Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)
Gainesville, April 21, 2025
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Source: Government of India
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 10:09PM by PIB Delhi
His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See passed away today, the 21st April, 2025. As a mark of respect, three-day State Mourning shall be observed throughout India, in the following manner:
During the period of the State Mourning, the National Flag will be flown at Half Mast throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.
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RK / VV / RR / PS
(Release ID: 2123334) Visitor Counter : 229
Source: Government of India
| Competition Commission of India
CCI Approves Google’s Settlement Proposal in Android TV Case Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:32PM by PIB Delhi
******* NB/AD (Release ID: 2123289) |
Source: NASA
Written by Lucy Thompson, Planetary Geologist at University of New Brunswick
Earth planning date: Friday, April 18, 2025
As the APXS operations person today, I was hopeful that we could plan a compositional measurement after brushing one of the bedrock blocks in front of the rover. However, it soon became clear that the rover was not on stable enough ground to safely unstow the arm and place APXS and MAHLI. Silver linings though; by not having any arm movement in this plan, which requires significant energy, we were able to conserve power for what we hope will be a busy week of upcoming science activities as we drive towards our next high priority area of interest – the so-called boxwork formations. These are large resistant ridges identified from orbit, which may be the result of fracturing, fluid flow and alteration within the sulfate unit that we are traversing through. We plan to image them on approach to gain insights into their context.
Despite the loss of arm activities, we still have plenty of interesting observations planned for this 3-sol weekend. ChemCam will fire its laser at two separate rock targets, “Santa Ynez” and “Cahuilla”, which will also be captured with Mastcam documentation images. The targets are on two different bedrock blocks with the “Cahuilla” raster focused on a thin resistant layer. ChemCam will also use its remote imaging capabilities to obtain mosaics of the “Texoli” butte and another interesting feature, “Torote Bowl”. Mastcam will capture mosaics of “San Gabriel River” (an apparent angular contact) and of some sand troughs surrounding many of the bedrock blocks in this region. An image will also be acquired of a small, grey float pebble, “Piru Creek.”
The environmental science group was also able to plan a number of activities to catch up on their regular cadence, which has been impacted by the recent power constraints. We are acquiring Navcam line of sight observations (x2), suprahorizon movies (x2), a zenith movie and a 360 degree sky survey, as well as a Mastcam sky survey. Coordinated ChemCam passive sky and APXS atmospheric observations are also planned.
There is a ~19 m drive planned through this tricky terrain that will hopefully set us up for arm activities (APXS and MAHLI) in our new workspace next week. The plan is completed with standard RAD, DAN and REMS activities, as well as two MARDI images to record the terrain beneath the rover in the current and new workspace.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal jury in Salt Lake City returned a guilty verdict against a California man after he assaulted a federal officer while law enforcement attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.
Gabriel Gigena, 41, of Valley Springs, CA, was charged by indictment on July 10, 2024.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Saturday May 4, 2024, members of the United States Marshal Service (USMS) were summoned to assist with the apprehension of Gigena, who was wanted for a warrant issued by the State of California. Law enforcement learned Gigena was at a park with his twin three-year-old daughters in Park City, Utah. In a briefing, members of the arrest team outlined their goal to take Gigena into custody while ensuring the safety of his children and others.
According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, as Gigena walked down a parking lot, two task force officers with the USMS were tasked with apprehending Gigena and securing the children. However, security concerns hastened law enforcement’s approach, which resulted in officers charging at and tackling Gigena. During the tackle, one of the officers pushed Gigena’s hands away from the two young girls. As this officer and Gigena fell to the ground Gigena placed his arm around the officer’s neck and started to strangle him. The officer testified in court that Gigena applied maximum force to his neck. Other officers on scene called out “police” and told Gigena to stop. Meanwhile, additional agents arrived on scene in vehicles that had flashing red and blue lights. These additional officers also assisted in taking control of Gigena. At one point, another officer displayed and threatened the use of a taser to get Gigena to comply. Another officer gained control of Gigena’s arm and removed it from the officer’s neck. Officers testified that Gigena never relented his assault or resistance of law enforcement until he was forced to do so.
According to witness testimony, Gigena made multiple statements about being the “chief of the Indian people” and that they were not allowed to arrest him. Gigena was taken into custody soon after the assault.
“His resistance was aimed at injuring the officer,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Yeates during closing arguments. “Despite multiple warnings, despite multiple commands, the defendant fought to the bitter end until he was finally placed in handcuffs.”
Gigena’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 8.3 before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Pead and J. Drew Yeates of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
Published: 04.21.2025
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to recent reports around Secretary Hegseth’s sharing of operational plans:
“It is beyond belief that anyone in Secretary Hegseth’s position – or in a significantly more junior role, for that matter – would think that sharing sensitive operational details in an unsecured messaging app, and with family members, is remotely acceptable. If this new report is correct, this is the second time that Secretary Hegseth has endangered American service members during combat operations. These allegations are troubling on their own, but are particularly disturbing given the abrupt exodus of senior officials at the Pentagon and the new public warnings about Secretary Hegseth’s poor leadership by one of his own former top aides.
“Secretary Hegseth should own up to his actions and accept the consequences for potentially putting our service members in harm’s way due to his negligence. But we must not forget that ultimate responsibility here lies with President Trump for selecting a former weekend TV host, without any experience successfully leading a large and complex organization, to run our government’s biggest department and make life and death decisions for our military and country.”
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ZA Miner enables users to generate passive income by mining Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Litecoin online.
MIDDLESEX, United Kingdom, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZA Miner, a UK-based cloud mining company, announces the launch of its zero-cost cloud mining service, giving users the ability to mine popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin without investing in expensive hardware or electricity costs.
The new platform introduces a streamlined way for crypto enthusiasts and newcomers to earn passive income through mining—entirely online. By offering a $100 free mining contract upon registration, ZA Miner is making mining more accessible than ever.
No Equipment. No Experience. Just Crypto Rewards.
ZA Miner’s platform removes the traditional complexities of crypto mining. Users no longer need to purchase mining rigs or maintain servers. With just an email address, individuals can sign up and start earning daily payouts through a simple, user-friendly interface. The platform supports mining for Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Litecoin (LTC).
“We created ZA Miner with the belief that anyone should be able to participate in cryptocurrency mining without high costs or technical challenges,” said a company representative. “Our model is built for transparency, ease of use, and financial inclusion.”
Global Operations with Eco-Conscious Infrastructure
ZA Miner operates its mining farms in strategic, energy-efficient regions such as Kazakhstan and Iceland. These locations are selected for their low electricity rates and sustainable energy sources, allowing the company to pass cost savings and reliability on to its users.
Mining contracts from ZA Miner are designed to support users with varying levels of expertise.
Platform Highlights:
How to Begin:
ZA Miner’s free cloud mining model reflects a growing demand for accessible crypto tools. With reliable performance, global infrastructure, and a clear path for users to get started, the company is offering an opportunity for anyone to join the digital economy—no technical knowledge required.
About ZA Miner:
ZA Miner is a leading cloud mining provider based in Middlesex, United Kingdom, specializing in Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Litecoin mining services. Focused on making cryptocurrency mining accessible, affordable, and eco-conscious, ZA Miner combines cutting-edge technology, sustainable operations, and user-friendly solutions to empower individuals around the world to participate in the digital asset economy. For more information, visit www.zaminer.com.
Media Contact:
SHEIKH, Anisah Fatema
ZA FUNDINGS LTD
info@zaminer.com
https://www.zaminer.com/
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market continues to experience volatility, seasoned traders are looking for new ways to capitalize on market opportunities. Enter BexBack, the innovative crypto trading platform that is transforming the way people trade crypto futures. With no KYC, 100x leverage, and an aggressive bonus structure, BexBack is rapidly becoming the go-to destination for traders around the globe.
The New Standard in Crypto Trading
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Why Choose BexBack?
Get Started with BexBack Today
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About BexBack
BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and more than 50 other major altcoins. Founded in May 2024, the platform has rapidly gained a reputation for providing a seamless trading experience with no KYC, competitive 100% deposit bonuses, and fast execution of trades. Trusted by over 500,000 users worldwide, BexBack is committed to delivering an easy, secure, and user-friendly platform for crypto traders everywhere.
With a strong focus on customer service and offering 24/7 support, BexBack ensures traders have everything they need to succeed in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency.
Ready to claim your bonuses and start trading? Don’t miss out on 100x leverage, double deposit bonuses, and $50 welcome bonus. Sign up now and start trading today on BexBack!
Website: www.bexback.com
Contact: business@bexback.com
Contact:
Amanda
business@bexback.com
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Source: The Conversation – USA – By Molly Jackson, Religion and Ethics Editor
Pope Francis, whose papacy blended tradition with pushes for inclusion and reform, died on April, 21, 2025 – Easter Monday – at the age of 88.
Here we spotlight five stories from The Conversation’s archive about his roots, faith, leadership and legacy.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio became a pope of many firsts: the first modern pope from outside Europe, the first whose papal name honors St. Francis of Assisi, and the first Jesuit – a Catholic religious order founded in the 16th century.
Those Jesuit roots shed light on Pope Francis’ approach to some of the world’s most pressing problems, argues Timothy Gabrielli, a theologian at the University of Dayton.
Gabrielli highlights the Jesuits’ “Spiritual Exercises,” which prompt Catholics to deepen their relationship with God and carefully discern how to respond to problems. He argues that this spiritual pattern of looking beyond “presenting problems” to the deeper roots comes through in Francis’ writings, shaping the pope’s response to everything from climate change and inequality to clerical sex abuse.
Read more:
Francis is the first Jesuit pope – here’s how that has shaped his 10-year papacy
Early on in his papacy, Francis famously told an interviewer, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Over the years, he has repeatedly called on Catholics to love LGBTQ+ people and spoken against laws that target them.
But “Francis’ inclusiveness is not actually radical,” explains Steven Millies, a scholar at the Catholic Theological Union. “His remarks generally correspond to what the church teaches and calls on Catholics to do,” without changing doctrine – such as that marriage is only between a man and a woman.
Rather, Francis’ comments “express what the Catholic Church says about human dignity,” Millies writes. “Francis is calling on Catholics to take note that they should be concerned about justice for all people.”
At times, Francis did something that was once unthinkable for a pope: He apologized.
He was not the first pontiff to do so, however. Pope John Paul II declared a sweeping “Day of Pardon” in 2000, asking forgiveness for the church’s sins, and Pope Benedict XVI apologized to victims of sexual abuse. During Francis’ papacy, he acknowledged the church’s historic role in Canada’s residential school system for Indigenous children and apologized for abuses in the system.
But what does it mean for a pope to say, “I’m sorry”?
Annie Selak, a theologian at Georgetown University, unpacks the history and significance of papal apologies, which can speak for the entire church, past and present. Often, she notes, statements skirt an actual admission of wrongdoing.
Still, apologies “do say something important,” Selak writes. A pope “apologizes both to the church and on behalf of the church to the world. These apologies are necessary starting points on the path to forgiveness and healing.”
Many popes convene meetings of the Synod of Bishops to advise the Vatican on church governance. But under Francis, these gatherings took on special meaning.
The Synod on Synodality was a multiyear, worldwide conversation where Catholics could share concerns and challenges with local church leaders, informing the topics synod participants would eventually discuss in Rome. What’s more, the synod’s voting members included not only bishops but lay Catholics – a first for the church.
The process “pictures the Catholic Church not as a top-down hierarchy but rather as an open conversation,” writes University of Dayton religious studies scholar Daniel Speed Thompson – one in which everyone in the church has a voice and listens to others’ voices.
In 2024, University of Notre Dame professor David Lantigua had a cup of maté tea with some “porteños,” as people from Buenos Aires are known. They shared a surprising take on the Argentine pope: “a theologian of the tango.”
Francis does love the dance – in 2014, thousands of Catholics tangoed in St. Peter’s Square to honor his birthday. But there’s more to it, Lantigua explains. Francis’ vision for the church was “based on relationships of trust and solidarity,” like a pair of dance partners. And part of his task as pope was to “tango” with all the world’s Catholics, carefully navigating culture wars and an increasingly diverse church.
Francis was “less interested in ivory tower theology than the faith of people on the streets,” where Argentina’s beloved dance was born.
Read more:
At 88, Pope Francis dances the tango with the global Catholic Church amid its culture wars
This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives.
– ref. Francis, a pope of many firsts: 5 essential reads – https://theconversation.com/francis-a-pope-of-many-firsts-5-essential-reads-250500
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MILPITAS, Calif., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Scrut Automation, the creator of the next-gen GRC platform for fast-growing companies, announced the launch of Scrut Teammates, a system of verticalized AI agents that helps teams streamline and accelerate compliance and cyber risk management operations. This allows growing enterprises to manage both growth and risk more effectively, without having to choose between them. Built on top of the core Scrut Platform which already serves thousands of growing enterprises worldwide, Scrut Teammates helps unlock the next level of GRC automation by bringing intelligence, speed, and scale to compliance and risk workflows. With this launch, Scrut Automation becomes a pioneer in the NextGen GRC space to offer an AI agentic solution that transforms GRC workflows from a paperwork exercise to a risk-first approach. Scrut Teammates also brings forth new use cases of how businesses are able to apply Generative AI to address critical business needs.
While traditional GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance) automation addresses workflow orchestration and evidence collection, it still relies heavily on manual judgment to assess the adequacy of those artifacts. Until now, GRC professionals have had to take on effort-intensive tasks that involve cross-checking internal policies and procedures, manually reviewing evidence artifacts, and sifting through large sets of unstructured data to detect issues. This manual, time-consuming work in combination with being constantly prepared for complex audit checks leave little flexibility for GRC teams to design and implement strategic initiatives.
This gap is not merely a matter of limited bandwidth—it stems from a widening shortage of expert talent in the cybersecurity space. According to ISACA’s State of Cybersecurity 2024 report, 57% of organizations say their cybersecurity teams are understaffed, and 46% report having open roles for mid- or senior-level positions. The challenge isn’t just hiring more people—it’s accessing the specialized expertise needed to manage today’s complex risk landscape. As a result, many teams are forced to either deprioritize critical GRC initiatives or rely heavily on expensive external consultants to fill the expertise gap—both of which are unsustainable as companies scale.
Scrut Teammates addresses this gap by introducing an intelligence layer across GRC workflows. Powered by a system of generative AI and machine learning agents built on a proprietary knowledge graph, it brings together an organization’s complex and fragmented data. By mimicking human reasoning, Scrut Teammates interprets context, evaluates resolution paths, and delivers the most relevant, actionable responses.
