NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters and Moreno to Lead Senate Great Lakes Task Force

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) will lead the Senate Great Lakes Task Force in the 119th Congress. Founded in 1987, the Task Force is a bipartisan working group that advocates for the protection of the Great Lakes. As Co-Chairs, Peters and Moreno will convene meetings between Great Lakes Senators and staff to coordinate legislative initiatives, funding priorities, and oversight efforts to address the most important issues facing the Great Lakes.

    “The Great Lakes are essential to our economy, environment, and way of life in Michigan,” said Senator Peters. “As someone who has made protecting the Great Lakes a top priority throughout my years in public service, I’m honored to serve as Co-Chair of this important Task Force. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure we’re providing the resources necessary to keep the Great Lakes healthy and vibrant for generations to come.”

    “The Great Lakes are a cornerstone of our lifestyle in the Midwest, and Lake Erie is a crucial resource for Northeast Ohio,” said Senator Moreno. “I’m grateful to serve as the Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force to protect the Great Lakes and ensure our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are able to utilize them.”

    Peters has been a steadfast supporter of the Great Lakes, advocating for policies that safeguard Michigan waters, support local economies, and enhance environmental protections. Earlier this year, Peters introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 to reauthorize and expand resources for the GLRI program, which has carried out the most significant investment ever made to restore our Great Lakes. As Co-Chair, he will play a key role in uniting Great Lakes Basin states to address pressing issues like invasive species, environmental contamination, shoreline erosion, water quality, infrastructure needs, and more.

    The Senate Great Lakes Task Force, founded in the mid-1980s, is an influential bipartisan group associated with the Northeast-Midwest Institute. The Task Force works to ensure the Great Lakes continue to thrive.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts: My Tax Cut Bills Are About “Fairness, Common Sense, and Keeping Promises to Seniors and Veterans”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), outlined his Social Security Check Tax Cut Act and Tax Cuts for Veterans Act. These two tax cut bills, introduced Tuesday, will help Americans keep more of their own hard-earned money in retirement. He made the following comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media:

    “Social Security and veterans’ benefits should be completely tax-free,” Ricketts said. “These aren’t government handouts. They’re benefits people have earned. Seniors have paid into Social Security for decades. Veterans have given years of service to protect our freedoms. We should not be double-taxing them.”

    “My bills are about fairness, common sense, and keeping promises to seniors and veterans,” Ricketts continued. “They will boost retirement income to ensure seniors and veterans keep more of their hard-earned money. We proved it in Nebraska. Washington needs to do the same.”

    [embedded content]

    Watch the video here

    TRANSCRIPT:

    Senator Ricketts: “Yesterday, I introduced two bills to help Americans keep more of their hard-earned money in retirement. 

    “I introduced the Social Security Check Tax Cut Act and the Tax Cuts for Veterans Act. 

    “These bills are built on the same common-sense approach we took in Nebraska. 

    “We worked across the aisle to cut taxes on Social Security and military retirement benefits at the state level. 

    “And now, it’s time to do the same thing at the federal level. 

    “From 1935 to 1983, Social Security benefits were not taxed at the federal level.

    “But by 1993, 85% of Social Security benefits were taxable. That needs to change.

    “Here’s the bottom line. Social Security and veterans’ benefits should be completely tax-free. 

    “These aren’t government handouts. They’re benefits people have earned. 

    “Seniors have paid into Social Security for decades. 

    “Veterans have given years of service to protect our freedoms. 

    “We should not be double-taxing them. 

    “My Social Security Check Tax Cut Act will start phasing out the federal tax on Social Security benefits. 

    “This is similar to what we did in Nebraska, where we phased it out over time. 

    “It begins with a 10% cut in year one and grows to 20% in year two.  

    “Congress can continue phasing out taxes by 10% per year and make Social Security income tax free by 2035. 

    “For a typical retiree, it would mean about $800 back in their pocket. 

    “That’s 202 gallons of milk or 270 gallons of gas at today’s prices. 

    “That’s real relief for our seniors. 

    “This is a plan that works. 

    “It’s what we did in Nebraska with LB873 while I was Governor.

    “We eliminated state taxes on Social Security benefits in a bipartisan, 100% unanimous vote.  

    “It wasn’t a Republican or a Democrat solution. It was a Nebraska solution. 

    “Washington should follow Nebraska’s lead. 

    “The second bill I introduced yesterday was the Tax Cuts for Veterans Act. 

    “My bill ensures that military retirement pay is tax-free at the federal level. 

    “In 2021, I signed LB387 into law, eliminating state taxes on military retirement benefits in Nebraska. 

    “We did it with overwhelming bipartisan support. Not a single senator voted against it. 

    “That’s because it was the right thing to do. 

    “We need to take that same approach in Washington. 

    “The Tax Cuts for Veterans Act would give real financial relief to those who served. 

    “Take an enlisted soldier, sailor, airman, marine, or guardian who serves for 20 years. 

    “Under my bill, they could save over $6,000 per year. 

    “That’s an extra $500 every single month. 

    “That’s real money to cover groceries, gas, housing, or other rising costs. 

    “As John F. Kennedy once said, “as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” 

    “Honoring our veterans isn’t just about words—it’s about action. 

    “We can and should eliminate federal taxes on military retirement benefits for veterans across the country. 

    “My bills are about fairness, common sense, and keeping promises to seniors and veterans. 

    “They will boost retirement income to ensure seniors and veterans keep more of their hard-earned money. 

    “We proved it in Nebraska. Washington needs to do the same. 

    “I’m proud to lead this effort, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Takes Center Stage with Six Prestigious Awards at the Global Banking & Markets Africa Awards 2025

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 27, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to Africa’s financial and capital markets with six prestigious awards at the Global Banking & Markets Africa Awards 2025, presented during the Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Conference in Cape Town. These accolades underscore AFC’s pivotal role in landmark transactions that drive sustainable development and economic growth across the region.

    Award-Winning Transactions:

    1. Quasi-Sovereign/GRE Treasury & Funding Team of the Year

    AFC’s Treasury and Funding team was recognized for its expertise and innovation in structuring financing solutions that attract global capital to African infrastructure projects. Notable achievements include the closure of a US$400 million Shariah-compliant Commodity Murabaha facility and a groundbreaking US$1.16 billion syndicated loan, which broadened AFC’s global investor base. Additionally, AFC earned top-tier credit ratings from S&P Global (China) Ratings and China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd (CCXI).

    1. Syndicated Loan Deal of the Year: Bank of Industry EUR 1.87bn Syndicated Loan

    As Global Coordinator, Lead Co-Arranger, Underwriter, Bookrunner, and Guarantor, AFC led the record-breaking €1.87 billion syndicated loan for Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria’s largest development finance institution. This historic transaction, BOI’s largest capital raise to date, facilitates financing for trade-related projects and affirms AFC’s capacity to navigate complex global markets. This landmark deal has already garnered widespread industry recognition, earning AFC three additional awards earlier this month: Guarantor of the Year, Africa and Market Innovation Award, Africa at the IJGlobal Awards, as well as African Deal of the Year at the Global Capital Syndicated Loan Awards.

    3. West Africa Deal of the Year: Federal Government of Nigeria USD 917mm Bond

    AFC acted as Global Coordinator for the inaugural domestic dollar bond issuance by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), successfully raising US$917 million, with 180% oversubscription. The bond, which has a five-year tenor and 9.75% coupon, was successfully listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and FMDQ Securities Exchange, attracted a diverse investor base, including local and diaspora Nigerians and institutional investors.

    1. Securitization Deal of the Year: BUA Industries US$200mm Securitization

    AFC played a key role in structuring a US$200 million corporate finance facility for BUA Industries Limited. The financing, provided by Afreximbank, supports BUA’s expansion across industries including sugar, cement, flour and oil processing, and real estate development. AFC’s second successful advisory mandate for BUA Group, the facility, demonstrates AFC’s commitment to unlocking capital for African businesses and fostering sustainable growth.

    1. Financial Institutions Bond Deal of the Year: Ecobank Transnational USD 400mm Senior Bond

    As Joint Lead Manager in the successful pricing of Ecobank Transnational’s US$400 million 10.125% bond, AFC highlighted its commitment to supporting financial institutions raising capital to drive economic progress. The five-year RegS/144A bond, maturing in 2029, marks the first public Sub-Saharan African Eurobond issued by an African bank since 2021.

    1. Quasi-Sovereign/GRE Bond Deal of the Year: US$500mm Reg S / 144A Senior Unsecured Bond

    AFC returned to the global debt capital markets with the issuance of a US$500 million 144A/Reg S Eurobond, which saw an oversubscription rate more than 2 ½ times the book size. The five-year Note, with a 5.55% coupon, achieved a record-tight T-spread for AFC, reflecting robust investor confidence in AFC’s creditworthiness.

    AFC’s Commitment to Africa’s Economic Growth

    “We are grateful to judges for their recognition through these numerous awards of AFC’s relentless pursuit of innovative financing solutions that drive sustainable development across Africa,” said Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC. “We are proud to be at the forefront of mobilizing capital for transformational infrastructure projects across the continent and in building a more resilient, self-sustaining Africa. I want to extend my gratitude to the judges for this recognition and to our exceptional AFC team for their incredible talent and dedication to driving Africa’s economic transformation.”

    Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member & Head of Financial Services at AFC, added: “These awards highlight AFC’s role as a trusted partner in African and global capital markets, and reflect our collective efforts in shaping Africa’s financial landscape and driving growth in the region. My sincere thanks to the judges and to AFC’s Treasury, Funding and Capital Markets teams for their commitment, dedication and hard work.”

    As AFC continues expanding its footprint in global markets, the Corporation remains dedicated to delivering high-impact infrastructure projects that foster industrialization, intra-African trade, and economic diversification.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The battle for Khartoum: tracking Sudan’s war over two years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kagure Gacheche, Commissioning Editor, East Africa

    Sudan has been engulfed in brutal conflict since 15 April 2023, when tensions between the country’s two most powerful military factions erupted into civil war.

    The conflict stems from a long-standing power struggle over military control and integration. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread across the country. International efforts to broker peace since have largely failed.

    The conflict, which has been going on for two years now, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.

    An estimated 30 million Sudanese civilians are in need of aid. Brutal attacks, looting and destruction of infrastructure have become commonplace. Millions of people lack access to essential medical care. Food shortages and economic collapse have worsened the suffering.

    The war has also triggered a massive displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people forced to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, while others remain trapped in dangerous conditions within Sudan.

    As the conflict drags on, the toll on Sudan’s people continues to grow. Estimates of those killed vary widely, from 20,000 to 62,000, but the actual figure could be much larger.

    With no clear resolution in sight, Sudan’s crisis is one of the most urgent and devastating conflicts in the world. At The Conversation Africa, we have worked with academics who have tracked the conflict since 2023.

    Weapons flow

    Early on, it was clear that both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary force had a sufficient supply of weapons to sustain a protracted conflict. The country was already awash with firearms. It is ranked second – after Egypt – among its regional neighbours in total firearms estimates. Khristopher Carlson, part of a research project tracking small arms and armed violence in Sudan, noted that the two Sudanese forces might have different fighting methods but were adequately equipped to trade fire. The army’s superiority was its air force and heavy arsenal on the ground. The paramilitary force relied on nimble mobile units equipped primarily with small and light weapons.

    Read more: Sudan is awash with weapons: how the two forces compare and what that means for the war

    External interference

    This proliferation of weapons has been compounded by financial and military support from external states. Various foreign players – Chad, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Qatar and Russia – have picked a side to support. However, the influence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has been particularly problematic. Political scientist Federico Donelli explained that the two nations viewed Sudan as a key nation because of its location. Following President Omar al-Bashir’s ouster in 2019, the two monarchies bet on different factions within Sudan’s security apparatus. This external support exacerbated internal competition. Riyadh maintained close ties with army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Abu Dhabi aligned itself with the head of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Dagalo, or Hemedti.

    Read more: Middle Eastern monarchies in Sudan’s war: what’s driving their interests

    Regional dynamics

    The support from international players in Sudan’s war has had a damaging effect on regional dynamics. The Sudanese army recently accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the Rapid Support Forces with weapons through Chad. At a ceremony for an officer killed in a drone strike carried out by paramilitary forces, a senior army official said Chad’s airports would be “legitimate targets” should retaliatory action become necessary. This heightened the risk of a spillover of the Sudanese conflict. Sudan shares borders with seven countries in an unstable region, including Chad, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Economics professor and legal expert John Mukum Mbaku warned that a spillover of the fighting could devastate the region economically, socially and politically.

