount. Beamr’s inventive perceptual optimization technology (CABR) is backed by 53 patents and won the Emmy® award for Technology and Engineering. The innovative technology reduces video file size by up to 50% while guaranteeing quality.

    Beamr Cloud is a high-performance, GPU-based video optimization and modernization service designed for businesses and video professionals across diverse industries. It is conveniently available to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers. Beamr Cloud enables video modernization to advanced formats such as AV1 and HEVC, and is ready for video AI workflows. For more details, please visit www.beamr.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, among other things, statements about Beamr’s strategic and business plans, technology, relationships, objectives and expectations for its business, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results, operations and financial performance and condition. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC on March 4, 2025 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Investor Contact:

    investorrelations@beamr.com

    Agency Contact
    Moe Lokat
    Wall Street Communications
    +44 7973 306039
    moe@wallstcom.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Euro area bank interest rate statistics: February 2025

    Source: European Central Bank

    2 April 2025

    Bank interest rates for corporations

    Chart 1

    Bank interest rates on new loans to, and deposits from, euro area corporations

    (percentages per annum)

    Data for cost of borrowing and deposit interest rates for corporations (Chart 1)

    The composite cost-of-borrowing indicator, which combines interest rates on all loans to corporations, decreased in February 2025. The interest rate on new loans of over €1 million with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to three months decreased by 27 basis points to 3.92%. The rate on new loans of the same size with an initial rate fixation period of over three months and up to one year fell by 11 basis points to 3.77%. The interest rate on new loans of over €1 million with an initial rate fixation period of over ten years decreased by 16 basis points to 3.44%. In the case of new loans of up to €250,000 with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to three months, the average rate charged stayed almost constant at 4.37%.
    As regards new deposit agreements, the interest rate on deposits from corporations with an agreed maturity of up to one year fell by 17 basis points to 2.50% in February 2025. The interest rate on overnight deposits from corporations fell by 4 basis points to 0.72%.
    The interest rate on new loans to sole proprietors and unincorporated partnerships with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to one year remained broadly unchanged at 4.55%.

    Table 1

    Bank interest rates for corporations

    i.r.f. = initial rate fixation
    * For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.

    Data for bank interest rates for corporations (Table 1)

    Bank interest rates for households

    Chart 2

    Bank interest rates on new loans to, and deposits from, euro area households

    Data for cost of borrowing and deposit interest rate for households (Chart 2)

    The composite cost-of-borrowing indicator, which combines interest rates on all loans to households for house purchase, increased in February 2025. The interest rate on loans for house purchase with a floating rate and an initial rate fixation period of up to one year decreased by 6 basis points to 4.00%. The rate on housing loans with an initial rate fixation period of over one and up to five years rose by 4 basis points to 3.53%. The interest rate on loans for house purchase with an initial rate fixation period of over five and up to ten years increased by 49 basis points to 3.37%. The rate on housing loans with an initial rate fixation period of over ten years rose by 12 basis points to 3.09%, driven by both the interest rate and the weight effects. In the same period the interest rate on new loans to households for consumption decreased by 7 basis points to 7.58%.
    As regards new deposits from households, the interest rate on deposits with an agreed maturity of up to one year decreased by 14 basis points to 2.19%. The rate on deposits redeemable at three months’ notice fell by 19 basis points to 1.53%. The interest rate on overnight deposits from households remained broadly unchanged at 0.32%.

    Table 2

    Bank interest rates for households

    i.r.f. = initial rate fixation
    * For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories; deposits placed by households and corporations are allocated to the household sector. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.
    ** For this instrument category, the concept of new business is extended to the whole outstanding amounts and therefore the business volumes are not comparable with those of the other categories. Outstanding amounts data are derived from the ECB’s monetary financial institutions balance sheet statistics.

    Data for bank interest rates for households (Table 2)

    Further information

    The data in Tables 1 and 2 can be visualised for individual euro area countries on the bank interest rate statistics dashboard. Additionally, tables containing further breakdowns of bank interest rate statistics, including the composite cost-of-borrowing indicators for all euro area countries, are available from the ECB Data Portal. The full set of bank interest rate statistics for both the euro area and individual countries can be downloaded from ECB Data Portal. More information, including the release calendar, is available under “Bank interest rates” in the statistics section of the ECB’s website.