“Most tools flag issues and hand you the mess. Scrut gets the workflow. I issue instructions in natural language – it builds the ticket, adds context, drafts the email, and sends it to the right team. No gaps, no bottlenecks,” explains Loris Gutic, Global CISO at Bright Security. “It doesn’t just surface problems – it helps close the loop, fast. For a security-first org, that kind of responsiveness isn’t a luxury, it’s table stakes.”
Scrut Teammates represents a new development in the GRC space, as its system of agents connects and analyzes data from both internal and external sources. This can include policy documents, cloud configurations, risk assessments, vendor CAIQ responses, regulatory requirements, control best practices, and more. Competing solutions use AI to answer support queries or automate security questionnaire responses. Scrut Teammates proactively tackles process-heavy tasks to identify gaps in risk visibility, suggest fixes, and automate follow up actions, enabling GRC professions to focus on high-impact work. The platform adapts to each company’s unique risk context, making it suitable for organizations and teams at any stage of growth. It delivers:
“Regulations are getting more complex and cyber criminals savvier by the day, and growing companies are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs. With the right tools to manage risk and compliance, the GRC teams at these companies can be more agile while aiding business continuity and growth“, says Aayush Ghosh Choudhury, co-founder and CEO at Scrut Automation. “Scrut Teammates was designed with their specific needs in mind to be especially customizable and flexible in different environments. ”
Scrut Teammates is ISO 42001 certified and will have demos at Scrut Automation’s booth (#2333 in the South Expo Hall) at the RSA conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco April 28-May 1, 2025. For more details, go to the Scrut Teammates page or contact sales@scrut.io.
About Scrut Automation
Scrut Automation, founded in 2021, enables fast-growing enterprises to manage their digital risk with confidence. Backed by Lightspeed, MassMutual Ventures, and Endiya Partners, Scrut supports thousands of organizations across more than 50 countries. Its flagship product, the Scrut Platform, helps users eliminate compliance debt with automated workflows, real-time risk visibility, and built-in expert guidance – empowering GRC teams to do more with less. Learn more at scrut.io.
Press Contact
scrut@karbocom.com
An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6179857-8857-484e-8de8-5921752aa214
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, today announced that it has ranked as a Leader and the only Outperformer for its Check Point Quantum Security Solutions in GigaOm’s latest Radar for Enterprise Firewall report. According to GigaOm, Check Point is recognized as a top performer thanks to its consistent rollout of new innovations features, high performance, threat analytics, management automation, ambitious development plan, strong focus on AI and relentless focus on security efficacy.
“We are extremely proud to deliver outstanding cyber security solutions to organizations and governments worldwide with our AI-driven Infinity platform,” said Eyal Manor, Vice President of Product Management at Check Point Software. “Being acknowledged by GigaOm as a Leader and the sole outperforming provider in the Enterprise Firewall category highlights our strategic progress and commitment to advancing digital protection.”
The GigaOm Radar report analyzed 14 leading enterprise firewall solutions, evaluating their features to pinpoint the top contenders. According to GigaOm analyst Paul Stringfellow, “Check Point is classified as an Outperformer due to its continual delivery of new features and an aggressive roadmap. With a strong focus on AI and on increasingly offloading to its hardware ASICs to improve performance, Check Point is positioned to set a strong example for the market.”
As cyber threats grow faster and more widespread, Check Point’s 2025 Security Report found a 44% increase in cyber-attacks. With this rise, businesses need a flexible, scalable, easy-to-manage, and cost-effective security solution with a strong network. Check Point meets all these needs as GigaOm acknowledged the company for its wide partner network that supports supply and deployment.
Furthermore, Check Point was acknowledged for the following strengths highlighted in GigaOm’s evaluation:
These features highlight the advantages of Check Point’s hybrid mesh firewall, which was recently recognized as the #1 AI-powered cyber security platform by Miercom.
Learn more about this accolade on our blog and access a free copy of the GigaOm Radar for Enterprise Firewalls here.
Follow Check Point via:
X (Formerly known as Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware
Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies
About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Platform Services for collaborative security operations and services.
Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding future growth, the expansion of Check Point’s industry leadership, the enhancement of shareholder value and the delivery of an industry-leading cyber security platform to customers worldwide. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TORONTO, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that it has begun shipping their much-anticipated NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ Series equipped line-up of laptops after initial unveil at CES 2025 subsequent pre-order on February 25, 2025. ASUS ROG’s line up of GeForce RTX™ Series Laptop GPUs include: ROG Strix SCAR 16 & 18, ROG Strix G16, and ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16, on retailers including Best Buy, Memory Express, Canada Computers and more. Featuring the latest cutting-edge silicon from Intel and NVIDIA, our portable line up is designed to deliver the power and performance that gamers can expect without compromise.
ROG Strix SCAR 16 & SCAR 18: Unleashing Ultimate Power & Precision
At the core of our 2025 lineup, the ROG Strix SCAR 16 & ROG Strix SCAR 18 pack serious power with an Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX processors and up to a NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 Laptop GPUs. Featuring a MUX Switch with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, they deliver seamless performance for AAA gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
With up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB PCIe Gen4 SSD storage, the SCAR Series offers blazing speed and smooth multitasking. The upgrade-friendly design makes memory and storage swaps easy. A standout AniMe Vision array and full-surround Aura RGB lighting add a bold, customizable aesthetic.
The ROG Nebula HDR Display on both models features a stunning 2.5K mini-LED panel with 2,000+ dimming zones, 240Hz refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio, and 100% DCI-P3 color—delivering ultra-vivid, responsive visuals with 1200 nits peak brightness and enhanced contrast.
ROG Strix G16: Empowering Every Gamer
Built to unite squads and elevate gameplay, the ROG Strix G16 delivers fast AAA gaming and smooth content creation with the Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 275HX and up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Series Laptop GPUs. Up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM ensures seamless multitasking, while advanced cooling—featuring Tri-Fan Technology and full-surround vents—keeps performance at its peak. Dual PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD slots (with Gen 5 support on Intel models) enable easy upgrades, and customizable hotkeys give gamers the edge they need.
ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16: Ultra-Portable Gaming at its Best
The ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 are top picks for gamers and creators who need portability without compromising power. Built from CNC-milled aluminum, they offer a lightweight yet durable design. The G16 is equipped with an Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 285H, up to 64GB of blazing-fast LPDDR5X 7467 memory, and up to 2TB of PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD storage. The G14 features up to an AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370, 32GB of LPDDR5X 8000 memory, and a 1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD. With GPU options up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 on the G16 and up to an RTX™ 5080 on the G14, both models deliver top-tier performance for demanding gaming, creative workloads, and seamless multitasking.
To keep things cool, both models use advanced thermal solutions with 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans and either vapor chambers or heat pipes, depending on the spec. At just 3.46 lbs (G14) and 4.30 lbs (G16), and under 1.6 cm thin, they’re made for mobility. With bold Slash Lighting and a sleek Platinum White finish, the Zephyrus series makes a statement in both form and function.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
Pre-orders for our NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 series-equipped laptops placed earlier on February have begun shipping starting with ROG Zephyrus G16 laptops. Availability at retailers, including Best Buy, Memory Express, Canada Computers, and selected retailers will continue to roll out throughout April and May. For specific release dates and availability, please reach out to your ASUS representative.
SPECIFICATIONS
ROG Strix SCAR 18
| Config Model Name | G835LX-XS99-CA | G835LX-XS97 | G835LW-BS97-CB | G835LW-XS97 | G835LR-XS96 |
| Marketing Name | ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025) | ||||
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | ||||
| Color | Off Black | ||||
| Weight | 3.30 Kg (7.28 lbs) | ||||
| Dimensions | 39.9 x 29.8 x 2.35 ~ 3.20 cm (15.71″ x 11.73″ x 0.93″ ~ 1.26″) | ||||
| Display | 18″, ROG Nebula HDR, Mini LED, 240Hz, 2560×1600, 500 nits (SDR), 1200 nits (HDR), 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR, 1200:1 contrast ratio | ||||
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX 2.7 GHz (36MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 24 cores, 24 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS |
||||
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU 24GB GDDR7 |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU 16GB GDDR7 |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR7 |
||
| Memory | 64 GB DDR5 (2 x 32 GB SO-DIMM) | 32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM) | 64 GB DDR5 (2 x 32 GB SO-DIMM) | 32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM) | |
| Storage | 2TB + 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
| Webcam | 1080p FHD IR Camera for Windows Hello | ||||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | ||||
| IO Ports | 1 x 2.5G Lan Jack 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack |
||||
| Battery | 90 Whr | ||||
| AC Adapter | Rectangle Conn, 380W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 19A, 380W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal | ||||
| MSRP | C$6,999 | C$6,499 | C$5,299 | C$5,299 | C$4,499 |
| Where to buy link | Best Buy Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
Best Buy ASUS |
Best Buy Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
Best Buy Canada Computers ASUS |
ROG Strix SCAR 16
| Config Model Name | G635LX-XS99-CA | G635LX-XS97 | G635LW-XS97 | G635LR-XS96 |
| Marketing Name | ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) | |||
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | |||
| Color | Off Black | |||
| Weight | 2.80 Kg (6.17 lbs) | |||
| Dimensions | 35.4 x 26.8 x 2.28 ~ 3.08 cm (13.94″ x 10.55″ x 0.90″ ~ 1.21″) | |||
| Display | 16″ ROG Nebula HDR, Mini LED, 240Hz, 2560×1600, 500 nits (SDR), 1200 nits (HDR), 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR, 1200:1 contrast ratio | |||
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX 2.7 GHz (36MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 24 cores, 24 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS |
|||
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU 24GB GDDR7 |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU 16GB GDDR7 |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR7 |
|
| Memory | 64 GB DDR5 (2 x 32 GB SO-DIMM) | 32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM) | ||
| Storage | 2TB + 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
| Webcam | 1080p FHD IR Camera for Windows Hello | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | |||
| IO Ports | 1 x 2.5G Lan Jack 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack |
|||
| Battery | 90 Whr | |||
| AC Adapter | Rectangle Conn, 380W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 19A, 380W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal | |||
| MSRP | C$6,699 | C$5,999 | C$4,999 | C$4,199 |
| Where to buy link | Best Buy Canada Computers ASUS |
Best Buy Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
Best Buy Canada Computers ASUS |
ROG Strix G16 (2025)
| Config Model Name | G615LW-XS96-CA | G615LR-DS96-CA | |
| Marketing Name | ROG Strix G16 (2025) | ||
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home | |
| Color | Off Black | ||
| Weight | 2.65 Kg (5.84 lbs) | ||
| Dimensions | 35.4 x 26.8 x 2.28 ~ 3.08 cm (13.94″ x 10.55″ x 0.90″ ~ 1.21″) | ||
| Display | 16-inch, 2.5K (2560 x 1600, WQXGA), 240HZ, 3ms, G-SYNC, 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS, anti-glare display, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, Dolby Vision HDR | ||
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX 2.7 GHz (36MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 24 cores, 24 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS |
||
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU 16GB GDDR7 |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR7 |
|
| Memory | 32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM) | ||
| Storage | 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (2x M.2 PCIe slots total) |
||
| Webcam | 1080p FHD IR Webcam | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | ||
| IO Ports | 1 x 2.5G Lan Jack 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack |
||
| Battery | 90 Whr | ||
| AC Adapter | Rectangle Conn, Up to 380W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 19A, 380W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal | ||
| MSRP | C$4,299 | C$3,599 | |
| Where to buy link | Best Buy Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
|
ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)
| Config Model Name | GA403WW-RS96-CA | GA403WR-DS96-CA |
| Marketing Name | ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home |
| Color | Platinum White | |
| Weight | 1.57 Kg (3.46 lbs) | |
| Dimensions | 31.1 x 22.0 x 1.59 ~ 1.83 cm (12.24″ x 8.66″ x 0.63″ ~ 0.72″) | |
| Display | 14″, ROG Nebula, OLED, 120Hz, 2880 x 1800, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR | |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 Processor 2.0GHz (36MB Cache, up to 5.1GHz, 12 cores, 24 Threads); AMD XDNA™ NPU up to 50TOPS |
|
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU 16GB GDDR7 |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR7 |
| Memory | 32 GB LPDDR5X 8000 (on board) | 32 GB LPDDR5X 7500 (on board) |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (1 x SSD PCIE 4.0) | |
| Webcam | 1080p FHD IR Webcam | |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | |
| IO Ports | 1 x USB 4.0 (PD, DP support) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack 1x card reader (microSD) (UHS-II) |
|
| Battery | 73 Whr | |
| AC Adapter | Rectangle Conn, 200W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 12A, 240W, Input: 100~240C AC 50/60Hz universal | |
| MSRP | C$4,299 | C$3,699 |
| Where to buy link | ASUS Canada Computers |
Best Buy Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
ROG Zephyrus G16
| Config Model Name | GU605CX-XS98-CA | GU605CW-XS98-CA | GU605CR-XS98-CA |
| Marketing Name | ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | ||
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | ||
| Color | Platinum White | ||
| Weight | 1.95 Kg (4.30 lbs) | ||
| Dimensions | 35.4 x 24.6 x 1.49 ~ 1.74 cm (13.94″ x 9.69″ x 0.59″ ~ 0.69″) | ||
| Display | 16″, ROG Nebula, OLED, 240Hz, 2560×1600, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR | ||
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285H 2.9 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 16 cores, 16 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS |
||
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU 24GB GDDR7 |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU 16GB GDDR7 |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR7 |
| Memory | 64 GB LPDDR5X 7467 (on board) | ||
| Storage | 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (2 x SSD PCIE 4.0) | ||
| Webcam | 1080p FHD IR Webcam | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | ||
| IO Ports | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 (PD, DP support) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack 1x card reader (SD) (UHS-II, 312MB/s |
||
| Battery | 90 Whr | ||
| AC Adapter | Rectangle Conn, 240W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 12A, 240W, Input: 100~240C AC 50/60Hz universal | ||
| MSRP | C$5,999 | C$5,299 | C$4,799 |
| Where to buy link | Best Buy Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
Best Buy Canada Computers Memory Express ASUS |
Best Buy Canada Computers ASUS |
NOTES TO EDITORS
Where to buy links:
2025 ROG Gaming Laptops: https://rog.asus.com/content/2025-rog-gaming-laptops/
ROG Strix SCAR 18 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-18-2025/
ROG Strix SCAR 16 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-16-2025/
ROG Strix G18 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-g18-2025/
ROG Strix G16 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-g16-2025/
ROG Zephyrus G14 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g14-2025/
ROG Zephyrus G16 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g16-2025-gu605/
ROG Flow Z13 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-flow/rog-flow-z13-2025/
ROG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asusrog
ROG X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus_rog
ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com
ASUS Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asus
ASUS Global Twitter: https://www.x.com/asus
About ROG
Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d97476b-b354-4048-936e-d919b5e64652
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Nashville, TN, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), is thrilled to announce its title sponsorship of the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This exciting collaboration marks a milestone in the brand’s journey to connect with motorsports enthusiasts across the nation.
The American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals is one of the most anticipated events in drag racing, showcasing the thrill and intensity of the sport as racers go 4 wide at over 300 miles an hour. With American Rebel Light as the title sponsor, fans can expect a weekend packed with adrenaline-pumping action and patriotic punch.
“As a brand dedicated to celebrating the American spirit, we couldn’t be more excited to sponsor such an iconic event,” said Todd Porter, President of American Rebel Beverage. “The American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals represents the perfect platform for us to engage with our audience, support motorsports, and share our exceptional beer with racing fans everywhere.”
“American Rebel is honored to be named entitlement sponsor for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway on the Charlotte Motor Speedway property,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. “It’s also an honor to be the entitlement sponsor for the 1,000th Top Fuel event and celebrate that milestone with the NHRA. We’ve been sponsoring Tony Stewart Racing and the Matt Hagan Funny Car for three seasons now and the relationship with Tony, Leah, Matt and everyone in the wider NHRA family has been extraordinary. Our racing marketing program has opened many doors and helped establish numerous critical associations that have advanced American Rebel Beer. Being the title sponsor at Charlotte Motor Speedway will roll out American Rebel Beer in North Carolina in a big way. The only thing better than a weekend at the track and celebrating in victory lane with a cold Rebel Light is bringing the party. I’ll be performing a concert on the midway at the track between Nitro Qualifying Sessions #3 & #4.”
American Rebel Light will be featured prominently at the event with branded signage all throughout the track, a promotional party tent, and opportunities for fans to sample the beer. In addition, the company plans to host exclusive promotions and giveaways that highlight its commitment to quality and connection.
The American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will take place April 25 – 27 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, promising three days of unforgettable racing action. Tickets are available now at American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Tickets | Events | Charlotte Motor Speedway.
About American Rebel Light:
American Rebel Light is more than just a beer—it’s a celebration of freedom, passion, and quality. Brewed with care and precision, our light beer delivers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for every occasion.
For more information about American Rebel Light and its sponsorship of the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, visit American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals | Events | Charlotte Motor Speedway or follow us on social media @AmericanRebelBeer.
Since its launch in September 2024, American Rebel Light Beer has rolled out in Tennessee, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri and North Carolina and is adding new distributors and territories regularly. For more information about the launch events and the availability of American Rebel Beer, please visit americanrebelbeer.com or follow us on our social media platforms.
Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.
American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.
About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.
American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
info@americanrebel.com
American Rebel Beverages, LLC
Todd Porter, President
tporter@americanrebelbeer.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of a launch party, actual launch timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Company Contact:
tporter@americanrebelbeer.com
info@americanrebel.com
Media Contact:
Matt Sheldon
Matt@PrecisionPR.co
Attachment
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
New York, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaltura (Nasdaq: KLTR), the AI Video Experience Cloud, today announced that it has been recognized as a Representative Vendor in the Gartner Market Guide for Video Platform Services.
Enterprise video platforms are becoming increasingly mission-critical and are utilized in more innovative ways than ever before, with the assistance of disruptive agentic AI-powered capabilities.
Kaltura remains committed to delivering the world’s leading Video Platform. Kaltura’s AI Video Experience Cloud includes leading live, real-time, and on-demand video solutions for enterprises, including a Video Content Management System (VCMS), a Video Portal, LMS and CMS video extensions, a Virtual Classroom, Virtual events & webinars, a TV Content Management System (TVCMS), and TV streaming Apps. All products offer robust engaging features and top-notch reliability, scalability, security, compliance, privacy, and accessibility that address the most demanding needs and requirements of top organizations worldwide.
With support for cloud, on-prem, and hybrid models, Kaltura video cloud is uniquely built atop a unified platform that powers all products and a wide range of enterprise use cases, spanning across marketing, sales, customer enablement & success; teaching, learning, training and certification; communication & collaboration; and entertainment & monetization.
Kaltura’s unified platform enables customers across industries to reduce silos, cut costs, streamline operations, and benefit from holistic business insights. Many leading organizations are consolidating their various video needs on Kaltura’s unified platform instead of utilizing numerous point solutions from different vendors. Kaltura’s platform and products are also uniquely designed and built with an API-first modular architecture that enables seamless integration into other systems, extensive customizations, and that can be deeply embedded into business workflows.
Kaltura is now also at the forefront of implementing AI and automation into enterprise video experiences, enabling organizations to maximize the value of their media assets.
The recently launched Kaltura Work Genie and Kaltura Class Genie AI-powered agents deliver hyper-personalized, immersive digital experiences for customers, employees, and students. Combining real-time immersive content creation with personalization at scale enables anyone in the organization to instantly discover customized materials, based on their specific needs, drawn exclusively from secure and verified organizational knowledge bases. This ensures accuracy, relevance, and improved outcomes. In addition, the recently launched Kaltura TV Genie enables media and telecommunication companies to offer hyper-personalized lean-forward viewing experiences for audiences, as well as to streamline their operations through enhancement and automation of content enrichment and curation. Kaltura AI Content Lab enables content creators to quickly transform their content into engaging, bite-sized experiences. With a single click, Content Lab generates clips, video quizzes, summaries, and chapters from videos and audio, saving time, reducing costs, and maximizing content value.
“We believe the Gartner recognition of Kaltura echoes our commitment to continue advancing video platforms through disruptive innovation,” said Ron Yekutiel, Co-founder, Chairman, President and CEO at Kaltura. “Our agentic AI offerings empower enterprises to streamline, automate, and personalize every aspect of the video lifecycle, from creation to engagement. We convert routine manual tasks and generic insights and experiences, into automatic workflows and hyper-personalized insights and experiences, that boost efficiency, productivity, engagement, and business results.”
To learn more about Kaltura’s interactive, AI-infused video solutions that increase engagement and boost business outcomes, visit here. To view a complimentary copy of the Gartner Market Guide for Video Platform Services, click here.
Gartner Disclaimer
Gartner, Inc. Market Guide for Video Platform Services. Amol Nerlekar, Peter Kjeldsen, Forest Conner. 19 March 2025
GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
About Kaltura
Kaltura’s mission is to create and power AI-infused hyper-personalized video experiences that boost customer and employee engagement and success. Kaltura’s AI Video Experience Cloud includes a platform for enterprise and TV content management and a wide array of Gen AI-infused video-first products, including Video Portals, LMS and CMS Video Extensions, Virtual Events and Webinars, Virtual Classrooms, and TV Streaming Applications. Kaltura engages millions of end-users at home, at work, and at school, boosting both customer and employee experiences, including marketing, sales, and customer success; teaching, learning, training and certification; communication and collaboration; and entertainment, and monetization. For more information, visit www.corp.kaltura.com.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
First Quarter 2025 Highlights
LA JOLLA, Calif., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Private Bancorp of America, Inc. (OTCQX: PBAM), (“Company”) and CalPrivate Bank (“Bank”) announced unaudited financial results for the first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company reported net income of $10.6 million, or $1.80 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $10.7 million, or $1.82 per diluted share, in the prior quarter, and $7.9 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024.
Rick Sowers, President and CEO of the Company and the Bank stated, “We continue to be pleased by the Company and the Team’s performance. Strong growth in core deposits over the past year continues and we remain focused on building strong Relationships with our Clients. Loan demand was soft in Q1, as Clients and financial markets digest the current economy and prospects for future growth and stability. We remain optimistic that markets will settle, and demand will return. In the meantime, we are focused on providing the Distinctively Different Service our Clients and Prospects are seeking, getting more efficient and effective in our business through technology, continuous process improvement and building a strong Team throughout the Bank.”
Sowers added, “The Bank was recognized throughout the last year for superior financial performance and industry leading service metrics. These recognitions highlight CalPrivate Bank’s dedication to excellence, innovation, delivering Client-focused banking solutions and enhancing shareholder value:
“As Los Angeles continues to tackle the enormous task of cleaning up after the devastating fires, CalPrivate Bank remains committed to being a partner to our Clients and the Communities we serve.”
“As our economy transitions based on priorities of the new administration in Washington DC, and global economic uncertainties increase, management and the board are diligently assessing and acting upon potential future risks and market opportunities. The Bank continues to produce top tier financial results by seeking improved productivity through technology investments, streamlined systems and processes, and hiring top bankers in existing and potential new markets and market segments. We continue to prioritize unparalleled Client service and creative Solutions for our loyal and growing client base. We continue to support a broad range of non-profit organizations in the communities we serve, both through team member volunteering activities and financial resources. Our Team takes great pride in doing well for shareholders by doing good for clients and community,” said Selwyn Isakow, Chairman of the Board of the Company and the Bank.
STATEMENT OF INCOME
Net Interest Income
Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $27.7 million, an increase of $0.3 million or 1.2% from the prior quarter and an increase of $5.0 million or 21.8% from the first quarter of 2024. The increase from the prior quarter was due to a $0.5 million decrease in interest expense, resulting from a 22 basis point reduction in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, primarily driven by a 14 basis point decrease in the cost of total deposits.
Net Interest Margin
Net interest margin for the first quarter of 2025 was 4.61%, compared to 4.67% for the prior quarter and 4.31% in the first quarter of 2024. The 6 basis point decrease in net interest margin from the prior quarter was primarily due to lower yields on interest-earning assets and a decrease in prepayment-penalty fees. The yield on interest-earning assets was 6.70% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 6.89% for the prior quarter, and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.14% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 3.36% in the prior quarter. The cost of total deposits was 2.22% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2.36% in the prior quarter. The cost of core deposits, which excludes brokered deposits, was 1.99% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2.07% in the prior quarter. The spot rate for total deposits was 2.11% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 2.29% at December 31, 2024.
Provision for Credit Losses
Provision expense for credit losses for the first quarter of 2025 was $0.3 million, compared to $17 thousand in the prior quarter and $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2024. The provision expense for loans HFI for the first quarter of 2025 was $0.5 million, primarily reflecting heightened macroeconomic uncertainty incorporated into our forecasts. This was offset by a $0.2 million reversal for unfunded commitments due to increased line of credit utilization that resulted in lower unfunded commitment balances. For more details, please refer to the “Asset Quality” section below.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income was $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $1.9 million in the prior quarter and $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2024. SBA loan sales for the first quarter of 2025 were $8.3 million with a 10.86% average trade premium resulting in a net gain on sale of $469 thousand, compared with $14.9 million with a 11.45% average trade premium resulting in a net gain on sale of $932 thousand in the prior quarter.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense was $14.1 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $14.2 million in the prior quarter and $12.8 million in the first quarter of 2024. The efficiency ratio was 47.90% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 48.34% in the prior quarter and 52.84% in the first quarter of 2024. The slight decrease in the efficiency ratio from the prior quarter was due to the decrease in noninterest expense.
The Company remains committed to making investments in the business, including technology, marketing, and staffing. Inflationary pressures and low unemployment continue to have an impact on rising wages as well as increased costs related to third party service providers, which we proactively monitor and manage.
Provision for Income Tax Expense
Provision for income tax expense was $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $4.5 million for the prior quarter. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2025 was 29.5%, compared to 29.6% in the prior quarter and 29.5% in the first quarter of 2024.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
As of March 31, 2025, total assets were $2.48 billion, an increase of $58.9 million since December 31, 2024. The increase in assets from the prior quarter was primarily due to higher cash and due from banks and investment securities, partially offset by lower loans receivable. Our total cash and due from banks increased to $218.5 million as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $54.6 million or 33.3% since December 31, 2024, primarily due to strong growth in core deposits along with lower loan demand. Investment securities available-for-sale (“AFS”) were $156.3 million as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $11.1 million or 7.6% since December 31, 2024, primarily as a result of new securities purchased. As of March 31, 2025, the net unrealized loss on the AFS investment securities portfolio, which is comprised mostly of US Treasury and Government Agency debt, was $10.1 million (pre-tax) compared to a loss of $12.1 million (pre-tax) as of December 31, 2024. The average duration of the Bank’s AFS portfolio is 3.8 years. The Company has no held-to-maturity securities. Loans HFI totaled $2.08 billion as of March 31, 2025, a decrease of $6.5 million or 0.3% since December 31, 2024, reflecting lower loan production as borrowers deferred new financings amid economic and interest-rate uncertainty as well as wildfire-related disruptions in Southern California.
Total deposits were $2.19 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $57.7 million since December 31, 2024. During the quarter, core deposits increased by $154.6 million, which was driven by a $108.9 million increase in interest-bearing core deposits (including balances in the Intrafi ICS and CDARS programs) and a $45.7 million increase in noninterest-bearing core deposits. The deposit mix has continued to shift due to short-term interest rates remaining elevated compared to recent years. Noninterest-bearing deposits represent 29.2% of total core deposits. Offsetting the increase to total deposits from core deposits, brokered deposits decreased by $96.9 million. Uninsured deposits, net of collateralized and fiduciary deposit accounts, represent 50.1% of total deposits as of March 31, 2025.
As of March 31, 2025, total available liquidity was $2.1 billion or 192.8% of uninsured deposits, net of collateralized and fiduciary deposit accounts. Total available liquidity is comprised of $366 million of on-balance sheet liquidity (cash and investment securities) and $1.8 billion of unused borrowing capacity.
Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”)
As of March 31, 2025, the allowance for loan losses was $26.4 million or 1.27% of loans HFI, compared to $27.3 million or 1.31% of loans HFI as of December 31, 2024. The decrease in the coverage ratio from December 31, 2024 is due primarily to a $1.1 million partial charge-off of a nonaccrual loan that previously had a specific reserve of $2.0 million. The Company continues to have strong credit metrics and its nonperforming assets are 0.63% of total assets as of March 31, 2025 compared to 0.47% as of December 31, 2024. The reserve for unfunded commitments was $1.3 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $1.5 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease in the reserve for unfunded commitments was due to lower unfunded commitment balances (driven by higher credit line usage). Given the credit quality of the loan portfolio, management believes we are sufficiently reserved.
At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were no doubtful credits and classified assets were $27.8 million and $14.9 million, respectively. Total classified assets consisted of 20 loans as of March 31, 2025, which included 17 loans totaling $24.7 million secured by real estate with a weighted average LTV of 52.7%, of which 11 loans totaling $16.4 million had SBA guarantees. The remaining three loans were $3.1 million of commercial and industrial loans, one of which was an unsecured loan on nonaccrual status with a carrying value of $1.5 million and a specific reserve of $1.0 million (net of a $1.1 million partial charge off).
The Bank’s loan portfolio does include assets that are in the affected areas of Los Angeles devastated by wildfires. However, based on assessments performed to date, management does not believe there is a material impact to the financial statements.
Capital Ratios (2)
The Bank’s capital ratios were in excess of the levels established for “well capitalized” institutions and are as follows:
| March 31, 2025(2) | December 31, 2024 | |
| CalPrivate Bank | ||
| Tier I leverage ratio | 10.35% | 10.39% |
| Tier I risk-based capital ratio | 11.75% | 11.29% |
| Total risk-based capital ratio | 13.00% | 12.54% |
(2) March 31, 2025 capital ratios are preliminary and subject to change.
About Private Bancorp of America, Inc. (OTCQX: PBAM)
PBAM is the holding company for CalPrivate Bank, which operates offices in Coronado, San Diego, La Jolla, Newport Beach, El Segundo, and Beverly Hills, as well as through efficient digital banking services. CalPrivate Bank is driven by its core values of building client Relationships based on superior funding Solutions, unparalleled Service, and mutual Trust. The Bank caters to high-net-worth individuals, professionals, closely-held businesses, and real estate entrepreneurs, delivering a Distinctly Different™ personalized banking experience while leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance our clients’ evolving needs. CalPrivate Bank is in the top tier of customer service survey ratings in the nation, scoring almost 3x higher than the median domestic bank. The Bank offers comprehensive deposit and treasury services, rapid and creative loan options including various portfolio and government-guaranteed lending programs, cross border banking, and innovative, unique technologies that drive enhanced client performance. CalPrivate Bank has been recognized by Bank Director’s RankingBanking® as the 10th best bank in the country and the #1 bank in its asset class for both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). CalPrivate Bank was also ranked in the top 5% of banks in the U.S. with assets between $2B and $10B by American Banker. Additionally, CalPrivate Bank is a Bauer Financial 5-star rated bank, an SBA Preferred Lender, and has been honored as Community Bank 504 Lender of the Year by the NADCO Community Impact Awards, exemplifying excellence in the banking industry. These prestigious rankings highlight the Bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional banking services and setting new industry standards.
CalPrivate Bank’s website is www.calprivate.bank.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures in addition to results presented in accordance with GAAP, including adjusted income before provision for income taxes, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share (“Adjusted EPS”), efficiency ratio, adjusted efficiency ratio, pretax pre-provision net revenue, average tangible common equity, adjusted return on average assets, return on average tangible common equity and adjusted return on average tangible common equity. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such results of operations and financial condition, to permit investors to effectively analyze financial trends of our business activities, and to enhance comparability with peers across the financial services sector. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information. A reconciliation of the most comparable GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures is included in the accompanying financial tables.
Investor Relations Contacts
Rick Sowers
President and Chief Executive Officer
Private Bancorp of America, Inc., and CalPrivate Bank
(424) 303-4894
Cory Stewart
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Private Bancorp of America, Inc., and CalPrivate Bank
(206) 293-3669
Safe Harbor Paragraph
This communication contains expressions of expectations, both implied and explicit, that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, especially given the current turmoil in the banking and financial markets. These factors include the effects of depositors withdrawing funds unexpectedly, counterparties being unable to provide liquidity sources that we believe should be available, loan losses, economic conditions and competition in the geographic and business areas in which Private Bancorp of America, Inc. operates, including competition in lending and deposit acquisition, the unpredictability of fee income from participation in SBA loan programs, the effects of bank failures, liquidations and mergers in our markets and nationally, our ability to successfully integrate and develop business through the addition of new personnel, whether our efforts to expand loan, product and service offerings will prove profitable, system failures and data security, whether we can effectively secure and implement new technology solutions, inflation, fluctuations in interest rates, legislation and governmental regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and we undertake no obligation to update those statements whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or otherwise. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from what we anticipate or project. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Although we believe in good faith the assumptions and bases supporting our forward-looking statements to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that those assumptions and bases will prove accurate.
| PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) |
||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | $ | 34,720 | $ | 16,528 | $ | 13,136 | ||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions | 16,155 | 10,419 | 34,790 | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits at Federal Reserve Bank | 167,606 | 136,929 | 93,575 | |||||||||
| Total cash and due from banks | 218,481 | 163,876 | 141,501 | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing time deposits with other institutions | 4,213 | 4,189 | 4,032 | |||||||||
| Investment debt securities available for sale | 156,346 | 145,238 | 114,067 | |||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 2,066 | 3,008 | 383 | |||||||||
| Loans, net of deferred fees and costs and unaccreted discounts | 2,078,653 | 2,085,149 | 1,906,992 | |||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (26,437 | ) | (27,267 | ) | (24,693 | ) | ||||||
| Loans held-for-investment, net of allowance | 2,052,216 | 2,057,882 | 1,882,299 | |||||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost | 9,586 | 9,586 | 8,915 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right of use assets | 6,383 | 6,819 | 2,765 | |||||||||
| Premises and equipment, net | 2,432 | 2,335 | 1,804 | |||||||||
| Servicing assets, net | 1,993 | 2,087 | 2,203 | |||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable | 8,148 | 7,993 | 7,931 | |||||||||
| Other assets | 21,009 | 20,998 | 21,877 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,482,873 | $ | 2,424,011 | $ | 2,187,777 | ||||||
| Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest bearing | $ | 599,095 | $ | 553,405 | $ | 516,294 | ||||||
| Interest bearing | 1,593,014 | 1,581,054 | 1,388,381 | |||||||||
| Total deposits | 2,192,109 | 2,134,459 | 1,904,675 | |||||||||
| FHLB borrowings | 16,000 | 28,000 | 53,000 | |||||||||
| Other borrowings | 17,970 | 17,969 | 17,963 | |||||||||
| Accrued interest payable and other liabilities | 21,559 | 20,049 | 18,107 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 2,247,638 | 2,200,477 | 1,993,745 | |||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | ||||||||||||
| Common stock | 76,156 | 75,377 | 74,105 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 3,712 | 4,393 | 4,108 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 162,462 | 152,252 | 124,464 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net | (7,095 | ) | (8,488 | ) | (8,645 | ) | ||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 235,235 | 223,534 | 194,032 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,482,873 | $ | 2,424,011 | $ | 2,187,777 | ||||||
| PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||||||||||||
| For the three months ended | ||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Interest Income | ||||||||||||
| Loans | $ | 36,565 | $ | 37,259 | $ | 33,006 | ||||||
| Investment securities | 1,505 | 1,510 | 979 | |||||||||
| Deposits in other financial institutions | 2,198 | 1,661 | 1,799 | |||||||||
| Total interest income | 40,268 | 40,430 | 35,784 | |||||||||
| Interest Expense | ||||||||||||
| Deposits | 11,899 | 12,297 | 12,130 | |||||||||
| Borrowings | 637 | 726 | 886 | |||||||||
| Total interest expense | 12,536 | 13,023 | 13,016 | |||||||||
| Net interest income | 27,732 | 27,407 | 22,768 | |||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 299 | 17 | 233 | |||||||||
| Net interest income after provision for credit losses | 27,433 | 27,390 | 22,535 | |||||||||
| Noninterest income: | ||||||||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | 557 | 558 | 388 | |||||||||
| Net gain on sale of loans | 469 | 932 | 681 | |||||||||
| Other noninterest income | 587 | 456 | 357 | |||||||||
| Total noninterest income | 1,613 | 1,946 | 1,426 | |||||||||
| Noninterest expense: | ||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | 9,748 | 9,539 | 8,861 | |||||||||
| Occupancy and equipment | 844 | 847 | 770 | |||||||||
| Data processing | 1,326 | 1,195 | 1,058 | |||||||||
| Professional services | 508 | 573 | 488 | |||||||||
| Other expenses | 1,629 | 2,036 | 1,606 | |||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | 14,055 | 14,190 | 12,783 | |||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 14,991 | 15,146 | 11,178 | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 4,429 | 4,488 | 3,294 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 10,562 | $ | 10,658 | $ | 7,884 | ||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 10,482 | $ | 10,573 | $ | 7,832 | ||||||
| Earnings per share | ||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 1.83 | $ | 1.85 | $ | 1.38 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.80 | $ | 1.82 | $ | 1.36 | ||||||
| Average shares outstanding | 5,734,688 | 5,716,291 | 5,679,843 | |||||||||
| Diluted average shares outstanding | 5,826,229 | 5,813,197 | 5,754,937 | |||||||||
| PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC. Consolidated average balance sheet, interest, yield and rates (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Balance |
Interest | Average Yield/Rate |
Average Balance |
Interest | Average Yield/Rate |
Average Balance |
Interest | Average Yield/Rate |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Earnings Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits in other financial institutions | $ | 202,907 | $ | 2,198 | 4.39 | % | $ | 143,053 | $ | 1,661 | 4.62 | % | $ | 135,511 | $ | 1,799 | 5.34 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 157,747 | 1,505 | 3.82 | % | 155,768 | 1,510 | 3.88 | % | 119,690 | 979 | 3.27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans, including LHFS | 2,078,588 | 36,565 | 7.13 | % | 2,036,178 | 37,259 | 7.28 | % | 1,868,308 | 33,006 | 7.11 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 2,439,242 | 40,268 | 6.70 | % | 2,334,999 | 40,430 | 6.89 | % | 2,123,509 | 35,784 | 6.78 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets | 28,536 | 24,951 | 25,469 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 2,467,778 | $ | 2,359,950 | $ | 2,148,978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-Bearing Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest bearing DDA, excluding brokered | 244,301 | 970 | 1.61 | % | 178,811 | 634 | 1.41 | % | 109,838 | 441 | 1.61 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings & MMA, excluding brokered | 955,259 | 6,830 | 2.90 | % | 904,191 | 6,991 | 3.08 | % | 765,770 | 6,421 | 3.37 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits, excluding brokered | 196,375 | 1,956 | 4.04 | % | 191,794 | 2,004 | 4.16 | % | 155,703 | 1,583 | 4.09 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total deposits, excluding brokered | 1,395,935 | 9,756 | 2.83 | % | 1,274,796 | 9,629 | 3.00 | % | 1,031,311 | 8,445 | 3.29 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total brokered deposits | 183,059 | 2,143 | 4.75 | % | 218,792 | 2,668 | 4.85 | % | 287,885 | 3,685 | 5.15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Deposits | 1,578,994 | 11,899 | 3.06 | % | 1,493,588 | 12,297 | 3.28 | % | 1,319,196 | 12,130 | 3.70 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FHLB advances | 24,122 | 272 | 4.57 | % | 29,446 | 343 | 4.63 | % | 49,935 | 614 | 4.95 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 17,981 | 365 | 8.23 | % | 17,967 | 383 | 8.48 | % | 17,962 | 272 | 6.09 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities | 1,621,097 | 12,536 | 3.14 | % | 1,541,001 | 13,023 | 3.36 | % | 1,387,093 | 13,016 | 3.77 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing deposits | 594,408 | 577,462 | 553,541 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Funding Sources | 2,215,505 | 12,536 | 2.29 | % | 2,118,463 | 13,023 | 2.45 | % | 1,940,634 | 13,016 | 2.70 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities | 21,542 | 21,524 | 18,018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | 230,731 | 219,963 | 190,326 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 2,467,778 | $ | 2,359,950 | $ | 2,148,978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income/spread | $ | 27,732 | 4.41 | % | $ | 27,407 | 4.44 | % | $ | 22,768 | 4.08 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest margin | 4.61 | % | 4.67 | % | 4.31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC. Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | $ | 218,481 | $ | 163,876 | $ | 207,174 | $ | 158,377 | $ | 141,501 | ||||||||||
| Interest-bearing time deposits with other institutions | 4,213 | 4,189 | 4,124 | 4,097 | 4,032 | |||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 156,346 | 145,238 | 141,100 | 121,725 | 114,067 | |||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 2,066 | 3,008 | 2,040 | – | 383 | |||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | 2,078,653 | 2,085,149 | 2,012,457 | 1,979,720 | 1,906,992 | |||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (26,437 | ) | (27,267 | ) | (26,594 | ) | (26,591 | ) | (24,693 | ) | ||||||||||
| Loans held-for-investment, net of allowance | 2,052,216 | 2,057,882 | 1,985,863 | 1,953,129 | 1,882,299 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right of use assets | 6,383 | 6,819 | 4,344 | 4,719 | 2,765 | |||||||||||||||
| Premises and equipment, net | 2,432 | 2,335 | 2,345 | 2,207 | 1,804 | |||||||||||||||
| Other assets and interest receivable | 40,736 | 40,664 | 39,383 | 41,430 | 40,926 | |||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,482,873 | $ | 2,424,011 | $ | 2,386,373 | $ | 2,285,684 | $ | 2,187,777 | ||||||||||
| Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest Bearing | $ | 599,095 | $ | 553,405 | $ | 584,292 | $ | 557,055 | $ | 516,294 | ||||||||||
| Interest Bearing | 1,593,014 | 1,581,054 | 1,522,839 | 1,444,671 | 1,388,381 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Deposits | 2,192,109 | 2,134,459 | 2,107,131 | 2,001,726 | 1,904,675 | |||||||||||||||
| Borrowings | 33,970 | 45,969 | 45,967 | 65,965 | 70,963 | |||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest payable and other liabilities | 21,559 | 20,049 | 19,062 | 16,551 | 18,107 | |||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 2,247,638 | 2,200,477 | 2,172,160 | 2,084,242 | 1,993,745 | |||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock | 76,156 | 75,377 | 74,688 | 74,636 | 74,105 | |||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 3,712 | 4,393 | 4,271 | 3,717 | 4,108 | |||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 162,462 | 152,252 | 141,623 | 132,179 | 124,464 | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income | (7,095 | ) | (8,488 | ) | (6,369 | ) | (9,090 | ) | (8,645 | ) | ||||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 235,235 | 223,534 | 214,213 | 201,442 | 194,032 | |||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,482,873 | $ | 2,424,011 | $ | 2,386,373 | $ | 2,285,684 | $ | 2,187,777 | ||||||||||
| Book value per common share | $ | 40.63 | $ | 38.76 | $ | 37.21 | $ | 35.03 | $ | 33.94 | ||||||||||
| Tangible book value per common share(1) | $ | 40.29 | $ | 38.40 | $ | 36.87 | $ | 34.65 | $ | 33.55 | ||||||||||
| Shares outstanding | 5,789,306 | 5,766,810 | 5,756,207 | 5,751,143 | 5,717,519 | |||||||||||||||
(1) Non-GAAP measure. See GAAP to non-GAAP Reconciliation table.
| PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC. Condensed Statements of Income (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|||||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 40,268 | $ | 40,430 | $ | 40,018 | $ | 38,662 | $ | 35,784 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 12,536 | 13,023 | 14,311 | 13,992 | 13,016 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | 27,732 | 27,407 | 25,707 | 24,670 | 22,768 | ||||||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 299 | 17 | 304 | 2,136 | 233 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest income after provision for credit losses | 27,433 | 27,390 | 25,403 | 22,534 | 22,535 | ||||||||||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | 557 | 558 | 504 | 430 | 388 | ||||||||||||||
| Net gain on sale of loans | 469 | 932 | 587 | 661 | 681 | ||||||||||||||
| Other noninterest income | 587 | 456 | 343 | 447 | 357 | ||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | 1,613 | 1,946 | 1,434 | 1,538 | 1,426 | ||||||||||||||
| Compensation and employee benefits | 9,748 | 9,539 | 9,422 | 8,836 | 8,861 | ||||||||||||||
| Occupancy and equipment | 844 | 847 | 818 | 822 | 770 | ||||||||||||||
| Data processing | 1,326 | 1,195 | 1,238 | 1,183 | 1,058 | ||||||||||||||
| Professional services | 508 | 573 | 252 | 424 | 488 | ||||||||||||||
| Other expenses | 1,629 | 2,036 | 1,695 | 1,697 | 1,606 | ||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | 14,055 | 14,190 | 13,425 | 12,962 | 12,783 | ||||||||||||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 14,991 | 15,146 | 13,412 | 11,110 | 11,178 | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes | 4,429 | 4,488 | 3,959 | 3,283 | 3,294 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 10,562 | $ | 10,658 | $ | 9,453 | $ | 7,827 | $ | 7,884 | |||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 10,482 | $ | 10,573 | $ | 9,373 | $ | 7,761 | $ | 7,832 | |||||||||
| Earnings per share | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 1.83 | $ | 1.85 | $ | 1.64 | $ | 1.36 | $ | 1.38 | |||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.80 | $ | 1.82 | $ | 1.63 | $ | 1.35 | $ | 1.36 | |||||||||
| Average shares outstanding | 5,734,688 | 5,716,291 | 5,707,723 | 5,702,938 | 5,679,843 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted average shares outstanding | 5,826,229 | 5,813,197 | 5,767,401 | 5,762,616 | 5,754,937 | ||||||||||||||
| Performance Ratios | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| ROAA | 1.74 | % | 1.80 | % | 1.62 | % | 1.40 | % | 1.48 | % | |||||||||
| ROAE | 18.56 | % | 19.28 | % | 18.00 | % | 15.81 | % | 16.66 | % | |||||||||
| ROATCE(1) | 18.74 | % | 19.46 | % | 18.18 | % | 15.99 | % | 16.86 | % | |||||||||
| Net interest margin | 4.61 | % | 4.67 | % | 4.44 | % | 4.48 | % | 4.31 | % | |||||||||
| Net interest spread | 4.41 | % | 4.44 | % | 4.20 | % | 4.24 | % | 4.08 | % | |||||||||
| Efficiency ratio(1) | 47.90 | % | 48.34 | % | 49.46 | % | 49.46 | % | 52.84 | % | |||||||||
| Noninterest expense / average assets | 2.31 | % | 2.39 | % | 2.29 | % | 2.32 | % | 2.39 | % | |||||||||
(1) Non-GAAP measure. See GAAP to non-GAAP Reconciliation table.
| PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC. (Unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected Quarterly Average Balances | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,467,778 | $ | 2,359,950 | $ | 2,328,399 | $ | 2,241,860 | $ | 2,148,978 | ||||||||||
| Earning assets | $ | 2,439,242 | $ | 2,334,999 | $ | 2,303,537 | $ | 2,216,185 | $ | 2,123,509 | ||||||||||
| Total loans, including loans held for sale | $ | 2,078,588 | $ | 2,036,178 | $ | 1,989,748 | $ | 1,939,746 | $ | 1,868,308 | ||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 2,173,402 | $ | 2,071,050 | $ | 2,047,197 | $ | 1,961,099 | $ | 1,872,737 | ||||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | $ | 230,731 | $ | 219,963 | $ | 208,889 | $ | 199,088 | $ | 190,326 | ||||||||||
| Loan Balances by Type | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate (CRE): | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Investor owned | $ | 577,512 | $ | 572,659 | $ | 560,481 | $ | 566,314 | $ | 573,587 | ||||||||||
| Owner occupied | 228,232 | 223,442 | 221,364 | 216,876 | 216,123 | |||||||||||||||
| Multifamily | 163,218 | 162,330 | 175,387 | 177,390 | 175,629 | |||||||||||||||
| Secured by single family | 200,650 | 198,579 | 190,738 | 181,744 | 157,092 | |||||||||||||||
| Land and construction | 70,293 | 62,638 | 68,186 | 58,109 | 35,975 | |||||||||||||||
| SBA secured by real estate | 402,524 | 401,990 | 395,646 | 388,271 | 385,416 | |||||||||||||||
| Total CRE | 1,642,429 | 1,621,638 | 1,611,802 | 1,588,704 | 1,543,822 | |||||||||||||||
| Commercial business: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 417,258 | 441,182 | 383,874 | 378,161 | 352,417 | |||||||||||||||
| SBA non-real estate secured | 17,004 | 20,205 | 15,101 | 10,758 | 8,657 | |||||||||||||||
| Total commercial business | 434,262 | 461,387 | 398,975 | 388,919 | 361,074 | |||||||||||||||
| Consumer | 1,962 | 2,124 | 1,680 | 2,097 | 2,096 | |||||||||||||||
| Total loans held for investment | $ | 2,078,653 | $ | 2,085,149 | $ | 2,012,457 | $ | 1,979,720 | $ | 1,906,992 | ||||||||||
| Deposits by Type | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing DDA | $ | 599,095 | $ | 553,405 | $ | 584,292 | $ | 557,055 | $ | 516,294 | ||||||||||
| Interest-bearing DDA, excluding brokered | 257,720 | 251,594 | 182,268 | 156,253 | 117,129 | |||||||||||||||
| Savings & MMA, excluding brokered | 981,491 | 887,740 | 920,219 | 861,508 | 812,841 | |||||||||||||||
| Time deposits, excluding brokered | 210,845 | 201,851 | 186,583 | 168,664 | 160,605 | |||||||||||||||
| Total deposits, excluding brokered | 2,049,151 | 1,894,590 | 1,873,362 | 1,743,480 | 1,606,869 | |||||||||||||||
| Total brokered deposits | 142,958 | 239,869 | 233,769 | 258,246 | 297,806 | |||||||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 2,192,109 | $ | 2,134,459 | $ | 2,107,131 | $ | 2,001,726 | $ | 1,904,675 | ||||||||||
| PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC. (Unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Rollforward of Allowance for Credit Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 27,267 | $ | 26,594 | $ | 26,591 | $ | 24,693 | $ | 24,476 | ||||||||||
| Provision for loan losses | 460 | 673 | 3 | 1,994 | 251 | |||||||||||||||
| Net (charge-offs) recoveries | (1,290 | ) | – | – | (96 | ) | (34 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Ending balance | 26,437 | 27,267 | 26,594 | 26,591 | 24,693 | |||||||||||||||
| Reserve for unfunded commitments | 1,348 | 1,509 | 2,165 | 1,865 | 1,723 | |||||||||||||||
| Total allowance for credit losses | $ | 27,785 | $ | 28,776 | $ | 28,759 | $ | 28,456 | $ | 26,416 | ||||||||||
| Asset Quality | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total loans held-for-investment | $ | 2,078,653 | $ | 2,085,149 | $ | 2,012,457 | $ | 1,979,720 | $ | 1,906,992 | ||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | $ | (26,437 | ) | $ | (27,267 | ) | $ | (26,594 | ) | $ | (26,591 | ) | $ | (24,693 | ) | |||||
| 30-89 day past due loans | $ | 2,399 | $ | 1,952 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||||||
| 90+ day past due loans | $ | 13,223 | $ | 11,512 | $ | 11,512 | $ | 2,500 | $ | 3,530 | ||||||||||
| Nonaccrual loans | $ | 15,565 | $ | 11,512 | $ | 11,512 | $ | 2,500 | $ | 4,656 | ||||||||||
| NPAs / Assets | 0.63 | % | 0.47 | % | 0.48 | % | 0.11 | % | 0.21 | % | ||||||||||
| NPLs / Total loans held-for-investment & OREO | 0.75 | % | 0.55 | % | 0.57 | % | 0.13 | % | 0.24 | % | ||||||||||
| Net quarterly charge-offs (recoveries) | $ | 1,290 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 96 | $ | 34 | ||||||||||
| Net charge-offs (recoveries) /avg loans (annualized) | 0.25 | % | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | 0.02 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to loans HFI | 1.27 | % | 1.31 | % | 1.32 | % | 1.34 | % | 1.29 | % | ||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans | 169.85 | % | 236.86 | % | 231.01 | % | 1,063.64 | % | 530.35 | % | ||||||||||
PRIVATE BANCORP OF AMERICA, INC.
(Unaudited)
The following tables present a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures for: efficiency ratio, pretax pre-provision net revenue, average tangible common equity, and return on average tangible common equity. We believe the presentation of certain non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to assess our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations and to assist investors in evaluating our financial results relative to our peers. These non-GAAP financial measures complement our GAAP reporting and are presented below to provide investors and others with information that we use to manage the business each period. Because not all companies use identical calculations, the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP measures should be taken together with the corresponding GAAP measures and should not be considered a substitute of the GAAP measures.
| GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| For the three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mar 31, 2025 | Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Efficiency Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | $ | 14,055 | $ | 14,190 | $ | 13,425 | $ | 12,962 | $ | 12,783 | ||||||||||
| Net interest income | 27,732 | 27,407 | 25,707 | 24,670 | 22,768 | |||||||||||||||
| Noninterest income | 1,613 | 1,946 | 1,434 | 1,538 | 1,426 | |||||||||||||||
| Total net interest income and noninterest income | 29,345 | 29,353 | 27,141 | 26,208 | 24,194 | |||||||||||||||
| Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) | 47.90 | % | 48.34 | % | 49.46 | % | 49.46 | % | 52.84 | % | ||||||||||
| Pretax pre-provision net revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | 27,732 | $ | 27,407 | $ | 25,707 | $ | 24,670 | $ | 22,768 | ||||||||||
| Noninterest income | 1,613 | 1,946 | 1,434 | 1,538 | 1,426 | |||||||||||||||
| Total net interest income and noninterest income | 29,345 | 29,353 | 27,141 | 26,208 | 24,194 | |||||||||||||||
| Less: Noninterest expense | 14,055 | 14,190 | 13,425 | 12,962 | 12,783 | |||||||||||||||
| Pretax pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP) | $ | 15,290 | $ | 15,163 | $ | 13,716 | $ | 13,246 | $ | 11,411 | ||||||||||
| Return and Adjusted Return on Average Assets, Average Equity, Average Tangible Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 10,562 | $ | 10,658 | $ | 9,453 | $ | 7,827 | $ | 7,884 | ||||||||||
| Average assets | 2,467,778 | 2,359,950 | 2,328,399 | 2,241,860 | 2,148,978 | |||||||||||||||
| Average shareholders’ equity | 230,731 | 219,963 | 208,889 | 199,088 | 190,326 | |||||||||||||||
| Less: Average intangible assets | 2,098 | 2,028 | 2,051 | 2,163 | 2,208 | |||||||||||||||
| Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) | 228,633 | 217,935 | 206,838 | 196,925 | 188,118 | |||||||||||||||
| Return on average assets | 1.74 | % | 1.80 | % | 1.62 | % | 1.40 | % | 1.48 | % | ||||||||||
| Return on average equity | 18.56 | % | 19.28 | % | 18.00 | % | 15.81 | % | 16.66 | % | ||||||||||
| Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) | 18.74 | % | 19.46 | % | 18.18 | % | 15.99 | % | 16.86 | % | ||||||||||
| Tangible book value per share | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity | 235,235 | 223,534 | 214,213 | 201,442 | 194,032 | |||||||||||||||
| Less: Total intangible assets | 1,993 | 2,087 | 2,006 | 2,164 | 2,203 | |||||||||||||||
| Total tangible equity | 233,242 | 221,447 | 212,207 | 199,278 | 191,829 | |||||||||||||||
| Shares outstanding | 5,789,306 | 5,766,810 | 5,756,207 | 5,751,143 | 5,717,519 | |||||||||||||||
| Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) | $ | 40.29 | $ | 38.40 | $ | 36.87 | $ | 34.65 | $ | 33.55 | ||||||||||
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
CULVER CITY, Calif., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Interactive Films LLC (“Interactive Films”), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mega Matrix Inc. (NYSE American: MPU). Under this MOU, both parties will leverage their respective strengths to establish a comprehensive collaboration framework for the joint development, production, and global distribution of short dramas, further enhancing their presence in the entertainment industry.
Mr. Hai Shi, Chairman and Co-CEO of Snail Games, commented, “Today’s announcement represents a strategic step forward in advancing Interactive Films’ short-drama business line and expanding our growing portfolio of original short dramas alongside MPU. According to WiseGuyReports1, the global mini program short drama market is expected to grow at a strong 20.81% CAGR to $25.68 billion by 2032. North America particularly is a key market for short-form content driven by the rapid adoption of streaming services and the growing presence of major industry players. This accelerated momentum and rising global appetite for short dramas presents a compelling opportunity for us to further diversify our content portfolio, deepen production capabilities, and capitalize on our unique strengths in artificial intelligence and immersive storytelling. With a shared vision, both parties look forward to leveraging its respective platforms and proprietary apps to deliver a slate of innovative short films to audiences worldwide.”
Mr. Yucheng Hu, CEO of MPU, also commented, “This partnership marks an important step for MPU as we expand our content portfolio and strengthen our presence in the global short-drama industry. Short dramas are seeing increasing popularity, with audience demand for binge-worthy, serialized content on the rise. With Snail Games’ expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive storytelling, combined with MPU’s established production and distribution capabilities, we believe this collaboration has the potential to deliver compelling content that resonates with global audiences.”
Under the MOU, Interactive Films and MPU will collaborate on the creative direction and script development of short dramas, jointly overseeing production progress and budgeting. The content will be distributed globally through both companies’ platforms. Leveraging its experienced in-house team and extensive expertise in short-drama production, MPU will oversee outsourced production and post-production of the short drama to ensure high-quality content. Additionally, Snail Games’ expertise in AI and interactive technologies, honed through game development, may be integrated into personalized recommendations and interactive storytelling, delivering a next-generation immersive viewing experience for audiences.
Over the next 12 months (unless the MOU is earlier terminated upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party), Interactive Films and MPU have committed to co-developing at least 10 short dramas. By utilizing their well-established international distribution channels in gaming and micro-drama markets, the Company believes these productions will quickly reach audiences across North America, Southeast Asia, and other global regions, further amplifying both companies’ influence in the global entertainment sector.
This strategic partnership marks a further expansion of Snail Games’ short drama business and represents a significant milestone in MPU’s expansion within the entertainment industry. Through this collaboration, both companies can combine their strengths in content creation and technology, while leveraging MPU’s global distribution network to accelerate the global rollout of the short dramas. This collaboration is expected to accelerate Interactive Films’ business and short film portfolios while providing audiences with a diverse selection of high-quality short dramas.
1https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/mini-program-short-drama-market
About Mega Matrix Inc.
Mega Matrix Inc. (NYSE American: MPU) is a holding company and operates FlexTV, a short-video streaming platform and producer of short dramas, through its subsidiary, Yuder Pte, Ltd. Mega Matrix Inc. is a Cayman Island corporation headquartered in Singapore. For more information, please contact info@megamatrix.io or visit: http://www.megamatrix.io.
About Snail Games
Snail Games (Nasdaq: SNAL), is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices. For more information, please visit: https://snail.com/
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the respective strengths of Snail and MPU to establish a comprehensive collaboration framework for the joint development, production, and global distribution of short dramas; however, the MOU is not fully binding on either party and may be terminated upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Contacts:
Investors:
John Yi and Steven Shinmachi
Gateway Group, Inc.
949-574-3860
SNAL@gateway-grp.com
Press:
press@snailgamesusa.com
Source: Securelist – Kaspersky
Headline: Lumma Stealer – Tracking distribution channels
The evolution of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for cybercriminals, with information stealers becoming one of the most commercially successful categories in this underground economy. Among these threats, Lumma Stealer has emerged as a particularly sophisticated player since its introduction in 2022 by the threat actor known as Lumma. Initially marketed as LummaC2, this information stealer quickly gained traction in underground forums, with prices starting at $250. As of March 2025, its presence on dark web marketplaces and Telegram channels continues to grow, with over a thousand active subscribers.
Lumma delivery usually involves human interaction, such as clicking a link, running malicious commands, etc. Recently, while investigating an incident as part of our incident response services, our Global Emergency Response Team (GERT) encountered Lumma on a customer’s system. The analysis revealed that the incident was triggered by human interaction, namely the user was tricked into executing a malicious command by a fake CAPTCHA page. In this article, we will review in detail how the fake CAPTCHA campaign works and share a list of IoCs that we discovered during our analysis and investigation of the campaign. Although we already described this distribution method in an earlier article, more details about this campaign have been discovered since then.
Lumma Stealer’s distribution methods are diverse, using common techniques typically seen in information-stealing malware campaigns. Primary infection vectors include phishing emails with malicious attachments or links, as well as trojanized legitimate applications. These deceptive tactics trick users into executing the malware, which runs silently in the background harvesting valuable data. Lumma has also been observed using exploit kits, social engineering, and compromised websites to extend its reach and evade detection by security solutions. In this article, we’ll focus mainly on the fake CAPTCHA distribution vector.
This vector involves fake verification pages that resemble legitimate services, often hosted on platforms that use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). These pages typically masquerade as frequently used CAPTCHAs, such as Google reCAPTCHA or Cloudflare CAPTCHA, to trick users into believing they are interacting with a trusted service.
There are two types of resources used to promote fake CAPTCHA pages:
Once the user clicks the Verify button, the bot opens a pop-up page with a fake CAPTCHA.
Users are presented with a pop-up page that looks like a standard CAPTCHA verification, prompting them to click I’m not a robot/Verify/Copy or some similar button. However, this is where the deception begins.
When the I’m not a robot/Verify/Copy button is clicked, the user is instructed to perform an unusual sequence:
Without the user’s knowledge, clicking the button automatically copies a PowerShell command to the clipboard. Once the user pastes the command into the Run dialog and presses Enter, the system executes the command.
The command may vary slightly from site to site and changes every few days, but it is typically used to download Lumma Stealer from a remote server, which is usually a known CDN with a free trial period or a legitimate code hosting and collaboration platform such as GitHub, and begin the malware installation process. Let’s take a closer look at this infection chain using the following command that was executed in our customer’s incident as an example:
The command is rather simple. It decodes and runs the contents from the remote win15.txt file hosted at https[:]//win15.b-cdn[.]net/win15.txt. The win15.txt file contains a Base64-encoded PowerShell script that then downloads and runs the Lumma Stealer. When decoded, the malicious PowerShell script looks like this:
The script performs the following actions:
However, in some cases, the malware delivery mechanism can be more complex. In the following example, the delivery script is a JavaScript code hidden in what looks like an .mp3 file (other file formats such as .mp4 and .png have also been used). In fact, in addition to the JavaScript, the file may contain a corrupt .mp3/.mp4 file, legitimate software code, or just random data.
The script is executed using the Microsoft HTML Application engine mshta.exe by prompting the user to paste the following command into the Run dialog box:
The mshta command parses the file as an HTA file (Microsoft HTML Application) and executes any JavaScript code within the tag, triggering the following infection chain:
Layer (1)
The JS script inside the .mp3 file is executed by mshta.
Layer (2)
After calculating the Kwb value, the following script is obtained, which is then executed by the eval function.
Layer (3)
After calculating the values for kXN and zzI, the final ActiveX command is built and executed. It contains an encoded PowerShell script in the $PBwR variable.
Layer (4)
After decoding the PowerShell script, we found that its main purpose is to download and execute another PowerShell file from the C2 path hXXps://connect[.]klipfuzj[.]shop/firefire[.]png.
The file firefire.png is a huge PowerShell file (~31MB) with several layers of obfuscation and anti-debugging. After deobfuscating and removing unnecessary code, we could see that the main purpose of the file is to generate and execute an encrypted PowerShell script as follows:
The decryption key is the output of the Invoke-Metasploit command, which is blocked if the AMSI is enabled. As a result, an error message is generated by the AMSI: AMSI_RESULT_NOT_DETECTED, which is used as the key. If the AMSI is disabled, the malware will fail to decrypt the script.
The decrypted PowerShell script is approximately 1.5MB in size and its main purpose is to create and run a malicious executable file.
Lumma Stealer has been observed in the wild using a variety of infection methods, with two primary techniques standing out in its distribution campaigns: DLL sideloading and injection of a malicious payload into the overlay section of legitimate free software. These techniques are particularly effective at evading detection because they exploit the trust that users place in widely used applications and system processes.
DLL sideloading is a well-known technique where malicious dynamic link libraries (DLLs) are loaded by a legitimate application. This technique exploits vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in software that inadvertently load DLL files from untrusted directories. Attackers can drop the Lumma Stealer DLL in the same directory as a trusted application, causing it to load when the application is executed. Because the malicious DLL is loaded in the context of a trusted process, it is much harder for traditional security measures to detect the intrusion.
Another method commonly used by Lumma Stealer is to inject a malicious payload into the overlay section of free software. The overlay section is typically used for legitimate software functionality, such as displaying graphical interfaces or handling certain input events. By modifying this section of the software, the adversary can inject the malicious payload without disrupting the normal operation of the application. This method is particularly insidious because the software continues to appear legitimate while the malicious code silently executes in the background. It also helps the malware evade detection by security tools that focus on system-level monitoring.
Both of these methods rely on exploiting trusted applications, which significantly increases the chances of successful infection. These techniques can be used in combination with others, such as phishing or trojanized software bundles, to maximize the spread of Lumma Stealer to multiple targets.
To demonstrate how the Lumma Stealer installers work and the impact on systems and data security, we’ll analyze the stealer sample we found in the incident at our customer. This sample utilizes the overlay injection technique. Below is a detailed breakdown of the infection chain and the various techniques used to deploy and execute Lumma Stealer.
The initial payload in this sample is delivered as ProjectorNebraska.exe, which consists of a corrupt legitimate file and the malware in the overlay section. It is executed by the victim. Upon execution, the file extracts and runs a self-extracting RAR (SFX) archive. This archive contains the next stage of the infection: a Nullsoft Scriptable Install System (NSIS) installer. NSIS is a widely used tool for creating Windows installers.
The NSIS installer drops several components that are critical to the malware’s execution:
These include AutoIt components and an obfuscated batch script loader named Hose.cmd. The following AutoIt components are dropped:
These components are later reassembled into the final executable payload using the batch script loader that concatenates and executes the various fragments.
Hose.cmd orchestrates the final steps of the malware’s execution. Below is a breakdown of its key components (after deobfuscation):
The batch script performs the following actions:
During the analysis, the AutoIt Extractor utility was used to decompile and extract the script from the h.a3x file. The script was heavily obfuscated and required additional deobfuscation to get a clean and analyzable .au3 script. Below is the analysis of the AutoIt loader’s behavior.
The script begins by validating the environment to detect analysis tools or sandbox environments. It checks for specific computer names and usernames often associated with testing environments.
It then checks for processes from popular antivirus tools such as Avast (avastui.exe), Bitdefender (bdagent.exe), and Kaspersky (avp.exe).
If any of these conditions are met, the script halts execution to evade detection.
If the anti-analysis checks are passed, the script dynamically selects 32-bit or 64-bit shellcode based on the system architecture, which is located in the $vinylcigaretteau variable inside the script. To do this, it allocates executable memory and injects the shellcode into it. The shellcode then initializes the execution environment and prepares for the second-stage payload.
After executing the loader shellcode, the script processes the second-stage payload located in the $dayjoy variable. The payload is decrypted using RC4 with a hardcoded key 1246403907690944.
To decrypt the payload independently, we wrote a custom Python script that you can see in the screenshot below.
The decrypted payload is decompressed using the LZNT1 algorithm.
After decryption and decompression, the $dayjoy payload is executed in memory. The script uses DllCallAddress to invoke the payload directly in the allocated memory. This ensures the payload is executed stealthily without being written to disk.
This final payload is the stealer itself. The malware’s comprehensive data theft capabilities target a wide range of sensitive information, including:
Once Lumma Stealer is executed, it establishes communication with its command and control (C2) servers to exfiltrate the stolen data. The malware sends the collected information back to the attacker’s infrastructure for further exploitation. This communication is typically performed over HTTP or HTTPS, often disguised as legitimate traffic to avoid detection by network security monitoring tools.
The following C2 domains used by Lumma Stealer to communicate with the attackers were identified in the analyzed sample:
These domains are used to receive stolen data from infected systems. Communication with these servers is typically via encrypted HTTP POST requests.
As a mass-distributed malicious program, Lumma Stealer employs a complex infection chain that includes a number of anti-analysis and detection evasion techniques, to stealthily infiltrate the victim’s device. Although the initial infection via dubious pirated software and cryptocurrency-related websites and Telegram channels suggests that individuals are the primary targets of these attacks, we saw Lumma in an incident at one of our customers, which illustrates that organizations can also fall victim to this threat. The information stolen by such malware may end up in the hands of more prominent cybercriminals, such as ransomware operators. That’s why it’s important to prevent stealer infections at the early stages. By understanding the infection techniques, security professionals can better defend against this growing threat and develop more effective detection and prevention strategies.
The following list contains the URLs detected during our research. Note that the attackers change the malicious URLs and Telegram channels almost daily, and the IoCs provided in this section were already inactive at the time of writing. However, they may be useful for retrospective threat detection.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
Nguyen Thi Hai Anh, a second-year master’s student at the Institute of Marketing of the National University of Management, took part in the celebration of the World Youth Festival (WYF) birthday.
The event featured a presentation of the VFM Meeting, which will be held in September in Nizhny Novgorod on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and also saw the official start of registration for participation.
Let us recall that Nguyen Thi Hai Anh met with Vladimir Putin in March last year.
“The World Youth Festival has become an important impetus for the development of international youth cooperation. By 2030, international events in our country will unite more than 38 thousand young people from all over the world within the framework of the federal project “Russia in the World” of the national project “Youth and Children”, launched on the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin. We have planned WFY rallies and forums, as well as regular holding of the Festival itself. Today, the Russian experience of youth policy is of interest abroad, and we are ready to share this experience, strengthening Russia’s position as a leader in this important area,” said the head of Rosmolodezh, associate professor of the Department of Public and Municipal Administration of the State University of Management Grigory Gurov.
More than 100 representatives from 35 countries of the world, who participated in the festival itself, which took place a year ago in Sirius, were invited to celebrate the first anniversary of the VFM. Together with a representative of the Embassy of Vietnam, a student of the State University of Management Nguyen Thi Hai Anh presented a gift to the VFM museum and gave an interview to the TV channel Moscow 24.
According to the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, the WFM will be held in Russia regularly – once every six years. In between festivals, international thematic gatherings for two thousand participants from Russia and abroad will be held under the auspices of the WFM. The first gathering will be held in September 2025 in Nizhny Novgorod. Festival events of various formats will be held in Russia annually.
The World Youth Festival will take place from September 17 to 21 and will bring together 2,000 young people – a thousand from Russia and the same number from foreign countries, including 200 children. 200 volunteers from all over the country will help organize this event.
You can already apply to participate in the VFM Rally and become part of the international youth community today. Registration for participants will last until July 20, 2025. Those wishing to join the volunteer corps can apply until June 16, 2025 on the Dobro.rf platform.
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.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
RENO, Nev., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) (“Dragonfly Energy” or the “Company”), an industry leader in green energy storage and maker of Battle Born Batteries®, in recognition of Earth Day, is pledging to plant thousands of trees through a collaboration with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the official non-profit partner of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In support of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Dragonfly Energy aims to exceed last year’s planting of 10,000 trees.
The National Forest Foundation is leading the charge on natural solutions for climate change having planted more than 33.5 million trees to date since the campaign began in 2018, and over five million alone in 2024. In Dragonfly Energy’s backyard alone, the Sierra Nevada, the NFF planted 24,225 trees in 2024, which included planting in five National Forests. These efforts are helping to restore public lands and ensure that forests can continue to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2), as America’s forests are the most efficient natural systems for pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere.
“Healthy forests are vital to a greener future, just as eco-friendly battery development and manufacturing are essential to sustainable progress,” said Tyler Bourns, chief marketing officer for Dragonfly Energy. “As we enter our second year of partnership for Earth Day, we remain dedicated to environmental stewardship and the pursuit of a more sustainable planet.”
Earth Day, celebrated globally on April 22, serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the planet for future generations. In honor of this world-wide celebration, Dragonfly Energy pledges to plant 10 trees for every battery sold during its annual Earth Day sale taking place April 21 through April 25.
