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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Podcast: Former US Chief Data Scientist on using AI to move fast and fix things

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Podcast: Former US Chief Data Scientist on using AI to move fast and fix things

    MOLLY WOOD: Today we’re talking with DJ Patil. DJ isn’t just one of the foremost data scientists in the world. He’s literally the co-inventor of the term “data scientist.” After serving as project leader for the Threat Anticipation Project at the Department of Defense, Patil was tapped to be the United States’ first Chief Data Scientist in 2015. He oversaw data-driven initiatives like the Cancer Moonshot. Currently a general partner at Great Point Ventures, he has also held key roles at LinkedIn, Skype, eBay, and PayPal. We were excited to ask Patil for his insights on technological transformation in large organizations, AI’s potential to unleash the power of data, and how the technology can be brought to bear on the world’s thorniest problems. And now my conversation with DJ. Thanks so much for being here.  

    DJ PATIL: Thanks. Glad to be here.  

    MOLLY WOOD: This season, we’ve been hearing repeatedly that curiosity is becoming one of the most essential traits in the age of AI. You have been a strong advocate for fostering a mindset of curiosity, especially among leaders. Why do you think being curious matters so much right now? 

    DJ PATIL: Curiosity to me is the most important thing. Now, people are talking about neuroplasticity, all these different terms that are out there. Fundamentally, I think the way we should think about it is curiosity, passion for learning, passion for understanding, trying things. And with AI, you’ve got this thing, it’s really, in many ways, it’s a chatbot. You’re just like, okay, what do I ask it? What it does is, its ability to go from what is big data, like all this information out there, to big knowledge. You can sort of ask it, you can get curious results out of it, and if you are really a curious person, you can get lost in there for a while, learning and finding creative understanding or ideas that are there. 

    MOLLY WOOD: So, you have steered ambitious technology organizations in government and enterprise and startups. What are the common pitfalls when it comes to adoption and implementation? I mean, I suspect that curiosity is going to be a part of that too, right? But that’s the key, is how, what do you do when you’re faced with that blank screen?  

    DJ PATIL: The greatest lesson I’ve ever learned starts with listening. Curiosity isn’t about pontificating. It’s not about just trying to go out there and do stuff. It’s about learning. It’s about listening. Every job that I’ve been thrown into—it’s very rare that I’ve gotten myself into a job where I actually understand what I’m doing, to be very frank. How do you actually help people with government? It starts by listening to people and trying to understand what their needs are. And then you ask, what can technology do for them? And it’s kind of two directions that you come from, which is the raw science, the raw intellectual research kind of innovations, but then you have to ask, well, what does the instantiation of it need to look like to actually help people? Can I share a story actually about this from the White House?  

    MOLLY WOOD: Always, always share stories from the White House.  

    DJ PATIL: So I’ll tell you, one of the times I got to see the president really, really unhappy with me was when we went into the Oval Office to talk about the Precision Medicine Initiative. It’s the largest database of genomic information, healthcare information, all of this stuff. And so one of the things he was very emphatic on was, you have to do this with the people. I said, well, sir, met with this group that represents this rare disease, represents this group, this cancer, this type of thing. He’s like, I thought I was clear. You can’t do this through proxies of groups or other things. And so, you know, he asked like, what have you done to make sure we know what different communities are thinking about? And then that’s the moment you know your day is not going to go well, because everyone else in the room, in the Oval, everyone else is like just sitting there, very quiet, very stoic. But they’re all thinking like, ooh… 

    MOLLY WOOD: DJ’s in trouble… [Laughter] 

    DJ PATIL: Like, let’s see where this goes. And he pointed out, he’s like, I thought I was clear. You have to sit down with the people. And so we went out on the road and we met people in communities that we weren’t members of. And I remember being in Pittsburgh and we were in this town meeting with a bunch of people from different parts of the community. And this one elderly woman was in the back corner and she just said, do you really want to hear from me? And she just lit us up. She’s like, have you thought about this, this, this, this? And I remember walking out of the meeting, that was tough. And I was like, can we hire her? Like, she clearly understands a problem in a way we don’t, and we’re never going to understand her completely. We need to just find a way to build with her. We can’t build for her. We have to build with her on these things. And that’s one of the seminal challenges that I think we’ve had. You have to really build it with people to understand how to actually solve concrete problems. People ask, how do we use AI better? And if I had to tell people one thing, go sit with your people you’re going to be impacting. That could be an internal tool, could be an external service, could be, you know, something else. One of the framings that I’ve found really helpful that I like to use is, I like to say, technology is neither radical nor revolutionary unless it benefits every single person. 

    MOLLY WOOD: Let’s put that anecdote actually in the language of data. Like, you’re a company, right? You have data, you have data scientists. You maybe have silos in your data. You maybe have a mess of it because you’ve just collected everything in the hopes that AI was going to come along. What is the role of the data scientist in this moment? How has it changed?   

    DJ PATIL: So I’ll tell you the first thing that has not changed. You’ve got this data that’s broken up in silos all over the place, unstructured, messy, it’s a disaster. And then somebody says, make AI happen. And you’re just like, ta-da, and everyone’s like, well, the AI will just fix it. And you’re seeing this happen at scale where people are just trying to deploy AI and say magic will happen. It doesn’t work that way. The amount of time and energy that goes into building the foundation to allow you to use data effectively, the data scientist is one of the core advocates for what needs to happen there. Data scientists spend 80 percent of their time cleaning data. Doing stupid, boring problems—yucky stuff. What we’re still seeing is all that time and energy doesn’t actually go into being able to do the higher-order functions—the insights, the curiosity. The way the job is changing, and some of the things that I’m really excited about, is you get to use this partner of this AI system, this large language model, to say, well, what are other interesting questions I might want to ask? Then there’s this other side of this, which is to know when to ignore the data. You know, you can be so data-driven that your data’s stupid. That’s a real issue. And so the way to do that is create a hypothesis. You create that hypothesis and then you try to figure out how do you make it testable as a business. And one of the things that’s happened, there’s shocks all the time to businesses, economic situations happen. Natural disasters happen. That’s in a natural experiment. The question is, what do you learn from it? And if you’ve instrumented the data and you’ve got the data in the right place, now you can find interesting insights because of that. And then part of that is then really spending time in that community to get context. And the best data science stories are ones always where the data scientist is tethered tightly with domain experts or is in the field. This could be data scientists working in a city to help the fire department. And this is the same thing that I try to do in the companies that I work with, is embed the technologists, embed the data scientists directly with the people who are on the proverbial front lines, so that then we make it a we problem, not an I problem. 

    MOLLY WOOD: Much like you do not want to silo your data, you don’t want to create an AI team. You don’t want to create a pilot that no one sees except for a tiny group of people in an organization.  

    DJ PATIL: That’s right. The biggest mistake that we see is people treat data and data science as a throw-it-over-the-fence approach. You’re like, look, we got a question. Throw it in there, just like it was some—it’s like, instead of typing it into the LLM, you kind of hand it to some data scientist to go work on. That doesn’t work. You have to be deeply embedded and curious with them to—like at LinkedIn, one of the cultural tenets that we created, and I’ve done this ever since, is we just created a data meeting. No decisions were ever made. You’re there to just ask questions and just try to understand. Somebody might say, well, I see the data this way. Somebody else says, I see the data this way. If you have a decision at that, politics come in. Here, you have the ability to now ask and sort of just get smarter. The goal is to level everybody up. That’s the fundamental goal. And there’s a version of this that happens in the White House. They aren’t decisional meetings. They’re informative information meetings, and there’s an informational memo that goes out. It’s not a decisional. And because the people who need to do the decision—they may be coming from other places, they may be coming from other parts of government or the business. And so there’s a different meeting for that. 

    MOLLY WOOD: I mean, I don’t understand how I’ve spent, uh, an undisclosed number of years on this planet and never worked at an organization that has meetings just for information as opposed to decision, and delineates them that way. Like, that all by itself feels like a huge unlock. And then go back to your thought partner, whoever it is, the decision maker or your LLM and say like, okay, here’s all the data that I have, what are some possible decision trees?  

    DJ PATIL: That’s right. And the number of times where I have personally been in a meeting where, as the data person, have advocated, we should do something that the data doesn’t suggest, is because we’re human learning machines. Then we process that data and we turn it into output. And so we have this idea and frames, gestalts in our mind. What we then have to do is, how do we take new data and update our priors or our way of thinking about it? And that’s an experimental, but because of that, sometimes we have to say, look, the strategic thing can’t be captured in data. But it’s the right thing to do. Maybe it’s a moral thing, maybe it’s an ethical thing, all these other things. But then, and this is why like one of my mentors, the late Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, we had the first memo on this for autonomous weapon systems and AI, [and it] w,as humans have to be in the loop because judgment has to happen. The information may say, do this, but you as a human say, you know what? That’s a catastrophic line that we should not cross. We should not do this. And, you know, we’ve made famous movies about this of, like, where somebody’s single judgment is what saves the day.  

    MOLLY WOOD: So now you are a partner at a venture capital firm. You live in the future in many ways, right? Because you see the newest and best thinking, and I would imagine you are seeing companies that are what we like to call AI-native, that are, you know, creating and forming themselves and thinking about their futures in totally different ways. Are there through-lines that you’re starting to see?  

    DJ PATIL: Yeah, so this is why I call things actually AI native is because, you know, I grew up in a world pre-desktop native, pre-laptop native. And so I would call myself even mobile fluent, you know, like, because the people who are truly mobile native were the people who grew up with phones in college. And so now we’re in a moment where we have this interesting group of population that are really in their freshman, sophomore year of college, I would argue. They’re the ones who are going to be AI native. So AI native is coming. It’s not even here yet. The rest of us are going to be AI fluent. What is starting to show up is a question of, what does an AI-native company look like? What does an AI-fluent company look like? And what is something that just doesn’t understand that it doesn’t need to exist or it doesn’t have the ability to pivot into what it looks like in an AI world? And I would make this a broader statement that is not just about companies, this is about society as well. We think about society like recessions. Do we have a soft landing? Do we have a hard landing? As humans, we’re really bad at two things: We’re bad at exponentials, as we saw with COVID and other things, we’re really bad at understanding exponentials. And we’re really bad at transitions. Well, AI is on an exponential trajectory, and it’s on a rapid transformational arc. So are we going to have a hard landing or a soft landing for society, companies, and all those things? And there’s one hat, which is as an investor, you’re looking at it as, what are the next things that are going to be the disruptive replacements and opportunities to make the world happen? There’s another portion which says, how do we also make sure that there are technologies, companies that aid in this transition and have an opportunity to do things.

    MOLLY WOOD: We’re talking about AI-native companies now, but we don’t even have full implementation of agentic AI. There’s yet another revolution potentially on the table, and I wonder how you think about the adoption of that, the integration of that. Can you even call yourself AI native if AI itself is going to potentially dramatically change in another month?  

    DJ PATIL: Maybe this is the one way I think about it right now. Last calendar year was really spending pennies on AI. If you look at enterprise adoption, true enterprise adoption, it’s still very early. So last year we went from paying pennies; this year we’re kind of shifting to saving pennies. Maybe we’ll get to nickels by mid this year, maybe towards the end of the year, and really hopeful it’ll be in quarters. 2026, 2027 is when we shift to seeing potentially dollars on the balance sheet for those that do it well. And so that’s the way I think of this in the arc. The technology will transform radically. The one way to think of this is, in a typical year for a company, you might get one big product release. You know, they have the big announcement, there’s like one big thing. In startups, maybe you’ll get three product releases in a year. In AI, we’re at 10 iterations of technology releases in a year that are shifts. Could be model size, could be applications, could be stuff like, how does it work with agentic, all those things. We’re on an exponential arc of how to think about the iteration of that tech. And the cultural transformation is operating at a 1x speed. And so the place where I tell people, if you want the leverage, what is going to give you the leverage? It’s not technology. It’s culture, it’s people. It’s helping people know how to use this technology to be more adept. And I got to see this firsthand, at some of the slowest places ever—I was working in national security when Colin Powell was at the State Department, and he gave a memo that said everyone should have a desktop computer. That sounds like crazy now, right? But everyone’s like, oh, the costs, the costs are going to be insane. And like, what are we going to, can we trust people with these computers? And what happens if they take—you know, there was all these questions, and then now you think about it, you’re like, how did you do your work? That was a cultural transformative moment. Those are the versions that we’re going to need to see. It’s like, what does it mean to train people? What does it mean to give access to these technologies? How do we put the safeguards in them to help people make sure they don’t do something that’s going to be potentially harmful to themselves or to the company or the organization. 

    MOLLY WOOD: On that note, I think, I mean, there’s a tendency, as you are well aware, in tech to move fast and break things. I believe you have an alternate phrase.  

    DJ PATIL: We do, it’s from a book that we wrote on data and ethics, AI and ethics. This adage needs to be, move quickly and fix things. And what I think is, and why it resonates with people, is there are types of people out there who run into burning fires—firefighters, first responders, all these. There’s a form of technologist out there that’s a first responder, and they’re eager and excited to actually figure out how to use their skills to help improve situations for everybody. And that doesn’t mean it has to just be a nonprofit or something like that. It’s, how do we be intentional? How do we be thoughtful about what we’re trying to actually do, and actually make sure what we’re building is really what our intention is. I don’t want to make it seem like, you know, someone would say, oh, DJ’s brakes, like, we gotta go all gas, gas, gas, gas versus brakes. I’m very much about gas, but I think it’s a question of like, how can we do it? Because I’ve spent a lot of time with parents of children with rare diseases and kids with rare diseases, and I know there is no time. We cannot be wasting any time for those families with data silos, some of the data protections that are incredibly thoughtful, well-intentioned, but it doesn’t matter for that kid whose life expectancy is so short and could be extended, if not saved. And so, where do we find the right balance of that is being intentional about what problem we’re trying to solve.   

    MOLLY WOOD:  I tell my son all the time, actually about driving, that there is a way to move with haste and not carelessness, which I think is part of what you’re saying. And related to that, we are in a moment of extreme uncertainty. We do not know what’s going to happen. We have these tools that some people say are contributing to that uncertainty. Other people say these tools can help us navigate through it. What do you think is the role of technology in this moment?  

    DJ PATIL: I am incredibly excited about these technologies from the perspective of how they might be able to help people. I think, for example, one of the things is people have deep curiosity when they have an issue and they’re trying to figure out, you know, something, it might be a medical issue, it might be a social issue, like where’s our peer groups, where are our other systems? And a lot of these systems have atrophied. We need to bring those up, but we also can use technology to support on these fronts. I’ve met plenty of people with terminal diseases who are using LLMs to figure out how to advance their care, because when they talk to the physician or the care team, they’re getting insufficient answers. That’s an easy one that we hear about a lot of times. But I also hear about the people who, you know, are just afraid and anxious going into a job interview. One that I just saw the other day firsthand was my son. He is, you know, doing his interviews for the very first time and he is like, what do I do? And I was like, well, let’s just go construct a set of interview questions. This is something we might buy a book for before. Might be something we might have, you know, done a web search for, or something else. But here we’re able to really go, ah, here’s a set of questions. And then he wrote down his answers and we critiqued it. And so in a short span of time, he got really good. And then the follow-on, and this is the key thing, was don’t just settle there, now do this with a real human. Go talk to your roommate, have your roommate ask you them, see what that response is, see how it marries up, and then flip the script and go through it vice versa. I think that’s where we then use this technology to augment us, rather than just sort of as an intervention or a crutch.  

    MOLLY WOOD: You introduced a kind of back-of-the-napkin framework it sounds like at the White House that went a little bit viral. Explain that to us.   

    DJ PATIL: The backstory. Anybody can, if you want the longer version, you can see it on my LinkedIn page of the history of where this came from. But it came during a very tense moment after we’d seen a number of people of color, predominantly Black, who’d been killed in tragic law enforcement situations, along with officers who’d been really hurt in, you know, escalations and other environments. And so we brought people together. It was, what could we do with technology to help in these situations? What could that look like? And so these were a set of principles that I’ve used in building things that are there. And so one of them is you start by prototyping for 1x, building for 10x, and then engineering for 100x. And those X’s are scale. So start with prototyping. Don’t go to the 100x solution right away. Start with something really small, very tangible. See what you can do, and then make it bigger over time. Another one is, you know, how do you plan and work and execute? And so you plan, really the goal is at this—the pithy version of it, to sum it up is ship daily, ship something, everything daily. But you want to plan in years, and planning in years but shipping in days is the key thing. And the final one is, what does it take to double the impact while cutting the timeline in half? And this, for the math nerds out there, they’ve already got it. This is a hack because it no longer puts you on a linear paradigm. It puts you on a log-base-two paradigm, so it starts forcing prioritization exponentially. So only the most important things happen in that way. And when you start thinking about it that way, that’s how you get to solving problems at scale. And that I find is one of the most impactful ways to take something that you’re working small and just make it really big and the best answer for that is, it’s a classic African proverb. If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.  

    MOLLY WOOD: If your listeners could take away one actionable AI-related insight from you, what would you want it to be?  

    DJ PATIL: Don’t just live in the AI system. Get out of the AI system and get into the real world. And then use that, use the AI system, to help bridge you into the real world and figure out what it’s like. But don’t just be stuck in front of the screen. Get out there, get with real people, talk to them, understand what’s really going on, and use the AI to help augment that.  

    MOLLY WOOD: And then what are some surprising ways that you maybe are using some of these tools at work or even in your personal life? 

    DJ PATIL: If anybody follows me on social media, they know I do a lot of photography, and so one of the things that I do is, actually, I upload my images to the LLM and I ask it to critique it, but I don’t just ask it to critique it. I ask it, say, your judges are these different types of photographers who are historical. I ask them to judge it, and then I ask them to give me suggestions on what I could have done differently on composition or post-processing to improve it. And so it’s kind of acting as this coach. I then take that and I actually do show it to real humans and ask them, like say, okay, this is what I got from the system. What do you think? And they always have some, they’re always like, they give me some additional insight that can’t be fully captured. But I found it to be a really effective, helpful coach in this sort of strange way, and this is like one of those things I was like, I was playing one day and I was just like, I wonder if. And I just did it and I was like, whoa, that was weird. That’s, I didn’t expect that. And so a lot of, I try to spend, carve out a little bit of time for what I would call play and just playing with these things and just trying to do that. And I just want to emphasize, I know that is a statement of privilege that not everyone else has, but finding ways where you can do that a little bit on the edge is something that I would advocate for everyone. 

    MOLLY WOOD: Fast-forward three to five years, what do you think will be the most profound change in the way we work?  

    DJ PATIL: We won’t think about AI. We don’t think about, like, what does the mobile team do if you’re inside a company, like, everyone’s doing mobile. We don’t ask like, oh, when we go, you know, we try to do something or interact with something digitally, we don’t go, oh, did you go to the web version on your desktop? Or did you go do the mobile version? It’s just integrated. And so I think a lot of these interfaces, a lot of the products that will show up over the next five years will be ones that will be so naturally embedded that we don’t think of it as the AI system versus the problem that we’re trying to solve. It kind of sits side by side.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Perfect place to end. DJ Patil, America’s first chief data scientist, and now a general partner at Great Point Ventures. Thank you so much for the conversation.  

    DJ PATIL: Thanks. Thanks for having me. 

    MOLLY WOOD: Thank you all for joining us, and keep checking your feeds. We have more fascinating guests on the way with actionable insights that can help leaders develop an AI-first mindset, leverage data to make smarter decisions, and maximize the ROI of AI. If you’ve got a question or a comment, please drop us an email at worklab@microsoft.com, and check out Microsoft’s Work Trend Indexes and the WorkLab digital publication, where you’ll find all our episodes along with thoughtful stories that explore how business leaders are thriving in today’s new world of work. You can find all of that at microsoft.com/worklab. As for this podcast, please, if you don’t mind, rate us, review us, and follow us wherever you listen. It helps us out a ton. The WorkLab podcast is a place for experts to share their insights and opinions. As students of the future of work, Microsoft values inputs from a diverse set of voices. That said, the opinions and findings of our guests are their own, and they may not necessarily reflect Microsoft’s own research or positions. WorkLab is produced by Microsoft with Godfrey Dadich Partners and Reasonable Volume. I’m your host, Molly Wood. Sharon Kallander and Matthew Duncan produced this podcast. Jessica Voelker is the WorkLab editor. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $30 Million More Now Available For Electric Vehicles

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced $30 million is now available for consumers to lease or purchase new electric vehicles (EVs) in New York through the State’s Drive Clean Rebate program, which provides point-of-sale rebates for more than 60 new EVs. In addition, incentives for EV chargers through the Charge Ready NY 2.0 program have been updated to expand consumer access to convenient, easy charging at multifamily buildings and workplaces, including hotels. Today’s announcement helps to make driving electric more affordable, increases the number of chargers available, and reduces pollution from the transportation sector in New York State.

    “New York’s leadership in driving the adoption of electric vehicles is helping consumers stay within their budget when purchasing or leasing a new electric car,” Governor Hochul said. “Along with increased savings, we are building out the infrastructure needed to provide hard-working New Yorkers convenient access to charging, helping to reduce range anxiety and make it easier to drive electric. These investments are key to building a cleaner future, lowering emissions and creating good-paying jobs.”

    The Drive Clean Rebate Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), offers a point-of-sale rebate up to $2,000 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of an EV at participating car dealerships in New York State. The rebate is available in all 62 counties, with higher rebates available for longer range, all-electric vehicles.

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Converting to EVs reduces the total cost of vehicle ownership through lower fuel and vehicle maintenance costs and NYSERDA is proud to help provide New Yorkers with more purchasing power through these rebates. And by supporting organizations seeking to install charging stations at their place of business, the State is ensuring that more new and existing drivers have a variety of options to power up their vehicle at easy-to-access locations for longer periods of time.”

    Also announced today to help make EV charging more accessible to New Yorkers, NYSERDA’s Charge Ready NY 2.0 program, which helps reduce equipment installation costs for Level 2 chargers, is increasing the incentive amount available to install EV chargers at multifamily buildings and workplaces, including hotels, from $2,000 to $3,000 per port. For locations in disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate Justice Working Group, the amount has also increased to $4,000 per port.

    Additionally, $3 million is being dedicated to locations that hold educational “ride and drive” community events, purchase or lease EVs, or offer free charging. The program also accepts new equipment and network eligibility applications from EV charger vendors.

    New York Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, “Promoting electric car ownership and use is a win for consumers and a win for the environment. Congratulations to Governor Hochul for supporting the installation of charging stations and helping to ensure drivers have increased options to charge their vehicles.”

    The Drive Clean Rebate program has issued over 190,000 rebates to consumers since 2017, contributing to the more than 280,000 EVs on the road statewide. In the last year alone, Charge Ready NY 2.0 has supported the installation of more than 1,000 Level 2 chargers. There are more than 17,000 public chargers installed statewide – more public chargers than any other state except for California – and more than 4,000 semi-public charging stations at workplaces and multifamily buildings across the state.

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “New York State has made significant progress in developing the infrastructure to enable the electric vehicle transition, promoting cleaner transportation and reducing emissions statewide. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, this effort is being done with a focus on affordability and reliability. The Power Authority supports this work by aiding in fleet vehicle transitions and expanding the EVolve NY fast charging network, which currently offers 240 charging stations with more to come later this year.”

    Additionally, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has undertaken significant efforts to build out high-speed chargers along New York State’s major travel corridors through its EVolve NY network, which include:

    • EVolve NY Fast Charging Network. The New York Power Authority’s EVolve NY fast charging network offers 240 chargers at 56 locations along major corridors and routes (I-87, I81, I-384, I-90, I-88, and I-86) and in all 10 economic development regions of the state. NYPA has surpassed the halfway mark of its goal to install 400 EVolve NY fast chargers by 2026. Battery-powered EVs equipped with fast charging capability can power up in as little as 20 minutes at EVolve NY fast chargers. See map here for locations throughout New York State.
    • Fast Chargers Coming to LaGuardia. Construction is beginning this month on NYPA’s largest EVolve NY site – LaGuardia Airport. The station, which will have 12 high-speed chargers, will be in a parking lot between terminals A and B, just off the Grand Central Parkway, and is expected to be completed by August. The site is for use by the public as well as rideshare vehicles. The airport currently has 13 public Level 2 chargers at Terminal B and C.
    • Federal Funding Allows Further Expansion. New York has completed eleven four-charger EVolve NY sites with National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program funding with two more to be completed this month. Nine more will be constructed over the next year. NEVI support to states is meant to close gaps between existing stations and the EVolve NY team has been steadily closing those range anxiety gaps.
    • New York City Adds Fast Charging Sites. NYPA is working with the state and city Department of Transportation to install hundreds of fast charging and Level 2 ports in New York City. Five new EVolve NY sites at municipal parking lots are expected to go into construction in 2025 and six more in 2026. The hubs will offer a total of 70 fast chargers and electrical connections for 280 future Level 2 chargers. NYPA is also supporting the construction of five fast charging hubs for the PlugNYC program, with two of these projects currently in construction in the Bronx and Brooklyn.

    Today’s announcement comes as the 2025 New York International Auto Show kicks off in New York City, which runs from April 18 through April 27 at the Javits Center. Visitors can stop by the NYSERDA and NYPA booth, located on level 1, to learn about incentives for purchasing EVs and programs that support charger growth throughout New York.

    In addition, the New York State Office of General Services (OGS), in collaboration with its GreenNY Council partners, is leading the way on converting the state fleet and building out the electric charging infrastructure that will support this transformation. Today, there are nearly 600 charging ports on state owned property, with another 600 in the pipeline.

    New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “The OGS team is proud to be leading the implementation of Governor Hochul’s mandate to convert the state’s fleet to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles. The investment announced by the Governor today will increase New Yorkers’ access to EVs and EV chargers and contribute to creating a greener, cleaner, and healthier future for our state.”

    New York State is investing nearly $3 billion in electrifying its transportation sector and rapidly advancing measures to ensure that all new passenger cars and trucks sold are zero-emission vehicles, along with all school buses being zero emissions. There are a range of initiatives to grow access to EVs and improve clean transit for all New Yorkers including EV Make Ready, EVolve NY, the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program (NYTVIP), the New York School Bus Incentive Program, and the Direct Current Fast Charger Program.

    The Drive Clean Rebate and Charge Ready NY 2.0 programs are funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the State’s Clean Energy Fund.

    New York State’s Climate Agenda
    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casino 2025 – JACKBIT | Rated Top Bitcoin Online Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LARNACA, Cyprus , April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As crypto gambling continues to grow, finding a reliable and rewarding online casino can be a challenge. After reviewing dozens of platforms, JACKBIT Casino stood out as one of the best crypto casinos in 2025.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT CASINO

    Whether you’re into slots, live casino games, or crypto sports betting, JACKBIT delivers a premium real-money experience. In this review, we’ll cover what makes JACKBIT a top choice, including its features, pros and cons, how to join, available games, and supported payment methods.

    A Closer Look at the Best Online Crypto Casino : JACKBIT Casino

    What sets JACKBIT apart? It’s not just the sleek design or the massive 7,000+ game selection. It’s the unmatched crypto-friendly environment—featuring instant deposits and lightning-fast withdrawals, no KYC requirements, and a powerful VIP system offering up to 30% rakeback.

    With $10,000 weekly giveaways, 10,000 free spins, and access to the most comprehensive crypto sportsbook in the industry, JACKBIT has redefined what it means to gamble online with crypto. Find out our detailed breakdown below.

    How We Selected the Best Online Crypto Casino

    Bonus & Promotions (2025)

    JACKBIT is offering one of the best crypto casino bonuses in 2025:

    • 30% Rakeback
    • 100 First Deposit Free Spins
    • No KYC Needed
    • Weekly $10,000 Giveaways
    • 10,000 Free Spins Weekly

    Whether you’re a casual spinner or a high roller, JACKBIT’s bonus structure is designed to reward everyone. The rakeback system gives you up to 30% back on your losses, putting real money back into your account just for playing.

    Meanwhile, the weekly giveaways are a huge draw, with JACKBIT handing out $10,000 in cash prizes and 10,000 free spins every single week. This is a loyalty scheme that feels genuinely rewarding and keeps players coming back.

    CLICK HERE TO GET 30% RAKEBACK BONUS + 100 FREE SPINS + NO KYC

    JACKBIT Casino License & Trust

    JACKBIT Casino operates under a legitimate Curacao eGaming license, which is a recognized and popular licensing body for crypto casinos. While some competitors opt for weaker or lesser-known regulators, JACKBIT sticks with Curacao, ensuring better compliance and more robust player protections.

    The platform emphasizes security, privacy, and fairness, with all games running on provably fair algorithms and using state-of-the-art SSL encryption. Most importantly, there’s no KYC requirement, so players can gamble privately with their crypto.

    Casino Game Selection at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT Casino boasts an enormous library of 7,000+ games, powered by over 80 of the world’s top iGaming providers. From classic slots and video poker to live dealer tables and specialty crypto games, JACKBIT delivers a complete suite of gaming options.

    Game Categories Include:

    • Slots: Thousands of high-RTP titles, including Book of Dead, Sweet Bonanza, and Gates of Olympus
    • Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker
    • Live Casino: Play with real dealers in HD, powered by Evolution, Ezugi, and Pragmatic Live
    • Crash & Instant Games: Aviator, Plinko, Mines, Dice, and more
    • Jackpot Games: Progressive jackpots with life-changing prizes

    The interface is sleek and fast-loading, whether you’re playing on desktop or mobile. You can also use filters to sort by provider, volatility, game type, and more, making it easy to find your favorite games.

    JACKBIT’s Sportsbook: Best in Crypto Betting

    JACKBIT doesn’t just excel as a casino—it also features the most advanced crypto sportsbook on the market. Here’s why it’s a game-changer in 2025:

    • 82,000+ Live Events Monthly
    • 4,500+ Betting Types
    • 75,000+ Pre-Match Events Monthly
    • 140+ Sports Categories: Includes football, basketball, MMA, esports, and more

    The sportsbook covers virtually every sporting event on Earth, and even niche markets like politics, entertainment, and virtual sports. Odds are extremely competitive, and you can use crypto for deposits and withdrawals with near-instant processing.

    Live betting is fully supported, with real-time stats, bet tracking, and dynamic odds. For serious sports bettors, JACKBIT is on par with global giants.

    VIP & Rakeback System

    JACKBIT’s VIP system is one of the strongest we’ve ever seen. Instead of vague loyalty points or delayed bonuses, JACKBIT rewards you directly with up to 30% rakeback, available in real-time.

    The more you play, the more you earn:

    • Tiered VIP Levels: Progression system with increasing rewards
    • Personal Account Managers: For top-tier players
    • Exclusive Events & Perks: Extra giveaways, tournaments, and rewards
    • Faster Withdrawals & Higher Limits

    Rakeback is credited daily, weekly, or monthly depending on your activity. It’s a transparent and generous system that genuinely puts money back in your pocket.

    Payments & No KYC Policy

    JACKBIT supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including:

    • ₿ Bitcoin (BTC)
    • ₳ Ethereum (ETH)
    • ₵ Litecoin (LTC)
    • ₿ USDT, BNB, XRP, DOGE, and more

    Why Players Love It:

    • No KYC Required
    • Instant Deposits
    • Fast Withdrawals (1-10 Minutes)
    • Low Fees

    With no identity verification steps, you can sign up, deposit, and start playing in minutes. JACKBIT is ideal for crypto users who value privacy and speed.

    Mobile Experience & User Interface

    JACKBIT’s mobile site is a joy to use, with lightning-fast load times and seamless navigation. It works flawlessly on all modern iOS and Android devices, allowing you to enjoy:

    • Full Game Library Access
    • Live Betting on the Go
    • Live Casino Games
    • Crypto Payments

    No app download is required. Everything runs in your browser, optimized for smooth performance.

    JACKBIT Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • 30% Rakeback on All Bets
    • 100 Free Spins on First Deposit
    • $10,000 + 10,000 Free Spins Weekly
    • Best Crypto Sportsbook in 2025
    • 7,000+ Casino Games
    • No KYC Policy
    • Fast Crypto Withdrawals
    • Top VIP Program

    Cons:

    • No traditional fiat payment methods
    • Not available in some restricted countries (use a VPN)

    How to Join JACKBIT Casino? Step By Step

    Joining JACKBIT Casino is fast, easy, and completely hassle-free—even for U.S. players. With no KYC requirements, you can jump straight into the action without uploading sensitive personal documents. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

    Step 1: Visit the Official Website : Click here to go straight to the JACKBIT Casino sign-up page and start playing

    Click the “Sign Up” button located in the top right corner.

    Step 2: Create Your Account

    Fill in a few simple details:

    • Your email address
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    • Select your country
    • Choose your preferred currency (JACKBIT supports crypto and fiat)

    Then, agree to the terms and conditions and click “Create Account.”

    Step 3: Make Your First Deposit

    Once your account is active, navigate to the “Wallet” section. Choose your preferred deposit method—whether it’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, or another crypto—and follow the on-screen instructions to fund your account.

    Pro Tip: Make sure to claim the 30% Rakeback + 100 Free Spins First Deposit Bonus!

    Step 4: Start Playing

    After your deposit is confirmed, head to the Casino or Sportsbook section to begin playing. Whether you’re into slots, live dealers, or sports betting, JACKBIT has it all.

    Responsible Gambling at JACKBIT Casino

    Online gaming at platforms like JACKBIT Casino offers plenty of thrills and entertainment, but it’s important to play mindfully. What starts as fun can quickly spiral if players aren’t in control of their habits. That’s why JACKBIT promotes responsible gambling, putting player well-being first.

    While the casino provides built-in safeguards, it’s also up to players to manage their time and spending wisely. Practicing self-awareness is key to keeping the experience safe and enjoyable.

    Here are some of the responsible gaming tools JACKBIT Casino offers:

    • Deposit Limits – Allows players to set a maximum deposit amount to stay within budget.
    • Loss Limits – Helps control how much a player is willing to lose over a set period.
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    • Session Time Limits – Encourages healthy play by limiting how long users stay active.
    • Cooling-Off Periods – Lets players take a short break by temporarily suspending their accounts.
    • Reality Checks – Periodic pop-up alerts to remind players how long they’ve been playing.

    JACKBIT Casino is dedicated to providing a secure and balanced gaming environment where players can enjoy the excitement without risking their well-being.

    Best Online Casino Games

    Top-tier crypto casinos like JACKBIT Casino are known for offering a robust and expansive game library that rivals any traditional online casino. As the best crypto casino in 2025, JACKBIT ensures its players enjoy a premium gaming experience with thousands of high-quality games, all accessible with cryptocurrency. Below are some of the most popular game categories available to players on JACKBIT Casino:

    Online Slots

    Online slots remain the most played category across any casino, and JACKBIT takes this to the next level. With over 7,000 slot titles, JACKBIT Casino offers something for every type of player—from retro 3-reel fruit slots to modern 5-reel video slots filled with bonus rounds, expanding wilds, free spins, and progressive jackpots. The crypto advantage means fast gameplay, instant deposits, and quick cashouts, making slot sessions seamless and more thrilling.

    Blackjack

    Blackjack continues to be a favorite for crypto casino players due to its balance of skill and chance. At JACKBIT Casino, players can enjoy multiple blackjack variants from top-tier providers. Whether you prefer classic blackjack, multi-hand, or VIP blackjack tables, the platform ensures fast-paced gameplay with crypto wagering and near-instant payouts, letting you play with strategy while maximizing rewards.

    Roulette

    JACKBIT Casino gives players access to both European and American roulette, as well as other variants like French Roulette and Auto Roulette. Crypto players can place their bets quickly and securely using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other supported coins. The high-definition game layouts and immersive sounds make the virtual wheel spins feel just like a visit to a real casino floor.

    Poker

    Whether you’re into video poker or table-based casino poker, JACKBIT Casino has you covered. Games like Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, and Jacks or Better allow players to go head-to-head with the house, offering exciting opportunities to win with the strategic use of cards and crypto. The fast blockchain-based payments mean no delays in enjoying your poker wins.

    Live Dealer Games

    Nothing beats the thrill of playing live with real dealers, and JACKBIT Casino excels in this area. It offers a premium live casino experience powered by industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play Live. Players can sit at live-streamed tables with professional dealers in real time, playing blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more—all while wagering securely with cryptocurrencies. The instant crypto transactions enhance the live casino experience, making JACKBIT the go-to choice for crypto gamblers.

    FAQs About JACKBIT Casino

    • Is JACKBIT Casino legit?

    Yes. JACKBIT is a licensed crypto casino operating under the Curacao eGaming license. It’s widely regarded as one of the most reliable crypto gaming platforms in 2025.

    • What is the rakeback at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT offers up to 30% rakeback, which is calculated based on your net losses and credited daily, weekly, or monthly.

    • Can I play without KYC?

    Yes. JACKBIT does not require KYC, so you can sign up, deposit crypto, and start playing anonymously.

    • What bonuses does JACKBIT offer in 2025?

    New players receive 100 free spins, and everyone gets 30% rakeback plus access to weekly $10,000 giveaways and 10,000 free spins.

    • Is there a JACKBIT mobile app?

    No app is needed! JACKBIT’s site is fully optimized for mobile browsers on iOS and Android.

    Final Verdict: Why JACKBIT Casino Is the Best Crypto Casino in 2025

    JACKBIT Casino combines privacy, power, and promotions in a way few other sites can. Whether you want to hit the slots, crush the live casino, or place crypto bets on global sports, JACKBIT is your one-stop gaming hub.

    From 30% rakeback to 10,000+ free spins weekly, a world-class sportsbook, and 7,000+ casino games, JACKBIT stands out as the ultimate destination for crypto players in 2025.

    Media Contact:
    Company name: Jackbit
    Full Company address: Patrikiou Loumoumpa, 7 BLOCK A, Flat/Office A13 Pervolia, 7560, Larnaca, Cyprus
    Company website: https://jackbit.com/
    Contact Name: Laura Luis
    email: support@jackbit.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Jackbit. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Affiliate Disclosure
    Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you sign up or make a purchase. Our recommendations are based on independent research and are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e71c820-5a82-4f1e-bd5b-9bd970914eda

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Kevin Vilkin Joins Conservation International Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kevin Vilkin, co-founder of Emergent Strategic Partners, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Conservation International, a leading global nonprofit dedicated to protecting nature for the benefit of people and the planet. As a board member, Vilkin will contribute his expertise in sustainable innovation and strategic partnerships to support the organization’s mission of advancing conservation efforts worldwide.

    “I have know Kevin for close to a decade,” said Peter Seligmann, Chairman of the Board of Conservation International. “He brings the needed boldness of youth, as well as integrity, intelligence and humanity, to the great challenges that CI and all of our partners must overcome.”

    “Joining the board of Conservation International is a privilege,” said Vilkin. “The organization’s work in preserving our planet’s natural resources is more critical than ever. I am excited to help drive initiatives that create lasting environmental and economic impact.”

    About Conservation International

    Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Go to Conservation.org for more, and follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

    About Kevin Vilkin

    Before launching Emergent, Vilkin founded and successfully exited his first business—a music events company—at the age of 21, helping shape the careers of global artists such as Mumford & Sons and the Zac Brown Band. He founded the Vanguard Program for Summit Series, connecting the world’s most influential leaders, including Richard Branson, Ray Dalio, and Jeff Bezos.

    Vilkin currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Redaptive, ID.me, and GoodLeap. He sits on the Board of Directors at Conservation International, is a member of Business Executives for National Security (BENS), and has been recognized as a Milken Young Leaders Circle and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Additionally, he previously served as a Senior Advisor to TPG Growth.

    About Emergent Strategic Partners

    Emergent develops strategic partnerships that scale sustainable innovations for large enterprises. By connecting leading companies with emerging businesses, Emergent drives cost efficiencies and revenue growth while providing family offices with access to high-potential investment opportunities. Emergent partners’ impact includes $2.2B in revenue generated, $2.8B in enterprise value created, and $1.3B in capital raised.

    Media Contact:
    Paul Orszag
    Emergent Strategic Partners
    porszag@esp.co
    (661) 803-6617

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McMahon Ryan’s Go Blue 4 Kids Breakfast

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Hochul delivered remarks at McMahon Ryan’s Go Blue 4 Kids Breakfast to highlight her commitment to preventing child abuse in New York State.

    VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

     Good morning. I’m going to tell my scheduler, make sure I never go after Elijah when he speaks. What an extraordinary voice. And I want to thank him for coming from Virginia. I have a lot of family down the Richmond area. I was just so struck I was listening to every word he said and the passion that he brought to it.I want to make sure that his voice is elevated, maybe to run for office someday. Not for Governor of New York State, but maybe Governor of Virginia or something someday.

    But thank you Elijah, and thank you Aaron and everyone, and Joanie and everyone who’s here this morning. You all look great in your blue. Most of you have blue on, I found all the blue I could find in my closet.

    But I also want to say this – I’m in the middle of the budget negotiations, right? So what am I doing here in Syracuse this morning? I did a little escape away because I knew what you were gathering to talk about. And that is something that as New York’s first mom governor in history that I know a little bit about – a lot about how precious our children are.

    And I think about the fact that even tomorrow at the Governor’s residence, I’m opening up the lawn and we’re going to have an Easter egg roll for children to be carefree and just enjoy life. And I’m bringing in kids from the neighborhood and from a sheltered workshop who come by. And I just want everyone to just embrace that sense of childhood uninterrupted by violence or abuse. But not every child has that.

    That is what saddens me tremendously and why I wanted to come here and thank you for the work that you’re doing. And I want you to know you also have partners in government like myself – and one of the reasons those who keep track, and most people do not, I guarantee it – but our budget is a little delayed right now because I’m fighting to make sure that when we have victims, and we have people who are accused, people need to go to jail – or be at least tried – that we don’t have cases thrown out on technicalities. That is what our system has set up.

    We had important reforms back in 2019. We needed to make a change because it was skewed way toward the prosecutor. It was unfair to our defendants that is not justice. But now it has gone in the other direction, 100 percent. And we had 94 percent of domestic violence cases thrown out on technicalities mostly. That is an injustice to the victims – whether they’re children, whether they’re teenagers, whether they’re adult women, whether they’re men. We cannot have a system that victimizes the victims all over again when someone finally has the courage to come forward and tell their story, whether it’s a child or an adult, they tell their story.

    It is hard. It is hard to reveal that something has happened to you. There’s an amount of shame and you wonder, did I bring this on myself? There’s a lot of emotions involved. My mother was very involved in social work and helping children and women who are victims of violence, and I know that sense is strong.

    But when someone has the courage to finally step up and tell a police officer what happened, and then they have to explain it to the prosecutors and have to tell their own story and have to find evidence and everything else. When you finally get to that point and you go to a judge who says, “Oh, we missed this bit of information. It may not be relevant, but under the law I have to throw it out,” or was missed by a day – that is justice as denied in a way that is incomprehensible to me. We must change that.

    So I’m on the verge – I will be finishing up a budget hopefully soon, but I said I’m not signing this budget until it includes common sense reforms to those laws. And my friends, I’m about to get that done, and we’re going to do it together. And I care so deeply about the work that you do, and I have an extraordinary team.

    I want to make sure you have a chance to get to know them. I have Bea Hanson here, who’s the head of the Office of Victim Services. Bea, would you please stand up and raise your hand? Dr. Harris-Madden is here as well, the Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services. Thank you, Dr. Harris-Madden. These are my champions, just like all of you are.

    These are the voice, the faces of our state government who are out there saying, “We are working on this shoulder to shoulder, so we come to a time in our lives where we can finally banish the fear that children have to let them know that they’re allowed to live in peace and love and everything they’ve been promised.”

    I think about the words of Kofi Annan: “There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives can be free from fear and want. And they can grow up in peace.” Every child deserves that. That’s the whole purpose of this organization that’s been doing this God’s work on Earth for 25 years.

    And I just want to tell you how grateful I am and we have great individuals who are championing you, including our own Onondaga District Attorney, and I want to thank Bill Fitzpatrick. Is he here? He’s been working on these issues for such a long time and I’m so proud of him and the work that he is doing in helping us with some really complicated cases involving our prisons. So there’s a lot of good people, a lot of good angels out there, a lot of people out there to protect others.

    I look at this organization and all of you, and that’s why I wanted to come here of all the places in the state, it’s really nice to be out of Albany. And I want to present this proclamation to Erin and thank her for everyone at the McMahon Ryan Advocacy Center and know that the lives that you’re touching are profoundly affected in a positive way people had given up hope.

    And I agree with Elijah. No one’s really broken – they just need little mending sometimes. And sometimes their hearts need to heal. Let them grow into fully enriched adults who are capable of giving love to others, even if they’ve been denied it in their own lives and that trust has been broken, that someday they would have children that can trust them. We must stop this generational abuse. Stop it now, and children in the future will know that they are safer today because of the work that you have been doing for 25 years. And I’m saying for the next 25, 100 years – I thank you so much for everything you’re doing and let’s acknowledge children’s advocacy and ending domestic violence and domestic abuse of children in our lifetime. Can we do that together? Can we continue to fight for that? I believe we can as well.

    You inspire me. Thank you very much everyone. And I’ve been in this business a long time – this is a really nice long proclamation. I believe in democracy. If there’s anyone who wants me to read the whole thing, raise your hands. Seeing none, I will just say that we are supporting the child abuse prevention awareness, and supporting Child and Family Wellness Month on behalf of the Governor, signed here, presented to you. Congratulations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Toobit Launches Convert, Now Offers Instant Zero-Fee Crypto Swaps

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Award-winning digital asset trading platform Toobit today announces the launch of Toobit Convert, a new crypoasset management tool that allows users to instantly swap between supported cryptocurrencies—without trading fees or the need to place manual buy or sell orders.

    With Toobit Convert, traders can exchange one asset for another at real-time market rates, simplifying portfolio management and enabling fast responses to market shifts. Unlike traditional spot trading, there’s no need to deal with order books, set price limits, or use trading strategies. Toobit Convert offers a clean, easy-to-use interface that provides zero slippage for supported token amounts, with prices coming from several market makers, so traders always get the most competitive rates.

    Traders can take 3 simple steps to Convert their crypto

    1. Choose crypto:
      Pick cryptocurrency to convert from, and the one to get in return.
    2. Get a live quote:
      Toobit shows real-time prices based on the current market. This quote is valid for a few seconds, and is refreshed in real-time.
    3. Confirm and convert:
      Once the price is suitable, just click to confirm. The swap happens instantly, and the converted crypto shows up in the account right away.

    “Whether you’re rebalancing your portfolio or moving between coins, Toobit Convert takes the friction out of the process,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer at Toobit. “We’re focused on building intuitive tools that enhance the user experience without compromising speed, security, or transparency.”

    Available now on both desktop and the Toobit trading app, Toobit Convert supports a wide range of digital assets, with minimum and maximum limits clearly displayed before each conversion. Most transactions are completed instantly, and users can track their conversion history directly from the Convert page.

    With Convert, new users can now swap assets in seconds with no extra charges. Experienced traders can also use Convert to move fast in changing markets or explore new options with ease. Whether adjusting a portfolio or dealing with price swings, Toobit Convert is a quick, easy tool for efficient cryptoasset management.

    This launch follows Toobit’s growing suite of user-focused tools, including Toobit Earn, which offers staking rewards of up to 250,000 USDT.

    For more details, visit the Toobit Convert page: https://www.toobit.com/en-US/convert

    About Toobit

    Toobit is where the future of crypto trading unfolds—an award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built for those who thrive exploring new frontiers. With deep liquidity and cutting-edge technology, Toobit empowers traders worldwide to navigate the digital asset markets with confidence. We offer a fair, secure, seamless, and transparent trading experience, ensuring every trade is an opportunity to discover what’s next.

    For more information about Toobit, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Instagram

    Contact: Davin C.

    Email: market@toobit.com

    Website: www.toobit.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Toobit. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/42f03f51-5920-4091-8fec-8bea7225af12

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Seasonal safety tips

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    In summer, keep your dog healthy and happy by walking in the early morning or evening.

    In brief:

    • There are a lot of things to think about during the summer holiday period.
    • It’s important to do what you can to keep yourself, your family and your things safe.
    • This article overviews some actions you can take.

    From festive parties to trips away, there are so many things to do and enjoy at this time of year.

    Taking a moment to read the following tips will help ensure you can celebrate free of unexpected problems.

    Travel safely

    If you’re hitting the road this summer, remember to take plenty of breaks and drive to the conditions.

    It’s also a good idea to pack supplies just in case the car you’re travelling in breaks down.

    Never leave a child or pet in the car, even with the windows down or for short periods. Car interiors can heat to over 60 degrees in just five minutes.

    Protect your home while you’re away

    House break-ins often increase over holiday periods, because offenders know an empty house can be an easy target.

    Try to leave your house looking lived-in with the help of a neighbour or house-sitter.

    Keeping windows and doors locked, your mail collected, and your lawn mown while you are away can help.

    Find more tips in ACT Policing’s property crime prevention page.

    Take note of public transport changes

    Staying in the ACT? It’s worth noting changes to bus and light rail timetables during the summer school holidays – from Monday 23 December 2024 to Sunday 2 February 2025.

    School services and ‘s’ trip diversions will not be in place during the six-week holiday period.

    Bus and light rail services will be free on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve (from 5pm). There will be a special bus timetable in place. You don’t even need a MyWay+ card – but if you have one, please tap on and off.

    If you choose to leave the car at home on New Year’s Eve, you can take advantage of an extended Tuesday timetable with additional bus and light rail services.

    And remember, public transport is free on Fridays.

    Make your trip even easier by using the MyWay+ app or TC Journey Planner.

    Stay up to date with public transport service alerts

    Keep your pets safe and well

    As the temperature rises, pets rely on their owners to keep them happy, healthy and safe.

    There are some easy ways to do this.

    • Avoid walks in heat of the day. Early morning and evening walks are best, and this will also protect their paws from burning.
    • Make sure they have access to fresh drinking water and shade around your house and backyard all day.
    • Help your pets stay cool with an icy pet treat. There are lots of online recipes to make your own pet-safe summer treats.
    • Visit one of the dog swimming spots or fill a kids’ splash pool with water to help your pooch cool down.
    • Arrange for someone to care for your pets if you go on holidays.
    • Make sure your pet is microchipped and registered so if they escape – such as during a storm – they can easily be returned.
    • And remember, never leave your dog in an unattended parked car. Even if you leave the windows down, your dog is still at risk of suffering heat exhaustion within minutes.

    Find a dog swimming spot or learn more about recreation with your dog.

    Christmas present safety

    There’s nothing like nailing that perfect gift, but some presents – particularly those for kids – need a bit of extra care and supervision.

    • Portable pools: remember, children can drown in portable pools. Always watch them carefully.
    • Button batteries can be deadly if swallowed. Always check the battery compartment is secure on items before buying.
    • Choose age-appropriate toys to help prevent injury and choking.
    • Trampolines: check and maintain your trampoline. Always watch young children as they bounce.
    • Pool toys and floatation aids are for fun, not safety. Stay close and supervise children.
    • eRideables: children should only ride age-appropriate devices. They should wear a helmet and have only one person per device.
    • Always monitor and unplug lithium-ion products once items are charged. This helps avoid fires and injuries.

    Take care of your gas bottles

    If you’re planning some barbecues this summer, chances are you have a gas bottle around the house.

    You can minimise risk by following these simple safety tips.

    • Always ensure adequate ventilation and never use indoors or in confined spaces.
    • Always read the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
    • Do not connect or disconnect cylinders near a naked flame.
    • Do not use LPG in windy conditions.
    • Always keep cylinders cool and away from flames, sparks and heat.
    • Only use approved or certified hoses and connections designed for gas. Never use home-made ones.

    Read more about gas bottle safety

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS Introduces Upgraded TUF Gaming A14 for Ultimate Performance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS today announced an all-new ASUS TUF Gaming A14 equipped with an AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 CPU and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 Laptop GPU. Housed in an incredibly portable and lightweight 14-inch form factor chassis, the TUF Gaming A14 is the perfect companion for any gamer on the go.

    Next-gen RTX™ 50 Series graphics

    Backed by the incredible performance of the new NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 Laptop GPU, the TUF Gaming A14 is truly primed and ready for the latest AAA and esports games. This card features the latest DLSS suite of technologies, which uses AI and neural rendering to boost FPS, reduce latency, and improve image quality. The latest breakthrough, DLSS 4, brings new Multi Frame Generation and enhanced Ray Reconstruction and Super Resolution, powered by GeForce RTX™ 50 Series GPUs and fifth-generation Tensor Cores. From old classics to the latest AAA titles, the A14 has the power to make your games look and perform better than ever before.

    Upgraded processing and AI power

    The TUF Gaming A14 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 processor, with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a built-in NPU capable of 50 TOPS of AI performance. A gaming and multi-tasking workhorse, this chip is able to easily power the latest AAA and esports titles all while running your favorite communication apps or streams in the background. And, since local AI performance will become crucial to avoid long wait times and high costs in the cloud, the built-in NPU is a perfect companion to AMD Ryzen™ AI. Users can perform hand gesture detection, eye gaze correction, and use Windows Copilot tools like email summarization locally with less power consumption.

    Ultraportable 14-inch form factor

    Built to be ultra-portable with excellent performance, the new TUF Gaming A14 weighs only 1.46kg (3.22 lbs), and measures 1.69cm (0.67″) thick. Despite these dimensions, the A14 supports up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX Laptop GPU with a 110W max TGP in Manual Mode — far more than many of its competitors for an exceptional gaming experience.

    In addition, the TUF Gaming A14 comes with dual-channel LPDDR5 memory as well as two M.2 2280 SSD slots, so users can upgrade or add SSDs for extreme amounts of storage in a 14-inch laptop. USB power delivery rounds out this portable powerhouse, for easy charging on-the-go with wide compatibility between devices thanks to USB Type-C.

    AVAILABILITY & PRICING1

    The new ASUS TUF Gaming A14 will be available later in the beginning of Q3 2025 in Canada. The currently planned specification and pricing for Canada are available below.

    For more information, please reach out to your ASUS representative.

    SPECIFICATIONS2

    ASUS TUF Gaming A14

    Model Name FA401KM-DS74-CA
    Marketing Name ASUS TUF Gaming A14
    Color Jaeger Gray
    Processor AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 processor (8 Cores 16 Threads, supporting AMD Ryzen™ AI and Windows Studio Effect, up to 50 TOPs AI Performance)
    Graphics NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 Laptop GPU
    8GB GDDR7
    Max TGP 110 W (with Dynamic Boost)
    Operating System Windows 11 Home
    Display 14″ 2.5K (WQXGA, 2560×1600), 165Hz, IPS-level, anti-glare,
    16:10, sRGB100%, 400 nits, 3 ms (overdrive support), 1000:1
    Supports DDS & G-SYNC™
    Memory 16 GB (2 x 8GB) LPDDR5X 7500 MHz (onboard memory)
    Storage 1 TB M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 SSD (pre-installed)
    1 x additional M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 SSD slot (empty)
    Keyboard White backlight chiclet keyboard
    Audio Dolby Atmos®
    Hi-Res Audio
    Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation
    WiFi / Bluetooth WiFi 6E
    Bluetooth® v5.3
    I/O Ports 1 x USB4® (supports DisplayPort™ / Power Delivery)
    1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C®
    2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
    1 x HDMI® 2.1
    1 x Micro SD Card Reader (UHS II)
    1 x Audio combo jack
    Battery 73 Wh
    AC Adapter 200W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 10A, 200W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
    Dimensions 31.1 x 22.7 x 1.69 ~ 1.99 cm (12.24″ x 8.94″ x 0.67″ ~ 0.78″)
    Weight 1.46 Kg (3.22 lbs)
    MSRP C$2,299
    Availability ASUS Store and selected retailers, early Q3 2025


    NOTES TO EDITORS

    ASUS TUF Gaming A14: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-gaming/tuf-gaming/asus-tuf-gaming-a14-2025/

    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

    ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/

    ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca

    ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube

    ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

    About ASUS

    ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

    1 Laptop prices and configurations are an indication only and are subject to changes.
    2 Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6593b252-dcea-436d-aecc-14989c508bc3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: With federal funding in question, artists can navigate a perilous future by looking to the past

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Johanna K. Taylor, Associate Professor, The Design School, Arizona State University

    Keith Haring paints a mural in New York City on Aug. 20, 1987. Mark Hinjosa/Newsday RM via Getty Images

    In a February 2025 Truth Social post, President Donald Trump declared a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”

    So far, this “golden age” has entailed an executive order calling for the federal agency that funds local museums and libraries to be dismantled, with most grants rescinded. The Trump administration has forbidden federal arts funding from going to artists who promote what the administration calls “gender ideology”. There’s been a purge of the board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with Trump appointing himself chair. And the administration has canceled National Endowment for the Humanities grants.

    Suffice it to say, many artists and arts organizations across the U.S. are worried: Will government arts funding dry up? Do these cuts signal a new war on arts and culture? How do artists make it through this period of change?

    As scholars who study the arts, activism and policy, we’re watching the latest developments with apprehension. But we think it’s important to point out that while the U.S. government has never been a global leader of arts funding, American artists have always been innovative, creative and scrappy during times of political turmoil.

    A rocky relationship with the arts

    For much of the country’s early history, government funding for the arts was rarely guaranteed or stable.

    After the Civil War, the Second Industrial Revolution facilitated massive concentrations of wealth, in what became known as the the Gilded Age. Private arts funding soared during this period, with some titans of industry, such as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, seeing it as their duty to build museums, theaters and libraries for the public. The heavy reliance on private funding for the arts troubled some Americans, who feared these institutions would become too exposed to the whims of the wealthy.

    In response, Progressive Era activists and politicians argued that it was the government’s responsibility to build arts spaces accessible to all Americans.

    The Federal Theatre Project was shuttered after a production of ‘Revolt of the Beavers’ in 1937.
    Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images

    Efforts to fund the arts expanded with the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, as the country was reeling from the Great Depression. From 1935 to 1943, the Works Progress Administration provided jobs with stable wages for artists through the Federal Art Project. However, Congress famously terminated the program in response to a 1937 production of “The Revolt of the Beavers,” which conservative politicians denounced for containing overt Marxist themes.

    Nonetheless, over the ensuing decades, the federal government generally signaled its support for the arts.

    Congress established the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1965 to fund arts organizations and artists. And since 1972, the General Services Administration has commissioned public art for federal buildings and organized a registry of prospective artists.

    The NEA gave US$8.4 million in direct funding to artists in 1989 via fellowships and grants. This might be considered the high-water mark for unrestricted government funding for individual artists.

    Andres Serrano’s ‘Piss Christ’ spurred calls to restrict public funding of the arts.
    Fairfax Media/Getty Images

    By the 1980s, sexuality, drugs and American morality had become hot-button political issues. The arts, from music to theater, were at the center of this culture war. Pressure escalated in 1989 when conservative leaders contested two NEA-funded exhibitions featuring work by Andres Serrano and Robert Mapplethorpe, which they deemed homoerotic and anti-Christian. In 1990, Congress instated a “decency clause” guiding all future NEA work. When Republicans regained control of Congress in 1994, they slashed direct funding for the arts.

    With direct funding to artists largely eliminated, today’s artists can indirectly receive federal government support through federal arts agency grants, which are given to arts organizations that then dole out a portion to artists. Local and state government agencies also provide small amounts of direct support for artists.

    The stage of democracy

    Artists and arts organizations have a long legacy of persistence and strategic organizing during periods of political and economic upheaval.

    In the pre-Revolutionary colonies, representatives of the British government banned theatrical performances to discourage revolutionary action. In response, activist playwrights organized underground parlor dramas and informal dramatic readings to keep arts-based activism alive.

    William Wells Brown wrote antislavery plays in the antebellum period.
    Hulton Archive/Getty Images

    Activist theater continued into the antebellum period for the purposes of promoting the abolitionist cause.

    These dramas, often organized by women, would take place in living rooms, outside of public view. The clandestine staged readings – the most famous of which was written by one of the earliest Black American playwrights, William Wells Brown – seeded enthusiasm and solidarity for the antislavery cause. These privately staged readings took place alongside public performances and lectures.

    Craft the world you want

    Dozens of experimental schools like the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee and Commonwealth College in Arkansas were founded in the 1920s and 1930s to train activists.

    Supporting adult learners of all ages – but specifically young adults – they initially focused on arts-based techniques for training workers in labor activism. For example, students wrote short plays based on their experiences of factory work. In their rehearsals and performances, they imagined endings in which workers triumphed over cruel bosses.

    Many programs were residential, rural and embraced early versions of mutual aid, where artists and activists support one another directly through pooling money and resources. Tuition was minimal and generally provided directly from labor organizations and allies, including the American Fund for Public Service. Most teachers were volunteers, and the learning communities often farmed to cover basic necessities.

    Although these institutions faced perpetual threats from local governments and even the FBI, these communal schools became testing grounds for social change. Some programs even became training sites for civil rights activists.

    Curate the world you need

    Black artists have long created spaces for community connection and career development. The Great Migration brought many Black American artists and thinkers to New York City, famously spurring the Harlem Renaissance, which lasted from the end of World War I through the 1920s. During this period, the neighborhood became a fountain of culture, with Black artists producing countless plays, books, music and other visionary works.

    This legacy continued at Just Above Midtown, or JAM, a gallery and arts laboratory led by Linda Goode Bryant from 1974 through 1986 on West 57th Street in Manhattan.

    At the time, arts organizations primarily supported artwork by white men. In response, Goode Bryant launched JAM to create a space that supported and celebrated artists of color. JAM provided arts business workshops, cultivated collaborations and launched the careers of Black artists such as David Hammons and Lorraine O’Grady.

    Linda Goode Bryant attends the opening reception of an exhibition honoring Just Above Midtown at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on Oct. 3, 2022.
    Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for The Museum of Modern Art

    The future is now

    Whether or not they realize it, many artists and arts organizations today are integrating lessons from the past.

    In recent years, they’ve promoted the unionization of museum workers and created local mutual aid networks such as the Museum Workers Relief Fund, which was one of many groups fundraising for arts workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re building networks of financial support to share space and money with other artists and arts organizations. And they’re forming cultural land trusts, which create land cooperatives where artists can work and live with one another.

    What’s more, new philanthropic models are reshaping arts funding by elevating the perspectives of artists, rather than those of wealthy funders. CAST in San Francisco helps arts organizations find affordable gallery and performance spaces. The Community and Cultural Power Fund uses a trust-based philanthropy model that allows artists and community members to decide who receives future grants. The Ruth Foundation for the Arts makes artists the decision-makers in giving grants to arts organizations.

    While the current challenges are unprecedented – and funding threats will likely reshape arts organizations and further limit direct support for artists – we’re confident that the arts will persist with or without government support.

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

    – ref. With federal funding in question, artists can navigate a perilous future by looking to the past – https://theconversation.com/with-federal-funding-in-question-artists-can-navigate-a-perilous-future-by-looking-to-the-past-252453

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: NordPass wins at Global Tech Awards 2025 for excellence in Cyber Security Technology category

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NordPass, a leading password manager developed by the cybersecurity experts behind NordVPN, has been named a winner in the Cyber Security Technology (CyberTech) category at the Global Tech Awards 2025. The recognition highlights NordPass’ exceptional achievements in technical innovation, user experience, and its growing impact on global cybersecurity.

    The award celebrates NordPass’ continuous efforts to deliver secure, adaptable, and easy-to-use digital security solutions for individuals and businesses alike. In the past year, the company rolled out new features such as enhanced passkey sharing, and email masking, further strengthening its commitment to both privacy and usability. NordPass also continues to support multi-platform passkey support, helping users transition to a passwordless future with ease. Its authentication platform, Authopia, further reinforces the company’s mission to modernize digital identity management for businesses around the world.

    “This award is a powerful validation of the work we’ve been doing to make cybersecurity accessible and effective for everyone. Winning in the Cyber Security Technology category reinforces that our focus on usability, expandability, and innovation is making a real difference across industries and user groups,” says Karolis Arbaciauskas, head of business at NordPass.

    The Cyber Security Technology (CyberTech) category recognizes technologies that demonstrate technical excellence, strong user experience, market adoption, and measurable impact on both security and society. Winners were selected by an international panel of industry leaders, researchers, and journalists.

    The Global Tech Awards shine a spotlight on innovative technology solutions that drive progress across industries and improve lives around the world.

    ABOUT NORDPASS

    NordPass is a password manager for both business and consumer clients. It’s powered by the latest technology for the utmost security. Developed with affordability, simplicity, and ease of use in mind, NordPass allows users to access passwords securely on desktop, mobile, and browsers. All passwords are encrypted on the device, so only the user can access them. NordPass was created by the experts behind NordVPN — the advanced security and privacy app. For more information: nordpass.com.

    ABOUT GLOBAL TECH AWARDS

    The Global Tech Awards is a prestigious international platform that recognizes outstanding achievements in technology. Celebrating innovation, creativity, and excellence, the awards highlight the most exceptional technology solutions and services worldwide. With a transparent and rigorous judging process, the Global Tech Awards serve as a global benchmark for excellence in the tech industry. For more information: globaltechaward.com

    More information: gabriele.gecaite@nordsec.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Posh-house drama, Elton’s new album and art to make you weep – what to watch, see and listen to this week

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jane Wright, Commissioning Editor, Arts & Culture, The Conversation UK

    This week I’ve seen Disney’s latest bingeable series, The Stolen Girl, variously described as a “posh-house drama”, “the equivalent of an airport novel” and “enjoyably preposterous” – so what’s not to like?

    One episode in, I’m lapping up the lavishly immaculate interiors and clipped tones of rich people who call everyone “darling”. And I always enjoy the hilariously shonky portrayal of journalists and the way dramatists think they speak to each other. Local hack Selma to her (extremely mild and unbothered) boss: “I’m sorry I missed the deadline! I was focused on the background story, it’s important.” Boss, rolling his eyes: “Can’t you put an alert on your phone or something?” Selma: “Next time I will, I promise!”

    The fact that no newsroom boss has ever spoken like that to a reporter who missed a deadline is neither here nor there. This twisty-turny thriller grabs you by the lapels and doesn’t let go. Private-jet stewardess Elisa and criminal lawyer Fred are horrified to find their daughter Lucia has vanished, after a hastily arranged playdate-turned-sleepover with a new schoolfriend turns out to be a meticulously planned abduction.

    But why their daughter? Is there more to Elisa and Fred and their perfect life than meets the eye? From leafy Cheshire to the south of France, their secrets and lies play out, unravelling their once-happy lives. Like the recent Netflix hit Adolescence, social media is a factor in facilitating the crime – but crucially, through the investigations of Selma, also an instrument of solving it.

    The Stolen Girl is streaming on Disney now.

    Painting and pain

    A decade in the making, the National Gallery’s take on the most exciting 50 years of Siena’s artistic production showcases an astonishing array of works. Art history expert Louise Bourdua describes Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300-1350 as “a pleasure for the eye and commendable for its ability to make medieval religious art accessible”.

    The exhibition focuses on so much more than the pre-eminent painters Duccio, Simone Martini and brothers Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti. On show is a wealth of Siena’s visual culture represented in illuminated manuscripts, reliquaries (containers for holy relics), sculptures, gold and enamel work, rugs and silks.

    Showstoppers include Duccio’s stunning gold-painted Crucifixion triptych, Pietro Lorenzetti’s five-panel altarpiece from the church of Santa Maria della Pieve in Arezzo, and the beautifully carved head of Christ by Lando di Pietro – identified as the creator of the work by the personal handwritten prayers concealed within the sculpture, also on display.

    Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 is at the National Gallery until June 22.

    The child of immigrant Jamaican parents growing up in the turbulent Britain of the 1970s and ’80s, Donald Rodney’s artistic expression was shaped by his experience of a socially and racially fractured environment.

    His first retrospective exhibition in more than 15 years, Donald Rodney: Visceral Canker at London’s Whitechapel Gallery, is a chance to see the remarkable work of an artist who died at just 36 from sickle-cell anaemia. Described by the Jamaican cultural theorist Stuart Hall as an “emblematically black disease”, it would eventually claim Rodney’s life and that of three of his siblings.

    Encapsulating painting, drawing, pastels, photography, sculptural assemblages, installations and computer-generated art, the show reveals an artist who was angry, ambitious and audacious; who meshed his experience of racism with his illness to draw the poisonous connections of slavery and colonialism to a childhood blighted by anti-immigrant sentiment, the rise of the far right, and pain.

    But as contemporary art specialist Richard Hylton explains, by the late 1970s and early 80s, these children of black immigrants were becoming adults, and new forms of British cultural identity were being explored – including a whole new wave of artistic expression that saw young black British artists rail against the idea of black youth as the public enemy. Rodney’s work endures as an invitation to look beneath the surface of images and society, to better understand the pernicious workings of inequality and racism.

    Donald Rodney: Visceral Canker is at the Whitechapel Gallery until May 4.

    The ballad of John and Yoko (and Elton)

    Capturing an early 1970s charged with political unrest, anti-war sentiment and media saturation, the new documentary One to One: John & Yoko is a revealing exploration of John Lennon’s post-Beatles life and activism with his Japanese partner, Yoko Ono.

    Often dismissed as a pop-star WAG, here Ono is firmly positioned as an artist in her own right. More crucially, we see the influential role she played in nudging Lennon into more radical territory beyond the political songs that emerged in the late-era Beatles. Musically and socially, the pair aimed to galvanise a generation disillusioned by the failure of 1960s “flower-power” to create any kind of genuine social change.

    As a researcher of Ono’s performance art, Stephanie Hernandez found the film compelling in its portrayal of Ono’s avant-garde flair and Lennon’s energetic rock‘n’roll style as complementary forces driving their own brand of pop activism.

    One to One is in cinemas now.

    The irrepressible Elton John is back with a new album, Who Believes in Angels?, a collaboration with country singer Brandi Carlile.

    Since 2020, almost half of the 100 biggest tracks have been collaborations. John has done his fair share of musical hook-ups, with luminaries such as Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Eminem and even Luciano Pavarotti. Now his first post-retirement album with the Grammy-winning Carlile has just reached the top spot in the UK album charts.

    John has described the making of the album as “one of the greatest musical experiences” of his life. So what is it about this collaboration that has so “utterly revitalised” the 78-year-old showman? Is he not quite ready to leave the limelight? Or is he seeking a challenge across new genres, in hitching his piano to a much younger star from a different part of the musical universe? Glenn Fosbraey, an expert in pop music and performance, explains why John (and many other music legends) won’t let the sun go down just yet.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    – ref. Posh-house drama, Elton’s new album and art to make you weep – what to watch, see and listen to this week – https://theconversation.com/posh-house-drama-eltons-new-album-and-art-to-make-you-weep-what-to-watch-see-and-listen-to-this-week-254848

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Freaky Tales: this gory 80s-inspired anthology film is all surface and no substance

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Melia, Senior Lecturer and Course leader of the Humanities Foundation Degree, Kingston University

    Nostalgia for the 1980s has been in vogue since the release of Stranger Things in 2016. The Netflix show brought about a renaissance of interest in the popular culture of the time firmly rooted in nostalgia – video game arcades, the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons, horror films and a reverie for the horror of the VHS and video-nasty era.

    Don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of this form of nostalgia – if it’s done right. Freaky Tales, an anthology film that deals with 80s’ California punk, anti-fascism, hip-hop and VHS culture, could have been a great addition to this sort of nostalgia bait. Sadly, it is a mess, which, for most of its run time, feels like a film about the 80s generated by AI.

    To go on TikTok is to be confronted by a gen-Z army cosplaying a neon-drenched and romanticised version of the 80s. Filters are used to replicate the low-fi aesthetics of VHS tape, super 8 and cinefilm, while the content creators dress in the styles of the decade and espouse a wishful nostalgia for an era they are at least three decades too young to have experienced firsthand. Freaky Tales seems aimed at this market.

    But this is how the nostalgia industry (or nostalgia capitalism) works. Contemporary digital media facilitates and creates nostalgia in a way that gives the appearance of authenticity but is mostly all surface. Nostalgia is passed on, remediated and sanitised.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    It’s worth also noting that it’s always the Hollywood synthy, US version of 80s pop culture that dominates. Few young people have developed a fabricated sense of nostalgia for the dreariness of Thatcher’s Britain, for instance. A period that history academic Lucy Robinson writes was full of “pop culture and politics … that shaped modern Britain,” in her incisive critical assessment Now That’s What I Call A History of the 1980s.

    Freaky Tales is comprised of four interlocking stories, which are bound in a way that is hard to really comprehend.

    Are the stories connected through the two sets of characters – a couple of young punks and a pair of female hip-hop artists – leaving a screening of The Lost Boys who reappear in different stories? Is it the strange alien green glow that reappears across all the stories? The marker of a solid anthology film is a tight structure and a sense of place, which the film at least has with all stories based in Oakland, California. But for the most part, Freaky Tales feels half built and uncertain of itself.

    Buried somewhere though is a better film trying to get out. Take the first story “Strength in Numbers: the Gilman Strikes Back about the denizens of the Gilman punk club in Oakland, taking a violent and gory stand against a band of neo-nazis they are being harassed by.

    The sequence ends in a sort of bloody 1980s’ punk version of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (there are also clear references to Walter Hill’s 1979 cult classic The Warriors). Here there was an opportunity to look deeper into the emergence of California punk culture of the era, the Gilman is a place of real cultural significance where the scene fermented and bands like Rancid, The Offspring, Green Day and the East Bay punk scene in the 1990s got a start.

    Dead Kennedy’s track Nazi Punks Fuck Off became a rallying cry of 80s anti-fascist punk as did Black Flag’s Rise Above (this is at least included on the film’s soundtrack). So why not look at least a little deeper into the antifascist movement within the US punk movement during the era? It can be done and I’d recommend Jeremy Saulnier’s harrowing 2015 film Green Room, which examines the subject from a more contemporary perspective.

    Instead, the film adopts a rather more facile approach. This is most evident in its choice to use animated “bangs” and “thwocks” like a Batman comic during the big fight sequence. By and large this section (by far the worst of the four) feels like content devoid of substance.

    In story two, “Don’t fight The Feeling”, the action centres around a pair of aspiring female hip-hop performers who enter into a rap battle with the performer Too Short (the real life Too Short appears in a cameo as a cop later in the film) and tackles misogyny and hip-hop culture. There are shades of seminal black indie director Spike Lee (Do The Right Thing, 1989) here in its foregrounding of black culture and subjects (although, it must be said, Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden are both white).

    It could have potentially complemented the punk story if it dealt with the cultural impact of 80s’ hip-hop and the struggles of female performers. But again, it feels half formed – part of the problem being that the film is trying perhaps to do too much.

    There are things to enjoy, however, in the film. It is pleasingly gory and has some clever moments. Man of the moment Pedro Pascal takes the lead in the third section (the best of the four), “Born to Mack”, as an enforcer trying to go straight and Ben Mendelsohn puts in an enjoyably sleazy turn as a corrupt cop. The success of the film rest’s chiefly on their shoulders.

    Born to Mack clearly has shades of the king of pop culture nostalgia Quentin Tarantino, especially in its clever and surprising cameo from 80s’ icon Tom Hanks who plays a mysterious video store owner. Tarantino’s films (not least 1994’s Pulp Fiction – the blueprint for this type of anthologised nostalgia cinema) were at the forefront 1990s’ indie cinema, and were framed by his obsessions with 60s, 70s and 80s pop culture.

    Freaky Tales has the potential to offer a more nuanced engagement with the era and its cultural references points while still maintaining a sense of Trashy exploitation fun. Sadly it falls short of the mark.

    Freaky Tales is in selected cinemas from April 18 and on digital platforms from April 28.

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

    – ref. Freaky Tales: this gory 80s-inspired anthology film is all surface and no substance – https://theconversation.com/freaky-tales-this-gory-80s-inspired-anthology-film-is-all-surface-and-no-substance-254754

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Create in India Challenge Evolves into a Global Movement with Nearly 1 Lakh Registrations from Over 60 Countries

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 APR 2025 4:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, launched as a flagship initiative under the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), is gearing up for a spectacular finale at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, from 1st to 4th May 2025. With registrations now officially closed for all 32 challenges, CIC has achieved a significant milestone, receiving nearly 1 lakh registrations, including over 1,100 international participants. The challenges have attracted entries from over 60 countries, reflecting the global appeal and reach of this pioneering initiative. From this exceptional pool of talent, 750 finalists will be given the opportunity to showcase their creative skills and outcomes at Creatosphere, a specially curated platform featuring innovation across animation, comics, AI, XR, gaming, music, and more, as part of WAVES 2025. The winners of these challenges will be conferred the prestigious ‘WAVES Creator Awards’ in a grand red carpet ceremony on Day 2 of the event.

    The Creatosphere at WAVES will witness remarkable global participation, with 43 international finalists showcasing their talents, adding a truly international dimension to this celebration of creativity. These finalists represent over 20 countries, including Argentina, Nepal, Germany, Bermuda (BOT), the United States, Greece, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Laos, Thailand, Tajikistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Russia, Maldives, Malaysia, and Japan. Notably, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Tajikistan each contributes 6 finalists, followed by 5 each from Indonesia and Maldives, and 4 from Mauritius. The United States is represented by 2 finalists, while Russia, Canada, Argentina, Laos, Malaysia, Bermuda, Egypt, Thailand, and the United Kingdom each have 1 finalist. This diverse international presence underscores the global appeal and growing reach of the Create in India Challenge.

    In India, the challenges saw enthusiastic participation from across all 28 states and 8 Union Territories, underscoring the truly national footprint of the initiative. The list of finalists across the challenges reflects remarkable regional representation, with participants hailing from across the country from Assam and Meghalaya in the East to Gujarat in the West and from Himachal Pradesh in the North to Kerala in the South.

    Celebrating the energy of youth, the Create in India Challenges are overwhelmingly driven by young creators predominantly in their 20s, reflecting a vibrant ecosystem of college students, early-career professionals, and teen innovators. With the youngest finalist just 12 years old and the oldest at 66, the initiative showcases a truly inclusive creative platform that transcends age.

    The Create in India initiative champions grassroots innovation while celebrating diversity in purpose and participation. From making education accessible through the Innovate 2 Educate Challenge to reviving India’s textile legacy with “Make the World Wear Khadi,” the challenges span tradition and technology. “India: A Bird’s Eye View” captures the nation’s spirit through breathtaking aerial visuals by filmmakers and Drone Didis, using drone technology for storytelling and community empowerment.

    As excitement for WAVES 2025 reaches its crescendo, the Create in India Challenge has emerged as a powerful expression of India’s creative ambition, unlocking new opportunities for talent and reaffirming the nation’s rising leadership in the global media and entertainment landscape. With its vibrant mix of Indian and international participation, the Create in India Challenge has grown into a dynamic global platform, empowering voices across regions and generations, and truly embodying the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision that “WAVES should reach every home and every heart.”

    *****

    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith | 98

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Shri. L Murugan Chairs Review Meeting on WAVES in Mumbai; Evaluates – On Ground Preparations at the Summit Venue

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 APR 2025 4:19PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 18 April 2025

     

    Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Shri. L Murugan chaired a Review Meeting in Mumbai today for the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. Nodal officers for the event from Government of India and State Government of Maharashtra participated in the Review Meeting held at Jio World Convention Centre. The progress on the various activities under the four pillars of WAVES i.e. Broadcasting and Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media and Innovation and Films were discussed during the meeting. The work being undertaken under various initiatives such as WAVES Bazar, WAVEX, Bharat Pavilion, Create in India Challenges and others was assessed and the way forward was deliberated upon.  Nodal officers for various verticals briefed the Minister regarding the progress of preparations. On the occasion Shri. L Murugan also assessed the on-ground preparations of the event at the Summit venue.

       

     

     

    About 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

     

    * * *

    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Sayyid/ Nikita/ Darshana | 97

     

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Space mission carrying Indian astronaut scheduled for next month: Dr Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    International Space mission carrying Indian astronaut scheduled for next month: Dr Jitendra Singh

    India poised to script a defining chapter in its space journey

    Indian Astronaut Set for Historic Space Mission as ISRO Charts Bold New Frontiers

    India’s Space Dreams Soar Higher with Gaganyaan Prep, ISS Mission, and a Summer of Launches

    Posted On: 18 APR 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

    NEW DELHI, April 18 : India is poised to script a defining chapter in its space journey, international Space mission carrying Indian astronaut has been scheduled for next month.

    Announcing this after a high-level meeting held to review major  future plans of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the coming months,  Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the mission will mark the visit of  first Indian ever to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and the first Indian astronaut to travel to Space in over four decades after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 flight aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft.

    The announcement comes amid a flurry of activity in India’s space sector, which is gearing up for an ambitious slate of missions in the coming months.

    Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, made a presentation elaborating the status of various upcoming Space missions.

    Chairman ISRO informed that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is all prepared to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) next month as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission.

    Group Captain Shukla’s mission, scheduled for May 2025, marks a milestone in India’s expanding international space collaborations. A decorated test pilot with the Indian Air Force, he was shortlisted under ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Program (HSP) and is among the top contenders for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first indigenous crewed orbital flight. His journey aboard the Ax-4 mission is expected to provide critical hands-on experience in spaceflight operations, launch protocols, microgravity adaptation, and emergency preparedness — all essential for India’s crewed space ambitions.

    What sets Shukla’s mission apart is its strategic importance. Unlike the symbolic undertones of India’s first human spaceflight, this time the focus is on operational readiness and global integration. His participation underscores India’s growing engagement with public-private international partnerships in space and its resolve to emerge as a serious contender in human space exploration.

    “India is ready for its next space milestone,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh, underscoring the significance of the upcoming human spaceflight and a series of critical ISRO missions. He noted that the collaboration with international partners and the strategic momentum of projects like Gaganyaan reflect India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in space technology. The Minister emphasized that these efforts are not only scientific in nature but also aligned with the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.

    During the meeting, ISRO updated Dr. Jitendra Singh on several key developments since January 2025. These include the public release of data from the Aditya L1 solar mission, successful demonstration of docking and undocking technologies, testing of the highest thrust liquid engine developed in India, and the historic 100th launch (GSLV-F15) from Sriharikota. ISRO also supported national events like the Kumbh Mela 2025 through satellite-based monitoring and announced a successful demonstration of restarting the Vikas Engine, crucial for future launch vehicle recovery missions.

    Among the major missions lined up for May to July 2025, ISRO will launch the PSLV-C61 mission carrying the state-of-the-art EOS-09 satellite. Equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar, EOS-09 will be capable of capturing high-resolution images of Earth’s surface under all weather conditions, day or night. Another significant milestone will be the Test Vehicle-D2 (TV-D2) mission, designed to simulate an abort scenario and demonstrate the Gaganyaan Crew Escape System. The mission includes sea recovery operations for the Crew Module, mimicking procedures planned for India’s first human spaceflight.

    June will see the highly anticipated launch of the NISAR satellite aboard the GSLV-F16. This NASA-ISRO collaboration aims to study Earth’s ecosystems and natural hazards through dual-frequency radar data, combining NASA’s L-band payloads with ISRO’s S-band contributions. The LVM3-M5 mission, scheduled for July, will cater to a commercial contract with AST SpaceMobile Inc., USA, launching BlueBird Block-2 satellites under NewSpace India Limited’s commercial program.

    As India’s space strategy matures, Group Captain Shukla’s upcoming mission stands as a symbol of a confident, forward-looking nation ready to reclaim its place in the global space race. His journey is more than just a flight — it’s a signal that India is stepping boldly into a new era of space exploration.

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    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2122687) Visitor Counter : 41

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Hosts ‘Rongalir Enajori’ at Delhi Residence to Celebrate Bihu

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 10:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal hosted ‘Rongalir Enajori’, a vibrant celebration to mark Rongali Bihu and the Assamese New Year at his official residence in Delhi on Thursday.

    The event was graced by Chief Minister of Delhi, Ms. Rekha Gupta   as Chief Guest and Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju as Guest of Honour, and several dignitaries, artists, and members of the Assamese and Northeastern communities residing in the national capital region.

    Extending his heartfelt wishes, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Rongali Bihu brings new energy and inspiration for all of us to move forward for the nation’s progress. This festival is not just about celebration — it is about unity, tradition, and our shared cultural identity.”

    Shri Sonowal added that despite being far from home, the celebration in Delhi reflects the deep connection every Assamese holds with their roots. “As nature bursts into colours, the sound of the Bihu songs with the rhythmic beats from Dhols (traditional drums) fills the air with joy and pride. This Bihu connects us with our heritage and fills us with new hope and enthusiasm,” he said.

    He further emphasised that festivals like Bihu are symbols of India’s cultural unity and urged the youth to preserve and carry forward this rich legacy. Quoting Bhupen Hazarika, Shri Sonowal remarked, “Spring is the soul of the people. It inspires us to dedicate ourselves to the progress of our nation.”

    He also highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, stating, “We must take a pledge during this spirited season to play an active role in building a developed and self-reliant India.”

    Chief Minister Ms. Rekha Gupta lauded Shri Sonowal for organising the event and said, “Rongali Bihu carries the message of harmony and goodwill. It showcases the beauty of India’s cultural diversity while reinforcing the strength of unity. I extend my best wishes to the people of Delhi as well as from Assam on this festive season as we pray for peace and prosperity to all.”

    Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju also addressed the gathering and praised the cultural synergy between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. “The strong bonds among the communities of Northeast India are empowering the engine of national development. The region’s rich artistic and cultural heritage adds vibrant hues to India’s collective identity,” Rijiju said.

    The evening featured musical performances by noted Assamese singers including Nilutpal Bora, Surekha Chetri, and Jutimala Buragohain, among others, who captivated the audience with traditional melodies and rhythms.

    ***

    GDH

    (Release ID: 2122595) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR, Green Climate Fund, the West African Development Bank and Early Warning for All Partners join hands to empower Togo to strengthen climate and disaster risk management

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    From 8 to 11 April 2025, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Office for Northeast Asia and Global Education and Training Institute (ONEA & GETI), in partnership with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), hosted a technical Training of Trainers workshop on “Tools for Implementing Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Information and Early Warning Systems Projects” with national stakeholders from Togo. The workshop, held in Incheon, Republic of Korea, was organized in support of the implementation of the recently approved GCF co-funded project, ‘Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities within high climatic and disaster risk areas in Togo,’ to help build capacity and technical knowledge of key governmental stakeholders to support the project’s activities.

    Throughout the training, representatives from Togo’s key institutions involved in disaster risk reduction, climate information and early warning, including the National Agency for Civil Protection (ANPC), the Togolese Meteorological Agency (ANAMET), the Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources (MERF), and other project partners including the West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the African Risk Capacity (ARC), joined sessions delivered by UNDRR, GCF, as well as international partners from CREWS, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (UNCTCN), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Core themes included disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation (CCA), multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) and anticipatory action, gender mainstreaming and diversity, equity and inclusion in DRR, project monitoring and evaluation, forecast-based finance, and climate investment planning. Participants explored global frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and discussed the design, coordination, and financing structure for the new GCF co-financed initiative in Togo.

    In addition to in-depth sessions on GCF’s project implementation, reporting, and results frameworks, the workshop introduced practical tools such as the Sendai Framework Monitor Custom Indicators and the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities, and its thematic annexes to support national and local level DRR planning. Technical partners presented available tools and collaborative approaches under the Early Warnings for All Initiative and shared examples from country-level implementation. Practical experience from the Republic of Korea was also shared through a presentation from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) on its integrated disaster management system and emergency communication tools, showcasing how the four pillars of early warning, including risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, dissemination and communication, and response capability, are implemented through advanced technologies and inter-agency coordination.

    The final day of the workshop included a field visit to the Incheon Metropolitan City Safety Situation Division, a core facility within Korea’s urban resilience infrastructure. Participants toured the division’s integrated monitoring and control systems, including real-time CCTV surveillance, flood sensors, wildfire alert systems, and automated detection systems for identifying unusual events and alerting operators. City officials shared how Incheon leverages digital tools and interdepartmental coordination to ensure fast, reliable disaster alert delivery across sectors. The visit served as a practical demonstration of how smart governance and technology can strengthen resilience at the local level. Participants reflected on the field visit to the Incheon Metropolitan City Safety Situation Division, sharing valuable insights and inspirations drawn from the experience:

    “The visit has given us a lot of inspiration for setting up our operations room (soon to be equipped) in coordination with the UNDRR. The Project will help to strengthen current data collection, processing and dissemination for early warning. We hope that one day we will also have an observation network similar to the one in Incheon.” – Yoma Baka (Director General of ANPC)

    “We have great enthusiasm for the tools that we observed during the visit to Incheon City Hall. This visit brought a very operational character to the workshop.” – Komi Sossou (Environmentalist Expert in Climate Change and Sustainable Development of MERF & MERF Focal Point at the National Disaster Risk Management Platform)

    The workshop concluded with reflections and action planning for the national implementation of the SAP048 project. Participants expressed their commitment to applying the lessons learned and strengthening coordination among national and international partners. The training served as an important milestone in Togo’s progress toward scaling up climate resilience and ensuring that early warnings reach all vulnerable communities. The trained trainers are expected to support a training for national stakeholders in Togo in the coming months, as part of a number of project inception activities planned by BOAD in coordination with national and international partners.

    “We now have more inspiration to better innovate in disaster management.” – Sanetienone Damorou (National Focal Point of Project SAP048 ‘Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities in high climate and disaster risk areas in Togo’ of ANPC)

    “Throughout the four days we had an opportunity to share experience and learn about disaster risk management. We learned a lot and we see that there is much be done in our country, and that the new project can greatly contribute to improving and implementing certain activities. We also heard from partners interested to support this project. It is important that we really work together.” – Méwekiwé Egbare (Engineer in Agrometeorology of ANAMET & Head of the Weather Center of GMN)

    “This training is important in terms of sharing experience and learning tools and getting a better idea of what technical partners can do. It’s a training course for trainers, so it’s essential that we can replicate it at home.” – Aissatou Diagne (Climate Projects Supervision Specialist (DSPC) of BOAD)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Announces Listing of Initia (INIT) with a 115,000 INIT and 50,000 USDT Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced the listing of Initia (INIT) on April 24, 2025 (UTC), accompanied by a celebratory event featuring a 115,000 INIT and 50,000 USDT prize pool for new and existing users.

    Initia is the first interwoven optimistic‑rollup network, reconstructing multichain architecture with native interoperability and shared liquidity. As a full‑stack Layer 1+2 platform, Initia supports both EVM & Move VM, enabling seamless cross‑ecosystem collaboration. Developed by veterans from top DeFi and blockchain security teams and backed by YZi Labs(Binance Labs), Hack VC, Delphi Digital, and Theory Ventures.

    $INIT is the native utility token of the Initia ecosystem, powering key functions such as gas payments, staking, governance, cross-chain transfers, and liquidity provision. Through these utilities, $INIT drives user participation and supports the growth of a secure and decentralized Initia ecosystem.

    To celebrate the listing, MEXC will launch an Airdrop+ event, running from April 18 to May 4, 2025 (UTC). The event will include the following activities:

    • Deposit and share 90,000 INIT (exclusive to new users)
    • Spot Challenge – Trade to share 10,000 INIT (for all users)
    • Futures Challenge – Trade to share 50,000 USDT in futures bonus (for all users)
    • Invite new users and share 15,000 INIT (for all users)

    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. MEXC will continue to expand its asset offerings and help 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.

    Source

    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.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8071983b-6307-4310-a112-5c9078cd23ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘The Wandering Earth 3’ begins filming with comedy megastar, AI assistant

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The final installment of China’s “The Wandering Earth” science fiction trilogy began filming on April 15, featuring the surprise addition of comedy star Shen Teng and the first use of an AI production assistant.

    Director Frant Gwo (1st L) and actors Shen Teng (C) and Wu Jing attend a ceremony to mark the start of filming for “The Wandering Earth 3” at China Movie Metropolis in Qingdao, Shandong province, April 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Da’an Pictures]

    The cast and crew attended a ceremony to mark the start of filming at China Movie Metropolis, a studio complex in Qingdao, Shandong province, which also hosted production of the previous two entries.

    Producer Fu Ruoqing, chairman of China Film Group, director Frant Gwo, and lead actor Wu Jing attended the ceremony, where they announced the surprise casting of comedian Shen Teng.

    Shen brought his signature humor to the launch, saying he was honored to join the team. “I’ll do my best in this role and make sure director Frant Gwo gets enough rest, while ensuring I get enough rest myself,” he joked.

    Wu shared his excitement about working with Shen: “I’m so hyped to have fun with Shen Teng on the ‘Wandering Earth’ ride. Maybe we can have a switch. Hope I get more comedy scenes while he does more action — can’t wait to see him throw a punch!”

    Shen and Wu are two of the biggest stars in Chinese cinema. Films starring Shen have grossed a total of 36.98 billion yuan ($5 billion) at the box office, making him the highest-grossing actor in China. Wu ranks a close second, with his films earning 34.71 billion yuan. The long-awaited collaboration between the two actors will take place in this project.

    The cast and crew celebrate the launch of filming for “The Wandering Earth 3” at China Movie Metropolis in Qingdao, Shandong province, April 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Da’an Pictures]

    At the launch of “The Wandering Earth 3,” the production team unveiled WEi, a proprietary AI assistant powered by DeepSeek R1 and supported by NVIDIA and ByteDance’s Volcano Engine.

    The tool, which is designed to emulate the franchise’s AI character MOSS, provides instant access to scripts, concept art and professional references. The production team said the tool integrates AI with film production to help advance China’s sci-fi industry and explore new creative possibilities.

    The production will also partner with leading Chinese technology firms to leverage advanced support, aiming to set a new benchmark in set construction and visual effects.

    Producer Fu expressed gratitude to the director and core creative team for overcoming challenges over the past decade since the first film. He pledged to continue supporting the team as they pursue the sci-fi vision of the “Wandering Earth” franchise and work to ensure its continued growth and legacy.

    Another franchise star, Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, sent a congratulatory video for the production launch, saying, “I can’t wait to rejoin the cast and begin filming.”

    Screenwriting adviser Wang Hongwei said the script for “The Wandering Earth 3” was 80% complete.

    “When working on a groundbreaking franchise like this, we all feel reluctant to put down our pens,” Wang said, adding that the team aims to create the most satisfying conclusion possible for the final installment.

    The film is written by Gwo, Gong Ge’er and Ye Ruchang. Gwo previously said the script underwent nine revisions by the end of last year, with the team surveying over 1,000 young people to better engage younger audiences. The story will serve as a direct sequel to the first film, exploring humanity’s struggle for survival during Earth’s 2,500-year cosmic odyssey to a new solar system.

    The cast and crew pose for a group photo before filming begins on “The Wandering Earth 3” at China Movie Metropolis in Qingdao, Shandong province, April 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Da’an Pictures]

    “Innovation must be everything — we have to find ways to make it happen,” Gwo said. “We want to give audiences something they’ve never seen in any film before. We’re raising production standards far above the first two movies to move and amaze every audience member who’s been supporting us.”

    The “Wandering Earth” franchise has maintained its strong audience appeal with consistent box office success. The original 2019 film earned 4.69 billion yuan domestically, while the 2023 prequel grossed 4.03 billion yuan. The series’ final installment, “The Wandering Earth 3,” will be released in two parts, with the first part scheduled to premiere in China during the 2027 Spring Festival season.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas says ready for prisoner exchange deal to end Gaza war

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hamas said on Thursday evening that it is ready to immediately begin negotiations on a deal to swap all Israeli hostages with an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners, in a bid to completely stop the Gaza war.

    Hamas expressed “readiness to immediately begin negotiations on a comprehensive package, whereby all prisoners held by the resistance and an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners in the occupation’s prisons are released,” Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas in Gaza, said in a video speech.

    This is “in exchange for a complete cessation of the war against our people, a full (Israeli) withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the start of reconstruction, and the end of the (Israeli) siege,” Al-Hayya said.

    Al-Hayya accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government of “using partial agreements as a cover” for Netanyahu’s “political agenda, which is based on continuing the war,” adding that Hamas “will not be part of implementing this policy.”

    On Monday, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV reported that Egyptian and Qatari negotiators had presented to Hamas a new deal proposal that includes the release of about 10 hostages and a temporary truce. Hamas said in a statement that it was reviewing the proposal, and would submit its response after completing internal consultations.

    On Tuesday, Hamas said it had lost contact with the group that captured Israeli-U.S. hostage Edan Alexander after an Israeli bombardment targeted their location.

    On Wednesday, Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister instructed Israeli negotiators to “continue the steps” for the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

    Since Israel ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas and resumed deadly air and ground assaults on Gaza on March 18, 1,691 people have been killed and 4,464 others injured, Gaza health authorities said Thursday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Classics Quoted by Xi Jinping’ aired on TV in Cambodia

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

    PHNOM PENH, April 17 — On the occasion of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Cambodia, a TV program — the Cambodian version of “Classics Quoted by Xi Jinping” was launched on TV here on Thursday.

    Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen sent a congratulatory letter expressing warm congratulations on the broadcast of the program.

    The program, produced by the China Media Group, carefully selected Chinese classics quoted in Xi’s important speeches, articles, and talks, focusing on themes such as ecological protection, cultural inheritance, exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations, and modernization construction, said a press release on the launching event.

    “With an international perspective and vivid and real pictures, it shows the essence of China’s excellent traditional culture to Cambodian audiences and explains the profound historical and cultural foundation of President Xi Jinping’s thoughts on governing the country,” said the press release.

    The program is being broadcast on the National Television of Cambodia and other Cambodian media.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UN celebrates Chinese language in New York

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The United Nations this week launched its 16th Chinese Language Day series — “Poetic China: Rhymes and Romance” — at UN headquarters, offering an immersive cultural experience that blends Chinese tea culture, calligraphy and poetry.

    Curated to draw wisdom and inspiration from China’s classical heritage, the two-week celebration seeks to rally cultural strength and a shared vision amid global challenges and change.

    To celebrate the opening on Tuesday, the UN Staff Recreation Council Chinese Book Club hosted an evening reception that drew diplomats, UN staff and international guests.

    Keynote speakers included Cherith Norman Chalet, assistant secretary-general for General Assembly and Conference Management; Chen Li, consul general of China in New York; Zu E, a nationally recognized, intangible cultural heritage representative inheritor; and Ning Hongliang, deputy curator of the National Museum of Chinese Writing.

    Chalet described Chinese Language Day as a vivid expression of the UN’s commitment to multilingualism and thanked the organization’s Chinese-language professionals, whose expertise keeps the UN’s work moving forward “in six languages, advancing peace and understanding”.

    Chen described Chinese as a “golden key” for mutual learning among civilizations, a “new driver” for innovation and a “bridge of hearts” connecting people. Noting that more countries are listing Chinese among their critical languages, he urged learners to master it, share the Confucian wisdom of “harmony without uniformity”, and help create a future of “shared beauty”.

    Ning introduced Between the Lines – The Civilization Codes in Chinese, an exhibition curated by the National Museum of Chinese Writing. Centered on the story of an ancient warrior living during the Shang Dynasty in the 14th century BC, the exhibition illustrates how Chinese characters encode the ideal of “harmony among all nations”.

    Representing the featured artists in the exhibition, Zu noted that the landscapes, flora, fauna and figures portrayed convey both a yearning for harmonious lives and a sincere wish for world peace and human well-being.

    The reception, hosted by Chinese Book Club President Yuxi Zhang and Vice-President Tinghua Zhou, also featured a tea ceremony by Lanfei Tea, a live calligraphy demonstration by master calligrapher Xia Pengcheng, and the unveiling of three bilingual books to enrich cross-cultural dialogue: Classic Poetry and the 24 Solar Terms by Professor Yao Xishuang, Belt and Road in the Eyes of Ambassadors by Sun Chao, and From China With Love: 20 Ancient Chinese Poems in English Translation edited by Ji Chen.

    This two-week series of Chinese Language Day events featured lectures and immersive cultural experiences. On Thursday, linguist Yao will guide audiences through classical poems tied to the 24 solar terms, while tea craftsman Yang Juncheng will explain the cultural depth of Chinese tea.

    On April 24, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine will host an open day showcasing traditional Chinese medicine through talks, exhibitions and interactive sessions.

    By weaving together exhibitions, lectures, music, poetry and interactive encounters, the series highlights both the historical depth and contemporary vitality of Chinese culture. It also underscores the importance of Chinese as one of the UN’s six official languages, adding a rich humanistic dimension to the organization’s 80th anniversary commemorations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China reinforces documentary heritage protection with new UNESCO designations

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China has shown the world its unrelenting commitment to protecting humanity’s shared cultural legacy with three new documentary heritage items added to the Memory of the World (MoW) Register of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday.

    With the latest additions — the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng, the Steles of Shaolin Temple (566-1990) and Trilingual Inscription (TribhashaSellipiya) — China now has 18 entries in the international register, which was launched by UNESCO in 1992 to facilitate preservation of the world’s documentary heritage, enable universal access to documentary heritage worldwide and enhance public awareness.

    Dubbed the world’s first “sound-producing music textbook,” the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng, dating back more than 2,400 years, is currently on display at the Hubei Provincial Museum in central China. The bronze percussion instrument weighs nearly 5 tonnes, and comprises 65 bianzhong, or chime bells.

    The bells, which are arranged across three tiers and eight groupings at the exhibition, featured 3,755 inscribed Chinese characters — the only known systematic musical treatise from the 5th century B.C.

    In 2024, the museum reported more than 5 million visits. During peak periods, daily visits to the bianzhong exhibition exceeded 30,000 people, said Zhang Xiaoyun, curator of the museum.

    To better preserve such documentary heritage, in 1984, the museum commissioned a full set of replicated chime bells to be used for performances and research, allowing the ancient instrument to resonate beyond museum walls. Three years later, the museum established a bianzhong performance troupe, with its members having performed to over 10 million live spectators worldwide.

    For more than 40 years, specialists in archaeology, metallurgy, acoustics, astronomy, ancient writing, chemistry, music and other fields from across the globe have researched the chime bells and their inscriptions.

    UNESCO’s recognition is also reflected through the continuous conservation work at the Shaolin Temple in the central Henan Province, where 499 ancient steles chronicle the extensive exchanges and interactions between the temple — the birthplace of kung fu — and ancient officials, celebrities, overseas Buddhists and secular society between 556 and 1990.

    The steles distributed at the temple and its surrounding areas are protected according to each monument’s condition and location. “We have installed glass cases around fragile inscriptions or protective railings around exposed pieces,” said Yang Hongrui, the temple’s chief archivist.

    According to Yang, the temple has collaborated with institutions to digitally archive the entire collection and establish a digital archives exhibition hall.

    “During its trial operation last September, the digital archives exhibition hall, spanning approximately 100 square meters, drew overwhelming crowds, averaging 14 visitors per minute with some staying for up to two to three hours,” Yang said.

    Yang added that to celebrate its inclusion in the MoW Register, the hall will officially open to the public ahead of May, and there are plans for international touring exhibitions of these archival treasures at the temple’s 168 overseas cultural centers.

    Similar to the Shaolin steles, Trilingual Inscription (TribhashaSellipiya), jointly submitted by China and Sri Lanka, also provides evidence of China’s interactions with other civilizations.

    The monument, brought to Sri Lanka over 600 years ago by renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He during his third voyage, is held by the national museum in Colombo as one of the most precious collections. It is a testament to cultural exchanges between China and the outside world, as inscriptions written in Chinese, Persian and Tamil recorded ceremonial offerings to a sacred mountain shrine by Zheng’s fleet.

    “The joint efforts underscore the mutual respect and commitment to cultural preservation that Sri Lanka and China have cultivated over the years. Such recognition will undoubtedly encourage further collaborations in fields such as archaeology, education and tourism,” Ruwan Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka’s deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, told Xinhua.

    China made its first application to the MoW Register in 1997, establishing itself as one of the earliest participants and the first nation to create a dedicated national committee for the program.

    “The inclusion in the MoW Register underscores the remarkable richness of Chinese archival heritage. This designation highlights the nation’s wealth of documentary resources worthy of preservation,” said professor Chen Shaofeng from Peking University. He noted that authorities can focus on more ethnic minority documents for future UNESCO nominations.

    To date, China has officially recognized 198 items or groups of archival heritage at the national level. The National Archives Administration of China has further urged provincial-level archives authorities to develop regional catalogues to expand and refine the global memory preservation framework. 

    This undated file photo shows a stele in Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China’s Henan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Visitors look at the Trilingual Inscription at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 17, 2025.  [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s documentary heritage collections enter UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

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

    China’s documentary heritage collections enter UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

    The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday. Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions – the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple – as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. [Photo/Xinhua]

    PARIS, April 17 — Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

    Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions – the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple – as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription.

    According to UNESCO, the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is a remarkable set of ancient bronze bells unearthed in 1978 from the Tombs of Marquis Yi in Suizhou city, central China’s Hubei Province. These bells not only offer insights into early Chinese musical traditions but also contain inscriptions that are considered the earliest surviving archaeological records illustrating mathematical relationships in music.

    The Steles of Shaolin Temple (566-1990) contain 499 surviving steles of the iconic temple, presenting a relatively complete and coherent sequence of historical documents in the form of stone inscriptions dating back to 1424.

    The third entry, the Trilingual Inscription jointly submitted by China and Sri Lanka, was a stone tablet dated Feb. 15, 1409. The inscription features texts in Chinese, Persian, and Tamil. Installed by Chinese Admiral Zheng He during one of his voyages, the inscription praises Buddha, Vishnu, and Allah. UNESCO describes it as the only known trilingual text combining these three languages and representing three distinct civilizations.

    “Documentary heritage is an essential yet fragile element of the Memory of the World. This is why UNESCO invests in safeguarding it, shares best practices, and maintains this register that records the broadest threads of human history,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

    With the latest additions, the Memory of the World Register now comprises 570 collections, encompassing a wide range of subjects including the scientific revolution, women’s contribution to history, and major milestones of multilateralism.

    This undated file photo shows a stele in Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China’s Henan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors look at the Trilingual Inscription at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This undated file photo shows a stele in Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China’s Henan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Trilingual Inscription exhibited at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Trilingual Inscription exhibited at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Trilingual Inscription (C) exhibited at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This undated file photo shows steles in the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China’s Henan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces April 2025 Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce distributions for the month of April 2025 for its open-end exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds (“the Funds”).

    The ex-distribution date for all Open-End Funds is April 28, 2025. The ex-distribution date for all closed-end funds is April 30, 2025. 

    Open-End Funds Ticker Symbol Distribution per share/unit Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Apple (AAPL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units APLY $0.1667 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Financial Income Fund – ETF Series BNC $0.1225¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Fund – ETF Units BND $0.0840 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Berkshire Hathaway (BRK) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units BRKY $0.1000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Units BTCY $0.0850 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units BTCY.B $0.0970 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF – ETF USD Units BTCY.U US $0.0815 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF Units CROP $0.0875 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund – ETF USD Units CROP.U US $0.0975 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield – ETF Units ETHY $0.0405 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units ETHY.B $0.0500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Ether Yield ETF – ETF Units Non-Currency Hedged USD Units ETHY.U US $0.0395 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – ETF Units FLX $0.0461 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units FLX.B $0.0551 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund – Non-Currency Hedged USD – ETF Units FLX.U US $0.0385 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Global Bond Class – ETF Units IGB $0.0860¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Microsoft (MSFT) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF units MSFY $0.1100 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PAYF $0.1375¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Total Return Bond Fund – ETF Series PBD $0.0590¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDF $0.1050¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund – ETF Series PDIV $0.0950¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Real Estate Income Fund – ETF Series PHR $0.0720¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose International Dividend Fund – ETF Series PID $0.0780 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Monthly Income Fund – ETF Series PIN $0.0830¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Multi-Asset Income Fund – ETF Units PINC $0.0840 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Conservative Income Fund – ETF Series PRP $0.0600¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund – ETF Series PYF $0.1100¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Series PYF.B $0.1230¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Premium Yield Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF USD Series PYF.U US $0.1200¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Core Equity Income Fund – ETF Series RDE $0.0875¹ 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Emerging Markets Dividend Fund – ETF Units REM $0.0950 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Canadian Preferred Share Fund – ETF Units RPS $0.0950 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund – ETF Series RPU $0.0940 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units2 RPU.B / RPU.U $0.0940 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Strategic Yield Fund – ETF Units SYLD $0.0970 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    AMD (AMD) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAMD $0.2000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Amazon (AMZN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF- ETF Units YAMZ $0.4000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Broadcom (AVGO) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YAVG $0.1500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Coinbase (COIN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCON $0.3000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Costco (COST) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YCST $0.1000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Alphabet (GOOGL) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YGOG $0.2500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMAG $0.2000 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    META (META) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YMET $0.1600 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Netflix (NFLX) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YNET $0.1100 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YNVD $0.7500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Palantir (PLTR) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YPLT $0.2500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Tesla (TSLA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Units YTSL $0.5500 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    UnitedHealth Group (UHN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF – ETF Series YUNH $0.1100 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
               
    Closed-End Funds Ticker Symbol Distribution
    per share/unit    		 Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Big Banc Split Corp, Class A BNK $0.1200¹ 04/30/2025 05/14/2025 Monthly
    Big Banc Split Corp – Preferred Shares BNK.PR.A $0.0700¹ 04/30/2025 05/14/2025 Monthly


    Estimated April 2025 Distributions for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund

    The April 2025 distribution rates for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund are estimated to be as follows:

    Fund Name Ticker Symbol Estimated Distribution per unit Record Date Payable Date Distribution Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $ 0.3785 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $0.2705 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $0.1146 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $ 0.3720 04/28/2025 05/02/2025 Monthly

    Purpose expects to issue a press release on or about April 25, 2025 , which will provide the final distribution rate for Purpose USD Cash Management Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, and Purpose US Cash Fund. The ex-distribution date will be April 28, 2025.

    (1) Dividend is designated as an “eligible” Canadian dividend for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.
    (2) Purpose US Preferred Share Fund Non-Currency Hedged – ETF Units have both a CAD and USD purchase option. Distribution per unit is declared in CAD, however, the USD purchase option (RPU.U) distribution will be made in the USD equivalent. Conversion into USD will use the end-of-day foreign exchange rate prevailing on the ex-distribution date.

    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $21 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: Trump Administration is Withholding Nearly $24 Million in Funding for Head Start in New Mexico While Shuttering Centers Nationwide and Forcing Devastating Closures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    New Data Shows a Steep Decline in Head Start Funding Going Out the Door So Far This Year
    Trump Administration Hollows Out Offices Running the Program and Eyes Eliminating It Outright
    Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), one of only two Head Start graduates to serve in the U.S. Senate, sounded the alarm as President Trump finalizes his proposal to eliminate Head Start, shutter half of the regional offices running the program, and fire scores of staff who ensure Head Start centers can serve kids and families.
    New data shows how the Trump administration has issued nearly $24 million less in federal grants to Head Start centers in New Mexico so far this year compared to the same period last year, a staggering -83% decline. Nationwide, the Trump administration has issued nearly $1 billion less in federal grants to Head Start centers nationwide so far this year compared to the same period last year, a steep -37% decline.
    The Trump administration’s withholding of nearly $1 billion in Head Start funding is impacting Head Start centers nationwide—already forcing center closures, which hurt families and teachers, and risking many more.
    “Head Start provides critical early childhood programs and helps make child care safer and more affordable for families across the country,” said Senator Luján. “As a proud Head Start graduate, this slow-walk of distributing funding is extremely concerning and an attack on New Mexico families. I know the value of Head Start – it got me to the United States Senate, and I will continue to fight to protect Head Start for New Mexico families and the next generation.”
    A New Mexico breakdown of the Head Start funding being slow-walked by the Trump administration is below:
    State
    Head Start Funding Disbursed1/1/24 – 4/15/24
    Head Start Funding Disbursed1/1/25 – 4/15/25
    Difference in Head Start Funding Dispersed
    New Mexico
    $28,763,786
    $4,812,435
    -$23,951,351
    DATA SOURCE: HHS
    Head Start programs’ grants are generally renewed at the same time each year, and Head Start programs depend on these strict funding cycles to continue serving kids and families. In fiscal years 2024 and 2025, Head Start has been funded at $12.27 billion nationwide. In 2024, $28.76 million in Head Start funding went out from the start of the year through April 15 in New Mexico. But during the same period this year, only $4.8 million has so far gone out—a nearly $24 million, or -83%, decline. Any delays in funding going out the door can have devastating consequences for Head Start programs.
    Head Start currently serves over 750,000 kids nationwide, and the program has served nearly 40 million children and their families nationwide since its inception in 1965. There are over 17,000 Head Start centers nationwide that help kids and families thrive, and these centers are particularly important in serving rural communities with fewer options for care. A state-by-state breakdown of the number of kids and families served by Head Start is available HERE.
    Since taking office, President Trump has gutted the offices that keep Head Start centers and child care programs across the country running. In late February, the Trump administration fired scores of staff at the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care. Earlier this month, President Trump continued to hollow out HHS, including by shuttering half of the regional offices at the Office of Head Start, which are responsible for ensuring high-quality Head Start services are available to families nationwide.
    To combat attacks on Head Start, Senator Luján has led efforts to reverse the mass firings at Head Start, demanded action and answers regarding the disruption of Head Start programs, and pressed Trump administration nominees on cuts to Head Start.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: AppFolio and Second Nature Announce Partnership to Enhance the Resident Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA BARBARA, CA and RALEIGH, N.C., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppFolio (NASDAQ:APPF), a technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry, and Second Nature, a proptech company and leader in the resident experience, today announced a strategic partnership to enhance the resident experience for the millions of residents their customers serve.

    Through this partnership, AppFolio customers will have the ability to offer Second Nature’s suite of services within the AppFolio Stack™ partner ecosystem. By integrating Second Nature’s offered benefits, property managers can offer valuable programs including credit building, air filter delivery, pest control, rewards, and more. A standout example is Second Nature’s latest offering: Group Rate Internet, which provides residents with reliable, high-speed internet at a great rate.

    Upcoming findings from the AppFolio 2025 Renter Preferences Report reveal that 71% of renters say resident benefits are important when evaluating a new rental, but only 42% report they are currently available to them — providing a key opportunity for property managers to differentiate. With retention and occupancy top of mind for property managers, meeting — and exceeding — resident expectations is essential to winning in a crowded market.

    “In today’s competitive real estate environment, resident expectations have never been higher,” said Kyle Triplett, SVP, Product at AppFolio. “By partnering with Second Nature, we’re investing in the tools property managers need to exceed those expectations—streamlining operations while delivering unmatched resident satisfaction. This strategic move underscores our commitment to the resident journey as we continue to build the platform that powers the real estate industry.”

    “Our mission is to design, onboard, and power ‘Triple Win Experiences’ where residents win, investors win, and property managers win together. AppFolio and Second Nature coming together to integrate our offerings is a big step in replacing friction with effortless, exceptional experiences for all,” said Thad Tarkington, Founder and CEO at Second Nature.

    This partnership is the latest example of AppFolio’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to property managers and their residents. It complements FolioSpace™—a next-generation resident experience that redefines how property managers and renters connect throughout the entire resident journey—by introducing an additional suite of integrated services that simplify move-in and day-to-day living. AppFolio also recently teamed up with Zillow to streamline leasing, helping renters discover homes faster and property managers fill vacancies more efficiently. Alongside new capabilities in AppFolio Realm-X, which automate routine resident communications and other administrative tasks, these initiatives collectively empower property managers to focus on higher-impact work while offering a truly modern rental experience.

    About AppFolio
    AppFolio is a technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry. Our innovative platform and trusted partnership enable our customers to connect communities, increase operational efficiency, and grow their business.

    For more information about AppFolio, visit appfolio.com.

    About Second Nature
    Second Nature is a leading resident experience platform powering resident onboarding, lease-enrolled services, and ancillary income for professional property managers. Dedicated to creating “Triple Win” outcomes for residents, investors, and property managers, Second Nature streamlines processes, enhances living experiences, and fosters stronger relationships in the long-term rental market.

    For more information about Second Nature, visit secondnature.com.

    For more information, please contact:
    AppFolio
    appfolio@missionnorth.com

    Second Nature
    triplewin@secondnature.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements are subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not statements of historical fact contained in this press release, and can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “future’” “predicts, “projects,” “target,” “seeks,” “contemplates,” “should,” “will,” “would” or similar expressions and the negatives of those expressions. In particular, forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements relating to the potential benefits and effect of AppFolio’s partnership with Second Nature, the FolioSpace resident application, and the Realm-X services and their impact on AppFolio’s plans, objectives, expectations and capabilities.

    Forward-looking statements represent AppFolio’s current beliefs and expectations based on information currently available and speak only as of the date the statement is made. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause AppFolio’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include AppFolio’s ability to successfully offer the Second Nature products within the AppFolio ecosystem and launch the FolioSpace resident application, AppFolio’s ability to implement its plans, objectives and expectations with respect to the Second Nature partnership, the FolioSpace resident application, and Realm-X, negative effects of the announcement of the Second Nature partnership on AppFolio’s business operations, operating results or share price as well as those risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in AppFolio’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 6, 2025, and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in AppFolio’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as in its other filings with the SEC. You should read this press release with the understanding that AppFolio’s actual future results may be materially different from the results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

    AppFolio undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8904ce1b-1246-42d6-ab30-9eecfd90bfa1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Goosehead Insurance Appoints Bill Wade to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTLAKE, Texas, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Goosehead Insurance (NASDAQ: GSHD), a leader in personal lines insurance distribution, is proud to announce the appointment of Bill Wade to its Board of Directors. Wade, with over 25 years of experience as a senior partner and consultant at Bain & Company, brings deep expertise in leveraging emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to fuel innovation, operational efficiency, and transformational growth.

    Throughout his career, Wade has been at the forefront of integrating digital strategies to help companies and private equity firms optimize performance and achieve scalable, tech-enabled growth. His work includes implementing AI-powered analytics, driving digital transformation, and designing agile operating models that deliver extraordinary results. Wade’s forward-thinking approach positions him as an ideal partner for Goosehead’s aggressive technology-driven expansion.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Bill to our Board,” said Mark E. Jones, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Goosehead Insurance. “Bill’s proven success in leveraging technology to drive transformational growth is exactly what we need as we aggressively invest to win the tech race in the insurance industry. Technology is the battleground, and we already have a substantial lead—our goal is to extend it and secure our place as the top distributor of personal lines insurance in the U.S. in my lifetime. Bill’s expertise, vision, and strong existing relationships with several board members make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

    “Bill’s addition to our Board is a pivotal moment in our journey to transform the insurance industry through bold innovation and cutting-edge technology,” said Mark Miller, CEO of Goosehead Insurance. “With his expertise in AI and digital transformation, we are positioned to break new ground, elevate client experiences, and strengthen our leadership in the industry. Together, we’ll push boundaries and turn ambitious goals into measurable achievements.”

    Wade holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar and Siebel Scholar, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy from Brigham Young University.

    “Goosehead has already disrupted the personal lines insurance space with its client-first, tech-driven approach,” said Wade. “The company’s commitment to AI and advanced technology solutions creates a unique opportunity to redefine scalability and client value in the industry. I’m thrilled to join the Board and contribute to shaping the next chapter of Goosehead’s growth.”

    Founded in 2003, Goosehead Insurance has prioritized innovation with technology and human capital, becoming a leader in personal lines insurance. This focus aligns perfectly with Wade’s expertise.

    About Goosehead

    Goosehead (NASDAQ: GSHD) is a rapidly growing and innovative independent personal lines insurance agency that distributes its products and services through corporate and franchise locations throughout the United States. Goosehead was founded on the premise that the consumer should be at the center of our universe and that everything we do should be directed at providing extraordinary value by offering broad product choice and a world-class service experience. Goosehead represents over 200 insurance companies that underwrite personal and commercial lines. For more information, please visit goosehead.com or goosehead.com/become-a-franchisee.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which represent Goosehead’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and may include statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or Goosehead’s strategies or expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, “outlook” or “continue”, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements.

    Factors that could cause actual results or performance to differ from the expectations expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, conditions impacting insurance carriers or other parties with which Goosehead does business, the loss of one or more key executives or an inability to attract and retain qualified personnel and the failure to attract and retain highly qualified franchisees. These risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to, those described under the captions “1A. Risk Factors” in Goosehead’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in Goosehead’s other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the Securities Exchange Commission’s website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All forward-looking statements and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Goosehead or to persons acting on behalf of Goosehead are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Goosehead does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.

    Contacts
    Investor Contact:
    Dan Farrell
    Goosehead Insurance – VP Capital Markets
    Phone: (214) 838-5290
    Email: dan.farrell@goosehead.com; IR@goosehead.com 

    PR Contact:
    Mission North for Goosehead Insurance
    Email: goosehead@missionnorth.com; PR@goosehead.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ABC arbitrage: Release of the annual financial report as of 31 December 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ABC arbitrage

    Release of the annual financial report as of 31 December 2024

    ABC arbitrage announces today that it has made available to the public and filed with the “Autorité des Marchés Financiers” (AMF) its annual financial report as of 31 December 2024. 

    This document includes the following parts:

    • The management report including the corporate governance report;
    • The consolidated financial statements as of 31 December 2024;
    • The statutory auditors’ report on the consolidated financial statements;
    • The statutory financial statements as of 31 December 2024;
    • The statutory auditors’ report on the statutory financial statements;
    • The report on the non-financial information provided on a voluntary basis;
    • The certification by the person responsible for the annual financial report.

    The annual financial report can be consulted on the Group website at: abc-arbitrage.com, in the “Shareholders” page, heading Financial information / Financial reports.

    Contacts : abc-arbitrage.com
    Relations actionnaires : actionnaires@abc-arbitrage.com
    Relations presse: VERBATEE / v.sabineu@verbatee.com    		 EURONEXT Paris – Compartiment B
    ISIN : FR0004040608
    Reuters  BITI.PA / Bloomberg ABCA FP

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Joveo Wins 2025 HR Tech Award for Best Talent Intelligence Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MENLO PARK, Calif., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Joveo, the global leader in AI-led, high-performance recruitment marketing and candidate engagement, announced today that its Unified Analytics dashboard has been named Best Talent Intelligence Solution by Lighthouse Research & Advisory in the 2025 HR Tech Awards. The annual awards program recognizes the most innovative and impactful HR technology solutions across the globe.

    The Best Talent Intelligence Solution category highlights technology that empowers employers to leverage data and insights for more strategic and informed talent decisions. Joveo’s Unified Analytics dashboard stands out for delivering real-time visibility into recruitment marketing performance and costs across all sources, hiring funnel effectiveness, labor market analytics, and competitive insights, in a single pane of glass. This makes it possible for talent acquisition (TA) teams to act fast and spend smarter.

    “Joveo’s Unified Analytics platform brings clarity and control to recruitment marketing with unmatched visibility across spend, source, and strategy,” stated Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer, Lighthouse Research & Advisory. “Employers reduce cost per application by more than 20% and slash manual reporting time by 90% after switching to Joveo, gaining the ability to optimize campaigns in real time. This is a standout example of analytics that truly enable smarter hiring decisions.”

    Joveo’s award-winning solution centralizes data from job boards, social media channels, ATS, talent CRM, career sites, and landing pages into a single source of truth — helping TA leaders uncover inefficiencies, predict outcomes, and drive better results.

    “This recognition validates our vision of enabling data-led recruiting with real-time, AI-driven insights,” said Kshitij Jain, Founder and CEO of Joveo. “Unified Analytics is more than a dashboard — it’s a decision engine. It gives our customers a clear view into performance, pinpoints issues, explains why they occurred, and offers actionable recommendations. We’re thrilled to see our customers achieve measurable improvements in cost, speed, and quality of hire, and to be recognized by Lighthouse Research & Advisory for the impact we’re having on talent teams around the world.”

    The 2025 HR Tech Awards, now in its sixth year, are judged by an independent panel of industry practitioners, educators, and consultants. Less than 2% of HR technology vendors are recognized each year, making this win a testament to Joveo’s innovation and proven impact.

    For more information about Joveo’s award-winning platform and Unified Analytics, visit www.joveo.com.

    About Joveo

    As the global leader in AI-led, high-performance recruitment marketing, Joveo is transforming talent attraction and recruitment media buying for the world’s largest employers, staffing firms, RPOs, and media agencies. The Joveo platform enables businesses to attract, source, engage, and hire the best candidates on time and within budget.

    Powering millions of jobs every day, Joveo’s AI-driven recruitment marketing platform uses advanced data science and machine learning to dynamically manage and optimize talent sourcing and applications across all online channels, while providing real-time insights at every step of the job seeker journey, from click to hire.

    For more information about Joveo, visit www.joveo.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact

    Heather van Werkhooven
    Sr. Director, Content and Thought Leadership, Joveo
    pr@joveo.com

    The MIL Network –