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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Preserving competition in the telecommunications sector to enable consumer choice and affordable prices – E-000362/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Connectivity is at the heart of our digital ecosystem and key for the competitiveness of the entire European economic area. Closing the innovation gap will require investment in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, including modern fibre networks, 5G and 6G.

    The Commission continues working to improve access to secure, fast and reliable connectivity while safeguarding fair competition. For that, Europe can build on existing initiatives, e.g. for the development of 6G[1] and actions to scale up innovative technologies[2], as well as on adaptations to its regulatory framework.

    In that sense, ensuring a regulatory framework reflecting technological and market developments is a key tool to support sufficient investments in future-proof networks.

    Along with the recent Gigabit Infrastructure Act[3] and the upcoming review of the European Electronic Communication Code, the announced Digital Networks Act will provide a modern set of rules for the new connectivity ecosystem, proposing solutions to improve market incentives to invest, reduce burden and compliance costs, and foster an integrated Single market for connectivity .

    Competition is developing[4] in the electronic communication markets, notably in many densely populated areas, where commercial access to competing networks is often not problematic.

    Despite this progress, some barriers may persist also in the future, in particular in rural or more remote areas. Some regulatory intervention in such cases may still be warranted and, national Regulatory Authorities should, in case of clear market failure, be able to intervene.

    • [1] See the initiatives of the EU Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) https://smart-networks.europa.eu/
    • [2] One example is the development of 5G corridors, funded under the CEF Digital programme: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/cross-border-corridors
    • [3] See Regulation (EU) 2024/1309 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024 on measures to reduce the cost of deploying gigabit electronic communications networks, amending Regulation (EU) 2015/2120 and repealing Directive 2014/61/EU (Gigabit Infrastructure Act), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1309/oj/eng
    • [4] The electronic communication regulatory framework has been broadly successful in lifting barriers to competition and the number of markets that national regulators need to assess ex-ante went from 18 to 2 between 2003 and 2020, when the latest Recommendation on Relevant Market was adopted.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the nomination of Lucian Romașcanu as a Member of the Court of Auditors – A10-0039/2025

    Source: European Parliament

     

    ANNEX 1: CURRICULUM VITÆ OF LUCIAN ROMAȘCANU

    ABOUT ME

    Married, two children

    Politician with top parliamentary and governmental experience with a wealth of prior experience in the private sector.

    Solid experience in working with public and European funds in the public positions held, minister, senator or head of a higher administrative territorial unit.

    EDUCATION AND TRAINING

    [ 2000 – 2002 ] Executive MBA

    University Of Washington, Seattle / ASEBUSS Bucharest

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania |

    [ 1986 – 1991 ] BSc

    Academy Of Economic Studies

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania |

    WORK EXPERIENCE

    [ 28/10/2024 – Current ] President

    Buzău County Council

    City: Buzău | Country: Romania

    • uninominal elected position

    • administrative coordination of Buzău county, 404 000 inhabitants and 87  administrative territorial units

    • yearly budget – over EUR 100 million

    [ 21/12/2016 – 27/10/2024 ] Senator

    The Senate of Romania

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    Various positions in the parliament of Romania:

    • Chair, Culture and Media Committee

    • President, Romanian parliament delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

    • Leader, Social-Democratic Party senators

    [ 11/2021 – 06/2023 ] Minister Of Culture

    Government of Romania

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • yearly budget – over EUR 300 million

     

    [ 06/2017 – 01/2018 ] Minister Of Culture

    Government of Romania

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • yearly budget – over EUR 270 million

    [ 2015 – 2016 ] Management Advisor to the President of the Board

    Romanian National Television

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • 100 % state owned

    • 5 TV Channels

    • EUR 67 million yearly turnover

    • 2 450 employees

    [ 2012 – 2015 ] Managing Director

    Dogan Media International

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • Turkish capital

    • EUR 20 million yearly turnover

    • over 400 employees

    • 32 % y-o-y revenue growth

    [ 2009 – 2012 ] General Manager

    Cancan Media

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • EUR 8 million yearly turnover

    • 140 employees

    • 12% y-o-y revenue growth

    [ 2006 – 2009 ] Managing Director

    Ringier Romania

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • Swiss capital

    • EUR 30 million yearly turnover

    • 240 employees

    [ 2004 – 2006 ] Managing Director

    Best Print Services

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • EUR 10 million yearly turnover

    • 110 employees

    • financing negotiations, investment programme supervising

    • ERP design and implementation

    • 18 % y-o-y revenue growth

    [ 2002 – 2004 ] General Manager

    HL Display Romania

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • Swedish capital

    • start-up

    • EUR 1 million yearly turnover

    • 5 employees

    • Accountable for the Profit and Loss (P&L) statement

    • budgeting, revenue and cost control responsibility

     

    [ 1999 – 2002 ] Sales Director

    Ringier Romania

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • Swiss capital

    • sales team coordination (14 people)

    • crafting sales strategy, planning action, setting sales objectives

    • sales presentations delivered to media agencies, key clients; contract negotiation

    [ 1997 – 1999 ] Sales Director

    MediaPro Holding

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • organising and harmonising the sales structures of the different group companies

    • crafting sales strategy, planning action, setting sales objectives

    • sales presentations delivered to media agencies, key clients; negotiating sales budgets responsibility, in depth reorganisation of the sales structure of 16 different companies

    [ 1993 – 1997 ] Country Representative Amorim Irmaos

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • start-up

    • EUR 4 million yearly turnover

    • building the presence on the Romanian market, obtaining and maintaining the leader position (90 % market share)

    [ 1991 – 1993 ] Account manager

    Vinexport Trading Co.

    City: Bucharest | Country: Romania

    • coordinating exports to Dutch, Canadian and Israeli markets

    • taking part in negotiations, supervising deliveries, preparing export documents.

    MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS

    Team leader, good negotiator

    • good teams coordination

    • precise identification and delimitation of competences and hierarchies, multitasking with attention to detail

    • analytical but also action and results oriented

    • very good communication and presentation skills

    • strong negotiation skills with different typologies or cultures

    COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

    Excellent communicator, adaptable and perseverant

    • excellent interpersonal and communication skills within different environments, coordinating and motivating teams of various sizes

    • committed, self-starter, dynamic, perseverant, adaptable, rapidly assimilating new information from various fields

    LANGUAGE SKILLS

    Mother tongue(s): Romanian

    Other language(s):

    English

    LISTENING C2 READING C2 WRITING C2

    SPOKEN PRODUCTION C2 SPOKEN INTERACTION C2

    French

    LISTENING B2 READING B2 WRITING B1

    SPOKEN PRODUCTION B1 SPOKEN INTERACTION B1

    Levels: A1 and A2: Basic user; B1 and B2: Independent user; C1 and C2: Proficient user

    DIGITAL SKILLS

    My Digital Skills

    Excellent command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) | Proficiency of using computer and internet | Enterprise-Resource-Planning-Software (ERP) | Implement change management: from organisational changes to CRMs launch

    DRIVING LICENCE

    Motorbikes:  A

    Cars:  B

    HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

    Avid reader, passionate about sports and music

    ANNEX 2: ANSWERS BY LUCIAN ROMAȘCANU TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE

    Questionnaire for Candidates for Membership of the Court of Auditors

    Professional experience

    1. Please list your professional experience in public finance be it in budgetary planning, budget implementation or management or budget control or auditing.

     A:

    • As manager in the private sector

    i. I proposed, negotiated, approved and controlled budgets of EUR tens of millions in the different companies I managed.

     

    • As Senator in the Romanian Parliament:

    i. I discussed, amended and approved eight of the Romanian yearly budgets with all the activities involved in this laborious process.

    ii. I received, analysed, and was involved in amending, approving or rejecting the budgets of the institutions that operate directly under the supervision of the Senate of Romania – Romanian National Television, Romanian National Radio, the Romanian Cultural Institute, the Audio Visual Council, among others.

    iii. I was involved in top level decisions during major crises, including the pandemic and the energy crisis, where the budgetary impact and control over decisions was a key priority.

     

    • As Minister of Culture

    i. I analysed past years’ budgets and drew conclusions on the performance of the previous budgets and implemented corrective measures where necessary.

    ii. I drew up the yearly budgets, negotiated them with the Ministry of Finance and presented them in front of the Romanian parliament – the yearly budget of the Ministry of Culture is about EUR 300 million.

    iii. I oversaw the execution of the yearly budgets both in terms of performance and legality.

    iv. I worked closely with the Romanian Court of Accounts in all aspects related to their activities concerning my ministry.

     

    • As President of Buzau County

    i. I analysed the previous years’ budgets to allow me to draw conclusions on the County’s financial performance and subsequently prepared budgetary corrections for the next period.

    ii. I drew up the 2025 budget and supervised its approval by the County counsellors – the yearly budget is about EUR 110 million.

    2. What have been your most significant achievements in your professional career?

     A: Considering the scope of this questionnaire, I would list some of the achievements related to the financial and budgetary fields:

    i. In my first mandate as Minister, I was able to increase the budget of the Ministry of Culture by 47 % and oversaw an execution rate of more than 98 % without any adverse opinion from the Romanian Court of Accounts.

    ii. As the leader of the group of the Social Democratic Party senators I was a key actor in the negotiation and successful vote of the Romania’s annual budgets in due time.

    iii. As member of the Parliament during the COVID-19 crisis I was able, together with my colleagues, to ensure – through the necessary Parliamentary decisions – all the resources that the state needed to fight the pandemic and follow-up the way the resources were allocated and spent.

    3. What has been your professional experience of international multicultural and multilinguistic organisations or institutions based outside your home country?

     A:

    i. In the private sector I worked on top executive positions for multinational companies, where I exposed to different cultures within the organisations I worked for.

    ii. As a member of the Romanian parliament and a committee chair, I was constantly involved in activities of parliamentary diplomacy with representatives of different countries and cultures. As the President of the Romanian Parliament delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) I was involved in meetings, discussions and negotiations with representatives from more than 50 member countries.

    iii. As a minister I had the opportunity to have a full international agenda with meetings and negotiations with colleagues from different countries and cultures.

    4. Have you been granted discharge for the management duties you carried out previously, if such a procedure applies?

     A: The duties I carried out previously were not subject to a discharge procedure.

    5. Which of your previous professional positions were a result of a political nomination?

     A: For the past eight years of my career, I was in the public service following general or local elections and I was appointed twice as Minister of Culture. All positions were held as a member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD).

    6. What are the three most important decisions to which you have been party in your professional life?

     A: Having a career that spans over decades, there were several important decisions that made the difference, and I am proud of. I will mention three of them, which are relevant for the three main chapters of my career so far, in the private sector, government and parliament:

    i. One of my important decisions I made during my years as manager in the private sector was the deep restructuring of the division I was in charge of in within Ringier Romania, the result being that the newspaper and magazine titles in my portfolio accounted for 50 % of the group’s turnover and almost 100 % of the group’s profit.

    ii. As Minister of Culture, I was able to restructure and streamline the budget to allocate 270 % more money to domestic cultural projects than in the preceding year.

    iii. As a senator and group leader I supported, negotiated in the committees and got the votes for the investment programmes of the Government, including recovery and resilience fund (RRF) projects, which reached almost 7 % of Romania’s GDP in 2024.

    Independence

    7. The Treaty stipulates that the Members of the Court of Auditors must be ‘completely independent’ in the performance of their duties. How would you act on this obligation in the discharge of your prospective duties?

    A: If confirmed, as a Member of the Court of Auditors, I commit myself to carry out my duties in full independence and with the highest ethical standards, in the general interest of the European Union and of the European citizens, and in full respect of the Treaties’ provisions and the Rules of Procedure of the Court. I will fully comply with the provisions of the Code of conduct for ECA members and observe the ethical principles enshrined therein: integrity, independence, objectivity, competence, professional behaviour, confidentiality, transparency, dignity, commitment, loyalty, discretion and collegiality.

    I will neither seek nor take instructions from any government or other institution, body office, or entity. At the same time, I shall refrain from any action incompatible with my prospective duties, striving to set an example by my personal conduct. Even after the cessation of my duties, I undertake to ensure the confidentiality of information and respect the rules concerning appointments and benefits.

    In this role, I will ensure that the Court’s independence is rigorously protected and that my duties are performed with integrity, impartiality and a strong commitment to the highest standards of public service.

    8. Do you or your close relatives (parents, brothers and sisters, legal partner and children) have any business or financial holdings or any other commitments, which might conflict with your prospective duties?

     A: Neither I nor any member of my family have any business or financial interests that could give rise to a conflict of interest with the duties and responsibilities associated with the role of Member of the European Court of Auditors (ECA).

    9. Are you prepared to disclose all your financial interests and other commitments to the President of the Court and to make them public?

     A: Yes, I am ready to disclose all requested information and provide a declaration of interest in accordance with the European Court of Auditors’ Code of Conduct and ethical guidelines, ensuring complete transparency and accountability.

    10. Are you involved in any current legal proceedings? If so, please provide us with details.

     A: No, I am not involved in any current legal proceedings.

    11. Do you have any active or executive role in politics, if so at what level? Have you held any political position during the last 18 months? If so, please provide us with details.

     A: Yes, I am currently the leader of the Buzau County organisation of the Social Democratic Party and the national spokesperson of the party for all matters.

    12. Will you step down from any elected office or give up any active function with responsibilities in a political party if you are appointed as a Member of the Court?

     A: Yes, without any hesitation. Becoming a member of ECA means that I will put an end to my political career.

    13. How would you deal with a major irregularity or even fraud and/or corruption case involving persons in your Member State of origin?

     A: If such a case happens, I would handle it in the same manner as any other case of fraud in any other Member State, with the utmost independence and integrity, taking a fully impartial, objective, unbiased and professional approach.

     Upholding impartiality and integrity, respecting the rule of law, strictly following established policies, rules, and procedures, and ensuring fairness and equal treatment are all essential for any institution to function effectively and maintain the trust of EU citizens.

    Performance of duties

    14. What should be the main features of a sound financial management culture in any public service? How could the ECA help to enforce it?

    A: Within the framework set by the Financial Regulation, sound financial management is understood as budget implementation in compliance with the three principles of:

    i) economy

    ii) efficiency

    iii) effectiveness.

    Public funds must be used for the public good, upholding the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability, which are the two key pillars of good governance.

    I strongly believe that transparency, fairness and accountability, with a focus on performance as well, should be seen as the main features of implementing these principles and fostering a sound financial management culture in public service and these have been guiding elements in both my private and public-sector career.

    What is more, the challenging context we are facing requires that we all do our utmost to rebuild and strengthen citizens’ trust in public institutions and decision-making processes at national and European levels. In this regard, I see added value in a multilayered approach aiming to ensure that proper budgetary planning is accompanied by ethical governance and transparent reporting, followed by a thorough controlling and accountability process, all supported by clear and proactive communication efforts at each of these stages. Not least, I see merit in incorporating early risk analysis and mitigation in all stages described above, to ensure the best possible outputs.

     The ECA has the important role of helping to establish a culture of professional financial management and ensuring its sustainability across all EU institutions. The ECA delivers recommendations and monitors their implementation, both key activities for the above-mentioned role. Identifying best practices and issuing audit recommendations are essential ways to strengthen sound financial management. Furthermore, the ECA’s substantial moral authority can help inspire more transparent and accountable accounting practices throughout the EU.

     The ECA also plays a significant role in simplifying the legislative framework and administrative procedures where appropriate, contributing to effective financial management and facilitating necessary reforms. The EU needs simpler procedures with less bureaucracy, and the ECA can play a vital role in Europe’s simplification agenda.

    15. Under the Treaty, the Court is required to assist Parliament in exercising its powers of control over the implementation of the budget. How would you further improve the cooperation between the Court and the European Parliament (in particular, its Committee on Budgetary Control) to enhance both the public oversight of the general spending and its value for money?

    A: As a prospective Member of the Court of Auditors, I assure you of my commitment to building a relationship based on openness, transparency, mutual trust and efficiency between the European Parliament – in particular its Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) – and the Court of Auditors. As we are still early in the current institutional and legislative cycle, I believe we need to work, from both sides, to further strengthen the connection between the two institutions and foster a culture of constant engagement between the CONT Committee and the ECA. As such, if confirmed, I would like to assure you of my full openness to dialogue and suggestions on how to improve and strengthen the Court’s contributions in support of the decision-making process in the CONT Committee, meant to allow Parliament to exercise its democratic oversight effectively, particularly when exercising its powers of control over the implementation of the budget. Also given the current difficult regional and international context, I cannot stress enough the importance of safeguarding the EU budget – both at EU and national levels – and I am aware that this is a prime concern for this Parliament and for the CONT Committee in particular.

     

    By working together, we can ensure that any expenditure of EU money is made in a legal, responsible, and accountable manner, having at heart the best interests of the EU and its citizens.