    For media queries, please contact Nicos Keranis, tel.: +49 69 1344 7806

    Notes:

    • In this press release “corporations” refers to non-financial corporations (sector S.11 in the European System of Accounts 2010, or ESA 2010), “households” refers to households and non-profit institutions serving households (ESA 2010 sectors S.14 and S.15) and “banks” refers to monetary financial institutions except central banks and money market funds (ESA 2010 sector S.122).
    • The composite cost-of-borrowing indicators are described in the article entitled “Assessing the retail bank interest rate pass-through in the euro area at times of financial fragmentation” in the August 2013 issue of the ECB’s Monthly Bulletin (see Box 1). For these indicators, a weighting scheme based on the 24-month moving averages of new business volumes has been applied, in order to filter out excessive monthly volatility. For this reason the developments in the composite cost of borrowing indicators in both tables cannot be explained by the month-on-month changes in the displayed subcomponents. Furthermore, the table on bank interest rates for corporations presents a subset of the series used in the calculation of the cost of borrowing indicator.
    • Interest rates on new business are weighted by the size of the individual agreements. This is done both by the reporting agents and when the national and euro area averages are computed. Thus changes in average euro area interest rates for new business reflect, in addition to changes in interest rates, changes in the weights of individual countries’ new business for the instrument categories concerned. The “interest rate effect” and the “weight effect” presented in this press release are derived from the Bennet index, which allows month-on-month developments in euro area aggregate rates resulting from changes in individual country rates (the “interest rate effect”) to be disentangled from those caused by changes in the weights of individual countries’ contributions (the “weight effect”). Owing to rounding, the combined “interest rate effect” and the “weight effect” may not add up to the month-on-month developments in euro area aggregate rates.
    • In addition to monthly euro area bank interest rate statistics for February 2025, this press release incorporates revisions to data for previous periods. Hyperlinks in the main body of the press release lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Unless otherwise indicated, these euro area statistics cover the EU Member States that had adopted the euro at the time to which the data relate.
    • As of reference period December 2014, the sector classification applied to bank interest rates statistics is based on the European System of Accounts 2010 (ESA 2010). In accordance with the ESA 2010 classification and as opposed to ESA 95, the non-financial corporations sector (S.11) now excludes holding companies not engaged in management and similar captive financial institutions.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Brazil and Paraguay: Itaipú takes a step towards restoring land to the Avá Guaraní Paranaense People, but integral reparation is still pending

    Source: Amnesty International –

    On 24 March, it was formally agreed that Itaipú Binacional should finance the purchase of 3,000 hectares of land in Brazil to restore part of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense territory that had been dispossessed and flooded for the construction and operation of the Itaipú hydroelectric dam. The dam, one of the largest in the world, was built in the 1970s and 1980s as a joint project by the Paraguayan and Brazilian governments.

    Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International, declared that “The commitment to purchase 3,000 hectares of land in Brazil with resources from Itaipú Binacional is a result of the resistance of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense People. It does not, however, discharge the responsibility of the company and the governments of Brazil and Paraguay to provide full reparation to a people who have struggled for more than 40 years to recover their land”.

    The commitment to purchase 3,000 hectares of land in Brazil with resources from Itaipú Binacional is a result of the resistance of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense People. It does not, however, discharge the responsibility of the company and the governments of Brazil and Paraguay to provide full reparation to a people who have struggled for more than 40 years to recover their land.

    Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    A week ago, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court endorsed a settlement agreement in a lawsuit brought by the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic of Brazil, representing the interests of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense Indigenous communities, against Brazilian state agencies and Itaipú Binacional. This legal procedure, supported by the Guaraní Yvyrupa Commission and other organizations, seeks redress for human rights violations suffered by the communities of Tekoha Guasu Ocoy Jacutinga and Tekoha Guassu Guavira in Brazil. The agreement includes the publication of an apology acknowledging the company’s responsibility for the violations and “damages” suffered by these Indigenous peoples during construction of the dam, and financing the purchase of 3,000 hectares of land for the communities, which comprise more than 5,000 members in the municipalities of São Miguel do Iguaçu, Itaipulândia, Santa Helena, Terra Roxa and Guaíra in the state of Paraná.

    In their own statement, the communities accepted this restitution as an immediate remedy, but declared that it does not in any way cover the true extent of the damage caused to the Avá Guaraní Paranaense territory. In particular, the communities in Brazil insist that this restitution does not cover all of the land they are claiming, and that the 3,000 hectares to be acquired are not enough to avoid a situation of overpopulation that would prevent them from recovering their traditional livelihoods linked to cultivation, hunting, fishing and forest management.

