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  • MIL-OSI: Dayforce Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results1

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dayforce® recurring revenue of $347.9 million, up 19% year-over-year in the fourth quarter

    Total revenue of $465.2 million, up 16% year-over-year in the fourth quarter

    Full year 2024 net cash provided by operating activities of $281.1 million, up 28%

    Annual Dayforce gross revenue retention rate of 98%

    MINNEAPOLIS and TORONTO, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dayforce, Inc. (“Dayforce” or the “Company”) (NYSE:DAY) (TSX:DAY), a global leader in human capital management (“HCM”) technology, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    “2024 was a year of outstanding progress and innovation for Dayforce. We launched the Dayforce brand, maintained our product positioning as leaders in HCM, and drove significant innovation to help our customers achieve their best work,” said David Ossip, Chair and CEO of Dayforce. “We are optimistic about 2025 as current and prospective customers continue to recognize the value the Dayforce platform provides as they streamline HCM processes and navigate compliance complexities.”

    “The fourth quarter of 2024 was the strongest sales quarter in our history – helping us close out a successful year with robust growth across both new business and add-on sales,” said Stephen Holdridge, President and COO of Dayforce. “We saw a healthy mix of enterprise, major-market, and global sales on top of annual gross retention rate of 98% – another company record. This momentum, alongside the strength of our sales pipeline, gives us great confidence in our right to continue winning in 2025.” 

    “Looking out to 2025, we plan to continue executing on the vision laid out during our November investor day, operating the business for optimal cash generation while maintaining our pace of innovation and high levels of customer success,” said Jeremy Johnson, CFO of Dayforce. “I’m pleased that we are starting the year with demonstrable progress toward our profitability goals, raising our 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance 100 basis points to 32%.”

    Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter 20241

    • Total revenue was $465.2 million, an increase of 16.4%, or 17.0% on a constant currency basis.
    • Dayforce recurring revenue was $347.9 million, an increase of 19.1%, or 19.5% on a constant currency basis. Excluding float revenue, Dayforce recurring revenue was $307.6 million, an increase of 20.0%, or 20.4% on a constant currency basis.
    • Cloud recurring gross margin was 80.0%, compared to 77.0%, an increase of 3.0 percentage points. Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin was 80.4%, compared to 78.1%, an increase of 2.3 percentage points.
    • Operating profit was $28.5 million, compared to $38.8 million. Adjusted operating profit was $103.3 million, compared to $78.9 million.
    • Net income was $10.8 million, compared to $45.6 million. Adjusted net income was $97.1 million, compared to $80.3 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $129.2 million, compared to $99.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 27.8%, compared to 24.8%, an increase of 3.0 percentage points.
    • Diluted net income per share was $0.07, compared to $0.29. Adjusted diluted net income per share was $0.60, compared to $0.50.

    Financial Highlights for the Full Year 20241

    • Total revenue was $1,760.0 million, an increase of 16.3%, or 16.7% on a constant currency basis.
    • Dayforce recurring revenue was $1,339.9 million, an increase of 20.6%, or 20.8% on a constant currency basis. Excluding float revenue, Dayforce recurring revenue was $1,159.7 million, an increase of 20.4%, or 20.7% on a constant currency basis.
    • Cloud annualized recurring revenue (“ARR”) was $1,474.1 million, an increase of 17.9%, or $223.5 million.2
    • Cloud recurring gross margin was 78.9%, compared to 77.0%, an increase of 1.9 percentage points. Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin was 79.8%, compared to 78.3%, an increase of 1.5 percentage points.
    • Operating profit was $104.1 million, compared to $133.1 million. Adjusted operating profit was $410.5 million, compared to $339.8 million.
    • Annual Dayforce gross revenue retention rate was 98.0% for the full year of 2024, compared to 97.1%.2
    • Net income was $18.1 million, compared to $54.8 million. Adjusted net income was $315.8 million, compared to $238.7 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $501.5 million, compared to $410.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 28.5%, compared to 27.1%, an increase of 1.4 percentage points.
    • Diluted net income per share was $0.11, compared to $0.35. Adjusted diluted net income per share was $1.97, compared to $1.51.
    • Net cash provided by operating activities was $281.1 million, compared to $219.5 million.
    • Free cash flow was $171.5 million, compared to $105.1 million. Free cash flow margin was 9.7%, compared to 6.9%, an increase of 2.8 percentage points.
    • Cash and equivalents were $579.7 million, compared to $570.3 million.

    Supplemental Detail

    • 7.62 million global employees were live on the Dayforce platform as of December 31, 2024, up 11.4% compared to 6.84 million global employees as of December 31, 2023.3
    • 6,876 customers were live on the Dayforce platform as of December 31, 2024, an increase of 146 customers since September 30, 2024 and an increase of 483 customers since December 31, 2023, or 7.6% year-over-year.3
    • Dayforce recurring revenue per customer was $163,101 for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of 11.1%.4
    • The average float balance for Dayforce’s customer funds during the quarter was $4.68 billion and the average yield on Dayforce’s float balance was 3.8%, a decrease of 10 basis points year-over-year. Float revenue from invested customer funds was $45.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024.
    • The average U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar foreign exchange rate was $1.40 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.36 for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Dayforce presents percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis in order to exclude the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations, which it believes is useful to management and investors. Percentage change in revenue was calculated on a constant currency basis by applying the average foreign exchange rate in effect during the comparable prior period.

    1 The financial highlights are on a year-over-year basis, unless otherwise stated. All financial results are reported in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”), unless otherwise stated.
    2 Excluding Ascender and eloomi.
    3 Excluding Ascender, ADAM HCM, and eloomi.
    4 Excluding float revenue, Ascender, ADAM HCM, and eloomi revenue, and on a constant currency basis. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for discussion of percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis.

    Business Highlights

    • The Company launched its first mass advertising campaign across the U.S. after uniting its global brand as Dayforce.
    • Dayforce announced the launch of the Dayforce Partner Network to create growth opportunities and provide an exceptional experience for customers.
    • Dayforce was named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape – Worldwide Cloud-Enabled Human Capital Management 2024 Vendor Assessment and a Leader in the Nucleus Research Full Suite Talent Acquisition Technology Value Matrix 2024.
    • Dayforce won the gold medal and was named a Leader in Software Reviews Data Quadrant Awards for both HCM Enterprise Software and WFM Enterprise Software and was recognized by Constellation Research for excellence in Workforce Management Suites, HCM Suites with a North American Focus, Global HCM Suites, and Payroll for North American SMBs.
    • For the second consecutive year, Dayforce was named by Newsweek magazine and the Best Practice Institute as one of the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces in America, made Computerworld’s list of Best Places to Work in IT, and earned a place on the United Kingdom’s (“U.K.”) Most Loved Workplace list.
    • Dayforce achieved record attendance at Dayforce Discover 2024, its annual customer conference in Las Vegas, where it welcomed its global community of customers, prospective customers, partners, and industry disruptors.

    Sales Highlights

    • A large member-owned retail cooperative selected the full Dayforce suite to support all 66,000 employees at 362 stores across nine states in the U.S.
    • A large global manufacturer and distributor of paints and coatings supporting 60,000 employees has expanded its partnership with Dayforce Payroll and Workforce Management for its regions beyond the U.S.
    • A global air services provider with over 48,000 employees across 35 countries has expanded its partnership with Dayforce to its U.S. operations. The company, which employs 3,200 in the U.S., has purchased the full suite of Dayforce products, including Managed Payroll.
    • A space exploration company selected Dayforce Payroll and Time and Attendance to support its 18,000 employees.
    • A global manufacturer of construction equipment selected Dayforce for Managed Payroll and Time and Attendance, supporting 6,500 employees and 500 pensioners globally.
    • A large Indigenous organization in the U.S. selected the full Dayforce suite to support 5,000 employees across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.
    • A specialty food distributor with 5,000 employees across the U.S. and Canada has expanded its Dayforce partnership to include Advanced Experience Hub, Succession Planning, Co-Pilot, Career Explorer, Engagement, and Talent Acquisition Management.
    • A global beverage company has expanded its partnership with Dayforce choosing Time and Managed Payroll, to support 3,100 employees across the United States and Canada.
    • A global leader specializing in radiation detection, measurement, and monitoring solutions opted for the full Dayforce HCM suite to support its 3,000 employees globally.

    Customer Highlights

    • A global aviation services provider with over 55,000 employees across 36 countries has successfully gone live with Dayforce HR and Payroll for 8,000 employees in the U.K. and plans to continue its global rollout of the platform.
    • A leading American entertainment company with 23,000 employees successfully launched Dayforce Talent – Performance, Learning, Compensation, and Succession Planning – across its U.S. operations.
    • A leading U.K. contract catering and support services provider successfully implemented Dayforce HR and Payroll for its 10,500 employees.
    • A large public sector organization in North Carolina has gone live with Dayforce HR, Payroll, Benefits, Time, and People Analytics to support 8,000 employees.
    • A U.S gaming and digital entertainment company has successfully gone live with Dayforce HR, Payroll, Time and People Analytics, supporting 5,800 employees across the U.S. and Canada.
    • A global cybersecurity company has gone live with Dayforce HR, Payroll, and Time and Attendance, supporting 2,900 employees across the U.S.
    • A leading U.S. based commercial real estate company has successfully implemented Dayforce, using HR, Managed Payroll, Managed Benefits, Time and Talent to support its 2,650 employees.

    Product Roadmap Highlights

    In the fourth quarter, Dayforce continued to set a new standard for the HCM industry by bringing product capabilities to market to help organizations invest in their people and push their businesses forward.

    • 900+ compliance updates in 2024 further strengthen the company’s industry-leading position in compliance by addressing taxes, workers’ compensation, garnishments, dependent care, and multiple state and city rate changes.
    • New intelligence capabilities across the Dayforce suite will help customers simplify and accelerate business processes including:
      • Dayforce Co-Pilot, made generally available to all customers in Q4, optimizes people operations by enabling a more informed, empowered, and productive workforce through a powerful GenAI assistant that is personalized to answer contextual questions, summarize data, and provide step-by-step guidance.
      • Dayforce Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) Agents, announced at Dayforce Discover, will help customers accelerate workflows, efficiencies, and decision-making by automating repetitive tasks across the employee lifecycle.
      • AI-enhanced Dayforce Demand Forecasting, a new capability, better predicts demand and labor needs by delivering AI-enhanced insights through machine learning algorithms to help organizations plan more effectively.
      • Dayforce Workforce Insights, a new feature, provides critical workforce insights and serves as a one-stop shop for people leaders.
    • Dayforce Shift Marketplace supercharges staffing mobility by enabling workers to search for, select, and fill open shifts, right from their mobile device. Shift Marketplace provides workers with the up-front information required to understand their role, work, and compensation.
    • Dayforce Talent enhancements elevate the experience for talent acquisition professionals by enabling them to hire at scale, reduce complexities in recruitment, and view qualified candidates quickly and efficiently.
    • Dayforce Wallet updates include new direct-to-bank functionality with the option to continue to access available pay using Dayforce Wallet or to choose to send pay directly to another personal bank account and expanded access to on-demand pay using Dayforce Mobile.

    Business Outlook

    Based on information available as of February 5, 2025, Dayforce is issuing the following guidance for the full year and first quarter of 2025 as indicated below. Comparisons are on a year-over-year basis, unless stated otherwise.

    First Quarter 2025 Guidance

    • Total revenue, excluding float, of $421 million to $427 million, an increase of approximately 13.5% to 15% on a GAAP basis, or approximately 15.5% to 17% on a constant currency basis.
    • Float revenue of $53 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin of 31% to 32%.

    Full Year 2025 Guidance

    • Total revenue, excluding float, of $1,745 million to $1,760 million, an increase of approximately 11.9% to 12.8% on a GAAP basis, or approximately 14% to 15% on a constant currency basis.
    • Dayforce recurring revenue, excluding float, of $1,315 million to $1,340 million, an increase of approximately 13.4% to 15.5% on a GAAP basis, or approximately 15% to 17% on a constant currency basis.
    • Float revenue of $180 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin of 32%.
    • Free cash flow margin of 12%.

    Please refer to the “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for a reconciliation of Dayforce’s free cash flow margin guidance. Dayforce has not reconciled the Adjusted EBITDA margin ranges for the first quarter or full year of 2025 to the directly comparable GAAP financial measures because applicable information for the future period, on which these reconciliations would be based, is not available without unreasonable efforts due to uncertainty regarding, and the potential variability of, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and other items.

    Foreign Exchange

    For the first quarter and full year of 2025, Dayforce’s guidance assumes an average U.S. dollar to key foreign currencies as follows:

      % of 2024 total
    revenue
    Foreign exchange
    rate assumed in
    guidance
    Foreign exchange rate
    in Q1 2024
    Foreign exchange rate
    in FY 2024
    U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar 21% 1.44 1.35 1.37
    U.S. dollar to Australian dollar 4% 1.61 1.52 1.52
    U.S. dollar to Great British pound 3% 0.81 0.79 0.78
             

    Conference Call Details

    Dayforce will host a live webcast and conference call to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on February 5, 2025. Those wishing to participate via the webcast should access the call through the Investor Relations section of the Dayforce website. Those wishing to participate via the telephone may dial in at 877-497-9071 (USA) or 201-689-8727 (International). The webcast replay will be available through the Investor Relations section of the Dayforce website.

    About Dayforce

    Dayforce makes work life better. Everything we do as a global leader in HCM technology is focused on improving work for thousands of customers and millions of employees around the world. Our single, global people platform for HR, Pay, Time, Talent, and Analytics equips Dayforce customers to unlock their full workforce potential and operate with confidence. To learn how Dayforce helps create quantifiable value for organizations of all sizes and industries, visit dayforce.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact or relating to present facts or current conditions included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give Dayforce’s current expectations and projections relating to its financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business. Users can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements relating to the full year and first quarter of 2025, as well as those relating to future growth initiatives. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “assume”, “project,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “continue,” “likely,” “should,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events, but not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions that Dayforce has made in light of its industry experience and its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors that it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. As users consider this press release, it should be understood that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. These assumptions and Dayforce’s future performance or results involve risks and uncertainties (many of which are beyond its control). In particular:

    • its inability to maintain its high Cloud solutions growth rate, manage its domestic and international growth effectively, or execute on its growth strategy;
    • the impact of disruptions to the movement of funds to initiate payroll-related transactions on behalf of  customers;
    • its failure to manage its aging technical operations infrastructure;
    • system breaches, interruptions or failures, including cyber-security breaches, identity theft, or other disruptions that could compromise customer information or sensitive company information, including its ongoing consent order with the Federal Trade Commission regarding data protection;
    • its failure to comply with applicable privacy, data protection, information security, and financial services laws, regulations and standards;
    • its inability to successfully compete in the markets in which Dayforce operates and expand its current offerings into new markets or further penetrate existing markets due to competition;
    • its failure to properly update its solutions to enable its customers to comply with applicable laws;
    • its failure to provide new or enhanced functionality and features, including those that may involve artificial intelligence or machine learning;
    • its inability to maintain necessary third-party relationships, and third-party software licenses, and identify errors in the software it licenses;
    • its inability to offer and deliver high-quality technical support, implementation, and professional services;
    • its inability to attract and retain senior management employees and highly skilled employees;
    • the impact of its outstanding debt obligations on its financial condition, results of operations, and value of its common stock;
    • its ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, and the effect of the existing material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting on its business, financial condition, and results of operations; or
    • the impact of adverse economic and market conditions on its business, operating results, or financial condition.

    Although Dayforce has attempted to identify important risk factors, additional factors or events that could cause Dayforce’s actual performance to differ from these forward-looking statements may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Dayforce to predict all of them. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Dayforce’s assumptions prove incorrect, its actual financial condition, results of operations, future performance, and business may vary in material respects from the performance projected in these forward-looking statements. In addition to any factors and assumptions set forth above in this press release, the material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the general economy remains stable; the competitive environment in the HCM market remains stable; the demand environment for HCM solutions remains stable; Dayforce’s implementation capabilities and cycle times remain stable; foreign exchange rates, both current and those used in developing forward-looking statements, specifically U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar, remain stable at, or near, current rates; Dayforce will be able to maintain its relationships with its employees, customers, and partners; Dayforce will continue to attract qualified personnel to support its development requirements and the support of its new and existing customers; and that the risk factors noted above, individually or collectively, do not have a material impact on Dayforce. Any forward-looking statement made by Dayforce in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Dayforce undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

         
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
         
      December 31,  
      2024     2023  
    (In millions, except per share data)          
    Assets          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and equivalents $ 579.7     $ 570.3  
    Restricted cash         0.8  
    Trade and other receivables, net   264.8       228.8  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   137.5       126.7  
    Total current assets before customer funds   982.0       926.6  
    Customer funds   5,001.5       5,028.6  
    Total current assets   5,983.5       5,955.2  
    Right of use lease assets, net   12.3       19.1  
    Property, plant, and equipment, net   223.7       210.1  
    Goodwill   2,336.7       2,293.9  
    Other intangible assets, net   189.2       230.2  
    Deferred sales commissions   231.8       192.1  
    Other assets   139.8       110.3  
    Total assets $ 9,117.0     $ 9,010.9  
               
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity          
    Current liabilities:          
    Current portion of long-term debt $ 7.3     $ 7.6  
    Current portion of long-term lease liabilities   5.7       7.0  
    Accounts payable   77.0       66.7  
    Deferred revenue   42.3       40.2  
    Employee compensation and benefits   126.8       92.9  
    Other accrued expenses   31.5       30.4  
    Total current liabilities before customer funds obligations   290.6       244.8  
    Customer funds obligations   5,024.2       5,090.1  
    Total current liabilities   5,314.8       5,334.9  
    Long-term debt, less current portion   1,209.1       1,210.1  
    Employee benefit plans   5.9       27.7  
    Long-term lease liabilities, less current portion   10.8       18.9  
    Other liabilities   30.1       21.1  
    Total liabilities   6,570.7       6,612.7  
    Commitments and contingencies          
    Stockholders’ equity:          
    Common stock, $0.01 par, 500.0 shares authorized, 159.0 and 156.3 shares issued and outstanding, respectively   1.6       1.6  
    Additional paid in capital   3,363.2       3,151.1  
    Accumulated deficit   (335.8 )     (317.8 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (482.7 )     (436.7 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   2,546.3       2,398.2  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 9,117.0     $ 9,010.9  
                   
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited)
               
      Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
    (In millions, except per share data)                      
    Revenue:                      
    Recurring $ 393.7     $ 339.1     $ 1,517.3     $ 1,297.3  
    Professional services and other   71.5       60.6       242.7       216.4  
    Total revenue   465.2       399.7       1,760.0       1,513.7  
    Cost of revenue:                      
    Recurring   87.6       85.5       352.7       324.9  
    Professional services and other   80.2       68.6       291.0       265.6  
    Product development and management   57.0       56.4       223.8       209.9  
    Depreciation and amortization   21.8       19.4       80.4       66.8  
    Total cost of revenue   246.6       229.9       947.9       867.2  
    Gross profit   218.6       169.8       812.1       646.5  
    Selling and marketing   93.5       72.7       342.0       250.2  
    General and administrative   96.6       58.3       366.0       263.2  
    Operating profit   28.5       38.8       104.1       133.1  
    Interest expense, net   7.4       8.9       40.6       36.1  
    Other expense (income), net   20.2       (5.6 )     25.9       1.0  
    Income before income taxes   0.9       35.5       37.6       96.0  
    Income tax (benefit) expense   (9.9 )     (10.1 )     19.5       41.2  
    Net income $ 10.8     $ 45.6     $ 18.1     $ 54.8  
    Net income per share:                      
    Basic $ 0.07     $ 0.29     $ 0.11     $ 0.35  
    Diluted $ 0.07     $ 0.29     $ 0.11     $ 0.35  
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                      
    Basic   158.3       156.2       157.8       155.3  
    Diluted   161.8       159.2       160.4       158.5  
                                   
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Unaudited)
         
      Year Ended December 31,  
      2024     2023  
    (In millions)          
    Cash flows from operating activities          
    Net income $ 18.1     $ 54.8  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
    Deferred income tax (benefit) expense   (34.1 )     4.1  
    Depreciation and amortization   209.8       132.5  
    Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount   4.2       4.4  
    Loss on debt extinguishment   4.3        
    Provision for doubtful accounts   10.1       5.4  
    Net periodic pension and postretirement cost   10.1       1.1  
    Share-based compensation expense   155.5       136.7  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration   9.0       4.3  
    Other   0.1       1.0  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions:          
    Trade and other receivables   (48.0 )     (48.3 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (3.3 )     (22.1 )
    Deferred sales commissions   (43.9 )     (39.5 )
    Accounts payable and other accrued expenses   15.7       9.3  
    Deferred revenue   (4.4 )     (1.3 )
    Employee compensation and benefits   12.8       (7.5 )
    Accrued taxes   (3.6 )     (4.7 )
    Payment of contingent consideration   (20.9 )      
    Other assets and liabilities   (10.4 )     (10.7 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   281.1       219.5  
               
    Cash flows from investing activities          
    Purchases of customer funds marketable securities   (541.1 )     (528.1 )
    Proceeds from sale and maturity of customer funds marketable securities   353.4       445.5  
    Purchases of marketable securities   (16.2 )     (6.8 )
    Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable securities   14.7       2.0  
    Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment   (14.3 )     (19.0 )
    Expenditures for software and technology   (95.3 )     (95.4 )
    Acquisition costs, net of cash acquired   (173.1 )      
    Other         (1.0 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (471.9 )     (202.8 )
               
    Cash flows from financing activities          
    Increase in customer funds obligations, net   51.8       200.9  
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans   56.6       49.0  
    Repurchases of common stock   (36.1 )      
    Proceeds from debt issuance   650.0        
    Repayment of long-term debt obligations   (648.3 )     (7.9 )
    Payment of debt refinancing costs   (11.4 )      
    Payment of contingent consideration   (3.0 )      
    Net cash provided by financing activities   59.6       242.0  
               
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, restricted cash, and equivalents   (36.3 )     11.5  
    Net (decrease) increase in cash, restricted cash, and equivalents   (167.5 )     270.2  
    Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents at beginning of period   3,421.4       3,151.2  
    Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents at end of period $ 3,253.9     $ 3,421.4  
               
    Reconciliation of cash, restricted cash, and equivalents to the
    consolidated balance sheets
             
    Cash and equivalents $ 579.7     $ 570.3  
    Restricted cash         0.8  
    Restricted cash and equivalents included in customer funds   2,674.2       2,850.3  
    Total cash, restricted cash, and equivalents $ 3,253.9     $ 3,421.4  
               
    Supplemental cash flow information          
    Cash paid for interest $ 45.3     $ 52.4  
    Cash paid for income taxes   56.4       43.0  
    Cash received from income tax refunds   0.8       0.6  
                   
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Revenue Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)
                           
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Percentage
    change in
    revenue
        Impact of
    changes in
    foreign
    currency
    (a)
        Percentage
    change in
    revenue on
    a constant
    currency
    basis (a)
     
      2024     2023     2024 vs.
    2023
              2024 vs.
    2023
     
      (In millions)                    
    Revenue:                            
    Recurring revenue:                            
    Dayforce recurring, excluding float $ 307.6     $ 256.4       20.0 %     (0.4 )%     20.4 %
    Dayforce float   40.3       35.7       12.9 %     (0.5 )%     13.4 %
    Total Dayforce recurring   347.9       292.1       19.1 %     (0.4 )%     19.5 %
    Powerpay recurring, excluding float   23.1       23.1       (— )%     (2.6 )%     2.6 %
    Powerpay float   4.4       5.0       (12.0 )%     (4.0 )%     (8.0 )%
    Total Powerpay recurring   27.5       28.1       (2.1 )%     (2.8 )%     0.7 %
    Total Cloud recurring   375.4       320.2       17.2 %     (0.7 )%     17.9 %
    Other recurring (b)   18.3       18.9       (3.2 )%     0.5 %     (3.7 )%
    Total recurring revenue   393.7       339.1       16.1 %     (0.6 )%     16.7 %
    Professional services and other (c)   71.5       60.6       18.0 %     (0.8 )%     18.8 %
    Total revenue $ 465.2     $ 399.7       16.4 %     (0.6 )%     17.0 %
    a) Dayforce has calculated percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis by applying the average foreign exchange rate in effect during the comparable prior period. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for discussion of percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis.
    b) Float attributable to Other recurring was $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
    c) For the three months ended December 31, 2024, Professional services and other consisted of $69.4 million, $1.9 million, $0.2 million associated with Dayforce, Other, and Powerpay, respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, Professional services and other consisted of $57.6 million, $2.7 million, and $0.3 million associated with Dayforce, Other, and Powerpay, respectively.
       
      Year Ended December 31,     Percentage
    change in
    revenue
        Impact of
    changes in
    foreign
    currency
    (a)
        Percentage
    change in
    revenue on
    a constant
    currency
    basis (a)
     
      2024     2023     2024 vs.
    2023
              2024 vs.
    2023
     
      (In millions)                    
    Revenue:                            
    Recurring revenue:                            
    Dayforce recurring, excluding float $ 1,159.7     $ 962.9       20.4 %     (0.3 )%     20.7 %
    Dayforce float   180.2       148.2       21.6 %     (0.3 )%     21.9 %
    Total Dayforce recurring   1,339.9       1,111.1       20.6 %     (0.2 )%     20.8 %
    Powerpay recurring, excluding float   83.7       81.9       2.2 %     (1.6 )%     3.8 %
    Powerpay float   18.8       18.4       2.2 %     (1.6 )%     3.8 %
    Total Powerpay recurring   102.5       100.3       2.2 %     (1.6 )%     3.8 %
    Total Cloud recurring   1,442.4       1,211.4       19.1 %     (0.3 )%     19.4 %
    Other recurring (b)   74.9       85.9       (12.8 )%     (0.7 )%     (12.1 )%
    Total recurring revenue   1,517.3       1,297.3       17.0 %     (0.3 )%     17.3 %
    Professional services and other (c)   242.7       216.4       12.2 %     (0.3 )%     12.5 %
    Total revenue $ 1,760.0     $ 1,513.7       16.3 %     (0.4 )%     16.7 %
    a) Dayforce has calculated percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis by applying the average foreign exchange rate in effect during the comparable prior period. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for discussion of percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis.
    b) Float attributable to Other recurring was $1.3 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    c) For the year ended December 31, 2024, Professional services and other consisted of $233.8 million, $8.5 million, and $0.4 million associated with Dayforce, Other, and Powerpay, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Professional services and other consisted of $202.1 million, $13.8 million, and $0.5 million associated with Dayforce, Other, and Powerpay, respectively.
       
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Share-Based Compensation Expense and Related Employer Taxes
    (Unaudited)
               
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
     
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
      (in millions)  
    Cost of revenue – Cloud $ 1.7     $ 3.5     $ 11.3     $ 15.4  
    Cost of revenue – Other   0.5       0.3       2.2       1.5  
    Professional services and other   2.5       3.7       14.2       17.2  
    Product development and management   7.6       6.8       32.6       32.5  
    Sales and marketing   9.1       4.5       36.3       23.5  
    General and administrative   16.8             60.0       47.0  
    Total $ 38.2     $ 18.8     $ 156.6     $ 137.1  
                                   
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)
     
    The following tables reconcile Dayforce’s reported results to its non-GAAP financial measures:
         
      Three Months Ended December 31, 2024  
      As
    reported
        As
    reported
    margins
    (a)
        Share-based
    compensation
        Amortization     Other (b)     As
    adjusted
    (b)
        As
    adjusted
    margins
    (a)
     
      (Dollars in millions, except per share data)  
    Cost of Cloud recurring revenue $ 75.2       80.0 %   $ 1.7     $     $ 0.1     $ 73.4       80.4 %
                                             
    Operating profit $ 28.5       6.1 %   $ 38.2     $ 32.5     $ 4.1     $ 103.3       22.2 %
                                             
    Net income $ 10.8       2.3 %   $ 38.2     $ 32.5     $ 15.6     $ 97.1       20.9 %
    Interest expense, net   7.4                               7.4        
    Income tax benefit (c)   (9.9 )                       (8.8 )     (1.1 )      
    Depreciation and amortization   58.3                   32.5             25.8        
    EBITDA $ 66.6           $ 38.2     $     $ 24.4     $ 129.2       27.8 %
                                             
    Net income per share – diluted $ 0.07           $ 0.24     $ 0.20     $ 0.10     $ 0.60        
    (a) Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as total Cloud recurring revenue less cost of Cloud recurring revenue as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue. Operating profit margin and net profit margin are determined by calculating the percentage operating profit and net income are of total revenue. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted margins.
    (b) The as adjusted column is a non-GAAP financial measure, adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items. The adjustment to operating profit consists of $4.1 million of restructuring expenses. The adjustments to net income also include $17.1 million of foreign exchange loss, $3.2 million of costs associated with the planned termination of its frozen U.S. pension plan, and a $8.8 million net adjustment for the effect of income taxes related to these items. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted metrics.
    (c) Income tax effects have been calculated based on the statutory tax rates in effect in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.
       
      Three Months Ended December 31, 2023  
      As
    reported
        As
    reported
    margins
    (a)
        Share-based
    compensation
        Amortization     Other (b)     As
    adjusted
    (b)
        As
    adjusted
    margins
    (a)
     
      (Dollars in millions, except per share data)  
    Cost of Cloud recurring revenue $ 73.7       77.0 %   $ 3.5     $     $     $ 70.2       78.1 %
                                             
    Operating profit $ 38.8       9.7 %   $ 18.8     $ 27.8     $ (6.5 )   $ 78.9       19.7 %
                                             
    Net income $ 45.6       11.4 %   $ 18.8     $ 27.8     $ (11.9 )   $ 80.3       20.1 %
    Interest expense, net   8.9                               8.9        
    Income tax benefit (c)   (10.1 )                       0.5       (10.6 )      
    Depreciation and amortization   48.4                   27.8             20.6        
    EBITDA $ 92.8           $ 18.8     $     $ (12.4 )   $ 99.2       24.8 %
                                             
    Net income per share – diluted $ 0.29           $ 0.12     $ 0.17     $ (0.07 )   $ 0.50        
    (a) Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as total Cloud recurring revenue less cost of Cloud recurring revenue as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue. Operating profit margin and net profit margin are determined by calculating the percentage operating profit and net income are of total revenue. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted margins.
    (b) The as adjusted column is a non-GAAP financial measure, adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items. The adjustments to operating profit consist of a $7.5 million gain related to the impact of the fair value adjustment for the DataFuzion contingent consideration, a $0.3 million gain related to the abandonment of certain leased facilities, and $1.3 million of restructuring expenses. The adjustments to net income also include $5.9 million of foreign exchange gain and a $0.5 million net adjustment for the effect of income taxes related to these items. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted metrics.
    (c) Income tax effects have been calculated based on the statutory tax rates in effect in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.
       
      Year Ended December 31, 2024  
      As
    reported
        As
    reported
    margins
    (a)
        Share-based
    compensation
        Amortization     Other (b)     As
    adjusted
    (b)
        As
    adjusted
    margins
    (a)
     
      (Dollars in millions, except per share data)  
    Cost of Cloud recurring revenue $ 303.7       78.9 %   $ 11.3     $     $ 1.0     $ 291.4       79.8 %
                                             
    Operating profit $ 104.1       5.9 %   $ 156.6     $ 120.0     $ 29.8     $ 410.5       23.3 %
                                             
    Net income $ 18.1       1.0 %   $ 156.6     $ 120.0     $ 21.1     $ 315.8       17.9 %
    Interest expense, net   40.6                               40.6        
    Income tax expense (c)   19.5                         (35.8 )     55.3        
    Depreciation and amortization   209.8                   120.0             89.8        
    EBITDA $ 288.0           $ 156.6     $     $ 56.9     $ 501.5       28.5 %
                                             
    Net income per share – diluted $ 0.11           $ 0.98     $ 0.75     $ 0.13     $ 1.97        
    (a) Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as total Cloud recurring revenue less cost of Cloud recurring revenue as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue. Operating profit margin and net profit margin are determined by calculating the percentage operating profit and net income are of total revenue. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted margins.
    (b) The as adjusted column is a non-GAAP financial measure, adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items. The adjustments to operating profit consist of $19.8 million of restructuring expenses, $9.0 million related to the impact of the fair value adjustment for the DataFuzion contingent consideration, and $1.0 million of fees associated with initiating the receivables securitization program. The adjustments to net income also include $14.2 million of foreign exchange loss, $12.9 million of costs associated with the planned termination of our frozen U.S. pension plan, and a $35.8 million net adjustment for the effect of income taxes related to these items. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted metrics.
    (c) Income tax effects have been calculated based on the statutory tax rates in effect in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.
       
      Year Ended December 31, 2023  
      As
    reported
        As
    reported
    margins
    (a)
        Share-based
    compensation
        Amortization     Other (b)     As
    adjusted
    (b)
        As
    adjusted
    margins
    (a)
     
      (Dollars in millions, except per share data)  
    Cost of Cloud recurring revenue $ 278.5       77.0 %   $ 15.4     $     $     $ 263.1       78.3 %
                                             
    Operating profit $ 133.1       8.8 %   $ 137.1     $ 60.5     $ 9.1     $ 339.8       22.4 %
                                             
    Net income $ 54.8       3.6 %   $ 137.1     $ 60.5     $ (13.7 )   $ 238.7       15.8 %
    Interest expense, net   36.1                               36.1        
    Income tax expense (c)   41.2                         (22.2 )     63.4        
    Depreciation and amortization   132.5                   60.5             72.0        
    EBITDA $ 264.6           $ 137.1     $     $ 8.5     $ 410.2       27.1 %
                                             
    Net income per share – diluted $ 0.35           $ 0.86     $ 0.38     $ (0.09 )   $ 1.51        
    (a) Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as total Cloud recurring revenue less cost of Cloud recurring revenue as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue. Operating profit margin and net profit margin are determined by calculating the percentage operating profit and net income are of total revenue. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted margins.
    (b) The as adjusted column is a non-GAAP financial measure, adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items. The adjustments to operating profit consist of $4.7 million of restructuring expenses, $4.3 million related to the impact of the fair value adjustment for the DataFuzion contingent consideration, and $0.1 million related to the abandonment of certain leased facilities. The adjustments to net income also include $0.6 million of foreign exchange gain and a $22.2 million net adjustment for the effect of income taxes related to these items. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted metrics.
    (c) Income tax effects have been calculated based on the statutory tax rates in effect in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.
       
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow
    (Unaudited)
     
    The following table reconciles Dayforce’s reported results to free cash flow:
               
      Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
      (In millions)  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 81.0     $ 89.9     $ 281.1     $ 219.5  
    Capital expenditures   (26.8 )     (26.1 )     (109.6 )     (114.4 )
    Free cash flow $ 54.2     $ 63.8     $ 171.5     $ 105.1  
                           
    Operating cash flow margin (a)   17.4 %     22.5 %     16.0 %     14.5 %
    Free cash flow margin (b)   11.7 %     16.0 %     9.7 %     6.9 %
                                   

    The following table reconciles Dayforce’s free cash flow guidance:

      Year Ended December 31,
    2025
     
      Low range     High range  
      (In millions)  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 334     $ 339  
    Capital expenditures   (105 )     (105 )
    Free cash flow $ 229     $ 234  
               
    Operating cash flow margin (a)   17.4 %     17.5 %
    Free cash flow margin (b)   11.9 %     12.1 %
    (a) Operating cash flow margin is determined by calculating the percentage that operating cash flow is of total revenue.
    (b) Free cash flow margin is determined by calculating the percentage that free cash flow is of total revenue.
       

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Dayforce uses certain non-GAAP financial measures in this release including:

    Non-GAAP Financial Measure   GAAP Financial Measure
    EBITDA   Net income
    Adjusted EBITDA   Net income
    Adjusted EBITDA margin   Net profit margin
    Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin   Cloud recurring gross margin
    Adjusted operating profit   Operating profit
    Adjusted operating profit margin   Operating profit margin
    Adjusted net income   Net income
    Adjusted net profit margin   Net profit margin
    Adjusted diluted net income per share   Diluted net income per share
    Free cash flow   Net cash provided by operating activities
    Free cash flow margin   Operating cash flow margin
    Percentage change in revenue, including total revenue and revenue by solution, on a constant currency basis   Percentage change in revenue, including total revenue and revenue by solution
    Cloud annualized retention rate   No directly comparable GAAP measure
    Dayforce revenue retention rate   No directly comparable GAAP measure
    Dayforce recurring revenue per customer   No directly comparable GAAP measure
         

    Dayforce believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to management and investors as supplemental measures to evaluate its overall operating performance including comparison across periods and with competitors. Dayforce’s management team uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess operating performance because these financial measures exclude the results of decisions that are outside the normal course of its business operations, and are used for internal budgeting and forecasting purposes both for short- and long-term operating plans. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a component of its management incentive plan and Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin and Adjusted operating profit are components of certain performance based equity awards for its named executive officers. Additionally, Dayforce believes that the non-GAAP financial measure free cash flow is meaningful to investors because it is a measure of liquidity that provides useful information in understanding and evaluating the strength of Dayforce’s liquidity and future ability to generate cash that can be used for strategic opportunities or investing in its business. The exclusion of capital expenditures facilitates comparisons of Dayforce’s liquidity on a period-to-period basis and excludes items that management does not consider to be indicative of Dayforce’s liquidity.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are not required by, defined under, or presented in accordance with, GAAP, and should not be considered as alternatives to Dayforce’s results as reported under GAAP, have important limitations as analytical tools, and its use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies in its industry. Dayforce’s presentation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed to imply that its future results will be unaffected by similar items to those eliminated in this presentation. Please refer to Dayforce’s full financial results, including further discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, on the Investor Relations portion of its website at investors.dayforce.com.

    Dayforce defines its non-GAAP financial measures as follows:

    • EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA, as adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, and certain other items.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin is determined by calculating the percentage Adjusted EBITDA is of total revenue.
    • Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as Cloud recurring gross margin, as adjusted to exclude share-based compensation and related employer taxes, and certain other items, as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue.
    • Adjusted operating profit is defined as operating profit, as adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items.
    • Adjusted net income is defined as net income, as adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items, all of which are adjusted for the effect of income taxes.
    • Adjusted net profit margin is determined by calculating the percentage Adjusted net income is of total revenue.
    • Adjusted diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing adjusted net income by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding. When adjusted diluted net income per share is positive, diluted weighted average common shares outstanding incorporate the effect of dilutive equity instruments.
    • Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted to exclude capital expenditures.
    • Free cash flow margin is determined by calculating the percentage that free cash flow is of total revenue.
    • Percentage change in revenue, including total revenue and revenue by solution, on a constant currency basis is calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate in effect during the comparable prior period.
    • Cloud ARR is calculated by starting with recurring revenue at year end, excluding revenue from Ascender and eloomi, subtracting the once-a-year charges, annualizing the revenue for customers live for less than a full year to reflect the revenue that would have been realized if the customer had been live for a full year, and adding back the once-a-year charges. We have not reconciled Cloud ARR because there is no directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
    • Annual Dayforce revenue retention rate is calculated as a percentage, excluding Ascender and eloomi, where the numerator is the Dayforce ARR for the prior year, less the Dayforce ARR from lost Dayforce customers during that year; and the denominator is the Dayforce ARR for the prior year. We have not reconciled Annual Dayforce revenue retention rate because there is no directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
    • Dayforce recurring revenue per customer is an indicator of the average size of Dayforce recurring revenue customers. To calculate Dayforce recurring revenue per customer, we start with Dayforce recurring revenue on a constant currency basis by applying the same exchange rate to all comparable periods for the trailing twelve months and excludes float revenue, and Ascender, ADAM HCM, and eloomi revenue. This amount is divided by the number of live Dayforce customers at the end of the trailing twelve month period, excluding Ascender, ADAM HCM, and eloomi. We have not reconciled the Dayforce recurring revenue per customer because there is no directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

    Source: Dayforce, Inc.

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    1-844-829-9499
    investors@dayforce.com

    Public Relations
    1-647-417-2117
    teri.murphy@dayforce.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ESFA Update: 5 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Latest information and actions from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for academies, schools, colleges, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

    Documents

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    Information College and local authority accountability agreements and local needs duty
    Your feedback ESFA funding contracts and agreements – redesign

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information Mid-year funding claim for 2024 to 2025
    Information Changes to the administration of the Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund (defined vulnerable bursary) schemes from the academic year 2025 to 2026
    Information Department for Education recruitment for professional conduct panellists to support the Teaching Regulation Agency
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement (RPA)
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    Latest information for local authorities

    Article Title
    Action Mid-year funding claim for 2024 to 2025
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    Information Updated high needs funding and local authorities’ schools funding document collection pages
    Information Department for Education recruitment for professional conduct panellists to support the Teaching Regulation Agency
    Information College and local authority accountability agreements and local needs duty
    Your feedback ESFA funding contracts and agreements – redesign
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement (RPA)

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 February 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurates NIELIT Centre of Excellence in Chip Design at Noida

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurates NIELIT Centre of Excellence in Chip Design at Noida

    A significant step toward advancing India’s capabilities in semiconductor design and development

    CoE to boost VLSI & Chip design skills by offering state-of-the-art facilities for research, innovation, & training of talent pool to meet global semiconductor demands

    CoE Project Lab to act as hub for innovation & collaboration in chip design; Smart Classroom to transform semiconductor education with advanced learning tools

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 1:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurated the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Chip Design at its Noida campus yesterday. This initiative, established in association with SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt Ltd, a DPIIT-recognized startup, marks a significant step toward advancing India’s semiconductor design and development capabilities.

    The launch of the NIELIT Centre of Excellence in Chip Design is in line with the government of India’s vision of s semiconductor technology capabilities and furthering India’s emergence as a global leader in Electronics and IT.

    The new Centre of Excellence is poised to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor and chip design industries by offering state-of-the-art facilities for research, innovation, and training in VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) and Chip Design.

    Fostering Research, Innovation, and Training in VLSI and Chip Design

    With a vision to become a global leader in semiconductor innovation, it aims to advance VLSI and chip design while empowering India as a hub for cutting-edge electronics and IT. By fostering world-class education, research, and industry collaboration, the Centre seeks to drive innovation and develop a highly skilled talent pool to meet global semiconductor demands, strengthening India’s position in the global electronics and IT sectors.

    During the inauguration, Shri. S. Krishnan toured the Centre’s cutting-edge facilities, including the Project Lab and Smart Classroom. The Project Lab will serve as a hub for collaboration on innovative chip design projects among students, professionals and researchers. Meanwhile, the Smart Classroom, equipped with advanced teaching aids, will provide an immersive learning experience for students.

    A special demonstration of VLSI-based Intellectual Property (IP) was also conducted, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to advancing the design and development of intellectual properties in the semiconductor sector. The demonstration highlighted the Centre’s role in building a strong knowledge base in VLSI and cultivating a pool of talent to meet the growing needs of the industry.

    About NIELIT: 

    The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. NIELIT focuses on promoting Education, Training and Research in Electronics, IT and related technologies. The Centre of Excellence in Chip Design, established in collaboration with SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt Ltd, is the latest initiative in NIELIT’s commitment to innovation and technological excellence.

    About SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt Ltd:

    SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd. is a DPIIT-recognized startup that specializes in technology solutions in the domain of VLSI and SoC Design. With a focus on innovation and excellence, SoCTeamup is committed to advancing the semiconductor ecosystem in India.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IICA and CMAI Sign MoU to Enhance Capacity for Decarbonisation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    IICA and CMAI Sign MoU to Enhance Capacity for Decarbonisation

    Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road, Transport & Highways, Graced the Day 1 of the IICA-CMAI Masterclass on Global & Indian Carbon Markets

    Under the agreement, CMAI and IICA will collaborate on Training Programmes, Joint Research, Conferences and Policy Advocacy on Carbon markets, low-carbon industrial solutions, and sustainable finance

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 5:10PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step towards strengthening India’s carbon markets and advancing decarbonisation efforts, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. The landmark agreement was announced on the inaugural day of the IICA-CMAI Masterclass on Global & Indian Carbon Markets on 4th February, graced by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road, Transport & Highways, Government of India, who emphasized the pivotal role of biofuels and green hydrogen in shaping India’s economic and environmental future.

    He shared pilot projects related to Bio Bitumin, Bio Aviation-fuel, Bio CNG and highlighted that “Conversion of Knowledge into wealth is the future and No Material is waste”. While emphasizing the importance of PPP, he shared that “Hydrogen is fuel for the future”. The Minister also shared his vision for the cost of hydrogen to be 1 dollar per kg, which he is confident India will be the pioneering nation to achieve due to its state-of-the-art research and development initiatives in this field. While citing landmark initiatives being undertaken related to the biofuels and alternative fuels, he  also mentioned that though the initial cost of capital and technology seems high but significant research is currently underway which will eventually unleash as well as lead to the realisation of its true potential. He further highlighted the government’s commitment to developing a diversified biofuels sector, acknowledging the vast potential of various fuels to create a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape and soon India will become a Green Hydrogen exporting country. At the end, he congratulated the organisation for launching the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Alliance and the capacity building initiatives in this domain.

     

    Dr. Garima Dadhich, Head, School of Business Environment, IICA, stated that the IICA Certificate Programme in Decarbonisation will be focused on creating a pool of corporates with advanced expertise to develop carbon offset mechanisms for climate mitigation, as well as integrate long-term strategy to decarbonise their operations.

    Mr Manish Dabkara, President, CMAI remarked that the MoU with IICA marks a significant step towards building a robust ecosystem for carbon markets in India. Training programs, research opportunities, workshops, and conferences are a huge part of accelerating sustainable business initiatives. CMAI is looking forward to a successful partnership in this area. Mr. Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, CMAI remarked that awareness has been a major challenge in this area. By combining CMAI’s industry expertise with IICA’s institutional strength, the collaboration will aim to create impactful learning opportunities that will help accelerate India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

    This strategic partnership aims to equip industry professionals, policymakers and academicians with the necessary knowledge and expertise to navigate India’s evolving carbon markets.  CMAI, a leading industry association focused on accelerating sustainable business initiatives, will serve as the knowledge partner to IICA, a think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, to support the growth and development of the corporate sector in India.

    Under the agreement, CMAI and IICA will collaborate on:

    • Training Programmes: Developing and delivering courses on carbon markets, low-carbon industrial solutions, and sustainable finance.
    • Joint Research: Conducting studies and publishing insights on decarbonisation strategies and carbon trading mechanisms.
    • Workshops and Conferences: Organising events to facilitate dialogue among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and academics.
    • Policy Advocacy: Supporting regulatory and policy frameworks that drive India’s net zero ambitions.

    The Day 1 of the Masterclass witnessed the participation of more than 70 professionals from leading corporates, PSUs as well as delegations from governmental bodies, embassies and international organisations. The Masterclass on Global and Indian Carbon Markets is being organised by IICA as part of the India Climate Week. Ms. Shivangi Vashishta, Senior Research Associate, School of Business Environment, IICA, led a case-study based discussion which led to enhanced delegate engagement. The Day 1 of the Masterclass concluded with an insightful session from Managing Partner, ERM India. The Day 2 of the Masterclass will witness a series of sessions on International Carbon Markets.

    About Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA):

    The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), is an autonomous institution under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. School of Business Environment (SBE) is a specialised vertical within IICA promoting the responsible business conduct focusing on the forward-looking areas of Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainable Finance, Business & Biodiversity Conservation, Business and Human Rights, Responsible Trade, ESG Audit & Assurance and other aligned areas.

    Contact: https://iica.nic.in/, sobe@iica.in or 0124-2640044

    About Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI):

    The Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI) is a leading not-for-profit industry group driving India’s transition to a net-zero future by decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. Collaborating with key ministries like MoEFCC, MoP, MNRE, and NITI Aayog, CMAI provides policy advocacy, capacity building, and knowledge support.

    Contact: https://cma-india.in/, secretary@cma-india.in or +91 98117 79580

    ****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A SON OF SAVAII EARNS A PRESTIGIOUS AUSTRALIA AWARDS PACIFIC SCHOLARSHIP

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

    Share this:

    (PRESS RELEASE- 31st January 2025) – A son of Savaii has earned a highly competitive scholarship and is looking forward to furthering his studies overseas.

    Mr Alesana Alesana Ulusele, from the village of Faga, won a highly sought-after Australia Awards Pacific Scholarship following the successful conclusion of his Foundation year at the National University of Samoa.

    Mr Ulusele, who graduated from Tuasivi College, says moving to Apia to study at the National University of Samoa was challenging.

    “Meeting new people, being in a new environment, but also getting used to new ways of doing things were some of what I struggled with,” says Mr Ulusele.

    Yet Mr Ulusele says that he knew he had to adapt to be able to thrive in his studies.

    “I knew that in order to survive and do well, I had to come out of my shell and adjust myself to meet these new challenges,” he says.

    It is this ability to adapt and meet new challenges that he now embraces as he heads to Fiji to complete his undergraduate degree in Commerce.

    Throughout his journey – from Savaii to his studies at NUS, and now to Fiji – Mr Ulusele credits love for his success.

    “Love opens many doors for success. Love your parents and those around you, and never forget to love God the Almighty,” he says.

    Mr Ulusele is one of nine Australia Awards Pacific Scholars heading to the University of the South Pacific in Fiji for studies.

    The Australia Awards is funded by the Australian Government and supports Samoa and the region’s aspirations for a highly skilled workforce.

    As a condition of the scholarships, students will return home at the conclusion of their studies to serve in their countries.

    The 2026 intake of Australia Awards are now open for applications and close 30 April 2025:

    Share this:

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCSD to present “Multi-arts of making-do” lecture series in March

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCSD to present “Multi-arts of making-do” lecture series in March
    LCSD to present “Multi-arts of making-do” lecture series in March
    ***************************************************************************

      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present a lecture series, the “Multi-arts of making-do”, in March. By covering topics of art, design, performances, culture, literature and more, this series of four lectures hosted by cultural researcher Dr Ian Fong investigates how multi-arts embody the spirit of making-do that opens up flexibility and possibilities in the art creative process to give new life to artifacts and everyday objects, and enriches the meanings of aesthetics. This lecture series also presents how everyday wisdom of making-do inspires multi-arts, and every ordinary person can be an artist.  Details of each lecture are as follows: Lecture 1: Poetry, Prose, Short Stories, and Novels——————————————————————Date: March 3 (Monday)Content: Through an intertextual reading of a selection of local and French literary works by renowned authors, links and connections of texts are portrayed across time and space, thus demonstrating the flexibility and imagination of the art of making-do, as well as the importance of creativity in reading a text, turning a reader into a writer. Lecture 2: Visual Art, Film, and Musical Performances——————————————————————Date: March 10 (Monday)Content: Drawing on visual art, film and musical performances to discuss the artistic reflection of making-do that make art more possible, this lecture thereby challenges the boundary of art and the identity of an artist.  Lecture 3: Performance Art, “Wing Chun”, and “Jeet Kune Do”—————————————————————————–Date: March 24 (Monday)Content: The bodies of artists are very important to performance art. By appreciating the dexterity of artists’ body movements through works of performance art, and through the enactment of Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do, the speaker presents how the art of making-do stresses the importance of the body, and explores how bodies show the artistic possibility of making-do and its vitality. Lecture 4: Street and Home as Gallery, Museum, Cinema, Theatre, and Concert Hall——————————————————————————————————Date: March 31 (Monday)Content: Any place that gives life to an artwork could be a place for art. By citing various art pieces to appreciate the art of “poverty” and of “going with the flow”, the speaker illustrates how the wisdom of living nurtures the art of making-do, and thereby illustrates the importance of everyday streets and homes to create and exhibit multi-arts.   Dr Fong received his PhD degree in comparative literature at the University of Hong Kong. He is currently teaching literary and cultural studies in various tertiary institutions. His research interests lie in urban studies, film and literary studies, psychoanalysis, deconstruction, as well as Nietzsche studies.  All lectures will be conducted in Cantonese and will start at 7.30pm at AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Free-seating tickets priced at $70 for each lecture and $224 for all four lectures are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/programs_1820.html.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 5, 2025Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Tests in Simulated Lunar Gravity to Prep Payloads for Moon

    Source: NASA

    The old saying — “Practice makes perfect!” — applies to the Moon too. On Tuesday, NASA gave 17 technologies, instruments, and experiments the chance to practice being on the Moon… without actually going there. Instead, it was a flight test aboard a vehicle adapted to simulate lunar gravity for approximately two minutes.
    The test began on February 4, 2025, with the 10:00 a.m. CST launch of Blue Origin’s New Shepard reusable suborbital rocket system in West Texas. With support from NASA’s Flight Opportunities program, the company, headquartered in Kent, Washington, enhanced the flight capabilities of its New Shepard capsule to replicate the Moon’s gravity — which is about one-sixth of Earth’s — during suborbital flight.
    “Commercial companies are critical to helping NASA prepare for missions to the Moon and beyond,” said Danielle McCulloch, program executive of the agency’s Flight Opportunities program. “The more similar a test environment is to a mission’s operating environment, the better. So, we provided substantial support to this flight test to expand the available vehicle capabilities, helping ensure technologies are ready for lunar exploration.”
    NASA’s Flight Opportunities program not only secured “seats” for the technologies aboard this flight — for 16 payloads inside the capsule plus one mounted externally — but also contributed to New Shepard’s upgrades to provide the environment needed to advance their readiness for the Moon and other space exploration missions.
    “An extended period of simulated lunar gravity is an important test regime for NASA,” said Greg Peters, program manager for Flight Opportunities. “It’s crucial to reducing risk for innovations that might one day go to the lunar surface.”
    One example is the LUCI (Lunar-g Combustion Investigation) payload, which seeks to understand material flammability on the Moon compared to Earth. This is an important component of astronaut safety in habitats on the Moon and could inform the design of potential combustion devices there. With support from the Moon to Mars Program Office within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, researchers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, together with Voyager Technologies, designed LUCI to measure flame propagation directly during the Blue Origin flight.
    The rest of the NASA-supported payloads on this Blue Origin flight included seven from NASA’s Game Changing Development program that seek to mitigate the impact of lunar dust and to perform construction and excavation on the lunar surface. Three other NASA payloads tested instruments to detect subsurface water on the Moon as well as to study flow physics and phase changes in lunar gravity. Rounding out the manifest were payloads from Draper, Honeybee Robotics, Purdue University, and the University of California in Santa Barbara.
    Flight Opportunities is part of the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and is managed at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center.
    By Nancy Pekar, NASA’s Flight Opportunities program

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Belgium: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    February 5, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    An IMF team led by Jean-François Dauphin visited Brussels to conduct the 2025 Article IV consultation with Belgium. The mission’s discussions (January 22-February 3) took place before the formation of the new government and the present statement, which summarizes the mission’s findings and recommendations, does not reflect the new government’s policy intentions.

    The IMF team thanks the Belgium authorities andother counterpartsfor the constructive dialogue and productive collaboration. It congratulates the new government on its nomination and looks forward to future engagement.

    ******

    The Belgian economy has been resilient to a series of shocks, but growth has slowed, and disinflation has faced headwinds. The labor market has been strong but shows signs of cooling. Labor-cost competitiveness has declined with wage growth outpacing sluggish productivity growth. Absent policy change, pressures from an aging population will weigh on Belgium’s social model and further increase the fiscal deficit and public debt, heightening vulnerability to changes in market sentiment. The outlook is subject to high uncertainty, amid risks that could push growth down and inflation up, including deepening geoeconomic and trade fragmentation, and adverse energy price developments.

    • Sustained fiscal consolidation is needed to support disinflation, rebuild buffers, lower market vulnerabilities, and address spending pressures from aging and the green transition. All federal and federated entities need to contribute to the adjustment. Rationalizing current spending while preserving (or increasing) public investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education and enhancing its efficiency is a priority.
    • To preserve macrofinancial stability, current capital buffer requirements and prudential limits on mortgage loans should be maintained. Recent progress in strengthening systemic risk assessment, supervision, the macroprudential framework, and crisis management and resolution preparedness is welcome and should be sustained.
    • Reforms are needed to enhance growth potential through higher labor force participation, increased productivity, and a more efficient resource allocation. Priorities include increasing the income gap between work and nonwork through tax and social benefits reforms, reforming the wage-setting mechanism, and upgrading labor skills. Together with efforts with EU partners to deepen the single market, further product market reforms to reduce barriers to entry, foster greater competition, and improve the insolvency regime will improve firm dynamics and the diffusion of innovation. Sustaining the green transition requires strong commitment and enhanced coordination among the federal and regional governments.

    Economic outlook and risks

    Growth is expected to be stable in 2025 and inflation to slowly return to target. Output is expected to grow by 1.1 percent in 2025 and slightly increase by 2027 supported by monetary policy easing and a higher contribution from net exports. Inflation is projected to gradually decline as wage growth moderates and the projected drop in international energy prices passes through to retail prices. The external current account is expected to return to small surpluses over the medium term as energy prices ease and external demand increases. Under unchanged policies, pressures from the aging population would further increase the fiscal deficit to about 7 percent and public debt about 125 percent of GDP in 2030, heightening vulnerabilities.

    The baseline outlook is subject to sizeable risks, tilted down for growth and up for inflation. Growth could be weaker if the expected recovery in external demand falters amid escalating geoeconomic tensions and trade fragmentation. Inflation could be higher than projected due to adverse energy price developments, or if persistently-high core inflation affects expectations. Fiscal sustainability concerns could arise and lead to a sharp increase in borrowing costs—especially if global risk aversion increases—, necessitating abrupt fiscal consolidation with negative consequences for growth and potentially financial stability.

    Rebuilding Fiscal Buffers Despite Pressures

    Significant fiscal consolidation is needed to address large structural deficits and rising public debt that were exacerbated by the pandemic and energy crisis. In the short term, consolidation will help further reduce inflation, notwithstanding still-high wage growth and looser monetary policy. This would also help address significant upside risks to inflation. Critically, a sustained reduction in fiscal deficits is needed to reduce vulnerability to changes in market sentiment, rebuild space to address potential future shocks, address long-term spending pressures, and ultimately, preserve the core of Belgium’s social model, which places a high premium on solidarity and equity.

    Consolidation under the new EU economic governance framework (EGF) would significantly improve fiscal sustainability. Given the magnitude of the needed adjustment, the medium-term fiscal structural plan (MTFSP) under the EGF would benefit from a seven-year rather than a four-year adjustment path, accompanied by credible and front-loaded growth-enhancing reforms. Under such an adjustment, an annual reduction in the structural primary balance of about 0.5 percentage points of GDP until 2031 will be necessary to reach an overall deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2031 and maintain it until 2041, per the EGF.

    Fiscal adjustment should center on rationalizing current spending, while making room for public investment. Rationalizing social benefits and the public wage bill is crucial for achieving budgetary savings. Public investment should be preserved, or ideally, increased to mitigate the growth impact of fiscal consolidation, support green transition, and bolster the economy’s productive capacity.

    Improving the efficiency of public investment is critical amid competing demands for resources. This includes laying out clear infrastructure investment strategies, strengthening project appraisal, selection, and governance, and improving coordination within and among the federal and federated entities. In healthcare, increasing the focus on preventive care and reforming the organization and role of hospitals would help absorb part of the projected increase in spending due to aging and better prepare the system to the evolving need of an older population. Education reforms can help achieve the same education outcomes at lower costs or improve outcomes without increasing spending.

    Pension reforms are essential to address cost pressures from aging. The focus should be on raising the effective retirement age in line with healthy-life expectancy and facilitating longer employment through life-long learning and upskilling. Additionally, reviewing eligibility criteria for specific pension regimes (e.g., disability pensions) and limiting increases in pension benefits by reviewing automatic indexation are necessary steps. A review of special provisions (e.g., arduous jobs) could inform reforms to balance fairness and costs.

    Tax reforms should aim to shift part of the tax burden from labor to capital, without revenue loss, and to reduce tax exemptions. Belgium has the highest labor-tax wedge in the OECD. Reducing labor taxation will help increase the employment rate. All revenue from capital (e.g., interests, dividends, and capital gains) should be taxed in the same way to ensure neutrality in investment decisions, ideally by incorporating these revenues into the overall taxable income subject to personal income tax. Reducing preferential regimes and treatments in the tax system, a significant source of foregone revenue, also needs to be part of the reform package. Tax reforms should be coordinated among the federal and federated entities for their revenue and distributional impacts.

    The new EGF provides an opportunity to strengthen Belgian’s fiscal framework through a revitalized fiscal council and greater accountability among federated entities. The implementation of the 2013 federal-regional coordination agreement has proved challenging, given the complexities of Belgium’s fiscal federalism. The new EGF provides a renewed opportunity to introduce binding rules for burden sharing the fiscal adjustment, with clear accountability for the federal and all federated entities. A strengthened fiscal council (e.g., with enhanced staffing and direct reporting to parliaments) would help ensure that the federal and each federated entity’s fiscal behavior is consistent with Belgium’s European commitments.

    Preserving Macrofinancial Stability

    Overall systemic risks in the financial sector remain moderate but are evolving due to changing macroeconomic and market conditions. While the economy is slowing and real estate markets cooling, interest rates are now decreasing. Household indebtedness has stabilized, and corporate indebtedness has declined due to substantial investments being largely cash financed. Corporate bankruptcies have been increasing but remain aligned with pre-pandemic trends. Risks from residential real estate have moderated, but commercial real estate market activity has dropped sharply, and vacancies have risen, reflecting low demand for office space. Overall, exposures to real estate remain broadly stable.

    With the level of financial stability risks expected to remain unchanged, capital buffers and prudential limits on residential mortgages should be maintained . Since last year, macroprudential policies have tightened, with capital buffers significantly raised. The NBB also appropriately encouraged banks to lengthen new mortgage maturities to ease the debt servicing burden of households and pre-empt borrower distress. Progress has been made in implementing the 2023 Financial Stability Assessment Program (FSAP) recommendations and this effort should be accelerated now that a new government is in place and the required legislative changes can be pushed forward.

    Strengthening Labor Markets

    Labor market fragmentation and rigidity in Belgium are impeding growth potential. The coexistence of local or sectoral pockets of high vacancies and pockets of high unemployment highlights inefficiencies in labor allocation that hinder potential growth. Employment gaps for low-skilled workers, older workers, women, and individuals with an immigration background or disabilities remain high. Fostering a more inclusive labor market will enhance overall economic performance and mitigate fiscal pressures.

    Enhancing labor market incentives is essential. Labor market, tax, and social benefit reforms should consistently aim to increase the income gap between work and nonwork and reduce the cost of hiring and dismissal. Reducing the duration of unemployment benefits and linking social benefits to income levels would incentivize re-entry into the labor force. Policy efforts should also focus on facilitating re-integration of workers from long-term sick leave.

    Reforming the wage-setting mechanism will help increase labor market efficiency, improve competitiveness, and reduce fiscal costs. Automatic wage and social benefit indexation protected household purchasing power during the inflation shock. However, it also increased structural fiscal deficits and led to labor-cost increases exceeding those of major trading partners when accounting for productivity differential, weighing on competitiveness. Consideration should be given to abolishing the automatic indexation and the 1996 wage law which, together, define a floor and a ceiling for wage growth, that do not allow for an optimal allocation of labor and increased employment. At a minimum, the labor market would already benefit from reforms including adjusting the basis for indexation to exclude volatile prices, broadening the group of comparator countries in the wage law, using productivity-adjusted wage growth as the basis for comparison, and allowing firms to partially index wages considering specific local and sectoral labor market conditions.

    Reforms in education and life-long training are necessary to upskill the labor force, enhance employment rates, and promote growth. While educational outcomes in Belgium are comparable to peers, they are achieved at a higher cost. Addressing teacher shortages, reducing grade repetition rates, and achieving greater equality of educational outcomes irrespective of backgrounds will require a comprehensive reform of the educational system. Actions should seek to align education with the needs of Belgian companies, better leverage teachers’ time, and strengthen support provided to students who face difficulties. These reforms would help increase employment, productivity, and the creation and diffusion of innovation.

    Boosting Productivity

    Boosting productivity will require further product market reforms to improve firm dynamics and the diffusion of innovation. Despite significant investment in innovation, Belgium’s long-term productivity slowdown is worse than peers, suggesting room to improve the transmission of innovation to productivity gains. Lagging productivity is linked to insufficient firm dynamics—the entry, growth, and exit of firms—, with Belgium experiencing some of the lowest firm entry and exit rates in the EU. To enhance productivity and dynamics, further product market reforms are necessary to reduce regulatory and administrative barriers and improve the insolvency regime.

    Deepening the European single market and advancing the capital market union would benefit firms in Belgium. Removing remaining barriers to trade within the EU and harmonizing regulations and bankruptcy frameworks would enhance Belgian firms’ access to a much larger customer base, improve competition and firm dynamics, and provide buffers against risks from geo-fragmentation. Moreover, developing venture capital within an EU-wide push toward capital market union would help widen Belgian firms’ options to finance growth.

    Sustaining the Green Transition

    Despite progress, much effort remains needed to achieve climate objectives. The expansion of the EU emissions trading system should be complemented by timely implementation of carbon taxation and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, while ensuring support for vulnerable population. The consolidation of federal and regional climate efforts into a coherent and cohesive national strategy is essential. Improved coordination and accountability among the federal and regional governments will facilitate the design, execution, and evaluation of climate policies. Adequate investments in the green transition are necessary to ensure Belgium meets its climate goals and contributes to the European Green Deal.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

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

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Belgium: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    February 5, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    An IMF team led by Jean-François Dauphin visited Brussels to conduct the 2025 Article IV consultation with Belgium. The mission’s discussions (January 22-February 3) took place before the formation of the new government and the present statement, which summarizes the mission’s findings and recommendations, does not reflect the new government’s policy intentions.

    The IMF team thanks the Belgium authorities andother counterpartsfor the constructive dialogue and productive collaboration. It congratulates the new government on its nomination and looks forward to future engagement.

    ******

    The Belgian economy has been resilient to a series of shocks, but growth has slowed, and disinflation has faced headwinds. The labor market has been strong but shows signs of cooling. Labor-cost competitiveness has declined with wage growth outpacing sluggish productivity growth. Absent policy change, pressures from an aging population will weigh on Belgium’s social model and further increase the fiscal deficit and public debt, heightening vulnerability to changes in market sentiment. The outlook is subject to high uncertainty, amid risks that could push growth down and inflation up, including deepening geoeconomic and trade fragmentation, and adverse energy price developments.

    • Sustained fiscal consolidation is needed to support disinflation, rebuild buffers, lower market vulnerabilities, and address spending pressures from aging and the green transition. All federal and federated entities need to contribute to the adjustment. Rationalizing current spending while preserving (or increasing) public investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education and enhancing its efficiency is a priority.
    • To preserve macrofinancial stability, current capital buffer requirements and prudential limits on mortgage loans should be maintained. Recent progress in strengthening systemic risk assessment, supervision, the macroprudential framework, and crisis management and resolution preparedness is welcome and should be sustained.
    • Reforms are needed to enhance growth potential through higher labor force participation, increased productivity, and a more efficient resource allocation. Priorities include increasing the income gap between work and nonwork through tax and social benefits reforms, reforming the wage-setting mechanism, and upgrading labor skills. Together with efforts with EU partners to deepen the single market, further product market reforms to reduce barriers to entry, foster greater competition, and improve the insolvency regime will improve firm dynamics and the diffusion of innovation. Sustaining the green transition requires strong commitment and enhanced coordination among the federal and regional governments.

    Economic outlook and risks

    Growth is expected to be stable in 2025 and inflation to slowly return to target. Output is expected to grow by 1.1 percent in 2025 and slightly increase by 2027 supported by monetary policy easing and a higher contribution from net exports. Inflation is projected to gradually decline as wage growth moderates and the projected drop in international energy prices passes through to retail prices. The external current account is expected to return to small surpluses over the medium term as energy prices ease and external demand increases. Under unchanged policies, pressures from the aging population would further increase the fiscal deficit to about 7 percent and public debt about 125 percent of GDP in 2030, heightening vulnerabilities.

    The baseline outlook is subject to sizeable risks, tilted down for growth and up for inflation. Growth could be weaker if the expected recovery in external demand falters amid escalating geoeconomic tensions and trade fragmentation. Inflation could be higher than projected due to adverse energy price developments, or if persistently-high core inflation affects expectations. Fiscal sustainability concerns could arise and lead to a sharp increase in borrowing costs—especially if global risk aversion increases—, necessitating abrupt fiscal consolidation with negative consequences for growth and potentially financial stability.

    Rebuilding Fiscal Buffers Despite Pressures

    Significant fiscal consolidation is needed to address large structural deficits and rising public debt that were exacerbated by the pandemic and energy crisis. In the short term, consolidation will help further reduce inflation, notwithstanding still-high wage growth and looser monetary policy. This would also help address significant upside risks to inflation. Critically, a sustained reduction in fiscal deficits is needed to reduce vulnerability to changes in market sentiment, rebuild space to address potential future shocks, address long-term spending pressures, and ultimately, preserve the core of Belgium’s social model, which places a high premium on solidarity and equity.

    Consolidation under the new EU economic governance framework (EGF) would significantly improve fiscal sustainability. Given the magnitude of the needed adjustment, the medium-term fiscal structural plan (MTFSP) under the EGF would benefit from a seven-year rather than a four-year adjustment path, accompanied by credible and front-loaded growth-enhancing reforms. Under such an adjustment, an annual reduction in the structural primary balance of about 0.5 percentage points of GDP until 2031 will be necessary to reach an overall deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2031 and maintain it until 2041, per the EGF.

    Fiscal adjustment should center on rationalizing current spending, while making room for public investment. Rationalizing social benefits and the public wage bill is crucial for achieving budgetary savings. Public investment should be preserved, or ideally, increased to mitigate the growth impact of fiscal consolidation, support green transition, and bolster the economy’s productive capacity.

    Improving the efficiency of public investment is critical amid competing demands for resources. This includes laying out clear infrastructure investment strategies, strengthening project appraisal, selection, and governance, and improving coordination within and among the federal and federated entities. In healthcare, increasing the focus on preventive care and reforming the organization and role of hospitals would help absorb part of the projected increase in spending due to aging and better prepare the system to the evolving need of an older population. Education reforms can help achieve the same education outcomes at lower costs or improve outcomes without increasing spending.

    Pension reforms are essential to address cost pressures from aging. The focus should be on raising the effective retirement age in line with healthy-life expectancy and facilitating longer employment through life-long learning and upskilling. Additionally, reviewing eligibility criteria for specific pension regimes (e.g., disability pensions) and limiting increases in pension benefits by reviewing automatic indexation are necessary steps. A review of special provisions (e.g., arduous jobs) could inform reforms to balance fairness and costs.

    Tax reforms should aim to shift part of the tax burden from labor to capital, without revenue loss, and to reduce tax exemptions. Belgium has the highest labor-tax wedge in the OECD. Reducing labor taxation will help increase the employment rate. All revenue from capital (e.g., interests, dividends, and capital gains) should be taxed in the same way to ensure neutrality in investment decisions, ideally by incorporating these revenues into the overall taxable income subject to personal income tax. Reducing preferential regimes and treatments in the tax system, a significant source of foregone revenue, also needs to be part of the reform package. Tax reforms should be coordinated among the federal and federated entities for their revenue and distributional impacts.

    The new EGF provides an opportunity to strengthen Belgian’s fiscal framework through a revitalized fiscal council and greater accountability among federated entities. The implementation of the 2013 federal-regional coordination agreement has proved challenging, given the complexities of Belgium’s fiscal federalism. The new EGF provides a renewed opportunity to introduce binding rules for burden sharing the fiscal adjustment, with clear accountability for the federal and all federated entities. A strengthened fiscal council (e.g., with enhanced staffing and direct reporting to parliaments) would help ensure that the federal and each federated entity’s fiscal behavior is consistent with Belgium’s European commitments.

    Preserving Macrofinancial Stability

    Overall systemic risks in the financial sector remain moderate but are evolving due to changing macroeconomic and market conditions. While the economy is slowing and real estate markets cooling, interest rates are now decreasing. Household indebtedness has stabilized, and corporate indebtedness has declined due to substantial investments being largely cash financed. Corporate bankruptcies have been increasing but remain aligned with pre-pandemic trends. Risks from residential real estate have moderated, but commercial real estate market activity has dropped sharply, and vacancies have risen, reflecting low demand for office space. Overall, exposures to real estate remain broadly stable.

    With the level of financial stability risks expected to remain unchanged, capital buffers and prudential limits on residential mortgages should be maintained . Since last year, macroprudential policies have tightened, with capital buffers significantly raised. The NBB also appropriately encouraged banks to lengthen new mortgage maturities to ease the debt servicing burden of households and pre-empt borrower distress. Progress has been made in implementing the 2023 Financial Stability Assessment Program (FSAP) recommendations and this effort should be accelerated now that a new government is in place and the required legislative changes can be pushed forward.

    Strengthening Labor Markets

    Labor market fragmentation and rigidity in Belgium are impeding growth potential. The coexistence of local or sectoral pockets of high vacancies and pockets of high unemployment highlights inefficiencies in labor allocation that hinder potential growth. Employment gaps for low-skilled workers, older workers, women, and individuals with an immigration background or disabilities remain high. Fostering a more inclusive labor market will enhance overall economic performance and mitigate fiscal pressures.

    Enhancing labor market incentives is essential. Labor market, tax, and social benefit reforms should consistently aim to increase the income gap between work and nonwork and reduce the cost of hiring and dismissal. Reducing the duration of unemployment benefits and linking social benefits to income levels would incentivize re-entry into the labor force. Policy efforts should also focus on facilitating re-integration of workers from long-term sick leave.

    Reforming the wage-setting mechanism will help increase labor market efficiency, improve competitiveness, and reduce fiscal costs. Automatic wage and social benefit indexation protected household purchasing power during the inflation shock. However, it also increased structural fiscal deficits and led to labor-cost increases exceeding those of major trading partners when accounting for productivity differential, weighing on competitiveness. Consideration should be given to abolishing the automatic indexation and the 1996 wage law which, together, define a floor and a ceiling for wage growth, that do not allow for an optimal allocation of labor and increased employment. At a minimum, the labor market would already benefit from reforms including adjusting the basis for indexation to exclude volatile prices, broadening the group of comparator countries in the wage law, using productivity-adjusted wage growth as the basis for comparison, and allowing firms to partially index wages considering specific local and sectoral labor market conditions.

    Reforms in education and life-long training are necessary to upskill the labor force, enhance employment rates, and promote growth. While educational outcomes in Belgium are comparable to peers, they are achieved at a higher cost. Addressing teacher shortages, reducing grade repetition rates, and achieving greater equality of educational outcomes irrespective of backgrounds will require a comprehensive reform of the educational system. Actions should seek to align education with the needs of Belgian companies, better leverage teachers’ time, and strengthen support provided to students who face difficulties. These reforms would help increase employment, productivity, and the creation and diffusion of innovation.

    Boosting Productivity

    Boosting productivity will require further product market reforms to improve firm dynamics and the diffusion of innovation. Despite significant investment in innovation, Belgium’s long-term productivity slowdown is worse than peers, suggesting room to improve the transmission of innovation to productivity gains. Lagging productivity is linked to insufficient firm dynamics—the entry, growth, and exit of firms—, with Belgium experiencing some of the lowest firm entry and exit rates in the EU. To enhance productivity and dynamics, further product market reforms are necessary to reduce regulatory and administrative barriers and improve the insolvency regime.

    Deepening the European single market and advancing the capital market union would benefit firms in Belgium. Removing remaining barriers to trade within the EU and harmonizing regulations and bankruptcy frameworks would enhance Belgian firms’ access to a much larger customer base, improve competition and firm dynamics, and provide buffers against risks from geo-fragmentation. Moreover, developing venture capital within an EU-wide push toward capital market union would help widen Belgian firms’ options to finance growth.

    Sustaining the Green Transition

    Despite progress, much effort remains needed to achieve climate objectives. The expansion of the EU emissions trading system should be complemented by timely implementation of carbon taxation and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, while ensuring support for vulnerable population. The consolidation of federal and regional climate efforts into a coherent and cohesive national strategy is essential. Improved coordination and accountability among the federal and regional governments will facilitate the design, execution, and evaluation of climate policies. Adequate investments in the green transition are necessary to ensure Belgium meets its climate goals and contributes to the European Green Deal.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/05/CS-Belgium-2025

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: CampDoc and CouncilWare Announce Strategic Integration for Scouting America Councils

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CampDoc, the leading electronic health record system for camps, and CouncilWare, a premier software provider for scouting organizations, are excited to announce a strategic integration designed specifically for Scouting America councils. This collaboration will streamline operations and enhance the experience for scouts, families, and council administrators nationwide.

    The integration between CampDoc and CouncilWare aims to simplify administrative tasks through automatic account provisioning, data syncing, and single sign on (SSO), ensuring that critical health information is readily available to improve communication and response times when it matters most.

    “We are thrilled to partner with CouncilWare to bring this innovative solution to Scouting America councils,” said Dr. Michael Ambrose, Founder and CEO of CampDoc. “This integration will empower councils to provide top-notch care and reassure families, while helping to streamline efficiency on check-in day and throughout the duration of the program.”

    CampDoc is the only approved Electronic Health Record (EHR) by Scouting America. Individual councils and high adventure bases have utilized the CampDoc tool to collect the Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR), document medication administration, and record incident reports.

    “Collaborating with CampDoc allows us to provide a unified system that addresses the unique needs of scouting organizations,” said Russ Votava, CEO of CouncilWare. “We are proud to support Scouting America councils in their commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.”

    CampDoc and CouncilWare recently piloted their integration at the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) this past summer, and they are excited to expand their work with Scouting America at the 2026 National Jamboree.

    The integration reflects a shared commitment to leveraging technology to improve the scouting experience. By uniting their platforms, CampDoc and CouncilWare are addressing the growing need for efficient, secure, and user-friendly solutions in the scouting community.

    Scouting America Councils interested in exploring the integration between CampDoc and CouncilWare should visit www.campdoc.com or www.councilware.com for more information.

    About DocNetwork
    CampDoc and SchoolDoc offer the most comprehensive Electronic Health Record (EHR) solution to help ensure the health and safety of children while they are away from home. DocNetwork is trusted by over 1,250 programs across all 50 states and internationally, including traditional day and residential camps, YMCAs, JCCs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, parks and recreation facilities, colleges and universities, and K-12 public, private, and charter schools. For more information about DocNetwork and web-based health management, please visit www.campdoc.com, www.schooldoc.com, or call 734-619-8300.

    About CouncilWare
    CouncilWare is a modern, web-based, fully-responsive, software service that provides Scouting America councils with the functionality needed to support their operations. The software was developed in response to a growing demand for a council website solution that was custom tailored to the Scouting program and met the specific requirements that councils have in supporting their participants and volunteers. Core functions include Event Registration, Product Sales and Facility Reservations. For more information about CouncilWare please visit councilware.com or call 402-477-0809.

    Contact:
    Michael Ambrose, M.D.
    DocNetwork
    734-619-8300
    michael@docnetwork.org

    Russ Votava
    CouncilWare
    402-477-0809
    russ.votava@councilware.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tributes to footballing legend Denis Law at Full Council

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Tributes to footballing giant Denis Law CBE – Scotland’s only winner of Ballon d’Or – were made today (Wednesday 5 February 2025) at Aberdeen City Council’s Full Council meeting.

    The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, who chairs the meeting, made special mention at the start of the session to the city’s greatest footballing son who died aged 84, on 17 January 2025.

    The Lord Provost said: ““Denis Law was truly an iconic footballer, hero, and inspiration to many people, here in Aberdeen, and further afield in Manchester, Huddersfield and Italy.

    “Denis was and continues to be an inspiring role model to so many people and he  never forgot his roots. “He especially demonstrated his strong and caring commitment to younger generations through his legacy trust. The positive support and opportunities that Denis Law has given through the trust is an enduring way to celebrate our much-loved and much-respected local football hero.”

    “It is fitting he is recognised in Council today for all his achievements, not just those on the football pitch.”

    The Lord Provost’s comments and sentiments were shared by councillors across the chamber including the Co-leaders Councillors Christian Allard and Martin Greig, deputising for Councillor Ian Yuill.

    Denis was born and raised in the Printfield area of Aberdeen went to the former Powis Academy before moving to England to play for Huddersfield when he was 16. He went on to play for Manchester United, Torino, and Manchester City. Known as The Lawman, he scored 30 goals for Scotland.

    He was European footballer of the year and Scotland’s only winner of Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious award for individuals.

    Denis frequently returned home to Aberdeen to his roots with several accolades in his honour. These include the Freedom of the City, featuring in the Sporting Champions section of Provost Skene’s House, and a 4.7m high bronze statue was unveiled in his honour in 2021.

    When Denis received the Freedom of the City in November 2017, more than 15,000 people lined the streets of Aberdeen as he led the annual Christmas lights switch-on parade, following an earlier conferral ceremony at the Beach Ballroom. He said at the time that receiving the Freedom of the City as one of his life’s highlights.

    Denis and his friend Sir Alex Ferguson feature in Provost Skene’s House, which showcases people with links to Aberdeen and the North-east who have transformed the wider world.

    As well as having a presence in the Hall of Heroes on the ground floor, Denis is celebrated in the Sporting Champions section, where memorabilia from his career is on display. In the View of Aberdeen exhibition at Aberdeen Art Gallery you can see one of the #Yes Ball Games signs made famous by Denis’ involvement in Cruyff Courts.

    The bronze statue of Denis was unveiled by The King himself in the heart of his home city in Marischal Square, beside Provost Skene’s House. Sir Alex Ferguson was at the ceremony to watch the unveiling.

    Denis was known as ‘The King’ for his achievements in football and the statue was sited to be in close proximity to the statue of King Robert the Bruce outside Marischal College – two kings of the city facing each other.

    Many floral tributes have been laid at the foot of the statue since Denis’s passing.

    The legacy of Denis Law continues to be represented within Aberdeen through Denis Law Legacy Trust and its successful Streetsport initiative with Robert Gordon University, as well as the Trust’s thriving Cruyff Courts in partnership with Aberdeen City Council.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Newsela Acquires Generation Genius to Enhance Real-World Connections in Science and Math

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Newsela, a leading provider of high-quality instructional and assessment products for K-12, announced today that the company has acquired Generation Genius, a trusted educational streaming platform for K-8 science and math videos, activities, and lessons. With Generation Genius in its suite of products, Newsela continues to make it easier to deliver meaningful learning across all core subjects.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Generation Genius into the Newsela family. Our company launched with the idea that the foundation to learning is enabling students to make real-world connections through engaging, accessible content. This addition is another step towards deepening our impact on student outcomes and supporting teachers in what they do best,” said Pep Carrera, Chief Executive Officer at Newsela.

    “Generation Genius was created to get kids excited to learn science by delivering inspiring lessons to classrooms across the country. To do that, we created the highest quality educational videos in the industry, earning us an Emmy nomination along the way. Now, teaming up with Newsela means we can reach even more students to further our mission. We’re excited to continue providing the standards-aligned resources schools know and love at an even greater scale,” said Dr. Jeff Vinokur, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Generation Genius.

    Generation Genius was founded in 2017 by Dr. Jeff Vinokur, a scientist who earned his PhD in Biochemistry from UCLA and TV personality, and co-founder Eric S. Rollman, an Emmy-winning children’s TV executive. Generation Genius was created to modernize educational science videos used in schools. Dr. Jeff, known for his appearances on Good Morning America and NBC’s Today Show, saw that science videos in schools were decades outdated so he set out to create fresh, engaging content for today’s generation. Generation Genius quickly found traction, earning the #1 spot in the education industry on the Inc. 500 list in 2022 and landing on Time Magazine’s TIME100’s list of the most influential companies in the world in 2023. Today, Generation Genius is used in 30% of elementary schools across the U.S.

    Combining Newsela’s differentiated, standards-aligned content, writing assignments, and robust assessment capabilities with Generation Genius’s engaging science and math lessons, Newsela will deliver a new experience that empowers students to read deeply, write confidently, think critically, and demonstrate their learning—all while driving measurable results aligned to educators’ goals. The company plans to share more later this year about how they’ll bring this vision to life.

    The acquisition of Generation Genius continues another year of exciting updates from Newsela. Just over a year ago, Newsela acquired Formative, a fast-growing assessment tool that powers real-time feedback, standards-aligned activities, and reporting for districts. The team has continued to release updates to Formative’s standalone product including practice sets, teacher-based lessons, AI supports, and more. They’ve also expanded Formative’s offerings with a newly launched Balanced Assessment Suite, which provides everything a district needs to connect daily instruction with district-wide assessments and data, driving better insights that inform teaching, learning, and decision-making at every level.

    Newsela also recently launched a new AI-powered writing solution, Newsela Writing, that enables teachers of all subject areas to support writing practice in their classrooms. With early enthusiasm for the tool’s real-time, rubric-aligned feedback, districts are already beginning to incorporate Newsela Writing into their writing initiatives for the coming year.

    With this continued expansion of innovative products, Newsela is committed to bringing new solutions to support the company’s mission of meaningful classroom learning for every student.

    The deal is valued at $100 million and comprises primarily cash and performance-based payments.

    About Newsela
    Newsela products are purpose-built to unlock student motivation, inspire teachers, and drive long-lasting learning outcomes. With a suite of products to support knowledge- and skill building, writing practice, daily instruction, and assessment in K-12 classrooms, Newsela offers solutions backed by learning science research to drive student outcomes and support teachers in their instructional goals. To learn more about Newsela, visit the company’s website

    About Generation Genius
    Generation Genius is a K-8 teaching resource that brings school science standards to life through fun and educational videos paired with lesson plans, activities, quizzes, reading material, and more. Our videos are produced in partnership with the National Science Teaching Association, and aligned to standards in all 50 states. To learn more about Generation Genius, visit the company’s website.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Path to Success Starts Here: GUU Will Help Schoolchildren Find Their Calling

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On Russian Science Day, the State University of Management will host a unique event – “Initiation into Future Professionals”.

    The event is held jointly with the Moscow Department of Education and Science as part of the “Science Festival” for students of entrepreneurship classes.

    In total, more than 500 tenth-graders from 18 schools in the capital will gather at the first management meeting.

    The guys will attend a ceremonial initiation ceremony and receive pre-professional class badges.

    The program also includes an exhibition of projects by prize-winners and winners of scientific and practical conferences, a performance by the KVN team and creative teams of the State University of Management, and a bright photo zone.

    Educational and entertaining activities will be presented by the EcoClub named after V.I. Vernadsky, the Board Game Club “Mind Games”, the Creative Group “StuDos”, the Project “Course on Business and Entrepreneurship”, and the Student Fire and Rescue Squad of the State University of Management.

    In addition, anyone can take part in a discussion with experts about the prospects of the industry and the development of education, “Conversation with a Professional,” and ask questions to business representatives.

    The holiday will start on February 8 at 10:00 in the Assembly Hall of the State University of Management.

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 02/8/2025

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: Spring Festival holiday box office hits record high, underscoring Chinese film market’s vitality, resilience

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

    Spring Festival holiday box office hits record high, underscoring Chinese film market’s vitality, resilience

    BEIJING, Feb. 5 — The 2025 Spring Festival holiday has set a new milestone for China’s thriving film industry, with box office revenue reaching a staggering 9.51 billion yuan (approximately 1.33 billion U.S. dollars) between Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, as announced by the China Film Administration on Wednesday.

    The record-breaking numbers don’t stop there: the holiday also saw a significant surge in attendance, with 187 million moviegoers packing theaters over the course of the extended week, setting new highs in both box office earnings and audience turnout.

    Animated feature “Ne Zha 2” emerged as the undisputed leader, grossing an impressive 4.84 billion yuan. The film’s performance helped establish it as a powerhouse within the festive season’s crowded lineup, with a commanding lead over its competitors.

    “Watching ‘Ne Zha 2’ was a rollercoaster of emotions with laughter in the first half and tears towards the end,” said Zhang Bohan, 22, a movie enthusiast from Beijing. “The film continues the theme of the first installment, showcasing the courage of young people who bravely confront challenges, because ‘if there’s no road ahead, I will make my own.’”

    Following behind in second place was “Detective Chinatown 1900,” which earned 2.28 billion yuan. “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force” secured third place with a box office total of 998 million yuan, while “Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants,” “Boonie Bears: Future Reborn” and “Operation Hadal” also rounded out the top six films, according to ticketing platform Maoyan.

    With the rankings reflecting a strong demand for a diverse range of genres during the holiday season, Maoyan analyst Lai Li highlighted the significance of the box office performance. “The holiday’s record-breaking numbers provide a robust start to the year for the film market, showcasing the tremendous resilience and upward potential of China’s film industry,” he remarked.

    In addition to the box office milestones, Jan. 29 — the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year — set its own records, with daily box office earnings reaching 1.808 billion yuan and 35.22 million viewers attending theaters. This marked a new chapter for Chinese cinema, setting all-time records for both single-day earnings and audience turnout.

    Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association, emphasized the cultural significance of the season’s success, in an interview with Xinhua. “‘Ne Zha 2’ has not only shattered box office records but also garnered widespread critical acclaim, underscoring the continued growth of Chinese cinema. The film proves that a good movie needs a compelling story, sharp storytelling and well-developed characters.”

    Rao expressed his hope that China would continue to produce high-quality films that engage audiences and draw more moviegoers to theaters.

    The Capital Cinema in downtown Beijing’s Xidan commercial district reported that its overall occupancy rate reached nearly 50 percent, with 43,000 moviegoers attending screenings during the holiday. “Given the characteristics of the films in this year’s holiday slate, we added more late-night showings to accommodate the demand,” said Yu Chao, executive deputy general manager of Beijing’s Capital Cinema.

    Yu’s sentiment was echoed by prominent Chinese film industry figures. Yin Hong, vice chairman of the China Film Association and a professor at Tsinghua University told Xinhua that the success of the Spring Festival box office was driven by a wave of films that not only tell compelling Chinese stories but also embody the strength and craftsmanship of Chinese cinema.

    “The Spring Festival box office has served as a barometer for China’s film market, bringing with it the promising winds of ‘restarting the future,’” Yin said, highlighting the year 2025 as a critical period for both global cinema and Chinese film’s revival.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Technology empowers upcoming Asian Winter Games

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

    HARBIN, Feb. 5 — The 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, capital city of China’s northernmost Heilongjiang Province, promises to be a sporting event of excellence and fair play, empowered by cutting-edge technology used by the organizers.

    From the innovative design of the torch to the high-performance materials used in athletes’ clothing, as well as tools designed to ensure fair play and advanced security systems, technology is intricately woven into every facet of the event.

    ICE TORCH

    The torch for the upcoming Asian Winter Games is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Crafted by Harbin Engineering University, the torch is made of transparent special functional materials and takes the shape of a blooming lilac flower, showing a gradation of colors from ice crystals to snowflake white. When lit, it creates a mesmerizing visual effect of ice and fire, beautifully symbolizing the vibrant spirit of the city.

    Sun Gaohui, a professor from the College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Harbin Engineering University, said that the design process involved overcoming significant technical challenges, including ensuring transparency, resistance to extreme temperature fluctuations, flame retardancy, and cost efficiency.

    WATERPROOF CLOTHING

    The Chinese sports delegation will be outfitted in specially designed clothing made from high-performance materials.

    Developed in collaboration between sportswear brand ANTA and Donghua University, the clothing features a cutting-edge material that provides exceptional waterproofing and moisture-wicking properties. This ensures that athletes remain dry, comfortable and protected against harsh weather conditions.

    Chinese skater Liu Guanyi praised the clothing’s remarkable windproof and waterproof capabilities, noting that they can keep athletes cool and dry throughout intense training sessions.

    VIDEO REPLAY

    To ensure fairness in high-speed racing events like short track speed skating and speed skating, the research team at the Harbin Sport University has developed an advanced dual-screen video replay system.

    According to Shan Baohai, a professor at the university, unlike the International Skating Union’s standard equipment, which provides only one replay screen for referees, this innovative system adds a second screen, allowing referees to simultaneously view multiple angles.

    Shan emphasized that this technological advancement plays a crucial role in enabling quick and accurate decision-making during competitions. Additionally, the system can leverage accumulated data and big data analytics to provide scientific insights for athlete training, competition strategy development, and event organization optimization.

    SECURITY MANAGEMENT

    For the first time, the competition venues will utilize 5G NR indoor enhanced positioning technology, developed by telecom operator China Unicom. This cutting-edge system enables real-time tracking of personnel responsible for operations and maintenance, ensuring rapid response in case of emergencies and guaranteeing the smooth operation of the event.

    Ji Yanqi, an expert from China Unicom’s Heilongjiang branch, highlighted the importance of this technology in enhancing event security and efficiency.

    Furthermore, other advanced technologies such as 5G-A network have been deployed to elevate the event’s overall security capabilities.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improving local support for families

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding increase announced on anniversary of The Promise.

    Services providing local support for families will receive additional funding in the Scottish Budget, First Minister John Swinney has announced on the fifth anniversary of The Promise.

    Following an agreement with COSLA, the share of Whole Family Wellbeing Funding (WFWF) provided to Children’s Services Planning Partnerships (CSPP) will increase by £6 million in the next financial year and remain at that level the following year.

    The WFWF Programme aims to transform how families are supported so they can get the right help, at the right time, for as long as they need it. As part of the Programme, every CSPP receives funding for their local area and can use their share to improve support in a way that best meets the needs of the families in their communities, such as more holistic support for parents with mental health or substance abuse issues, providing welfare rights advice and delivering community-based family support hubs.

    Transforming the way families are supported is part of the Scottish Government’s work to keep The Promise to children and young people with care experience by 2030. The First Minister made the announcement ahead of a visit to the University of Glasgow to meet students with care experience, hear about their views on The Promise and discuss their hopes for the future.

    The First Minister said:

    “It is now five years since Scotland made its Promise to children and young people with care experience, a landmark moment when we all committed to improving the support they receive and ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. I am glad progress is being made across the country, with the latest statistics showing a 15.6% reduction in the number of looked after children since 2020.

    “The work we have undertaken has meant that a number of changes have been made in justice, in education and in health to support those with experience of care and the people who work with them, but I am very aware we need to do much more to address the complex challenges that still exist. As part of that, we need to create the conditions for innovation and change that best meet the needs of our communities – change that ensures families receive the right support, at the right time, and for as long as they need that support.

    “Whole Family Wellbeing Funding is making an important contribution to the work that will help us deliver on our commitment to keep The Promise by 2030. Children’s Services Planning Partnerships are receiving more of that money over the next two years because of their understanding of the services that will best support families in their local areas.

    “Since becoming First Minister, and in my previous roles in the Scottish Government, I have spoken to so many wonderful people and visited a wide-range of projects supporting The Promise. I feel privileged to continue to do this and I look forward to hearing more from care-experienced young people about their hopes for the future.”

    Background

    Since 2022, the Scottish Government has invested more than £110m in activity that is transforming family support through the Whole Family Wellbeing Funding Programme. 

    The share of Whole Family Wellbeing Funding provided to Children’s Services Planning Partnerships will increase from £32 million to £38 million in the 2025 to 2026 and 2026 to 2027 financial years.

    The Promise: letter to the care-experienced community – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor welcomes Miss Africa pageant’s pledge to raise funds for BUD Club

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor welcomes Miss Africa pageant’s pledge to raise funds for BUD Club

    4 February 2025

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has welcomed an announcement by the Miss/Mrs Africa Ireland pageant that they will donate funds raised from this year’s event to her chosen charity – the BUD Club.

    The annual celebration of African Women living in Ireland will take place in August at The Johnstown Estate in County Meath and aims to promote confidence, leadership, and cultural pride among its participants.

    Based in the Northside Centre in Derry, the BUD Club are a youth led educational and developmental youth provision for young people with disabilities and specific/complex needs.

    Dr Dineo Moiloa, CEO of Miss/Mrs Africa Ireland, visited the BUD Club’s premises with the Mayor this week where she had the chance to experience first-hand the positive impact the service has had on local young people’s lives.

    Mayor Barr welcomed the opportunity to showcase the charity’s worked and thanked Dr Moiloa for her generous gesture of support.

    “I am absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful that Miss/Mrs Africa Ireland has joined my fundraising efforts for Bud Club, helping to raise the vital funds needed to support this life-changing initiative,” she said.
    “Disability and autism know no boundaries – they do not choose a religion, ethnicity, or background.
    “Every community has someone with complex needs however not all receive the support they deserve and that’s why organisations like BUD Club are so essential.

    “They don’t just provide a safe and inclusive space for children and young people with learning disabilities – they educate communities, break down barriers, and promote social, economic, and educational inclusion for all.”
    The BUD Club was founded 10 years ago after a consultation with young people with disabilities from Ardnashee School and College highlighted a lack of safe and supportive youth provision to meet the needs of young people with disabilities in the City and District.
    They are the largest disability youth provision in the North-West and a key link for statutory agencies, engaging with a variety of stakeholders.
    The BUD Club currently has over 300 registered members aged 11-25 years old from all seven DEA’s across the Derry City and Strabane District Council Area.
    “I am truly honoured and humbled to partner with the BUD Club throughout my year as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District,” added Mayor Barr. “Working together to ensure these young people receive the support they need.
    “The funds raised this year and the mutual benefits for all young people cannot be underestimated.
    “I want to express my sincere thanks to Dr Dineo Moiloa, CEO of Miss/Mrs Africa Ireland for joining me to witness first-hand the incredible work of the BUD Club and the entire team at Mrs/Miss Africa Ireland.
    “Your commitment and generosity in supporting this cause in 2025 mean the world to me.”
    “I want to keep the momentum going, I encourage everyone to get involved, fundraise, donate, and help make a real difference in the lives of these remarkable young people.
    “Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive future for all.”

    Dr Moiloa added: “We are genuinely excited to support the Mayor’s charity BUD Club.

    “As an empowerment platform for young women in Ireland, MMAI is passionate about fostering empowerment through dedicated community engagement, advocacy and amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalised.
    “Our partnership with Mayor Barr and BUD Club presents a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about children and adults with additional needs, as well as the importance of supporting these forums.

    “We eagerly look forward to cultivating a rich and meaningful relationship with them as we strive to highlight this cause and work towards positive change together.

    Further information on the BUD Club is available on the Mayor’s webpage at derrystrabane.com/mayor and the public can donate at the following link: www.justgiving.com/campaign/budclub

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Knowledge is a priority: GUU has become one of the most widely read universities in Russia

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The State University of Management took second place among the most widely read economic higher education institutions in our country according to the Znanium Electronic Library System. The platform annually compiles a rating of the most widely read universities and secondary vocational education institutions, highlighting the top 30 leaders across the country and in individual areas of training.

    The award ceremony took place at the International Scientific and Methodological Conference “Foresight of Education: Portrait of the Student of the Future”. The employees of the Scientific Library of the State University of Management took part in the ceremony: Director Olga Kharlamova, her deputy Ekaterina Bondarovich and leading specialist Evgeniya Drits.

    Olga Anatolyevna noted that in modern conditions, the attention of library staff in educational organizations should be directed not only at students, but also at teachers, who play a key role in attracting students to use information and library resources, therefore the Scientific Library of the State University of Management regularly conducts advanced training programs for University teachers, informing them of new opportunities.

    The conference also included a subject discussion entitled “Library Foresight: Portrait of the Reader of the Future”. Leaders and specialists of libraries and publishing houses discussed important topics: who is the reader of the future, is a library needed in the new realities, what competencies are necessary for a modern librarian, the role of a smart library and its place in the educational ecosystem of the university.

    Representatives of electronic educational platforms and information resources such as Znanium, Book.ru, Aibuks.ru, University Library Online, IVIS company and Neopoisk LLC shared their views on what kind of reader they will be and what new services they will need.

    Let us recall that, among other things, the Scientific Library is the organizer of the Inter-University Festival of Student Book Clubs “Living Hat”, creating a space for uniting reading youth and supporting the work of talented young authors, thereby educating the reader of the future, who understands the importance of cultural traditions.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/05/2025

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reappointments to the Boundary Commission of England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Colin Byrne and Sarah Hamilton have been reappointed as Members of the Boundary Commission for England.

    The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced the reappointment of Colin Byrne and Sarah Hamilton as Members of the Boundary Commission for England from 1 February 2025 to 31 March 2032.   

    The Boundary Commission for England is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.  

    The Boundary Commission for England is required by the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 to review the parliamentary constituencies in England every 8 years.    

    Biographies 

    Colin Byrne 

    Colin Byrne worked for over 30 years in the Civil Service in a number of roles.  These included Divisional Manager, Health and Safety Executive; Director, Town and Country Planning, Department of Communities and Local Government; and Director, Government Office for the South East. He was the Lead Assistant Commissioner for the South East of England in the 2018 Boundary Review. He was a governor of the Guildford College Group for eight years, and a trustee of Citizens Advice Guildford.  Currently he is a non-executive director of a local specialist housing association. Colin Byrne was appointed as a Member of the Boundary Commission for England for a five-year term from 1 July 2019.  The appointment was subsequently extended until 29 October 2024 and then to 31 January 2025. 

    Sarah Hamilton 

    Sarah Hamilton graduated from Exeter University with a BA (Hons) in Law in 1992. She was admitted as a Solicitor in 1995 and enjoyed a 20-year career in a City law firm, specialising in litigation, acting for public sector bodies. Retiring from private practice in 2016, she now has a portfolio career in the fields of healthcare, education and regulation. She chairs Fitness to Practise Committees for three healthcare regulators. She is an Assessor for the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board. She is also the Independent Complaints and Standards Reviewer for the Independent Press Standards Organisation. She worked as the Lead Assistant Commissioner for the East of England in the 2018 Boundary Review.  Sarah Hamilton was appointed as a Member of the Boundary Commission for England for a five-year term from 1 July 2019.  The appointment was subsequently extended until 29 October 2024 and then to 31 January 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Seasonal decline in Scottish vitamin D levels has persisted over hundreds of years People living in Scotland 400 hundred years apart have been shown to suffer similar seasonal declines over winter in their vitamin D levels despite the enormous changes in lifestyle and diet over the intervening period.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Orsolya Czére examining hair samplePeople living in Scotland 400 hundred years apart have been shown to suffer similar seasonal declines over winter in their vitamin D levels despite the enormous changes in lifestyle and diet over the intervening period.
    Archaeologists and nutrition scientists from the University of Aberdeen have teamed up with researchers from Ireland’s Atlantic Technological University and Boise State University (USA) to examine the long-term impact of living in a region with low levels of winter sunlight.
    Their findings, published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports, were obtained using a new method to detect vitamin D in human hair samples – the first time it has been applied to archaeological remains.
    The researchers compared vitamin D levels in the hair of volunteers who have been living in the Aberdeen area for at least two and a half years to those analysed in a rare specimen of preserved hair from a burial previously excavated from St Nicholas Kirk, estimated to have lived in the city in the 16th or 17th century.
    Vitamin D is essential for healthy skeletal growth and is increasingly recognised for its role in chronic disease development, inflammation and immunity. But in Scotland the sunshine is only strong enough to allow our bodies to produce our own vitamin D between April and September.
    In addition to hours spent outside, vitamin D levels can be increased through diet such as oily fish and supplementation.
    Archaeologist Kate Britton, who led the research team which included early career scientists Orsolya Czére and Eléa Gutierrez, said a clear seasonal variation could be detected in both modern and historical hair samples.
    She said: “We might expect that with modern methods to enhance our vitamin D intake through diet and supplementation this seasonal variation would be less significant.
    “In recent years there have been wide-spread health promotions around the benefits of supplementing with vitamin D during winter.
    “Similarly, we could reasonably expect that medieval population is likely to have spent a greater proportion outside and that those living in coastal areas like Aberdeen in the past may have consumed a greater proportion of their diet from local sources such a fish.

    If we can measure something such as vitamin D then we might also be able to use these state-of-the-art techniques to look at other aspects of health in the past through hair, such as stress levels, or even drug use of previous populations” Professor Kate Britton

    “But what this unique study has shown is that levels in many of our modern participants were similar to those of our archaeological sample, and that levels were consistently higher in summer and lower in winter in people who lived in the same city 400 years apart.”
    The study is a global first in applying a new technique to measure vitamin D using hair in an ancient specimen and it opens a new window into the lives of those living in the past.
    “In archaeology a lack of vitamin D is usually identified through skeletal manifestations such as rickets but that only informs us about the most extreme deficiencies and cannot be quantified,” Professor Britton added.
    “Using hair in this way is a significant step forward in the growing field of metabolomics in archaeological science.
    “If we can measure something such as vitamin D then we might also be able to use these state-of-the-art techniques to look at other aspects of health in the past through hair, such as stress levels, or even drug use of previous populations.”
    The study also suggests that examining vitamin D through hair rather than blood offers potential benefits for understanding health today.
    As hair grows around a centimetre each year, scientists can detect changes over multiple months rather than taking a snapshot in time as might be obtained through a blood sample taken in a medical setting.
    Professor Baukje de Roos, a nutrition scientist from the Rowett Institute at the University of Aberdeen who was responsible for collecting hair samples from modern participants, and with Gary Duncan carried out the vitamin D analysis in hair, said: “Our findings also support previous research which has shown than weight loss can mobilise vitamin D from adipose fat and significantly increase vitamin D levels in our blood, and in hair.
    “It is important that we gain a greater understanding of how vitamin D in hair compares to vitamin D levels in blood, which is currently used to assess vitamin D deficiency globally.
    “The method to measure vitamin D in hair opens new opportunities to more easily monitor and understand how diet, supplementation or weight loss affects our vitamin D levels across the seasons and in different settings. This could help health professionals to provide better guidance and recommendations in the ways we can best support vitamin D and health.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: All the fun of the Job Fair at Central Library

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Looking for employment? Not sure what your next steps should be? Make sure those steps take you to Liverpool City Council’s Job Fair next week.

    On Monday, 10 February, a whole host of employers will be at Central Library and they are ready to recruit right away.

    The event, held in partnership between Liverpool in Work and INGEUS, is open from 10.30am-1.30pm and job seekers can drop in at any time to speak directly to recruiters.

    Roles are available across several sectors including social care, Early Years, construction, hospitality and security.

    Employers attending include:

    • Sodexo – ACC Arena Liverpool
    • Randstad- School roles
    • Aramark- Roles for Bramley Moore Stadium
    • Dovehaven Care
    • Compass- Hospital roles
    • Primeseal – construction
    • Liverpool City Council
    • Honey Pot Nursery Group.

    As well as employers there will also be support organisations attending including the National Careers Service who will be running CV writing workshops and the Business and IP Centre who will be offering advice on self-employment.

    Young people who are looking to move into work for the first time can also speak to the Liverpool City Region Be More team who will be on hand giving guidance on apprenticeships.

    Households into Work, Citizens Advice and the council’s benefits maximisation team will also be attending to advise on wider welfare issues.

    Cllr Lila Bennett, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, said: “This event is set to be a real one-stop shop for jobs and careers.

    There is a really impressive range of vacancies on offer and if you’re looking for work or want to change jobs you could well strike lucky next Monday!

    “As always, there will be plenty of other organisations on hand to answer any questions you might have – whether it’s polishing your CV or starting to work for yourself.

    “Wherever you might be on your job-seeking journey – I’d encourage you to get along to Central Library next week to have a friendly chat with all our experts.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian Science Day in Moscow: where the most interesting events will take place

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Dozens of excursions, exhibitions, as well as thematic quizzes, special projects and acquaintance with the latest developments of scientists await city residents in early February. All these events are dedicated to the celebration Day of Russian Science, which is celebrated on February 8. This is a great opportunity not only to remember the legendary scientists of the past, but also to turn to their modern colleagues, and to find out what discoveries are changing the world right now.

    Cosmonautics, biotechnology and the power of words at VDNKh

    The country’s main exhibition invites everyone to special programs and free excursions. They will be dedicated to various types of science and will be organized in museums and pavilions of VDNKh. To participate in most events, you only need to pre-register; for some, you need to buy a ticket.

    Thus, on February 8, thematic events will be held at the Atom Museum. You can follow the schedule and buy tickets on the official website of the museum.

    On February 8 from 11:00 to 20:00 in the museum lobby you will be offered to play engineering games and assemble Spills cards of Russia. The Spills map is an innovative development, which is a set of magnetic game elements made in the form of territorial units of states and regions. It will be interesting for both adults and schoolchildren from 12 years old (children come accompanied by adults). Wooden puzzle maps will help you remember the geography of Russia. Guests will learn how much energy each region consumes, what is the average annual temperature in them. In the museum from 13:00 to 14:30 visitors will also be able to work at engineering tables and even conduct own scientific experiments.

    Master classes in physics have been prepared for children aged six and over “Snow Atom” And “Winter Journey with Atomarenko”, board game “Nuclear Power Plant Engineer”. A quiz awaits teenagers and adults “Through experience”, master class “VR in your pocket”, quiz “Physicists and Lyricists” and public talk “How Russians believed in physics”. The Center for Modern Biotechnology “Biotech Museum” has prepared a special program for all guests for the Day of Russian Science. Starting from February 8, there will be a new master class dedicated to microorganisms, – “Art in a Petri Dish”. In addition, on February 8 and 9 at 16:00 there will be open screenings of documentaries about mathematics and bionics. Admission by museum tickets.

    Free excursions will be held at VDNKh on February 8. At 17:00 in Pavilion No. 1 “Central” you can take a guided tour exposition of the Tretyakov Gallery. Guests will be introduced to the works of Alexander Deineka, Evgeny Vuchetich, Vera Mukhina, Alexander Vinogradov, Vladimir Dubossarsky and many other artists. There you can also admire the monumental canvases created especially for the opening of the pavilion in 1954, examine the legendary high relief of Evgeny Vuchetich, considered lost for more than half a century, and learn the details of the creation of the monument “Worker and Kolkhoz Woman”.

    At 17:00 and 18:30 the Cosmonautics and Aviation Center invites you to thematic excursions “Chemistry and Space”. And at 19:00 in the museum of Slavic writing “Word” there will be an excursion “Studying the word…”. It will talk about Slavic writing and its researchers.

    About science for schoolchildren and youth

    A number of events dedicated to Russian scientists, the secrets of physics, chemistry, cybernetics and high technology will be held by the capital’s palaces of creativity. Children and teenagers will enjoy exciting quizzes, quizzes, master classes and much more. They can be visited for free, but some events require preliminary online registration.

    On February 6, the Sviblovo Children’s Creativity Center will host a festive quiz called “Young Researchers.” Through the interactive format of the event, combining play and learning, young participants will be able to receive basic knowledge about the world of science.

    On the same day, the Victoria Children’s and Youth Center will hold an educational program where you can learn about the important achievements of Russian and Soviet science and great discoveries. in this area.

    For all those interested, on February 8, the Moscow Palace of Pioneers on Vorobyovy Gory will host Moscow Science Festival. Guests will enjoy intellectual games, lectures and master classes. Visitors will get acquainted with modern developments and learn how to build a career as a researcher. Lectures on physics and space, thematic master classes, scientific battles and board games are planned. Schoolchildren will be told how to conduct their first research, how to prepare for university and become a scientific volunteer. You can register for the events Here.

    The Palace of Children and Youth Creativity “Undiscovered Islands” will hold a special master class “The Invisible World and Fascinating Experiments” on February 8. Participants will learn about the history of Russian Science Day and will also get acquainted with various interesting experiments. And in the Palace of Children and Youth Creativity “Khoroshevo” until February 10 there will be a whole a series of master classes and quizzes for young seekers of knowledge.

    Journeys into the World of Scientific Moscow

    A digital weekend will help you organize a real scientific weekend tourist service Russpass. Three new walking routes around the city were published there. They are dedicated to places in Moscow associated with famous scientists and their main discoveries. The routes will be interesting for the whole family, and you can walk along them at any convenient time. The descriptions are supplemented with historical information about places and objects and photographs of all the sights that you will encounter along the way.

    Route “Fascinating Biology: A Curious Walk for the Whole Family” will introduce city travelers to the Main Botanical Garden named after N.V. Tsitsin of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Timiryazevsky Park and the florarium in Zaryadye Park.

    On a walk “Visiting the animals, the moon and the past in one day” young science lovers and their parents will learn interesting facts about the scientific world of Russia. The route includes a visit to the Moscow Zoo, Presnensky Park, Moscow Planetarium and the Museum of the History of the Telephone. Children and adults will be able to listen to lectures about the stars and animals of Russia, learn about the first means of communication, and play on the scientific playground. The exciting journey can be completed at the skating rink on Patriarch’s Ponds.

    Walk “Scientific Moscow: Founders, Researchers and Pioneers” will allow you to see the houses where famous scientists lived and worked. This is the longest route, which can be explored gradually. To visit all its points, you will need four days. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the monuments to discoverers in the fields of medicine, chemistry, biology, and space exploration. Among the points of the route are the estate of A. I. Konshina, which now houses the Central House of Scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Memorial Museum-Apartment of K. A. Timiryazev, the main building of the Moscow State University named after M. V. Lomonosov, and monuments on the Cosmonauts’ Alley at VDNKh.

    Russian Science Day in Libraries, Cinemas and More

    The capital’s cultural venues also invite you to celebrate Russian Science Day. You can attend events in museums, cinemas, libraries and cultural centers starting February 6. To participate in some events, you will need to register in advance or buy a ticket.

    Thus, on February 6 and 7, free screenings of the Russian popular science film “The Chip Inside Me” will be held in the Moskino chain of cinemas. The film will tell about how chipping helps to restore health, and the film will also touch upon ethical issues. The screenings will be held in eight Moskino chain cinemas: “Cosmos”, “Sputnik”, “Iskra”, “Zhukovsky”, “Tula”, “Saturn”, “Vympel”, and “Angara”. Registration — by link.

    An exhibition will be open at the Meridian Cultural Center from February 6 to 27 “The History of the Magnetic Needle”. Guests will see pocket compasses produced in Russia from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. These are exhibits from the collection of magnetic compass collector Mikhail Ivanov, which includes more than 800 devices from various countries and eras. The exhibition will also feature mining compasses from the collection of Gennady Avdonin, chief specialist of the N.M. Fedorovsky All-Russian Research Institute of Mineral Resources.

    The Central City Children’s Library named after A.P. Gaidar invites schoolchildren to the thematic program “Experiments”. It will last until February 28. Visitors will enjoy physical and chemical experiments with liquids, gases and solids, optical illusions and puzzle solving. Lectures on scientific laws will also be organized for young scientists and they will be told how to independently conduct a scientific experiment at home, taking into account all safety rules. Entrance to the event is free for organized groups (kindergarten groups and school classes from six years old). You can find out more and sign up for the program by calling the library: 7 499 242-57-23.

    Children will be able to try their hand at solving puzzles, conduct interesting experiments, and learn about the contribution of Russian researchers to world science at the Central Children’s Library No. 14. There, on February 6 at 4:00 p.m., a quiz called “Day of Russian Science” will be held.

    On February 7 at 15:00, the A.S. Neverov Library No. 90 will host a discussion entitled “Ruthless Science with Meaning.” Guests will be told about interesting facts from the biographies of famous scientists such as N.I. Vavilov, D.I. Mendeleyev, V.I. Vernadsky, I.P. Pavlov, N.I. Lobachevsky, and others. Participants will also be introduced to the works of these researchers.

    And in Library No. 82 on February 6 at 11:15 and February 7 at 11:00 there will be interactive classes “Treasures of the Earth” and “Green Energy”, dedicated to the topic of clean energy.

    On the festive day, February 8, the N. F. Fedorov Library No. 180 will host an exhibition of the St. Petersburg photo artist Maria Kovalevskaya. It is dedicated to women scientists working at the I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. At the exhibition, you can learn about their work and hobbies, such as sailing, fishing and fencing, and also immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the first science town in Russia. It was built in the 1930s with the participation of Academician I. P. Pavlov.

    The Darwin Museum will hold the Science Day. Vanished Worlds event. On February 8, from 10:00 to 18:00, guests will enjoy games, interactive activities, master classes, and lectures. At the events, visitors will get acquainted not only with the most famous ancient animals — dinosaurs, but also with their relatives and contemporaries, as well as with other extinct inhabitants of the Earth. Entrance — by tickets.

    A special program will be held at the Timiryazev State Biological Museum from 12:00 to 16:00 on February 8. It will be dedicated to various areas of biology, its history, and the work of scientists. The events are planned at two venues: in pavilion No. 31 “Geology” at VDNKh and in the museum building on Malaya Gruzinskaya Street. Admission is by ticket. You can buy a ticket for the event in the Geology pavilion at this link, and to the event at the museum on Malaya Gruzinskaya – on this.

    Russian Science Day has been officially celebrated since 1999. The reason for its appearance was the events that took place more than 300 years ago – on January 28 (February 8, new style) 1724, Emperor Peter I founded the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    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 account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149524073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump wants the US to ‘take over’ Gaza and relocate the people. Is this legal?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Tamer Morris, Senior lecturer, international law, University of Sydney

    In an astonishing news conference in Washington, US President Donald Trump proposed the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip and permanently relocate the nearly two million Palestinians living there to neighbouring countries.

    Trump has previously called on Egypt and Jordan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, which both countries firmly rejected.

    His new comments – and the possibility of a US takeover of a sovereign territory – were immediately met with criticism and questions about the legality of such a move.

    When asked what authority would allow the US to do this, Trump did not have an answer. He only noted it would be a “long-term ownership position”. He also did not rule out using US troops.

    So, what does international law say about this idea?

    Can the US take over a sovereign territory?

    The quick answer is no – Trump can’t just take over someone else’s territory.

    Since the end of the second world war in 1945, the use of force has been prohibited in international law. This is one of the foundations of international law since the creation of the United Nations.

    The US could only take control of Gaza with the consent of the sovereign authority of the territory. Israel can’t cede Gaza to the US. The International Court of Justice has ruled that Gaza is an occupied territory – and that this occupation is illegal under international law.

    So, for this to happen legally, Trump would require the consent of Palestine and the Palestinian people to take control of Gaza.

    And what about removing a population?

    One of the biggest obligations of an occupying power comes under Article 49 of the Geneva Conventions. This prohibits an occupying power from forcibly transferring or removing people from a territory.

    All other states also have an obligation not to assist an occupying power in violating international humanitarian law. So that means if the US wanted to move the population of Gaza by force, Israel could not assist in this action. And likewise, the US cannot assist Israel in violating the rules.

    Occupying powers are allowed to remove a population for the reason of safety.

    Trump and his Middle East envoy who visited Gaza last week have repeatedly referenced how dangerous it is. Trump questioned how people could “want to stay” there, saying they have “no alternative” but to leave.

    However, removing people for this reason has to only be temporary. Once it’s fine for someone to return, they must be returned.

    What if people voluntarily leave?

    Transferring a population has to be consensual. But in this specific case, it would mean the consent of all Palestinians in Gaza. The US could not force anyone to move who does not want to.

    Further to this, a government, such as the Palestinian Authority, cannot give this consent on behalf of a people. People have a right to self-determination – the right to determine their own future.

    A perfect example is migration – if a person migrates from one state to another, that is their right. It’s not displacement. But forcefully displacing them is not permitted.

    And using what sounds like a threat would arguably not be consensual, either. This could be saying, for instance, “If you stay, you’ll die because there’s only going to be more war. But if you leave, there’s peace.” This is the threat of force.

    Would forcing people to leave be ethnic cleansing?

    Ethnic cleansing has not been defined in any treaty or convention.

    However, most international law experts rely on the definition in the Commission of Experts report on the former state of Yugoslavia to the UN Security Council in 1994. It defined ethnic cleansing as:

    rendering an area ethnically homogeneous by using force or intimidation to remove persons of given groups from the area.

    So, under that definition, what is being suggested by Trump could be classified as ethnic cleansing – removing the Palestinian people from a certain geographical area through force or intimidation.

    What can be done if Trump follows through?

    If Trump follows through with this plan, it would be a violation of what is known as jus cogens, or the paramount, foundational rules that underpin international law.

    And international law dictates that no country is allowed to cooperate with another in violating these rules and all countries must try to stop or prevent any potential violations. This could include placing sanctions on a country or not providing support to that country, for example, by selling it weapons.

    A perfect example of this is when Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, very few countries recognised the move. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was then followed by sanctions and the freezing of Russian assets, among other actions.

    If Trump pursued this course of action, he too could be personally liable under international criminal law if he’s the one instigating the forcible transfer of a population.

    The International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Israeli defence minister and a Hamas commander in relation to the conflict.

    The risk of this kind of language

    One of the dangers of this kind of rhetoric is the potential to dehumanise the enemy, or the other side.

    Trump does this through statements such as, “You look over the decades, it’s all death in Gaza”, and resettling people in “nice homes where they can be happy” instead of being “knifed to death”. This language implies the situation in Gaza is due to the “uncivilised” nature of the population.

    The risk at the moment, even if Trump doesn’t do what he says, is that the mere vocalisation of his proposal is dehumanising to the Palestinian people. And this, in turn, could lead to more violations of the rules of war and international humanitarian law.

    The nonchalant way Trump is discussing things such as taking over a territory and moving a population gives the impression these rules can easily be broken, even if he doesn’t break them himself.

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

    ref. Trump wants the US to ‘take over’ Gaza and relocate the people. Is this legal? – https://theconversation.com/trump-wants-the-us-to-take-over-gaza-and-relocate-the-people-is-this-legal-249143

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A joint competition for students of SPbPU and KRSU starts

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    As part of the work on scientific, methodological and resource support for the implementation of the activities of the development program of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, a visit of representatives of SPbPU to KRSU took place. Polytechnic was represented by Associate Professor of the Higher School of Design and Architecture of the Civil Engineering Institute Tatyana Diodorova and Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” Sergey Salkutsan.

    During business meetings and negotiations with the university management, issues of cooperation were discussed. In order to develop interaction between the SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Construction, the partners proposed holding a joint student competition to develop a corporate style for KRSU.

    Students from both universities will take part in the competition and will work under the guidance of experienced mentors. From SPbPU, the mentor will be Tatyana Diodorova, a member of the Union of Designers of Russia, and from KRSU, Beisen Kariev, head of the department, chairman of the Union of Architects of the Kyrgyz Republic, will help the students.

    The competition will be held in three stages, allowing participants to delve deeper into the process of creating and developing style concepts, as well as learning about the history of KRSU and the culture of Kyrgyzstan. The first stage of the competition will be exploratory. Students will meet with the management of KRSU to set the task. Applications for participation can be submitted after February 10, and the results of the competition will be announced in April. Winners will receive prizes, as well as a unique opportunity to go to a partner university to get to know the culture and features of the two countries better.

    We are confident that this competition will become an excellent platform for exchanging ideas and experiences, and will also help students develop their skills and establish professional connections. Follow the news and don’t miss the chance to participate in this exciting project! — shared Tatyana Diodorova.

    As part of cooperation with the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” (AES), we discussed issues of involving KRSU students in acceleration programs implemented by AES, as well as participation in events of the university technological entrepreneurship platform supervised by the “Startup Center” of SPbPU.

    We will be glad to share our experience in implementing events on the topic of technological entrepreneurship, as well as involve KRSU students in them. In particular, a very important issue of cooperation will be the participation of the staff of the Advanced Engineering School in the implementation of the entrepreneurial projects competition, which is planned to be launched at KRSU, – noted Sergey Salkutsan.