     Moreover, since Members of the European Parliament directly represent the interests of EU citizens, it is crucial to incorporate their perspectives to ensure the ECA’s work remains relevant to the challenges faced by EU citizens, while upholding the Court’s full independence in its work.

     

    16. What added value do you think performance auditing brings and how should the findings be incorporated in management procedures?

     

    A: Compliance audits, financial audits and performance audits complement each other. While compliance auditing verifies whether activities and programmes comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, performance auditing evaluates whether these activities and programmes have been executed optimally.

     

    In the context of the implementation of the current multi-annual financial framework for 2021-2027, the Court of Auditors has already recommended future-proofing EU funding for climate adaptation as part of the EU’s economic growth strategy, with implications for the EU’s competitiveness both internally and externally. This contributed to building a results-oriented approach and ensuring that financial decisions are properly translated into effective actions and solutions to the benefit of EU citizens.

     

    Building on this model, further actions could be envisaged in order to support the proper follow-up to the efficiency of spending on the EU’s competitiveness objectives, based on performance auditing, also taking into account the need to consider the EU’s overall development objectives.

     In the same logic, a stronger focus on performance could prove useful in support of the new Commission objectives related to simplification and accountability, also with respect to public procurement procedures. Performance-based evaluations could also consider the administrative costs at the level of Member States, as well as at the level of the business community. Performance auditing offers forward-looking insights, evaluating whether processes are functioning effectively to achieve the set targets and goals.

    Given the projected increased complexity of the EU financial instruments, accountability and traceability of EU funds becomes even more important, also as a prerequisite of the performance-based model, to be considered in the future endeavours of the Court of Auditors, as well as in the relationship with the other EU institutions with budgetary responsibilities – namely the European Commission and the European Parliament.

     That being said, we must always strive to make recommendations that are both relevant and practical, and that can be clearly understood and embraced by the audited entity, especially by the appropriate management level with the competence to implement them optimally in terms of time, cost, and resources.

     

    17. How could cooperation between the Court of Auditors, the national audit institutions and the European Parliament (Committee on Budgetary Control) on auditing of the EU budget be improved?

     A: At this stage, I cannot provide a definitive answer, as I have yet to assess the matter from the perspectives of either the Committee on Budgetary Control or ECA. Gaining practical experience at the Court of Auditors will be essential in forming a well-informed view.

     What is clear, however, is that the cooperation between the Court of Auditors and national audit bodies, as outlined in Article 287(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, is crucial for effective budgetary control. In the context of shared management, leveraging the expertise of national auditors is particularly important.  

     Maintaining an open dialogue with the budgetary and legislative authorities, national SAIs, and other stakeholders strengthen the institution’s relevance and the impact of its work.

    Both the European Parliament (through the CONT Committee) and national audit institutions that report to national parliaments are key stakeholders for the ECA, with a shared goal of safeguarding the EU budget and ensuring optimal use of EU taxpayers’ money. In this regard, the ECA should continue to share its relevant reports with national audit bodies and other institutions to keep them informed of its activities and to communicate its recommendations on pertinent policy areas.

    Therefore, I believe that a well organised, transparent exchange of information, a strong understanding of each side’s needs, and effective collaborative arrangements are key to success. Any actions taken must uphold the legal framework for cooperation, ensuring both the obligation to work in good faith and the independence of the Court of Auditors and national audit bodies.

    Moreover, I would encourage direct structured dialogue between the Contact Committee and the EP Committee on Budgetary Control, with regular exchanges on good practices and lessons learned, effective budget implementation and control, governance, transparency and accountability matters. Additionally, I believe that joint risk analyses could also be a part of this more structured dialogue, a common understanding on challenges and specific risk across the EU, and exchange on ways to address these.

    At its end, the European Parliament also plays a significant role in raising awareness of the ECA’s work and the EU budget control system among their constituents. Also, the Members of the European Parliament should help the audit authorities in their respective Member States to better understand the challenges they face in carrying out their duties.

    18. How would you further develop the reporting of the ECA to give the European Parliament all the necessary information on the accuracy of the data provided by the Member States to the European Commission?

    A: High-quality reporting is based mainly on the quality of data provided. ECA evaluation and reporting depends on the quality of the data provided, especially since it supports the European Parliament in consolidating its budgetary decisions.

    In this respect, also considering that European statistics are public goods, and building on the current Regulation on European Statistics, it is important to analyse, in dialogue with the European Commission and the other institutions, how the current system could be improved to focus on new data sources, new technologies and insights generated by the digital era, as to ensure that the data provided reflect the new set of challenges and economic realities in order to support the reasoning of EU decisions and policy objectives.

    Always remembering that the Court itself has limited resources and must best use them to report its work.

    Other questions

    19. Will you withdraw your candidacy if Parliament’s opinion on your appointment as Member of the Court is unfavourable?

    A: As a former member of the Romanian parliament and former committee chair, I have full respect for the decisions of the European Parliament. In this respect, if any doubts were raised about my integrity or independence, I would of course consider, after discussions with my Member State, withdrawing my nomination. I would also carefully consider the views and discussions in the Budgetary Control Committee regarding the areas of professional improvement and act accordingly.

    Nevertheless, since I was nominated by the Romanian Government and the procedure under the TFEU states that the Council has the final decision, I consider that following the full procedure is the correct way to act that respects all the institutions involved.

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

    INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Date adopted

    18.3.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    22

    2

    5

    Members present for the final vote

    Georgios Aftias, Gilles Boyer, Caterina Chinnici, Tamás Deutsch, Dick Erixon, Daniel Freund, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Niclas Herbst, Monika Hohlmeier, Virginie Joron, Kinga Kollár, Giuseppe Lupo, Marit Maij, Claudiu Manda, Csaba Molnár, Fidias Panayiotou, Jacek Protas, Julien Sanchez, Jonas Sjöstedt, Carla Tavares, Tomáš Zdechovský

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Maria Grapini, Erik Marquardt, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Annamária Vicsek

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Andrzej Halicki, Valentina Palmisano, Georgiana Teodorescu

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dragonfly Energy Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fourth Quarter Revenue Growth of 17% Led by Significant OEM Growth
    Debt Restructuring and Concurrent Capital Raise Enhance Financial Position and Liquidity
    Initiates Corporate Optimization Program
    Guides to First Quarter 2025 Net Sales of Approximately $13.3 Million
    Targets Positive Adjusted EBITDA in Fourth Quarter 2025

    RENO, Nev., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (“Dragonfly Energy” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DFLI), an industry leader in energy storage and battery technology, today reported its financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Net sales of $12.2 million and $50.6 million
    • OEM net sales of $6.2 million and $27.6 million
    • Gross Margin of 20.8% and 23.0%
    • Net Loss of $(9.8) million and $(40.6) million
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $(2.0) million and $(18.5) million

    “After quarter end, we were very pleased to have successfully negotiated a significant debt restructuring with our lenders, allowing for covenant relief while pushing off the maturity date. With this action, our debt will be classified as long-term debt on our balance sheet. Concurrent with the debt restructuring, we also secured additional capital through a strategic investor,” commented Dr. Denis Phares, Chief Executive Officer. “We believe these actions greatly strengthen our near-term financial position, allowing us to focus on executing on our key strategic initiatives for 2025, including achieving positive anticipated Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter.”

    “In addition, we have launched a corporate optimization program to establish a more efficient cost structure, aligning our operations with near-term revenue growth opportunities, which we believe will provide us with a path to profitability. As part of this initiative, we have promoted Dr. Vick Singh to Chief Operating Officer, where he will oversee the program while also driving operational efficiencies across the company.

    “Despite ongoing challenges in the RV market, our fourth-quarter net sales grew approximately 17%, marking a return to year-over-year growth, driven by increased adoption among OEM customers,” continued Dr. Phares. “Throughout the year, we have made significant strides in expanding our customer base beyond the RV sector, leveraging strategic partnerships in trucking and industrial markets. We believe the strong order activity from our recently announced partnerships reinforces this strategy, and we anticipate meaningful revenue contributions in 2025 and beyond.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial and Operating Results
    (All financial result comparisons made are against the prior-year period unless otherwise noted)

     
    Net Sales by Customer Type
    (in millions)
           
      Fiscal Quarter Ended
    		    
      December 31, 2024
    		   December 31, 2023
    		   Change (YoY)
    DTC $5,726   $6,561   -13%
    OEM $6,236   $3,877   61%
    Licensing $250   $0   N/A
    Net Sales $12,212   $10,438   17%
               

    Net Sales increased 17.0% to $12.2 million. OEM net sales grew 61% to $6.2 million, driven by increased adoption of existing products and new customer acquisitions. DTC net sales were $5.7 million compared to $6.6 million, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic pressures.

    Gross Profit increased 12.5% to $2.6 million. Gross Margin was 20.8%, compared to 21.6%, due to higher material costs and a shift in mix to OEM sales. Operating Expenses were $(6.3) million, compared to $(5.4) million. The increase was primarily due to one-time expenses related to patent litigation and the reverse stock split. We also incurred expenses associated with moving into our new 400,000 square foot facility. This strategic relocation is expected to drive long-term operational efficiencies as we centralize operations previously spread across multiple locations.

    The Company reported a Net Loss of $(9.8) million, or $(1.39) per diluted share, compared to Net Income of $3.3 million or $0.50 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA excluding stock-based compensation, changes in the fair market value of our warrants, and other one-time expenses, was negative $(2.3) million, compared to negative $(1.8) million.

    Full Year 2024 Financial and Operating Results
    (All financial result comparisons made are against the prior-year period unless otherwise noted)

     
    Net Sales by Customer Type
    (in millions)
           
      Fiscal Year Ended
    		    
      December 31, 2024
    		   December 31, 2023
    		   Change (YoY)
    DTC $22,616   $36,875   -39%
    OEM $27,612   $27,517   0%
    Licensing $417   $0   N/A
    Net Sales $50,645   $64,392   -21%
               

    Net Sales were $50.6 million, compared to $64.4 million. OEM net sales of $27.6 million were flat year-over-year, as increased adoption of existing products and new customer acquisitions were offset by the impact of our largest customer transitioning our product from a standard offering to an option. DTC net sales declined to $22.6 million, from $36.9 million, reflecting continued softness in the RV market due to continued macroeconomic pressures.

    Gross Profit was $11.6 million, with a gross margin of 23.0%, compared to gross profit of $15.4 million, with a gross margin of 24.0%. The year-over-year declines were primarily attributable to lower sales volume. Operating Expenses were $(34.0) million, compared to $(42.9) million, led by lower employee-related costs and lower stock-based compensation, partially offset by higher R&D costs.

    The Company reported a Net Loss of $(40.6) million, or $(5.91) per diluted share, compared to a Net Loss of $(13.8) million or $(2.36) per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA excluding stock-based compensation, changes in the fair market value of our warrants, and other one-time expenses, was negative $(18.5) million, compared to negative $(17.1) million.

    Form 10-K Filing

    The independent registered public accounting firm’s audit report with respect to the Company’s fiscal year-end financial statements will not be issued until the Company files its annual report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, the financial results reported in this earnings release are pending completion of the audit.

    Summary and Outlook

    “Dragonfly Energy is advancing energy storage with innovative lithium battery technology, delivering safe, reliable, and efficient power solutions for industries that demand superior performance,” commented Dr. Denis Phares. “As we look ahead to 2025, our focus remains on driving shareholder value through growth, diversification across end markets, and continued product innovation. We anticipate continued year-over-year growth in the first quarter with revenue of approximately $13.3 million. And with the resumption of revenue growth alongside our corporate optimization program, we expect to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA by the fourth quarter of this year.”

    1Q25 Guidance

    • Net Sales of approximately $13.3 million
    • Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $(3.8) million

    Webcast Information

    The Dragonfly Energy management team will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial and operational results this afternoon, March 24, 2025. The call can be accessed live via webcast by clicking here, or through the Events and Presentations page within the Investor Relations section of Dragonfly Energy’s website at https://investors.dragonflyenergy.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx. The call can also be accessed live via telephone by dialing (646) 564-2877, toll-free in North America (800) 549-8228, or for international callers +1 (289) 819-1520, and referencing conference ID: 85219. Please log in to the webcast or dial in to the call at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the event.

    An archive of the webcast will be available for a period of time shortly after the call on the Events and Presentations page on the Investor Relations section of Dragonfly Energy’s website, along with the earnings press release.

    About Dragonfly Energy

    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) is a comprehensive lithium battery technology company, specializing in cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, and full system integration. Through its renowned Battle Born Batteries® brand, Dragonfly Energy has established itself as a frontrunner in the lithium battery industry, with hundreds of thousands of reliable battery packs deployed in the field through top-tier OEMs and a diverse retail customer base. At the forefront of domestic lithium battery cell production, Dragonfly Energy’s patented dry electrode manufacturing process can deliver chemistry-agnostic power solutions for a broad spectrum of applications, including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. The Company’s overarching mission is the future deployment of its proprietary, nonflammable, all-solid-state battery cells.

    To learn more about Dragonfly Energy and its commitment to clean energy advancements, visit https://investors.dragonflyenergy.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and statements regarding the Company’s intent, belief or expectations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s guidance for 2025, results of operations and financial position, planned products and services, business strategy and plans, market size and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “may,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “plan,” “targets,” “projects,” “could,” “would,” “continue,” “forecast” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may impact such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: improved recovery in the Company’s core markets, including the RV market; the Company’s ability to successfully increase market penetration into target markets; the Company’s ability to penetrate the heavy-duty trucking and other new markets; the growth of the addressable markets that the Company intends to target; the Company’s ability to retain members of its senior management team and other key personnel; the Company’s ability to maintain relationships with key suppliers including suppliers in China; the Company’s ability to maintain relationships with key customers; the Company’s ability to access capital as and when needed under its $150 million ChEF Equity Facility; the Company’s ability to protect its patents and other intellectual property; the Company’s ability to successfully utilize its patented dry electrode battery manufacturing process and optimize solid state cells as well as to produce commercially viable solid state cells in a timely manner or at all, and to scale to mass production; the Company’s ability to timely achieve the anticipated benefits of its licensing arrangement with Stryten Energy LLC; the Company’s ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of its customer arrangements with THOR Industries and THOR Industries’ affiliated brands (including Keystone RV Company); the Company’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock and public warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market; the Russian/Ukrainian conflict; the Company’s ability to generate revenue from future product sales and its ability to achieve and maintain profitability; and the Company’s ability to compete with other manufacturers in the industry and its ability to engage target customers and successfully convert these customers into meaningful orders in the future. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 to be filed with the SEC and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC available at www.sec.gov.