    Read more: Sudan’s conflict will have a ripple effect in an unstable region – and across the world

    Protecting civilians

    The conflict has put millions of civilians in Sudan in the crossfire. A UN report in September 2024 called for an independent force to protect civilians; Sudan’s officials rejected the proposal. However, peace talks have yet to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Sudan had a peacekeeping force between 2007 and 2020, followed by a UN-led political mission that exited in February 2024. Since then, there has been no security presence in Sudan responsible for protecting civilians. Peacekeeping researcher Jenna Russo noted the need for a regional or international peace force that could create “green zones”. This would help protect areas where displaced persons were sheltering and facilitate humanitarian aid.

    Read more: Sudan’s civilians urgently need protection: the options for international peacekeeping

    What’s been missing?

    High-level peace talks brokered by the African Union and the UN to negotiate a ceasefire have largely been unsuccessful, putting civilians at constant risk. Talks held in Switzerland and Jeddah have had little impact. Philipp Kastner, a peace scholar, highlighted that the countries hosting or supporting these talks were pursuing competing interests in Sudan, which affected their impartiality. Progress to negotiate an end to the war would be unlikely if external military support to the warring parties continued unabated. Civilians would continue to pay the price.

    Read more: Sudan at war: the art of peace talks and why they often fail

    – The battle for Khartoum: tracking Sudan’s war over two years
    – https://theconversation.com/the-battle-for-khartoum-tracking-sudans-war-over-two-years-253242

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan is the First Province in Canada to be Carbon Tax Free

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 27, 2025

    Effective April 1, Saskatchewan will be the first province in Canada to be carbon tax free. 

    The Government of Saskatchewan will pause the industrial carbon tax rate under its Output-Based Performance Standards (OBPS) Program, a decision that will provide immediate financial relief to families, farms, businesses and industry. The carbon tax rate rider will be removed from all SaskPower bills. This will save hundreds of dollars a year for Saskatchewan families and businesses. 

    “Today, we are making Saskatchewan the first carbon tax free province in Canada,” Premier Scott Moe said. “In taking the lead on the removal of this harmful tax, we hope all federal leaders will support our position and allow the provinces to regulate in this area without imposing the federal backstop.” 

    “Saskatchewan led on the removal of the carbon tax on home heating last year, saving families in our province over $400 on their household SaskEnergy bills,” Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Jeremy Harrison said. “Now we are leading again as the first province in Canada to remove the industrial carbon tax on electricity generation, delivering further savings for Saskatchewan families, businesses and industries on their SaskPower bills.”

    In the face of the ongoing tariff threats and the rising cost of living, Saskatchewan is taking decisive steps to protect Saskatchewan businesses and residents from economic uncertainty and unnecessary taxation. 

    “Now more than ever, the world needs our clean and sustainable, food, fuel and fertilizer” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. “This is not the time to risk undermining our economic growth and prosperity. Pausing the industrial carbon tax will allow industries to grow and operate sustainably while maintaining our economic competitiveness during these uncertain times.”

    Saskatchewan is home to some of the most sustainable products on the planet and has the food, fuel, fertilizer and critical minerals the world needs. By eliminating industrial carbon costs which are often passed directly on to consumers – the province is acting to protect affordability and economic competitiveness. 

    This decision will foster an economic environment where industries can feel confident to make investments, increase production, and protect the jobs and families they support.  

    While the industrial carbon tax rate is paused, the Government of Saskatchewan will continue to engage with industry on the future of Saskatchewan’s OBPS system. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Disrupts Hamas Terrorist Financing Scheme Through Seizure of Cryptocurrency

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The Court-Authorized Seizure Interdicts Cryptocurrency Valued at Approximately $200,000 Intended to Support the Terrorist Activities of Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Hamas)

    The Justice Department announced the disruption of an ongoing terrorist financing scheme through the seizure of approximately $201,400 in cryptocurrency held in wallets and accounts intended to benefit Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Hamas). The seized funds were traced from fundraising addresses purportedly controlled by Hamas that were used to launder more than $1.5 million in virtual currency since October 2024.

    “At Attorney General Pam Bondi’s direction, the Department of Justice is committed to dismantling Hamas using every tool at our disposal,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.   

    “These seizures show that this office will search high and low for every cent of money going to fund Hamas, wherever it is found, and in whatever form of currency,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia. “Hamas is responsible for the death of many U.S. and Israeli nationals, and we will stop at nothing to stop their campaign of terror and murder.”

    “Hamas raised and laundered more than a million dollars to support its terrorist operation, but through our investigation, the FBI traced and seized these funds,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI Counterterrorism Division. “Disrupting funding mechanisms and seizing cryptocurrency from Hamas is one of the FBI’s many tools that we use in the fight against terrorism. The FBI will work with our partners to dismantle this terrorist group and protect the American people from their violent and horrific acts.”

    “Countering terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority. By successfully disrupting access to funds, we weaken their ability to function,” said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “This success demonstrates that financial warfare is a critical component to fight terrorism. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the American people and pursue justice by depriving terrorist organizations of the resources they need to continue their illicit activity.”

    As alleged in court documents, a group chat claiming association with Hamas on an encrypted communications platform provided Hamas supporters worldwide with a changing set of at least 17 cryptocurrency addresses. Supporters were encouraged to donate money to those addresses. Those funds were sent into an operational wallet and laundered through a series of virtual currency exchanges and transactions by leveraging suspected financiers and over-the-counter brokers. More than a million dollars was raised and laundered using the laundering system and the virtual currency accounts described in the affidavit.

    Included among the assets seized were cryptocurrency addresses valued at approximately $89,900 and three additional accounts containing cryptocurrency valued at approximately $111,500. These accounts were registered in the names of Palestinian individuals living in Turkey and elsewhere.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office is investigating the case, in coordination with the FBI Counterterrorism Division and Cyber Division.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Tejpal Chawla for the District of Columbia, Trial Attorney Jacques Singer-Emery for the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section, and Trial Attorney Jessica Joyce of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 BC Cleantech Awards Winners: Meet the Leaders Driving the Future Economy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Foresight Canada revealed the winners of the fifth annual British Columbia Cleantech Awards at last night’s sold-out ceremony in Vancouver. The awards recognize the innovators, funders, adopters, and supporters working together to catalyze clean technology adoption and net zero progress across the province.

    As global environmental and economic challenges grow, BC’s leadership in cleantech demonstrates how innovation delivers real solutions—advancing a sustainable global economy while simultaneously supporting and growing businesses and industries at home. Recognizing these leaders strengthens BC’s cleantech ecosystem, inspiring innovation and driving meaningful change toward a more resilient and sustainable future economy.

    Meet the winners:

    Adopter of the Year: City of Vancouver

    The City of Vancouver recently expanded its Neighbourhood Energy Utility, tripling sewage heat recovery capacity to supply low-carbon thermal energy to key communities. This project demonstrates cutting-edge filtration and heat pump technologies while serving as a model for urban decarbonization.

    Funder of the Year: Active Impact Investments

    As Canada’s largest climate tech seed fund, Active Impact Investments has fueled early-stage cleantech innovation, catalyzing sustainable growth. In 2024, they launched their third fund and supported startups that collectively mitigated over 1M tonnes of CO2e.

    Cleantech Supporter of the Year: Zero Emissions Innovation Centre

    Led by Melina Scholefield, ZEIC accelerates climate solutions through programs like Building to Electrification, ZEBx, and BC Retrofit Accelerator. ZEIC is driving market transformation, advancing sustainable building practices, and supporting BC’s net zero economy.

    Startup Venture of the Year: Green Manganese Technologies

    Green Manganese Ltd. has developed a revolutionary, eco-friendly method for extracting battery-grade manganese. Their closed-loop process eliminates harmful by-products, remediates mine waste, and sets new sustainability standards for EV battery production.

    Scaleup Venture of the Year: pH7 Technologies Inc.

    pH7 Technologies is transforming metal extraction with a sustainable, near-zero-emissions process. Partnering with industry leaders, pH7 has scaled its operations to recover critical metals from mining waste and recycled materials, supporting the global energy transition.

    Learn more about all our 2025 Canada Cleantech Awards finalists and winners.

    Quotes

    “It’s truly an honour to receive this recognition, and we’re very grateful for the support. This award is a big milestone for our company, which is still young but deeply committed to making a real impact in cleantech. Our journey has been full of learning and growth. As we continue to develop and scale, this recognition reinforces our mission and motivates us to push forward.” — Alexey Demykin, Co-Founder, Green Manganese

    “The 2025 BC Cleantech Award winners are a testament to BC’s unwavering leadership in the cleantech sector, and it fills me with immense pride to recognize their achievements. The winners’ efforts prove that we are not just talking about a sustainable future—we are building it, while also supporting a resilient provincial economy, setting an example for Canada and the world to follow.” — Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada

    About Foresight Canada

    ​​Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they connect public and private sectors to the world’s best clean technologies, de-risking and simplifying the adoption of innovative solutions that improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing today’s most urgent climate challenges.

    Contact:
    Heather Kingdon
    Manager, Communications
    hkingdon@foresightcac.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d437486b-001c-4506-924a-5a3b5c488443

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Protecting homes and businesses from drought and floods

    In recent years, drought and flooding have been felt across the province, and building the critical infrastructure needed to protect Albertans can be costly for many municipalities. That’s why Alberta’s government is investing more than $19 million in 10 different projects through the Drought and Flood Protection Program to protect homes, safeguard businesses and, ultimately, save lives.

    These 10 projects will help protect critical infrastructure from floods, while increasing water storage to reduce the impacts of drought and build other necessary projects across the province.

    “Albertans have seen first-hand the impacts that floods and drought can have on our communities and livelihoods. This funding is helping communities build the next generation of drought and flood mitigation projects. While we can’t change the weather, we can help protect families, businesses and communities for years to come.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    This funding will help eight municipalities and two First Nations build projects designed to keep homes and businesses dry, ensure critical infrastructure remains operational during emergencies and maintain reliable access to water. This includes community upgrades such as:

    • Building a retaining wall to protect the Slave Lake Airport and Helitack Base during floods.
    • Constructing a berm to safeguard Siksika Nation’s newly constructed Washington Sewage Lagoon and other local infrastructure.
    • Building 300 metres of shoreline protection along the South Saskatchewan River to protect the Medicine Hat Wastewater Treatment Plant.
    • Stopping erosion along Carrot Creek to help protect infrastructure in St. Albert.
    • Creating a naturalized stormwater management pond in St. Paul to reduce drought risks and improve water quality.
    • Improving flood protections in the Calgary area by replacing the Landon Ditch with a system to manage stormwater and guard infrastructure.

    “By investing in preventative erosion measures now, we will be minimizing the impacts of large storm events for St. Albertans and our municipal neighbors in the future. It is through partnerships with the Government of Alberta such as these that we can efficiently build resilient communities across the province.”

    Cathy Heron, mayor, St. Albert

    “Lake Elizabeth and its surrounding natural space are a treasured part of our city. Rising water levels over the past decade have eroded the shoreline, flooded natural areas, and threatened both private property and city infrastructure. The Drought and Flood Protection grant is critical to stabilizing the water levels and restoring these valuable natural spaces, ensuring that Lake Elizabeth remains a community asset for generations to come.”

    Grant Creasey, mayor, City of Lacombe

    “This is good news for the county, as we work to manage surface storm water issues for the benefit of all residents.”

    Bart Guyon, reeve, Brazeau County

    “The investment confirmed by the Government of Alberta will help the City of Medicine Hat’s plans to reduce the risk of flood damage to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Combining this funding, along with the city’s contributions, will aid in providing shoreline protection, flood risk management, environmental protection, operational safety and sustainability.”

    Pat Bohan, managing director of development and infrastructure, City of Medicine Hat

    Alberta’s government is investing $125 million over five years into the Drought and Flood Protection Program, which is already showing results. Last year, the government delivered millions to counties, towns, cities and Indigenous partners for infrastructure projects, which are now underway. In total, more than $50 million has now been invested in 28 projects through the program.

    The next round of funding applications will open in October, with another $25 million available to protect businesses, families and communities.

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, environmental protection, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Quick facts

    • Funding for all projects approved in this round will be paid out in 2025-26.
    • Of the 10 projects receiving funding, seven are focused on primarily responding to floods, one focused on responding to the impacts of drought and two are focused on mitigating impacts from both drought and floods.
    • Of the 18 projects receiving funding in round one, 10 were focused on responding to the impacts of drought.
    • In round one of funding, $5,727,119 was deferred to 2025-26, with $5 million going to the Fort Mckay Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and $727,119 going to the Glenmore Trail Stormwater Diversion Project.

    Related information

    • Drought and Flood Protection Program
    • Approved projects

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The anti-Andrew Tate: how youth workers can counteract the impact of masculinity influencers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amanda Dylina Morse, Research Fellow, Queen’s University Belfast

    defotoberg/Shutterstock

    Andrew Tate – online content creator, podcaster, former kickboxer, and subject of ongoing human trafficking investigations – has gained widespread influence with millions of men and boys. Tate promotes financial independence, being “mentally and physically strong,” and being successful with women, interspersed with (sometimes violent) misogyny.

    For my PhD research, I worked with 30 boys and young men aged between 16 and 19 from working-class backgrounds in Belfast, researching on the role of social connection to protect mental health. In the interviews I carried out, Tate’s name came up constantly.

    I found that almost all the participants had positive or mixed feelings about him. Even those less certain of him appreciated his financial advice or advocacy for men’s mental health. While other masculinity influencers were also mentioned, none achieved the same level of importance.

    But I also found that youth workers emerged as powerful counters, acting as “anti-Andrew Tate” figures and providing a positive example of manhood. This shows that, while the influence of online figures may seem unstoppable, we already have role models in our communities who can demonstrate an alternative version of what a man can be and how he should act with others.

    Looking for connection

    In their interviews, the young men spoke passionately about their enthusiasm for Andrew Tate and valued his advocacy for “traditional” manhood, including the classical ideal of a “strong mind in a strong body”. While none of the boys and young men endorsed Tate’s misogyny, they struggled to balance their discomfort with calling women property against his perceived valuable messages.

    I agree with some of the stuff he says, but not everything he says. So, with some of the stuff he says about men’s mental health, if you go to the gym, it can help, and eat well, that… all the stuff around men’s mental health, I believe in. But just some of the stuff he says about women being property and stuff like that, I don’t really properly agree with.

    The boys and young men drew a parallel between Tate’s childhood poverty and their own. They sometimes assigned Tate unexpectedly altruistic intentions in his targeting of young men desperate to attain financial security.

    All the controversial things that he says, I think he only said that to get himself a platform, so people would tune into him… More and more people listen to him. And he’s making more and more money. And he’s like, putting that money into his university, trying to help more people and then he promotes mental health and all. I think it’s brilliant like.

    Most of the people in my research had histories of substance use and violence at the boundaries between Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods from a young age. For them, these challenging experiences were their entry into the youth work organisations which mentored them to build skills in emotional literacy, forecast the consequences of unsafe or unhealthy behaviour, and build community cohesion through acts of service.

    Relatable and non-judgmental

    For the boys and young men I worked with, their youth workers were like them – working-class men from their own communities with shared experiences of socioeconomic deprivation, exposure to paramilitary violence, and early substance use. Those parallels made them trustworthy and relatable.

    Youth workers can provide a non-judgmental listening ear.
    ingkaninant/Shutterstock

    The youth workers offered a confidential, nonjudgmental ear for their mentees, without the same risk of consequences for bad behaviour. For instance, telling a youth worker about having used drugs at the weekend wouldn’t lead to the lecture or loss of privileges that telling a parent or teacher might.

    I just think that, you know, at a young age, it’s important, em, young men get to know that there is that supportive people that can turn to even if they haven’t got, you know, a lot of friends or any friends. But I just think that, you know, like, I’ve got the opportunity of the youth club and the youth groups.

    In contrast to the version of masculine success Tate presents, youth workers usually had a home in the neighbourhood, played sports recreationally, and were establishing their families through marriage and having children. My study participants admired the stability their youth workers demonstrated in this more attainable – but still aspirational – version of adult manhood.

    When asked what kind of man they wanted to be as an adult, most of them described the sort of success their youth workers had achieved, rather than a version closer to Tate’s.

    The boys and young men I worked with said that youth service organisations were supportive spaces. They credited them with both improvements to their mental health and with giving them strategies to avoid engagement in sectarian violence. Some participants were so moved by their engagement with youth workers that they were themselves training in the profession.

    Despite strong evidence for their value, youth services are consistently underfunded. But they represent an opportunity to invest in the health of both young men and their communities.

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

    – ref. The anti-Andrew Tate: how youth workers can counteract the impact of masculinity influencers – https://theconversation.com/the-anti-andrew-tate-how-youth-workers-can-counteract-the-impact-of-masculinity-influencers-252786

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: With 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to consumers’ genetic data?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Julia Creet, Professor of English, York University, Canada

    23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, raising questions about future ownership of the genetic data of its 15 million customers. (Shutterstock)

    The announcement that 23andMe is filing for bankruptcy and has put its genetic genealogy database up for sale has sent its customers into a bit of a privacy tizzy. On March 21, California Attorney General Bob Bonta issued a consumer alert with detailed instructions about how to delete one’s data.

    23andMe and its databases are located in California; regardless of where customers live, privacy is then governed by California law and some weak U.S. federal laws. Canadian privacy laws have no sway in this case.

    CBC’s The National provides information to customers looking to delete their genetic data from the 23andMe databases.

    Rise of consumer genetic testing

    It’s worth backing up a bit to see how 23andMe built its brand, what makes the database valuable and who might be in the market to buy the database if Anne Wojcicki, its founder, is unsuccessful in her bid to buy back the company herself.

    I have been studying the development of the industry of family history for the last 20 years. Genetic genealogy rose to prominence in the early 2000s, with the development of the science and early databases by committed genealogists and the market demand for locating ancestors.



    Read more:
    The mythical quest for our ancestors is big business

    23andMe’s innovation was to use this burgeoning lust for ancestors as a way to build a new kind of direct-to-consumer database, one that looked at inherited markers for diseases afforded by the potent combination of genetic and genealogical information.

    They weren’t the first to hit on this idea. deCODE Genetics in Iceland had already built a national database of braided genealogical and genetic information for the same purpose. Within 10 years, it too went bankrupt and sold its database.

    Ahead of government

    23andMe was the first to market the idea in North America when Wojcicki founded the company in 2006.

    Wojcicki claimed a high mission: to liberate health information from the hands of the medical industry and put it directly into the hands of consumers. Her business model made it clear that the direct-to-consumer genetics industry was always in the business of doing an end run around government and university databases that were governed by much stricter privacy laws.

    23andMe ran into trouble with the FDA in 2013 for providing medical information without any medical supervision, a wrinkle that took two years for the company to iron out. But the more lucrative end of the business was always the sale of the accumulated data to the pharmaceutical industry.

    23andMe pitched its research arm as the greater good, and 80 per cent of its consumers opted in to share their information for research purposes. The database has always been monetized for secondary uses. In its profile of 23andMe in 2017, Nature quoted cardiologist Euan Ashley at Stanford University, California: “They have quietly become the largest genetic study the world has ever known.”

    A rapid unravelling

    Five years ago, the company and the genetic genealogy industry as a whole started to unravel almost as quickly and precipitously as it had risen. Sales of direct-to-consumer genetic genealogy kits plummeted, given a combination of privacy concerns and market saturation.

    The advent of law enforcement incursions into genetic genealogy databases gave consumers a fright, and woke them up to the possible unanticipated third-party uses of commercial databases.

    Almost a decade later, governments are still trying to figure out how to set up guardrails on the use of genealogy databases for law enforcement, a practice that has become widespread across the U.S. and Canada.

    Currently, the Information and Privacy Office of Ontario is actively working to develop regulations that are acceptable to all stakeholders since, once again, the greater good argument of catching cold-case killers holds considerable sway over the right to privacy of consumers.

    Nonetheless, the issue of third-party uses has had a marked effect on the popularity of what seemed like a benign pastime, the search for ever-more-distant relations.

    Industry expansion

    Over the years, 23andMe expanded by buying health services and pharmaceutical holding companies. But in 2023, a massive data breach exposed the vulnerabilities of the company, particularly its genealogical information.



    Read more:
    23andMe’s struggles are a sign that direct-to-consumer DNA testing needs stronger oversight

    In addition to the 1.5 million users whose profiles were breached, hackers accessed the personal information of about 5.5 million people who opted in to 23andMe’s DNA Relatives feature.

    Stolen data included customers’ names, birth years, relationship labels, percentage of DNA shared with relatives, ancestry reports and self-reported locations.

    Fully a third of 23andMe’s users’ genealogical information had been scraped by the hackers. And here we see the real vulnerability in the entire industry: Anyone who has submitted a DNA sample and built family connections has exposed everyone in their family line.

    This seems to be a classic case of closing the barn door after the horses have already bolted.

    Like 23andMe, deCODE was a high flier in the genetics space having built a genealogical database that included almost all Icelanders, who invested heavily in the company. The company went bankrupt during the financial crisis of 2008, and it sold its database to American pharmaceutical company Amgen. Amgen in turn sold part of it to a Chinese company.

    Corporate dealings

    So who are the likely buyers for 23andMe?

    Wojcicki herself, if she can somehow raise the capital, which seems unlikely. Any big pharmaceutical company, including international buyers (in 2018, 23andMe signed a US$300 million deal with GlaxoSmithKline). Chinese biotechnology company BGI might well bid on the company, as China is seemingly on a mission to collect DNA from around the globe.

    Other potential buyers include: Google, who were early investors and thus already part owners; Ancestry.com, which, with its own genetic genealogy testing arm, would make it one of the of the largest privately held genetic genealogy databases in the world; and an outlier, Dutch life sciences firm Qiagen.

    Qiagen acquired California-based forensic genomics company Verogen in 2023. Verogen had previously acquired the geneaology database GEDmatch (one of the earliest grassroots ancestor DNA matching sites) for the purposes of creating a one-stop forensics genealogy shop for law enforcement.

    Changing privacy

    Each time a database is sold, privacy provisions are subject to change. Even though Wojcicki is promising to protect the privacy of costumers currently in the database, she might not have much control in the long run.

    So what should 23andMe’s customers do? Should they delete what data they can? Absolutely. Will it make much difference in the end? Probably not.

    What is now manifestly apparent is that the industry of direct-to-consumer genetics has far outpaced the ability of governments to regulate the information, so consumers are suddenly nervous.

    We should have paid attention at the very beginning of this dubious exercise in the privatization of personal data. Now we have to live with all that relatedness as a valuable commodity over which we have little say.

    Julia Creet receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada and previously from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

    – ref. With 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to consumers’ genetic data? – https://theconversation.com/with-23andme-filing-for-bankruptcy-what-happens-to-consumers-genetic-data-253071

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The anti-Andrew Tate: how youth workers can counteract the influence of masculinity influencers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amanda Dylina Morse, Research Fellow, Queen’s University Belfast

    defotoberg/Shutterstock

    Andrew Tate – online content creator, podcaster, former kickboxer, and subject of ongoing human trafficking investigations – has gained widespread influence with millions of men and boys. Tate promotes financial independence, being “mentally and physically strong,” and being successful with women, interspersed with (sometimes violent) misogyny.

    For my PhD research, I worked with 30 boys and young men aged between 16 and 19 from working-class backgrounds in Belfast, researching on the role of social connection to protect mental health. In the interviews I carried out, Tate’s name came up constantly.

    I found that almost all the participants had positive or mixed feelings about him. Even those less certain of him appreciated his financial advice or advocacy for men’s mental health. While other masculinity influencers were also mentioned, none achieved the same level of importance.

    But I also found that youth workers emerged as powerful counters, acting as “anti-Andrew Tate” figures and providing a positive example of manhood. This shows that, while the influence of online figures may seem unstoppable, we already have role models in our communities who can demonstrate an alternative version of what a man can be and how he should act with others.

    Looking for connection

    In their interviews, the young men spoke passionately about their enthusiasm for Andrew Tate and valued his advocacy for “traditional” manhood, including the classical ideal of a “strong mind in a strong body”. While none of the boys and young men endorsed Tate’s misogyny, they struggled to balance their discomfort with calling women property against his perceived valuable messages.

    I agree with some of the stuff he says, but not everything he says. So, with some of the stuff he says about men’s mental health, if you go to the gym, it can help, and eat well, that… all the stuff around men’s mental health, I believe in. But just some of the stuff he says about women being property and stuff like that, I don’t really properly agree with.

    The boys and young men drew a parallel between Tate’s childhood poverty and their own. They sometimes assigned Tate unexpectedly altruistic intentions in his targeting of young men desperate to attain financial security.

    All the controversial things that he says, I think he only said that to get himself a platform, so people would tune into him… More and more people listen to him. And he’s making more and more money. And he’s like, putting that money into his university, trying to help more people and then he promotes mental health and all. I think it’s brilliant like.

    Most of the people in my research had histories of substance use and violence at the boundaries between Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods from a young age. For them, these challenging experiences were their entry into the youth work organisations which mentored them to build skills in emotional literacy, forecast the consequences of unsafe or unhealthy behaviour, and build community cohesion through acts of service.

    Relatable and non-judgmental

    For the boys and young men I worked with, their youth workers were like them – working-class men from their own communities with shared experiences of socioeconomic deprivation, exposure to paramilitary violence, and early substance use. Those parallels made them trustworthy and relatable.

    Youth workers can provide a non-judgmental listening ear.
    ingkaninant/Shutterstock

    The youth workers offered a confidential, nonjudgmental ear for their mentees, without the same risk of consequences for bad behaviour. For instance, telling a youth worker about having used drugs at the weekend wouldn’t lead to the lecture or loss of privileges that telling a parent or teacher might.

    I just think that, you know, at a young age, it’s important, em, young men get to know that there is that supportive people that can turn to even if they haven’t got, you know, a lot of friends or any friends. But I just think that, you know, like, I’ve got the opportunity of the youth club and the youth groups.

    In contrast to the version of masculine success Tate presents, youth workers usually had a home in the neighbourhood, played sports recreationally, and were establishing their families through marriage and having children. My study participants admired the stability their youth workers demonstrated in this more attainable – but still aspirational – version of adult manhood.

    When asked what kind of man they wanted to be as an adult, most of them described the sort of success their youth workers had achieved, rather than a version closer to Tate’s.

    The boys and young men I worked with said that youth service organisations were supportive spaces. They credited them with both improvements to their mental health and with giving them strategies to avoid engagement in sectarian violence. Some participants were so moved by their engagement with youth workers that they were themselves training in the profession.

    Despite strong evidence for their value, youth services are consistently underfunded. But they represent an opportunity to invest in the health of both young men and their communities.

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

    – ref. The anti-Andrew Tate: how youth workers can counteract the influence of masculinity influencers – https://theconversation.com/the-anti-andrew-tate-how-youth-workers-can-counteract-the-influence-of-masculinity-influencers-252786

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Industry leaders discuss how new ports strategy can drive city’s growth plans

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Industry leaders and port operators at the Port Strategy event

    Industry leaders have been invited to play a part in Plymouth’s ambitious plans to drive growth in its four ports and further strengthen its position as a leader in marine innovation and transitioning to net zero.

    A special roundtable meeting for industry leaders heard how a new Ports Strategy sets out a clear vision for growing the economic contribution of Plymouth’s ports, creating green jobs and ensuring the city remains at the forefront of marine technology, sustainable development and maritime skills.

    Business leaders were asked to consider how to foster ongoing collaboration between the Council, harbour authorities, port operators, and other key stakeholders to drive forward new initiatives, and what their roles could be in making progress against the six recommendations in the strategy:

    • Investing in and developing maritime skills as a key enabler of future growth and to anchor the benefits of this growth in local communities
    • Preserving space for the ports with more detailed work to determine future requirements
    • Maintaining Plymouth’s expertise in innovation in marine autonomy, clean propulsion and digital ocean technology
    • Fostering communication and collaboration to promote Plymouth’s ports and to identify and drive forward new initiatives
    • Supporting investment in infrastructure to ensure the ports remain competitive
    • Recognising the significant role that the ports can play in preparing for net zero and the opportunity and benefits that this could deliver in productivity and job creation.
    Industry leaders discuss the new Ports Strategy

    Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Plymouth’s ports are the beating heart of the city’s economy. They support a diverse range of industries and are driving innovation in marine autonomy, clean propulsion, and digital ocean technologies.

    “The new strategy is a blueprint for ensuring that Plymouth remains a global leader in the marine sector while also securing long-term prosperity for our communities. The event with business leaders and port operators gave us an important chance to discuss the opportunities and get their valuable input.”

    Plymouth’s ports currently underpin a marine and defence sector that employs over 20,100 full-time equivalents (FTEs), contributing 22 per cent of the city’s GVA. Plymouth also boasts the largest concentration of marine employment of any local authority in England, with sector wages exceeding both local and national averages.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Emergency fund launches to support the city’s third sector ahead of longer-term review

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Charities due to lose funding from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) will be able to apply for emergency support from the City of Edinburgh Council.

    A one-off Third Sector Resilience Fund will launch tomorrow (Friday 28 March) and will remain open for two weeks. It will only be open to organisations in Edinburgh directly impacted by the closure of the EIJB’s third sector grants programme and applications must be made by 12 noon on Friday 11 April.

    This package of support will include a funded programme worth £1m to allow third sector advice providers to continue to offer income maximisation, debt, and welfare advice services previously funded by the EIJB grants programme.

    Applications will be reviewed and reported to a special meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Monday 12 May, with the intention of releasing funds in June.

    Further work is progressing to review the relationship between the public sector and third sector in Edinburgh, to improve funding certainty in future years.

    Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said:

    Many of these local charities are at the forefront of helping those in our city with the greatest need. We’ve urgently been working to provide a lifeline to those affected by the closure of the previous grants programme, and I’m really pleased that we’ve found a way forward.

    This fund should provide enough money to potentially support all 64 affected organisations for up to nine months. It must be said that this is a one-off emergency fund – we need to act quickly, and I urge applications to be made as soon as possible.

    Alongside this we must develop a stronger way of supporting the third sector in our city. We recognise that the EIJB, like the Council, is under significant financial pressure and there needs to be longer-term change.

    Tackling poverty and inequality is one of the biggest challenges we’ve set ourselves as a city and this will be a really important piece of work – for us, for our partners and for the whole third sector.

    Benjamin Napier, CEO of Citizens Advice Edinburgh, is a member of the third sector reference group which the Council has set up as it reviews the funding relationship the city has with charities.

    He said:

    We welcome this investment in the third sector and hope it will go some way to providing resilience, while we continue our work with colleagues across the Council to find a longer-term solution.

    We recognise the pressures on public funding and thank the Council for their efforts in securing this funding. The third sector in Edinburgh plays a vital and very cost-effective role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

    We look forward to strengthening the relationship between the Council and the third sector. By working together in this way, we can create real and lasting change for our citizens.

    The City of Edinburgh Council Third Sector Resilience Fund is a short term, one off, draw down resource using reserves agreed for use during 2025/26.

    The fund aims to:

    • Provide financial support in 2025/26 for Edinburgh based third sector organisations significantly impacted by the closure of the EIJB Grants Programme
    • Ensure that the closure of the EIJB Grants Programme does not affect, disrupt, or delay the delivery of other grant funded or commissioned projects and services in the city during 2025/26.

    Towards these aims:

    • The funding is for the period 1 July 2025 to 31 March 2026, whilst the wider review of the Council’s approach to supporting the third sector in Edinburgh is undertaken during 2025/26
    • Is intended to ensure the viability and survival of the third sector organisations whilst a new sustainable long-term approach, aligned with the Council’s Business Plan priorities, is developed for implementation from 2026/27 onwards
    • Not intended to provide costs associated with closure of an organisation because of the loss of EIJB grant funding, and
    • Not intended to be used for delivery of any specific projects or services that would be the direct function of the EIJB(noting that this fund will provide resilience until such time as the EIJB’s Strategic Plan is published and any future procurement processes are confirmed and made available to the 3rd sector).

    Please email policyandinsight@edinburgh.gov.uk for the full criteria for the fund and to apply.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Gate Technology Ltd Rebrands to Gate.io in Europe

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, Panama, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gate Technology Ltd ( the “Company”), previously operating as Gate.MT has officially announced the rebranding from Gate.MT name to Gate.io. This change reflects the Company’s commitment to strengthening its presence across Europe and aligning its operations with the globally recognized Gate.io brand.

    Since 2022, Gate Technology Ltd has been serving its clients in Europe through its VFA Class 4 license obtained from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). In Italy, the Company operates through its subsidiary, which registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with the Organismo Agenti e Mediatori (OAM) in 2024. Both entities will continue providing services to their clients under the new Gate.io branding.

    The rebranding aims to leverage the strength of the Gate.io name, widely recognized as one of the largest crypto exchanges globally, used by over 22 million clients worldwide. This shift is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Company’s brand presence in Europe and continue its commitment to delivering top-tier cryptocurrency exchange and custody services.

    ​​The Company emphasized that the rebranding is not just a name changing. It is part of a broader effort to improve service offerings for European clients and ensure a secure, user-friendly experience while remaining compliant with local crypto regulations.

    Looking ahead, The Company plans to expand its regulated operations across Europe, with ambitions to reach the full coverage of all its nations in a regulated manner. The Company will make further announcements in the coming months regarding the scope and timeline of its expansion.

    Giovanni Cunti, CEO of Gate Technology Ltd, expressed his gratitude to clients for their continued trust and support, reassuring them that the Company is committed to maintaining its leadership position in the European cryptocurrency space and continuing to serve its growing client base.

    Disclaimer
    This document is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. The rebranding referred to herein relates to Gate Technology Ltd and its operations in Europe.
    Gate Technology Italia SRL, limited liability company incorporated in Italy with company registration number 13347630967. Gate Technology Italia SRL is licensed by the OAM to operate as virtual currency operators, registry number PSV150.
    Any services mentioned in this communication are provided only in accordance with applicable regulatory permissions in the respective jurisdictions.

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

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Gate.io. 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/38b93ebc-5308-47cd-ab21-f02887735e03

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XploraDEX Ignites XRP DeFi – $XPL Presale Heats Up as Whales Accumulate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The $XPL Presale is Now Live, and wallet activity shows that the smartest money in crypto is already securing early positions. With real AI technology, real trading utility, and first-mover status on XRPL, this could be the 100x opportunity XRP holders have been waiting for.

    Why the Buzz? XploraDEX Delivers Real Innovation

    While most DEXs are playing catch-up, XploraDEX is building the future with:

    • AI-Driven Trading Automation – Predictive analytics, auto-execution, and 24/7 intelligent trade strategies
    • Smart Liquidity Optimization – Real-time routing that eliminates slippage and maximizes efficiency
    • Advanced Insights – AI dashboards offering deep market forecasting, trend tracking, and signal alerts
    • Lightning-Fast Transactions on XRPL – Settle trades in 3–5 seconds with near-zero fees

    This isn’t just another DeFi protocol. It’s a next-gen platform built for performance, speed, and scalability—powered by real AI.

    GET $XPL TOKEN https://sale.xploradex.io

    The $XPL Token: Utility, Governance & Serious Upside

    The $XPL Token unlocks access to everything inside the XploraDEX ecosystem, including:

    • Premium AI tools & trading features
    • Staking rewards & passive income
    • Fee discounts for active traders
    • DAO voting rights for future upgrades
    • Liquidity mining incentives for early supporters

    And with whale wallets already stacking $XPL, early participants are positioning themselves ahead of what could become XRPL’s most explosive DeFi launch.

    $XPL PreSale Information

    Token Name: XploraDEX

    Total Supply: 500,000,000

    Presale Allocation: First Come, First Serve!

    DEX Listing: 25% Higher

    Liquidity Pools: Launching immediately after TGE!

    BUY $XPL TOKEN: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Don’t Sit This Out – The $XPL Presale Is Live

    The window to grab $XPL Token at presale pricing is closing fast. Investors who act now will enjoy:

    • Lower entry price before listing
    • Priority access to staking & AI beta tools
    • High allocation rewards for early commitment
    • Direct impact on protocol development through governance

    XploraDEX is not just creating a token, it’s launching an AI-driven trading revolution on XRPL.

    Join the AI Revolution on XRP Ledger

    If you missed XRP’s last bull run, this is your second shot—with AI, automation, and whale momentum on your side.

    The future of trading is intelligent, fast, and built on XRPL. That future is called XploraDEX.

    Join the $XPL Presale Now: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

    Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. 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. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. 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. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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. 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 assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. 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/cada7ee7-597d-43e2-aaa5-7ee8a34a36d2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ascend Learning Announces Acquisition of Clover Learning to Expand Allied Health Education Offerings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEAWOOD, Kan., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning software company, today announced the acquisition of Clover Learning, a pioneer in online diagnostic imaging education. Clover Learning enhances Ascend’s portfolio of allied health brands, furthering its mission to provide comprehensive training and certification solutions to healthcare professionals.

    As the US population ages, demand for medical imaging services is increasing and contributing to staffing challenges and shortages in the radiology workforce. Learning and upskilling to aid in retention and attracting new talent are critical needs in this workforce.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Clover Learning to our growing portfolio of allied health brands as this acquisition aligns with our shared mission to bring skilled workers to the healthcare industry,” said Kathy Hunter, Allied Health category leader at Ascend Learning. “Clover’s innovative approach to education and their commitment to excellence will help us continue to serve the allied health professions and ultimately create better-qualified healthcare professionals to serve patients.”

    Clover Learning is an established leader in online diagnostic imaging market training, certification exam preparation, and continuing education through its innovative platform that leverages evidence-based learning methodologies and interactive experiences. With a 96% pass rate on certification exams, Clover Learning’s transformative courses are designed to ignite curiosity and encourage critical thinking among healthcare students and professionals.

    Ascend Learning’s Allied Health offerings include National Healthcareer Association (NHA), a market leader in preparing and certifying healthcare students for high demand allied health professions with nationally recognized accredited credentials. NHA’s offerings include learning resources, exam preparation, and professional development solutions. Together, Ascend’s NHA and Clover Learning will expand and enhance support for these critical professions.

    “Joining forces with Ascend Learning is an incredible opportunity for Clover Learning,” said Ari Blum, Founder and CEO of Clover Learning. “With Ascend Learning’s significant resources and long-standing expertise in healthcare learning, we will have opportunities to scale our imaging offerings and continue to provide best-in-class training, prep materials, continuing education, and cross-training solutions to the imaging market. Together, we can continue transforming healthcare education and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

    “The acquisition of Clover Learning underscores Ascend Learning’s ongoing commitment to improve patient care by equipping healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce and continue to succeed in these critical professions,” said Lissy Hu, MD, CEO of Ascend Learning. “Clover Learning enables us to further strengthen and enhance the training and development of allied health professionals, indispensable members of healthcare teams, across more disciplines and professions.”

    Tyton Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to Clover.

    About Ascend Learning: 
    Ascend Learning is a leading healthcare and learning technology company. With products that span the learning continuum, Ascend Learning focuses on high-growth careers in a range of industries, with a special focus on healthcare and other licensure-driven occupations. Ascend Learning products, from testing to certification, are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers. Learn more at www.ascendlearning.com.

    About Clover Learning: Clover Learning, Inc. is a pioneer in online healthcare education for the diagnostic imaging field. Founded in 2017, Clover Learning has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, offering engaging video lessons, quizzes, assessments, and certification exam prep tools. Clover Learning’s mission is to transform students into professionals and professionals into experts through personalized, innovative, and accessible online education.

    Media Contact
    V2 Communications for Ascend Learning
    ascend@v2comms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Karri Alameri starts as the CEO of Oma Savings Bank Plc on 31 March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 27 MARCH 2025 AT 17.00 P.M EET, CHANGES BOARD/MANAGEMENT/AUDITORS

    Karri Alameri starts as the CEO of Oma Savings Bank Plc on 31 March 2025
          
    On 30 September 2024, Oma Savings Bank Plc (OmaSp or Company) announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Karri Alameri, B.Sc. (Econ.), CEFA as the new CEO of the Company and that he will take up his position no later than 1 April 2025. The starting date has been specified, and Karri Alameri will start in his position on 31 March 2025. Sarianna Liiri, M.Sc. (Econ.), eMBA, has served as the Company’s interim CEO since 19 June 2024 and she will return to the position of Deputy CEO and CFO as of 31 March 2025.

    Chairman of the Board Jaakko Ossa
    “Together with the renewed Board of Directors and Karri Alameri, we will continue to implement the Company’s strategy towards the next phase. Karri’s merits in the financial sector and his strong leadership skills provide an excellent starting point for rebuilding trust. I warmly welcome Karri to OmaSp and wish him success in his new demanding position.”

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Additional information:
    Sarianna Liiri, CEO, tel. +358 40 835 6712, sarianna.liiri@omasp.fi

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Shelter of Exiles Achieves Incredible Milestone, Securing Its Spot Among the Top Play-to-Earn Games on TON

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WOLSZTYN, Poland, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Just a few weeks after its Token Generation Event (TGE) on March 11, 2025, Shelter of Exiles (SOEX) has already cemented its position among the top Play-to-Earn (P2E) games on the TON blockchain. This remarkable feat highlights not only the strength of the game’s AI-driven gameplay and dynamic NFTs (dNFTs), but also its ability to rapidly capture the attention and support of a global gaming community.

    Despite being in its early stages, Shelter of Exiles has successfully carved out a space for itself in the rapidly growing Web3 gaming ecosystem. The TGE, which marked the official launch of $SOEX, the game’s native token, was a significant milestone that set the stage for a promising future, with early players and investors already reaping the rewards of the game’s innovative economy.

    Shelter of Exiles stands out for its fusion of blockchain and AI. Built on the TON blockchain, the game offers players an expansive, evolving world where creatures evolve into dynamic NFTs that grow stronger over time, learn new skills, and provide passive income. This innovative approach to gameplay is further enhanced by AI agents, which automate many aspects of the game, from resource management to battle strategies—allowing players to earn rewards even while they’re offline.

    What truly sets Shelter of Exiles apart from other P2E games is its ability to merge AI agents with blockchain technology. This combination provides a deeply personalized experience, as dNFTs evolve based on player activity. Creatures in Shelter of Exiles do not simply stay static; they grow stronger, gain new abilities, and can be traded, sold, or upgraded as they progress.

    By incorporating AI-powered automation, players don’t need to be constantly active to continue making progress or earning rewards. Whether it’s battling enemies, managing resources, or staking assets for additional benefits, the AI agents in Shelter of Exiles allow for passive gameplay, generating consistent rewards and encouraging long-term investment in the game’s evolving world.

    Shelter of Exiles is a game-changer in the Play-to-Earn (P2E) ecosystem thanks to its innovative AI-driven passive income and seamless blockchain integration. Players can earn rewards even while not actively playing, as AI-powered automation and dynamic NFTs allow creatures to grow, learn new skills, and generate income without requiring constant player input. This unique system provides an engaging and sustainable income model for players, setting SoE apart from traditional P2E games. Built on the TON blockchain, SoE’s decentralized economy ensures transparency, security, and true ownership of digital assets, allowing players to trade, stake, and upgrade with confidence.

    With its community showing incredible engagement through Telegram Mini-App integration, which allows for seamless cross-platform access, social events, and global connectivity. The dynamic NFTs in the game offer evolving gameplay, incentivizing players to invest in long-term strategies as their creatures grow stronger over time. This constantly evolving gameplay ensures that players remain immersed and motivated to continue exploring the world of SoE, fostering a fresh and rewarding experience that keeps players coming back.

    Though Shelter of Exiles is still young, the game’s rapid success and growing momentum show it’s on track to become a dominant force in the Web3 gaming landscape. With a strong community and AI-powered mechanics that set it apart from traditional games, SOEX is well-positioned to expand its ecosystem, attracting both players and investors alike.

    As more players discover the passive income opportunities and dynamic gameplay that SOEX provides, the game is set to continue growing and evolving. The future of Shelter of Exiles is bright, and its success on the TON blockchain is only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey in the world of Web3 gaming.

    About Shelter of Exiles:
    Shelter of Exiles is an innovative Web3-powered RPG that combines AI-driven gameplay, dynamic NFTs, and a decentralized economy. Players explore a mystical world, collect and upgrade creatures, and engage in battles while earning passive income through blockchain-based assets and AI automation. Built on the TON blockchain, SoEX is revolutionizing the Play-to-Earn space.

    For more information, please contact:

    Dariusz Kowalski
    hello@shelterofexiles.com 
    rl@pixeltrapps.games
    Website: https://shelterofexiles.com/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Shelter of Exiles. 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/9af5a3ac-335b-4914-89bd-29b6f9e3a17e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The battle for Khartoum: tracking Sudan’s war over two years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kagure Gacheche, Commissioning Editor, East Africa

    Sudan has been engulfed in brutal conflict since 15 April 2023, when tensions between the country’s two most powerful military factions erupted into civil war.

    The conflict stems from a long-standing power struggle over military control and integration. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread across the country. International efforts to broker peace since have largely failed.

    The conflict, which has been going on for two years now, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.

    An estimated 30 million Sudanese civilians are in need of aid. Brutal attacks, looting and destruction of infrastructure have become commonplace. Millions of people lack access to essential medical care. Food shortages and economic collapse have worsened the suffering.

    The war has also triggered a massive displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people forced to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, while others remain trapped in dangerous conditions within Sudan.

    As the conflict drags on, the toll on Sudan’s people continues to grow. Estimates of those killed vary widely, from 20,000 to 62,000, but the actual figure could be much larger.

    With no clear resolution in sight, Sudan’s crisis is one of the most urgent and devastating conflicts in the world. At The Conversation Africa, we have worked with academics who have tracked the conflict since 2023.

    Weapons flow

    Early on, it was clear that both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary force had a sufficient supply of weapons to sustain a protracted conflict. The country was already awash with firearms. It is ranked second – after Egypt – among its regional neighbours in total firearms estimates. Khristopher Carlson, part of a research project tracking small arms and armed violence in Sudan, noted that the two Sudanese forces might have different fighting methods but were adequately equipped to trade fire. The army’s superiority was its air force and heavy arsenal on the ground. The paramilitary force relied on nimble mobile units equipped primarily with small and light weapons.



    Read more:
    Sudan is awash with weapons: how the two forces compare and what that means for the war

    External interference

    This proliferation of weapons has been compounded by financial and military support from external states. Various foreign players – Chad, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Qatar and Russia – have picked a side to support. However, the influence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has been particularly problematic. Political scientist Federico Donelli explained that the two nations viewed Sudan as a key nation because of its location. Following President Omar al-Bashir’s ouster in 2019, the two monarchies bet on different factions within Sudan’s security apparatus. This external support exacerbated internal competition. Riyadh maintained close ties with army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Abu Dhabi aligned itself with the head of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Dagalo, or Hemedti.



    Read more:
    Middle Eastern monarchies in Sudan’s war: what’s driving their interests

    Regional dynamics

    The support from international players in Sudan’s war has had a damaging effect on regional dynamics. The Sudanese army recently accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the Rapid Support Forces with weapons through Chad. At a ceremony for an officer killed in a drone strike carried out by paramilitary forces, a senior army official said Chad’s airports would be “legitimate targets” should retaliatory action become necessary. This heightened the risk of a spillover of the Sudanese conflict. Sudan shares borders with seven countries in an unstable region, including Chad, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Economics professor and legal expert John Mukum Mbaku warned that a spillover of the fighting could devastate the region economically, socially and politically.



    Read more:
    Sudan’s conflict will have a ripple effect in an unstable region – and across the world

    Protecting civilians

    The conflict has put millions of civilians in Sudan in the crossfire. A UN report in September 2024 called for an independent force to protect civilians; Sudan’s officials rejected the proposal. However, peace talks have yet to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Sudan had a peacekeeping force between 2007 and 2020, followed by a UN-led political mission that exited in February 2024. Since then, there has been no security presence in Sudan responsible for protecting civilians. Peacekeeping researcher Jenna Russo noted the need for a regional or international peace force that could create “green zones”. This would help protect areas where displaced persons were sheltering and facilitate humanitarian aid.



    Read more:
    Sudan’s civilians urgently need protection: the options for international peacekeeping

    What’s been missing?

    High-level peace talks brokered by the African Union and the UN to negotiate a ceasefire have largely been unsuccessful, putting civilians at constant risk. Talks held in Switzerland and Jeddah have had little impact. Philipp Kastner, a peace scholar, highlighted that the countries hosting or supporting these talks were pursuing competing interests in Sudan, which affected their impartiality. Progress to negotiate an end to the war would be unlikely if external military support to the warring parties continued unabated. Civilians would continue to pay the price.



    Read more:
    Sudan at war: the art of peace talks and why they often fail

    – ref. The battle for Khartoum: tracking Sudan’s war over two years – https://theconversation.com/the-battle-for-khartoum-tracking-sudans-war-over-two-years-253242

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US stands on the brink of a constitutional crisis as Donald Trump takes on America’s legal system

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anne Richardson Oakes, Associate Professor and Director: Centre for American Legal Studies, Birmingham City University

    As the 19th-century French political philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville, memorably observed, Americans have a tendency to fight their political battles in court. Barely two months into his presidency, Donald Trump is demonstrating increasing frustration as trade unions, civil rights organisations and states attorneys general challenge the implementation of his policies with lawsuits alleging presidential overreach that undermines the constitutional separation of powers.

    More than 130 lawsuits are now pending. As a result, federal courts have put on hold key policies of the Trump administration and Trump lawyers have lodged emergency petitions invoking Supreme Court intervention.

    First to face court check was the federal funding freeze order. This was swiftly followed by court rulings against the birthright citizenship order. This controversial measure would withdraw citizenship for children born in the United States to undocumented or non-citizen parents who are in the country legally but temporarily.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    Another court ruling has overturned the Pentagon’s ban on transgender people enlisting in the US armed forces. Yet another has blocked the Department of Government Efficiency’s (Doge’s) access to treasury department records containing the personal financial details of millions of Americans.

    This was blocked for the very fundamental grounds that this has not been authorised by Congress and is not within the scope of the presidential power. Whether Doge can even exist without Congressional authority is also in contention.

    The president’s increasing anger with the courts erupted on March 18. The US president launched an astonishing personal attack on a US federal judge who ruled against the summary deportation of alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang and ordered the administration to turn around the plane carrying them that had already taken off.

    The US president calls for a judge to be impeached.
    TruthSocial.

    Trump’s call for Judge James Boasberg to be impeached prompted a rare intervention from Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts. Roberts condemned the impeachment call in a statement that did not name the president but was clearly intended as a rebuke and a reminder of the constitutional boundaries that guarantee the role of the judiciary as the equal third branch of government.

    Unrepentant, Trump doubled down the next day on TruthSocial calling Judge Boasberg a “Radical Left Lunatic Judge” who wanted “to assume the role of president”. His charge was then echoed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt who accused the judiciary generally of attempting to paralyse the administration’s programme, usurp the power of the president and undermine the will of the American people.

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Judge James Boasberg.

    Despite Judge Boasberg’s order, the plane carrying the Venezuelans did not turn back. The administration has denied wrongdoing and Judge Boasberg has yet to impose any penalty.

    This was not the first occasion that the administration has appeared to openly defy court orders. The previous week Dr Raiza Alawieh, a Brown University professor with an American visa was deported despite an order from a federal judge in Boston requiring that the court be given advance notice before the government attempted to remove her.

    All eyes on the Supreme Court

    All these cases are likely to go to the US Supreme Court. As its name suggests, this is the highest level of the judiciary in the US. It has the final say on what the US constitution means and authorises. At issue will be the scope of the presidential power – and the outcome is uncertain.

    It’s important to bear in mind that the court now has a six-to-three majority of conservative justices – three of whom were Trump nominees. We also need to be aware that this court, in a previous ruling, considerably extended the scope of presidential immunity to cover all official “core acts” so that, whatever the outcome, the president himself is unlikely to attract personal liability.

    But we do know that the Supreme Court’s ruling on a constitutional issue is final – and that all government officials at federal and state level will be required to respect it. The fear now is that the administration may go ahead regardless in which case we will find ourselves in unknown constitutional territory.



    Read more:
    US Supreme Court immunity ruling ideal for a president who doesn’t care about democracy

    To find parallels we could go back to the desegregation era of the middle of the 20th century and specifically to Little Rock in Arkansas where the then governor, Orval Faubus, called out the national guard to prevent the court-ordered desegregation of the local high school.

    The ensuing crisis ended when the then president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, sent in federal troops to enforce the court order. The US Supreme Court unanimously declared that its interpretations of what the constitution required were the supreme law of the land, which bound the governor and the state legislature.

    The chief justice of that era, Earl Warren, later regarded this ruling (Cooper v Aaron) as the most important of his time on the Supreme Court – more important even than the actual desegregation decision itself (Brown v Board of Education).

    It is clear that the judicial branch depends upon the executive to put its orders into effect and demonstrate respect for the rule of law and the separation of powers. But we now see a president who demonstrates open hostility to judges whom he considers have opposed him. His administration has also begun to vindictively target with punitive blocking orders the big law firms who assisted in the prosecutions brought against him before he took office.

    Does a constitutional crisis loom? How all this plays out remains to be seen.

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

    – ref. US stands on the brink of a constitutional crisis as Donald Trump takes on America’s legal system – https://theconversation.com/us-stands-on-the-brink-of-a-constitutional-crisis-as-donald-trump-takes-on-americas-legal-system-249320

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sudan army takes back Khartoum: tracking the war over two years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kagure Gacheche, Commissioning Editor, East Africa

    Sudan has been engulfed in brutal conflict since 15 April 2023, when tensions between the country’s two most powerful military factions erupted into civil war.

    The conflict stems from a long-standing power struggle over military control and integration. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread across the country. International efforts to broker peace since have largely failed.

    The conflict, which has been going on for two years now, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.

    An estimated 30 million Sudanese civilians are in need of aid. Brutal attacks, looting and destruction of infrastructure have become commonplace. Millions of people lack access to essential medical care. Food shortages and economic collapse have worsened the suffering.

    The war has also triggered a massive displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people forced to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, while others remain trapped in dangerous conditions within Sudan.

    As the conflict drags on, the toll on Sudan’s people continues to grow. Estimates of those killed vary widely, from 20,000 to 62,000, but the actual figure could be much larger.

    With no clear resolution in sight, Sudan’s crisis is one of the most urgent and devastating conflicts in the world. At The Conversation Africa, we have worked with academics who have tracked the conflict since 2023.

    Weapons flow

    Early on, it was clear that both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary force had a sufficient supply of weapons to sustain a protracted conflict. The country was already awash with firearms. It is ranked second – after Egypt – among its regional neighbours in total firearms estimates. Khristopher Carlson, part of a research project tracking small arms and armed violence in Sudan, noted that the two Sudanese forces might have different fighting methods but were adequately equipped to trade fire. The army’s superiority was its air force and heavy arsenal on the ground. The paramilitary force relied on nimble mobile units equipped primarily with small and light weapons.

    Read more: Sudan is awash with weapons: how the two forces compare and what that means for the war

    External interference

    This proliferation of weapons has been compounded by financial and military support from external states. Various foreign players – Chad, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Qatar and Russia – have picked a side to support. However, the influence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has been particularly problematic. Political scientist Federico Donelli explained that the two nations viewed Sudan as a key nation because of its location. Following President Omar al-Bashir’s ouster in 2019, the two monarchies bet on different factions within Sudan’s security apparatus. This external support exacerbated internal competition. Riyadh maintained close ties with army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Abu Dhabi aligned itself with the head of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Dagalo, or Hemedti.

    Read more: Middle Eastern monarchies in Sudan’s war: what’s driving their interests

    Regional dynamics

    The support from international players in Sudan’s war has had a damaging effect on regional dynamics. The Sudanese army recently accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the Rapid Support Forces with weapons through Chad. At a ceremony for an officer killed in a drone strike carried out by paramilitary forces, a senior army official said Chad’s airports would be “legitimate targets” should retaliatory action become necessary. This heightened the risk of a spillover of the Sudanese conflict. Sudan shares borders with seven countries in an unstable region, including Chad, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Economics professor and legal expert John Mukum Mbaku warned that a spillover of the fighting could devastate the region economically, socially and politically.

    Read more: Sudan’s conflict will have a ripple effect in an unstable region – and across the world

    Protecting civilians

    The conflict has put millions of civilians in Sudan in the crossfire. A UN report in September 2024 called for an independent force to protect civilians; Sudan’s officials rejected the proposal. However, peace talks have yet to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Sudan had a peacekeeping force between 2007 and 2020, followed by a UN-led political mission that exited in February 2024. Since then, there has been no security presence in Sudan responsible for protecting civilians. Peacekeeping researcher Jenna Russo noted the need for a regional or international peace force that could create “green zones”. This would help protect areas where displaced persons were sheltering and facilitate humanitarian aid.

    Read more: Sudan’s civilians urgently need protection: the options for international peacekeeping

    What’s been missing?

    High-level peace talks brokered by the African Union and the UN to negotiate a ceasefire have largely been unsuccessful, putting civilians at constant risk. Talks held in Switzerland and Jeddah have had little impact. Philipp Kastner, a peace scholar, highlighted that the countries hosting or supporting these talks were pursuing competing interests in Sudan, which affected their impartiality. Progress to negotiate an end to the war would be unlikely if external military support to the warring parties continued unabated. Civilians would continue to pay the price.

    Read more: Sudan at war: the art of peace talks and why they often fail

    – Sudan army takes back Khartoum: tracking the war over two years
    – https://theconversation.com/sudan-army-takes-back-khartoum-tracking-the-war-over-two-years-253242

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Sholinghur Co-operative Urban Bank Limited, Vellore, Tamil Nadu

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated March 26, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One lakh only) on The Sholinghur Co-operative Urban Bank Limited, Vellore, Tamil Nadu (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Exposure Norms and Statutory / Other Restrictions – UCBs’ and ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had:

    1. sanctioned loans to nominal members more than the prescribed regulatory limit; and

    2. failed to upload the KYC records of customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2486

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Tumkur Veerashaiva Co-operative Bank Ltd., Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated March 25, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty thousand only) on The Tumkur Veerashaiva Co-operative Bank Ltd., Karnataka (the bank) for non-compliance with specific directions issued by RBI under ‘Supervisory Action Framework (SAF)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    In non-adherence with directions issued under SAF, the bank had:

    (i) sanctioned fresh loans and advances which were carrying risk-weight of more than 100%;

    (ii) not curtailed its exposure to the sector where level of NPAs were high; and

    (iii) not curtailed operating / administrative expenses.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2488

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA’s Annual Plan to drive growth by promoting competition, protecting consumers and enhancing business and investor confidence

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    CMA’s Annual Plan to drive growth by promoting competition, protecting consumers and enhancing business and investor confidence

    Ambitious 2025 to 2026 CMA programme will prioritise action to drive growth and investment whilst fulfilling its core purpose to promote competition and protect consumers.

    • CMA commits to improving key aspects of how it works, driving greater pace, predictability, proportionality and improved process. 

    • CMA will support the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy, using its powers to drive growth and unlock investment. 

    • CMA to use new powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act to unlock opportunities for growth across the UK digital economy and the wider economy; and enhance consumer confidence by supporting business compliance and tackling poor corporate practices.

    Following extensive engagement with business, investment and consumer groups, and reflecting the Government’s draft strategic steer, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its Annual Plan 2025 to 2026.  

    The plan sets out the CMA’s firm commitment to use its competition and consumer protection powers to drive positive outcomes for UK consumers and businesses across the economy. It also lays out how the CMA will reflect the new draft strategic steer from government in its activities over the coming year. The draft steer reinforces the importance of a strong, independent competition and consumer protection regime, situating this squarely in the context of the UK Government’s growth mission.    

    Focus areas   

    The CMA plans to target its markets work toward unlocking investment in critical infrastructure and identifying opportunities for key horizontal enablers (like access to data or technology adoption) which could have a multiplier effect on growth. It will also give particular focus – across its powers – to priority sectors in the Industrial Strategy where effective competition could spur growth, or remove barriers to the flow of capital, innovation, and the scaling of UK businesses.  

    Notably, the CMA plans to deploy its deep anti-bid rigging expertise and AI capabilities to help the Government identify and tackle bid rigging in public procurement – potentially opening up opportunities for new entrants as well as billions of pounds in savings for UK taxpayers.  

    The plan also frames the CMA’s carefully considered approach to its new powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA), with detail around early activity in both the new digital markets and new consumer protection regimes. The CMA particularly emphasises the value of effective consumer protection to both business and consumer confidence, signalling that it will use its enforcement powers proportionately to put money back into people’s pockets and protect the level-playing field for fair-dealing businesses.  

    Improving how the CMA works  

    The plan reasserts the CMA’s commitment to its ongoing programme of rapid, meaningful changes based around four key principles – pace, predictability, proportionality and process (business engagement). Following direct feedback from businesses and investors, the CMA committed to implementing these ‘4Ps’ across its functions late last year, starting with merger control.  

    The plan outlines the considerable progress made thus far and signals more to come in the near future, notably across the new digital and consumer functions. The CMA also emphasises the importance of continued, constructive engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders – particularly through the CMA Growth and Investment Council and through deeper relationships with startups and investors.  

    Sarah Cardell, CEO of the Competition and Markets Authority, said:  

    The Government has been clear that its number one priority is economic growth, and the CMA has a key role to play in supporting that. The fundamentals of our role – to promote dynamic markets, support productivity and innovation, and to protect consumer interests – remain as vital and relevant for the UK as they have ever been.  

    This Annual Plan lays out an ambitious programme of work to support economic growth and long-term prosperity for the UK, rooted in our commitment to promote competition and protect consumers, and clearly reflecting the clear draft strategic steer provided to us by government.  

    Based on valuable stakeholder feedback, we have made a firm commitment to continued, rapid evolution around key aspects of how we work, which we know are critical to business and investor confidence and UK global competitiveness.

    Doug Gurr, Interim Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority, said:  

    We have really challenged ourselves as an organisation on how we can contribute to the growth mission set out by government, which we know is vital for the UK. Because the foundations of what the CMA does – strong competition and consumer protection – can make a big difference to achieving it.  

    We have a real chance now, as we deliver this rich plan of work and continued improvements in how we operate, to build that all-important confidence amongst companies and investors that the UK is a great place to do business.

    Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, said:  

    We have been clear that we expect regulators to focus on driving economic growth, as well as lending their expertise to support the Government in improving the public sector.   

    We welcome this plan set out by the CMA which will help it focus on delivering growth and supporting consumers across the country. I’d encourage other regulators to look to the CMA Plan as they prepare their own strategies.

    Notes to editors: 

    1. In a speech at the techUK Tech Policy Conference 2025, CEO Sarah Cardell set out how the CMA will apply the ‘4Ps’ framework to its digital markets and consumer work in support of economic growth. 

    2. All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the CMA press office by email on press@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6460.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets French FM

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, March 27 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday in Beijing.

    In the current international situation, China and France — as independent, mature and responsible major countries — should strengthen communication and coordination to inject more stability and certainty into the common development of the two countries and the world, Li said.

