Ahead of tomorrow’s EU Tax Symposium, Gabriel Zucman, lead economist at the EU Tax Observatory, has set out a proposal to tax the super-rich in the EU.
In response, Chiara Putaturo, Oxfam EU tax expert, said:
“Zucman’s study exposes the truth: Europe has money to fight the climate crisis, strengthen social security nets and maintain its role as a global leader in aid – it just needs the political will to tax its wealthiest citizens.
“At next week’s EU budget talks, one thing must be crystal clear: taxing Europe’s super-rich is the gamechanger to end extreme inequality in Europe and finance the EU’s budget.”
Notes to editors
The EU Tax Observatory’s new study is availablehere. It shows that a minimum tax of 2% and 3% on billionaires and centimillionaires in 23 EU countries could bring in respectively€67 billion and€121 billion for European governments.
Billionaire wealth in the EU surges by nearly €400 million per day in 2024, with a new billionaire nearly every week
74% of billionaire wealth in the EU is derived from inheritance, monopoly power or crony connections.
The richest 1% in 12 EU countries extracted €84.4 billion from the Global South in 2023.
Next week, EU leaders will meet in Brussels to discuss the next EU budget and new own resources. Oxfam and alliesare callingfor wealth taxes to finance the EU budget.
If approved the details of the plan, such as the design of public footpaths, layout, appearance, landscaping, lighting and noise mitigation measures, will be subject to extensive community engagement by the developer and scrutinised by planners under reserved matters, before any works start on site.
The land was formally a coal mine and was later used as a landfill site before becoming a public open space in the 1990s.
The indicative masterplan, submitted by Goold Estates, would see 14.5 acres retained as public open space, and a distribution warehouse, new offices, 270 parking spaces (including 14 disabled bays and 42 electric vehicle charging bays), 60 lorry parking bays, and vehicular access off Neachells Lane developed on the eastern 16.5 acres of the site near industrial land comprising the Travis Perkins builders’ yard and other commercial units.
The developer would be required to maximise the hundreds of job opportunities and apprenticeships for East Park residents, as well as make a Section 106 contribution of £150,000 for a children’s play area in the vicinity and £550,000 for improvements and facilities in East Park to compensate for the loss of nature conservation habitat and of Millennium Forest planting.
Access to the site has been considered in line with the current highways layout and the proposed gyratory improvement scheme to address congestion and safety, which was in the pipeline before the Goold Estates scheme came forward – and remains under consideration as a separate planning application.
City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “The proposal going to Planning Committee next week is only an outline plan, with the finer details to be determined later if it is approved.
“If the scheme gets the green light, it will deliver significant financial investment and hundreds of jobs for local people. The loss of open space and the environmental impact would also be mitigated by other gains for the East Park community.
“But make no mistake, should this outline planning application be approved by Planning Committee, there will need to be extensive community engagement by the developer to ensure the detailed plan addresses people’s concerns appropriately.”
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Geneva, 18 March 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing essential structural adjustments at its Geneva headquarters and globally to align with the unavoidable financial realities following an unprecedented 30 per cent reduction in estimated donor funding for the year, including a major decrease in U.S. funded projects worldwide.
The reduction in funding has severe impacts on vulnerable migrant communities, exacerbating humanitarian crises and undermining vital support systems for displaced populations. Further, this adjustment includes scaling back or ending projects affecting over 6,000 staff members worldwide and implementing a structural realignment at headquarters, reducing headquarters staffing by approximately 20 per cent (more than 250 staff).
These measures aim to ensure that IOM can continue delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance to migrants and vulnerable communities worldwide, driving solutions for displaced populations, and supporting governments around the world in managing migration for the benefit of societies and migrants.
IOM operates under a project-based funding model, established by its Member States, which allows for flexibility, agility, and responsiveness to global humanitarian needs. When funding for specific projects ends, the impacts can be far-reaching, particularly for vulnerable communities who often have very few other options for support. Necessarily, the financial resources to support staffing at headquarters and in our country missions also ends.
The Organization’s priority is to serve vulnerable populations worldwide despite the constrained funding environment. To deliver on this mission in the most efficient way possible, the Organization is moving positions into lower cost regional offices and country missions, streamlining staffing, and identifying opportunities to better coordinate our work with other humanitarian actors. These decisions have been communicated to our Member States and were built on the historic budget reform efforts passed by our Council in 2022. We expect that these changes will save costs as well as enable us to extend greater support globally to provide essential humanitarian assistance in crises worldwide.
These necessary adaptations will also enable the Organization to develop new funding, continue essential oversight and accountability, and streamline operations as IOM evolves to overcome current challenges and build on our proud history. Throughout this process, IOM has prioritized mitigating risks to both staff and operations by ensuring that reductions are applied strategically and in consultation with the leadership of the affected teams and that frontline assistance remains protected, while we work to strengthen long-term sustainability.
We recognize the necessary impact these decisions will have on colleagues who have dedicated years to IOM’s mission, many of whom will lose their jobs. We deeply value the dedication and service of our staff, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to support migrants and displaced communities worldwide. We know that our staff share our commitment to serving some of the world’s most vulnerable populations around the globe at a critical moment in time. Quite simply, IOM staff represent the best of public service. We are deeply sorry to lose them.
At a time when conflict, climate-induced disasters, and economic instability are driving record levels of displacement, migration is not a peripheral issue, it is central to global security, stability, and sustainable development. The world is witnessing historic displacement levels, yet funding to address the root causes of displacement is shrinking.
The international community must not sideline migration governance. Addressing forced displacement, climate-induced disasters, and mobility is not only a humanitarian imperative but also essential to future global stability.
Despite these challenges, IOM remains committed to its mission and to ensuring that migration and displacement remain at the center of global policy discussions. The world cannot afford to look away as needs grow and resources diminish.
IOM will continue working closely with Member States, donors and partners to sustain essential humanitarian operations, advocate for long-term solutions, and ensure that migration remains a priority in the global response to today’s crises.
When Marlena Edmonson, a social worker and elementary school counselor from Indiana, considered running for political office, she thought she needed to be an expert in economics or political science if she wanted to throw her hat into the ring.
Joshua Levin ’25 (MSW), a student at the UConn School of Social Work, had toyed with the idea of running for office, but felt like he needed more information on how to actually run an effective campaign.
Also a student at UConn, Quinn Meehan ’26 (MSW) is passionate about making things like political social work, campaigning, and being involved in politics more accessible for those living with disabilities.
And Kashmir Flood, a Master of Social Work student at the Columbia University School of Social Work, sees herself incorporating political work and social work practice together in some way – whether by running for office herself or supporting candidates in the future.
For many of the 130 social workers and students who traveled to Hartford on the first weekend in March and spent two days in a chilly, windowless conference room at the Downtown Marriott hotel in Hartford, the idea of launching, running, or participating in a campaign for political office had seemed like a daunting task.
How do you get started?
Why are the rules so complicated?
And, if I run for office, will I really have to call people on the phone to ask them for money?
But travel they did, from 20 different states and the District of Columbia – some coming from as far as California, New Mexico, Iowa, and Arkansas – to take part in the 29th iteration of the Campaign School for Social Workers, presented by the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work and to learn, step-by-step, the ins and outs of running a political campaign at any level of government.
Founded in 1995 by the late former UConn School of Social Work dean, Nancy A. Humphreys, her namesake institute works to increase the political participation and power of social workers and the communities they serve.
Since 1996, the Campaign School has trained thousands of social workers, students, and faculty from both the U.S. and abroad on what it’s like to get involved in politics as volunteers, staff, advocates, and candidates; to navigate systemic barriers; and to uphold the social work profession’s values and code of ethics while participating in the political process.
Charles Lewis, founder and director of the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy in Washington D.C.; Kimberly Hardy, second vice chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party and president of the Society for Spirituality and Social Work; Connecticut State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey; and Tanya Rhodes Smith, outgoing director of the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work at UConn, speak at a panel during Humphreys Institute Campaign School, held on March 7 and 8, 2025. (Thomas Rettig/UConn Photo)
Despite the typical public perception of what social workers do, notes the Humphreys Institute’s outgoing director Tanya Rhodes Smith, social work was founded as a political profession and has always been committed to not only working with individuals, but also to working on solutions to the complex issues impacting the communities that they serve.
And a big part of that is, and always has been, the profession’s active and visible role in the political process.
“Democracy reflects the priorities of those who show up,” Rhodes Smith told the participants on the first day of this year’s Campaign School, “and hint: it’s a small group of people. So, it matters who votes, who holds office, who works on campaigns, and who donates money.”
The skills that make someone a great social worker, Rhodes Smith explained, also make someone a great candidate, and learning how to take part in politics and campaigning is as much about developing leadership skills as it is figuring out financing rules and putting out yard signs.
She also warned that Day One of campaign school would be “like drinking out of a firehose.”
“But we’re going to teach you to live your life as a candidate, so that you will be ready when you decide or are asked to run or serve by others,” Rhodes Smith said.
Have a Plan. Write it Down.
“Close your eyes,” ordered Kate Coyne-McCoy, the person who’s been holding that proverbial firehose at nearly every Campaign School.
“Imagine you’re back in grade school, and you take the bus to your friend Susie’s house, and you go in, and you call your mother, and you say, ‘Mom, I’m at Susie’s and I just invited myself to dinner.’ If you’re like my mother, there’s an audible gasp. You don’t invite yourself to dinner,” Coyne-McCoy continued.
“Now, open your eyes. It’s 2025. You’re not just going to invite yourself to dinner. When you get there, you’re going to ask for money.”
Coyne-McCoy is a social worker who has trained more than 9,000 individuals to run for elected office, is a former Congressional candidate herself, and served as the chief trainer for the Harvard Square to the Oval Office program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.
And fundraising, she told the participants, is the barrier to most candidacies – the thing you don’t want to do more than anything.
“You cannot get elected to anything if you don’t have the money to communicate with the people you need to,” Coyne-McCoy said. “I know that 90 percent of you are sitting here saying, ‘Nope.’ You can – you all can. But are you willing to do it?”
Though this year marked Coyne-McCoy’s final Campaign School training, she didn’t try to ease the water pressure from her firehose of information. Day One was a nonstop onslaught starting with becoming a candidate, ending with volunteer recruitment, and covering everything in between.
The depth and breadth of the material was surprising to some of the attendees.
“I was afraid it would be more local, and not enough of the others,” said Edmonson, who is interested in running for federal office. “But I feel like I got what I needed.”
You cannot get elected to anything if you don’t have the money to communicate with the people you need to. I know that 90 percent of you are sitting here saying, ‘Nope.’ You can – you all can. But are you willing to do it? — Kate Coyne-McCoy
“I didn’t think it was to be this amount of information at this level of expertise,” Meehan said. “I didn’t think it was going to be complete experts in the field, from so many different organizations, and so, that was really what impressed me.”
Early on in the day, Coyne-McCoy – who spent all of Day One on her feet, roaming around the room while barreling through her training materials and engaging the participants as they peppered her with questions and hypothetical scenarios – explained that it doesn’t matter what office someone is running for: They need to a have a campaign plan and write it down.
That plan needs to include details on their campaign team, their fundraising and budget, messaging, research, and their timeline.
Over the rest of the day, she’d periodically quiz the participants on these essentials.
“What’s the most important part about campaign planning?” she’d call out.
As the day went on, the chorus of voices that responded grew stronger and louder as they’d answer back.
“Have a plan. Write it down.”
The day also included a messaging component where the participants worked to craft their own personal story, a 90-second pitch that explained why they were running and why someone should vote for them – something not just valuable on a campaign, but also in their lives and as social workers.
“Telling your story is about you,” Coyne-McCoy explained. “It’s the thing you should do when you walk into a job interview. It’s what you would do when you walk into a legislator’s office.”
A few participants shared their stories, including a young woman who beat addiction and wants to see those who lack access to health care find the services they need.
And a teacher who saw the lack of resources her students experienced and saw how it made them feel – as though they didn’t matter.
And a social worker and teenage mother who wants her peers to join her in consistently upholding the values and ethics of the social work profession.
That code of ethics – a set of standards set forth by the National Association of Social Workers – was a consistent theme of this year’s Campaign School, Rhodes Smith said, because whether seeking to serve in local, state, or federal office, the code can be applied to help social workers navigate all types of challenges, including conflicts with values that might occur in politics.