    If any of these risks materialize or any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company presently does not know or that it currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    Financial Tables

     
    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
                 
            As of
            December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Current Assets        
      Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,849     $ 12,713  
      Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses     2,416       1,639  
      Inventory     21,716       38,778  
      Prepaid expenses     806       772  
      Prepaid inventory     1,362       1,381  
      Prepaid income tax     307       519  
      Assets held of sale     644       –  
      Other current assets     825       118  
        Total Current Assets     32,925       55,920  
    Property and Equipment        
        Property and Equipment, Net     22,107       15,969  
      Operating lease right of use asset     19,737       3,315  
      Other assets     445       –  
      Total Assets   $ 75,214     $ 75,204  
                 
    Current Liabilities        
      Accounts payable   $ 10,716     $ 10,258  
      Accrued payroll and other liabilities     4,129       7,107  
      Accrued tariffs     1,915       1,713  
      Accrued settlement, current portion     750       –  
      Customer deposits     317       201  
      Deferred revenue, current portion     1,000       –  
      Uncertain tax position liability     55       91  
      Notes payable, current portion, net of debt issuance costs     –       19,683  
      Operating lease liability, current portion     2,926       1,288  
      Financing lease liability, current portion     47       36  
        Total Current Liabilities     21,855       40,377  
    Long-Term Liabilities        
      Deferred revenue, net of current portion     3,583       –  
      Warrant liabilities     5,133       4,463  
      Accrued expenses, long-term     –       152  
      Accrued settlement, net of current portion     1,750       –  
      Notes payable, non current portion, net of debt issuance costs     29,646       –  
      Operating lease liability, net of current portion     22,588       2,234  
      Financing lease liability, net of current portion     63       66  
      Total Long-Term Liabilities     62,763       6,915  
    Total Liabilities
    		     84,618       47,292  
                         
    Equity                
      Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares at $0.0001 par value, authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     –       –  
      Common stock, 250,000,000 shares at $0.0001 par value, authorized, 7,232,650 and 6,695,587 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     1       6  
    Additional paid in capital     72,749       69,445  
    Accumulated deficit     (82,154 )     (41,539 )
    Total Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity     (9,404 )     27,912  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity   $ 75,214     $ 75,204  
                         
     
    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
    Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Operations
    (U.S. Dollar in Thousands, except share and per share data)
            Three Months Ended   Year Ended
            December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
            2024   2023   2024   2023
                         
    Net Sales   $ 12,212     $ 10,438     $ 50,645     $ 64,392  
                         
    Cost of Goods Sold     9,674       8,181       39,019       48,946  
                         
    Gross Profit     2,538       2,257       11,626       15,446  
                         
    Operating Expenses                
      Research and development     956       531       5,451       3,863  
      General and administrative     3,658       3,275       18,536       26,389  
      Selling and marketing     1,696       1,548       10,025       12,623  
                         
    Total Operating Expenses     6,310       5,354       34,012       42,875  
                         
      Loss From Operations     (3,772 )     (3,097 )     (22,386 )     (27,429 )
                         
    Other Income (Expense)                
      Interest expense     (6,251 )     (4,034 )     (21,504 )     (16,015 )
      Other (Expense) Income     –       19       (36 )     19  
      Loss on settlement     (2,500 )     –       (2,500 )     –  
      Loss on impairment of assets     (873 )     –       (873 )     –  
      Change in fair market value of warrant liability     3,554       10,400       6,684       29,582  
        Total Other (Expense) Income     (6,070 )     6,385       (18,229 )     13,586  
                         
    Net (Loss) Income Before Taxes     (9,842 )     3,288       (40,615 )     (13,843 )
                         
    Income Tax (Benefit) Expense     –       (26 )     –       –  
                         
    Net (Loss) Income   $ (9,842 )   $ 3,314     $ (40,615 )   $ (13,843 )
                         
    Net (Loss) Gain Per Share- Basic & Diluted   $ (1.39 )   $ 0.50     $ (5.91 )   $ (2.36 )
    Weighted Average Number of Shares- Basic & Diluted     7,085,956       6,621,115       6,866,826       5,865,165  
                                     
     
    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
    Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
    (U.S. in thousands)
          2024   2023
    Cash flows from Operating Activities        
    Net Loss   $ (40,615 )   $ (13,817 )
    Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash        
    Used in Operating Activities        
      Stock based compensation     1,020       6,710  
      Amortization of debt discount     7,241       1,470  
      Change in fair market value of warrant liability     (6,684 )     (29,582 )
      Non-cash interest expense (paid-in-kind)     10,058       4,938  
      Provision for credit losses     3       114  
      Depreciation and amortization     1,372       1,237  
      Amortization of right of use assets     2,231       1,179  
      Loss on disposal of property and equipment     –       116  
      Loss on impairment of assets     873       –  
      Write-off of prepaid inventory     69       596  
    Changes in Assets and Liabilities        
      Accounts receivable     (780 )     (309 )
      Inventories     17,062       11,411  
      Prepaid expenses     (42 )     852  
      Prepaid inventory     (50 )     25  
      Other current assets     (707 )     149  
      Other assets     (445 )     1,198  
      Income taxes payable     212       6  
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses     (5,365 )     (3,527 )
      Accrued tariffs     202       781  
      Accrued settlement     2,500       –  
      Deferred revenue     4,583       –  
      Uncertain tax position liability     (36 )     (37 )
      Customer deposits     116       (37 )
    Total Adjustments     33,433       (2,710 )
    Net Cash Used in Operating Activities     (7,182 )     (16,527 )
               
    Cash Flows From Investing Activities        
      Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment     8       –  
      Purchase of property and equipment     (2,737 )     (6,885 )
      Net Cash Used in Investing Activities     (2,729 )     (6,885 )
               
    (Continued)        
    Cash Flows From Financing Activities        
      Proceeds from public offering     –       24,177  
      Payment of public offering costs     –       (1,258 )
      Proceeds from public offering (ATM), net     2,043       0  
      Proceeds from note payable, related party     2,700       1,000  
      Repayment of note payable, related party     (2,700 )     (1,000 )
      Repayment of note payable     –       (5,275 )
      Proceeds from exercise of public warrants     –       747  
      Proceeds from exercise of options     4       586  
      Proceeds from exercise of Investor Warrants     –       546  
      Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities     2,047       19,523  
               
    Net Decrease in Cash and cash equivalents     (7,864 )     (3,889 )
    Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period     12,713       17,781  
    Cash and cash equivalents – end of period   $ 4,849     $ 13,892  
               
    Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:        
      Cash paid for income taxes     –       238  
      Cash paid for interest   $ 6,288     $ 9,102  
    Supplemental Non-Cash Items        
      Purchases of property and equipment, not yet paid   $ 1,703     $ 96  
      Recognition of right of use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liability   $ 18,653     $ –  
      Recognition of leasehold improvements obtained in exchange for operating lease liability   $ 4,683     $ –  
      Recognition of warrant liability – Penny Warrants   $ 7,354     $ 698  
      Recognition of warrant liability – Investor Warrants   $ –     $ 13,762  
      Settlement of accrued liability for employee liability for employee stock purchase plan   $ 250     $ –  
      Reclassification of assets held for sale   $ 644     $ –  
      Non-cash impact of cash exercise of liability classified warrants   $ –     $ 617  
      Cashless exercise of liability classified warrants   $ –     $ 12,629  
               
               
     
    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited)
    (U.S. Dollars in Thousands)
     
          Three Months Ended   Year Ended
          December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
    EBITDA Calculation                
    Net (Loss) Income Before Taxes   $ (9,842 )   $ 3,314     $ (40,615 )   $ (13,817 )
      Interest Expense     6,251       4,034       21,504       16,015  
      Taxes     –       (26 )     –       (26 )
      Depreciation and Amortization     381       328       1,372       1,237  
    EBITDA   $ (3,210 )   $ 7,650     $ (17,739 )   $ 3,409  
                       
    Adjustments to EBITDA                
      Stock Based Compensation     261       323       1,020       6,710  
      Secondary offering costs     –       –       –       720  
      Separation Agreement     –       –       –       904  
      Tariff Investigation     –       –       463       –  
      Patent Litigation     624       –       624       –  
      Reverse Stock Split     90       –       90       –  
      Stryten Agreement     –       –       284       –  
      Loss on Settlement     2,500       –       2,500       –  
      Loss on Impairment of Assets     873       –       873       –  
      Write off of Prepaid Inventory     69       596       69       712  
      Change in fair market value of warrant liability     (3,554 )     (10,400 )     (6,684 )     (29,582 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ (2,347 )   $ (1,831 )   $ (18,500 )   $ (17,127 )
                     
     
    Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.
    Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted EBITDA)
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
    (U.S. Dollars in Thousands)
     
    Non-GAAP Financial Guidance          
                 
    Operating Loss(1) $ (4,843 )    
      Taxes   –      
      Depreciation and Amortization   297      
    EBITDA $ (4,546 )    
                 
    Adjustments to EBITDA          
      Stock Based Compensation   219      
      ATW Deal expenses   150      
      Patent Litigation expenses   368      
    Adjusted EBITDA $ (3,809 )    
     
     
    (1) Although net loss is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, this table reconciles adjusted EBITDA to operating loss because we are not able to calculate forward-looking net loss without unreasonable efforts due to significant uncertainties with respect to the impact of accounting for our change in fair market value of the Company’s warrant liability.
     

    Investor Relations:
    Eric Prouty
    Szymon Serowiecki
    AdvisIRy Partners
    DragonflyIR@advisiry.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAM! Mumbai 2025 Concludes with Overwhelming Participation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 5:20PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 24th March 2025

    The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), hosted WAM! (WAVES Anime & Manga Contest) at Whistling Woods International in Mumbai on 23rd March 2025.  WAM! is one of the WAVES (World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit  – Create in India Challenges. Around 300 participants competed across three key categories, Manga, Webtoon, and Anime, at the latest edition in Mumbai. The event also featured a Voice Acting showdown with 34 participants and an electrifying Cosplay contest with 45 participants.

    Winners of WAM! Mumbai 2025

    • Voice Acting Competition

    Winner: Chinchakar Ganesh Sanyog

    Runners-up: Aditi Joshi & Payal Vishal

    • Cosplay Contest

    Winner: Kaizad Sheshbaradaran as Okarun

    First Runner-up: Yash Mokal as Monkey D. Luffy

    Second Runner-up: Esha Joshi as Robin

    • Manga Category

    Student Winner: Jay Kumar Nagori

    Professional Winner: Hriday Biswas

    • Webtoon Category

    Professional Winner: Eesha Chavan

    • Anime Category

    Student Winner: Chinmay Narote

    Professional Winner: Reubun Saldhana

    Winners in the Manga, Webtoon, and Anime categories received prizes including pen tablets, art supplies, official merchandise, and cash prizes. Additionally, Anime category winners will receive English, Hindi, and Japanese dubs for their pilot episode. Toonsutra has confirmed the distribution of the Webtoon winners’ work on their platform.

    In a special segment, attendees got an exclusive first look at TRIO, India’s first anime currently in development. The event also featured notable industry leaders, including: Sushil Bhasin – President, Media & Entertainment Association of India;  Abhishek Dutta – Associate Vice President – Acquisition & Programming (Kids Cluster), Star India Pvt Ltd; Sumeet Pathak – Actor, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Gulmohar Media; Ankur Javeri – Actor, Voice Artist, and Founder & Past President of the Association of Voice Artists; Jazyl Homavazir – 2D Animation Professional and Creator of India’s first Manga – Beast Legion; Dakshata Pawar – COSPLAY Artist and Founder of MAGE.

    The previous editions of WAM were conducted in Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, and Delhi.

    For More Details: Ankur Bhasin; Secretary, Media & Entertainment Association of India
    +91 98806 23122 ; secretary@meai.in

    About WAVES

    The Government of India is set to host the first-ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a landmark event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, from May 1st to 4th, 2025, in Mumbai. Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, WAVES – as a global platform – offers the ultimate platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the global M&E landscape.

    With a vision to position India as a global creative powerhouse, WAVES aims to set new benchmarks in creativity, innovation, and influence on the world stage. The summit will 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  

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now (Coming soon!)

    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Dhanlakshmi/ Preeti Malandkar | 076

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

    (Release ID: 2114470) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Workshop on Land Governance Kick Starts with Global Participation from 22 Countries in Gurugram, Haryana

    Source: Government of India (2)

    International Workshop on Land Governance Kick Starts with Global Participation from 22 Countries in Gurugram, Haryana

    Fostering Cross-Country Knowledge Sharing; SVAMITVA Scheme Showcased as a Model for Rural Empowerment

    Participants Gain Practical Insights into Drone Surveying and Geospatial Technologies for Sustainable Land Governance

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant milestone, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) inaugurated the first-of-its-kind International Workshop on Land Governance today at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) in Gurugram. This six-day workshop, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, brings together more than 40 senior officials from 22 countries across Africa, Latin America, and South-East Asia to explore innovative approaches for addressing global land governance challenges. The inaugural session witnessed distinguished participation from senior officials, including Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Shri Viraj Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs; Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; and Shri Ramesh Chander Bidhan, Director General, Haryana Institute of Public Administration. This landmark initiative strongly aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to transform rural India through technological innovation and securing land rights.

    In his address, Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, articulated the vision behind SVAMITVA and its potential for global replication, offering valuable insights into policy advancements and India’s strategic vision for land governance. “SVAMITVA represents more than just a land mapping exercise; it is a comprehensive approach towards rural empowerment through secure property rights”, Shri Lohani stated. He said “With over 3.17 lakh villages mapped across 67,000 sq. km, representing an estimated asset base of Rs.132 lakh crore, we have demonstrated the scalability and impact of this model. We are eager to share our experiences and learn from our international partners to collectively advance land governance worldwide”. Shri Lohani emphasized upon the transformative role of geospatial technologies in land governance, underlining the technical expertise that has made SVAMITVA one of the world’s largest rural mapping initiatives. He said, “The integration of drone technology with traditional surveying methods has revolutionized our approach to mapping rural inhabited areas, delivering unprecedented accuracy and efficiency”.

    Addressing the International Workshop, Shri Viraj Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized upon the diplomatic significance of the workshop. Shri Singh said “This initiative exemplifies India’s commitment to South-South Cooperation and knowledge sharing. By bringing together nations facing similar challenges, we are fostering a collaborative approach towards addressing land governance issues globally.” He also highlighted the role of the ITEC programme in facilitating international cooperation and the role of collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in advancing ITEC’s objectives.

    Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, said that the SVAMITVA Scheme exemplifies how innovative approaches can transform rural communities by securing property rights and unlocking economic potential. “SVAMITVA demonstrates how innovative approaches to land governance can directly contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction, secure land tenure, and sustainable land use” he said. Shri Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation of India, provided insights into India’s rapidly evolving drone ecosystem, highlighting how policy reforms and technological advancements have positioned India as a leader in drone-based solutions for land governance.

    Innovations in Geospatial Technologies and Drone Solutions

    A major highlight of the inaugural day was the cutting-edge exhibition that highlighted the latest advancements in land governance, digital cadastral systems, and geospatial technologies. The event showcased a wide range of technological solutions, from precision drone mapping and 3D geospatial data analytics to integrated land administration systems. The exhibition also spotlighted high-precision surveying equipment and comprehensive GIS applications designed to enhance land governance. Local innovations in drone technology and UAV-based land administration solutions were prominently featured, alongside contributions from government bodies that demonstrated survey-grade drones, CORS & Rover systems, and other transformative tools. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in hands-on demonstrations of drone flight planning, data processing techniques, and real-time, high-accuracy surveying capabilities, offering a comprehensive look at the future of land management.

    Technical Sessions Highlight SVAMITVA’s Impact and Methodology

    On the inaugural day, participants also engaged in in-depth technical discussions on  the modernization of land governance and its impact, as well as resource mobilization and administrative tasks.  A comprehensive overview of the SVAMITVA Scheme was presented, emphasizing its objectives, implementation strategy, and its positive impact on rural communities, particularly in fostering financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Presentations from various countries, sharing their experiences and best practices in land administration systems were also made. Participants also benefited from practical drone demonstrations, interactive sessions with vendors, and knowledge assessments to reinforce learning outcomes.

     

    Global Participation Highlights International Interest

    The ongoing workshop has garnered significant international participation, with delegates from 22 countries, including Turkmenistan, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Fiji, and several others, underscoring the global significance of land governance issues.The workshop, which combines interactive technical sessions, field visits, and hands-on demonstrations, highlights India’s leadership role in South-South Cooperation. By offering technical expertise, policy guidance, and skill development opportunities through SVAMITVA, India is contributing to building institutional capacity for partner nations in land governance, property rights management, and rural development. The event explores challenges such as property disputes, outdated land databases, and the need for high-resolution digital maps. This six-day international workshop will continue with detailed technical sessions, field demonstrations, and visits to the Survey of India lab, providing participants with practical insights into drone-based surveying, data processing, and the integration of geospatial technologies in land administration.

    About SVAMITVA Scheme: The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. It aims to provide rural property owners with “Record of Rights” by using drone surveying technology to map inhabited areas of villages. The scheme has successfully mapped over 3.17 lakh villages across India, representing an estimated asset base of Rs.132 lakh crore.

    ***

    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2114498) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INITIATIVES REGARDING NATIONAL ELECTRICITY PLAN

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:50PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Electricity Plan-Transmission outlines the transmission system required to be added in the country during the period 2023 to 2032, commensurate with the generation capacity addition and growth of electricity demand in the country. The transmission plan includes the addition of central and state transmission systems (220 kV level and above) to meet the projected peak electricity demand of 388 Giga Watt (GW) by the year 2032.

    High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines facilitate bulk transfer of power over long distances. New HVDC lines have been primarily planned for transfer of bulk power from Renewable Energy (RE) rich areas to major load centers.

    Resources for electricity generation are unevenly distributed across the country. Some states have huge variable RE potential while some states are rich in hydro potential. The increase in Inter- Regional transfer capacity from 119 GW to 168 GW by 2032 would facilitate seamless transfer of power from power surplus regions/states to power deficit regions/states, thereby helping the states to meet their electricity demand.

    The National Electricity Plan -Transmission, inter-alia, outlines the transmission system for evacuation of power from major RE potential Zones/ areas. Further, transmission system has also been planned for delivery of power to the Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia manufacturing potential hubs in the country. The transmission projects associated with integration of RE and for delivery of power to Green Hydrogen manufacturing hubs are under different stages of implementation.

    The reply was given by THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK in Rajya Sabha Today.

    ***

    SK

    (Release ID: 2114440) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kabaddi World Cup ends in spectacular style in city

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Sell out crowds packed into WV Active Aldersley on Saturday and Sunday to watch the semi finals and finals of the competition which was being hosted outside of Asia for the first time ever.

    England, Scotland and Wales were involved in the action as well as tournament favourites India who ended up winning both the men’s and women’s competitions.

    The finals brought a week of action to a close, with Wolverhampton joining Coventry, Birmingham and Walsall in hosting the competition across the region.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said the event had been a triumph for Wolverhampton and West Midlands.

    He said: “There’s only one word to describe the Kabaddi World Cup and that is ‘wow’.