    The dam that Brazil, Paraguay and Itaipú Binacional present internationally as a model project for the production of supposedly clean energy is in fact built on the pain of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense People. Without their territory and the livelihoods it provides, the very cultural identity of these Indigenous peoples is at risk

    Jurema Werneck, executive director of Amnesty International Brazil

    “The dam that Brazil, Paraguay and Itaipú Binacional present internationally as a model project for the production of supposedly clean energy is in fact built on the pain of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense People. Without their territory and the livelihoods it provides, the very cultural identity of these Indigenous peoples is at risk.”, said Jurema Werneck, executive director of Amnesty International Brazil.

    The Avá Guaraní Paranaense communities on the Paraguayan side of the border shared with Amnesty International their joy at the steps taken in Brazil and their disappointment at the lack of equivalent progress in Paraguay. For more than a decade, Amnesty International has denounced the continued violation of the human rights of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense People in Paraguay, in particular through lack of reparation, the precariousness that affects many of those displaced, and the violence directed against communities who, after years of waiting, have decided to reoccupy parts of their ancestral territory that have not been flooded.

    Rosalía Vega, executive director of Amnesty International Paraguay, said that “the Avá Guaraní Paranaense communities are a single people who share an open wound inflicted by the Itaipú hydroelectric dam. It is therefore incomprehensible that acknowledgement of responsibility and steps towards reparation are not happening simultaneously. Both the Paraguayan and Brazilian governments and Itaipú Binacional must be held accountable and address the claims of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense communities on both sides of the border”.

    The Avá Guaraní Paranaense communities are a single people who share an open wound inflicted by the Itaipú hydroelectric dam. It is therefore incomprehensible that acknowledgement of responsibility and steps towards reparation are not happening simultaneously. Both the Paraguayan and Brazilian governments and Itaipú Binacional must be held accountable and address the claims of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense communities on both sides of the border

    Rosalía Vega, executive director of Amnesty International Paraguay

    For these reasons, Amnesty International submitted an access to information request to Itaipú Binacional on both sides of the border, asking the company about the integrity of the measures taken to respect the right of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense People to free, prior and informed consultation and to redress the human rights violations committed during the construction of the dam. The request also addresses the company’s responsibility of due diligence to ensure that human rights are upheld at all times in its operations.

    Amnesty International recognizes the resistance of the Avá Guaraní Paranaense People and reaffirms its commitment to accompany their struggle until justice and effective reparation for the human rights violations committed against them on both sides of the Paraná River are achieved.

    For further information or to request an interview, please contact [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: BMJ Mental Health

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    BMJ Mental Health (formerly Evidence-Based Mental Health) is an open access, peer reviewed journal publishing evidence-based, innovative research, systematic reviews, and methodological papers in the area of mental health. It facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration among psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals, encourages debate on clinically relevant topics, and informs real world practice to improve patient and carer outcomes.

    BMJ Mental Health invites submissions in all areas of mental health including digital health; medical statistics; precision mental health; evaluation of psychotherapies; studies in children, young people and in the elderly; forensic psychiatry; health economics; data science and computational mental health.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Umbrella organization for urban co-operative banks

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:35PM by PIB Delhi

    A need was felt to establish an organization to resolve the difficulties being faced by the Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). UCBs are operating in a fragmented and uncoordinated environment, hindering their growth, stability and competitiveness. The lack of regulatory clarity, operational inefficiencies and limited access to resources and expertise left many UCBs vulnerable to financial instability, poor governance and market pressures.

    An Umbrella Organization (UO) named National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) has been established as a long-term solution to transform India’s UCB sector to make them financially resilient, enhance their depositor’s confidence and establish them as a major player in the country’s financial system.

    The UO will provide various fund-based as well as non-fund-based services to UCBs. The fund-based services include extending Capital support, Loans and advances, Refinance facilities, Liquidity support against excess SLR securities through Repo, and Accepting deposits from UCBs.

    The non-fund-based services include Setting up IT Infrastructure for use of member banks; Fund Management/ Treasury Management Services; Consultancy services in various operational areas; Capacity building services such as training, seminars, and conferences; and Research & Development

    Within a short period of time, the UO has commenced business and has started rolling out certain services to meet the urgent needs of UCBs.

    The UO has launched the following services:

    1. Legal Advisory: UO’s legal resource is providing free templates & free vetting for few basic agreements required by Banks. Preparation of large/ complicated agreements is chargeable but much below market rates.
    2. Sahakar Compliance Monitoring Service: Automation of all the Regulatory Compliances for Banks, by integrating with Core-Banking System (CBS) of Banks on one side and with Daksh portal of RBI on other side.
    3. Technology Consulting: UO’s resources are providing technology related advisory to Banks on all aspects like CBS, Cybersecurity, IT Compliance etc.