    The partners were also presented with the training simulator “Lean University”, developed by the staff of the PIS and is part of CML-Bench®.EDU, developed as an educational direction of the Digital Platform for the Development and Application of Digital Twins CML-Bench®. Based on this simulator, the management team of KRSU will be trained in the spring of 2025, and in the future, access will be provided to all university employees.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than a quarter of a million local businesses benefit from Mayor of London’s new support service

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Grow London Local is a one-stop-shop to support small businesses across the capital, launched with £8.7m of Mayoral funding and delivered by London & Partners
    • The programme has surpassed targets in its first year, reaching 250,000 entrepreneurs and supporting 16,000 businesses – with 88% of those helped coming from communities that face additional barriers
    • Friday 7 February will see special events for London’s small businesses to help them thrive

    More than 250,000 of the capital’s entrepreneurs and small businesses have accessed a dedicated support service set up by the Mayor Sadiq Khan to help them grow and thrive.

    Grow London Local provides in-person and online support for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through the capital’s business growth agency London & Partners. Business Support Managers work in communities to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers through skills training, expert guidance, and connecting with other business leaders to foster peer learning.

    There are estimated to be more than a million SMEs in London (defined as employing up to 249 people), with one in four currently facing financial vulnerability  [1]. Grow London Local helps firms to access the right support at the right time, so that entrepreneurs can become financially resilient and their businesses can thrive.

    Since the Mayor invested £8.7m to launch the service in January 2024, Grow London Local has reached more than a quarter of a million entrepreneurs and helped more than 16,000 – almost double the initial targets of 132,580 and 12,484 respectively. While beneficiaries span every London borough, 88 per cent of entrepreneurs supported come from communities who face additional barriers to finding help.

    Grow London Local delivers on the Mayor’s 2021 manifesto pledge to create a ‘single front door’ for small businesses, uniting various schemes and resources under one banner, enhanced by the expertise of London & Partners. 

    The Mayor has been clear that SMEs have a vital part to play in London’s economy, and in how it can help national growth. Ensuring people and businesses across the capital have the skills they need will be a focus of his new London Growth Plan, which he will soon publish alongside London Councils and London & Partners. The Plan will outline measures to improve the lives of all Londoners, drive the capital’s green transition, boost the economy and support prosperity in London and beyond.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The capital’s one million small businesses are the backbone of our economy, delivering services and products we take for granted in our daily lives – but all too often they don’t get the help they need or are entitled to. I’m proud to see Grow London Local helping the capital’s entrepreneurs to not just survive but really thrive. As London’s most pro-business mayor, supporting our fantastic small businesses is a key component of my work to build a better and more prosperous London for everyone.”    

    Grow London Local’s Managing Director, Michelle Cuomo-Boorer, commented: “Reaching 250,000 entrepreneurs in our first year is a remarkable milestone – and it’s just the beginning. We’re incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made in supporting London’s dynamic and diverse small business community, and excited to build on this success by empowering more businesses to help them thrive.” 

    Andrea Pickard, a London-based career coach who supports people with dyslexia, said: “Grow London Local has been a game-changer, boosting my confidence and supporting my growth as a new business owner. Their coffee mornings connected me to other entrepreneurs, providing invaluable advice, and a NatWest Bank dinner was an incredible opportunity. As someone with dyslexia, it’s empowering to feel recognised and supported. Their impact has been transformative for both me and my business.” 

    Mrinal Madin, whose Kingston-based business The Entertainment Sports Agency has also benefited from Grow London Local services, added: “Learning about the digital skills needed and what to focus on was useful. There is still a long way to go to implement all the actions, but having systems and processes is going to be key to our growth.” 

    Paul Wight, Programme Manager for Allia’s Hackney Impact project – one of 374 providers who have partnered with Grow London Local to deliver support – noted: “Our partnership with Grow London Local has been pivotal in connecting us to nearly 400 Hackney businesses. As an active partner in the SME and social enterprise ecosystem, Grow London Local helps ensure we remain integrated in a broader network of support, which empowers businesses to thrive and contributes to sustainable economic growth across Hackney.” 

    To celebrate its first birthday, Grow London Local will host four free coffee mornings across the capital on Friday 7 February, where small business leaders can make connections and access support. Events will take place from 10am at Bobo Social in Ealing, Blooming Scent Café in Tottenham, SoLo Craft Fair in Southwark and Unit Six Café in Newham.

    Find out more and get involved at  www.growlondonlocal.london.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University and Severstal: Successful Cooperation for Future Engineers

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    For SPbPU students, cooperation with leading employers in Russia is an opportunity to develop in the largest Russian and international companies and build a successful career. One of such partners is PAO Severstal, with which the university is implementing several educational and scientific projects.

    The Polytechnic University has the Severstal-Polytechnic Research and Education Center, whose specialists solve key industrial problems by working on joint R&D. More than 20 students study at SPbPU under a target agreement with the company. Twice a year, Severstal representatives participate in the Youth Career Forum, offering jobs to Polytechnic students. Dozens of students annually undergo internships at Severstal and its subsidiaries.

    In the educational programs “Organization and Management of Digital Science-Intensive Production”, “Digital Technologies in Metallurgy” and “Engineering of Metallurgical and Foundry Technologies and Materials”, Severstal representatives act as experts in lectures, provide places for practical training, topics for final qualification works, and invite students to production.

    As a partner of the course “Fundamentals of Project Activity”, Severstal offers second-year students project topics.

    “Our cooperation with Severstal has been going on for several decades,” says Pavel Kovalev, Deputy Director of IMMiT for Educational Activities. “Many of our graduates successfully work for the company, such as Evgeny Nikolaevich Vinogradov, a 2002 graduate of the metallurgical faculty, who currently holds the position of General Director of the Severstal Russian Steel and Resource Assets Division. With the participation of our strategic partner, we have developed a draft of a new educational standard and a corporate educational track for bachelors in the Metallurgy field. We received software for 26 VR simulators simulating various technological operations of steelmaking and rolling processing from Severstal free of charge, which will be used this academic year. We also plan to launch a pilot educational program in 2025 to train engineers with a variable training period (4 or 5 years).”

    By the way, the recruiting platform hh.ru recently presented the results of the Russian employer rating for 2024. It included more than 1,700 companies from all over the country.

    Among them, Severstal demonstrated significant progress, rising from 24th to 11th place in the overall list of successful industrial enterprises.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Developers from 13 countries have registered to participate in the fifth stream of the “Academy of Innovators”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Registration of participants in the fifth stream of the “Academy of Innovators” has ended in the capital. Experts have selected 100 of the most promising solutions for further development. Among them are a training platform based on artificial intelligence, a monitoring system for the oil industry and dental equipment. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    “About seven thousand people applied to participate in the new stream – 2.5 times more than last time. 60 percent of them are Muscovites. Developers from St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Chelyabinsk, Sochi and 185 other cities in Russia also presented their projects,” the deputy mayor said.

    The program also attracted the interest of innovators from 12 friendly countries, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Vietnam and Algeria.

    The most popular areas were information technology, education, e-commerce, medicine and industry. For example, a student of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov created a portable scanner for diagnosing diseases in the oral cavity.

    A team from Nigeria has developed an interactive platform that allows learning materials to be tailored to each user. Artificial intelligence analyzes students’ preferences and progress and suggests relevant content.

    A student at the National Research University Higher School of Economics proposed a project to create applications and websites with augmented reality. The solution is aimed at parks and museums and allows visitors to be interested in interactive navigation, quests and games.

    This time, the program participants also included the creators of a digital platform for printing various patterns and prints on fabric, a handbook for pregnant women with AI recommendations, and developments in the field of ceramic 3D printing.

    The fifth stream of the “Innovators Academy” will begin on February 7. The educational program will include lectures, master classes and consultations. Together with experts, teams will finalize their product and present it to potential customers and investors.

    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 account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149708073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mamokete Modiba, Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

    The South African government declared a national disaster towards the end of 2024 in response to an outbreak of food-borne illnesses. The outbreak had led to the tragic deaths of over 20 children and hospitalisation of hundreds.

    Investigations by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases attributed the outbreak to hazardous pesticides such as Terbufos and Aldicarb. The pesticides, used in agriculture, have infiltrated the informal market as unregulated “street pesticides” for rat control, resulting in food contamination.

    In response, the government announced several measures. One was that all food handling outlets, including informal retailers known as spaza shops, had to register with their respective municipalities. It also introduced widespread inspection of these outlets for compliance with regulations and health standards.

    The measures are a step in the right direction. However, based on our research work at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) over the past decades, they fall short of what is required. In addition, certain aspects, such as mandatory registration and mass inspection of food outlets, may prove difficult to implement effectively.

    The Gauteng City Region is a cluster of cities, towns and urban nodes that make up the economic heartland of South Africa. The Gauteng City-Region Observatory is a partnership between the Gauteng provincial government, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg and Gauteng South African Local Government Association. It has been researching the development dynamics of the region since 2008, providing data-driven insights and strategic guidance to support sustainable development.

    The government response to the outbreak of food-borne illnesses addresses the immediate crisis but does not address underlying factors affecting low-income settlements.

    Research by GCRO has identified the underlying factors as poor infrastructure and services. Rat infestations stem from poor waste management. This is caused by inadequate public services, failing infrastructure and irregular waste collection.

    Dumping, littering and burning waste worsen the public health and environmental risks, including disease transmission and pest infestations.

    Based on this evidence, we conclude that the government’s response does not adequately address some of the root causes of the outbreak, due to insufficient understanding of the context. Addressing these systemic failures is not just a public health matter. It also highlights the challenges faced by these communities and emphasises the importance of supporting local economies.

    Survey findings

    The GCRO’s flagship Quality of Life Survey, conducted every two years since 2009, is one of South Africa’s largest social surveys. It measures various aspects such as Gauteng residents’ socio-economic dynamics, service delivery experiences, and satisfaction with government. It provides longitudinally comparable data to inform decision-making.

    The survey covers various topics that have a bearing on the food-borne illnesses outbreak, like basic services, income sources and food security. According to the latest survey (2023/24), access to refuse removal and satisfaction with service delivery has declined in Gauteng.

    In the 2023/24 survey, 74% of respondents reported weekly refuse removal, down from 83% in the 2020/21 period. Satisfaction with services dropped from 75% to 64% over the same period – a worrying trend since 2017/18. The survey also shows that over half (57%) of businesses in Gauteng are informal.

    Household hunger has increased across ten years of the survey. More than one in ten households experience severe food insecurity: hunger, poor access to food and insufficient spending on nutritious food.

    Measures to address the crisis

    We now turn to the three government interventions:

    Registration of spaza shops

    All food handling outlets, including spaza shops, are required to register with their municipalities between November 2024 and February 2025. This is a step in the right direction, towards regulatory compliance and monitoring of the safety of goods being sold to the public. However, it might not be achievable, especially within the specified period.

    There are minimum requirements for the registration of spaza shops. These include (re)zoning certificates or consent use, certificates of acceptability (health standards), approved building plans, registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, and tax clearance. However, many of these businesses operate informally and therefore lack the required documentation.

    Any spaza shop that fails to register in time will be closed. This will affect livelihoods and food security, especially in low-income communities where these shops play a vital role.

    Spaza shops are a way for many people to make an income, and they supply essential food items to local communities. Households buy from them for a variety of reasons: they are nearby and affordable, open for long hours and offer credit.

    Inspection of food outlets

    A campaign to inspect all food handling outlets, focusing on spaza shops and informal traders, is underway. Law enforcement is important to remove contaminated food from the market and prevent future outbreaks. But municipalities have limited capacity to conduct such widespread inspections and ensure compliance with health regulations and standards.

    The outbreak was partly a result of municipalities’ inability to enforce the rules. If inspections had been regular and thorough, food contamination issues would have been picked up before the current crisis.

    The focus on punitive measures, such as closing businesses and prosecuting owners, does not help them to register, reopen and comply. It might harm the informal economy, reflecting a broader trend of criminalising the poor.

    Joint fund to support township and rural businesses

    Government has set aside R500 million (US$26 million) to support township and rural enterprises, including spaza shops. The fund is intended to improve business infrastructure and build capacity.

    But in our view, its eligibility criteria require reconsideration. To qualify, a business owner must be a South African citizen, their business must be registered in the municipality and they must have have valid tax registration. The majority of businesses in these settlements are informal and would not meet the requirements, so the criteria exclude many that need support.

    Next steps

    The government’s response to the food-borne illness outbreak focuses on the immediate crisis and related symptoms. It overlooks underlying structural factors. The formalisation and compliance of informal businesses may contribute to the solution but will not tackle the root causes.

    These include essential infrastructure and services such as water, sanitation and waste management facilities.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-food-poisoning-crisis-the-governments-response-isnt-dealing-with-the-real-issues-245951

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mamokete Modiba, Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

    The South African government declared a national disaster towards the end of 2024 in response to an outbreak of food-borne illnesses. The outbreak had led to the tragic deaths of over 20 children and hospitalisation of hundreds.

    Investigations by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases attributed the outbreak to hazardous pesticides such as Terbufos and Aldicarb. The pesticides, used in agriculture, have infiltrated the informal market as unregulated “street pesticides” for rat control, resulting in food contamination.

    In response, the government announced several measures. One was that all food handling outlets, including informal retailers known as spaza shops, had to register with their respective municipalities. It also introduced widespread inspection of these outlets for compliance with regulations and health standards.

    The measures are a step in the right direction. However, based on our research work at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) over the past decades, they fall short of what is required. In addition, certain aspects, such as mandatory registration and mass inspection of food outlets, may prove difficult to implement effectively.

    The Gauteng City Region is a cluster of cities, towns and urban nodes that make up the economic heartland of South Africa. The Gauteng City-Region Observatory is a partnership between the Gauteng provincial government, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg and Gauteng South African Local Government Association. It has been researching the development dynamics of the region since 2008, providing data-driven insights and strategic guidance to support sustainable development.

    The government response to the outbreak of food-borne illnesses addresses the immediate crisis but does not address underlying factors affecting low-income settlements.

    Research by GCRO has identified the underlying factors as poor infrastructure and services. Rat infestations stem from poor waste management. This is caused by inadequate public services, failing infrastructure and irregular waste collection.

    Dumping, littering and burning waste worsen the public health and environmental risks, including disease transmission and pest infestations.

    Based on this evidence, we conclude that the government’s response does not adequately address some of the root causes of the outbreak, due to insufficient understanding of the context. Addressing these systemic failures is not just a public health matter. It also highlights the challenges faced by these communities and emphasises the importance of supporting local economies.

    Survey findings

    The GCRO’s flagship Quality of Life Survey, conducted every two years since 2009, is one of South Africa’s largest social surveys. It measures various aspects such as Gauteng residents’ socio-economic dynamics, service delivery experiences, and satisfaction with government. It provides longitudinally comparable data to inform decision-making.

    The survey covers various topics that have a bearing on the food-borne illnesses outbreak, like basic services, income sources and food security. According to the latest survey (2023/24), access to refuse removal and satisfaction with service delivery has declined in Gauteng.

    In the 2023/24 survey, 74% of respondents reported weekly refuse removal, down from 83% in the 2020/21 period. Satisfaction with services dropped from 75% to 64% over the same period – a worrying trend since 2017/18. The survey also shows that over half (57%) of businesses in Gauteng are informal.

    Household hunger has increased across ten years of the survey. More than one in ten households experience severe food insecurity: hunger, poor access to food and insufficient spending on nutritious food.

    Measures to address the crisis

    We now turn to the three government interventions:

    Registration of spaza shops

    All food handling outlets, including spaza shops, are required to register with their municipalities between November 2024 and February 2025. This is a step in the right direction, towards regulatory compliance and monitoring of the safety of goods being sold to the public. However, it might not be achievable, especially within the specified period.

    There are minimum requirements for the registration of spaza shops. These include (re)zoning certificates or consent use, certificates of acceptability (health standards), approved building plans, registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, and tax clearance. However, many of these businesses operate informally and therefore lack the required documentation.

    Any spaza shop that fails to register in time will be closed. This will affect livelihoods and food security, especially in low-income communities where these shops play a vital role.

    Spaza shops are a way for many people to make an income, and they supply essential food items to local communities. Households buy from them for a variety of reasons: they are nearby and affordable, open for long hours and offer credit.

    Inspection of food outlets

    A campaign to inspect all food handling outlets, focusing on spaza shops and informal traders, is underway. Law enforcement is important to remove contaminated food from the market and prevent future outbreaks. But municipalities have limited capacity to conduct such widespread inspections and ensure compliance with health regulations and standards.

    The outbreak was partly a result of municipalities’ inability to enforce the rules. If inspections had been regular and thorough, food contamination issues would have been picked up before the current crisis.

    The focus on punitive measures, such as closing businesses and prosecuting owners, does not help them to register, reopen and comply. It might harm the informal economy, reflecting a broader trend of criminalising the poor.

    Joint fund to support township and rural businesses

    Government has set aside R500 million (US$26 million) to support township and rural enterprises, including spaza shops. The fund is intended to improve business infrastructure and build capacity.

    But in our view, its eligibility criteria require reconsideration. To qualify, a business owner must be a South African citizen, their business must be registered in the municipality and they must have have valid tax registration. The majority of businesses in these settlements are informal and would not meet the requirements, so the criteria exclude many that need support.

    Next steps

    The government’s response to the food-borne illness outbreak focuses on the immediate crisis and related symptoms. It overlooks underlying structural factors. The formalisation and compliance of informal businesses may contribute to the solution but will not tackle the root causes.

    These include essential infrastructure and services such as water, sanitation and waste management facilities.

    – South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-food-poisoning-crisis-the-governments-response-isnt-dealing-with-the-real-issues-245951

    MIL OSI Africa