    “From start to finish the event has been a triumph for everyone involved. It’s been a celebration of different cultures and communities and its legacy will be the impact on local school children and everyone who had the chance to experience it first hand.

    “Wolverhampton has had fantastic exposure on TV with the whole world watching and it has been brilliant to see what we have achieved together as a city.”

    The first match on finals day was a feisty affair between Wales and Scotland for the men’s third place, with Scotland coming out as the winners 67-56. 

    The women’s final then followed with a match between India and England in which India were crowned champions, with a dominant display throughout and a scoreline of 57-34.

    The men’s final was the last game and an entertaining affair with India starting strong but then with England putting up a real fight in the second half to close the gap in the scoreline, the match finishing 44-41.

    The event was then capped off by the closing ceremony which saw the first, second and third placed nations collect their medals and India lift the World Cup for both their men’s and women’s teams.  

    British Kababbi League Chief Executive Prem Singh said: “We are honoured to have played a role in this historic moment – hosting the first Kabaddi World Cup outside of Asia.

    “The positive impact of this tournament has been evident through the incredible support from our community, fans filling the venues, engaging across social media and tuning in via broadcasters around the world. We hope this event has contributed to the sport’s long term legacy and helped showcase Kabaddi’s power to bring unite and inspire people.”

    The tournament was supported by £500,000 of funding support from the UK Government’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Will $1 on your ticket help save Australian live music? A UK model is much more ambitious

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Whiting, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow in Music Industries and Cultural Economy, RMIT University

    iam_os/Unsplash

    The Australian Music Venue Foundation launched this month to advocate for and potentially administer an arena ticket levy to support grassroots live music venues. Funds would be raised through a small levy, approximately A$1 per ticket, on the price of tickets to large music events, over 5,000 capacity.

    The foundation is partly modelled on the United Kingdom’s Music Venue Trust, a charity and advocacy body founded in 2014 that has advocated for a big ticket levy.

    While the proposed levy would certainly help to level the playing field between grassroots music venues and the big end of touring, the Music Venue Trust was founded on much more radical principles and ambitions than simple redistribution.

    Socialising live music

    Although the Music Venue Trust has moved into advocacy and policy work, such as vocal support for the big ticket levy, the trust’s original and continuing mission is to socialise grassroots music venues. This means they work to help venues transition away from for-profit models and towards alternative ownership structures.

    The trust’s “Own Our Venues” campaign spawned Music Venue Properties, a charitable landlord funded by the broader music community. The scheme has now purchased five grassroots venues around the UK, leased on the condition they continue to run as live music venues.

    The goal is to take the profit motive out of running a venue. Surplus is reinvested into venue spaces, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

    As the trust’s founder and CEO Mark Davyd states, “[the community] is the best person to own a venue”.

    We don’t want money going to private landlords, we want it in the cultural economy because that’s the way we generate more great artists and give more people the opportunity to be involved in music.

    Acknowledging that such radical ambitions require funding, the trust have been long term advocates for a big ticket levy. However, this advocacy has always accompanied their greater goal of socialising live music venues.

    The trust have helped to change the broader cultural understanding of grassroots venues in the UK. Between 2014 and 2022, the proportion of music venues in the country run as not-for-profit ventures increased from 3% to 26%.

    The Australian context

    Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel and Brisbane’s The Bearded Lady are the latest small, but culturally significant, live music venues to face closure. The number of venues licensed for live music in Australia is falling, with the greatest reductions in the small-to-medium range.

    The recent parliamentary inquiry into the live music industry found costs like insurance and rent have risen sharply in the last five years. Meanwhile, income from alcohol sales – a core revenue source for smaller venues – has dropped in connection with changing youth culture, the cost-of-living crisis, and excises hitched to inflation.

    Costs to run music venues have increased, while income from avenues like alcohol sales have fallen.
    Frankie Cordoba/Unsplash

    Surveys of young people and other groups affirm that Australians value live music, and most people would like to attend more. The most commonly cited barrier is cost, followed by distance from appropriate venues, especially in regional areas.

    An arena ticket levy was a key recommendation of the inquiry, with the committee recommending government agency Music Australia should manage the funds.

    The committee proposed a levy could enable Music Australia to fund:

    • performances with minimum pay rates for musicians

    • capital improvements to venues, such as sound-proofing or disability access

    • festivals promoting regional, all-ages, First Nations and community participation.

    Neither the Labor government nor the opposition have indicated a position on this recommendation, which would require legislation.

    The industry proposal

    The Australian Music Venue Foundation is asking big music businesses to opt in to an industry-managed ticket levy to fund grassroots live music.

    While there has been advocacy for such a voluntary arrangement in the UK, this is yet to come to fruition. The UK government’s deadline for the arrangement of a voluntary scheme by the end of March is approaching, opening up the alternative scenario of a legislated mandatory levy.

    Australian advocates believe they may have the relationships to create a different outcome, arguing all industry players have a stake in a healthy music ecosystem.

    In the proposed Australian scheme, the recipients and use of funding would be decided by a board of industry professionals. This raises questions around potential conflicts of interest. The foundation has applied for charity status, which requires transparency around operations and finances. However, there are broader questions about priorities.

    The foundation argues all levels of the industry have a stake in their being a healthy ecosystem of venues.
    Austin/Unsplash

    If the scheme gets up, the foundation will need to consider whether to restrict its support to Australian-owned, independent venues of a certain size. Alternatively, funds may be available to venues that are part-owned by the same major, for-profit, international companies paying into the scheme.

    To replace the proposed government levy, the foundation would also need to find ways of supporting access to live music for regional, all-ages, First Nations, and other disadvantaged communities, as recommended by the inquiry’s report.

    To ensure benefits flow to artists, venue support could also be made conditional on paying a minimum performer’s fee, something venue’s have previously opposed.

    The foundation could promote social objectives such as performer diversity, patron safety, and environmental sustainability, but there are no guarantees of this under an industry-led scheme.

    These examples demonstrate the issues that can arise when economic redistribution is managed within an industry, rather than by government.

    Lofty ambitions

    The Music Venue Trust has successfully argued for grassroots music venues as a public good, worthy of longterm community and public investment as well as a structural approach to support.

    Through their work, they have provided a new narrative for live music in the UK, supporting innovative ownership and operating models that go beyond the default of a commercially-leased space run as a for-profit small business.

    Ambition and innovation has made the trust much more than another industry association advocating for the interests of a particular group of businesses. The Australian Music Venue Foundation should aspire to similar heights if it is to have the same level of influence and impact.

    Sam Whiting receives funding from RMIT University and the Winston Churchill Trust.

    Ben Green receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Will $1 on your ticket help save Australian live music? A UK model is much more ambitious – https://theconversation.com/will-1-on-your-ticket-help-save-australian-live-music-a-uk-model-is-much-more-ambitious-252733

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump silences the Voice of America: end of a propaganda machine or void for China and Russia to fill?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Valerie A. Cooper, Lecturer in Media and Communication, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Getty Images

    Of all the contradictions and ironies of Donald Trump’s second presidency so far, perhaps the most surprising has been his shutting down the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for being “radical propaganda”.

    Critics have long accused the agency – and its affiliated outlets such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia – of being a propaganda arm of US foreign policy.

    But to the current president, the USAGM has become a promoter of anti-American ideas and agendas – including allegedly suppressing stories critical of Iran, sympathetically covering the issue of “white privilege” and bowing to pressure from China.

    Propaganda is clearly in the eye of the beholder. The Moscow Times reported Russian officials were elated by the demise of the “purely propagandistic” outlets, while China’s Global Times celebrated the closure of a “lie factory”.

    Meanwhile, the European Commission hailed USAGM outlets as a “beacon of truth, democracy and hope”. All of which might have left the average person understandably confused: Voice of America? Wasn’t that the US propaganda outlet from World War II?

    Well, yes. But the reality of USAGM and similar state-sponsored global media outlets is more complex – as are the implications of the US agency’s demise.

    Public service or state propaganda?

    The USAGM is one of several international public service media outlets based in western democracies. Others include Australia’s ABC International, the BBC World Service, CBC/Radio-Canada, France Médias Monde, NHK-World Japan, Deutsche Welle in Germany and SRG SSR in Switzerland.

    Part of the Public Media Alliance, they are similar to national public service media, largely funded by taxpayers to uphold democratic ideals of universal access to news and information.

    Unlike national public media, however, they might not be consumed – or even known – by domestic audiences. Rather, they typically provide news to countries without reliable independent media due to censorship or state-run media monopolies.

    The USAGM, for example, provides news in 63 languages to more than 100 countries. It has been credited with bringing attention to issues such as protests against COVID-19 lockdowns in China and women’s struggles for equal rights in Iran.

    On the other hand, the independence of USAGM outlets has been questioned often, particularly as they are required to share government-mandated editorials.

    Voice of America has been criticised for its focus on perceived ideological adversaries such as Russia and Iran. And my own research has found it perpetuates stereotypes and the neglect of African nations in its news coverage.

    Leaving a void

    Ultimately, these global media outlets wouldn’t exist if there weren’t benefits for the governments that fund them. Sharing stories and perspectives that support or promote certain values and policies is an effective form of “public diplomacy”.

    Yet these international media outlets differ from state-controlled media models because of editorial systems that protect them from government interference.

    The Voice of America’s “firewall”, for instance, “prohibits interference by any US government official in the objective, independent reporting of news”. Such protections allow journalists to report on their own governments more objectively.

    In contrast, outlets such as China Media Group (CMG), RT from Russia, and PressTV from Iran also reach a global audience in a range of languages. But they do this through direct government involvement. CMG subsidiary CCTV+, for example, states it is “committed to telling China’s story to the rest of the world”.

    Though RT states it is an autonomous media outlet, research has found the Russian government oversees hiring editors, imposing narrative angles, and rejecting stories.

    A Voice of America staffer protests outside the Washington DC offices on March 17 2025, after employees were placed on administrative leave.
    Getty Images

    Other voices get louder

    The biggest concern for western democracies is that these other state-run media outlets will fill the void the USAGM leaves behind – including in the Pacific.

    Russia, China and Iran are increasing funding for their state-run news outlets, with China having spent more than US$6.6 billion over 13 years on its global media outlets. China Media Group is already one of the largest media conglomerates in the world, providing news content to more than 130 countries in 44 languages.

    And China has already filled media gaps left by western democracies: after the ABC stopped broadcasting Radio Australia in the Pacific, China Radio International took over its frequencies.

    Worryingly, the differences between outlets such as Voice of America and more overtly state-run outlets aren’t immediately clear to audiences, as government ownership isn’t advertised.

    An Australian senator even had to apologise recently after speaking with PressTV, saying she didn’t know the news outlet was affiliated with the Iranian government, or that it had been sanctioned in Australia.

    Switched off

    Trump’s move to dismantle the USAGM doesn’t come as a complete surprise, however. As the authors of Capturing News, Capturing Democracy: Trump and the Voice of America described, the first Trump administration failed in its attempts to remove the firewall and install loyalists.

    This perhaps explains why Trump has resorted to more drastic measures this time. And, as with many of the current administration’s legally dubious actions, there has been resistance.

    The American Foreign Service Association says it will challenge the dismantling of the USAGM, while the Czech Republic is seeking EU support to keep Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty on the air.

    But for many of the agency’s journalists, contractors, broadcasting partners and audiences, it may be too late. Last week the New York Times reported some Voice of America broadcasts had already been replaced by music.

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

    – ref. Trump silences the Voice of America: end of a propaganda machine or void for China and Russia to fill? – https://theconversation.com/trump-silences-the-voice-of-america-end-of-a-propaganda-machine-or-void-for-china-and-russia-to-fill-252901

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra nights get even brighter

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The changes encourage local businesses to play a more active role in Canberra’s nightlife.

    The ACT Government has introduced reforms to improve Canberra’s night-time economy. The changes will help create a more vibrant artistic and cultural scene.

    These reforms aim to help local licensed businesses to play a more active role in the city’s nightlife.

    Changes that began on 2 July 2024 include:

    • Supporting new businesses to begin trade as soon as possible. New businesses can now trade under an interim liquor license. This is possible where there is a delay on issuing the license because of the suitability of the premises. However, the Commissioner must be satisfied that the premises can still safely offer alcohol.
    • Supporting businesses to showcase Canberra’s artistic and cultural expression. License fees have been reduced by 80 per cent for some venues. This includes those with an occupancy of 150 people or less that showcase artists, musicians and other cultural activities.
    • Extending business trading hours to celebrate one-off special events. Where the Head of Access Canberra declares a special event, businesses will have greater flexibility. They will be able to extend their trading hours and celebrate events such as sports finals or holiday celebrations.
    • Providing 10 free authorisations for businesses to temporarily extend their trading hours and/or amend their floor plans. This will save liquor licensees time and money when temporarily extending their trading hours and/or changing the floor plan of a licensed premises. They will not have to move to a higher annual fee category or pay an application fee to get an authorisation. This amendment will allow for 10 authorisations in any 12-month period – an increase on the current 6.

    These changes follow the reforms that commenced from 1 January 2024, including:

    • allowing smaller licensed restaurants and cafés to trade until 2am
    • reducing liquor licensing fees for smaller restaurants, cafés, bars and general licences
    • removing the need for general licensed businesses to have separate areas for the sale of liquor for on-premises and off-premises consumption.

    Herbert’s, a small eatery serving local beers and wines in Evatt are excited by the changes. They say they have come just in time for summer.

    “This is an absolute game changer for small local venues like ours,” co-owners Kirstin and Dino Martiniello said.

    “At Herbert’s we proudly host local artists and musicians. We are so pleased that venues like ours are recognised and encouraged to continue this through meaningful and tangible support like fee reductions.”

    The ACT Government is committed to engaging with businesses and the community on noise settings for the City Centre Entertainment Precinct.

    It plans to review how noise complaints are managed. Consultation on this will start soon.

    Access Canberra’s Event Coordination and Business Assist Team is available to help businesses understand opportunities and flexibility under ACT legislation. The Team can give tailored support for individual business needs. Find out more about the Team.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford City Council secures £450,000 of National Lottery funding to support the Leys Youth Hub

    Source: City of Oxford

    Oxford City Council is celebrating after securing £450,000 in National Lottery funding from the Reaching Communities programme to support the Leys Youth Hub. 

    This vital funding will help sustain the staffing team and activity programme over the next four years, ensuring the hub provides opportunities for young people in Blackbird Leys. 

    The Leys Youth Hub, located at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, last year received funding from the Youth Investment Fund to create a dedicated space for young people. The new facility, which will be run by Oxford City Council’s Youth Ambition service and is in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council’s Targeted Youth Support Service (TYSS), will feature a climbing wall, teaching kitchen, music and media studio and social areas, offering a diverse range of activities designed to empower and engage young people. 

    Construction contractors ODS started the building work on site in September 2024, with the Youth Hub expected to open at the end of Spring 2025. 

    The additional funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, will be crucial in supporting the hub’s operations for its first four years, with a tapered approach in the third and fourth years to work towards a sustainable, community-led model. The Youth Investment Fund has funded the construction work and staffing programme to date. 

    Oxford City Council will continue working closely with partners, including Oxfordshire County Council’s Targeted Youth Support Service (TYSS), and young people to shape the programme and ensure it meets the needs of the local community. 

    Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford, said: 

    “We are delighted to receive this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which will make a real difference to young people in Blackbird Leys. The Leys Youth Hub is an investment in their future, providing a safe and supportive space where they can develop new skills, build their confidence, and have their own community space to form connections and have fun. This funding ensures we can continue to deliver a high-quality programme that truly benefits the community, and I’m looking forward to seeing the newly-completed Hub open soon!” 

    Helen Bushell, Head of Regional Funding for London, the South East and East at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:  

    “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re proud to support amazing projects like the Leys Youth Hub, which strengthens society and helps the community in Oxford come together. We know the best way for children and young people to achieve their potential is by helping them connect with others and enjoy enriching activities, empowering them to shape the decisions that affect their communities.” 

    Nick Temple, CEO for Social Investment Business, delivery partner for the Youth Investment Fund, added: 

    “Securing National Lottery Funding for the Leys Youth Hub is very welcome news for young people in Blackbird Leys. The Youth Investment Fund is all about prioritising the needs of young people and creating a more equal society for future generations. Along with funding the building and renovation of hundreds of youth centres across England, we want to make sure that they are sustainable long into the future, so young people have every opportunity to have fun, make friends and explore their passions. We are thrilled that the Leys Youth Hub has a secure future and look forward to celebrating when the new building opens its doors to young people in Spring.” 

    National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. Thanks to them, last year (2023/24) The National Lottery Community Fund awarded over half a billion pounds (£686.3 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK, supporting over 13,700  projects to turn their great ideas into reality.  

    To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk    

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Student Receives SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The SBB Research Group Foundation named Lisa Young a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

    Lisa Young, a fourth-year medical student, studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is a Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellow. She has conducted research in a neural engineering lab to investigate the effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation on fine motor function in rats with cervical spinal cord injuries.

    “Lisa is working in extremely competitive areas of the medical field, and we are excited to see what she does with her experience,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation.

    For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit http://www.sbbscholarship.org.

    About the SBB Research Group Foundation

    The SBB Research Group Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that furthers the philanthropic mission of SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), a Chicago-based investment management firm led by Sam Barnett, Ph.D., and Matt Aven. The Foundation sponsors the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship, supporting students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees. In addition to its scholarship program, the Foundation provides grants to support ambitious organizations solving unmet needs with thoughtful, long-term strategies.

    Contact: Erin Noonan
    Organization: SBB Research Group Foundation
    Email: scholarship@sbbrg.org
    Address: 450 Skokie Blvd, Building 600, Northbrook, IL 60062 United States
    Phone: 1-847-656-1111
    Website: https://www.sbbscholarship.com/

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3eb157a-17c0-4f39-9d3d-dcdb07edc9ef

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New sensory room for Little Explorers

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    The new sensory room features musical touch pads, liquid floor tiles, soft blocks and shapes, calming sensory lighting, a trampoline, a mini climbing wall, and much more. It offers an engaging environment where children can interact, explore, and enjoy sensory-rich activities.

    This latest addition complements Exploria’s original sensory room, which remains a popular attraction, offering exciting lights, sounds, and interactive touch features.

    Designed in partnership with occupational therapists from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the new sensory room has been created with accessibility in mind, ensuring it meets the needs of all Little Explorers, including those with additional needs.

    Entry to both sensory rooms is included in Exploria’s weekly SEN Play and SEN Play & Bounce sessions, as well as Play & Bounce and Weekday Play sessions for under-2s and 2-8-year-olds.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
    “It’s great we’ve been able to provide a second sensory room at Exploria. It will give even more children access to a space designed to encourage learning, play, and social interaction in a safe and engaging environment.”

    On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development shared: “The new sensory room is a fantastic addition to Exploria’s fun-filled facilities. We hope this will encourage more young people across the city to explore what’s on offer at the centre, creating a safe space for visitors to learn and play.”

    Play & Bounce sessions are also included in selected BH Live Active Family and Junior membership packages. Sessions can be booked online at exploria.org.uk.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: GL Communications Advances SONET/SDH Testing and Monitoring with SonetExpert

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GL Communications Inc., a global leader in telecom testing solutions, addressed the press regarding their solutions for testing Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) and Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) networks. GL’s solutions can generate and monitor traffic over both Channelized TDM and Unchannelized Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and Packet over SONET (PoS) traffic. The hardware device, known as SonetExpert™, supports up to OC-192/STM-64 networks and features automatic detection of SONET/SDH structures and their components.

    [For illustration, refer to Sonetexpert-analyzer.jpg]

    Vijay Kulkarni, CEO of GL Communications, states, “GL’s SonetExpert™ is a powerful network testing solution for generating and monitoring traffic over SONET and SDH networks. It enables real-time network monitoring with detailed analysis and reporting across various SONET/SDH channels, including STS-1, STS-3c, STS-12c, STS-48c, and STS-192c. The software features an intuitive graphical user interface, accessible via a web browser.”

    This device efficiently analyzes SONET and SDH networks, supporting both channelized and unchannelized interfaces. It enables traffic scanning, ATM/PoS network analysis, and performance evaluation through Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT). The device supports SONET/SDH emulation and analysis in channelized mode for OC-3/STM-1 and OC-12/STM-4, and unchannelized mode for OC-3/STM-1 to OC-192/STM-64. For lab testing, a rack-mount enclosure accommodates up to three devices, while a portable USB-controlled version is available for field testing.

    SonetExpert™ Channelized Analyzer

    GL’s SonetExpert™ Channelized Analyzer is a high-performance solution for real-time monitoring, analysis, and testing of SONET/SDH networks for OC-3/STM-1 and OC-12/STM-4. Supporting wirespeed processing on two optical ports, it efficiently handles multiple independent framed and unframed T1 or E1 streams.

    Equipped with both hardware and software, the analyzer captures, emulates, and analyzes protocols over SONET and SDH links. It integrates with GL’s Soft T1 E1 Analyzer, offering the same functionality as GL’s hardware-based T1 E1 Analyzers, but with T1 or E1 frames multiplexed into SONET/SDH traffic over optical lines.

    The analyzer supports channelized SONET and SDH mapping of T1 and E1 payloads, providing direct access to all 84 T1s or 63 E1s on an OC-3/STM-1 and 336 T1s or 252 E1s on an OC-12/STM-4 for analysis and emulation within a single PC. A key advantage is that T1, E1, or DS0 testing can be performed without electrical access, complex cabling, or lengthy setup.

    SonetExpert™ Unchannelized Analyzer

    GL’s SonetExpert™ Unchannelized Analyzer is capable of SONET/SDH testing up to OC-192/STM-64 networks. Each device contains two high-speed ports (SFP cages). The device control is via a web-based interface accessible from any browser on devices such as PCs, laptops, and tablets. The analyzer supports BERT over RAW SONET/SDH testing up to OC-192/STM-64 and various applications such as ATM and PoS for up to OC-12/STM-4 rates.

    [For more information, refer to sonetExpert-unchannelized-analyzer-mode ]

    SonetExpert™ is a comprehensive SONET/SDH testing solution supporting BERT up to OC-192/STM-64. It treats OC-3 to OC-192 as a single pipe, transmitting and analyzing bit patterns using concatenated STS-3c, STS-12c, STS-48c, and STS-192c signals for end-to-end qualification before examining smaller subchannels. It also supports BERT for PoS and ATM payloads up to OC-12/STM-4.

    The analyzer offers real-time alarm monitoring, detecting and reporting Section, Path, Line, and BERT alarms while plotting up to seven days of historical alarm data for trend analysis. It supports alarm generation, error insertion, and hardware indicators for Loss of Signal and Frame errors, ensuring effective troubleshooting.

    SonetExpert™ enables real-time traffic capture and protocol analysis for PoS, ATM, and RAW traffic, decoding SONET/SDH frames on both ports simultaneously. It captures wirespeed traffic on two ports, storing it with hardware filtering and timestamping for later playback. Depending on the mode, it records and replays PPP packets (PoS mode), ATM cells (ATM mode), or SONET/SDH frames (RAW mode) on one or both ports.

    For traffic analysis and visualization, SonetExpert™ provides an intuitive, multicolor graphical interface, highlighting subchannels within the main pipe down to STS-3 level, distinguishing equipped and unequipped channels. Selecting an equipped channel reveals detailed substructures down to T1 or E1, offering deep network insight.

    About GL Communications Inc.

    GL Communications is a global provider of telecom test and measurement solutions. GL’s solutions are used to verify the quality and reliability of Wireless, Fiber Optic, TDM and Analog networks.

    Warm Regards,

    Vikram Kulkarni, PhD

    Phone: 301-670-4784 x114

    Email: info@gl.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XploraDEX Launches Secure, Transparent AI-Powered DEX on XRP Blockchain—$XPL Presale Now Live

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, Switzerland, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security and transparency are the cornerstones of any truly sustainable DeFi ecosystem and that’s exactly where XploraDEX stands out. As the first AI-powered decentralized exchange on XRPL, XploraDEX is rewriting the rules for how trust is built in Web3 trading environments.

    While other DEXs rely on complex user interfaces, opaque operations, and centralized decision-making, XploraDEX provides a fully decentralized, AI-enhanced trading platform with real-time visibility, verified on-chain activity, and non-custodial architecture from day one.

    With $XPL Token Presale currently live, early investors now have the opportunity to support and benefit from a platform committed to long-term trust, security, and innovation.

    The Challenge: DeFi Users Still Struggle with Transparency and Safety

    Despite DeFi’s growth, traders and liquidity providers still face major concerns:

    Hidden token mechanics and governance changes

    Security vulnerabilities in smart contracts

    Exploitable liquidity and rug pull risks

    Centralized control over supposedly decentralized platforms

    XploraDEX is built from the ground up to solve these problems using advanced AI logic and bulletproof smart contract design.

    GET $XPL TOKENS NOW

    The XploraDEX Security & Transparency Advantage

    Here’s how XploraDEX sets a new standard for trust in DeFi:

    Fully Audited Smart Contracts – Developed and stress-tested for resilience and exploit protection.

    On-Chain AI Execution Logs – Every trade executed by the AI engine is visible, traceable, and verifiable by the community.

    Non-Custodial Trading Framework – Users maintain 100% control of their assets with no third-party risk.

    AI-Powered Fraud Detection – Real-time detection of suspicious trading behavior and liquidity manipulation.

    Decentralized Governance – All protocol upgrades, liquidity program changes, and AI enhancements are subject to $XPL holder voting.

    Security + Transparency = Trust. And trust is the most valuable currency in DeFi.

    PARTICIPATE IN $XPL PRESALE

    $XPL Token – Empowering a Transparent DeFi Future

    The $XPL Token is not only the utility engine of the XploraDEX ecosystem—it’s also the key to community-led trust and governance.

    Holders of $XPL Gain:

    Access to AI features and trade automation

    Trading discounts and platform rewards

    Voting rights on protocol and AI system upgrades

    Staking incentives for long-term platform supporters.

    By participating in $XPL Presale, investors get early access to a token that isn’t just about hype—it’s about building DeFi infrastructure that lasts.

    Buy $XPL token at discounted early-stage pricing: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Don’t Just Trade—Trade Transparently with XploraDEX

    As DeFi continues to grow, trust will be the deciding factor in which platforms thrive—and which ones disappear. XploraDEX’s AI-enhanced security and real-time transparency model make it one of the most sustainable, user-focused launches on XRPL.

    With the $XPL presale live now, early adopters can:

    Get $XPL at discounted prices before public release

    Join a fast-growing, security-first trading ecosystem

    Participate in a community-led governance model from day one, Be part of the most secure and transparent DEX on XRPL.

    Secure your $XPL Tokens today: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

    Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

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

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

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99231e32-d928-400b-b24b-f5a354609d61

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The Boldt Company Expands Partnership with Document Crunch to Streamline Contract Compliance and Project Execution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Document Crunch, the construction industry’s most used and trusted AI-powered document compliance platform, is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with The Boldt Company, a nationally recognized leader in construction management and ENR top 100 contractors. Boldt, a valued customer since 2021, has expanded Document Crunch in an enterprise-wide roll-out across its portfolio of 150 projects to transform its contract review processes, empower better project execution, and ensure teams stay compliant.

    The relationship between Boldt and Document Crunch began with a shared vision to simplify construction contracts and empower project team members who do not have a legal background but work within contractual obligations every day. The expanded partnership builds on the significant results Boldt has already achieved with Document Crunch. Document Crunch has saved Boldt several hundred hours in contract review time and reduced dependencies on legal counsel for routine inquiries. In the future, Boldt anticipates the same efficiencies for project teams, ultimately leading to better dispute management as teams make contract-informed decisions quickly to deal with issues as they arise. “Our business is built on relationships, and I believe the partnership we have developed with Document Crunch will play an important role in our future growth,” explained Nathan Johnson, General Counsel for The Boldt Company.

    Since 2021, Document Crunch’s construction-trained platform and knowledge base have established itself as the construction contract risk review leader. It has evolved to meet the day-to-day needs of project teams with full project execution workflows through daily decision support and automated compliance tools. With these advancements, Boldt chose to expand Document Crunch at the enterprise level to replace and enhance legacy systems and procedures to impact two key operational areas:

    • Pre-Bid Contract Reviews: Automating the time-intensive process of reviewing contracts prior to bids
    • Award-to-Field Handoff: Facilitating seamless transitions of contracts from award to project execution, empowering field teams with the knowledge to understand their obligations and make informed decisions

    Leading the way in Construction innovation, Josh Levy, Co-Founder and CEO of Document Crunch, said, “Construction contracts are often the root cause of risks and disputes, and our mission is to empower teams like Boldt’s to understand and act on their contracts with confidence. This partnership exemplifies how innovative technology and strong collaboration can drive efficiency, reduce risks, and improve project outcomes”

    “The construction industry is rapidly evolving,” added Levy “At Document Crunch, we are ensuring contracts are accessible and actionable at every layer of our operations, ultimately leading to better project outcomes and minimized disputes.”

    The partnership’s success signals a broader shift in the construction industry’s approach to adopting AI technology and advancing legal innovation. By leveraging solutions like Document Crunch, companies like Boldt are closing the gap between technological advancement and real-world application while building innovation partnerships.

    “Document Crunch has been very engaged throughout the course of our relationship, leading with curiosity and a willingness to shape their product to meet our needs,” said Johnson. “Josh Levy’s leadership is amazing. He understands the challenges and problems we are trying to solve because he once faced them. His passion for bringing innovation to this space is palpable, this is a huge reason why we trust what they are building.”

    About Document Crunch: Document Crunch is the document compliance platform for construction. Leveraging proprietary AI and machine learning, it simplifies construction documents, quickly identifying critical risks and providing guidance so teams can make great decisions throughout the entire project lifecycle. The company is on a mission to empower everyone in the construction industry to understand what’s in their contracts. To learn more, visit documentcrunch.com or schedule a demo here.  

    About The Boldt Company: The Boldt Company (Boldt) is a leading professional construction services firm with customers across the United States and is a subsidiary of The Boldt Group. Founded in 1889, Boldt is a fourth-generation family and employee-owned firm headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin. Boldt is recognized as a pioneer in Lean construction and in the industrialized construction space. Boldt operates 18 offices across the U.S. that serve customers in healthcare, power, industrial, education, automotive and commercial markets.

    For Media Inquiries:
    Girish Jaggi
    The MicDrop Agency
    +1 (289) 623 3627
    girish@themicdropagency.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How we revealed the life story of PG Tips chimp – written in her bones

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stuart Black, Associate Professor, Department of Archaeology, University of Reading

    Chimpanzees helped to make PG Tips tea famous with their iconic TV ads in the 1970s. But what happened to these animals afterwards? Our new study, using techniques previously used only on human remains, reveals the fascinating life story of Choppers, a celebrity chimpanzee, also known as Ada Lott from the PG Tips ads.

    Zoos have transformed over the last century. They once focused on entertainment, but in the UK zoos now have a greater emphasis on education, conservation, research and welfare. And our new study, led by experts at National Museums Scotland, shows how these changes are written on Choppers’ body.

    Choppers died aged 46 in 2016, which is close to the average age for a wild or captive chimpanzee. Following her death, Choppers was donated to the National Museums of Scotland, which enabled an analytical investigation into her life through her remains. Researchers from across the UK created the most comprehensive osteobiography of a zoo animal by bringing together archival, chemical and metric analyses.

    Osteobiography involves the analysis of bones and other tissue. It is more commonly used in archaeology to reconstruct the life stories of ancient human subjects, such as Richard III, identifying where and how they lived in remarkable detail.

    As a celebrity, Choppers’ life has been extensively documented. This combination of
    archival material and osteobiographical analysis provides one of the most complete
    assessments of the life of an animal in zoo care.

    The findings of our study paint a rich picture of Choppers’ key life events, including evidence of injuries sustained when she was poached from the wild at just six weeks old. Choppers had a broken right arm, which seemed to have healed badly. Her lower arm bones were bowed and much shorter than her left side. She seems to have not been able to bear much weight on this arm, which likely contributed to joint disease here and elsewhere in her skeleton.

    It is also likely that many, if not all, of her social group were killed in her capture. The physical trauma would impact her throughout her life, impairing her movement and exacerbating degenerative issues associated with old age.

    Analysis of Choppers’ tooth enamel indicates a geographical and dietary shift between the ages of three and four, coinciding with her relocation to the UK from Sierra Leone. In the following three years she played the grandmother character in the PG Tips adverts, which ran in the UK throughout the 70s and 80s and featured a family of tea drinking chimps.

    A collection of PG Tips adverts using chimpanzees.

    The long-running ads helped PG Tips become the market leader of tea in Britain for 35 years. Her performance career was short, ending before the onset of puberty, and Choppers probably retired at around the age of six or seven. In part this is due to behavioural change as adult chimpanzees become less predictable, but also as a result of human perceptions of the cuteness of adult chimpanzees compared to infants.

    Choppers transitioned from a relatively active life with high levels of direct interaction with humans, to a sedentary life with two companion chimpanzees, Noddy and Brooke, who were also retired from the entertainment industry. She was cared for by Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire for the rest of her life.

    Choppers’ upper jaw was significantly elongated compared with wild chimpanzees, reflecting an early diet of sugary soft fruit, but also of her performance diet that mimicked that of humans. The PG Tips advertisements followed on from a longstanding trope in the mid-20th century of chimpanzees participating in tea parties, eating cake, drinking “tea” and apeing human behaviour. The chimpanzees drank fruit juice or milk rather than tea during tea parties and advertisements.

    In recent years there has been a shift towards tougher, less sugary vegetables in the diets of zoo primates, which is leading to improvements in their health and behaviour.

    Later in life, Choppers was housed for a time with another chimpanzee, Bobby. Together they had one daughter, Holly.

    Across the world today, there is considerable variation in zoo regulation, management and welfare. Despite accreditation of zoos and improved regulation, the illegal trafficking of chimpanzees and other primates into private collections and disreputable zoos continues. Choppers’ story is testament to the many thousands of chimpanzees that were (and still are) forcibly extracted from the wild for zoos, circuses, laboratories and private collections.

    Choppers was not an unusual chimpanzee, but her story is an individual one, which resonates with human attitudes towards wildlife, zoos, entertainment, welfare and quality of life.

    Stuart Black receives funding from The Wellcome Trust, UKRI and other research councils.

    David Cooper has received funding from The Wellcome Trust.

    Juliette Waterman received funding from the Wellcome Trust while this research was carried out.

    – ref. How we revealed the life story of PG Tips chimp – written in her bones – https://theconversation.com/how-we-revealed-the-life-story-of-pg-tips-chimp-written-in-her-bones-252224

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Three graphic novels that address the history of slavery – and commemorate resistance

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dominic Davies, Senior Lecturer in English, City St George’s, University of London

    Millions of people were abducted from west Africa and forcibly trafficked to the Americas over the 400 years of the transatlantic slave trade, from the 15th to the 19th century.

    Slavery treated these people as forms of property. It forced them, with brutal violence, to work on plantations producing commodities such as cotton and coffee, sugar and tobacco. Their labour powered the world economy for several centuries.

    While common understanding of this history has improved, less frequently remembered are those who spearheaded resistance against slavery. Revolutionary uprisings led by enslaved people themselves, as well as actions by radical groups such as Quakers and mutinous pirates, challenged slavery long before William Wilberforce and Britain’s abolition movement.

    Now, an increasingly popular genre of the graphic novel is building public awareness and memory of these movements. Composing its stories of the past from framed documents, fragmented images and scraps of text, the form of the graphic novel resembles an archive. It is therefore well-placed to bring forgotten histories to life and to reflect on how those histories were recovered.

    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.

    Here are three recent graphic novels that can help us to remember resistance against slavery. They follow in the footsteps of historian Rebecca Hall’s collaboration with artist Hugo Martínez, Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts (2021), which I would also strongly recommend.

    1. Toussaint Louverture: The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History

    By C.L.R. James, Nic Watts, and Sakina Karimjee (2023)

    In the early 1930s, the anti-colonial historian, C.L.R. James, wrote a play about the 1791 Haitian Revolution and its leader, Toussaint Louverture.

    It dramatised the story of the only successful slave revolt in history, when 100,000 slaves rose up against their white masters and eventually secured independence after almost 15 years of struggle.

    James’s play was performed only twice in 1936, with the great African American actor Paul Robeson in the title role. The script was then lost for several decades, until 2005, when the historian Christian Høgsberg discovered a copy in the archives at the University of Hull and published a new edition of the play.

    In 2012, graphic artist, Nic Watts and theatre practitioner, Sakina Karimjee, decided to bring James’s play back to life – not on the stage, but in the pages of a graphic novel.

    James, who died in 1989, might not have guessed that he would one day be a co-creator of a graphic novel. But he would surely have been impressed with Toussaint Louverture, which takes readers through the Haitian Revolution in almost 300 thrilling pages.

    The graphic novel uses its uniquely spatial medium to map the connections between the French Revolution, which proclaimed universal rights for all men, and the slave uprising in Haiti, which sought to realise those rights in France’s colonies. It is packed with powerful symbols and imagery that build a rich picture of the strategies and tactics that led to the uprising’s eventual victory.

    2. Prophet Against Slavery: Benjamin Lay, A Graphic Novel

    By David Lester, edited by Paul Buhle and Marcus Rediker (2023)

    Historian Marcus Rediker has devoted his career to uncovering early histories of resistance against slavery and sharing them in compelling and accessible formats.

    In 2021 he teamed up with the illustrator, David Lester, and longtime graphic historian, Paul Buhle, to translate this work into graphic novels.

    The first, Prophet Against Slavery, takes readers back to a Quaker meeting house in the early 1700s. In its dramatic opening scene, Benjamin Lay disrupts the meeting with a piece of performance theatre. He appears to stab his own arm in protest against slavery, though we later learn that the spouting blood was in fact “red pokeberry juice”.

    Lay was an innovator of performance protest, and he developed the strategy of boycotting commodities produced by slave labour. As Prophet Against Slavery details, he was one of the earliest and most outspoken abolitionists, campaigning for the end of the transatlantic slave trade almost a century before Wilberforce.

    He was also a pioneer of veganism and an advocate for animal rights. Lay saw the parallels between early capitalism’s enclosure of common land in England and slavery’s enclosure of people’s bodies in the US. The claustrophobic borders of Lester’s graphic novel dramatise these acts of property making, even as they document Lay’s stubborn attempts to liberate the oppressed from bondage.

    The enslaved themselves do not have a voice in Prophet Against Slavery. But Lester uses powerful charcoal sketches and image-only panels to make sure their presence is never forgotten.

    These haunting images remind readers of the human cost of slavery without presuming to speak for those whose voices have been excluded from the written archive.

    3. Under the Banner of King Death: Pirates of the Atlantic, A Graphic Novel

    By David Lester and Marcus Rediker (2023)

    Rediker and Lester teamed up again for Under the Banner of King Death. The title refers to the skull and cross bones flag that flies on the masts of pirate ships.

    But this is not your conventional story of evil pirates drinking rum and hunting for gold (although there is some of that). It is rather a portrait of the pirate ship as a space of self-determination and political freedom at a time when, as Rediker puts it, “poor people had no democratic rights anywhere in the world”.

    The graphic novel tells the story of John Gwin, an African-American man who escaped from slavery in South Carolina. After being kidnapped by the Royal African Company to labour on a slaving ship, he decides to resist. He rallies his shipmates, liberates the Africans below deck, and leads a mutiny to overthrow Skinner, the tyrannical captain.

    With Skinner deposed, the pirates establish a commune at sea: “A world turned upside down,” as Gwin calls it. “All captains and officers elected. All tars [sailors] treated as brothers. No tyranny of the lash.” There is no hierarchy on this ship. Instead, they return to west Africa and begin breaking people out of slave castles along the coast.

    Lester’s pen-and-ink sketches and frantic page layouts capture the scattergun nature of pirate life in the 17th century. It was a dangerous existence. Such was the threat posed by pirates to the ruling order that the British Navy worked quickly to capture them and make an example. Under the Banner of King Death starts and ends with hanging scenes, where pirates were put to death in public.

    But while the British state could hang the pirates, it couldn’t kill their idea of freedom from slavery. Lester and Rediker recover this history and remind us of the revolutionary spirit that the skull and cross bones flag once represented.

    These graphic novels commemorate new histories of resistance to the slave trade, while also reminding us of the historiographic work that must be put into recovering and retelling them, now and in the future.

    Dominic Davies 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. Three graphic novels that address the history of slavery – and commemorate resistance – https://theconversation.com/three-graphic-novels-that-address-the-history-of-slavery-and-commemorate-resistance-251740

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Notice of optional redemption of bonds due 23 December 2029

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dated 24 March 2025

    Notice to the bondholders of EUR 20,000,000 6.15 % Tier 2 Subordinated Bonds due 23 December 2029 (ISIN: LT0000404287) (the “Bonds”).

    THIS NOTICE CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) No 596/2014 (“MAR”)

    THIS NOTICE IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION OF BONDHOLDERS. IF BONDHOLDERS ARE IN ANY DOUBT AS TO THE ACTION THEY SHOULD TAKE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS IMMEDIATELY.

    THIS NOTICE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM PART OF ANY OFFER, INVITATION TO SELL OR ISSUE, OR ANY SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR, ANY SECURITIES OF AKCINĖ BENDROVĖ ŠIAULIŲ BANKAS.

    Akcinė bendrovė Šiaulių bankas (Tilžės gatvė 149, Šiauliai, LT-76348, Lithuania, LEI 549300TK038P6EV4YU51) (the “Issuer”) hereby gives notice to the bondholders (the “Bondholders”) of the Bonds, that pursuant to Terms & Conditions of the Bonds approved on 20 December 2019 and provided for in the prospectus approved on 27 April 2020 for the purpose of admission of the Bonds to trading on regulated market and on 20 March 2025 having received permission of the European Central Bank, the Issuer will exercise its optional early redemption call to fully redeem the outstanding Bonds on 24 April 2025 (the “Redemption Date“) at 100 % of the principal amount of the Bonds outstanding (EUR 10,000 for each Bond) together with accrued and unpaid interest on the Bonds (EUR 205.56 for each Bond) up to the Redemption Date (total redemption amount for each Bond shall be EUR 10205.56), having satisfied the applicable conditions to redemption.

    The Issuer will request the cancellation of the listing of the Bonds on the Bond List of Nasdaq Vilnius AB (“Nasdaq Vilnius“) and the admission to trading on the Regulated Market of Nasdaq Vilnius, in each case with effect from (and including) the Redemption Date.

    This notice is issued and directed only to the Bondholders and no other person shall, or is entitled to rely or act on, or be able to rely or act on, its contents and should not be relied upon by any Bondholder for any other purpose.

    Terms used but not defined in this notice bear the same meaning as set out in, or incorporated by reference into, the Conditions.

    For the purposes of MAR the person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement is Tomas Varenbergas (Head of Investment Management Division) and should any Bondholder have any queries in relation to this notice please contact:

    Tomas Varenbergas
    Head of Investment Management Division
    tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Swing into summer with the City of Derry Jazz Festival

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Swing into summer with the City of Derry Jazz Festival

    24 March 2025

    Bennigans Bar was the perfect location to get the jazz vibe going with the launch the City of Derry Jazz Festival 2025, taking place May 01 – 05.

    The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, was joined by Martin Venning from event sponsors Diageo, for the launch at one of the festival’s most popular jazz hubs, renowned for its top-class artists.

    This year’s event marks 24 years of Ireland’s biggest Jazz extravaganza, and final preparations are now well underway to deliver an unsurpassable programme featuring over 320 performances, and brimming with musical talent from around the world. Music legend Billy Ocean tops this year’s bill, performing in the Millennium Forum on Saturday and Sunday May 3rd and 4th.

    Looking ahead to the event, which is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mayor Barr said she couldn’t wait to get her dancing shoes on. “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love the City of Derry Jazz Festival,” she declared. “It’s a wonderful time to visit Derry as the city comes alive with music in every bar and on every street corner. The energy is infectious and the atmosphere is just incredible.

    “The festival is the perfect warm up for the summer, and it’s an event that people of all ages can enjoy. You don’t have to be a jazz fanatic – we have performers here from all over the world and a real medley of musical genres to enjoy. And don’t forget the majority of the entertainment is free!”

    This year’s programme includes old jazz favourites, local legends and plenty of new talent, ready to deliver five days packed with entertainment, from jazz workshops to live concerts and drama performances.

    There will be beats on the streets with a variety of al fresco acts, bringing the vibrant sound of jazz to the entire city. Festival goers can also look forward to an exciting mix of jump, jive, blues, and swing, ensuring there’s something for every music enthusiast.

    A highlight of the festival is the Live Music Now Schools Programme, which aims to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians through interactive performances and workshops in local post-primary schools. Young performers will have the chance to show off their talents performing live on the Gay McIntyre Stage, showcasing some of the finest jazz talent in the historic Guildhall Square.

    Jazz Festival coordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said: “May is fast approaching and we have had so much interest this year from acts from all over who have heard about the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the brilliant welcome the performers enjoy. We have some really exciting new performers this year, and of course we can’t wait to welcome our headline act Billy Ocean.”

    Martin Venning from Diageo said it would be an unforgettable weekend. “Diageo is delighted to continue supporting this fantastic festival, which celebrates the vibrant cultural scene here in the North West.

    “It’s the perfect platform for both established local performers and new up and coming talent, who join world class artists from across the world for a show-stopping weekend that brings so much value to the local economy. It’s the only place to celebrate the May Bank Holiday.”

    So join us for an unforgettable celebration of jazz, community, and culture at the 2025 City of Derry Jazz Festival!

    For more information go to cityofderryjazzfestival.com and for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three guilty of conspiracy to murder following Woodford Green shooting in 2019

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Three men who shot a rival in his own home in east London have been convicted following a meticulous investigation that saw a combination of forensic and data-based evidence prove their guilt.

    Daniel Kelly, along with brothers Stewart and Louis Ahearne, were found guilty of conspiracy to murder at the conclusion of a trial at the Old Bailey on Monday, 24 March.

    The jury heard evidence that Kelly and the Ahearnes carried out the shooting in Woodford Green on 11 July 2019 after weeks of careful planning, including surveillance of their intended target after putting a tracking device on the car he used so they could follow his movements.

    On the night of the shooting, the three travelled from their homes in southeast London to Woodford Green using a car that had been hired two days earlier by Stewart Ahearne.

    While he waited in the car which was parked in Worcester Avenue, Kelly and Louis Ahearne snuck into a garden of a house on the street which overlooked the back garden of their target’s house in Malvern Drive. At around 23:09hrs, six shots were fired through the back doors and windows of the house in Malvern Drive, at least one of which struck their target – a man who was aged 45 at the time – who was standing in the kitchen.

    Kelly and Ahearne fled back to the waiting car which drove away, leaving their victim fighting for his life.

    Police and the London Ambulance Service attended. The victim was taken to hospital for emergency surgery that while saving his life would leave him permanently paralysed. Detectives secured the scene and began to piece together what had happened.

    Over the course of the coming weeks, several vital evidential breakthroughs took place.

    Following a forensic analysis of the victim’s house and garden area, DNA profiles were recovered from a fence area of the adjoining property in Worcester Avenue where the two suspects had fired the shots from. These profiles provided matches for both Kelly and Louis Ahearne.

    Bullet casings found in the garden, and bullets found inside the address that had missed their target enabled detectives to establish the firearm used was a Glock SLP handgun. A search of Kelly’s address carried out in late August 2019 recovered a laser sight that was compatible with this weapon.

    CCTV analysis of the area surrounding Malvern Drive picked up the car driven by Stewart Ahearne – this provided a vehicle registration number which detectives were able to use to confirm this was a hire car. After tracking down the venue it was hired from, the company were able to confirm Stewart Ahearne’s details as the vehicle’s hirer.

    Using various techniques including ANPR and CCTV cameras, detectives pieced together the movements of the car after it was hired on 9 July 2019 in Dartford. Detectives subsequently established that the car had been used to commit a burglary at an address in Sevenoaks, Kent that same evening.

    It was confirmed the car had travelled from southeast London where the three suspects were based, up to the Woodford Green area on both the 10 and 11 July prior to the trip to carry out the shooting.

    On the 10 July, the defendants undertook a journey tracking a car known to be used by the victim. The court heard how the defendants had fitted a tracking device to the victim’s vehicle. Using an iPad, which was subsequently thrown into the River Thames but later recovered by officers, to track the car’s movements, the suspects now knew when and where their target would be.

    Detectives also used phone data from devices attributed to Kelly and the Ahearnes to help track their movement both before and after the shooting. Marrying this up with camera footage from ANPR and CCTV, they could map the hire car following the victim’s car prior to the shooting.

    Following the shooting, Stewart Ahearne returned the car to the hire company on 12 July. Even though it was subsequently re-hired, by 17 July officers had established it had been used by the suspects and traced it to Birmingham Airport. The car was forensically analysed and Kelly’s fingerprints were found on two places in the vehicle.

    By October 2019, detectives were in a position to start making arrests. Between 30 October 2019 and 23 January 2020, all three suspects were arrested. All denied their involvement but the evidence that detectives had diligently compiled meant the three were charged.

    Detectives continued to pursue all lines of enquiry and by piecing together the movements of Kelly and the Ahearnes an iPad used by Kelly to track the movements of the victim was recovered from the River Thames in 2024.

    During the intervening period, the Met investigation team worked as part of a joint investigation with law enforcement teams from Switzerland. A burglary of the Museum of Far Eastern Arts had occurred in Geneva a month prior to this shooting with items of historical value stolen.

    The court heard how elements of that offending echoed this shooting, including the use of a Renault Captur hire vehicle.

    A Ming dynasty vase stolen in the burglary was recovered by the investigation team in London in October 2020.

    Stewart and Louis Ahearne were extradited to Switzerland, they stood trial and were convicted in January 2024. Both were subsequently returned to the United Kingdom on extradition to be tried for this incident.