    The UO has also published Expression of Interest (EOI) for setting up and implementation of;

    1. Sahakar Cloud: to create Cloud/ Data Centre for the sector and reduce overall cost by achieving economies of scale.
    2. Sahakar CBS: for providing industry-best, standardized Core Banking Solution for all UCBs, specially the Tier1, Tier2 and Unit Banks.
    3. SahakarBox: innovative offering by UO to ensure that even small UCBs can achieve cybersecurity, resiliency, disaster recovery and backup services at quite affordable cost.
    4. Sahakar Council – Expert Panel: UCBs need advice of various external experts in areas like Direct/ Indirect Tax, Audit, Treasury, Compliance and Business Development etc.

    This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    ****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

     

    (Release ID: 2117771) Visitor Counter : 12

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union government to establish 440 Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), one EMRS in every block having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (as per census 2011)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durga Das Uikey informed in Rajya Sabha today that the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) was started in the year 2018-19 to provide quality education at par with Navodaya Vidyalaya to the tribal children in their own environment.

    Under the new scheme, Government decided to establish 440 EMRSs, one EMRS in every block having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (as per census 2011). 288 EMRS schools were initially funded under Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, which are being upgraded as per the new model.

    Accordingly, Ministry has set the target to set up total of 728 EMRSs benefiting around 3.5 lakh ST students across the country. To ensure quality education and holistic development for tribal students following facilities are being provided in EMRSs: –

    Educational Infrastructure:

      • Well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids.
      • Science and computer laboratories.
      • Libraries with diverse learning resources.
    2. Accommodation and Amenities:
      • Residential facilities for students and staff.
      • Separate hostels for boys and girls with essential amenities like bedding, furniture, and hygiene facilities.

         3.    Sports and Extracurricular Facilities:

    • Playgrounds and sports equipment.
      • Facilities for extracurricular activities like music, art, and sports
    1. Health and Nutrition:
      • Regular health check-ups and medical facilities.
    1. IT and Digital Learning:
      • Smart classrooms for digital education.
      • Computer labs with internet access.
    1. Vocational Training:
      • Skill development and vocational training programs to enhance employability.

     

    Further, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has been established as an autonomous body under this Ministry to manage and implement scheme of EMRS. NESTS has organized Principals’ Conclave bringing together all Principals of EMRSs from across the country for orientation in the areas of academic management, mental health, safety, HR matters etc. and the conclave enriched their knowledge and professional skills. NESTS has also empowered State societies to impart induction training to Teacher’s towards residential culture and academic transactions.

     

    The Ministry is implementing several initiatives in collaboration with other government bodies to provide tribal students with access to digital and skill-based education while maintaining the traditional curriculum.  These initiatives include:

     

    i)    Establishment of Smart classrooms equipped with digital boards in partnership with ERNET, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to enhance digital learning in tribal schools.

    ii)    Setting-up of 400 Skill Labs in 200 EMRSs in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) to provide hands-on vocational training and industry-relevant skills to students.

    iii)     Provision of online coaching sessions for IIT-JEE and NEET, along with recorded lectures tailored for Class 11 and 12 students, in collaboration with PACE- IIT & Medical. Additionally, special classes and focused training modules are provided to support both high-performing and academically weaker students.

    iv)     Allocation of a dedicated DTH channel by NCERT to enhance both curricular and extracurricular learning, including vocational education, ensuring wider accessibility for students in remote areas.

    Additionally, to preserve and promote traditional curricula, regional language teachers have been recruited to support language learning and cultural continuity.

    Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing following Scholarship Schemes to promote and encourage basic and higher education amongst ST population: –

    1.  
    • Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST students (For Class IX and X)
    • Post Matric Scholarship for ST students (For Class XI and above)
    • National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students (earlier known as Top Class Scholarship Scheme): Scholarship is provided for pursuing Graduate/Post Graduate courses in the 265 top-class Government and Non-Government Institutes in professional fields such as Management, Medicine, Engineering, Information Technology, Law etc.
    • National Fellowship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students: Scholarship to meritorious ST students for pursuing M. Phil or Ph.D. in India
    • National Overseas Scholarship for ST students: Scholarships are given to the meritorious Schedule Tribe (ST) students for pursuing higher education abroad. Pre and Post matric Scholarships scheme are open ended and every ST student with income up to 2.5 lakh can take benefit of these schemes.

    Additionally, to encourage students to pursue higher studies, instructions have been issued to state societies to cover the application fees for national-level entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE, CLAT, etc., for students studying in Class XII in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). The cost of these application fees is to be borne by the respective State EMRS Societies, thereby reducing the financial burden on students and their families.

    ******

    RN/PIB

     

    (Release ID: 2117788) Visitor Counter : 9

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –