Category: Economy

MIL-OSI: GraniteShares 2x Long IONQ Daily ETF (IONL), GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL), and GraniteShares 2x Long RDDT Daily ETF (RDTL) Launch Today.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GraniteShares, a leading provider of high-conviction exchange-traded funds (ETFs), today announced the launch of three new leveraged single-stock ETFs: GraniteShares 2x Long IONQ Daily ETF (NYSE Arca: IONL), GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (NYSE Arca: VRTL), and GraniteShares 2x Long RDDT Daily ETF (NYSE Arca: RDTL). These funds offer investors exposure to IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), Vertiv Holdings (NYSE: VRT), and Reddit (NYSE: RDDT), enabling traders to express bullish views on these companies.

GraniteShares’ leveraged ETFs seek daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to 200% of the daily performance of the respective underlying stocks. These funds are designed for sophisticated investors looking to capitalize on short-term movements in some of the market’s most innovative and disruptive companies.

High-Conviction Exposure to Leading Tech and AI Companies
- IonQ (IONQ): As a pioneer in quantum computing, IonQ is at the forefront of developing next generation computing technologies that could transform industries ranging from cybersecurity to pharmaceuticals. With increasing investment in quantum research and growing institutional interest, we believe IonQ presents an attractive opportunity for investors seeking exposure to cutting-edge technology.
- Vertiv Holdings (VRT): A leader in digital infrastructure solutions, Vertiv is critical to supporting data centers, cloud computing, and AI-driven operations. As demand for AI and cloud computing accelerates, Vertiv continues to expand its role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the digital economy.
- Reddit (RDDT): A social media platform with a highly engaged user base, Reddit recently made its public debut, capturing investor attention as a unique player in the digital content space. With its blend of community-driven engagement and advertising potential, Reddit is positioned as a growth stock in the evolving social media landscape.
Designed for Tactical Traders

The new leveraged ETFs provide traders with a tool to gain exposure to these stocks, making them ideal for those looking to execute short-term tactical trades. With 2x daily leverage, IONL, VRTL, and RDTL allow investors to take advantage of momentum and volatility in these high-profile companies.

“We continue to expand our suite of leveraged ETFs to meet the demand for high-conviction trading opportunities,” said Will Rhind, Founder of GraniteShares. “With the launch of IONL, VRTL, and RDTL, we are providing investors with targeted tools to access some of the most exciting companies in AI, cloud computing, and digital media.”

These new ETFs join GraniteShares’ growing lineup of single stock leveraged ETFs, offering traders innovative ways to capitalize on short-term market trends.

For more information on the new GraniteShares leveraged ETFs, read the company’s prospectus.

About GraniteShares

GraniteShares is an entrepreneurial ETF provider focused on high-conviction investment solutions. The firm offers a range of innovative ETFs spanning leveraged, inverse, and high-yield strategies, empowering investors with differentiated tools for portfolio construction. Founded in 2016, GraniteShares has grown rapidly by delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to modern market needs. For more information, visit www.graniteshares.com.

Media Contact:
GraniteShares Inc.
Attn: Media Relations
222 Broadway, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10038
844-476-8747
info@graniteshares.com

Disclaimer:

This material must be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus. Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. Please read the prospectus before investing.

An investment in the Fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The use of derivatives such as option contracts and swaps is subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. Additional risks include Risk of the Underlying Stock, Derivatives Risk, Leverage Risk, Price Participation Risk, and Market Volatility Risk. These and other risks can be found in the prospectus.

Leveraged ETFs seek daily investment results that correspond to a multiple of the performance (both gains and losses) of an underlying index or security. Due to the compounding of daily returns, holding periods of greater than one day can result in performance that differs from the stated multiple. These ETFs are intended for sophisticated investors who understand the risks associated with leverage and seek short-term tactical trading strategies.

Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for ETF shares will develop or be maintained. Buying or selling ETF shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions and frequent trading may incur costs that detract significantly from investment returns..

This information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any Funds to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Fund shares, including the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws. You could lose money by investing in the ETFs. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Funds will be achieved. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program.

The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: H&R Block names Phillip Miller as Chief Information Security Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB), a leading provider of global tax preparation, financial products and small business solutions, today announced that Phillip Miller will join the company as the new Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) as of March 31.

“We are thrilled to welcome Phillip to our leadership team,” said Dara Redler, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer. “His extensive experience and innovative approach to information security will be invaluable as we continue to prioritize protecting our clients.”

Miller brings over 15 years of executive security experience across retail, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Miller has built and maintained strategic programs for companies to meet security, legal, privacy and regulatory frameworks.

Most recently, Phillip founded Qurple, LLC, where he served as an advisor and consultant for numerous companies. Prior to that, he held Vice President/Chief Information Security Officer roles at NetApp and Brooks Brother. Miller has also served as a Principal Security Advisor at Amazon Web Services where he advised financial services, health services, financial technology, and investment management companies on secure cloud computing and compliance strategies.

Miller is the author of “Hacking Success,” a book on information security policy and artificial intelligence. He holds a UK law degree, is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and actively participates in privacy, ethics, and technology law forums.

About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Provident Bank Announces $950,000 in NRTC Funding Awards to Ten New Jersey Non-Profit Organizations
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ISELIN, N.J., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, announced today that the bank has awarded $950,000 in funding to ten non-profit organizations as part of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) Program for fiscal year 2025. The nonprofit organizations will use the funding to implement revitalization plans that address housing and economic development, provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to start businesses and job training for local residents, as well as complementary activities such as social services, recreational activities, and open space improvements. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) served as the intermediary agency between the non-profit organizations and Provident Bank.

NRTC program funding from Provident Bank has been awarded by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to the following non-profit organizations:
- Clinton Hill Community Action – $100,000 for the revitalization of the Upper Clinton Hill neighborhood in Newark.
- Greater Bergen Community Action – $50,000 for improvements to the River to Rail neighborhood district in Garfield.
- HANDS, Inc. – $50,000 for advancements to the city of Orange and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Isles, Inc. – $150,000 for youth development, community revitalization, wealth innovation and the promotion of healthy living (energy efficiency, open space improvements, and access to locally grown food) for residents of downtown Trenton and east Trenton.
- Jewish Renaissance Foundation – $150,000 for the Perth Amboy Alliance for Community 2025.
- New Jersey Community Development Corporation – $100,000 for the improvement of the Great Falls/Spruce Street neighborhood of Paterson.
- NORWESCAP South Main Street – $50,000 for the revitalization of the South Main Street neighborhood in downtown Phillipsburg.
- NORWESCAP Sussex Borough – $50,000 for the revitalization of downtown Sussex Borough.
- Paterson Habitat for Humanity – $150,000 for Eastside Homes, Youth Development & Green Spaces for Everyone in the Northside neighborhood of Paterson.
- Perth Amboy Redevelopment Team for Neighborhood Enterprise and Revitalization- $100,000 for community improvements, housing services and economic opportunities for residents of the Gateway neighborhood of Perth Amboy.
“Provident Bank is proud to support these impactful non-profit organizations through the NRTC program,” said Mary Brown, Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer. “Our investment in this initiative plays a vital role in helping these organizations fulfill their missions and revitalize their communities, aligning with our ongoing commitment to supporting the neighborhoods we serve,” added Brown.

The NRTC Program, which is administered by DCA’s Division of Housing and Community Resources, is designed to jumpstart the renewal of neighborhoods at risk of experiencing a downturn. It accomplishes this through strategies developed by local residents and community-based nonprofit organizations that assist them, as well as through financial contributions from corporations.

The community organizations prepare, submit, and receive approval from DCA for multi-year revitalization plans for the neighborhoods they serve. The corporations contribute funding to the NRTC Program and in return receive a 100 percent tax credit against various New Jersey state taxes. Every year, projects from the approved revitalization plans are listed in a qualified projects pool from which corporations choose the ones they want to financially support.

The NRTC funds must be used by the nonprofit organizations for projects and activities that will implement the goals of the approved neighborhood plans.

About Provident Bank

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

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf2971dc-7379-432f-a17d-0b4f47ae36f8

The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: BigCommerce Enhances B2B Features to Improve Operational Efficiency and Drive Revenue Growth for Merchants
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AUSTIN, Texas, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading provider of open, composable commerce solutions for B2C and B2B brands and retailers, today unveiled innovative enhancements to its B2B products designed to help sales teams operate more efficiently and streamline processes so they can respond quickly to market demands and focus on growth.

These updates, Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ) and Multi-Company Account Hierarchy and Advanced Permissioning, enable faster quote conversion and minimize redundant account management processes so that merchants can respond dynamically to market demands and scale without being bogged down by manual tasks.

“For manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, improving efficiency is the name of the game,” said Lance Owide, general manager of B2B at BigCommerce. “The updates BigCommerce is announcing today mark a huge step forward to help organizations streamline their operations and allow sales teams to focus on customer relationships instead of managing workflows.”

“BigCommerce continues to lead the way in B2B ecommerce, and these latest enhancements are a gamechanger,” said Amandeep Singh, founder and president of BigCommerce partner Cronix. “We’re especially excited about the Multi-Company Account Hierarchy—an invaluable addition for enterprise merchants needing better access control, management and reporting for companies with multiple branches. Along with the new control panel, enhanced quoting engine and API improvements, these features bring more power and flexibility to B2B sellers. We’re excited about where BigCommerce is headed and the impact these innovations will have on merchants.”

The new Enhanced Account Hierarchy and Advanced Permissioning includes:
- Support for multi-tier account structures
- Intuitive configuration tools for quick replication of complex buyer organizational setups
- Granular, role-based access and dynamic permissioning for secure account management
- Simplified bulk invoice payments and aggregated account data views
- Self-service features for buyers to view invoices, orders and financial data across accounts
- Streamlined assignments and delegated control to reduce manual administrative tasks
Designed for today’s complex B2B environment, these enhancements support enterprise-level account hierarchies and detailed, role-based permissions, unlocking the ability to scale rapidly while maintaining a personalized, high-touch customer experience. These features benefit B2B merchants by providing a platform that not only adapts to organizational structures but also accelerates sales cycles and enhances customer loyalty whether they’re selling to franchises or multinational corporations. The system’s advanced permissioning and intuitive account hierarchy enable faster negotiations, quicker decision-making and long-term scalability, ensuring a superior competitive edge in a fast-moving market.

“We can begin to truly extend our business towards that B2B2C vision model,” said Donald P. Polansky, senior manager of corporate systems development at GlassCraft Door Company, one of BigCommerce’s B2B customers. “Whether our direct customer has 2 or 20 locations, we can tailor their accounts to match their corporate structures and even bring their client’s business customers into our ecosystem. Working together with BigCommerce and their B2B team gives us a continual disruptive advantage without destroying the business foundations that already exist.”

“BigCommerce’s Multi-Company Hierarchy feature allows us to more easily support merchants whose buyers manage payment and credit limits at the HQ level, within a single screen,” said Matt Sandham, director at Bspoq, a BigCommerce agency partner. “We’re also able to put multiple companies who belong in the same group into a singular reference number for a more seamless integration with the buyer’s ERP. Our merchants’ account management teams say it has made huge time savings and significantly reduced the admin involved in setting up and managing their customer accounts.”

CPQ was built to help B2B businesses accelerate quote-to-cash cycles, drive revenue growth and improve customer satisfaction. With a streamlined quoting process, sales teams can spend more time building relationships and closing deals.

The new CPQ product features:
- Single-page, mobile-optimized quote interface
- Configurable quote views with customizable fields
- Built-in company account creation and quick add products
- Integrated shipping & tax API for real-time calculations
- Auto-quoting options and tailored discount view controls
- Support for both B2B and B2C quoting channels
“CPQ will help our clients speed up their quote approval processes,” Adam Thibodeaux, senior vice president of global sales at McFadyen Digital. “It will streamline call-in orders for our clients who take orders by phone, helping their sales teams and customers transition to self-service.”

“These innovations represent a forward-thinking approach to B2B ecommerce by marrying agility with enterprise-grade functionality without enterprise-level costs,” Owide said. “They reflect BigCommerce’s commitment to evolving its platform to meet increasingly complex use cases without added costs, technical debt and administrative overhead, positioning the company not only as a robust ecommerce solution provider but as a strategic partner in digital transformation.”

To learn more about BigCommerce’s B2B ecommerce solutions, click here.

About BigCommerce
BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

BigCommerce® is a registered trademark of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:
Brad Hem
pr@bigcommerce.com

The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: LM Funding America Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Call for March 31, 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TAMPA, Fla., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LM Funding America, Inc. (NASDAQ: LMFA) (“LM Funding” or the “Company”), a Bitcoin mining and technology-based specialty finance company, today announced that it has scheduled its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings conference call and webcast for Monday, March 31, 2025 at 8:00 AM EST.

LM Funding will publish its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results as well as an accompanying investor presentation the morning of March 31, 2025 before the call. A copy of the earnings release and investor presentation will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://www.lmfunding.com/investors.

Conference Call Details:
- Date: March 31, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM EST
- Participant Call Links:
  - Live Webcast: Link
  - Participant Call Registration: Link
About LM Funding America
LM Funding America, Inc. (Nasdaq: LMFA), operates as a Bitcoin mining and specialty finance company. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Tampa, Florida. For more information, please visit https://www.lmfunding.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations
Orange Group
Yujia Zhai
LMFundingIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Snail, Inc. to Report Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CULVER CITY, Calif., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or “the Company”), a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, announced today that it will report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Management will host a conference call and webcast on the same day at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the results.

Participants may listen to the live webcast and replay on the Company’s investor relations website at https://investor.snail.com/.

About Snail, Inc.
Snail is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices.

Contacts:

Investors:
investors@snail.com

Press:
media@snail.com

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: XRP News: Why Investors Are Rushing Into XploraDEX $XPL Presale – The Only AI-Powered DEX on XRP Ledger

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ZURICH, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the fast-paced world of crypto, early access to innovation often defines who wins big. That’s why XploraDEX is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about projects on the XRP Ledger. As the first and only AI-powered decentralized exchange (DEX) on XRPL, it brings a unique value proposition to XRP holders, DeFi traders, and early-stage investors.

The $XPL Token Presale is live, and it’s not just a fundraising event—it’s your ticket into an ecosystem built for intelligent trading, automation, and long-term utility. If you’re serious about riding the next wave of innovation in DeFi, this is one opportunity you don’t want to ignore.

Why XploraDEX Is Different and Better

DEXs aren’t new but DEXs powered by AI, built on a high-speed chain like XRPL, are unheard of.

Here’s what sets XploraDEX apart:

AI-Driven Trade Execution – Trades are automatically optimized using machine learning models trained to recognize patterns and predict market behavior.

24/7 AI Surveillance – Real-time monitoring of the market to identify arbitrage opportunities, track liquidity movements, and flag unusual trading activity.

Predictive Analytics Dashboard – Traders get actionable insights, not just charts. Forecasts, heatmaps, and alerts are built into the platform.

Built Natively on XRPL – Leverages XRP Ledger’s ultra-low fees and lightning-fast transaction speed, ideal for real-time DeFi operations.

Smarter Liquidity – AI automates pool balancing and routing to reduce slippage and maximize efficiency.

XploraDEX isn’t just a tool, it’s a trading ally designed to help both seasoned traders and newcomers stay profitable in volatile markets.

PARTICIPATE IN XPLORADEX PRESALE

The Role of $XPL – More Than Just a Utility Token

The $XPL token is at the core of everything on XploraDEX. It’s not just used for transactions; it powers the platform’s functionality, governance, and incentive structure.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the $XPL Presale

The presale phase offers early investors first-mover advantages and access to discounted $XPL tokens before the public launch.

Here’s why it matters:

Low Entry Price – Buy in before market listing and price discovery.

Exclusive Presale Bonuses – Higher staking multipliers and access to beta AI features.

High Growth Potential – As the only AI-powered DEX on XRPL, XploraDEX has first-mover leverage.

This is more than just a presale—it’s a chance to be early on what could become the go-to AI DeFi platform for XRP traders globally.

BUY $XPL TOKEN

$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!

The $XPL Token Presale is already attracting major interest, early investors will gain first-mover advantages!

Buy $XPL Tokens: https://sale.xploradex.io

Final Thoughts: A Rare Opportunity on XRPL

While many DEX projects are chasing trends, XploraDEX is building real infrastructure that solves actual trading problems. By combining AI technology with the speed and efficiency of XRPL, it positions itself as a platform with long-term relevance.

Participate in the $XPL Presale Today: 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/c02de130-c4aa-4ea0-bfba-8c0de3c6d3ad

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Addition Financial Credit Union and Envision Credit Union Submit Merger Application to Regulators

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LAKE MARY, Fla. and TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Addition Financial Credit Union and Envision Credit Union are pleased to announce they have submitted their merger application to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). This marks a significant step forward in the planned merger of these two award-winning institutions, which aims to expand service to members across Central Florida, North Florida, and South Georgia.

Under the terms of the agreement, the combined credit union will continue to operate as Addition Financial Credit Union under the leadership of current President and CEO, Kevin Miller. Pending the approval by the NCUA and OFR, and an Envision Credit Union membership vote, the merger is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.

Founded in 1937 and 1954 respectively, Addition Financial, based in Lake Mary, Florida, and Envision, based in Tallahassee, Florida, share similar histories, philosophies, and values. Both credit unions were created by small groups of educators seeking better financial options than those provided by banks.

“Submitting our merger application to the NCUA brings us one step closer to uniting our teams and building on our legacies of service,” said Darryl Worrell, President and CEO of Envision Credit Union. “Bringing Envision Credit Union into another people-first organization like Addition Financial will enable us to provide more access to services, broaden offerings of innovative products, and deliver personalized support to every member and future member.”

Kevin Miller, President and CEO of Addition Financial Credit Union added, “This merger application submission is a crucial milestone in our journey to better serve our members and communities. By joining forces with Envision Credit Union, we are poised to make an even greater impact to the areas our credit unions have served for the greater part of the last century.”

Both boards of directors and leadership teams unanimously support the merger. While Addition Financial and Envision will work in concert, the credit unions will remain separate entities until an anticipated approval vote by the Envision CU membership, later this year.

About Addition Financial Credit Union:

Addition Financial Credit Union is a trusted banking and financial education partner that members of the Central Florida community rely on to help them along their financial journey. Founded in 1937, Addition Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida with assets approaching $3 billion. As a member-owned credit union, Addition Financial puts the financial well-being of its more than 185,000 members at the heart of everything it does. With 26 full-service branches, 11 student-run high school branches, and financial products designed to provide better saving and loan rates and lower fees, Addition Financial is constantly growing and evolving to meet the needs of its members. Addition Financial is the Official Financial Institution of the UCF Knights and owns the naming rights of the Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida campus. Addition Financial was named as one of the “Best Credit Unions for 2025” by Newsweek and one of the “Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2024” by Forbes. For more information, visit AdditionFi.com.

Envision Credit Union:

Founded in 1954 by Leon County educators, Envision Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution focused on providing personalized products and services of exceptional value to members at the lowest possible cost. Today, Envision serves more than 63,000 members across 19 counties in Florida and Georgia. In addition to the credit union’s unparalleled support of the local education community, it has been recognized by Florida Trend Magazine as a Best Place to Work for the past 2 years and was recently honored with the inaugural Legacy Partner Award by Second Harvest of the Big Bend. With over $880 million in current assets, it maintains a strong focus on giving back to education-based initiatives and upholding the credit union philosophy of people helping people. For more information, please visit EnvisionCU.com.

Contact:

Aaron Sanders		Hollie Maddox
Public Relations Specialist		COO
Addition Financial Credit Union		Envision Credit Union
asanders@additionfi.com		hmaddox@envisioncu.com
(904) 703-9278		850-942-9000

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc37ea94-a5a3-4f9c-b8c7-c4966777db26

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: ODIHR opens limited election observation mission in Romania

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

Headline: ODIHR opens limited election observation mission in Romania

BUCHAREST, 25 March 2025 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission for the 4 May repeat presidential election in Romania, following an official invitation from the national authorities.
The mission is headed by Eoghan Murphy and consists of a core team of 13 international experts based in Bucharest and 22 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from 2 April.
The mission will assess the conduct of the election for its compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.
Observers will closely monitor all key aspects of the election, such as the conduct of the campaign, including on social networks, the work of the election administration at all levels, election-related legislation and its implementation, campaign finance, media coverage and the resolution of election disputes. Observers will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR election recommendations.
Meetings with representatives of national authorities and political parties, judiciary, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation.
While mission members will observe in a number of polling stations across the country to follow election day procedures, in line with ODIHR’s methodology for limited election observation missions, the mission will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting, counting and tabulation on election day.
An interim report will be published some two weeks prior to the election, and the day after the election, the observation mission’s preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference. A final report with an assessment of the entire election process and containing recommendations will be published some months after the elections.
For further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in the country, please visit: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/romania
Media contacts:
Ružica Jovanović, Media Analyst: ruzica.jovanovic@odihr.ro or +40 759 160 575
Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson: katya.andrusz@odihr.pl or +48 609 522 266

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Shell plc files Form 20-F with SEC

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Shell plc filed 2024 Form 20-F with SEC
March 25, 2025

Shell plc filed its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, (“2024 Form 20-F”), with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2025.

The 2024 Form 20-F can be downloaded from www.shell.com/investors/results-and-reporting/annual-report or www.sec.gov.

Shell plc also published its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2024, (“2024 Annual Report and Accounts”) on March 25, 2025.

The 2024 Annual Report and Accounts can be viewed online or downloaded in pdf format at
www.shell.com/investors/results-and-reporting/annual-report.

Printed copies of the 2024 Form 20-F will be available from April 17, 2025, and can be requested, free of charge, at www.shell.com/investors/results-and-reporting/annual-report/order-printed-annual-reports.

Enquiries
Shell Media Relations International: +44 20 7934 5550
US Media Relations: Contact Shell US Media Team
LEI number of Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70
Classification: Annual financial and audit reports

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: The Refurb Company USA Launches to Bring Industry-Leading Refurbishment Solutions to North America
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FARMINGDALE, N.Y., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new era in IT refurbishment has arrived in North America with the launch of The Refurb Company USA, headquartered in Farmingdale, New York. The company is set to provide cutting-edge refurbishment solutions that enhance device quality, extend product lifecycles, and support a more sustainable IT ecosystem.

Led by industry veterans Richard Sommers, Frank Milia, and Richy George, The Refurb Company USA brings decades of expertise from IT Asset Management Group (ITAMG), a leading IT asset disposition (ITAD) provider established in 1999.

While aligned with The Refurb Company, a global leader in refurbishment innovation, The Refurb Company USA empowers ITAD professionals and refurbishers across the U.S. and Canada with high-quality refurbishing products, fast turnaround times, and exceptional customer service.

The Refurb Company USA is a licensed producer and distributor of The Refurb Company’s industry-leading refurbishing products, including:
- Skinz™ – High-durability skins that instantly enhance device appearance without disassembly.
- SticKeys™ – Patent-pending keyboard overlays for seamless language transitions and refurbishment.
- Screen Savers™ – Cost-effective technology for screen refurbishment.
“We saw an opportunity to bring the best refurbishment solutions directly to the U.S. market,” said Frank Milia, Co-Founder of The Refurb Company USA. “By producing locally, we ensure faster lead times, greater quality control, and the ability to support our customers with hands-on training and service.”

A core mission of The Refurb Company USA is to reduce reliance on overseas production, lowering carbon emissions while strengthening the North American circular economy. The company provides a three-year warranty on all its products and offers training and support to ITAD professionals and refurbishers.

The Refurb Company USA joins an established global network of refurbishment facilities, including locations in Poole, UK; Sydney, Australia; and New York, USA, with additional expansion planned in 2025.

For more information on The Refurb Company USA and its industry-leading IT refurbishment solutions, visit TheRefurbCompany.com

About The Refurb Company USA

The Refurb Company USA specializes in high-quality refurbishment solutions for ITAD professionals, resellers, and refurbishers. With a leadership team boasting over 25 years of experience in IT asset disposition and refurbishment, the company provides locally-produced, innovative solutions that support sustainability and extend the life of IT hardware.

Contact: Richy George
Email: richy@itamg.com
Phone: 1.516.284.8569

The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Jayud Global Logistics Launches Exclusive Chartered Air Cargo Service Between Fuzhou and Jakarta

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SHENZHEN, China, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jayud Global Logistics Limited (NASDAQ: JYD) (“Jayud” or the “Company”), a leading end-to-end supply chain solution provider based in Shenzhen specializing in cross-border logistics, today announced the successful inaugural flight of its exclusive chartered air cargo service connecting Fuzhou, China and Jakarta, Indonesia on March 21, 2025.

The new service represents the only chartered air cargo route directly connecting these two strategic markets. It is specifically designed to handle products containing lithium-ion batteries under IATA guidelines PI966, PI967, PI968, PI969, and PI970 categories. The service will operate three flights weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday) using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a cargo capacity of up to 18 tons per flight.

“This exclusive air route marks a significant expansion of our air freight capabilities in Southeast Asia and further demonstrates our commitment to developing specialized logistics solutions for high-demand product categories,” said Xiaogang Geng, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Jayud Global Logistics. “Our ability to safely and efficiently transport lithium battery products addresses a critical market need while supporting the rapid growth of e-commerce in the region.”

The Fuzhou-Jakarta route is strategically positioned to capitalize on the booming e-commerce market in Southeast Asia, which mirrors the impressive growth seen in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. As highlighted in the Company’s previous market analysis, e-commerce markets across emerging regions are experiencing substantial growth, with MENA reporting a projected 11.5% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) through 2028.

This new air service complements Jayud’s existing logistics infrastructure and technological capabilities, which have been successfully deployed in other regions. The Company will manage all logistical aspects of the operation, including procurement, warehousing, inventory management, and streamlined customs processes to reduce delivery times for cross-border e-commerce between China and Indonesia.

“E-commerce continues to be a significant driver of international logistics demand, and our new chartered service provides a dedicated solution for this growing market segment,” added Mr. Geng. “By establishing this exclusive air corridor, we’re enhancing our service offerings and strengthening the commercial ties between China and Southeast Asia while supporting the specialized shipping needs of the e-commerce sector.”

About Jayud Global Logistics Limited

Jayud Global Logistics Limited is one of the leading Shenzhen-based end-to-end supply chain solution providers in China, focusing on cross-border logistics services. Headquartered in Shenzhen, the Company benefits from the unique geographical advantages of providing a high degree of support for ocean, air, and overland logistics. The Company has established a global operation nexus featuring logistic facilities throughout major transportation hubs in China and globally, with footprints in 12 provinces in Mainland China and 16 countries across six continents. Jayud offers a comprehensive range of cross-border supply chain solution services, including freight forwarding, supply chain management, and other value-added services. With its strong service capabilities and research and development capabilities in proprietary IT systems, the Company provides customized and efficient logistics solutions and develops long-standing customer relationships. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.jayud.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “is/are likely to”, “potential”, “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

For more information, please contact:

Jayud Global Logistics Limited
Investor Relations Department
Email: ir@jayud.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
Tel: 347-947-2093
Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bybit’s $100k Scholarship at St. Paul School: A Commitment to Empower Future Leaders

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is proud to unveil a generous scholarship program that will provide $100,000 to 300 students of St. Paul American Scholars (SPAS), a renowned international school in Korea, for the academic year of 2025/26. This collaboration entails both financial contribution and on-campus educational events, underscoring Bybit’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovative thinking, nurturing future leaders fit for a connected world.

The scholarship will provide deserving students with invaluable financial support and recognition, encouraging them to pursue their educational aspirations and explore the world with their talent. The recipients will represent a diversity of cultures and merits, including support for SPAS students demonstrating academic excellence, scholarships for foreign students, sibling scholarships, and need-based support for children of staff. By investing in budding talent with global ambition, Bybit aims to create lasting change and inspire students to reach their full potential. The funds will be disbursed within 30 days of the agreement, with a detailed report on their allocation provided within 60 days post-disbursement.

In addition to monetary rewards, Bybit and SPAS will organize campus events cultivating community engagement and collaboration between students, parents, and educators. This initiative aligns perfectly with SPAS’s philosophy that education is a “three-legged stool”, supported by teachers, parents, and students working together.

Established in 2015, Saint Paul American Scholars (SPAS) operates four campuses in Korea’s major metropolitan areas: Gwanggyo, Bundang, Dongtan, and Ansan. Recognized as one of Korea’s leading American educational institutions, SPAS is fully accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA), Accreditation International (AI), the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), and Cognia.

Additionally, SPAS offers an international exchange program through partnerships with The Knox School in New York, CIC School in Canada, and Prince Bishop Summer School in the UK, providing students with valuable opportunities to experience diverse cultures and global perspectives.

“The budding talent today are the building blocks for a better future, and we are honored and excited to support the exceptional students at SPAS. This scholarship embodies our commitment to creating opportunities that empower young minds and inspire positive impact,” said Helen Liu, COO of Bybit.