    Detective Superintendent Matt Webb who led the investigation said:

    “The court heard how the defendants, hardened organised criminals, acted together in a well-planned and orchestrated manner to shoot their victim. It is only for the intervention of police first responder and medical professionals that the victim wasn’t killed. This attack may look like the plot to a Hollywood blockbuster but the reality is something quite different. This was horrific criminality. The court heard how this was a clear and defined attempt to take a man’s life with those responsible making significant efforts to ensure this was successful.

    “This conviction follows a number of years of investigation, I would like to thank our criminal justice partners and the investigation team for their diligence and tenacity in the attempt to bring those responsible to justice. The message here to those engaging in serious and organised crime is one I want to make very clear – the Metropolitan Police will not tolerate serious violence and the use of firearms in our communities; we will leave no stone unturned in bringing you to justice.

    “Daniel Kelly, Louis and Stewart Ahearne will now undoubtedly face significant custodial sentences and I hope this time at His Majesty’s pleasure provides them the opportunity to reflect on their criminality and the impact it has on society.”

    = The three defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to murder and were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at the Old Bailey on a date to be confirmed:

    Daniel Kelly – 46 (26.10.78) of no fixed address;
    Stewart Ahearne – 46 (21.08.78) of no fixed address;
    Louis Ahearne – 36 (02.12.88) of no fixed address.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Brings 100x Leverage, Double Deposit Bonus, and No KYC to Crypto Futures Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The cryptocurrency landscape is shifting, and BexBack is leading the charge with a groundbreaking approach to crypto futures trading. As the market evolves, many traders face challenges with complex KYC procedures, limited leverage, and high fees. But BexBack is here to change all of that, offering 100x leverage, no KYC, and an incredible double deposit bonus to help traders maximize their potential with ease.

    Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just beginning your journey, BexBack makes it simple for anyone, anywhere to access 100x leverage on crypto futures, without the need for identity verification, and double your funds instantly with the 100% deposit bonus. This offers you the power to trade with confidence and flexibility.

    What Is 100x Leverage?

    100x leverage allows you to control a much larger trading position with a smaller initial deposit. For example, with 1 BTC and 100x leverage, you can trade as if you had 100 BTC, giving you the potential for much higher returns in a volatile market. It’s a powerful tool that allows traders to maximize their profits—though it’s important to manage risk effectively to avoid liquidation.

    What Is the 100% Deposit Bonus and How Does It Work?

    The 100% deposit bonus means that when you deposit 0.001 BTC or equivalent in other cryptocurrencies, you will receive an instant 100% bonus on each deposit. This is not just limited to your first deposit but applies to every deposit you make. For example, deposit $10,000, and you’ll trade with $20,000. This bonus is an excellent way to increase your trading power, giving you more margin and more opportunities to profit. However, the bonus cannot be withdrawn directly, but it can be used to open larger positions and increase your overall potential profits.

    Who Can Trade on BexBack Without KYC?

    BexBack offers a no KYC (Know Your Customer) policy, meaning you can start trading immediately without the need for identity verification. Whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned trader, this quick registration process ensures you can dive straight into trading without delays. It’s perfect for those who value privacy and don’t want to go through the tedious paperwork that other platforms require.

    What Is BexBack?

    BexBack is a cutting-edge cryptocurrency exchange specializing in futures trading with up to 100x leverage. The platform is designed to provide users with a seamless, secure, and powerful trading experience. BexBack operates globally, offering traders access to major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP (Ripple), and Cardano (ADA). Based in Singapore, with a rapidly growing user base across over 200 countries, BexBack is committed to providing exceptional service and

    Why Choose BexBack? What Are the Key Advantages?

    • 100x Leverage for All Traders – Amplify your trading potential with up to 100x leverage on your positions.
    • No KYC Required – Start trading immediately without needing to provide identity documents.
    • 100% Deposit Bonus – Double your funds instantly with a 100% deposit bonus on every deposit.
    • Demo Account – Practice risk-free with a demo account offering 10 BTC in virtual funds to simulate real trading scenarios without any risk.
    • High-Speed Trading – No slippage, no spreads, and fast execution.
    • Comprehensive Support – 24/7 customer support to help you with any issues or queries.
    • Global Access – Trade from anywhere, anytime, with access to a global user base.

    Start Trading on BexBack Today

    Whether you’re looking to maximize profits in volatile markets, gain access to high-leverage trading, or simply enjoy a no-KYC trading experience, BexBack has everything you need to succeed.

    Sign up now at www.bexback.com and claim your 100% deposit bonus along with a $50 welcome bonus. Take control of your crypto trading journey with BexBack today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by BexBack. 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:
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BYDFi Officially Launches Nillion Token, Opening NIL/USDT Spot Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global crypto exchange BYDFi officially announces the launch of the Nillion token (NIL). Users will be able to trade the NIL/USDT spot pair, marking the first appearance of Nillion’s native token on the platform and accelerating the adoption of privacy-preserving computation across various industries.

    Nillion: Humanity’s first blind computer

    In today’s fast-evolving digital world, the risks of data breaches and personal information misuse are escalating. High-profile data scandals, such as the Cambridge Analytica incident, have exposed significant privacy vulnerabilities in modern society. As artificial intelligence (AI) technology becomes increasingly prevalent, safeguarding personal data privacy is now more critical than ever.

    Nillion addresses this challenge with innovative solutions. As humanity’s first “blind computer,” Nillion leverages privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) such as Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Homomorphic Encryption, and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) to ensure that data remains private and secure throughout its transmission and processing. These groundbreaking technologies resolve the inherent conflict between privacy protection and efficiency in blockchain technology, enabling privacy-preserving applications across AI, DeFi, and data storage industries without exposing raw data.

    Strategic Partnerships and Innovative Applications of Nillion

    Nillion’s technology has already gained recognition from several leading industry projects, forming strategic partnerships with companies like Meta, Virtuals Protocol, and Ritual. These partnerships span key areas such as AI privacy computation, decentralized inference, and medical data governance. Nillion’s network has surpassed 500,000 validation nodes, showcasing its robust ecosystem growth.

    Nillion’s innovative technology has substantial potential in the following areas:

    • Privacy AI: Enabling compliant medical imaging analysis and financial fraud detection model training.
    • Web3 Finance: Providing an off-chain data privacy computation layer for decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, ensuring privacy for transactions and data processing.
    • Enterprise Applications: Assisting enterprises in building secure, GDPR-compliant data collaboration networks, enhancing data governance.

    NIL Token: The Core Utility Token of Nillion’s Ecosystem

    As the core utility token of the Nillion network, $NIL is used to pay for computation services, data storage fees, transaction costs, and serves key roles in ecosystem governance, node incentives, and network resource consumption. $NIL has secured strategic investments from top-tier institutions such as Binance Labs and Hashkey Capital, providing a strong financial foundation for its growth.

    BYDFi Brings Rewarding Benefits and Easy Deposit Options

    As one of the first exchanges to list the NIL token, BYDFi is offering substantial rewards to new users, with the opportunity to claim up to 8100 USDT in bonuses. Additionally, BYDFi features a convenient “Buy Crypto” option, enabling users to quickly purchase Nillion (NIL) via credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or by using their wallet balance for trading. BYDFi supports fiat deposits from over 150 countries and regions worldwide, making it easier for global users to participate in the NIL token trading.

    About BYDFi

    Founded in 2020, BYDFi is recognized as one of the top 10 best crypto exchanges globally by Forbes, trusted by over 1,000,000 users worldwide. Its upcoming product, “MoonX,” is a specialized memecoin trading tool designed for Degen traders. MoonX offers over 500,000 trading pairs, combined with smart trading tools, comprehensive market analysis, and advanced tech architecture to help users track smart money and target the next 1000x memecoin. BYDFi is committed to providing every user with a world-class crypto trading experience. BUIDL Your Dream Finance.

    • Official Website: https://www.bydfi.com
    • Customer Support: CS@bydfi.com
    • Business Inquiries: BD@bydfi.com
    • Media Inquiries: media@bydfi.com

    Twitter( X )| LinkedIn| Facebook | Telegram| YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio come to AirPods Max

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio come to AirPods Max

    March 24, 2025

    UPDATE

    Lossless audio and ultra‑low latency audio come to AirPods Max

    Next month, AirPods Max will become the only :br(m)::br(l)::br(xl):headphones that enable musicians to both create and :br(m)::br(l)::br(xl):mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking

    Next month, a new software update will bring lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to AirPods Max, delivering the ultimate listening experience and even greater performance for music production. With the included USB-C cable, users can enjoy the highest-quality audio across music, movies, and games, while music creators can experience significant enhancements to songwriting, beat making, production, and mixing.

    Highest-Quality Audio

    With this update, AirPods Max will unlock 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, preserving the integrity of original recordings and allowing listeners to experience music the way the artist created it in the studio. Lossless audio also extends to Personalized Spatial Audio to deliver a more sonically accurate, uncompressed, and immersive experience, and users can enjoy more than 100 million songs in lossless audio with Apple Music.

    Elevated Music Production

    Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio enable music creators to fully utilize AirPods Max throughout their entire professional workflow on Logic Pro and other music creation apps. Using the USB-C cable, AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.1 By delivering lossless, high-resolution digital audio with low latency, artists can seamlessly record and mix with AirPods Max without compromising fidelity.

    Immersive Gameplay and Livestreaming

    Gamers and livestreamers can also benefit from ultra-low latency audio, which significantly lowers lag time, and is on par with the native built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. With no response delay, gameplay and livestreaming become reliably smooth and even more immersive for users.

    Pricing and Availability

    • Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio will be available in April as a free firmware update with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for AirPods Max with USB-C.
    • AirPods Max are currently available for $549 (U.S.) in five colors — midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange — from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and through Apple Authorized Resellers.
    • USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable will be available today for $39 (U.S.) from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and through Apple Authorized Resellers. It can be used to connect AirPods Max to 3.5 mm audio sources, like the audio-out port on an airplane. Users can also connect their iOS or iPadOS device to 3.5 mm audio ports, like audio-in ports on car stereos or other speakers.
    1. AirPods Max users can create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio when using Logic Pro for Mac. iPhone with TrueDepth camera is required to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio, which will sync across Apple devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS.

    Press Contacts

    Emily Ewing

    Apple

    e_ewing@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nigerian journalists are harassed by the public, the state and paid ‘data boys’ – what must change

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Temple Uwalaka, Lecturer in Communication and Media Studies, University of Canberra

    Death threats, kidnapping, unlawful detention, torture and assassination are some of the crimes being committed against journalists in Nigeria, according to a recent report. Another recent report details how the police and politicians are responsible for 70% of these harassment cases.

    They point to the increased level of threats that Nigerian journalists endure in their fourth estate role, serving as the voice of the people and holding government to account.

    This isn’t new. The harassment of journalists is baked into Nigerian history. But today journalists are also attracting online threats and harassment from members of the public.

    I teach and research media and politics, with a focus on online journalism in Nigeria. What’s clear is that the digital age has brought with it a complex relationship not just between journalists and the state, but also with citizens.

    All these parties need to turn down the heat, in the interests of free and fair information, particularly in a young democracy like Nigeria.

    A long history of violence

    The history of Nigerian journalism is characterised by violence from British colonial powers, from 1859 when the first newspaper was established, and also from indigenous politicians. There’s always been a suspicion that a free press could empower ordinary citizens and cause a shift in the power base.

    This isn’t unfounded. Journalism contributed to ending colonialism. But, after independence in 1960, the political class feared that an unfettered press would be difficult to control. Particularly when the country came under oppressive military rule from 1966 to 1999.

    There was always a fair amount of goodwill towards the press from citizens. But the ownership and control of major media houses by prominent Nigerian politicians, alongside the rise of social media, has changed the picture.

    The public used to act as the buffer for journalists, defending them from the attacks of government officials. Now some Nigerians have joined in attacking and harassing journalists in Nigeria.

    Online harassment

    We know that journalists in Nigeria under-report the harassment they receive. Many don’t view acute forms of harassment – verbal abuse, online disrespect and maltreatment – as an issue. One of our studies found they regard this as mere online banter, verbal sparring and attention seeking. But dismissing harassment doesn’t make it go away or stop. It just makes it worse in frequency and form.



    Read more:
    Threats to press freedom are taking on different forms across Africa

    Our studies indicate that online harassment of journalists is prevalent and escalating. This type of harassment is usually sustained and it often moves from one social media platform to another.

    In some cases, it spills from online to offline. The burning of the Television Continental station in Lagos in 2020 is just one example. The harassment is usually personal. Threats to the lives and safety of journalists are becoming common.

    Data Boys and corruption

    Nigerian journalists have reported that the harassers particularly target investigative and political reports, as well as perceived unethical conduct by journalists.

    The result is that political reporting is becoming difficult. A critical report about a politician makes the journalist an enemy of the politician. The politician will then unleash their supporters and paid influencers (known as “Data Boys”) to harass and hassle the journalist.

    The Data Boys phenomenon as we know it today began during Nigeria’s 2015 general elections. Data Boys are groups of young people on a politician’s payroll. They help to promote the politician’s image online and generally do their bidding. The politician sends them money to buy internet data and shares promotional “news” about themself. The Data Boys are also paid to attack any perceived enemy of the politician.

    It’s an increasingly successful political tactic in Nigeria. As a result, journalists have started censoring themselves.

    Data Boys aside, we asked ordinary Nigerians who reported engaging in online harassment why they picked on journalists. They indicated that perceived journalistic malpractice was their main reason. They accused journalists of being part of the problem because they believed many were corrupt and in the pay of politicians. Adding fuel to the fire is that Nigerian politicians are also often media owners.

    Some solutions

    One of the reasons that a culture of harassment continues is the failure of law enforcement. Those who harass journalists are not made to account for their actions. Strengthening harassment laws in Nigeria would give law enforcement the tools needed to curb it.

    There are no explicit laws around online harassment in Nigeria, just sexual and physical assault laws. This has to change if journalists are to be protected. All respondents in our studies, both journalists and the public, highlighted the law as a cardinal factor to fight harassment.

    Another solution is that journalists need to be accountable, transparent and ethical. Journalists themselves have raised these concerns about their profession.

    Yet in our studies journalists did not highlight transparency or an improved code of conduct as ways to improve the harassment situation in Nigeria.



    Read more:
    Western media outlets are trying to fix their racist, stereotypical coverage of Africa. Is it time African media did the same?

    Their detachment can come off as arrogant and has the potential to worsen hostility towards them. All the suggested solutions to online harassment made by journalists in our studies were external to them, like media sensitisation campaigns, improved workplace security and proper punishment for offenders. Their attitudes, we found, could be misconstrued as lacking self-reflection or empathy.

    Journalists, their harassers and politicians will all need to make changes or be brought to book if the problem is to be solved. Until then, online harassment is harming journalism as a profession in Nigeria. And this has the potential to have a negative impact on democracy.

    Temple Uwalaka 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. Nigerian journalists are harassed by the public, the state and paid ‘data boys’ – what must change – https://theconversation.com/nigerian-journalists-are-harassed-by-the-public-the-state-and-paid-data-boys-what-must-change-252100

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Who gets to brand Puerto Rico: Its tourism agency or its biggest star?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Carlos A. Suárez Carrasquillo, Associate Instructional Professor in Political Science, Center for Latin American Studies, University of Florida

    The Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is one of the biggest stars of the music world. After becoming Spotify’s most-streamed artist for three years in a row – the first and only artist ever to do so – he sold out all 49 dates of his 2024 U.S. tour, netting US$211 million.

    Earlier this year, after Bad Bunny co-hosted “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and announced a 21-show residency in Puerto Rico, the recently reelected mayor of San Juan, Miguel Romero, quipped that the artist had done a better job of promoting Puerto Rico than the island’s official destination marketing organization.

    That agency, Discover Puerto Rico, was founded in 2017 to market the island to both tourists and investors. Established during the administration of Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, it was part of a broader effort to professionalize Puerto Rico’s place branding and underscored the importance of tourism to the island’s economy.

    As a scholar of Puerto Rican politics and place branding – and a native Puerto Rican – I think this case study raises interesting public policy questions: Who gets to brand Puerto Rico? Why does it matter if a place has a brand anyway? And if political leaders are dissatisfied with an agency whose sole purpose is to market the island, what comes next?

    It’s not just a place – it’s a brand

    Historically, place-branding campaigns have been led by governments seeking to attract tourism and investment. One of the most iconic examples was the “I Love New York” campaign, launched in 1977 as a collaboration between New York City and private partners. Similar public-private models became more common in the decades that followed.

    Puerto Rico has seen various branding efforts over the years. Early boosterism efforts emerged during the first half of the 20th century, and in 1970, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company was created to promote the island as a
    tourist destination. By the 1990s, many Puerto Rican municipalities had begun adopting different place branding strategies.

    During Puerto Rico’s deepening fiscal crisis in the 2010s, branding efforts remained a bipartisan priority. But the two dominant political parties – the pro-territory Partido Popular Democrático, and the pro-statehood Partido Nuevo Progresista – each rebranded the island every time a new administration took office, raising concerns about consistency. The last major government-led initiative before Discover Puerto Rico was the “Isla Estrella” campaign, which included a sponsorship deal with Spain’s Sevilla FC soccer team.