    He said China is willing to work with France to follow the strategic guidance of their two heads of state, maintain close high-level exchanges, expand mutually-beneficial cooperation, and strengthen multilateral coordination on issues including climate change response to bring more benefits to the two peoples and the world.

    Li noted that as staunch defenders of free trade and multilateralism, China and France, with closely intertwined economic interests, should work together to resist protectionism and unilateralism, continue strengthening cooperation with an open attitude, and give full play to their complementary advantages to add impetus to the economic development of the two countries continuously.

    China has always regarded France as an important cooperation partner and stands ready to work with the country. While strengthening long-standing cooperation on aviation, aerospace and nuclear energy, they should continuously tap into cooperation potential in emerging and future industries such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and biotechnology to foster and strengthen new economic drivers, Li said.

    China hopes that France will create a fair, equitable and predictable development environment for Chinese enterprises investing in the country, he added.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the EU. China is ready to use this as an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations, and address concerns through dialogue and consultation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, Li said, expressing the hope that France will play a positive role in this regard.

    Barrot said that in the face of increasing uncertainties in today’s world, France and China — as permanent members of the UN Security Council — should shoulder their important, joint responsibility of safeguarding multilateralism.

    France attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to work with China to actively implement the important consensus reached by their two heads of state, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, science and technology, and to tackle climate change and other global challenges, Barrot said.

    France always adheres to strategic independence, and opposes trade protectionism and trade wars. France supports the EU and China strengthening dialogue and cooperation in the economic and trade fields, addressing the concerns of both sides in a proper manner, and exploring more positive agendas, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Announces KiloEx (KILO) Listing with a 100,000 KILO & 175,000 USDT Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is pleased to announce the KiloEx (KILO) listing on March 27, 2025(UTC). To celebrate this significant addition to the exchange, MEXC is launching a special event with a prize pool of 100,000 KILO & 175,000 USDT for new and existing users.

    KiloEx (KILO) is a decentralized perpetual exchange that combines innovative peer-to-pool trading with advanced risk management features. The project aims to revolutionize derivatives trading by eliminating traditional order books and central intermediaries, creating a more efficient experience for both retail and institutional users. KILO, the platform’s native token, serves multiple purposes, including governance, staking rewards, and fee discounts within the ecosystem. It is also backed by Binance Labs, further strengthening its credibility and potential in the crypto space.

    To celebrate the listing, MEXC has launched an exclusive Airdrop+ event with substantial rewards for participants:
    Event Period: March 26, 2025, 12:00 (UTC) – April 06, 2025, 12:00 (UTC)
    Benefit 1: Deposit and share 100,000 USDT bonus (New user exclusive)
    Benefit 2: Spot Challenge — Trade to share 100,000 KILO (For all users)
    Benefit 3: Futures Challenge — Trade to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonus (For all users)
    Benefit 4: Invite new users and share 25,000 USDT bonus (For all users)

    MEXC has established itself as an industry leader by consistently providing users with early access to promising Web3 projects. In 2024, MEXC introduced 2,376 new tokens, with 1,716 of those being initial listings. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC leads the industry with the highest number of spot listings at 461 and the fastest listing speed. Additionally, the exchange consistently adds new tokens in bi-weekly cycles, showcasing its exceptional ability to quickly capture market trends.

    Looking ahead, MEXC will continue to enhance its platform by providing advantages such as low fees, deep liquidity, a wide selection of trending tokens, and daily airdrops, enabling traders to access high-potential projects early, receive generous rewards, and enjoy an optimal trading experience.

    For full event details and participation rules, please visit the event page.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 34 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    PR Manager
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. 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/7a08cede-d80d-4e63-af63-8d82ed3bd49d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund general meeting of investors and a notice to convene a new general meeting of investors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Extraordinary General Meeting (hereinafter the “General Meeting”) of Baltic Horizon Fund unit-holders and Swedish Depositary Receipt (hereinafter the “SDR”) holders (hereinafter together the “Investors”) took place on 27 March 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia.  

    Proposed agenda of the meeting, as proposed by a unitholder, was the following:

    1. Decision to elect Andrius Smaliukas as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    2. Decision to elect Milda Dargužaitė as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    3. Decision to elect Antanas Anskaitis as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    4. Decision to pay remuneration to the chairman of the supervisory board for fulfilling obligations of the member of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 36,000 per calendar year.
    5. Decision to pay remuneration to supervisory board members, other than  the chairman, for fulfilling obligations of the member of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 11,000 per calendar year.
    6. Decision to recall Reimo Hammerberg, Monica Hammer and David Bergendahl from the position of the supervisory board member of Baltic Horizon Fund with the last date of the office being 30 April 2025.

    3 investors were registered as attending the meeting, holding less than 1% of the fund units which is below the required quorum. Investors were not able to adopt the proposed resolutions.

    Notice to convene a new general meeting

    According to section 10.11 of the rules of the fund, the management company Northern Horizon Capital AS convenes a new general meeting, with the same agenda.

    The new general meeting of Baltic Horizon Fund is to be held on 7 April 2025 at 13:00 (local Estonian time) at the office of Northern Horizon Capital AS at Roseni 7 (A tower), 6th floor, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia. Registration for the meeting will begin at 12:00. The General Meeting will be held in English.

    The meeting is convened in accordance with sections 10.3.3, 10.5, 10.11, 11.2 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund and section 47-1 of the Investment Funds Act of Estonia.

    Investors are invited to join the webinar to view the General Meeting online on 7 April 2025 at 13:00. Investors are invited to issue a power of attorney with instructions for voting to exercise their rights as an Investor. We propose the Investors to consider designating fund manager Tarmo Karotam as their authorised representative (please see instructions below and templates at Annex 1).

    To join the webinar, please register via the following link:

    https://nasdaq.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vSmhsW1uQhqwRaTQ3EBXBA

    You will be provided with the webinar link and instructions how to join successfully. The webinar will be recorded and available online for everyone at the company’s website on www.baltichorizon.com.

    The total number of units and votes in Baltic Horizon Fund amounts to 143,562,514.

    Agenda, as proposed by the unitholder:

    1. Decision to elect Andrius Smaliukas as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    2. Decision to elect Milda Dargužaitė as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    3. Decision to elect Antanas Anskaitis as a new member of the supervisory board of Baltic Horizon Fund as of 1 May 2025 for a period of two years.
    4. Decision to pay remuneration to the chairman of the supervisory board for fulfilling obligations of the member of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 36,000 per calendar year.
    5. Decision to pay remuneration to supervisory board members, other than  the chairman, for fulfilling obligations of the member of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 11,000 per calendar year.
    6. Decision to recall Reimo Hammerberg, Monica Hammer and David Bergendahl from the position of the supervisory board member of Baltic Horizon Fund with the last date of the office being 30 April 2025.

    Investors are invited to send questions and comments on the agenda to the Baltic Horizon fund manager at Tarmo.Karotam@nh-cap.com by 31 March 2025. Northern Horizon Capital AS will respond to the questions and comments at the meeting itself.

    Participation – requirements and notice

    Investors who are entered in the Baltic Horizon Fund registry of unit-holders maintained by Nasdaq CSD SE and holders of SDRs registered in the Euroclear Sweden AB system ten days before the date of the General Meeting, i.e. at the end of business of Nasdaq CSD SE on 28 March 2025, are entitled to participate in the meeting.

    In order to facilitate the registration process, investors whose units are registered in their own name are invited to provide notice of their attendance by 4 April 2025 to bhfmeeting@nh-cap.com. Notice should include name, personal identification number (or the registration number of the legal person), address, number of units represented and, if applicable attendance of any representatives, along with the name and personal identification number of the representatives. The attendance of a representative does not deprive the unit-holder of the right to participate at the meeting.

    Instructions to holders of Baltic Horizon Fund SDRs registered with Euroclear Sweden AB in Sweden

    IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: SDR holders whose SDR-s are registered with Euroclear Sweden AB via a bank or other nominee are required to notify their bank or nominee account provider by end of business of 28 March 2025 to temporarily add their name on the Euroclear Sweden AB owner register.

    Representation under a power of attorney

    Investors whose representatives are acting under a power of attorney are requested to prepare a written power of attorney for the representative in Estonian or English (templates can be found at Annex 1).

    A copy of the executed power of attorney should be sent to bhfmeeting@nh-cap.com together with the notice of participation. In case the power of attorney is issued by a legal person, a certified copy of the registration certificate (or equivalent certificate of authority) shall also be submitted together with, as applicable, the documents certifying the authority of the representative in case the power of attorney is signed by a person under a power of attorney.

    Baltic Horizon Fund is registered in Estonia, which means that any power of attorney (or any certified copy of the registration certificate of a legal person) issued in a foreign country should be notarised and accompanied by an apostille. The apostille requirement applies, for example, to powers of attorney issued and notarised in Sweden or Finland. 

    Instructions for the day of the General Meeting

    We kindly ask Investors to bring a personal identification document, and for their representatives also to present the original written power of attorney in English or Estonian. In case the Investor is a legal person, documentation in Estonian or English certifying the authority of the Investor’s representative or the signatory of the power of attorney will also be requested.

    Data collected by Northern Horizon Capital AS from powers of attorney, the unitholders registry maintained by Nasdaq CSD SE, and the list of holders of SDRs registered in the Euroclear Sweden AB system will be used for the purpose of registration and preparing the voting list for the meeting.

    Northern Horizon Capital AS proposals on the agenda items

    1. Decision to elect Andrius Smaliukas as a new member of the supervisory board of the Baltic Horizon Fund

    According to section 11.2 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund the members of the supervisory board shall be appointed at the general meeting for a period of at least two years. The  proposal is to elect Andrius Smaliukas as a new member of the supervisory board.

    Dr. Smaliukas is the Managing Partner at MMSP, a Lithuanian law firm focused on strategic corporate advisory and dispute resolution. He previously partnered at one of the leading Pan-Baltic firm, Valiunas Ellex, and holds nearly 20 years of experience as an arbitrator and international arbitration lead counsel. Dr. Smaliukas earned his Ph.D. and Master of Laws from Vilnius University, conducted postgraduate research at Oxford, and completed executive programs at Cambridge Judge Business School and Harvard Law School. Dr.Smaliukas serves on the boards of Staticus Group, Kesko Senukai, has extensive advisory experience in commercial real estate M&A and investment management across the Baltic countries.

    Andrius Smaliukas does not hold any units of the Baltic Horizon Fund.

    1. Decision to elect Milda Dargužaitė as a new member of the supervisory board of the Baltic Horizon Fund

    According to section 11.2 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund the members of the supervisory board shall be appointed at the general meeting for a period of at least two years. The proposal is to elect Milda Dargužaitė as a new member of the supervisory board.

    Milda Dargužaitė is the former CEO of Northern Horizon Capital A/S, the shareholder of Northern Horizon Capital AS. She was responsible for managing the company’s operations and strategic direction, including the development of new funds and investment vehicles. Milda has significant experience in both the public and private sectors, locally and internationally. She joined the company in 2018 after roles as the Chancellor at the Lithuanian Prime Minister’s Office, Managing Director of Invest Lithuania, and advisor to the Lithuanian Minister of Economy. Milda has a wealth of experience in finance and portfolio management from her time at Goldman Sachs in New York and Barclays in London. Milda Dargužaitė was the supervisory board member of Northern Horizon Capital AS from July 2018 until September 2023.

    Milda holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics from Middlebury College and a master’s degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Princeton University. She has served on the boards of several Northern Horizon Group entities.

    Milda Dargužaitė does not hold any units of the Baltic Horizon Fund.

    1. Decision to elect Antanas Anskaitis as a new member of the supervisory board of the Baltic Horizon Fund

    According to section 11.2 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund the members of the supervisory board shall be appointed at the general meeting for a period of at least two years. The proposal is to elect Antanas Anskaitis as a new member of the supervisory board.

    Antanas Anskaitis is a partner at Grinvest which is a private investment company with interests in real estate and transportation. Antanas has over 20 years of real estate investment management experience (out of which 16 within Northern Horizon Capital group). Since 2015 until 2020 Antanas managed a successful Baltic-Polish investment portfolio on behalf of Partners Group and lead over 30 commercial property transactions in the Baltics and Poland having experience both on sell and buy side. Antanas has MSc in Management and Economics.

    Grinvest through its subsidiary in Estonia Gene Investments OÜ is the largest unitholder in Baltic Horizon Fund (>25%) at the time of this notice.

    1. Decision to pay remuneration to the chairman of the supervisory board

    According to section 11.11 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund, supervisory board members are entitled to remuneration for their service. The amount of remuneration payable to the chairman and members of the supervisory board shall be decided at the general meeting. According to section 11.4 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund, supervisory board members elect a chairman from among themselves in the first meeting after election of any new member(s).

    The supervisory board in this composition intends working in close liaison with Northern Horizon Capital AS in the subcommittees and meet at least once a month while Baltic Horizon Fund is in the turnaround phase. The proposal is therefore to pay remuneration to the chairman of the supervisory board in the amount of EUR 36,000 per calendar year.

    1. Decision to pay remuneration to supervisory board members

    According to section 11.11 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund, supervisory board members are entitled to remuneration for their service. The amount of remuneration payable to the chairman and members of the supervisory board shall be decided at the general meeting. 

    The proposed remuneration is the same as for the current members of the supervisory board. The unitholder proposes to remunerate each supervisory board member (except the chairman, who shall be remunerated in accordance with point 4 above) in the amount of EUR 11,000 per calendar year.

    1. Decision to recall Reimo Hammerberg, Monica Hammer and David Bergendahl from the position of the supervisory board member of Baltic Horizon Fund

    According to section 10.3.3 of the Rules of Baltic Horizon Fund the members of the supervisory board shall be recalled at the general meeting.

    Annex 1:

    1. Form of power of attorney to appoint a representative for the general meeting (in Estonian)
    2. Form of power of attorney to appoint a representative for the general meeting (in English)

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oportun Comments on Director Nominations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN CARLOS, Calif., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT), a mission-driven financial services company, today confirmed receipt of a notice from Findell Capital Management LLC (“Findell”) nominating two directors to stand for election to the Oportun Board of Directors (the “Board”) at the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Board issued the following statement in response:

    Over the past three years, the Oportun Board of Directors has overseen decisive and deliberate actions to put the company on a strong path for long-term profitable growth. These actions, which we summarized in our press release on March 20, 2025, have led to improved credit performance, fortified our business economics and driven high-quality originations. Our business momentum and 2025 outlook speak for themselves and are a testament to the opportunity and value we believe we can deliver. The Board and management remain focused on driving strong performance and enhancing shareholder value.

    Oportun is committed to maintaining a strong Board comprised of an independent and high-quality set of directors who bring a range of perspectives, provide effective oversight and represent the interests of all shareholders. Consistent with that commitment, the Board has recently undergone a thoughtful and comprehensive refreshment process, including with input from Findell and resulting in the appointment of four new independent directors over the last 14 months. Our directors have skills and experience in functional areas critical to the successful execution of our strategy, including expertise in credit and risk management, finance, mobile technologies, software, marketing, government relations and regulatory matters, as well as deep leadership, public company, lending and consumer finance industry experience.

    Oportun’s Nominating and Governance Committee will evaluate Findell’s nominees and make a formal recommendation to Oportun shareholders in due course. Oportun shareholders are not required to take any action at this time.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is serving as legal advisor and FGS Global is serving as strategic communications advisor to Oportun.

    About Oportun

    Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT) is a mission-driven financial services company that puts its members’ financial goals within reach. With intelligent borrowing, savings, and budgeting capabilities, Oportun empowers members with the confidence to build a better financial future. Since inception, Oportun has provided more than $19.7 billion in responsible and affordable credit, saved its members more than $2.4 billion in interest and fees, and helped its members save an average of more than $1,800 annually. For more information, visit Oportun.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements as to our future performance and financial position; the strength of our business model, balance sheet, liquidity and execution of our strategy; expectations regarding our growth for 2025; the composition of our Board of Directors and its impact on our ability to deliver long-term value to our shareholders; and our governance practices, are forward-looking statements. These statements can be generally identified by terms such as “expect,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “predict,” “project,” “outlook,” “continue,” “due,” “may,” “believe,” “seek,” or “estimate” and similar expressions or the negative versions of these words or comparable words, as well as future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “likely” and “could.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, financial trends and risks and uncertainties that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These risks and uncertainties include those risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there is no assurance that the events or results suggested by the forward-looking statements will in fact occur, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    Oportun Financial Corporation (“Oportun”), its directors and certain executive officers are participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with Oportun’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). Oportun plans to file a proxy statement (the “2025 Proxy Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting.

    Jo Ann Barefoot, Mohit Daswani, Ginny Lee, Carlos Minetti, Louis Miramontes, Scott Parker, Sandra A. Smith, Richard Tambor, Raul Vazquez and R. Neil Williams, all of whom are members of Oportun’s board of directors, are participants in Oportun’s solicitation. Additional information regarding such participants, including their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the 2025 Proxy Statement and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting. Information relating to the foregoing can also be found in Oportun’s definitive proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2024 Proxy Statement”), which was filed with the SEC on May 13, 2024, and is available here. Particular attention is directed to the sections of the 2024 Proxy Statement captioned “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance,” “Non-Employee Director Compensation,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” “Executive Compensation” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.” To the extent that holdings of such participants in Oportun’s securities have changed since the amounts printed in the 2024 Proxy Statement, such changes have been reflected on the following filings: for Ms. Barefoot, on June 28, 2024; for Mr. Daswani, on June 28, 2024 and December 13, 2024; for Ms. Lee, on June 28, 2024; for Mr. Minetti, on June 28, 2024 and December 13, 2024; for Mr. Miramontes, on June 28, 2024; for Mr. Parker, on April 25, 2024, June 18, 2024, and June 28, 2024; for Ms. Smith, on June 28, 2024; for Mr. Tambor, on June 28, 2024 and June 28, 2024; for Mr. Vazquez, on June 18, 2024, September 12, 2024, December 2, 2024, and March 12, 2025; and for Mr. Williams, on June 28, 2024 and December 11, 2024.

    Promptly after filing its definitive 2025 Proxy Statement with the SEC, Oportun will mail the definitive 2025 Proxy Statement and a GREEN proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE 2025 PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT OPORTUN WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Stockholders may obtain, free of charge, Oportun’s proxy statement (in both preliminary and definitive form), any amendments or supplements thereto, and any other relevant documents filed by Oportun with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting at the SEC’s website, which is located here. Copies of Oportun’s definitive 2025 Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements thereto, and any other relevant documents filed by Oportun with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting will also be available, free of charge, at Oportun’s website, which is located here, or by writing to Investor Relations, Oportun Financial Corporation, 2 Circle Star Way, San Carlos, CA 94070. In addition, copies of these materials may be requested, free of charge, from Oportun’s proxy solicitor, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, by calling toll-free to (877) 800-5195.

    Investor Contact
    Dorian Hare
    (650) 590-4323
    ir@oportun.com

    Media Contact
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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir Chris Bryant speech at Connected Futures Festival

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Sir Chris Bryant speech at Connected Futures Festival

    Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant, gave a speech at the Connected Futures Festival on 26 March 2025.

    Hello. My name is Chris Bryant and I’m the telecoms minister. I’m really sorry I can’t be with you. Well, I’m here with you virtually, which I suppose is particularly important for the kind of connectivity that we’re talking about. But I’m afraid that, as you’re meeting, I will be in Parliament for the spring statement, when the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be talking about economic growth and how we get the economy to really springboard into the future.

    I suppose that’s the key part of what I want to say today, which is that connectivity is a vital part of making sure that the UK economy grows, that everybody gets a chance to participate in our economic future, and that we embrace the technological changes that can make so many differences to people’s lives, whether in the delivery of public services or in the delivery of all the services that we rely on, whether it’s ordering a pizza, parking your car, or engaging with our local GP and seeing our latest test results.

    I know that the geopolitical picture looks uncertain at the moment, and many parts of our lives, of course, are uncertain. Sometimes, trying to predict the future is difficult. That’s one of the reasons that, whereas we’ve always talked about “future telecoms” in the past, we’re changing the terminology to something which I think suits much better the situation that we face today. And that’s why instead of referring to “future telecoms”, we’re now going to be referring to “advanced connectivity technologies”, because advanced optics and satellite communications aren’t the ghosts of telecoms futures anymore, but actually telecoms present – let’s face it! Last year, Aston University transmitted data 4.5 million times faster than the average home broadband connection. We have started to send data through visible light. And Vodafone made the first video call via space last year. I’m an MP for a constituency in South Wales in The Valleys, and so I was very happy to see that that call took place from a remote Welsh mountain. The death of “notspots” may just about be in sight for us all!

    The breakthroughs we are seeing mean that the UK could once again be a leader in connectivity over the next ten years, and I’m absolutely determined that we take forward those opportunities.

    But before I take you into the future, let’s just pause briefly in the present. As we shape the next generation of connectivity, we must remember that some people in this country haven’t yet got this generation of technological connectivity. There’s 1.6 million people in the UK who live largely offline. We have to factor them into our future, and our ambition is to have gigabit-capable broadband in every home and in every business, and higher quality 5G to all populated areas by 2030. Through the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which we’ve recently launched, we’ll make sure people also have the devices and skills to be part of a digital future. We want to tackle digital exclusion so that we can take the whole of our country with us. So, deploying the best technology we have today and taking a leading role in shaping the technologies of tomorrow is vital to our economic success.

    We will shape them, obviously, with global allies – but we will be guided by three central ideas. First of all, do they bring connectivity to everyone, everywhere, whatever your circumstances? Secondly, do they have security and resilience built in from the start? And thirdly, are they built sustainably, so that better connectivity gets us closer to net zero and not further away? These are all equally important, fundamental principles and ideas behind what we’re trying to achieve in this area.

    The UK has the potential to be at the forefront as we develop these technologies. For a start, we build on research from some of the best universities in the world, and the JOINER research and innovation platform gives them a unique test network to prepare for 6G. British firms are getting connectivity to places it hasn’t gone before, like trains, offshore wind farms and space. BT, who nearly two centuries ago set up the world’s first nationwide communications network, are now leading the way with Toshiba in trials of quantum secure comms. And global companies like Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung have all chosen to do R&D work here in this country, in the United Kingdom.

    We will shape them, obviously, with global allies – but we will be guided by three central ideas. First of all, do they bring connectivity to everyone, everywhere, whatever your circumstances? Secondly, do they have security and resilience built in from the start? And thirdly, are they built sustainably, so better connectivity gets us closer to net zero and not further away? These are all equally important, fundamental principles and ideas behind what we’re trying to achieve in this area.

    The UK has the potential to be at the forefront as we develop these technologies. For a start, we build on research from some of the best universities in the world, and the JOINER research and innovation platform gives them a unique test network to prepare for 6G. British firms are getting connectivity to places it hasn’t gone before, like trains, offshore wind farms and space. BT, who nearly two centuries ago set up the world’s first nationwide communications network, are now leading the way with Toshiba in trials of quantum secure comms. And global companies like Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung have all chosen to do R&D work here in this country, in the United Kingdom.

    We can and should go further, though, making the UK a global leader in advanced connectivity. And that’s where the government and industry really must work hand-in-hand. We will strengthen our supply chains – that’s really important. Today we will publish the government’s response to the report from the Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Advisory Council, outlining how we will support a thriving ecosystem of suppliers for our networks. I’m immensely grateful to all those who took part in the Council’s work.

    We will back your growth in this sector. Advanced connectivity will be one of the growth markets in our Industrial Strategy within the digital and technology sector. That means the backing across Whitehall to help you succeed. As a sign of that commitment, today I can announce that we will invest nearly £60 million over the next year, 2025 to 2026, to support UK leadership in R&D so that more of the technology providing the world’s critical connectivity is developed here in the UK.

    If we get this right, then ten years down the line we will be able to say that this technology has made people’s daily lives better, put more money in people’s pockets and helps to keep the UK and our allies safe in a turbulent world. That’s a connected future we can only build together.

    Thank you and I hope you have a good conference today.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Gilat Announces Filing of 2024 Annual Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETAH TIKVA, Israel, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, announced that it has filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission containing audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The annual report will be available on the Gilat website (www.gilat.com). Shareholders may receive a hard copy of the annual report free of charge upon request.

    About Gilat

    Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we develop and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity, offering next-generation solutions and services for critical connectivity across commercial and defense applications. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

    Together with our wholly-owned subsidiaries—Gilat Wavestream, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Stellar Blu—we offer integrated, high-value solutions supporting multi-orbit constellations, Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), and Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) via our Commercial and Defense Divisions. Our comprehensive portfolio is comprised of a cloud-based platform and modems; high-performance satellite terminals; advanced Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas and ESAs; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense markets, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

    Gilat’s products and tailored solutions support multiple applications including government and defense, IFC and mobility, broadband access, cellular backhaul, enterprise, aerospace, broadcast, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com

    Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the terrorist attacks by Hamas, and the hostilities between Israel and Hamas and Israel and Hezbollah. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties associated with Gilat’s business, reference is made to Gilat’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

    Contact:

    Gilat Satellite Networks
    Hagay Katz, Chief Products and Marketing Officer
    hagayk@gilat.com

    Alliance Advisors:
    GilatIR@allianceadvisors.com
    Phone: +1 212 838 3777

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