As SPAS continues to grow, including the inclusion of Chinese language classes taught by native-speaking teachers and plans for a new campus in Hanoi, Vietnam, the partnership with Bybit will further enhance the educational landscape, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a globalized world.

The SPAS partnership is a new addition to Bybit’s community and philanthropic initiatives in forward-thinking education and knowledge sharing. The crypto-native company has contributed to causes and projects at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, and continues its global footprint via the global campus of the Crypto Content Creator Campus.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

Contact

Head of PR
Tony Au
Bybit
tony.au@bybit.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/061a1b37-9520-47a0-ac0b-3d85d56f87f2

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: AGNICO EAGLE PROVIDES NOTICE OF RELEASE OF FIRST QUARTER 2025 RESULTS, CONFERENCE CALL AND ANNUAL MEETING

Source: Agnico Eagle Mines

Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX)

TORONTO, March 25, 2025 /CNW/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle” or the “Company“) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2025 results on Thursday, April 24, 2025, after normal trading hours. Additionally, the Company will host its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”) the following day, Friday, April 25, 2025, in a hybrid format (in Toronto and virtually).

First Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call and Webcast

Agnico Eagle’s senior management will host a conference call on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 08:30 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss the Company’s financial and operating results.

Via Webcast:

To listen to the live webcast of the conference call, you may register on the Company website at www.agnicoeagle.com, or directly via the link here.

Via Phone:

To join the conference call by phone, please dial 416.945.7677 or toll-free 1.888.699.1199 to be entered into the call by an operator. To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may register your phone number here 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call to receive an instant automated call back.

Replay Archive:

Please dial 289.819.1450 or toll-free 1.888.660.6345, access code 36377 #. The conference call replay will expire on May 25, 2025.

The webcast, along with presentation slides, will be archived for 180 days on the Company’s website.

Annual Meeting

The AGM will begin on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM (E.D.T). During the AGM, management will provide an overview of the Company’s activities.

Hybrid Format

The AGM will be held in person at the Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street, Simpson Tower, 8^th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2Y4 and online at: https://meetnow.global/M59UWL4

The Company is conducting a hybrid meeting that will allow registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders to participate both online and in person. The Company is providing the virtual format to provide shareholders with an equal opportunity to attend and be heard at the AGM even if they are unable to attend the AGM in person.

For details explaining how to attend, communicate and vote virtually at the AGM please see the Company’s Management Information Circular dated March 24, 2025, filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Shareholders who have questions about voting their shares or attending the AGM may contact Investor Relations by phone at 416.947.1212, by toll-free phone at 1.888.822.6714 or by email at investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com or may contact the Company’s strategic shareholder advisor and proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by phone at 1.877.452.7184 (toll free in North America), at 1.416.304.0211 (for collect calls outside of North America) or by e-mail at assistance@laurelhill.com.

Investor Relations

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
145 King Street East, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2Y7
investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com
Phone: 416.947.1212
Fax: 416.367.4681

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agnico-eagle-provides-notice-of-release-of-first-quarter-2025-results-conference-call-and-annual-meeting-302409463.html

SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

MIL OSI Global Banks –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fund for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 4:59PM by PIB Delhi

For the financial year 2024-25, budget allocation of ₹86,000 crore has been made for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS), which is the highest ever allocation for scheme at the Budget Estimate (BE) stage since inception. In the financial year 2025-26, the Government has retained this allocation at ₹86,000 crore, ensuring continued support for rural employment.

As Mahatma Gandhi NREGS is a demand-driven scheme, the Central Government is committed to making funds available to States and Union Territories based on the demand for work on the ground. The Ministry of Rural Development closely monitors this demand and seeks additional funds from the Ministry of Finance as and when required to meet the demand for work on the ground.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MG/RN/KSR/3926

(Release ID: 2114882) Visitor Counter : 28

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government Strengthens Startup Ecosystem with Robust Initiatives and Funding Support

Source: Government of India

Government Strengthens Startup Ecosystem with Robust Initiatives and Funding Support

217 Incubators Selected Under Startup India Scheme with ₹916.91 Crore Approved Funding

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 4:33PM by PIB Delhi

The Government with an intent to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation, startups and encouraging investments in the startup ecosystem of the country launched the Startup India initiative on 16th January 2016.

Under the Startup India initiative, incubators from both private sector and academic institutions are supported through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). The Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible startups through incubators for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. The Experts Advisory Committee (EAC) of SISFS, evaluates and selects incubators for allocation of funds. SISFS is implemented from 1st April 2021. As on 31st January 2025, 217 incubators have been selected under the Scheme with a total approved funding of Rs. 916.91 crore.

Under the Startup India initiative, the Government constantly undertakes various efforts for the development and growth of startup ecosystem. All steps undertaken under the Startup India initiative are inclusive and support entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds, and rural and tribal communities.

The flagship Schemes namely, Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) support Startups at various stages of their business cycle. The Government also implements periodic exercises and programs including States’ Startup Ranking, National Startup Awards, and Innovation Week which play an important role in the holistic development of the startup ecosystem. The Government also encourages and supports ecosystem led initiatives such as Startup Mahakumbh which serve as a vibrant platform for stakeholders to network and collaborate. Initiatives to improve market access and enable public procurement which support startups in growing and scaling up their businesses have also been undertaken. Digital platforms such as the Startup India portal and BHASKAR enable easy access to resources and startup ecosystem collaboration. The Government is also encouraging corporates for supporting startups by way of mentorship, access to infrastructure, sharing resources and knowledge, assistance in market linkages and investor connect. These measures are complemented by regulatory reforms and other ecosystem development events and programs.

This information was given by the Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2114865) Visitor Counter : 12

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government Implements Comprehensive Measures to Boost Exports and Strengthen Trade Competitiveness
Source: Government of India

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 4:32PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has taken various proactive measures aimed at enhancing domestic capacities, boosting exports, diversifying supply chains, exploring alternate sources of imports and fostering economic resilience. Several key initiatives and policy measures undertaken by the Government to boost exports, attract investments and to promote ease of doing business from time to time are as follows-
1. The Foreign Trade Policy effective from April 01, 2023 is designed to integrate India more effectively into the global market, improve trade competitiveness, and establish the country as a reliable and trusted trade partner.
2. Establishment of 65 Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs) across the country with an aim to provide requisite mentoring and handholding support to exporters especially MSMEs in exporting their products and services to foreign markets.
3. Assistance being provided through several schemes to promote exports, namely, Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) and Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme.
4. The Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes (RoSCTL) Scheme to promote labour- oriented certain items of textiles sector export has been implemented since March 07, 2019.
5. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme has been implemented since January 01, 2021. The benefit of RoDTEP scheme had also been extended to sectors like steel, pharma and chemicals with effect from December 15, 2022 to enhance export competitiveness of these sectors. Currently, 10,642 tariff lines (8-digit ITC(HS) Codes) are covered under this Scheme. The budget allocation for RoDTEP Scheme for the current financial year 2024-25 is Rs. 16,575 crores. The benefits of the RoDTEP scheme have also been extended to exports from Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units till September 30, 2025.
6. A Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin has been launched to facilitate trade and increase Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilization by exporters.
7. Districts as Export Hubs initiative had been launched by identifying products with export potential in each district, addressing bottlenecks for exporting these products and supporting local exporters/manufacturers to generate employment in the district.
8. The Government has launched the Trade Connect e-Platform as an information and intermediation platform for international trade bringing together Indian Missions Abroad and officials from Department of Commerce and other organisations to provide comprehensive services for both new and existing exporters.
9. Active role of Indian missions abroad towards promoting India’s trade, tourism, technology and investment goals has been enhanced. Regular monitoring of export performance with Commercial Missions abroad, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards/Authorities and Industry Associations is being done and corrective measures are being taken from time to time.
10. With the changing trade scenario, India is moving towards having Preferential/Free Trade Agreements (PTA/FTA) wherein customs tariffs and non-tariff barriers are reduced or eliminated on substantial trade items between the PTA/FTA members. At present, India is a member of 13 FTAs and 9 PTAs apart from the negotiations with the EU, the UK, and Oman.
This information was given by the Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2114863) Visitor Counter : 15

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LIVESTOCK INSURANCE SCHEME

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 12:47PM by PIB Delhi

As per data received from the States and insurance companies a total of 21.01 lakh nos. of livestock have been insured in the current financial year.

The Livestock Insurance activity under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) scheme operates on a demand-driven basis. The Department is encouraging the States to send proposals of Livestock Insurance scheme so that more livestock may be covered.

The Department does not maintain any data on the number of people in the country who are dependent on livestock and animal husbandry for their livelihood. However, as per 19^th Livestock Census, there are 10.08 crore households having livestock and/ or poultry.

To promote the Livestock Insurance activity among the farmers, the beneficiary share of premium for all categories and areas has been reduced to 15% instead of existing 20 – 50%; rest will be borne by Central as well as State Government in the ratio of 90:10 for Hilly and North-eastern states, 60:40 for states other than Hilly and North-eastern states and 100% for the UTs. Moreover, the Department is conducting extensive awareness like seminars and camps, publicity, video Conferences to promote the activity, for which the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is providing assistance to the State Governments to create awareness. 100% central assistance is provided to the States for awareness and publicity under the NLM scheme. Besides, during Regional Review Meetings, instructions are also given to the States for increasing insurance coverage. Additionally, the Department is developing a dedicated online portal to ensure transparent and efficient implementation of the livestock insurance program.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 25th March, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2114716) Visitor Counter : 56

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum (English only) (with photo/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum today (March 25):

Professor Gong Peng (Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of the University of Hong Kong), Dr Dai (Director of the California-China Climate Institute, Dr Dai Fan), Duncan (Legislative Council Member, Mr Duncan Chiu), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you all again at the Hong Kong Climate Forum. Let me begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to the University of Hong Kong and the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality for convening this second edition of a truly meaningful initiative.

Building on the strong foundation of last year’s inaugural gathering, this year’s forum deepens our collective focus – from scientific understanding and green investment to youth leadership, health resilience, and the transformative power of technology. The breadth and depth of today’s agenda are both inspiring and necessary. It reminds us that climate change is not a siloed issue; it touches every corner of our economy, society and daily life.

Climate challenges and collective responsibility

Last year, we gathered here against the backdrop of a record-breaking year of heat. Sadly, 2024 has only reaffirmed the urgency, and became the new record. The impacts are increasingly clearer: more frequent extreme weather, rising sea levels, threats to biodiversity and stress on public health.

Climate change is no longer a future risk; it is a clear and present danger. The cost of inaction is unbearable – environmentally, economically and socially.

It is therefore disappointing to learn that elsewhere in the world, there was still a blatant denial of climate change, followed by withdrawal from climate commitments.

But we must not succumb to pessimism. Around the world, support for green transition remains the mainstream. Energy systems are shifting, technologies are advancing, and people – especially the younger generation – are demanding bold and collaborative responses.

Our country, China, has placed green development at the heart of her national development strategy, with concrete steps taken. They include not only launching green projects, but also establishing mechanisms for carbon auditing, footprint management and carbon certification. China is also actively participating in global climate governance. In the China Development Forum held last Sunday, Premier Li Qiang reiterated the importance of green transition as a driver of economic growth.

So are we here in Hong Kong. We are firmly committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 with four key areas of focus: net-zero electricity generation, green transport, green buildings and waste reduction.

We do not view combating climate change as a burden that will hurt business. Of course, it entails necessary changes to our lifestyles, production methods and business practices. However, climate goals are creating new opportunities for business as well. That cannot be better encapsulated than in President Xi’s famous words: “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, or “ç¶ æ°´é�’å±±å°±æ˜¯é‡‘å±±éŠ€å±±”. Through the many changes to our ways of life, new business cases are emerging. The most obvious examples are the Mainland’s stellar industries of the New Three – electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels and lithium batteries.

Hong Kong’s green progress

For us, it is clear that Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area, will be able to ride this new wave of change with commitment and leadership.

A recurrent topic in combating climate change is the significant funding gap for green transition, measured in trillions of US dollars. In other words, there is a need to mobilise capital to support green projects on a massive scale. Hong Kong, as an international financial centre adhering to the best green finance standards, excels at matching quality green projects with funding. To enable broader participation in funding green projects, Hong Kong has recently rolled out innovative financing arrangements, such as tokenised green bonds and securitised infrastructure loans.

Moreover, Hong Kong is progressing into the new space of transition finance to help high-emitting sectors invest in clean technologies and decarbonise. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is working to include transition activities in the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance.

Then there is green tech. We are home to many green tech start-ups, all sharing the mission to develop practical technological solutions. In our Science Park and Cyberport, there are approximately 300 green start-ups specialising in energy-efficient materials, carbon capture, EV infrastructure, and much more.

In this year’s Budget, we announced the establishment of a GreenTech Hub, which would house around 200 green enterprises and bring together innovators in the green industry, forming a nexus for fostering fresh ideas, transformative solutions and business partnerships. The hub was opened earlier this month.

Going forward, our green tech sector will benefit from the technological prowess of the Greater Bay Area as well.

Speaking of green tech, it would be remiss of me not to address an important subject, which is also a theme for discussion at the forum this morning: how AI (artificial intelligence) will drive and benefit the green transition. Allow me to share a few thoughts on their intersection.

AI and green: a strategic alliance

To begin with, AI is a game changer. It is fundamentally altering production, business and consumption models, redefining the competitiveness of economies. When considering AI’s relationship with green development, a broader perspective should be taken. It is not only empowering specific green technologies but also acting as a catalyst for driving behavioural change.

Clearly, AI has vast potential in optimising energy production and consumption. The World Economic Forum, for example, has indicated that AI’s benefits in these areas are especially impactful in emerging markets with significant infrastructure gaps, as they have enormous potential to leapfrog to cleaner systems.

AI can also accelerate the invention of new materials. It can improve climate modelling and forecasting, enhancing our preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

The many applications of AI can permeate into our daily life and transform various sectors and businesses across the community, culminating in significant climate change mitigation. From energy saving tech for home appliances and vehicles to smarter traffic management, these innovations are spreading across our country and the world at large.

Even simply taking environmentally friendly driving routes recommended by AI could significantly reduce emissions.

In green finance, AI helps identify green opportunities with strong climate impact potential and sustainable returns, thereby optimising the allocation of capital across clean energy projects.

In ESG (environmental, social and governance) analysis and sustainability reporting, AI improves transparency. It can monitor and cross-check corporate disclosures, strengthening accountability and increasing market confidence in green-labelled financial products. In risk management, AI-powered climate analytics can help us assess exposure to physical risks, such as flooding or wildfires, as well as transition risks, including changes in regulation, market preferences and technology disruption.

Above all, the application of AI for the green movement presents opportunities everywhere. What we need is a whole-of-community approach.

Hong Kong’s vision

That’s why in Hong Kong, we have envisioned AI as a core industry. We are driving this development on five fronts: supercomputing capabilities, algorithms, data, capital and talent. We have positioned Hong Kong as an international exchange and co-operation hub for the AI sector. This year, we will host events of global significance, including the inaugural International Young Scientist Forum on Artificial Intelligence and the International Conference on Embodied AI Robots. We believe these platforms will be ideal occasions to discuss how AI could reinforce our efforts in combating climate change.

Ladies and gentlemen, we need not just action but also thought leadership. That’s what makes fora like today’s highly meaningful and productive.

Hong Kong will continue to host various climate platforms. For example, the second edition of Hong Kong Green Week will be held this September. Anchored by the Climate Business Forum co-hosted with the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, the event will offer a platform for dialogue, deal-making and partnership.

All of these efforts reflect our belief and commitment that Hong Kong can – and must – play a meaningful role in the global climate response.

Let us act together – with courage and a sense of urgency – for our planet, our community and future generations.

I wish you all a most successful forum. Thank you very much.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: China VC funding value nosedives more than 35% during January-February 2025, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

China VC funding value nosedives more than 35% during January-February 2025, reveals GlobalData

Posted in Business Fundamentals

As the world’s second-largest economy, China has historically been a powerhouse for venture capital (VC) funding activity. However, the January-February 2025 data reveals a sharp year-on-year (YoY) decline of more than 20% in VC deals volume. Concurrently, the total deals value experienced a staggering more than 35% drop, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Several factors contribute to the shift in investors’ approach. Heightened regulatory scrutiny, particularly in the technology sector, has created an environment of uncertainty, prompting investors to reassess their strategies. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and economic challenges have further complicated the investment landscape.”

Nevertheless, China continues to hold a significant share of global deal volume and value, although this share has been shrinking as other markets, particularly the US and India, have shown more robust growth in their VC funding activities.

The US, for instance, has experienced a remarkable surge in VC funding, with total deal value increasing by over 50% during January-February 2025 compared to the same period in previous year. Similarly, India also managed to see double-digit growth in both VC deal volume and value during the review period.

An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that China, which accounted for 18% share of the total number of VC funding deals announced globally during January-February 2024, saw its volume share dropping to 15% during January-February 2025. Meanwhile, its share of global value fell sharply from 18% to 10%.

Bose concludes: “China’s VC funding landscape is undergoing a structural recalibration. While the current slowdown reflects investor caution amid regulatory and macroeconomic headwinds, the market’s long-term fundamentals remain intact. However, to reclaim its leadership position, China must focus on policy clarity, investor confidence, and fostering innovation-led sectors that align with global capital trends.”

Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Descartes Acquires 3GTMS

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Strengthens Transportation Management Capabilities for Shippers and Logistics Services Providers

WATERLOO, Ontario and ATLANTA, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (TSX: DSG) (Nasdaq: DSGX), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that it has acquired 3GTMS (3G), a leading provider of transportation management solutions.

Based in the US, 3G’s transportation management solutions combine modern cloud architecture, an expansive carrier network, and planning-driven automation to help customers improve costs, customer satisfaction, and efficiency. Shippers, third-party logistics providers and freight brokers leverage 3G’s platform to optimize domestic over-the-road shipments with tools for planning, rating, consolidation, and routing that cover the entire shipment lifecycle.

“3G’s solution footprint for freight in North America is highly complementary, bringing strong domestic transportation management functionality for truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), and parcel modes,” said Andrew Roszko, Chief Commercial Officer at Descartes. “The acquisition also expands our carrier reach in North America, including the addition of a network of API-integrated LTL carriers. When combined with Descartes’ existing transportation management tools and our Global Logistics Network, we see a tremendous opportunity to deliver even more value to our combined customer base.”

“Much like Descartes, 3G has been successfully building solutions that connect shippers, carriers and logistics services providers to efficiently digitize and manage the lifecycle of shipments,” said Edward J. Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “We look forward to working with 3G’s team of deep domain experts to bring our products together and we’re thrilled to welcome 3G’s partners and customers into the Descartes family.”

3G is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Descartes acquired 3G for approximately US $115 million, satisfied from cash on hand. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel and Lincoln International LLC served as financial advisor to 3G, while Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal counsel and Centerview Partners LLC served as financial advisor to Descartes.