“Politics and campaigns exist in a partisan context, but the code rises above party,” she said, “and it’s our superpower and guide through every sticky situation or ethical dilemma.”
‘Any one of you could do it’
The firehose of Day One gave way to a quieter, more thoughtful approach on Day Two, where discussions started a day dedicated to processing everything learned the day before and figuring out how participants might apply it in their own lives.
In-depth discussions with social workers serving in various elected offices were encouraging but realistic about what it means to both run for and hold office.
“We need to demystify how to run for office,” said Justin Roias, a city councilor in Providence. “It feels complicated, and that feels intentional. There’s a lot of things hidden that you need to learn yourself. But once you do, you’ll get there.”
“When I think about local politics, I think about cultivating future leaders,” said Kai Belton, a state representative from Middletown. “And then, I’m looking in this room full of social workers, and I’m like, oh my god, this is amazing. I can’t tell you how many of my colleagues up at the legislature say, ‘Kai, we need more social workers up here.’
UConn Social Work Student Jacob Pierce – with Tanya Rhodes Smith, outgoing director of the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work – at the Humphreys Institute Campaign School on March 7, 2025. (Thomas Rettig/UConn Photo)
“There are so many people who want to see you win, and you will have the support that you need. I think that this looks intimidating, but it’s really not, and I think that any one of you could do it.”
Discussions with community organizers and panelists looking to navigate power imbalances and improve representation in politics stressed the importance of perseverance.
“Embrace the long game,” encouraged Katrina Huff-Larmond, a city councilor in Randolf, Massachusetts. “We have to understand that what we are fighting for is not going to happen tomorrow. And there’s so much work we need to do in the community, it’s going to take time. We can’t give up.”
The day concluded as participants revisited their personal stories – with some choosing to share and present them while standing at the podium before their peers – and with a challenge from Rhodes Smith: To share what their next step would be when they left campaign school.
Edmonson plans to get in touch with a local official to talk about her potential future campaign.
Meehan wants to work with a co-organizer to help mobilize people with disabilities and help them register to vote, especially people living in institutions.
Others plan to attend local board or city council meetings, volunteer, get involved.
For Flood, the weekend helped her find the connection and encouragement that she needed.
“I knew it would make me want to think about ways that I could find myself in social work and politics,” Flood said, “but it just really solidified for me that, ok, this is really what I want to do. And I didn’t think I could have any more fire in my belly than I do now. So, I’m so happy and really excited.”
And Levin, who said he plans refer back to his notes from the weekend for a while to come, said anyone considering committing the time to go to Campaign School should, “Do it.”
“It’s so easy to convince ourselves to not do something,” Levin said. “There’s always going to be 1,000 reasons to not do something, but that one reason is definitely more important.”
The Scottish Government must act to extend vital renter protections that are set to expire on April 1st, says Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman.
In March 2024 the then Green Minister, Patrick Harvie, introduced a temporary rent adjudication system which followed a freeze on most in-tenancy rents. This potentially allows rent increases to be limited to no higher than 12% if a tenant applies to a rent officer for a decision.
At the time, the Scottish Government said the rent adjudication system would support the transition away from the rent cap and to the forthcoming system of Rent Control Areas, protecting renters from excessively large increases which could be experienced with a sudden move to open market rent levels.
Ms Chapman said:
“At a time when living costs are soaring, it is vital that we control the ridiculous rent hikes that far too many people are experiencing.
“These protections have played an important role in guarding renters from rogue landlords who have shown they cannot be trusted. If they are lifted it will mean even higher costs that will plunge some people and families into totally avoidable poverty.
“Everyone deserves a stable and affordable roof over their heads – a place to call home. By removing protections we are leaving tenants at the mercy of a broken housing market. Do SNP Ministers really want to do that to their constituents?
“With two weeks to go, I hope that they will reconsider and that they will extend these protections to give peace of mind to renters who are already having their finances stretched from all directions.”
Ms Chapman added:
“Homes are for living in and not for profiteering. The forthcoming Housing Bill could be a milestone for renters rights, but we need to ensure that we are protecting people here and now and stopping the kind of hikes that have caused so much misery for so long.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Chancellor and fintech bosses to slash ‘duplicative and burdensome rules’
Chancellor hosts Fintech CEOs in No. 11 as the Treasury streamlines regulation to boost growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
Chancellor and CEOs discussed the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, following the Prime Minister’s pledge to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter.
The Chancellor also delivers on her Mansion House commitment to reform capital markets regulations and boost the attractiveness of the UK’s capital markets.
This morning (18 March), the Chancellor hosted senior representatives from the Fintech sector in No. 11 Downing Street to discuss the biggest growth opportunities for Fintechs and new draft legislation to streamline regulation and boost the attractiveness of our capital markets.
This new legislation will deliver reforms to the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) rules, which were inherited from the European Union, and will enable the FCA to scrap any rules which are duplicative and unnecessarily hold UK firms back by designing a new regulatory framework that supports economic growth, this government’s number one mission.
The Chancellor committed to reforming these rules at her Mansion House speech in November to ensure that they work better for UK companies and they deliver for investors, firms, and support growth across the UK.
This will mark the next milestone in delivering the government’s wholesale market reforms and will boost the attractiveness of the UK’s capital markets.
This forms part of the Chancellor’s radical action plan to cut red tape, boost growth, and create a more effective regulatory system, delivering on the Prime Minister’s pledge to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:
We are taking action to make our rulebook more competitive to support growth, the number one mission for our Plan for Change, and have asked the FCA to reform the regulatory structure around capital markets to make it work better for UK firms. This will ensure they can grow and invest across the economy, kickstarting growth and getting more money in people’s pockets.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Chancellor to press on with DIGIT to boost investment
This morning (18 March), the Chancellor hosted top Fintech CEOs in No. 11 and confirmed the next steps to test distributed ledger technology (DLT) in the UK gilt market.
The Chancellor confirmed the start of the procurement process for Digital Gilt Instrument (DIGIT), which will test the demand for and use of DLT – which has the potential to modernise financial markets by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing security.
The financial services sector is being invited to help shape DIGIT to support continued innovation and growth of this important sector.
This will help cement the UK as a global financial centre by boosting investment and supporting innovation in this cutting-edge technology.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:
The UK is leading the way on digital innovation, and the creation of DIGIT will help to transform our world-leading capital markets sector and drive economic growth.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Mass cancellation of government credit cards in crackdown on wasteful spend
The Cabinet Office instructs departments and their agencies to freeze almost all of around 20,000 Government Procurement Cards as part of plans to cut spending
Thousands of government credit cards will be cancelled, cracking down on wasteful spending in government in favour of delivering the Plan for Change.
Departments and their agencies will be instructed to freeze all cards this week, with a tough new application process to cut the numbers in circulation by at least 50%.
Spending on the cards has quadrupled in four years.
Move follows PM’s intervention last week to go further and faster to reshape the state and make it deliver for working people.
Thousands of government credit cards will be cancelled under plans to cut spending and ensure every pound of taxpayer money is targeted at delivering for the public.
The Cabinet Office will instruct departments and their agencies to freeze almost all of the around 20,000 Government Procurement Cards in circulation this week, with Civil Service cardholders forced to reapply and justify that they really need them – if they don’t the cards will be cancelled by the end of the month.
Only a minority of cards, used for specific operational purposes such as by diplomatic staff working in unstable environments, will be exempt from the mass freeze.
A strict new application process will be introduced, with departments told to approve the minimum number of new cards possible. It is expected the number of cards will be reduced by at least 50%.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat Mcfadden said:
We must ensure taxpayers’ money is spent on improving the lives of working people.
It’s not right that hundreds of millions of pounds are spent on government credit cards each year, without high levels of scrutiny or challenge. Only officials for whom it is absolutely essential should have a card.
Our clampdown on government credit cards will deliver savings that can be used to drive our Plan for Change – securing our borders, getting the NHS back on its feet and rebuilding Britain.
This follows the Prime Minister’s intervention last week where he said the Government must go further and faster to reshape the state and make it work for working people.
The move is part of a civil service wide efficiency drive to cut down on wasteful spending across government, which includes making it quicker and easier to remove poor performers from post.
It will ensure resources are targeted at delivering the Government’s Plan for Change – ending hospital backlogs, putting police back on the beat and securing the country’s borders.
While some credit cards are operationally necessary to deliver services, the amount spent on them has more than quadrupled in the past four years with spending in the last financial year reaching over £600 million in central departments and core agencies.
The move aims to reduce the money spent on Government cards, redirecting business critical spend into more appropriate procurement routes that deliver better value for money.
Tighter new spending controls will also be introduced, with the maximum spend for hospitality – often needed for officials working in trade or diplomatic roles – slashed from £2500 to £500, and any spend over £500 requiring Director General approval.
Civil servants will also be banned from using cards where there is either a departmental or cross-Government procurement route. These procurement routes deliver better value for money by procuring at scale for common goods and services, like booking official travel, training, or office supplies.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden ordered a review of the cards after examples of unnecessary spending were highlighted.
Departments have been asked to review spending on Government Procurement Cards by their officials. Where they identify examples of spending on cards found to be incompatible with guidance they have been told to take action, including disciplinary action and the revocation of the card in question.
UK aviation flying high with new tech funding for security
Funding will strengthen UK’s security standards and ensure passengers can continue to fly with ease of mind.
new funding to develop smart airport technology will enable the UK to stay ahead of potential security threats and reduce delays at airports
pioneering projects will solve complex aviation security challenges and will support jobs and skills across the country
with the aerospace and air transport sector worth £20 billion to the UK economy, investment will bolster economic growth and deliver on the government’s Plan for Change
Passengers are set to benefit from smoother journeys thanks to funding for smart airport technology, announced today (18 March 2025) by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Six successful British tech companies will receive a share of £450,000 to develop the smart screening technology of the future, enhancing UK security and reducing delays at airports.
Based across the country – from Tewkesbury to Cambridge and Nottingham – each of the companies will develop scanning equipment to improve threat detection and reduce the number of false alarms and manual checks, speeding up screening processes and reducing inconvenience to passengers.
With the sector worth £20 billion to the UK economy, continued investment will ensure the long-term future of aviation, keeping the UK competitive internationally.
The programme will also build local jobs and skills that will kickstart economic growth across the country and break down barriers to opportunity.
Alongside grant funding, the programme will provide tailored business support workshops delivered by experts at the Connected Places Catapult in collaboration with the department. These workshops will provide advice and mentoring on issues ranging from technical matters, corporate finance, regulation, trial design, customer needs and more.
Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:
Safety is our top priority and this funding will strengthen the UK’s already rigorous security standards, bolster our competitiveness internationally and ensure that passengers can continue to fly with ease of mind.
As part of our Plan for Change, we are turbocharging investment in the aviation sector and going further and faster with expansion plans to kickstart economic growth and deliver high-skilled jobs across the country.
Connected Places Catapult is the delivery partner for the programme and has already successfully led a number of schemes for the department, including the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme, which aims to drive scientific and technological progress across UK transport.
Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at Connected Places Catapult, said:
Making transport efficient, inclusive and safe is a key priority for Connected Places Catapult. By supporting innovators with ideas to further strengthen security at airports, not only are we helping to improve the passenger experience, but we are also supporting companies to develop and scale here in the UK.
Sam Pollock, Iconal Director, said:
DfT’s HADeS innovation grant funding is a great example of government working with SMEs such as ourselves to accelerate the development of cutting edge technologies, supporting the UK’s world class aviation security industry.
Ambitions are high as UK celebrates a year in Horizon Europe
Hundreds of researchers, business leaders and academics gather at the Oval in London to mark a year of UK success in Horizon – and plan for much more.
Hundreds of researchers, business leaders and academics gather at the Oval in London to mark a year of UK success in Horizon – and plan for much more
£80 billion Horizon Europe programme is the world’s largest international research endeavour, and an important part of the UK’s relationship with Europe
International research collaboration is a key driver of economic growth, and the government’s Plan for Change
More than 500 of the UK’s leading researchers, businesspeople and scientists will gather at London’s Oval today (Tuesday 18 March) to celebrate the successes that have already been delivered since the UK associated to the Horizon Europe programme, last year. They’ll also hear advice from industry experts, European diplomats, and leading academics on how to seize the opportunities for funding and collaboration that Horizon offers, with £80 billion up for grabs through the programme.
Initial signs suggest UK association is trending in the right direction. Recent ERC Synergy Grants saw awards made to 18 UK-hosted projects, the second highest number. Horizon is giving British researchers and innovators access to funding, so they can tackle some of the biggest issues facing society, from breakthroughs in healthcare, to putting AI to work across the economy. All of this stands to unleash growth and create jobs in high-potential new industries, all of which supports the growth goals at the heart of the government’s Plan for Change.
In 2025, the government is doubling down on its efforts to help the UK’s brightest minds access the opportunities on offer through Horizon, through a new PR blitz, networking events in Italy, Germany and Spain for British businesspeople and researchers, and grants to help cover the businesses cover the cost of attending R&D events across Europe.
Science Minister Lord Vallance, who will speak at today’s Showcase, said:
Science is stronger when we work together with others, and as new technologies like AI develop rapidly international collaboration on research is more important than ever before.
Investing in R&D unlocks the door to more productive businesses, highly skilled and paid jobs, economic growth, and innovations that improve our lives and health. We need to go even further to seize the opportunity our association to Horizon represents and then reap the benefits.
Besides Lord Vallance’s keynote, attendees at the Showcase will also hear from UKRI’s International Champion Professor Christopher Smith, DSIT’s Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Chris Johnson, and Cyril Robin-Champigneul from the EU’s delegation to the UK. That will be supplemented by sessions with experts from the UKRI on how to build the best bids for Horizon grants, and networking opportunities.
DSIT Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Chris Johnson said:
Over the last year we’ve seen some initial green shoots of recovery when it comes to UK participation in Horizon Europe. Events like today are an important chance to build on that positive momentum, and learn from the experience of those who’ve already been successful in building bids for funding.
In 2025 and beyond, we want more researchers and businesses to seize the benefits of Horizon, to accelerate the discoveries that will boost our economy, and deliver new technologies that will improve all our lives.
UKRI International Champion Professor Christopher Smith said:
Today’s gathering at the Oval is a testament to the extraordinary progress we’ve made since associating to the Horizon Europe programme. The collaboration and innovation fostered through Horizon Europe are driving breakthroughs that will shape our future, from healthcare advancements, to climate monitoring, to AI integration across industries.
As we look ahead, it’s crucial that we continue to leverage these opportunities to work collaboratively with our international partners, advancing research, fostering innovation, and supporting our vibrant research community.
Businesses up and down the country are already carrying out cutting-edge R&D thanks to Horizon backing, as well as building consortia with partners in countries ranging from Canada to South Korea, and beyond.
We know from recent history that the UK can be a leader in this area. We have 4 of the top 10 universities in the world, and the second-highest number of Nobel prize winners globally. A quarter of projects in which the UK participated, funded through Horizon Europe’s predecessor, were UK-led.
Further information, including practical support on how to apply, is available on the Horizon Hub – found on Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation websites. UKRI also host regular events that help guide businesses and researchers through the opportunities on offer and the application process.
Potential applicants can find Horizon Europe calls (funding opportunities) open to UK-based applicants using the European Commission’s funding and tender opportunities portal. They can apply for Horizon Europe funding through the European Commission’s funding and tenders portal, where the original funding call is found. More information on how to submit applications are available on the European Commission’s website.
A compelling case for creating a new Greater Norwich Council has been set out as part of the biggest overhaul of local government in half a century.
The new report, which will be considered by councillors at a meeting this evening (18 March), sets out the case for why there is a need to create a new Greater Norwich Unitary Council as part of a three-unitary model to cover the whole of Norfolk.
Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, said: “Greater Norwich is unique within Norfolk, a distinct urban entity with different needs, challenges and opportunities to its largely rural hinterland. Its economy and demography are unlike any other part of the county.
“It is the economic and cultural capital of the region and it drives growth. That is why Greater Norwich needs its own single council, where people who live and work here, who understand the city, and who really know their local communities, can represent the interests of their residents.
“A single unitary council for Greater Norwich would coordinate all key services and ensure better outcomes for citizens, to improve their lives, including coordinated improvements in education, social care, children’s services, and housing, and coordinating with the local NHS. In this way, it would be better able to tackle inequalities, improve educational attainment, develop workplace skills, improve health, and ensure better life opportunities for citizens, all of which would improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
“It would also be able to adopt an integrated transport plan to make getting into and around the city easier, coordinating all modes of transport so that they work together better for people.”
The new report is based around four interdependent pillars – economic ambition, enhancing public service delivery, financial resilience and connectivity. It also demonstrates the ambition of being a stable, sustainable and effective 21st century local council which can deliver from day one – and for the next 50 years.
Further details show Greater Norwich to be a high growth city, home to 31 per cent of Norfolk’s businesses and with a diverse and increasing talent pool. Greater Norwich is a £9.9 billion economy, supporting 158,000 jobs and 10,500 businesses.
The case for a Greater Norwich follows on from work across all seven of Norfolk’s district council partners which set out why a three-unitary model is the best solution for Norfolk.
Other benefits of a Greater Norwich Unitary Authority:
secure strategic economic growth, based around Norwich’s distinct dynamic, productive, and inclusive economy, while supporting the wider region of Norfolk to prosper
harnessing the city’s unique opportunities for regeneration and renewal to build a thriving net zero economy
promoting the city centre as a hub for innovation and creativity
be a sustainable authority, able to transform and deliver high-quality public services
be strongly positioned to create public services that are not only fit for today’s challenges but will last into the future
prioritise creating access to high-quality, health-promoting jobs
capitalise on Norwich’s unique strengths, including the academic excellence of its universities, through joint working with the city’s education institutions, cultural heritage, and strong local networks
allow a future Norfolk and Suffolk Mayoral Combined County Authority to capitalise on powers and funding, accelerating the rate of delivery and powering up the region
A full proposal will be developed and submitted to Government by 26 September.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
The State University of Management announces the launch of a new master’s program “Organizer of production in the automotive industry”. The industrial partner of the program is FSUE “NAMI”.
The program is implemented in the direction 38.04.02 “Management”. The main goal is to train highly qualified specialists who are able to effectively manage production processes in the automotive industry and adapt to changes in the industry.
The implementation of the educational program components in terms of engineering is carried out on the basis of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “NAMI”, as well as the developing infrastructure of the State University of Management: the Center for Management of Engineering Projects, the Center for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer and other divisions.
The program is a unique educational product that combines the best experience of the State University of Management in the field of transport and logistics, as well as the competencies and expertise of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “NAMI” in the field of implementing projects for the transport industry.
In addition, the industrial partners of the program are leading companies in the automotive and logistics sectors: the Union of Automotive Services, the Association of Russian Automobile Dealers, GLT, Sovtransavto, Orekh JSC and others.
Who is this program suitable for?
1. Bachelor’s degree graduates: – Young people who have completed their studies in management, economics, engineering, technology and related fields; – Students interested in deepening their knowledge and skills in the field of production process management in the automotive industry.
2. Professionals and practitioners: – Automotive industry workers who want to improve their skills and move into management positions; – Engineers, technologists and managers who want to expand their knowledge in the field of production organization and project management.
3. Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: – People running their own business in the automotive or related industries who want to improve their management skills and optimize production processes.
4. Government Officials: – Government officials involved in the regulation and development of the automotive industry who require in-depth knowledge of production processes and management in this area.
5. International students: – Foreign citizens interested in receiving quality education in the field of management and automotive engineering in Russia, with the aim of developing a career both in the Russian and international markets.
Why choose the “Production Organizer in the Automotive Industry” program at the State University of Management?
The program was developed with the direct participation of FSUE “NAMI”; The Department of Transport Systems Management provides practical training and employment options; Project work: development of own startups and research in the automotive industry; Practical focus: inclusion of practical classes, internships and projects in real conditions based on FSUE “NAMI” and other enterprises of the automotive industry, which allows students to gain valuable experience and skills; Modern educational facilities: access to the latest technologies and equipment used in the automotive industry, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the processes and methods of production management; Qualified teaching staff: teaching is conducted by experts with experience in the automotive industry and academia, which ensures a high level of education and the relevance of knowledge.
What will students learn if they choose the “Automotive Production Organizer” program?
Modern technologies in automobile development; Automobile life cycle; Fundamentals of design in the automotive industry; Business process management in the automotive business; Analysis, management and insurance of risks in automotive business projects; State regulation of the automotive business; Management of competitiveness of the automotive business; Customs support of the automotive sector; Innovative management in the automotive business; Customer service in the automotive business; Economic security of the automotive business.
Details of the educational program can be found on the official website.
Let us also recall that the Department of Transport Systems Management of the State University of Management launched a new bachelor’s degree program, “Transport Systems Management,” at the end of February.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/18/2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
BiorBank Out-Competes Wallets & Banks with True Web3 Banking
BERGEN, Norway, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BiorBank, a revolutionary non-custodial Web3 banking platform, has announced the launch of its Ethereum-based token on March 20th and its mobile app on March 24th for iOS and Android after successful beta-testing. The platform is set to disrupt the industry by merging crypto wallet functionality with real-world banking tools—something no other platform has successfully done.
“For years, users have been stuck choosing between crypto wallets that do too little and banks that control too much,” said CEO & co-founder, Hassen Kadhim, of BiorBank. “We’re launching BiorBank to put real control back into users’ hands while giving them the banking features they actually need.”
Addressing the Gaps in Crypto Wallets and Banking Apps
Let’s be real—traditional crypto wallets aren’t built for the future. MetaMask, Phantom, and Trust Wallet? They’re just glorified key storage tools. They let you hold assets, sure—but they don’t help you actually use them. Need a multi-chain experience? Need built-in financial tools? Need a way to actually integrate crypto into daily life? Good luck.
And banks? Worse. Revolut and other so-called “crypto-friendly” banking apps let you “buy” crypto, but you don’t own it. Try withdrawing large amounts of “your” Bitcoin off their platform. Try swapping tokens freely. You can’t—because it’s not really yours. They hold it. They control it.
That’s the problem. No single solution gives users full control over their assets while also offering the convenience of real-world banking tools.
BiorBank: Combining Web3 with Banking Functionality
BiorBank is what crypto wallets should have been all along.
Non-custodial—You control your assets. No third-party risk. No restrictions.
Multi-chain—Supports Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, Cosmos, and more.
Built-in DEX Aggregator—Access to 2000+ liquidity pools with low slippage.
Social Logins—Forget seed phrases. Use Google/Twitter to sign in securely.
AI-Powered Support—Real-time assistance inside the app.
Web3 + Banking Features—Virtual cards, bill payments, and on/off-ramp (coming soon).
It’s not just a wallet. It’s a Web3 bank.
Why Now? The Shift Towards Self-Custody
With increasing concerns over centralized exchange failures and evolving regulations, more users are seeking self-sovereign financial solutions. BiorBank is launching at a time when demand for decentralized asset management is growing.
Token launch: March 20th (Ethereum Network)
App launch: March 24th (iOS & Android)
This isn’t just another crypto wallet launch. It’s the start of financial autonomy that actually puts users in control.
BiorBank vs. Everyone Else
About BiorBank
BiorBank is a non-custodial Web3 banking platform designed to provide users with full control over their digital assets while integrating essential financial tools. Built to support multiple blockchain networks, BiorBank aims to make decentralized finance more accessible and practical for everyday use. The platform prioritizes security, user experience, and financial autonomy, bridging the gap between crypto and real-world banking services.
The future of finance is non-custodial, multi-chain, and user-friendly and BiorBank is leading that charge.
Disclaimer:This press release is provided by BiorBank. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
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NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RentRedi, the fastest-growing all-in-one property management software that makes renting easy for both landlords and renters, has released the findings of its Landlords Tax Preparation Trends Survey analyzing tax preparation habits among landlords of different sizes. The data highlights key differences in tax filing methods, expenses, and the reliance on professional services among small, medium, and large landlords.
One of the most interesting findings is the disparity in bookkeeping methods. At 29%, small landlords (1-4 rental units) are the most likely to use an accountant or CPA to prepare their taxes as compared to the roughly 23% of medium landlords (5-19 rental units) and large landlords (20+ rental units) who hire tax professionals. Large landlords (17%) are the least likely to rely on manual methods such as pen-and-paper or spreadsheets, whereas 1 in 5 small and medium landlords are the most likely to do so.
“The data highlights a significant opportunity for property management software to bridge the gap in tax preparation,” said RentRedi Co-founder and CEO Ryan Barone. “Our software can help independent landlords reduce the time and effort spent on tax preparation by moving away from pen and paper or spreadsheets to digital solutions that improve accuracy and organization.”
For example, RentRedi’s accounting feature saves landlords time and money by simplifying the entire process and automatically syncing properties and charges from their RentRedi account. Landlords can link their bank and credit card accounts for seamless transaction imports, ensuring accurate tracking of income and expenses. They can also use matching rules and payment templates to track income and expenses, as well as view vital financial information such as balance sheets, schedule E’s, and profits, losses, or cash flow by property.
The survey further found that filing methods also vary widely across landlord sizes. A sizable 62% of small landlords file their rental property taxes along with their personal tax returns. Large landlords take the opposite approach, with only 29% filing under personal tax returns, while 66% opt to file under LLCs. Medium-sized landlords, on the other hand, are almost evenly split between filing under personal tax returns (48%) and filing under an LLC (47%).
When it comes to accounting costs, large landlords tend to invest the most, with 42% spending at least $1,000 on tax services. By contrast, only slightly more than 1 in 10 small landlords reported spending that much, with more than half keeping their tax expenses under $500.
Nearly two-thirds of landlords begin their tax preparation as soon as the new year begins, and requesting a tax extension is not uncommon among landlords. Nearly one-quarter of large landlords request an extension, compared to 11% of small landlords who also seek extra time to file their taxes.
When asked what advice they would give to new property investors, a third of landlords emphasized the importance of tracking everything—from income and expenses to maintenance costs and tax deductions. Another 16% recommended gaining a solid understanding of general tax knowledge early on to avoid costly mistakes. These insights underscore a common theme: staying organized and informed from the start can make tax season significantly easier and help landlords maximize their investment returns.
Survey Methodology
RentRedi landlords were surveyed between February 19 – March 3, 2025. There were 1,891 respondents in total. Landlords were classified by real estate portfolio size as follows: small landlords (1-4 rental units); medium landlords (5-19 rental units); and large landlords (20+ rental units). Percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number, and therefore the values in each barchart may not equal 100%. The full survey results can be found here.
About RentRedi
RentRedi offers an award-winning, comprehensive property management platform that simplifies the renting process for landlords and renters by automating and streamlining processes. Landlords can quickly grow their rental businesses by using RentRedi’s all-in-one web and mobile app to collect rent, list and market vacancies, find and screen tenants, sign leases, and manage maintenance and accounting. Tenants enjoy the convenience and benefits of RentRedi’s easy-to-use mobile app that allows them to pay rent, set up auto-pay, build credit by reporting rent payments to all three major credit bureaus, prequalify and sign leases, and submit 24/7 maintenance requests.
Founded in 2016, RentRedi is VC-backed and a proven leader in the PropTech market. The company ranks No. 180 on the Inc. 5000 list and No. 12 on the Inc. 5000 Regionals list. It was also named an Inc. Power Partner in 2023 and 2024, and to Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech list in 2024, and to HousingWire’s Tech100 list in 2025. To date, RentRedi has more than $28 billion in assets under management with nearly 200,000 landlords and tenants using the platform. The company partners with technology leaders such as Zillow, TransUnion, Experian, Equifax, Realtor.com, Lessen, Thumbtack, Plaid, and Stripe to create the best customer experience possible. For more information visit RentRedi.com.
NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Subtext has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.
“We are honored to be recognized by Fast Company for our innovative approach to connecting media companies with their audiences through text messaging,” said Subtext CEO and Cofounder, Mike Donoghue. “We are witnessing one of the most seismic shifts the media industry has ever seen, taking place in real time. As AI continues to make our communication less human and social algorithms make it more difficult to forge enduring connections, we’re proud to live out our mission of connecting our clients with their audiences in a more direct and human way. It is now a business imperative that media companies build trust and equity in the communities they foster and, in doing so, create experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere. By empowering our clients to own their audience relationships, Subtext is helping to ensure that trusted, meaningful connections between media companies and their audiences remain strong and resilient, in the face of rapid change.”
Recent company milestones include a 95% increase in year-on-year revenue and a 240% surge in subscribers. This growth underscores the platform’s effectiveness in helping media companies adapt to changing revenue and engagement strategies. Subtext’s partnerships with major media organizations such as Condé Nast, Washington Post, and Hearst, has enabled them to establish personal connections with readers and reduce subscriber churn by 50-60% on average. Additionally, media organizations see a significant boost in engagement, with a 5x increase in CTR compared to email, highlighting the platform’s ability to not only reach audiences but also drive meaningful interactions. The platform’s innovative features, including its new survey feature which allows users to gain a deeper understanding of their subscribers, have further enhanced its value proposition for media companies seeking to engage their audiences more effectively.
Subtext’s impact extends beyond the media industry, as it addresses broader societal challenges like improving emergency response and combating misinformation. During natural disasters, Subtext has enabled newsrooms to deliver critical information to those without internet access, demonstrating the platform’s potential to bridge information gaps and support community resilience.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”
The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.
Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.
About Subtext
Subtext is an award-winning conversation platform that connects publishers, creators, and brands with their audiences through text messaging. By making direct connections with their audience, Subtext customers can communicate one-on-one or at scale. Subtext customers include Sony Music, The Washington Post, Penguin Random House, USA Today Network, and IRONMAN. For more information, visit joinsubtext.com or request a demo.
ABOUT FAST COMPANY Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.
TORONTO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (“Matador” or the “Company”) (TSXV: MATA) is pleased to announce that it has received approval to list its common shares on the OTC Markets under the ticker symbol OTCQB:MTDTF. The Company expects trading to commence on March 18, 2025.
The OTC listing marks a significant milestone for Matador as it executes its strategic plan to enhance liquidity, broaden its shareholder base, and provide U.S. investors with greater accessibility to its stock. The listing aligns with the Company’s commitment to expanding its presence in global capital markets while reinforcing its position within the digital asset and financial technology sectors.
As part of this strategic expansion, Matador recognizes the growing interest in publicly traded companies operating within the bitcoin ecosystem, such as Metaplanet and Strategy, both of which hold Bitcoin on their balance sheet and actively trade in the U.S. market. Matador aims to further differentiate itself by leveraging innovative solutions that bridge traditional and digital assets, supporting consumers worldwide.
“We are excited to list on the OTC Markets, which represents an important step in our long-term growth strategy,” said Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies Inc. “Matador is Canada’s sole public company that has a focus on building technology for the precious metals space, using the Bitcoin network. We are looking forward to expanding our investor base with this OTC listing.”
Matador Technologies Inc. will continue to trade on the TSX Venture under the ticker symbol MATA, in addition to its new OTC Markets listing.
For additional information, please contact:
Media Contact: Sunny Ray President Email: sunny@matador.network
Phone: 647-932-2668
About Matador Technologies Inc. Matador Technologies Inc. leverages blockchain technology to digitize real-world assets like gold. Focused on building innovative financial solutions, Matador is at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology to preserve and grow value. Matador’s digital gold platform aims to democratize the gold buying experience, combining the best of modern technology and time-proven assets, to create a platform that will allow users to buy, sell, and store gold 24/7 in a convenient and engaging way.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
Forward Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy and the launch of its mobile application as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the potential acquisition of Bitcoin and/or US dollars, the pricing of such acquisitions and the timing of future operations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
-Accretive transaction valued at approximately U.S. $85 million-
-Bitfarms to reinvest capital in U.S. growth opportunities-
This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of Bitfarms’ second amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 17, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.
TORONTO, Ontario, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global Bitcoin and vertically integrated data center company, today announced the successful completion of the sale of its 200 MW data center in Yguazu, Paraguay to HIVE Digital Technologies, Ltd. (“HIVE”).
Bitfarms CEO Ben Gagnon stated, “We are pleased to have expeditiously completed the sale of our Yguazu site to HIVE, allowing us to streamline our operations and further rebalance our portfolio towards North America. We now anticipate that our year-end 2025 proforma energy portfolio will be ~80% North American and ~20% international, marking a significant milestone in our transition from an international Bitcoin miner to a North American energy and compute infrastructure company.”
CFO Jeff Lucas stated, “This accretive sale is expected to significantly reduce our 2025 capex requirements, while reducing our average power costs by 10%. We plan to reinvest the savings and capital from this sale towards our 1.1 GW U.S. growth pipeline for Bitcoin mining and HPC/AI infrastructure, in line with our strategy to grow in the U.S. and diversify beyond Bitcoin mining.”
About Bitfarms Ltd.
Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global Bitcoin and vertically integrated data center company that sells its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated mining facilities with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers.
Bitfarms currently has 15 operating Bitcoin data centers in four countries: the United States, Canada, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.
To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:
HPC/AI = High Performance Computing / Artificial Intelligence
GW = Gigawatt
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regardingthe sale of the Yguazu, Paraguay Site, the merits of the rebalancing operations to North America, the reinvestment of the proceeds of the sale for growth and projected growth, the North American energy and compute infrastructure strategyand other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information.
This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to: the failure to receive payments owing pursuant to the sale of the Yguazu, Paraguay Site on the terms as announced or at all; the reinvestment of the proceeds of the sale may not occur on an economic basis; the anticipated benefits of the rebalancing of operations to North America and the North American energy and compute infrastructure strategy may not be realized; an inability to apply the Company’s data centers to HPC/AI opportunities on a profitable basis; a failure to secure long-term contracts associated with HPC/AI customers on terms which are economic or at all; the construction and operation of the Company’s facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the digital currency market; the ability to successfully mine digital currency; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; it may not be possible to profitably liquidate the current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on operations; an increase in network difficulty may have a significant negative impact on operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; the anticipated growth and sustainability of hydroelectricity for the purposes of cryptocurrency mining in the applicable jurisdictions; the inability to maintain reliable and economical sources of power for the Company to operate cryptocurrency mining assets; the risks of an increase in the Company’s electricity costs, cost of natural gas, changes in currency exchange rates, energy curtailment or regulatory changes in the energy regimes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates and the adverse impact on the Company’s profitability; future capital needs and the ability to complete current and future financings, including Bitfarms’ ability to utilize an at-the-market offering program ( “ATM Program”) and the prices at which securities may be sold in such ATM Program, as well as capital market conditions in general; share dilution resulting from an ATM Program and from other equity issuances; the risk that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting could result in a misstatement of the Company’s financial position that may lead to a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements if not prevented or detected on a timely basis; any regulations or laws that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability to mine digital currencies that will be consistent with historical prices; and the adoption or expansion of any regulation or law that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business, or make it more costly to do so. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings onwww.sedarplus.ca(which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission atwww.sec.gov), including the restated MD&A for the year-ended December 31, 2023, filed on December 9, 2024. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law.Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Investor Relations Contacts:
Tracy Krumme SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms. +1 786-671-5638 tkrumme@bitfarms.com
SAN FRANCISCO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RemoFirst is proud to have been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. And earning the No. 4 spot in the Human Resources category.
This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.
“We are honored to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. This accolade is a testament to our team’s relentless dedication to reshaping how businesses manage global employment,” said CEO Nurasyl Serik.
“At RemoFirst, we’re not just modernizing international payroll and compliance — we’re building the infrastructure that allows companies to embrace a truly global workforce without the traditional boundaries or barriers. Our innovations, such as fully automated payroll operations and employment in 185+ countries, AI powered processes, RemoVisa, RemoCheck and RemoTech services, represent our commitment to empowering businesses with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”
RemoFirst achieved significant innovations in the last year, pushing forward the mission to simplify global employment and empower businesses to expand their workforce across borders.
Among these innovations are the RemoVisa service which allows companies to issue Visas and Work Permits in 85+ countries (the largest Visa coverage of any EOR), and RemoCheck Background Screening services that ensure global candidates meet the highest standards of integrity and security before employment. RemoTech provides equipment delivery for clients in 150+ countries.
Outside of services for Employer of Record, RemoFirst also expanded the functionality of their contractor management solution, designed to make it easier and more affordable for businesses to manage and pay independent contractors globally. Their contractor solution supports payments in over 50 currencies and integrates with leading payment gateways to ensure smooth, secure transactions.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”
The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.
Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.
About RemoFirst RemoFirst is an Employer of Record (EOR) provider that handles all of your employment needs for global employees and contractors — quickly and compliantly. Now companies can skip the hassle of opening additional entities and navigating complex local labor laws. Other services include background checks, global healthcare, visas and work permits, equipment delivery, and more. Available in 185+ countries, starting at $199/month for EOR. For more information, please visit remofirst.com.
ABOUT FAST COMPANY Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank of Mauritius (BOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a framework to promote the use of local currencies, viz., the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) for cross-border transactions. The MoU was signed by the Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Shri Sanjay Malhotra and the Governor, Bank of Mauritius, Dr. Rama Krishna Sithanen G.C.S.K. The MoU documents were exchanged in Port Louis, Mauritius in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and the Honourable Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
2. The MoU aims to promote the use of INR and MUR in bilateral trade. The MoU covers all current account transactions and permissible capital account transactions as agreed upon by both the countries. This framework would enable exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies, which in turn, would enable the development of a market in the INR-MUR pair. Use of local currencies would optimise costs and settlement time for transactions.
3. This collaboration marks a key milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between RBI and BOM. Use of local currencies in bilateral transactions will eventually contribute to promoting trade between India and Mauritius as well as deepen financial integration and strengthen the historical, cultural, and economic relations between India and Mauritius.
HA NOI, VIET NAM (18 March 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has led and signed a $150 million syndicated sustainability-linked loan with Vinschool Joint Stock Company. The loan will be used to expand the Vinschool education system, providing educational facilities for 20,400 students in urban areas of Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), and Hung Yen.
“This project marks ADB’s first private sector investment in Viet Nam’s education sector and highlights our commitment to fostering sustainable development in the country,” said ADB Country Director for Viet Nam Shantanu Chakraborty. “By supporting the country’s first sustainability-linked loan in the education sector, we aim to enhance educational infrastructure while contributing to new residential hub development in the country.”
As the mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, ADB has syndicated and structured a financing package that includes a $40 million loan from ADB Ordinary Capital Resources, a $35 million loan from the Leading Asia’s Private Sector Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2) administered by ADB, and $75 million in parallel loans.
The parallel loans comprise $40 million from ILX, an Amsterdam-based emerging market asset manager, and $35 million from the Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund, an emerging market infrastructure debt fund established by the Private Infrastructure Development Group and managed by NinetyOne. The loan has been validated through a second-party opinion from DNV Business Assurance Vietnam Co., Ltd.
Viet Nam has made significant progress in expanding education coverage, achieving an impressive 98% literacy rate and over 98% primary education enrollment. However, as the nation strives to transition from a developing to a middle-income country, there is a critical need to improve education quality and enhance education access in rapidly urbanizing cities. The private sector, including institutions like Vinschool, is vital in bridging this gap.
“We are delighted to partner with ADB and other impact focused lenders on this groundbreaking initiative. This investment will enable us to provide high-quality learning opportunities to more students while setting a benchmark for sustainable education in Viet Nam,” said Vinschool Chief Executive Officer Phan Ha Thuy. “This is a project that underscores Vinschool’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable development.”
LEAP 2 is an ADB-managed fund with a $1.5 billion commitment from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It focuses on sustainable private sector infrastructure projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and provide affordable health care, education, and communication services to ADB’s developing member countries.
Established in 2013, Vinschool is the largest private school system in Viet Nam, offering high quality education from kindergarten to high school. Vinschool currently serves more than 48,000 students across 54 campuses in Ha Noi, HCMC, and four other provinces, offering both national curriculum and Cambridge bilingual programs. Vinschool is a subsidiary of Vingroup Joint Stock Company, one of Viet Nam’s largest conglomerates.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
From April 14 to 17, the “Moya Rabota” center on Shabolovka Street will host the “Women’s Business” accelerator. Spouses of special military operation participants are invited to join. Visitors will be taught the basics of running a business and developing a personal brand, public speaking and writing a marketing plan, preparing project promotion strategies, and much more.
Modern women are increasingly striving for professional self-realization, often choosing the entrepreneurial scenario. The Moscow Employment Service offers various programs that help residents develop their careers and improve their skills and competencies.
“Entrepreneurship allows you to gain financial independence, monetize your hobby, create a unique product, and plan your time more flexibly. For the wives of the special military operation participants, we have prepared an intensive program where they will learn a lot about opening and developing their own business, make new acquaintances, and have a useful time. In four days, the guests will learn to work in a team and present their projects to investors, and will immerse themselves in financial and other important nuances of business,” said Andrey Tarasov, head of the Moscow employment service and the Professions of the Future center.
On the first day, April 14, participants will discuss organizational issues and measures of state support for business, learn the basics of entrepreneurship, and learn teamwork and business thinking.
On April 15, experienced trainers will talk about entering marketplaces and successful examples of existing businesses. The participants will delve into the intricacies of customer service and writing a marketing plan, and will also prepare to defend projects and work with presentations.
The program on April 16 will be dedicated to the art of public speaking, analysis of tax, financial and other aspects, as well as communication strategies of an entrepreneur.
On the final day of the accelerator, April 17, participants will defend their projects and receive awards for the winners.
The meetings will take place at the flagship center “My work” at the address: Shabolovka street, building 48. Participation is free, registration open until April 5. The “Women’s Business” accelerator is organized with the participation of the Moscow City Branch “Support of Russia”.
The Moscow City Employment Service is the largest state personnel operator that helps residents of the capital find work. Its structure includes employment offices, many of which are located in the My Documents government service centers. The flagship centers are open at the following addresses: Kuusinen Street, Building 2, Building 1, and Shabolovka Street, Building 48. The specialized My Career employment center is located on Sergiya Radonezhskogo Street (Building 1, Building 1).
At the Professions of the Future center (38 Shchepkina Street, Building 1), you can master one of 75 in-demand professions in various sectors of the economy in a maximum of three and a half months. Career mentors will help you find a job after completing your training. The center’s partners include more than three thousand employers. In addition, a comprehensive career guidance program is being implemented here for ninth-grade students.
How noted Sergei Sobyanin, in his strategy for developing Moscow’s social security system until 2030, the city offers residents the opportunity to develop their human resources and join the country’s largest labor market.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing the following schemes and programme in the country for all round development of Fisheries and Dairy Sectors:
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY),
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF),
Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO)
National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and
Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF),
The year-wise Budget allocations under the aforesaid schemes implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying for development of fisheries and dairy sector during the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26 is furnished at Annexure-I. The State/ UT-wise details funds provided by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and utilization thereof by the States/ UTs under the aforesaid schemes for development of fisheries and dairy sector during the last four years are furnished at Annexure-I, II, III, IV, V and VI.
In order to provide social security measure to fishers, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India under the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) provides accidental insurance coverage to fishers including Deep-Sea Fishermen, wherein the entire insurance premium amount is borne by the Central and State Government, with no contribution from the beneficiary. The insurance coverage provided under the PMMSY includes (i) Rs.5,00,000/- against death or permanent total disability, (ii) Rs.2,50,000/- for permanent partial disability and (iii) hospitalization expenses in the event of accident for a sum of Rs. 25,000/. Besides, the insurance premium subvention scheme for fishing vessels intended to cover partial loss/ total loss arising due to natural calamities and accidental risks causing damage to hull, machineries and accessories including fishing nets is at its final stage for rollout with a premium rate of 2 % [plus applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST)] of the sum insured for fishing vessels irrespective of the size and categories.
During last four years (2020-24) under the PMMSY, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has accorded approval to the various marine fisheries developmental projects including mariculture activities for sustainable utilization of marine resources in Indian coastal waters. These activities include support for introduction of 480 numbers of deep-sea fishing vessels and 1,338 numbers of upgradation of existing vessels for traditional fishermen for export competency, 1525 numbers of sea cages, 10 numbers of marine fin-fish hatcheries, 2307 numbers of bivalve cultivation units (including mussels, clams, pearl etc.) and 47,245 numbers of rafts and 65,480 numbers of monoline tube nets for Seaweed cultivation. Further, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is also providing training and capacity building programme amongst fishers and fish farmers for various activities including application of modern technologies in fisheries and aquaculture under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with 100 % central share through National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). The said training and skill development programs includes diverse areas of aquaculture, like intensive freshwater aquaculture, brackish water aquaculture, mariculture, Seaweed cultivation, coldwater aquaculture, ornamental fisheries, fish processing and marketing, species-specific hatchery/ breeding technologies of various commercial important fish species.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, with effect from financial year 2018-19 is implementing Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total fund size of Rs. 7522.48 crore. FIDF inter-alia provides concessional finance for development of various fisheries infrastructure facilities to the Eligible Entities (EEs), including State Governments/ Union Territories, State entities and other stakeholders for development of identified fisheries infrastructure facilities. Under FIDF, the Department of Fisheries provides interest subvention up to 3 % per annum for providing the concessional finance by the Next Level Entrepreneurs (NLEs) at the interest rate not lower than 5 % per annum. Under FIDF scheme, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has approved a total 136 project proposals/ projects at a total cost of Rs. 5801.06 crore with project cost restricted for interest subvention at Rs. 3858.19 crore to various States/ UTs. The State/ UT-wise details of the project approved under FIDF till date for infrastructural development in Fisheries sector. The projects supported under FIDF to States and Union Territories are including Fishing Harbours (FHs), Fish Landing Centres (FLCs), ice plants, cold storage, fish transport facilities, integrated cold chain (marine and inland sectors), modern fish markets, brood banks, hatcheries, modernization State fish seed farms, Fisheries Training Centres (FTCs), fish processing units, fish feed mills/ plants, cage culture in reservoirs, mariculture etc.
Annexure-I
Year-wise Budget Allocations under the various schemes implemented for development of fisheries and Dairy sector during the period of2021-22 to 2025-26):
Year
BE
RE
Expenditure
I. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY),
2021-22
1000.00
1200.00
1169.19
2022-23
1879.00
1410.00
1169.86
2023-24
2000.00
1500.00
1148.88
2024-25
2352.00
1500.00
989.32*
2025-26
2465.00
II. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
2021-22
1500.00
1000.00
1000.00
2022-23
1200.00
1200.00
1200.00
2023-24
2500.00
2500.00
2440.00
2024-25
3000.00
2500.00
625.00
2025-26
3000.00
–
III. National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
2021-22
255.00
402.90
402.90
2022-23
340.01
220.00
219.40
2023-24
326.93
371.00
370.83
2024-25
371.00
450.00
420.29*
2025-26
IV. Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
2021-22
49.00
10.00
2022-23
100.00
23.52
2023-24
40.00
40.00
2024-25
100.00
51.26*
2025-26
100.00
—-
V. Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO)
2021-22
100.00
130.00
130.00
2022-23
100.00
100.00
100.00
2023-24
100.00
121.00
117.75
2024-25
100.00
100.00
100.00 (Assignment)
2025-26
100.00
*Expenditure till date
Annexure-II
State-wise details of funds released underPradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)during the last four years and current years (i.e.2020-21 to 2024-25):
(Rs. in lakhs)
Sl. No.
State/ UT
Total Project Cost
Central Share
Funds Released
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
1
Andaman & Nicobar
5867.10
3122.53
696.70
2
Andhra Pradesh
239872.67
55910.38
48211.79
3
Arunachal Pradesh
20028.09
13232.27
9847.62
4
Assam
53962.88
29682.11
20731.89
5
Bihar
54712.98
17365.23
7928.31
6
Chhattisgarh
92338.45
30404.41
20569.40
7
D & D& Dadra & NH
13516.89
6800.65
178.90
8
Delhi
533.25
286.08
163.30
9
Goa
11616.49
4849.74
4405.68
10
Gujarat
96068.53
29277.71
6516.70
11
Haryana
76086.75
26216.03
10151.73
12
Himachal Pradesh
15388.15
7861.50
3813.69
13
Jammu & Kashmir
15019.86
7773.04
7961.80
14
Jharkhand
43856.06
14818.28
11570.76
15
Karnataka
105634.95
36350.59
35958.72
16
Kerala
135811.54
57628.59
31842.33
17
Ladakh
3374.60
2036.76
1016.99
18
Lakshadweep
6763.48
4458.13
1419.12
19
Madhya Pradesh
89925.00
29449.98
19013.71
20
Maharashtra
144767.36
54426.66
27877.83
21
Manipur
20181.70
9584.33
2944.63
22
Meghalaya
13262.36
7425.73
3596.21
23
Mizoram
14785.80
8128.27
6347.38
24
Nagaland
16368.38
10543.52
6709.46
25
Odisha
113867.60
46425.75
25983.27
26
Puducherry
33866.46
22996.05
5713.91
27
Punjab
16792.95
4514.79
2476.27
28
Rajasthan
7095.14
2372.65
864.12
29
Sikkim
7827.43
4681.43
3300.05
30
Tamil Nadu
115284.67
44535.55
13631.12
31
Telangana
34117.09
10842.16
9582.93
32
Tripura
25862.81
14762.41
5859.84
33
Uttar Pradesh
129432.10
41230.99
28911.70
34
Uttarakhand
32297.07
16667.37
8780.37
35
West Bengal
54439.43
22554.70
5075.97
Total
18,606,26.07
6,992,16.37
3,996,54.2
*******
Annexure-III
The State/UT-wise details of the project approved under Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) till date for Infrastructural development in Fisheries sector;
(Rs. in crores)
Sl No
Name of State
No. of projects approved
Total Project Cost
Amount eligible for interest subvention
1.
Andhra Pradesh
10
1396.83
653.06
2.
Arunachal Pradesh
1
0.68
0.54
3.
Assam
1
0.41
0.18
4.
Goa
1
6.42
5.00
5.
Gujarat
5
1354.92
750.00
6.
Haryana
1
1.17
0.64
7.
Himachal Pradesh
1
5.17
5.00
8.
Jammu and Kashmir
2
120.70
93.17
9.
Karnataka
2
1.44
0.79
10.
Kerala
3
162.82
151.20
11.
Maharashtra
13
1031.30
770.25
12.
Manipur
4
1.15
0.90
13.
Mizoram
1
8.57
6.85
14.
Odisha
4
60.18
33.83
Puducherry
1
2.46
1.97
15.
Tamil Nadu
66
1576.08
1337.81
16.
Telangana
1
4.70
2.31
17.
Uttar Pradesh
1
0.22
0.09
18.
West Bengal
18
66.07
44.69
Total
136
5801.06
3858.19
*****
Annexure-IV
The State-wise details of release of funds under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) during last five years(i.e.2020-21 to 2024-25).
(Rs. in lakhs)
Sl. No.
NAME OF STATE/ UT
Total Expenditure made
1
Andhra Pradesh
7342.25
2
Assam
336.4
3
Bihar
275.3
4
Goa
39.81
5
Gujarat
17267.24
6
Haryana
502.69
7
Himachal Pradesh
2627.18
8
Jammu & Kashmir
9849.43
9
Jharkhand
915.79
10
Karnataka
12657.83
11
Kerala
3872.73
12
Ladakh
50
13
Madhya Pradesh
1621.78
14
Maharashtra
1349.59
15
Manipur
901.89
16
Meghalaya
3062.52
17
Nagaland
394.71
18
Odisha
1591.08
19
Puducherry
481.05
20
Punjab
9296
21
Rajasthan
9551.93
22
Sikkim
2427.82
23
Tamil Nadu
10352.22
24
Telangana
1082.29
25
Tripura
604.14
26
Uttar Pradesh
544.9
27
Uttarakhand
2342.16
28
West Bengal
71.47
Grand total
101412.2
Annexure-V
The State-wise details of release of funds for the infrastructure development supportSupporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO)during last four years(i.e.2020-21 to 2024-25).
S No
Name of the State/UTs
Total
1
Andhra Pradesh
12.94
2
Assam
0.04
3
Bihar
3.22
4
Gujarat
516.34
5
Haryana
2.16
6
Jammu and Kashmir
0.00
7
Jharkhand
0.35
8
Karnataka
26.68
9
Madhya Pradesh
1.03
10
Maharashtra
19.74
11
Odisha
0.00
12
Punjab
29.20
13
Rajasthan
8.40
14
Tamil Nadu
7.73
15
Telangana
0.65
16
Uttar Pradesh
0.22
Total
628.70
Annexure-VI
The State-wise details of release of funds for the infrastructure development support Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)as on 31-12-2024during last four years(i.e.2020-21 to 2024-25).
Sl. No.
State
No of Projects
(Rs in Crore)
Total Project Cost
Loan sanctioned
Loan disbursed
Total
NDDB’s projects
1
Andhra Pradesh
1
97.75
78.20
34.73
2
Bihar
1
113.27
78.80
76.39
3
Gujarat
5
1879.11
1469.59
1280.76
4
Haryana
4
420.19
336.14
197.50
5
Karnataka
10
2479.90
1344.83
1028.98
6
Kerala
1
15.25
12.20
8.62
7
Madhya Pradesh
1
338.00
270.40
237.86
8
Maharashtra
2
488.33
290.66
247.13
9
Punjab
4
318.41
249.77
205.73
10
Rajasthan
1
79.33
59.77
55.35
11
Telangana
3
261.51
156.70
134.22
12
Tamil Nadu
3
239.16
191.32
28.08
TOTAL
36
6730.21
4538.38
3535.34
NCDC’s projects
1
Tamil Nadu
1
46.66
37.33
19.33
GRAND TOTAL
37
6776.87
4575.71
3554.67
This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2025.
As per the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), the primary responsibility for disaster management, including disbursal of relief assistance on ground level, rests with the State Governments concerned. The State Governments undertake relief measures in the wake of natural calamities, from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) already placed at
their disposal, in accordance with Government of India’s approved items
and norms. The Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments and provides requisite logistics and financial support. Additional financial assistance is provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), as per laid down procedure, in case of disaster of ‘severe nature’, which includes an assessment based on the visit of an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT). The details of funds allocated and released under SDRF and NDRF during 2024-25 are at Annexure.
In the wake of floods/landslide/cyclonic storms during 2024, the IMCT had visited affected areas of Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Odisha, Telangana and Tripura for on-the-spot assessment of damages. Based on the reports of IMCT, the Central Government has approved central assistance of Rs. 1554.99 crore on 13th February, 2025 to these States from NDRF, subject to an adjustment of 50% of the opening balance for the year available in the SDRF of the respective State. Out of the total amount of Rs. 1554.99 crore, Rs. 608.08 crore has been approved for Andhra Pradesh, Rs. 170.99 crore for Nagaland, Rs. 255.24 crore for Odisha, Rs. 231.75 crore for Telangana and Rs. 288.93 crore for Tripura.
In wake of landslide and flash flood in Wayanad, Kerala, an IMCT constituted by the Central Government visited the affected areas of the State from 8th August to 10th August, 2024. Based on the report of the IMCT, the Central Government has approved an amount of Rs. 153.47 crore (subject to the adjustment of 50% of balance available in the SDRF account) for the landslides, flash flood of 2024, assistance for the Air bills for utilising the service of Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters for rescue & relief, as per actual, and actual expenditure for the clearance of debris.
Besides, an amount of Rs. 388.00 crore (Rs. 291.20 crore Central Share + Rs. 96.80 crore State share) has been allocated to the State Government Kerala for the financial year 2024-25 in SDRF. The 1stinstalment of Rs. 145.60 crore of Central share was released on 31.07.2024. The 2ndinstalment of Rs. 145.60 crore of Central Share was also released on 01.10.2024 in advance to the State. In addition, the Accountant General, Kerala reported balance of Rs. 394.99 crore in its SDRF account as on 1stApril, 2024. Thus, sufficient fund is available in the SDRF account of the State for the relief operations.
Further, the State conducted Post-Disaster-Needs-Assessment (PDNA), estimating a total requirement of Rs. 2219 crores for Recovery & Reconstruction Plan. The Central Government had constituted a Multi Sectoral Team and further action is taken as per the established procedure under the Guidelines on Constitution and Administration of Recovery & Reconstruction Funding Window, which is available on Ministry of Home Affairs website www.ndmindia.mha.gov.in.
******
Annexure
Statement showing State-wise details of allocation and releases of Funds under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) during the year 2024-25 (As on 12.03.2025)
(Rs. in crore)
S.N.
State
Allocation of SDRF
Releases from SDRF
Release from NDRF
Central Share
State Share
Total
Ist Installment
2nd Installment
1.
Andhra Pradesh
1036.00
344.80
1380.80
518.00
518.00
—
2.
Arunachal Pradesh
231.20
25.60
256.80
115.60
—
—
3.
Assam
716.00
79.20
795.20
358.00
358.00
—
4.
Bihar
1311.20
436.80
1748.00
655.60
655.60
—
5.
Chhattisgarh
400.00
133.60
533.60
—
—
—
6.
Goa
10.40
3.20
13.60
5.20
—
—
7.
Gujarat
1226.40
408.80
1635.20
600.00#
—
—
8.
Haryana
455.20
151.20
606.40
227.60
227.60
—
9.
Himachal Pradesh
378.40
41.60
420.00
189.20
189.20
66.92
10.
Jharkhand
526.40
175.20
701.60
500.80#
—
—
11.
Karnataka
732.00
244.00
976.00
366.00
—
3454.22
12.
Kerala
291.20
96.80
388.00
145.60
145.60
—
13.
Madhya Pradesh
1686.40
561.60
2248.00
843.20
843.20
—
14.
Maharashtra
2984.00
994.40
3978.40
1492.00
1492.00
—
15.
Manipur
40.00
4.00
44.00
38.80#
11.20
—
16.
Meghalaya
60.80
6.40
67.20
59.60#
—
—
17.
Mizoram
43.20
4.80
48.00
21.60
21.60
7.56
18.
Nagaland
38.40
4.00
42.40
19.20
19.20
170.99
19.
Odisha
1485.60
495.20
1980.80
742.80
742.80
—
20.
Punjab
458.40
152.80
611.20
229.20
—
—
21.
Rajasthan
1372.00
456.80
1828.80
686.00
686.00
—
22.
Sikkim
47.20
4.80
52.00
23.60
23.60
221.12
23.
Tamil Nadu
944.80
315.20
1260.00
472.40
472.40
276.10
24.
Telangana
416.80
138.40
555.20
208.40
208.40
—
25.
Tripura
63.20
7.20
70.40
31.60
40.00
174.97
26.
Uttar Pradesh
1791.20
596.80
2388.00
1748.40#
—
—
27.
Uttarakhand
868.00
96.00
964.00
434.00
—
—
28.
West Bengal
936.00
312.00
1248.00
468.00
468.00
—
TOTAL
20550.40
6291.20
26841.60
11200.40
7122.40
4371.88
# = includes arrears of previous year.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a new Central Sector Sub-scheme namely the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) under the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for a period of four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 at an estimated outlay of ₹6000.
The Sub-scheme has four components namely, Component 1-A: Formalization of fisheries sector and facilitating access of fisheries microenterprises to Government of India programs for working capital financing, Component 1-B: Facilitating adoption of aquaculture insurance, Component 2: Supporting microenterprises to improve fisheries sector value chain efficiencies, Component 3: Adoption and expansion of fish and fishery product safety and quality assurance systems, and Component 4: Project management, monitoring and reporting.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) under PM-MKSSY on 11.09.2024. The NFDP aims at formalization of the Indian fisheries and aquaculture sector through creation of work-based digital identity and the database for all stakeholders in fisheries sector. It also serves as ‘one-stop’ solution for access to institutional credit, strengthening of fisheries co-operatives, incentivizing aquiculture insurance, performance-based incentives, fisheries’ traceability systems and training and capacity building. Under NFDP, 20,25,676 fishers, micro-enterprises, FFPOs and companies has been registered till date. The details of state-wise registration is furnished at Annexure I.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi-Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) offers provisions under Component 1A for enhancing financial inclusion by facilitating access to institutional credit for fish workers/enterprises. Under the NFDP, the Credit facilitation module has been developed and made live. The beneficiary can login to the NFDP portal and avail the benefit. As on date, 4066 lead applications including 129 from Andhra Pradesh has been received from the beneficiaries and the same have been forwarded to banks on the platform for necessary consideration.
Annexure-I
State-wise details of registrations under National Fisheries Digital Platform in India
S.No
State
Total Number of Registrations
Number of Individual
Number of Organization
1
Andaman And Nicobar Islands
3736
3728
8
2
Andhra Pradesh
225368
224336
1032
3
Arunachal Pradesh
1621
1611
10
4
Assam
209935
209518
417
5
Bihar
98095
97706
389
6
Chandigarh
196
195
1
7
Chhattisgarh
18644
18485
159
8
Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu
1419
1413
6
9
Delhi
509
490
19
10
Goa
1934
1928
6
11
Gujarat
87954
87698
256
12
Haryana
7446
7435
11
13
Himachal Pradesh
7728
7692
36
14
Jammu And Kashmir
25095
25081
14
15
Jharkhand
25144
24939
205
16
Karnataka
179146
176762
2384
17
Kerala
237135
236863
272
18
Ladakh
50
50
0
19
Lakshadweep
2213
2211
2
20
Madhya Pradesh
65589
65002
587
21
Maharashtra
207715
205966
1749
22
Manipur
18414
18280
134
23
Meghalaya
20220
20185
35
24
Mizoram
3148
3138
10
25
Nagaland
5101
5087
14
26
Odisha
139357
139145
212
27
Puducherry
5625
5622
3
28
Punjab
4070
4065
5
29
Rajasthan
4788
4780
8
30
Sikkim
1778
1774
4
31
Tamil Nadu
109685
109585
100
32
Telangana
110038
109456
582
33
Tripura
76408
76307
101
34
Uttar Pradesh
63541
63264
277
35
Uttarakhand
10228
10125
103
36
West Bengal
46603
46526
77
Total
2025676
2016448
9228
This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2025.
The primary responsibility of undertaking rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures in the event of a natural disaster rests with the State Governmentsconcerned. The Central Government, wherever required, supplements the efforts of the State Governments by providing logistics and financial support in cases of natural disasters of severe nature and beyond coping capacity of the State resources.
As per Section 23 (2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the State Executive Committee is responsible for the preparation of Disaster Management Plan (Plan) of its State, after consultation with local authorities, district Authorities and having regard to the guidelines laid down by the National Authority, which is to be approved by the State Authority. Further, as per Section 22 (2) (o) of the Act, the State Executive Committee is mandated to lay down, review and update State level response plans.
National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP), issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2016 and further revised in 2019, facilitates State Authorities in preparation of their SDMPs.
Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has informed that they have prepared a Delhi Disaster Management Plan (DDMP), which has provisions for disaster preparedness and response in case of any disaster in the city including Earthquake Action Plan. The DDMP is available at https://ddma.delhi.gov.in/ddma/ddma-plan-home.
Further, DDMA has also intimated that in view of the recent Delhi earthquake of 4.0 magnitude on 17.02.2025, a review meeting has been
taken by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor with NDMA on 12.03.2025. The agenda included vulnerability and risk assessment of Delhi and Earthquake Preparedness Plan. NDMA submitted the Terms of Reference for Earthquake Preparedness Plan.
As part of ongoing activities, some important preparedness and capacity buildingmeasurestaken in Delhi are as under:-
1. NDMA has been actively facilitating the States including Delhi for conducting Multi State Level Mock Exercises on various hazards as per their vulnerability profile.
2. NDMA has conducted following Table Top Exercise and Mock Exercise for Delhi:-
S.No.
Date
Name of Disaster
a
15, 28 to 30 Jun 2017
Earthquake Scenario
b
12, 27-28 Jun 2019
Earthquake (Multi State Mock Exercise)
c
20 Aug 2020
Earthquake Scenario (Table Top Exercise)
d
22-24 Mar 2023
Earthquake (Multi State Table Top Exercise)
3. After the recent Delhi earthquake on 17.02.2025, in addition to the ongoing awareness generation activities, the following have also been undertaken by NDMA :
i) the TV panel discussion programme of NDMA- ‘Aapda Ka Samna’ was recorded and broadcasted through Doordharshan TV Network at national and regional levels on 2nd March 2025 and 8th March 2025 respectively;
ii) NDMA has undertaken a series of street plays (Nukkad Natak) across various areas of Delhi in March 2025;
iii) various updates and creatives on earthquake have been posted on the social media platforms of NDMA.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
To address the LWE problem holistically, a “National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE” was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-prolonged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc.
While on security front, the Government of India (GoI) assists the LWE affected States for capacity building by providing Central Armed Police battalions, training & funds for modernization of State police forces, equipment & arms, sharing of intelligence, construction of Fortified Police Stations etc;
Under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, assistance is provided for recurring expenditure relating to operational and training needs of security forces, expenditure incurred by the states for the rehabilitation of the surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defense committees and publicity material etc. During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs. 3260.37 crore has been released under this Scheme.
Under Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs). Under the SIS, Rs. 1741 crore have been sanctioned. 221 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed under the Scheme with a total of 621 FPS have been constructed.
Further, Rs. 1120.32 crore has been given to Central Agencies during the period 2014-15 to 2024-25 for helicopters and addressing critical infrastructure in security camps in LWE affected areas, under Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) Scheme.
On development side, apart from flagship schemes, GoI has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.
For expansion of road connectivity, 14,607 Km roads have been constructed.
For improving telecom connectivity in LWE affected areas, 7,768 towers have been commissioned.
With regard to Skill Development, 46 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 49 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional.
For quality education in tribal areas 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional.
For Financial Inclusion, department of Posts has opened 5731 Post Offices with banking services in LWE affected districts. 1007 Bank Branches & 937 ATMs have been opened and 37,850 Banking Correspondences (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
For further impetus to development, Under Special Central Assistance (SCA), funds are provided for filling critical gaps in Public infrastructure. Till now, Rs 3563 Crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
As a result of the strict implementation of the policy, incidents of LWE violence which had reached its highest level i.e. 1936 in 2010 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 81 per cent. The total number of deaths (civilian + security forces) has also reduced by 85 per cent during this period i.e. from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.
During the last 10 years, incidents of LWE violence which were 1091 in 2014 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 65.7 per cent. The total number of deaths (civilian + security force) has also reduced by 52 per cent during this period i.e. from 310 deaths in 2014 to 150 in 2024.
There has also been a sharp decline in the number of districts affected by LWE. The LWE affected districts have been reduced from 126 to 90 districts by April 2018, further to 70 by July 2021 and then to 38 by April 2024.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes the statistical data on crimes in its publication “Crime in India”. The latest published report is for the year 2022. As per the data published by the NCRB, State/UT wise details of cases registered under cyber crimes and fraud for cyber crimes (involving communication devices as medium/target) during the period from 2018 to 2022 are at the Annexure-I & II.
‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes including cyber crime and setting up of hi-tech cyber cell through their Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The Central Government supplements the initiatives of the States/UTs through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building of their LEAs.
To strengthen the mechanism to deal with cyber crimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include the following:
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the ‘Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) as an attached office to deal with all types of cyber crimes in the country, in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
The ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (NCRP) (https://cybercrime.gov.in) has been launched, as a part of the I4C, to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cyber crimes, with special focus on cyber crimes against women and children. Cyber crime incidents reported on this portal, their conversion into FIRs and subsequent action thereon are handled by the State/UT Law Enforcement Agencies concerned as per the provisions of the law.
The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’, under I4C, has been launched in year 2021 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters. So far, financial amount of more than Rs. 4,386 Crore has been saved in more than 13.36 lakh complaints. A toll-free Helpline number ‘1930’ has been operationalized to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints.
The state of the art ‘National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation)’ has been established, as a part of the I4C, at New Delhi to provide early stage cyber forensic assistance to Investigating Officers (IOs) of State/UT Police. So far, National Cyber Forensics Laboratory (Investigation) has provided its services to State/UT LEAs in around 11,835 cases pertaining to cyber crimes.
A State of the Art Centre, Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) has been established at I4C where representatives of major banks, Financial Intermediaries, Payment Aggregators, Telecom Service Providers, IT Intermediaries and representatives of States/UTs Law Enforcement Agency are working together for immediate action and seamless cooperation to tackle cybercrime.
The Central Government has launched a comprehensive awareness programme on digital arrest scams which, inter-alia, include; newspaper advertisement, announcement in Delhi Metros, use of social media influencers to create special posts, campaign through Prasar Bharti and electronic media, special programme on Aakashvani and participated in Raahgiri Function at Connaught Place, New Delhi on 27.11.2024.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister spoke about digital arrests during the episode “Mann Ki Baat” on 27.10.2024 and apprised the citizens of India.
I4C in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a caller tune campaign for raising awareness about cybercrime and promoting the Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930 & NCRP. The caller tune is also being broadcasts in regional languages, delivered 7-8 times a day by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
I4C proactively identify and blocked more than 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 Whatsapp accounts used for Digital Arrest.
The Central Government has published a Press Release on Alert against incidents of ‘Blackmail’ and ‘Digital Arrest’ by Cyber Criminals Impersonating State/UT Police, NCB, CBI, RBI and other Law Enforcement Agencies.
Till 28.02.2025, more than 7.81 lakhs SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEIs as reported by Police authorities have been blocked by Government of India.
Seven Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs) have been constituted for Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Vishakhapatnam, and Guwahati under I4C covering the whole country based upon cyber crime hotspots/ areas having multi jurisdictional issues by on boarding States/UTs to enhance the coordination framework among the Law Enforcement Agencies of the States/UTs. Seven workshops were organized for JCCTs at Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam, Lucknow, Ranchi and Chandigarh.
Samanvaya Platform has been made operational to serve as an Management Information System(MIS) platform, data repository and a coordination platform for LEAs for cybercrime data sharing and
analytics. It provides analytics based interstate linkages of crimes and criminals, involved in cybercrime complaints in various States/UTs. The module ‘Pratibimb’ maps locations of criminals and crime infrastructure on a map to give visibility to jurisdictional officers. The module also facilitates seeking and receiving of techno-legal assistance by Law Enforcement Agencies from I4C and other SMEs. It has lead to arrest of 6,046 accused, 17,185 linkages and 36,296 Cyber Investigation assistance request.
Ministry of Home Affairs has provided central assistance under ‘Assistance to States for Modernization of Police’ Scheme to the State Governments for the acquisition of latest weaponry, training gadgets, advanced communication/forensic equipment, Cyber Policing equipment etc. The State Governments formulate State Action Plans (SAPs) as per their strategic priorities and requirements including combating cyber crimes.
The Ministry of External Affairs also holds bilateral cyber dialogue with various countries from time to time. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, being a nodal agency for cyber crime in the country is actively participate in such cyber dialogues.
The National Central Bureau (NCB) in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) acted as effective interface between Indian LEAs and foreign LEAs and facilitates regular exchange of information through INTERPOL channels. Recently BHARATPOL portal has been launched to further streamline the communication between NCB, CBI and Indian LEAs in the matters of international assistance and coordination.
The CBI is nodal agency for G-7 24/7 network. G7 24/7 is secure channel for making data preservation requests in cases related to cyber crime.
To spread awareness on cyber crime, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include; dissemination of messages through SMS, I4C social media account i.e. X (formerly Twitter) (@CyberDost), Facebook(CyberDostI4C), Instagram (cyberDostI4C), Telegram(cyberdosti4c), Radio campaign, caller tune, engaged MyGov for publicity in multiple mediums, organizing Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in association with States/UTs, publishing of Handbook for Adolescents/Students, newspaper advertisement on digital arrest scam, announcement in Delhi metros on digital arrest and other modus operandi of cyber criminals, use of social media influencers to create special posts on digital arrest, digital displays on railway stations and airports across, etc.
Annexure-I
State/UT-wise Cases Registered(CR) under Cyber Crimes during 2020-2022
SL
State/UT
2020
2021
2022
1
Andhra Pradesh
1899
1875
2341
2
Arunachal Pradesh
30
47
14
3
Assam
3530
4846
1733
4
Bihar
1512
1413
1621
5
Chhattisgarh
297
352
439
6
Goa
40
36
90
7
Gujarat
1283
1536
1417
8
Haryana
656
622
681
9
Himachal Pradesh
98
70
77
10
Jharkhand
1204
953
967
11
Karnataka
10741
8136
12556
12
Kerala
426
626
773
13
Madhya Pradesh
699
589
826
14
Maharashtra
5496
5562
8249
15
Manipur
79
67
18
16
Meghalaya
142
107
75
17
Mizoram
13
30
1
18
Nagaland
8
8
4
19
Odisha
1931
2037
1983
20
Punjab
378
551
697
21
Rajasthan
1354
1504
1833
22
Sikkim
0
0
26
23
Tamil Nadu
782
1076
2082
24
Telangana
5024
10303
15297
25
Tripura
34
24
30
26
Uttar Pradesh
11097
8829
10117
27
Uttarakhand
243
718
559
28
West Bengal
712
513
401
TOTAL STATE(S)
49708
52430
64907
29
A&N Islands
5
8
28
30
Chandigarh
17
15
27
31
D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu
3
5
5
32
Delhi
168
356
685
33
Jammu & Kashmir
120
154
173
34
Ladakh
1
5
3
35
Lakshadweep
3
1
1
36
Puducherry
10
0
64
TOTAL UT(S)
327
544
986
TOTAL (ALL INDIA)
50035
52974
65893
Source: ‘Crime in India’ published by NCRB.