“We want to thank Dragonfly Energy for its commitment to our reforestation initiatives and dedication to making significant environmental impacts within United States through an annual donation of trees being planted on public lands,” said Abby Schembra, National Forest Foundation Reforestation Team. “As a project-focused nonprofit organization, we value our partners who are helping us to reach our goal to successfully plant 50 million trees by the end of 2025.”
For more information about Dragonfly Energy, visit DragonflyEnergy.com. For more information about the National Forest Foundation and its Reforestation Program, visit NationalForests.org.
About National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation works on behalf of the American public to inspire personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF leads forest conservation efforts and promotes responsible recreation. Each year the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, facilitates common ground, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease and improves recreational opportunities. The NFF believes our National Forests and all they offer are an American treasure and are vital to the health of our communities. Learn more at nationalforests.org.
About Dragonfly Energy
Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) is a comprehensive lithium battery technology company, specializing in cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, and full system integration. Through its renowned Battle Born Batteries® brand, Dragonfly Energy has established itself as a frontrunner in the lithium battery industry, with hundreds of thousands of reliable battery packs deployed in the field through top-tier OEMs and a diverse retail customer base. At the forefront of domestic lithium battery cell production, Dragonfly Energy’s patented dry electrode manufacturing process can deliver chemistry-agnostic power solutions for a broad spectrum of applications, including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. The Company’s overarching mission is the future deployment of its proprietary, nonflammable, all-solid-state battery cells.
To learn more about Dragonfly Energy and its commitment to clean energy advancements, visit investors.dragonflyenergy.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and statements regarding the Company’s intent, belief, or expectations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the National Forest Foundation and its Reforestation Program, the Company’s future results of operations and financial position, planned products and services, business strategy and plans, market size and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “may,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “plan,” “targets,” “projects,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” “forecast” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include those set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC available at www.sec.gov. If any of these risks materialize or any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company presently does not know or that it currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.
Investor Relations
Eric Prouty
Szymon Serowiecki
AdvisIRy Partners
DragonflyIR@advisiry.com
Media Relations
Margaret Skillicorn, RAD Strategies Inc.
Margaret@radstrategiesinc.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a18578f5-be14-44bb-8604-a590b68b994e
Source: Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 2:48PM by PIB Delhi
A: BharatNet is an ambitious project of the Government of India aimed at providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country. It is one of the biggest rural telecom projects in the world.
A: The primary objective is to provide unrestricted access to broadband connectivity to all the telecom service providers. This enables access providers like mobile operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cable TV operators, and content providers to launch various services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural and remote India. It aims to empower rural India, foster inclusive growth, and bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.
A: The project initially aimed to connect approximately 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across the country.
A: The Telecom Commission approved the implementation of the project in three phases on 30.04.2016:
A: Approved in August 2023, the ABP is a design improvement aiming for Optical Fibre (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs in ring topology (a network design where connected devices form a circular data channel) and OF connectivity to the remaining non-GP villages on demand. It includes features like IP-MPLS (Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching) network with routers at Blocks and GPs, operation and maintenance for 10 years, power backup, and Remote Fibre Monitoring System (RFMS). The cost allocated is Rs. 1,39,579 crores.
A: Several other initiatives complement BharatNet, including:
A: BharatNet is primarily funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), which is a fund that replaced the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The total funding for BharatNet (Phase-I and Phase-II) approved by the Cabinet is Rs 42,068 crores (exclusive of GST, Octroi, and local taxes). As of 31.12.2023, a total of Rs. 39,825 crores have been disbursed under the BharatNet Project since its inception.
A: The project is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), which was incorporated on 25.02.2012 under the Indian Companies Act 1956. Under the Amended BharatNet Program, BSNL is appointed as the single Project Management Agency (PMA) for Operation & Maintenance of the entire network.
A:
A: The network is utilised through leasing bandwidth and dark fibre, Wi-Fi to access broadband or internet services in public places, and Fibre to the Home (FTTH). Last Mile Connectivity (LMC) is provided through Wi-Fi in public places or other suitable broadband technologies, including FTTH at Government institutions such as schools, hospitals, post offices, etc.
A: BharatNet has had a transformative impact on rural India, contributing to socioeconomic development in multiple ways:
A: CSC (Common Services Centre) e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC-SPV) was assigned to provide the last mile connectivity in GPs through Wi-Fi Access Points and FTTH connections. As of September 2024, 1,04,574 Wi-Fi Access Points and 11,41 ,825 FTTH connections have been installed in the GPs. CSC-SPV also undertook a pilot project for laying overhead optical fiber from GPs.
A: Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) have signed an MoU to drive rural development by providing access to digital services, digital governance, and promoting a digital economy through high-speed broadband connectivity under the BharatNet program. Key areas of collaboration include reference data sharing, digital content sharing, digital services integration, awareness and capacity building, promoting a digital economy, and inclusion of ICT infrastructure.
A: Alongside BharatNet, the government is also focusing on expanding mobile connectivity in rural areas. As of December 2024, around 6,25,853 villages are covered with mobile connectivity, including 6,18,968 villages having 4G mobile coverage. The median mobile broadband speed has increased significantly. These efforts are complementary to BharatNet in bridging the digital divide.
REFERENCES
https://x.com/PIB_India/status/1905232713227067857
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2115831
https://usof.gov.in/en/ongoing-schemes
https://it.tn.gov.in/en/TACTV/BharatNet
https://www.data.gov.in/keywords/BharatNet
https://usof.gov.in/en/bharatnet-project
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2086701
https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/1714/AU2874.pdf?source=pqals
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2077908®=3&lang=1
https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/267/AU2155_28gbez.pdf?source=pqars
*****
Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Chaitanya Mishra
(Release ID: 2123137) Visitor Counter : 193
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
Cruise tourism is a nature-driven travel experience that unlocks a country’s rivers, seas, and canals for themed journeys across all budgets. It offers safe and comfortable access to even remote destinations, promoting inclusivity and ease of travel. By tapping into natural waterways, it boosts both national and international connectivity while driving local economies through job creation in hospitality, entertainment, culture, and beyond.
India has significant capabilities in cruise tourism for coastal & river sector. This is due to the presence of:
Steps Taken By The Indian Government to Boost Cruise Tourism
The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ was launched on September 30, 2024, from the Mumbai port. Aimed at the boosting the tremendous potential of cruise tourism in the country, the programme aims to propel country’s cruise tourism industry by doubling cruise passenger traffic within five years; i.e. by 2029.
In FY 2023- 24, the number of cruise passengers was 4.71 lakhs.
CBM provides for a framework for inter-ministerial approach for crafting interventions along policy, regulatory, and other aspects governing cruise sector and enable responsible involvement of all regulatory agencies, such as Customs, Immigration, CISF, State Tourism Departments, State Maritime Agencies, District Administrations, and local police.
Cruise Bharat Mission will also result in over 1.5 million river cruise passengers over more than 5,000 Kms of Operational Waterways in India.
The initiative aims to excel India’s vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination. The Cruise India Mission will be implemented in three phases, beginning from 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2029.
In order to promote India as the global destination for cruise tourism under MIV 2030, interventions have been identified across three key areas:
River Cruise Tourism:
River Cruise Tourism is an emerging segment in the leisure industry with a scope for high growth. Several National Waterways constituting major rivers flow through various states and districts, rich in flora & fauna and cultural heritage. Suitable locations at various National Waterways have been identified and are being explored for development of river cruise tourism in India.
Initiatives taken by IWAI towards developing river tourism are:
The development of river cruise would augment existing revenue generation, employment generation, etc from tourism industry. There are few suitable terminals along rivers which promote cruise tourism. These include cruises plying along a broad stretch of the river Ganga, Brahmaputra and houseboats floating in the backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala.
Besides National Waterways, IWAI has jointly cooperated with the Government of Bangladesh to develop river tourism on the IBP route. This will allow Indian cruise vessels to travel through Bangladesh while exploring heritage sites. It is expected that river cruise tourism industry in India would witness exponential growth once required infrastructure is in place.
In January 2023, Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, highlighting the country’s thriving river cruise tourism. This luxurious 3,200-kilometer journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh traversed 27 river systems across five Indian states and Bangladesh. The remarkable expedition garnered global attention and secured a spot in the prestigious ‘Limca Book of Records.’
Recent Developments
Conclusion
India’s cruise tourism is charting a promising course, tapping into its vast and diverse network of rivers, coastlines and ports to offer unique travel experiences that blend leisure with cultural discovery. With major initiatives like the Cruise Bharat Mission and Maritime India Vision 2030, the government is laying a robust foundation to position India as a global cruise destination. From the tranquil backwaters of Kerala to the majestic Ganga and the pristine stretches of the Yamuna and Brahmaputra, cruise tourism is not only unlocking new economic potential but also enabling inclusive growth by creating jobs and boosting local economies. As infrastructure develops and awareness grows, cruise tourism is set to become a defining pillar of India’s travel and tourism landscape, inviting the world to rediscover India.
References:
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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kritika Rane
(Release ID: 2123171) Visitor Counter : 52
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 21 APR 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi
After months of regional contests and thousands of entries, finalists from 11 cities across India have been selected to take part in the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!) national finale. The prestigious event will take place at WAVES 2025, India’s first-of-its-kind media and entertainment summit, from May 1–4 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
WAM! is organized by the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) and supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India as part of WAVES (World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit). WAVES is India’s biggest platform for the AVGC-XR sector-Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. At the center of WAVES is the Create in India Challenges (CIC). Season 1 of CIC has made history with around 1 lakh registrations, including 1,100 international participants. After a detailed selection process, 750+ finalists have been chosen from 32 unique challenges.
Among the standout segments under CIC is WAM!. Over the last decade, anime and manga have grown rapidly in India. What started as a niche interest is now a major cultural wave. India has around 180 million anime fans, making it the second-largest anime market after China. The growth is not just in fans, but also in numbers. In 2023, the Indian anime market was worth $1,642.5 million. It is expected to reach $5,036 million by 2032.
WAM! tapped into this growing creative energy by offering structured opportunities for Indian creators to develop and pitch original IPs (Intellectual Property). It fills a gap in India’s media industry by promoting original, culturally-rooted IPs. With the rise of global anime and growing digital literacy, WAM! gives students and professionals a platform to showcase ideas. It provides a clear path to develop pitch-ready IPs, access to industry mentorship and support from the government.
To bring this vision to life, the competition was held across multiple verticals: Manga (Student & Professional), Anime (Student & Professional), Webtoon (Student & Professional), Voice Acting, and Cosplay. The participants—carefully chosen across student and professional categories. WAM! followed a ground-up approach with contests held across 11 cities: Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The winners from each city were selected by a distinguished jury comprising industry experts from animation, comics, media and entertainment sectors. Their expertise ensured the selection of high-potential talent representing a diversity of voices and storytelling traditions. The regional rounds highlighted India’s rich linguistic and artistic diversity, proving that creative talent knows no boundaries.
Building on this strong foundation, the national finale is not just about celebration-it’s a launchpad. Designed to help participants become industry-ready professionals, it will feature live pitching sessions, networking with production studios, and showcase opportunities with international media giants.
The shortlisted creators now head to Mumbai for the WAM! National Finale at WAVES 2025, where they will present their work to an international jury and live audience. The finale promises high-stakes excitement, with winners receiving:
WAM! is more than a competition, it is a cultural movement aiming to address a key gap in India’s media landscape: the lack of globally scalable, original content rooted in Indian stories. As WAVES 2025 approaches, the excitement builds. It’s a celebration of talent, originality and the transformative power of storytelling.
References
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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria
(Release ID: 2123166) Visitor Counter : 74
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ADDISON, Texas, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, today announced that it will report its first quarter of 2025 financial results on April 29, 2025, premarket. The Company will also host its earnings call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. CT). The Company’s financial results and presentation will be posted on its website at www.cecoenviro.com.
The details for the webcast are:
When: Tuesday, April 29 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time
Where: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/tvr2idgu
How: Live over the internet – Simply log on to the web at the address above
Register to receive the dial-in info and a unique pin:
https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIf7f94f174d4c44c393db50b529db08e3
A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the live webcast has concluded.
ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets globally through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications in power generation, petrochemical processing, refining, midstream gas transport and treatment, electric vehicle and battery production, metals and mineral processing, polysilicon production, battery recycling, beverage can production, and produced and oily water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other industrial applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Addison, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.
Company Contact:
Peter Johansson
Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
888-990-6670
Investor Relations Contact:
Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young
Three Part Advisors
214-872-2710
Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com
Source: Scotland – City of Dundee
Over £3 million has been put into the pockets of Dundee pensioners, thanks to city-wide efforts encouraging people to apply for Pension Credit.
The council’s Council Advice Services Team has been running a campaign with Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau and Brooksbank to maximize the income of as many citizens of Dundee as possible over the state pension age.
Since the launch of this campaign, over £3,148,494 has been awarded to the citizens of Dundee through various benefits. With the average Pension Credit award being £68 per week, and an average backdated pension credit award of over £900.
The council continue to identify and contact households who might be entitled to Pension Credit and to reach as many people as possible.
Pension Credit is a payment for those whose income is less than the UK Government states someone over Pension age should receive.
Entitlement to Pension Credit depends on a person’s circumstances and looks at all the income in the household as well as savings over a certain amount. Whilst savings are considered, there is no upper threshold, so having savings does not necessarily mean there would be no entitlement.
Pension Credit also gives eligibility to free NHS dental treatment, NHS glasses, free TV License for over 75s, amongst other benefits. Anyone looking to get a benefits check should contact us on cas@dundeecity.gov.uk or our Older Peoples Take-up Campaign line on 01382 434474.
Dundee Council Leader, Mark Flynn said: “Getting over £3 million pounds back into the pockets of pensioners in the city is a fantastic achievement.
“We are aware of the rising cost of living and implications this has, particularly for pensioners. That’s why campaigns like this are so important and make a real difference to people’s lives.
“Our teams are here to help. It’s not only Pension Credit we’ve supported people to claim, but we have also helped people across the city get Attendance Allowance awards, Universal Credit and Council Tax Reduction.
“Every year billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed. That’s why it’s so important we continue to run campaigns like this, reaching out directly to the community to help people claim the money they are entitled to.
“I want to thank the team who have carried out this work, it is clearly making a significant and positive difference to the lives of Dundee pensioners.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they are eligible to come forward, the council and partners are here to help.”
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has announced that it will list Balance (EPT) on April 21, 2025 (UTC). To celebrate the listing, the platform has launched a series of events featuring a total reward of 6,000,000 EPT and 50,000 USDT for users.
Balance is an innovative Web3 platform that integrates AI and blockchain technologies to create immersive digital interaction experiences. Developed by the team behind E-PAL, the world’s largest game companion platform. Balance offers services such as Human Epal, AI Epal, AI-Driven Battle Report System, and more. These features effectively address key challenges in blockchain gaming, including security, scalability, and development efficiency.
$EPT is the native utility token of the Balance ecosystem, with a total supply of 10 billion tokens. It functions as the core medium powering payments, governance participation, and on-chain transactions across the platform, forming a highly synergistic and sustainable internal economy.
In celebration of the Balance (EPT) listing, MEXC is launching a series of events to offer users exclusive opportunities to earn generous rewards.
The key details are as follows:
As a global exchange, MEXC drives innovation across emerging sectors such as Web3 gaming, AI, and DePIN by offering deep liquidity, streamlined market access, and performance-based incentive programs. The listing of EPT opens new investment avenues in the rapidly evolving AI-driven gaming space.
MEXC has established itself as a leading exchange by consistently offering users early access to high-potential crypto assets. In 2024 alone, the platform listed 2,376 new tokens, including 1,716 initial listings. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC led the industry with 461 spot listings between November 1, 2024, and February 15, 2025. During this period, the exchange maintained a high listing frequency, consistently ranking among the top six platforms, demonstrating its agility in capturing emerging market trends. Looking ahead, MEXC remains committed to expanding its asset offerings and helping users seize timely opportunities in the fast-moving crypto market.
For full event details and participation rules, please visit here.
About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
Risk Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.
Contact :
Lucia Hu
lucia.hu@mexc.com
Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e87a7d97-e964-48d6-a6d6-f5a84a3e3038
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, recently discussed China’s growing cultural impact and expressed optimism about cultural exchange between China and the United States.
Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, Beijing, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]
Yang, the first Asian American president to lead the film academy, is currently attending the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, which opened on April 18. The nonprofit academy behind the Oscars remains the world’s premier organization for film artists with nearly 11,000 members.
The New York-born producer and daughter of Chinese immigrants has long been a significant figure in Hollywood’s Asian American community. Her career rose to prominence through her collaboration with Steven Spielberg on “Empire of the Sun,” which was filmed in Shanghai. Her subsequent film and television credits include “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Dark Matter” and “Over the Moon.”
“My personal and professional experiences tell me that film has a unique power to bring people together,” she said at a forum during the film festival on April 19. “That is why I remain perpetually optimistic about cultural exchange between not only our two nations, but among everyone everywhere in the world.”
She explained global film collaboration matters because filmmaking is inherently collaborative. Exchanging ideas and techniques enriches creativity and builds universal narratives that drive economic success. As new technologies break barriers, cross-border collaboration becomes indispensable.
“Strategies in today’s competitive market for Chinese filmmakers with such a rich cultural legacy, embracing collaboration with international artists, particularly those with an interest in the culture, have amplified Chinese storytelling and created significant financial opportunities. In essence, global collaboration is both a pathway to cultural innovation and a strategic economic advantage that benefits us all,” she said.
Yang noted audiences now strongly respond to original, emotionally true and culturally specific stories, citing “Parasite,” 2020’s historic non-English Oscar best picture winner, and this year’s winner “Anora,” a small, intimate film with deep humanity. Asian diaspora stories are also gaining major award recognition, she observed, with films like “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — a Chinese American independent absurdist sci-fi comedy-drama — winning seven Oscars including best picture in 2023. Independent Chinese cinema, such as Guan Hu’s “Black Dog,” which was nominated for a film independent spirit award after its Cannes premiere, proves budget constraints do not limit humanistic force.
“These films prove that audiences don’t need to fully understand the culture to be moved by it,” she said. “For Chinese filmmakers, this is an amazing opportunity to go global, to get films out into the international marketplace.”
Yang’s own journey stands as a powerful testament to the value of film as a cultural bridge. She recalled how a 1972 trip to China, where she witnessed her parents’ emotional reunion with relatives after 35 years apart, inspired her to study Chinese and later work in Beijing. Immersed in Chinese cinema, she found stories that helped shape her identity and career path. She launched her career by running North America’s first Chinese film distribution company, bringing fifth-generation cinema to Western audiences. She facilitated the making of “Empire of the Sun,” and continues to help forge bonds between Hollywood and China. Following China’s rapid cinematic rise after the 2008 Olympics, she pioneered U.S.-China film summits and co-productions like “Shanghai Calling” and a localized “High School Musical” adaptation.
She noted challenges confronting world cinemas, including lower box office numbers following the pandemic and the new realities of artificial intelligence. While recognizing AI as a powerful tool, she warned of potential risks like job losses and films becoming technically proficient but emotionally hollow.
“Too often, decisions in our business are driven by profit rather than cultural value. We absolutely need a healthy industry to sustain the art form. We also need to protect what makes cinema meaningful — its ability to move us, to challenge us and to reflect our shared humanity,” Yang said.
The president noted that millions of overseas Chinese long to see their culture reflected and better understood worldwide. “I believe the world is beginning to listen,” she said.
Just this past year, remarkable signs showed China’s culture gaining global momentum — from the success of video game “Black Myth: Wukong” and adaptations of “The Three-Body Problem” novel to the record-shattering achievement of animated movie “Ne Zha 2” — demonstrating the country’s growing cultural influence. Social platforms like TikTok, Xiaohongshu and IShowSpeed’s recent livestreams in China further showcase Chinese life, while AI tools like DeepSeek extend this reach.
“This phenomenon alone has become a powerful cultural moment in its own right — a terribly exciting milestone,” she said. “These are all signals of something larger. China’s cultural voice is rising. It’s claiming its rightful place on the world stage.”
Source: US State of California 2
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Brian Kaplun, of San Francisco, has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Policy and Strategic Planning at the Health and Human Services Agency. Kaplun held several roles at the United States Department of Health and Human Services from 2022 to 2025, including Senior Advisor and Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Office of the Secretary, Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff, and Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. Kaplun was an Advisor and Health Insurance Specialist in the Office of Legislation in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2022. He was a Health Legislative Aide in the Office of Senator Tammy Baldwin at the United States Senate from 2019 to 2022. Kaplun was a Health Policy Fellow for the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee of the United States Senate from 2018 to 2019. He earned a Master of Science degree in Management Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Biology from Stanford University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $206,628. Kaplun is a Democrat.
Christine Allen, of Folsom, has been appointed Director of the Office of Law Enforcement Support at the Health and Human Services Agency. Allen has been Assistant Chief Counsel at the Office of Law Enforcement Support at the Health and Human Services Agency since 2017. She was Special Assistant Inspector General at the Office of the Inspector General from 2012 to 2017. Allen was a Partner at Coleman, Chavez, & Allen from 2008 to 2012. She held multiple roles at Cuneo, Black, Ward & Missler from 2000 to 2008, including Parter and Associate Attorney. Allen earned a Juris Doctor degree from University of California, Davis and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and Latin American and Iberian Studies from University of California, Santa Barbara. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $211,896. Allen is a Democrat.
Danté Allen, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Legislation and Communications at the Department of Rehabilitation. Allen was Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration at the United States Department of Education from 2023 to 2025. He was Executive Director of CalABLE at the California State Treasurer’s Office from 2017 to 2023. Allen was a Communications Leader with the Sierra Health Foundation at the Office of Health Equity at the California Department of Public Health from 2014 to 2017. He was Communications Director for Health Plan and Hospital Operations at Kaiser Permanente from 2007 to 2013. Allen was Executive Director for Government Relations and Communications at Queen of the Valley Medical Center from 2001 to 2007. He was Senior Communications Manager at Children Now from 1995 to 2001. Allen was a News Writer at KPIX TV 5 from 1994 to 1995. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric and Communications from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $148,836. Allen is a Democrat.
Briannon Fraley, of Crescent City, has been appointed Tribal Advisor at the California Public Utility Commission. Fraley was the North America Indigenous Right Relations Director at The Nature Conservancy from 2022 to 2024. She was the Director of Government Relations of the City of Portland from 2021 to 2022. Fraley was the Self-Governance Director of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation from 2012 to 2020. She earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Kinesiology from the California State University, Sonoma and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Native American Studies from the California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $145,944. Fraley is a Democrat.
Jevon Wilkes, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. Wilkes has been Executive Director of the California Coalition for Youth since 2018. He was an External Affairs Coordinator at TLCS, Inc. from 2015 to 2018. Wilkes was Program Director at Echoes of Hope from 2014 to 2015. He was a Career Counselor at Bresee Foundation from 2012 to 2014. Wilkes is a Co-Chair of the Empowerment Committee and Member of the Steering Committee of the California’s Child Welfare Council and is a Member of the California Interagency Council on Homelessness Advisory Committee and Department of Health Care Services’ Behavioral Health Stakeholder Advisory Committee. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Channel Islands. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Wilkes is a Democrat.
Brandon Fernandez, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. Fernandez has been Chief Executive Officer at CRI-Help Inc. since 2023, where he has held several roles since 2013, including Chief Operating Officer, Operations and Development Manager, Development Specialist, and Volunteer. Fernandez is a Member of the Board of Directors of the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives, California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals, Young People in Recovery, and the University of California, Los Angeles Health Policy and Management Alumni Association. He earned a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Denver. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Fernandez is a Democrat.
Amy Fairweather, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. Fairweather has been Director of Policy for Swords to Plowshares since 2005. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Administration from Mills College. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Fairweather is a Democrat.
Jay’Riah Thomas, of Wilton, has been appointed to the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. Thomas has been a principal at a public charter school since 2024. She was a Vice Principal at Aspire Public Schools from 2023 to 2024. Thomas was a Dean of Students at Baltimore City Public Schools from 2020 to 2023. She was a Program Director at STRIVE Community Health from 2013 to 2016. Thomas was Director of Education and Manager of Employment at The ARC San Francisco and an ISP Literacy Director at Five Keys Charter School from 2018 to 2020. She was a Teacher at Alan Rowe College Prep from 2016 to 2017. Thomas was a Community Organizer and Advocate at Molina Health Care from 2008 to 2017. She earned a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of the Pacific and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies and Political Science from Spelman College. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Thomas is a Democrat.
Source: Government of India
“New ideas and innovative thinking of Students must be harnessed”: Sarbananda Sonowal
Posted On: 20 APR 2025 6:14PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal called on harnessing new Ideas and innovative thinking of students. Sonowal identified how Yuva Shakti with the Power of Knowledge are key to realising the vision of Viksit Bharat. Shri Sonowal was addressing and interacting the students of Sreeram Academy Pathsala today on the occasion of its 20th Foundation Day celebration.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The vibrant gathering included students, teachers, parents, alumni, and distinguished local dignitaries, making the occasion a memorable milestone in the institution’s illustrious journey.
On the occasion, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Students must not confine themselves to textbooks alone; they should strive to introduce new ideas and innovative thinking.” He highlighted the transformative initiatives of the Government of India, noting, “Programmes like Digital India, Make in India, and Skill India have been launched to empower the new generation, equipping them with the tools to lead and innovate.”
“Knowledge is power, and students must acquire it and apply it effectively for the greater good.” Shri Sonowal also underscored the significance of value-based education, stating, “Education rooted in moral values must be prioritised. I urge parents to raise their children as responsible citizens and also to emphasised the importance of integrating Yoga and holistic health practices into daily life. “Yoga is not just physical exercise; it is a way of life that brings mental clarity and physical strength. It helps one stay focused, balanced, and healthy,” added Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
The celebration featured captivating cultural performances by students, including dance, music, and drama, which showcased their talents and enthralled the audience.
The event was also attended by Phanidhar Talukdar, MLA of Bhawanipur Constituency, Shri Dhanpati Deka, Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Bhattadev University, Dr. Kakali Das, Principal Shree Ram Academy along with other notable dignitaries.
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Source: Government of India
Posted On: 20 APR 2025 2:37PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 20th April 2025
In response to the interest from the media community, the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 is reopening Media Delegate Registration for three final days — April 21st (Monday), April 22nd (Tuesday) and April 23rd (Wednesday). This is the last window for media professionals, photographers and digital content creators to apply and be a part of the most awaited Media & Entertainment (M&E) event, taking place from May 1–4, 2025 in Mumbai. Your coverage will play a crucial role in amplifying India’s creative economy on a global stage.
Registration Link: https://app.wavesindia.org/register/media.
If you have missed the earlier deadline, this is your last shot to hit ‘Submit’ and secure access to exclusive sessions, networking opportunities, and one-on-one sessions with industry professionals shaping the future of entertainment.
Who Can Apply?
Documents Required:
Registration Window Opens: 21st April 2025
Closes: 11:59 PM, 23rd April 2025
Approved delegates will be notified by email and added to an official WhatsApp group for real-time updates.
Reach us at pibwaves.media[at]gmail[dot]com with the subject line: WAVES Media Accreditation Query or contact us at our helpline number: 9643034368.
Check out the Media delegate Registration Policy here
Don’t miss your last chance to sail with the WAVES!
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.
WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
Have questions? Find answers here
Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES
Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now
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(Release ID: 2123023) Visitor Counter : 162
Source: United Nations (Video News)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is among 74 new additions to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, the Director of the Division for Digital Inclusion and Policies and Digital Transformation at UNESCO, Guilherme Canela de Souza, told reporters in New York today (17 Apr)
Briefing via video teleconference from Paris, Canela de Souza said, “it’s impossible to protect and promote the free flow of ideas and knowledge, if we haven’t preserved this knowledge, these ideas in the first place.”
He said the Memory of the World Register “is about the documental heritage, is about protecting our ideas, our knowledge, in order for us to be able to communicate them, to be accessible.”
The UNESCO official said, “if we want to know the chemical composition of our planet, we go to the periodical table. If we want to understand the human journey in this planet, the human journey related to knowledge, it’s a good start to look into the Memory of the World Register. There you are going to find what we have been doing related to music, to philosophy, to cinema, to international relations, to religion, to human rights, to history in general, to science, to languages, to literature.”
He said, “the new 74 collections that the Executive Board of UNESCO just approved today in its session, they were suggested by 72 countries from all over the world, plus four international organisations.”
The Geneva Conventions and their protocols, “a cornerstone of international humanitarian law,” Canela de Souza said, is also being inscribed.
A third document, he continued, “is the 1991 Windhoek Declaration on promoting an Independent and pluralistic African press,” which he added, “is a particularly important relevance for press freedom. It this actually the origin of the World Press Freedom Day.”
The Register consists of documentary collections including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and sound or video recordings, which bear witness to the shared heritage of humanity.
These items often are extremely fragile and at risk of deterioration or exposure to disaster.
Collections are added by decision of UNESCO’s Executive Board, following the evaluation of nominations by an independent international advisory committee.