About Descartes Systems Group
Descartes is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security, and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

Descartes Investor Contact
Laurie McCauley
(519) 746-2969
investor@descartes.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relate to Descartes’ acquisition of 3G and its solution offerings; the potential to provide customers with transportation management solutions; other potential benefits derived from the acquisition and 3G’s solution offerings; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the expected future performance of the 3G business based on its historical and projected performance as well as the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada including Descartes’ most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces Upsize of Convertible Debenture Offering

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

TORONTO, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, indirect majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd. , the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announces that as a result of strong investor demand it has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of secured convertible debentures (the “Debentures”) due 36 months following the date of issuance (the “Maturity Date”) to up to C$40,000,000 (the “Offering”)

Each Debenture will consist of C$1,000 principal amount of secured convertible debentures of the Company and will be convertible into common shares of the Company (each, a “Debenture Share) at the option of the holder thereof at any time prior to the Maturity Date at a conversion price equal to C$13.00 per Debenture Share. The outstanding principal amount of the Debentures, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, will become due and payable in full on the Maturity Date and will be payable in cash.

The Company is working diligently towards completion of the Offering and expects to close the Offering later this week. The Offering is subject to completion of final transaction documentation and all regulatory approvals, including the approval of Cboe Canada. The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for general corporate and working capital purposes.

The securities offered in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

About Abaxx Technologies
Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is an indirect majority-owner of subsidiaries Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, recognized by MAS as a “recognised market operator” (RMO) and “approved clearing house” (ACH), respectively.

Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

For more information about this press release, please contact:

Steve Fray, CFO
Tel: +1 647-490-1590

Media and investor inquiries:

Abaxx Technologies Inc.
Investor Relations Team
Tel: +1 246 271 0082
E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward- looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: the proposed terms of the Debentures, the closing and timing of closing of the Offering, regulatory approvals and the proposed use of proceeds from the Offering. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: the inability to receive regulatory approvals in connection with the Offering or inability to finalize transaction documentation; risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions, protection of intellectual property rights, contractual risk, third-party risk; clearinghouse risk, malicious actor risks, third-party software license risk, system failure risk, risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains, and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management discussion & analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Resolutions by the Annual General Meeting of Municipality Finance Plc held on 25 March 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Municipality Finance Plc
Stock exchange release
25 March 2025 at 1:00 pm (EET)

Resolutions by the Annual General Meeting of Municipality Finance Plc held on 25 March 2025

The Annual General Meeting (hereinafter the AGM) of Municipality Finance Plc (MuniFin) held on 25 March 2025 adopted the company’s financial statements and discharged the members of the Board of Directors (the Board), the CEO, and the Deputy to the CEO from liability for the financial year 2024.

Use of Profit Shown on the Balance Sheet and the Distribution of Dividend
The Annual General Meeting decided that a dividend of EUR 1.86 per share, totaling 72,658,664.28 EUR shall be paid out. Dividends will be paid on 3 April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter to each shareholder who is registered in the company’s shareholder register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the record date of dividend payment on 27 March 2025.

Remuneration and Composition of the Board
The AGM decided on the remuneration for the members of the Board for the term from the closing of the 2025 AGM to the closing of the next AGM (the Term 2025–2026) as follows:
- annual fixed remuneration of the Chair of the Board EUR 51,000;
- annual fixed remuneration of the Vice Chair of the Board EUR 33,000;
- annual fixed remuneration of the Chair of the Risk or Audit Committee EUR 36,000;
- annual fixed remuneration of a Board member EUR 28,000 and
- for each Board and committee meeting as well as for each meeting required by the authorities, for the members and Vice Chair of the Board, a fee of EUR 600 per meeting attended and for the chairs, EUR 950 per meeting attended.
The annual remuneration of the Chair of the Board was increased by EUR 6,000, the annual remuneration of the Vice Chair of the Board was increased by EUR 4,000, the annual remuneration of the Chairs of the Risk and Audit Committees was increased by EUR 5,000 and the annual remuneration of a Board member was increased by EUR 3,000. No amendments were made to the meeting fees.

The AGM decided to elect nine members to the Board for the Term 2025–2026 and to re-elect the following current members: Ms. Maaria Eriksson, Mr. Kari Laukkanen, Mr. Tuomo Mäkinen, Ms. Elina Stråhlman, Ms. Leena Vainiomäki and Mr. Arto Vuojolainen. In addition, the AGM decided to elect Ms. Liisa Harju, Mr. Juho Malmberg and Mr. Henrik Rainio as new board members.

The CEO’s Review

Esa Kallio, the President and CEO of MuniFin, discussed the company’s development in 2024. There are currently many uncertainties in the world, and therefore it is important that MuniFin can provide stability and ensure the security of supply for the Finnish society through its operations. The year 2024 was a record year for MuniFin’s sustainable finance: the company issued a record number of sustainable bonds, and the demand for green finance grew significantly.

Election and Remuneration of the Auditor

PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was elected as the company’s auditor with Jukka Paunonen, Authorized Public Accountant, as the principal auditor. The auditor’s fees will be paid against the invoices approved by the company.

Election and Remuneration of the Sustainability Reporting Assurer

PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was selected as the sustainability reporting assurer, with Tiina Puukkoniemi as the responsible sustainability reporting auditor. The assurer’s fees will be paid against the invoices approved by the company.

Constitutive Meeting of the Board
At its constitutive meeting, the Board appointed Kari Laukkanen as the Chair and Maaria Eriksson as the Vice Chair of the Board. The following persons were appointed to the Remuneration Committee: Kari Laukkanen as the Chair, and Leena Vainiomäki, Maaria Eriksson and Tuomo Mäkinen as members. The following persons were appointed to the Audit Committee: Elina Stråhlman as the Chair, and Liisa Harjula, Kari Laukkanen and Henrik Rainio as members. The following persons were appointed to the Risk Committee: Leena Vainiomäki as the Chair, and Maaria Eriksson, Juho Malmberg and Arto Vuojolainen as members.

Additional information on the company’s operations in 2024 is available in the company’s Annual Report, which is available for downloading in PDF format at the company website www.munifin.fi.

MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

Esa Kallio
President and CEO
tel. +358 50 337 7953

MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

MuniFin’s customers are domestic, but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

Read more: www.munifin.fi

The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Polarisation: poor countries disagree over the economy, richer countries on social issues – new findings

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Francesco Rigoli, Reader in Psychology, City St George’s, University of London

Shutterstock/Lightspring

It is hard nowadays to find topics on which people agree. Ironically, though, all agree on one point: that disagreement has reached peak levels. People are united in recognising that society has become polarised.

Why has this happened? In a new study, I examined which characteristics of a country fuel polarisation – and whether economics is a factor. I found that poorer countries such as Ethiopia, Myanmar, Guatemala and Zimbabwe are indeed usually more polarised than richer countries. In fact, the poorer the nation, the greater the division on attitudes towards the economy, gender equality and immigration.

This helps explain why poorer countries are also more vulnerable to revolutions and civil wars. They are more divided and slide more easily into actual armed conflict. It is not a coincidence that communist revolutions, which are often sparked by economic polarisation, have never occurred in rich countries, but in those at an early stage of industrialisation – think of Russia in 1917, China in 1949 and Ethiopia in 1974.

However, people in rich countries such as France, Germany and the US report more polarised opinions on abortion, divorce, suicide and homosexuality. It is social norms, rather than economic views, that divide. Anyone who has paid attention to the culture wars raging in the west can attest to this. Think of the anti-abortion stance of evangelical Christians in the US and to the traditional family cherished by European parties like the Alternative for Germany and Brothers of Italy, and compare them with the growing importance of LGBTQ issues among liberals in the west.

Why are rich countries more polarised on social customs? The study shows that people in poor countries have conservative views on these issues – for example, claiming that abortion and divorce are never justified. There is little margin for disagreement in these countries as far as social norms are concerned. By contrast, opinion on social norms in rich countries is split between liberals and conservatives. Conformity pressures are weak on these topics, boosting polarisation.

Education may also play a role. I found that poorly educated people prefer redistribution and state intervention in the economy more than the highly educated. This divergence is greater in poor countries, partially explaining why attitudes on the economy are more polarised in poor countries.

Meanwhile, my study found that highly educated people profess more liberal opinions on social norms than the poorly educated, but the divergence is greater in richer countries. In other words, in poor countries education is more divisive on economic attitudes, while in rich countries it is more divisive on social norms.

Inequality and polarisation

A 2021 study found that polarisation is higher in countries where the income distribution is more unequal. Interestingly, this applies across various domains, including opinions about the economy, immigration and social norms. This adds another important layer to the picture. It suggests that the increase in polarisation is linked to the increase in economic inequality over the past few decades.

Wealthier nations polarise along social lines.
norbu gyachung/unsplash

Some researchers predict that, as people get richer, polarisation over social norms is destined to fade in the west. In their view, the west is polarised because the population is gradually shifting from a conservative to a liberal stance on social customs. In this view, our current polarisation is essentially an epochal shift. Economic prosperity, the argument goes, will ultimately lead western societies to converge to liberal views, deflating polarisation.

There are two reasons to be cautious about such an assessment. First, the multiple crises faced today by the world, and by the west in particular, may stunt economic prosperity, implying that people may continue to be divided on social norms rather than converging on liberal views.

Second, there is no evidence that economic inequality is going down in the west, and as the research shows, this is not a promising sign in terms of decreasing polarisation. So, citizens of western countries better get used to culture wars for the foreseeable future.

Francesco Rigoli 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. Polarisation: poor countries disagree over the economy, richer countries on social issues – new findings – https://theconversation.com/polarisation-poor-countries-disagree-over-the-economy-richer-countries-on-social-issues-new-findings-252552

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government paves the way for local people to build more homes
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Government paves the way for local people to build more homes

The government has announced a £20 million investment to support the delivery of community-led housing.
Thousands more homes to be unlocked through government investment in community-led housing

Local communities to get more power to locate, design and build high quality homes with £20 million package

All part of the government’s Plan for Change – delivering 1.5 million homes and the biggest boost in affordable housing in a generation

Thousands of new high-quality homes, including social and affordable, will be designed and built by local people for local people, thanks to new government investment to accelerate the delivery of community-led housing.

A £20 million package for community groups, such as community land trusts and housing co-operatives, has been confirmed by the Housing Minister that will directly support the construction of more than 2,500 new homes over the next decade. These housebuilding projects will be led by communities to specifically address local needs in their area.

Community-led housing is about placing power into the hands of local people who will take the lead in the design and location of new homes, with community groups being able to access land and receive planning permission where speculative developments cannot.

This is the first time the government has supported this approach to finance housebuilding at this scale and will help overcome critical barriers to community-led housing delivery, such as community groups accessing the capital needed for housebuilding.

The new investment announced today forms part of the government’s Plan for Change and commitment to build 1.5 million new homes as well as helping more working people and families achieve the dream of homeownership, boosting growth and raising living standards across the country.

Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:

“Community-led housing not only delivers social and affordable homes for local people, it also gives local communities a greater say on where new homes are built and how they are designed.

“This investment will help community-based organisations overcome barriers to housing delivery and will support the growth of the community-led housing sector.

“Through our Plan for Change we are boosting housing supply and reforming the housing system, delivering on our commitment to the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.”

The community-led housing sector is grossly under-developed in the UK compared to other countries in Europe, resulting in a significant loss of potential social and affordable housing as well as depriving communities of the high-quality housing they want.

Recognising the value of community-led housing, the government is investing the £20 million in a social finance fund, which will be led by Resonance who have strong experience in working with community organisations to support the delivery of these homes.

This investment will be used to attract up to £30 million in match-funding from the private sector as well as local authorities and combined mayoral authorities.

Head of Developing Communities at Resonance, Jon Rolls said:

“This is a landmark moment for our fund and for the community-led housing movement. MHCLG’s investment will act as a vital catalyst, unlocking more support for communities determined to shape their own futures. It’s simple – when communities are in the driving seat, brilliant things happen.”

Chief Executive at the Community Land Trust Network, Tom Chance said:

“This investment will be welcomed by hundreds of communities working to build thousands of much-needed homes, from tourist hotspots where local are priced out to city neighbourhoods blighted by a lack of investment. Community-led development offers local people a tool to be builders rather than blockers.”

The new funding follows the government’s overhaul of the planning system with a new growth-focused National Planning Policy Framework, which has imposed new mandatory housebuilding targets for councils so they can play their part to meet local housing need.

The updated planning framework has also strengthened support for community-led housing, which includes broadening the definition of organisations able to deliver this housing and making changes to the size limit on community-led sites to allow more homes to be built.

Government investment in housing has increased to £5 billion for this year, including a top-up of £800 million being injected into the existing Affordable Homes Programme to help deliver tens of thousands of new social and affordable homes across the country.

An extra £2 billion injection of new grant funding to build up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes has also been confirmed today, helping to deliver the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation while making sure those homes go to the people who need them most.

As part of its Long-Term Housing Strategy, which is due to be published later this year, the government is considering further measures to help grow the community-led housing sector.

Further information

Community-led housing is developed by community-based organisations, such as community land trusts and housing co-operatives, to deliver much-needed affordable housing in their area.

The government has invested £20 million in the Resonance Community Developers social finance fund for a 10-year period. Resonance Limited is an established social finance company with experience in supporting the delivery of community-led housing.

Resonance is expected to begin investing directly into local housebuilding schemes across England over the next few weeks.

Community-led organisations and housebuilders across the country have already benefitted from previous funding. This includes Chagford Community Land Trust delivering nearly 30 affordable homes in Devon, YorSpace building 19 affordable homes and a common house in York, and Cohousing in Cambridge providing 42 apartments and town houses with community facilities and a sociable shared garden.

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Published 25 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE attends Boao Forum

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee arrived in Hainan today to attend the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025.

Addressing the forum, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre, enjoys a strategic location and world-class connectivity, championing free and multilateral trade.

Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the only world city that combines the China advantage with the global advantage. It boasts a long tradition of the rule of law and has an established common law regime that aligns with major global financial hubs.

Mr Lee noted that as a participant in the Global Free Trade Zone (Port) Partnership Initiative, Hong Kong will continue to collaborate with Hainan in promoting the vast opportunities that free trade and market liberalisation could bring to the world.

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner with Hainan Province leaders to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong’s co-operation with Hainan.

Additionally, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended the Enhance Digital Capacity Building & Bridging Digital Divide forum this afternoon.

Prof Sun outlined Hong Kong’s move to accelerate digital economy development through strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering digital transformation. The Government is pressing ahead with the Digital Corporate Identity Platform project at full speed.

He added that by adhering to the principle of promoting technology with talent, leading industries with technology, and attracting talent with industries, the Government will provide more quality jobs and development opportunities for innovation and technology (I&T) and digital talent in Hong Kong and for those coming to Hong Kong, thereby pooling I&T talent from around the globe.

Tomorrow, Mr Lee will meet Hainan Province leaders and attend the signing ceremony of memoranda of understanding between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the People’s Government of Hainan Province.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Centre safeguards consumer rights via various provisions under Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Source: Government of India

Centre safeguards consumer rights via various provisions under Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Central Consumer Protection Authority imposes penalty of ₹ 77 lakh 60 thousand on 24 coaching institutes for misleading advertisements

Department of Consumer Affairs secures refunds of ₹1.56 crores for over 600 aspirants and students in education sector through National Consumer Helpline

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 3:44PM by PIB Delhi

Department of Consumer Affairs is continuously working for consumer protection and empowerment of consumers by enactment of progressive legislations. With a view to modernize the framework governing the consumer protection in the new era of globalization, technologies, e-commerce markets etc. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was repealed and Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was enacted.

Salient features of the new Consumer Protection Act, 2019 are establishment of a Central Consumer Protection Authority(CCPA); simplification of the adjudication process in the Consumer Commissions such as enhancing pecuniary jurisdiction of the Consumer Commissions, online filing of complaint from the Consumer Commission having jurisdiction over the place of work/residence of the consumer irrespective of the place of transaction, videoconferencing for hearing, deemed admissibility of complaints if admissibility is not decided within 21 days of filing; provision of product liability; penal provisions for manufacture/sale of adulterated products/spurious goods; provision for making rules for prevention of unfair trade practice in e-commerce and direct selling.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides for a three tier quasi-judicial machinery at District, State and Central levels commonly known as “Consumer Commissions” for protection of the rights of consumers and to provide simple and speedy redressal of consumer disputes including those related with unfair trade practices. The Consumer Commissions are empowered to give relief of a specific nature and award compensation to consumers, wherever appropriate.

The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs has emerged as a single point of access to consumers across the country for their grievance redressal at a pre-litigation stage. Consumers can register their grievances from all over the country in 17 languages including Hindi, English, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Nepali, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Maithili, Santhali, Bengali, Odia, Assamese and Manipuri through a toll-free number 1915. These grievances can be registered on Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM), an omni-channel IT enabled central portal, through various channels- WhatsApp (8800001915), SMS (8800001915), email (nch-ca[at]gov[dot]in), the NCH app, the web portal (consumerhelpline.gov.in) and the Umang app, as per their convenience. 1049 companies, who have voluntarily partnered with NCH, as part of the ‘Convergence’ programme directly respond to these grievances according to their redressal process and revert by providing feedback to the complainant on the portal. Complaints against those companies, who have not partnered with National Consumer Helpline, are forwarded to the company for redressal.

To safeguard the interests of consumers from unfair trade practices in e-commerce, the Department of Consumer Affairs has notified the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These rules, inter-alia, outline the responsibilities of e-commerce entities and specify the liabilities of marketplace and inventory e-commerce entities, including provisions for consumer grievance redressal.

The Department of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with all the stakeholders, has finalized a “safety Pledge” which is a voluntary public commitment of e-Commerce platforms to ensure the safety of goods sold online and respect the consumer rights. Aligned with global best practices, this initiative strengthens consumer protection in the e-Commerce. On the National Consumer Day 2024, 13 major e-Commerce companies including Reliance Retail group, Tata sons group, Zomato, Ola, Swiggy etc. signed the Safety Pledge for ensuring consumer safety. The support and agreement of major e-Commerce companies to abide by the safety pledge will go a long way in ensuring protection of consumer rights.

Under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), an executive agency, came into existence on 24.07.2020. It is designed to intervene, to prevent consumer detriment arising from unfair trade practices and to initiate class action(s), including the enforcement of recalls, refunds and return of products. Its core mandate is to prevent and regulate false or misleading advertisements which are prejudicial to the public interest.

Dark patterns involve using design and choice architecture to deceive, coerce, or influence consumers into making choices that are not in their best interest. Dark patterns encompass a wide range of manipulative practices such as drip pricing, disguised advertisement, bait and switch, false urgency etc. Such practices fall under the category of “unfair trade practices” as defined in the Sub-section 47 under Section 2 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The CCPA, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, has issued “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023” on 30th November, 2023 for prevention and regulation of dark patterns listing 13 specified dark patterns identified in e-Commerce sector. These dark patterns include false urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm shaming, forced action, Subscription trap, Interface Interference, Bait and switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements, Nagging, Trick Wording, Saas Billing and Rogue Malwares.

The CCPA has also notified the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022 on 9th June, 2022. These guidelines inter-alia provide for; (a) conditions for an advertisement to be non-misleading and valid; (b) certain stipulations in respect of bait advertisements and free claim advertisements; and, (c) duties of manufacturer, service provider, advertiser and advertising agency. These guidelines states that due diligence is required for endorsement of advertisements such that any endorsement in an advertisement must reflect the genuine, reasonably current opinion of the individual, group or organisation making such representation and must be based on adequate information about, or experience with, the identified goods, product or service and must not otherwise be deceptive.

Further to strengthen consumer protection, the CCPA enacted the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024 (effective 15th October 2024), mandating transparency in environmental claims and the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024 (effective 13th November 2024), addressing false claims, exaggerated success rates and unfair practices in coaching institutes.

The CCPA has imposed a penalty of ₹ 77 lakhs 60 thousands on 24 coaching institutes for misleading advertisements. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has successfully secured refunds amounting to ₹1.56 crores for over 600 aspirants and students in the education sector through National Consumer Helpline (NCH). These students, enrolled in coaching centres for Civil Services, Engineering Course and other programmes, were previously denied rightful refunds despite following the terms and conditions set forth by the coaching institutes. The action by the Department has helped students receive compensation for unfulfilled services, late classes, or cancelled courses, ensuring they do not bear the financial burden of unfair business practices.

Action has already been taken by the CCPA against various entities including e-commerce platforms for affecting consumers, as a class, for violation of consumer rights, false and misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices as defined under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Action has also been taken against the sale of domestic pressure cookers that do not meet compulsory BIS standards on e-commerce platforms. Additionally, as per CCPA’s directions, travel companies have refunded Rs. 1,454 Crores as of 20.03.2024 to consumers for cancelled flights due to the Covid-19 lockdown. CCPA has also mandated that these companies update their websites with clear instructions and status updates on refund claims related to cancelled tickets. Further, 13,118 listings of car seat belt alarm stopper clips have been delisted from major e-commerce platforms based on the Orders passed by CCPA to delist all such products which violates consumer rights and are unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 as the sale or marketing of said product compromise with the life and safety of consumer by stopping alarm beep when not wearing seat belts.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified framework on ‘Online Consumer Reviews — Principles and Requirements for their Collection, Moderation and Publication’ on 23.11.2022 for safeguarding and protecting consumer interest from fake and deceptive reviews in e-commerce. The standards are voluntary and are applicable to every online platform which publishes consumer reviews. The guiding principles of the standard are integrity, accuracy, privacy, security, transparency, accessibility and responsiveness.

Under CONFONET scheme, VC equipment for conducting hearing through video conferencing mode has been installed and made functional at 10 benches of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and 35 benches of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (SCDRCs).

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri B.L. Verma in a written reply today in the Rajya Sabha.

*****

Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2114829) Visitor Counter : 37

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION (NAPDDR)

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

The number of people benefiting from the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) has increased to 5,81,813 beneficiaries in 2023-24 as compared to 3,39,588 beneficiaries in 2022-23. Under NAPDDR, during the current financial year 2024-25 (as on 19.03.2025), a total number of 6,47,799 beneficiaries have availed services at the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment supported treatment and rehabilitation centres.

As informed by Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, the comparative details of drug seizures effected by all Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) during last three years and the details of drug seizures (cases & quantity of drug seized) effected along Indo-Pak bordering States viz; Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan & Gujarat is enclosed as Annexure-I.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15^th August 2020 by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment in 272 identified most vulnerable districts and now it is being implemented in all districts of the country. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has reached out to the masses and spread awareness about substance use with focus on higher educational Institutions, university campuses & schools. Till now, through the various activities undertaken under NMBA, 14.79+ crore people have been sensitized on substance use including 4.96+ crore youth and 2.97+ crore women. Participation of 4.16+ lakh educational institutions has ensured that the message of the Abhiyaan reaches children and youth of the country. Since launch of NMBA, the number of people benefiting from the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) has increased to 5,81,813 beneficiaries in 2023-24 as compared to 2,08,415 beneficiaries in 2020-21.

A National Toll-free Helpline for de-addiction, 14446 is being maintained by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment for providing primary counselling and immediate referral services to the persons seeking help through this helpline. This Helpline has been integrated with Tele Mental Health Assistance & Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) helpline of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) to ensure that the help seekers get psychosocial support and counselling services to individuals in need. Tele MANAS is an initiative launched by MoHFW in October, 2022 to provide free Tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock.

As informed by Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has taken significant steps to improve coordination and cooperation with neighbouring countries for better border control mechanism. The details are enclosed as Annexure-II.

This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L. VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*****

VM

(Lok Sabha US Q4012)

(Release ID: 2114800) Visitor Counter : 66

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum of Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan (English only) (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan today (March 25):

Honourable Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia; Honourable Zhou Xiaochuan, Vice Chairman (Vice Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia); Honourable Akylbek Japarov, Former Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Before I address the audience, I would also like to thank Honourable Liu Xiaoming (Governor of Hainan Province) for organising this very successful forum and taking care of all of us. It gives me great pleasure to join you at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, a beacon of dialogue and co-operation.

I have decided to speak in English today because I am addressing a global audience, and I want to speak to you directly in the business language that Hong Kong always uses, in addition to Chinese, when we speak to the world. The Boao Forum for Asia is an international organisation, jointly initiated by over 20 member states and headquartered here in China, our country.

Hong Kong is a global city that thrives on connecting the world. That’s why I’m pleased to share with you in today’s forum on the global free trade port development. For over a century, Hong Kong has thrived as a free port. Now an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong is celebrated for its strategic location and world-class connectivity.

As a founding member of the World Trade Organization, Hong Kong champions free and multilateral trade. A city of just over 1 100 square kilometres in area and 7.5 million in population, Hong Kong is the world’s 10th largest merchandise trading entity. We are also the world’s fourth-largest destination for foreign direct investment.

Last year, Hong Kong was once again ranked the world’s freest economy. In the latest Global Financial Centres Index published just last week, Hong Kong maintained its third place globally, and first in Asia. In the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook, Hong Kong ranked fifth globally, up two places from the previous year.

These are all for good reasons. Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that combines the China advantage with the global advantage. We boast a long tradition of the rule of law, and have an established common law regime that aligns with major global financial hubs.

Both Chinese and English are our official languages, and our professionals are well-versed in international as well as Mainland Chinese business practices. Our wide range of talent admission schemes, coupled with a simple and low tax regime that maxes out at 15 per cent for income tax and 16.5 per cent for corporate tax, ensures that we welcome a world of professionals who are keen to develop their full potential .

But, as is evident in the theme of this year’s conference, “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future”, this is indeed a changing world, and a challenging world as well. From geopolitical shifts and supply chain disruptions, to poverty and the urgent call for sustainability, the unprecedented challenges we face have left many at sea. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities. Asia, now an engine of global growth, must promote multilateralism and reject protectionism.

We are devoted to deepening international exchange and collaboration. Hong Kong has signed investment agreements covering 33 economies, and free trade agreements covering 21 economies. We aspire to add the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership – the world’s largest free trade pact – to our free trade agreements soon, and better contribute to regional co-operation.

Recently, we signed an amendment to the Agreement on Trade in Services of CEPA, the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. It contains policy breakthroughs that grant Hong Kong enterprises and professionals unparalleled, and timely, access to the Mainland market.

In the latest Report on the Work of the Government, delivered by Premier Li Qiang earlier this month, our country will step up the implementation of core policies for the Hainan Free Trade Port, and enhance the performance of pilot free trade zones.

Hong Kong is proud to be a part of the Global Free Trade Zone (Port) Partnership Initiative, launched at this very forum two years ago. We will continue to join hands with our friends in Hainan in promoting the vast opportunities, and benefits, that free trade and market liberalisation could bring to the world.

Ladies and gentlemen, in this changing world, it is important to unite our efforts as a whole to pursue a brighter future. As responsible economies, we could all do our part in expanding free trade, streamlining customs, and harmonising standards.

As the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats” – its Chinese equivalent would be “æ°´æ¼²èˆ¹é«˜”. Today, we are all gathered in Hainan, a tranquil island blessed with the beauty of nature. But far from being on its own, this place is surrounded by a sea of opportunities and connectivity. Go alone; you may go fast. Go together; we go far. Together, we can bring about positive changes to our shared future. Together, we can achieve so much more.

On that note, I wish you a very fruitful Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference – one that is full of fruits for thoughts, fruits for actions and, of course, also fruits to eat, in this charming tropical city. Thank you!

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: WATER CONNECTION TO SCHEDULED CASTE HOUSEHOLDS

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 2:12PM by PIB Delhi

Drinking water is a State subject. The power to plan, design, approve and implement drinking water supply schemes/projects lies with State Government including Maharashtra. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

JJM follows a universal approach to cover all rural households including the remote rural households. Following the principle of ‘no one is left out’, under Jal Jeevan Mission, provision of tap water supply is envisaged for every rural household, including all SC/ ST rural households in the country. Further, priority is given for provision of tap water supply in water quality affected habitations, desert and drought-prone areas, SC/ ST villages, Aspirational & JE – AES affected districts, Saansad Adarsh Gramin Yojana villages, etc.

As reported by Maharashtra on JJM-IMIS, total 4.11 lakh households are present in SC concentrated habitations. Of this, as on 20.03.2025, 3.62 lakh households (88.11%) have tap water supply in their homes.

In the last three years from 2022-23 to till date, tap water connection has been provided to 1.13 lakh households in SC concentrated habitations of Maharashtra.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

***

DHANYA SANAL K

(Rajya Sabha US Q2643)

(Release ID: 2114774) Visitor Counter : 27

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 26, 2025

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Centre safeguards consumer rights via various provisions under Consumer Protection Act, 2019Central Consumer Protection Authority imposes penalty of ₹ 77 lakh 60 thousand on 24 coaching institutes for misleading advertisements

Government Strengthens Startup Ecosystem with Robust Initiatives and Funding Support

217 Incubators Selected Under Startup India Scheme with ₹916.91 Crore Approved Funding

Centre safeguards consumer rights via various provisions under Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Central Consumer Protection Authority imposes penalty of ₹ 77 lakh 60 thousand on 24 coaching institutes for misleading advertisements