ANNEXURE-II
State/UT-wise Cases Registered (CR) under Fraud for Cyber Crimes during Year 2020-2022
SL
State/UT
2020
2021
2022
1
Andhra Pradesh
764
952
984
2
Arunachal Pradesh
3
2
0
3
Assam
58
82
16
4
Bihar
1294
1373
1441
5
Chhattisgarh
71
67
42
6
Goa
1
1
11
7
Gujarat
205
208
108
8
Haryana
36
52
44
9
Himachal Pradesh
1
6
9
10
Jharkhand
83
79
98
11
Karnataka
0
6
0
12
Kerala
6
16
26
13
Madhya Pradesh
69
89
180
14
Maharashtra
2032
1678
2202
15
Manipur
0
0
0
16
Meghalaya
10
0
0
17
Mizoram
0
0
0
18
Nagaland
0
0
0
19
Odisha
1079
1205
957
20
Punjab
16
29
61
21
Rajasthan
332
371
292
22
Sikkim
0
0
0
23
Tamil Nadu
5
107
251
24
Telangana
3316
7003
9581
25
Tripura
0
0
0
26
Uttar Pradesh
837
614
766
27
Uttarakhand
1
0
31
28
West Bengal
145
40
30
TOTAL STATE(S)
10364
13980
17130
29
A&N Islands
0
0
0
30
Chandigarh
0
0
2
31
D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu
0
0
0
32
Delhi
31
19
331
33
Jammu & Kashmir
0
8
7
34
Ladakh
0
0
0
35
Lakshadweep
0
0
0
36
Puducherry
0
0
0
TOTAL UT(S)
31
27
340
TOTAL (ALL INDIA)
10395
14007
17470
Source: ‘Crime in India’ published by NCRB.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 10 Superior Court Judges: two in Alameda County; three in Los Angeles County; one in Merced County; one in Orange County; two in San Bernardino County; and one in San Francisco County.
Alameda County Superior Court
Doris Ng, of Alameda County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Alameda County Superior Court. Ng has served as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Labor since 2023. She served multiple roles at the California Department of Industrial Relations, including Chief Counsel from 2020 to 2023 and Staff Attorney in 2007 and from 2013 to 2020. Ng worked as Supervising Attorney at the Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach from 2011 to 2013 and as a Staff Attorney at the Bay Area Legal Aid from 2008 to 2011. She was a Supervising Clinical Attorney at the Women’s Employment Rights Clinic from 2003 to 2007 and a Staff Attorney at Equal Rights Advocates from 1998 to 2003. Ng was an Associate at Rosen, Bien and Asaro from 1996 to 1998 and an Associate at Gough & Cohen from 1994 to 1995. Ng received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Gregory Syren. Ng is a Democrat.
Jonathan Wolff, of Contra Costa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Alameda County Superior Court. Wolff has served as Chief Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Law Division at the California Attorney General’s Office since 2017, where he has held several other positions, including Senior Assistant Attorney General from 2008 to 2016, Supervising Deputy Attorney General from 2003 to 2008, and Deputy Attorney General from 2001 to 2003. He was an Associate at Kelly, Gill, Sherburne & Herrera, LLP from 1998 to 2001. Wolff received a Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Frank Roesch. Wolff is a Democrat.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
William Shin, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Shin has served as a Deputy Attorney General at the California Attorney General’s Office since 2005 and as a Staff Judge Advocate and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate at the California Air National Guard since 2019. Shin was an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate at the United States Air Force Reserve from 2011 to 2019. He was a Deputy District Attorney at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office from 2004 to 2005 and an Associate at Franscell Strickland Roberts & Lawrence from 2001 to 2004. Shin received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Julie Fox Blackshaw. Shin is a Democrat.
Kimberly Dotson, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Dotson has served as a Commissioner at the Los Angeles Superior Court since 2018. She was a Deputy Public Defender at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office from 2002 to 2018. Dotson received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Lee R. Bogdanoff. Dotson is a Democrat.
Faye Chen Barnouw, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Barnouw has served as an Assistant Regional Director at the Federal Trade Commission since 2019, and was an Attorney there from 2001 to 2019. She was a Trial Attorney with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission from 1997 to 2001, and an Associate at Parker Milliken Clark O’Hara & Samuelian from 1994 to 1997. She served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Warren J. Ferguson at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1993 to 1994. Barnouw received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Deborah L. Sanchez. Barnouw is a Democrat.
Merced County Superior Court
Chamandeep Johal, of Merced County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Merced County Superior Court. Johal has served as a Commissioner at the Mariposa County Superior Court since 2023 and as a Family Law Facilitator at the Merced County Superior Court since 2018. She was the Principal Attorney at Johal Law from 2010 to 2018. She was a Partner at Connich & Grewal, LLP from 2008 to 2010 and an Associate at the Law Offices of Michael J. Connich from 2004 to 2008. Johal received a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Donald Proietti. Johal is registered as no party preference.
Orange County Superior Court
Jennifer McCartney, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. McCartney has worked as the Firm Director at the Children’s Law Center of California since 2019. She has held several roles at the Children’s Law Center of California since 2006, including Supervising Attorney from 2016 to 2019, Writ Attorney from 2015 to 2019, and Staff Attorney from 2006 to 2015. McCartney received a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Nathan R. Scott to the Court of Appeal. McCartney is a Democrat.
San Bernardino County Superior Court
Cecilia Joo, of Riverside County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Joo has served as a Commissioner at the San Bernardino Superior Court since 2023. She has served in several roles at the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office since 2007, including Supervising Deputy District Attorney and Deputy District Attorney. Joo received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of LaVerne College of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael R. Libutti. Joo is non-partisan.
Dina Amani, of Riverside County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Amani has served as a Commissioner at the San Bernardino Superior Court since 2019. She was the Principal Owner at Farhat Law Firm, APC from 2014 to 2019. Amani was an Associate at Ewaniszyk Law Firm from 2005 to 2019 and an Associate at Rosin & Associates from 2003 to 2004. She was a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch from 2000 to 2002. She worked as an Intern Law Clerk at the Chicago Stock Exchange in 1999. Amani was an Associate at Cline & Associates from 1997 to 1998. Amani received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of LaVerne College of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Brian S. McCarville. Amani is a Democrat.
San Francisco County Superior Court
Julia Cervantes, of San Francisco, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Francisco County Superior Court. Cervantes has served as Managing Attorney at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office since 2023. She was the District Attorney Representative at the San Francisco Innocence Commission from 2022 to 2023. Cervantes has held several positions at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, including Lead Attorney from 2022 to 2023, Managing Attorney from 2020 to 2021, and Assistant District Attorney from 2011 to 2020. She served as Vice President of the San Francisco County Juvenile Probation Commission in 2022. She was a Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office from 2021 to 2022. Cervantes received a Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Richard B. Ulmer. Cervantes is a Democrat.
The compensation for each of these positions is $244,727.
Press Releases, Recent News
Recent news
Mar 17, 2025
News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 2025 through March 23, 2025, as United States Navy Week.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONCalifornia proudly plays a crucial role…
Mar 14, 2025
News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Janessa Goldbeck, of San Diego, has been appointed to the California Veterans Board. Goldbeck has been the Chief Executive Officer of Vet Voice Foundation since 2022 and the Principal…
Mar 14, 2025
News What you need to know: Aided by $10 million from the State of California, LA Rises, Maersk and APM Terminals, LA-area grant program awards $2.7 million to fire-impacted small businesses, nonprofits and workers to navigate recovery and rebuilding. LOS ANGELES –…
Headline: Huawei Named a Customers’ Choice in 2025 Gartner® Peer Insights Voice of the Customer
[Shenzhen, China, March 18, 2025] Huawei was named a Customers’ Choice in 2025 Gartner® Peer Insights Voice of the Customer for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions. According to the Gartner report, as of November 2024, Huawei scored 99% for “Willingness to Recommend” based on 155 reviews of its OceanProtect Data Protection.
Huawei named a Customers’ Choice in 2025 Gartner® Peer Insights Voice of the Customer
Gartner Peer Insights is a free peer review and ratings platform designed for enterprise software and services decision makers. Reviews are organized by products in live markets that align to Gartner research markets, defined as Magic Quadrant or Market Guide–defined markets, or GPI-defined markets that are opened at the discretion of the GPI team and do not require research published to open the space on Peer Insights. Gartner Peer Insights recognizes vendors who meet or exceed both the market average Overall Experience and the market average User Interest and Adoption score through a Customers’ Choice distinction. During this peer-recognition, Huawei OceanProtect has received reviews from global customers in various industries, such as finance, manufacturing, energy, media, healthcare, education and telecommunications. Huawei OceanProtect scored an overall rating of 4.9 and a 99% willingness to recommend based on 155 reviews as of November 2024.
Commenting on the recognition, Li Yongjian, President of Huawei Data Protection Domain, said: “we will prioritize customer-centricity and provide end-to-end data protection solutions to create a fast, efficient, and resilient line of defense for data resilience in the future.”
To learn more about Huawei OceanProtect Data Protection products and solutions, please visit the Huawei OceanProtect official website: https://e.huawei.com/en/products/storage/oceanprotect
Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions, By Peer Contributors, 26 February 2025
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Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme Phase-II was implemented for a period of five years from 01.04.2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs.11,500 crore. The scheme incentivized sale of electric vehicles i.e. e-2Ws, e-3Ws & e-4Ws. Further, grants for deployment of e-buses and setting up of EV public charging stations (EVPCS) were also provided under the scheme. The number of electric vehicles incentivized under the FAME India scheme Phase-II, as on 11.03.2025 are as under: –
Sl. No.
Segment
No. of EVs for which incentive paid
1
e-2 wheelers
14,28,009
2
e-3 wheelers
1,64,523
3
e-4 wheelers
22,548
Total
16,15,080
Further, 6,862 electric buses were sanctioned to various cities/STUs/State Govt. entities for intra-city operations under the FAME-II Scheme. Out of 6,862 e-buses, 5,135 e-buses have been supplied till 28.02.2025.
Further, under FAME-II scheme, MHI had sanctioned Rs.800 crore in March, 2023 to three Oil marketing companies (OMCs) namely Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) for setting up 7,432 public charging stations (PCS) at their Retail Outlets (ROs) across the country. Further, MHI sanctioned an additional Rs.73.50 crore for upgradation of 980 Public Charging stations in March, 2024. In addition, 400 charging stations have also been sanctioned which were allotted through EOI to other entities in various states.
MHI is implementing following schemes on pan-India basis including for rural areas to strengthen electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and accelerate adoption of electric vehicle in the country :
i. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India (PLI-Auto): The Government approved this scheme on 23.09.2021 for Automobile and Auto Component Industry in India for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities for advanced automotive technology (AAT) products with a budgetary outlay of Rs.25,938 crore. The scheme proposes financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of AAT products with minimum 50% Domestic Value Addition (DVA) and attract investments in the automotive manufacturing value chain.
ii. PLI Scheme for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage: The Government on 12.05.2021 approved PLI Scheme for manufacturing of ACC in the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs.18,100 crore. The scheme aims to establish a competitive domestic manufacturing ecosystem for 50 GWh of ACC batteries.
iii. PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme: This scheme with an outlay of Rs.10,900 crore was notified on 29.09.2024. It is a two-year scheme which aims to support electric vehicles including e-2W, e-3W, e-Trucks, e-buses, e-Ambulances, EV public charging stations and upgradation of vehicle testing agencies.
iv. PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme: This Scheme notified on 28.10.2024, has an outlay of Rs.3,435.33 crore and aims to support deployment of more than 38,000 electric buses. The objective of scheme is to provide payment security to e-bus operators in case of default by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs).
v. Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) was notified on 15.03.2024 to promote the manufacturing of electric cars in India. This requires applicants to invest a minimum of Rs.4,150 crore and to achieve a minimum DVA of 25% at the end of the third year and DVA of 50% at the end of the fifth year.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.