    The ‘Discover Puerto Rico’ era

    In 2017, Discover Puerto Rico took control over the island’s place-branding efforts. However, its performance has been polarizing, with critics pointing to significant blunders. For example, an early ad in its “Live Boricua” campaign sparked backlash for featuring a family that didn’t look like most Puerto Ricans.

    Beyond its marketing blunders, Discover Puerto Rico has struggled to navigate Puerto Rico’s politically charged place-branding landscape. In fact, it has been contested from the start, and remains so, as recently elected Gov. Jennifer González evaluates its future. It remains unclear to what extent efficiency and economic development will serve as the main criteria for evaluating its success, and to what extent party politics will influence the decision-making process.

    Just a day before Mayor Romero made his remark about Bad Bunny, Discover Puerto Rico’s CEO, Brad Dean, resigned, taking a similar role in St. Louis. Dean has argued that during his tenure, Discover Puerto Rico has driven significant increases in tourism and tourism spending. While these self-reported figures suggest success, they don’t address a critical issue – the long-standing political controversy surrounding Puerto Rico’s branding.

    Pop culture carries the weight

    At the same time the future of Discover Puerto Rico remains uncertain, the island has gained unparalleled international attention thanks to popular music.

    Reggaetón, an urban genre that originated in Puerto Rico in the 1990s, has amassed a massive global fan base, extending beyond Puerto Rico and Latin America to the rest of the world. In 2017, Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi’s video for the worldwide hit “Despacito” turned La Perla, a working-class barrio in Old San Juan, into a magnet for tourists from all over the world.

    “Despacito” prompted a surge of visits to La Perla, as the French news agency AFP noted.

    More recently, in January 2025, Bad Bunny released his latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” which taps into traditional Puerto Rican music genres such as bomba, plena and música jíbara that aren’t usually associated with reggaetón. It charted at No. 1. Bad Bunny also announced a Puerto Rico-exclusive concert series, with some dates reserved for locals and others open to fans worldwide.

    The success of Puerto Rican reggaetón artists raises an important question: Why have these organic cultural movements been so effective – perhaps even more so than the official expert-driven place-marketing agency – in promoting Puerto Rico as a brand?

    I think the answer probably lies in authenticity. Unlike government-led initiatives, reggaetón’s global appeal stems from its cultural resonance and emotional connection with audiences worldwide, regardless of politics.

    At this critical juncture for the island’s tourism agency, perhaps Discover Puerto Rico should rebrand itself as “Discover the Birthplace of Reggaetón.”

    Carlos A. Suárez Carrasquillo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Who gets to brand Puerto Rico: Its tourism agency or its biggest star? – https://theconversation.com/who-gets-to-brand-puerto-rico-its-tourism-agency-or-its-biggest-star-248825

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Japanese anime draws on religious traditions to explore themes of destiny, sacrifice and the struggle between desire and duty

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ronald S. Green, Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Coastal Carolina University

    Kyojuro Rengoku, also known as the Flame Hashira, is a central character in the ‘Demon Slayer’ series. Deviant Art, CC BY-ND

    I have spent years studying and teaching Japanese anime, exploring how its narratives intertwine with cultural, philosophical and religious traditions. One of the most compelling aspects of Japanese anime is its ability to merge thrilling action with deep spiritual and ethical questions.

    “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train,” which shattered Japanese box-office records for earnings and ended up as 2020’s highest-grossing film in the world, is a prime example of how anime engages with these profound themes. With “Demon Slayer” continuing its global success, it is an opportune time to examine how it intertwines Buddhist, Shinto and samurai traditions into a narrative of heroism, impermanence and moral struggle.

    Spiritual themes in anime

    Anime often explores spiritual and philosophical questions by drawing on Japan’s religious traditions to examine themes of fate, self-sacrifice and the struggle between desire and duty.

    Hayao Miyazaki’s “Princess Mononoke,” for example, follows Prince Ashitaka, who is cursed by a demon and must journey to find a cure. His quest leads him into a conflict between the industrialized Irontown, which seeks to expand by clearing forests, and the spirits of the natural world, including the Deer God, a divine being that governs life and death.

    The film reflects Shinto principles by portraying nature as sacred and inhabited by “kami,” or spiritual beings. It emphasizes harmony between humans and the environment and the consequences of disrupting this balance.

    Scholar Melissa Croteau, in her book “Transcendence and Spirituality in Japanese Cinema,” notes how Miyazaki’s films use nature spirits to critique modernity’s detachment from the sacredness of the environment.

    A still from ‘Spirited Away’ in which 10-year-old Chihiro must learn to navigate an unseen world.
    GoodFon.com, CC BY-NC

    Similarly, his 2001 animated film “Spirited Away” reflects animist ideas in Japanese culture, where spirits are believed to inhabit natural elements and even everyday objects. Set in a mysterious Japanese bathhouse filled with “kami,” 10-year-old Chihiro, once shy and afraid of change, learns to navigate this hidden world and transforms along the way.

    A key moment in the film is the arrival of a polluted river spirit, which appears as a filthy, sludge-covered creature but is revealed to be a once-pristine river god, burdened by human waste. This scene embodies the animist belief that natural entities have their own spirit and must be respected. It also reinforces an environmental message: When nature is polluted or mistreated, it loses its vitality, but with care and reverence it can be restored.

    “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” a landmark Japanese anime television series that aired from 1995 to 1996, engages with deep philosophical ideas, particularly existentialist questions of identity and purpose. Set in a postapocalyptic world, the series follows 14-year-old Shinji Ikari, who is recruited to pilot a giant biomechanical weapon called an evangelion to defend humanity against mysterious beings known as Angels.

    As Shinji and his fellow pilots struggle with their roles, the series explores themes of isolation, self-worth and the challenges of forming close, meaningful relationships. It draws from both Buddhist and Gnostic thought, which emphasize a focus on inner spiritual knowledge and the belief that clinging too tightly to the material world causes suffering. Evangelion portrays suffering as arising from attachment and the inability to form meaningful relationships.

    Rengoku: The embodiment of selfless heroism

    What sets “Mugen Train” apart is its focus on the internal conflicts of its characters, symbolized by their battles with demons. These demons represent human suffering and attachment, themes deeply influenced by Buddhist thought. At the heart of the film is Kyojuro Rengoku, a demon slayer who embodies unwavering selflessness and honor.

    Rengoku’s flame-breathing forms.

    Rengoku’s fire-based fighting style is deeply symbolic. In Japanese culture, fire represents both destruction and renewal. The Kurama Fire Festival, held annually on Oct. 22 in Kyoto, is a Shinto ritual where large torches are carried through the streets to ward off evil and purify the land.

    Similarly, Buddhist goma fire ceremonies involve priests burning wooden sticks in sacred flames to symbolize the eradication of ignorance and desire. Rengoku’s own techniques reflect this duality: His flames cleanse the world of evil while signifying his unwavering spirit.

    Goma fire ritual.

    Bushido, the samurai code of honor, underpins Rengoku’s character. Rooted in Confucian ethics, Zen Buddhism and Shinto beliefs, this code emphasizes loyalty, self-sacrifice and duty to protect others. His mother’s teaching – “The strong must protect the weak” – guides his every action, reflecting the Confucian value of filial piety and the moral obligation to serve society.

    Bushido’s connection to Zen Buddhism, with its focus on discipline and acceptance of impermanence, further shapes Rengoku’s unwavering resolve, while its Shinto influences reinforce his role as a guardian upholding a sacred duty.

    Even approaching death, Rengoku remains steadfast, accepting impermanence, or “mujō,” a fundamental Buddhist principle that sees beauty in life’s transience. His sacrifice teaches that true strength lies in selflessness and moral integrity.

    Akaza: A manifestation of attachment and suffering

    Opposing Rengoku is Akaza, a demon who embodies the destructive consequences of clinging to power and immortality. Once human, Akaza became a demon in his obsession with strength, unable to accept the impermanence of life.

    His refusal to acknowledge death aligns with Buddhist teachings that suffering arises from attachment and desire. Scholars such as Jacqueline Stone have explored how Buddhist texts portray clinging to existence as a fundamental source of suffering, a theme vividly reflected in Akaza’s character.

    Visual elements reinforce Akaza’s symbolism. His body is covered in tattoos reminiscent of “irezumi,” traditional Japanese body art historically associated with crime and hardship. In Edo-period Japan, tattoos were often used to mark criminals, branding them as outcasts from society. Even today, irezumi remains stigmatized in many parts of Japan, with some public bathhouses, gyms and swimming pools barring individuals with visible tattoos due to their historical association with the yakuza. In contemporary anime, tattooed characters frequently symbolize a troubled past or inner turmoil, reinforcing Akaza’s role as a figure trapped by his own suffering and destructive path.

    Akaza’s irezumi visually conveys his entrapment in cycles of suffering, reinforcing his contrast with Rengoku’s liberating flames.

    A battle about human struggles

    The battle between Rengoku and Akaza is more than a fight between good and evil; it is a clash between two worldviews – selflessness versus egoism, acceptance versus attachment. “Mugen Train” taps into universal human struggles, making its themes resonate far beyond Japan.

    The film’s exploration of impermanence, moral duty and the pursuit of meaning contributes to anime’s broader legacy as a medium that entertains while provoking deep philosophical reflection.

    As “Demon Slayer” continues to captivate audiences worldwide, evidenced by social media buzz around its new projects and the ongoing enthusiasm of fans, its success underscores anime’s ability to blend action with profound themes.

    Whether through Rengoku’s selfless courage or Akaza’s tragic downfall, “Mugen Train” offers a timeless meditation on what it means to live with purpose and integrity.

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

    – ref. How Japanese anime draws on religious traditions to explore themes of destiny, sacrifice and the struggle between desire and duty – https://theconversation.com/how-japanese-anime-draws-on-religious-traditions-to-explore-themes-of-destiny-sacrifice-and-the-struggle-between-desire-and-duty-246960

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: AMERICAN REBEL ANNOUNCES 1-FOR-25 REVERSE STOCK SPLIT WITH ROUND LOT SHAREHOLDER PROTECTION TO BE EFFECTIVE ON MARCH 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nashville, TN, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) — America’s Patriotic Brand (the “Company”), today announced that it will effect a reverse stock split of its outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), at a ratio of 1-for-25, to be effective as of 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on March 31, 2025.

    The Company’s Common Stock will begin trading on a reverse stock split-adjusted basis at the opening of The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) on Monday, March 31, 2025. Following the reverse stock split, the Common Stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “AREB” with the new CUSIP number, 02919L604. The reverse stock split is intended for the Company to:

    • Enhance Deposit (Ability) and Marketability: By increasing the share price, a reverse split can make the stock more eligible for trading on certain platforms
    • Continue to ensure compliance with the minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share of common stock for continued listing on Nasdaq.

    Important information:

    • Exchange/Split Rate: 1:25
    • New CUSIP: 02919L604
    • Date of Record: March 31, 2025
    • Transfer Agent: Securities Transfer Corporation

    Contact Us – Securities Transfer Corporation

    The reverse stock split will not change the authorized number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split and all such fractional interests will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares of Common Stock. Further, no current owner of 100 or more shares will be reduced to less than 100 shares. In addition, the reverse stock split will apply to the Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Company’s outstanding derivative securities, with proportionate adjustments to be made to the exercise prices and number of derivates thereof and under the Company’s equity incentive plans.

    • Round Lot Shareholder Protection to ensure that shareholders holding a “round lot” (typically 100 shares) are not adversely affected by the split.
    • All Fractional Shares Rounded to nearest whole number. As a result of the reverse stock split all fractional interests will be rounded up to the nearest whole number

    The Company is committed to pro-actively protecting the interests of its stockholders, particularly those owning round lots of 100 or more shares. Stockholders holding at least 100 shares prior to the reverse stock split will retain a minimum of 100 shares post-split. This protection ensures that no stockholder who currently qualifies as a round lot holder will lose their status. Additionally, fractional shares resulting from the reverse stock split will be rounded up to the nearest whole share to maintain liquidity and shareholder equity.

    The reverse stock split will reduce the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock from approximately 10.6 million to approximately 423 thousand, which does not include shares to be issued pursuant to the round lot rounding set forth above.

    On February 24, 2025, the stockholders of the Company approved a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the Common Stock, at a ratio of up to 1-for-25, with such ratio to be determined in the sole discretion of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) and with the reverse stock split to be effected at such time and date, if at all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion at any time within twelve (12) months of such stockholder approval. The Board approved the reverse stock split at a ratio of 1-for-25 on March 12, 2025.

    Securities Transfer Corporation is acting as the exchange agent and paying agent for the reverse stock split. Stockholders holding their shares in book-entry form or in brokerage accounts need not take any action in connection with the reverse stock split.

    The standard procedure is that DTC gathers all round up share requests from each participant within their system. After about 4 business DTC will send a request for the total amount of round up shares needed to cover all participants/beneficial holders. At that time, our transfer agent will make one issuance/deposit to CEDE (DTC).

    • Round up shares should populate in participant/beneficial holder accounts approximately on or before ten (10) trading days post the Reverse Stock Split.

    Securities Transfer Corporation will provide instructions to any stockholders with certificates regarding the process in connection with the exchange of pre-reverse stock split stock certificates for ownership in book-entry form or stock certificates on a post-reverse stock split basis. Stockholders are encouraged to contact their bank, broker or custodian with any procedural questions.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include our ability to raise adequate working and expansion capital, our ability to efficiently incorporate acquisitions into our operations, the use of non-GAAP based pro forma financial estimates, our ability to introduce new products, our ability to meet production demands, our ability to expand our sales organization to address existing and new markets that we intend to target, our ability to meet or exceed financial and reporting estimates, any effects of the reverse stock split, our ability to continue to meet Nasdaq listing requirements, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    SOURCE: American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    Company Contact:

    info@americanrebel.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press Conference to present the “Vatican Longevity Summit: Challenging the Clock of Time”

    Source: The Holy See

    Press Conference to present the “Vatican Longevity Summit: Challenging the Clock of Time”, 24.03.2025
    At 12.15 today, a press conference was held at the Holy See Press Office, Via della Conciliazione 54, to present the “Vatican Longevity Summit: Challenging the Clock of Time”, taking place this afternoon at the Augustinianum Conference Centre, Via Paolo VI 25, Rome.
    The speakers were: Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life; Professor Fr. Alberto Carrara, LC, president of the Organizing Committee; Professor Giulio Maira, neurosurgeon and founder of the Atena Foundation; Professor Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Noble Prize Winner for Chemistry, 2009; Professor Juan Carlos Izpisúa Belmonte, scientist specializing in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
    The following are their interventions:

    Intervention of Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia
    Good morning to all of you. The Pontifical Academy for Life has decided to sponsor this important international event. As you know, the topic of aging and aging well is at the center of my interest. It is at the center of my interest, not only for personal reasons, but because the quality of old age is the litmus test of the degree of civilization of a nation.
    Longevity should not be seen simply as a biological goal but as an opportunity to enhance the elderly in the social context. The elderly are not a burden on society but a valuable resource: their experience and wisdom represent an irreplaceable cultural and human heritage. Pope Francis often reminds us that “a people that does not cherish the elderly is a people without a future,” emphasizing the need to promote a culture that recognizes the value of old age and counteracts the marginalization of the elderly.
    In this context, equitable access to scientific discoveries becomes a central issue. Biomedical innovations should not be the privilege of the few but tools to improve quality of life for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. The goal is not just to live longer but to live better, preventing degenerative diseases and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for healthy and dignified aging. Longevity, then, is not just a matter of science but of justice, solidarity, and collective responsibility.

    Intervention of Professor Fr. Alberto Carrara, LC
    Good morning to all the journalists present. Today we understand the importance of preserving cognitive function through an integrated approach involving neuroscience, psychology, nutrition, and the environment.
    Fundamental to this is the six-pillar model of Brain Health, which includes nutrition, movement, sleep, cognitive stimulation, stress management, and social relationships, demonstrating how brain wellness is the true driver of healthy longevity.
    It is not enough to extend life; we need to improve the way we live it, and a systematic approach to longevity is important. In my talk at the Congress, I also explore the role of music, art, and sensory experiences in maintaining cognitive health, demonstrating how the brain can be constantly nourished and stimulated. This is a call to reflection and action to invest in our brain health, building a future in which longevity and quality of life go hand in hand.
    This unique event brings together Nobel laureates, internationally renowned scientists, and world leaders at the Vatican to discuss issues related to healthy, sustainable, and integral aging. It takes place the afternoon of Monday, March 24, starting at 4 p.m. at the Augustinianum Congress Center Auditorium in the Vatican. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin will speak for an opening greeting.

    Intervention of Professor Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
    Ribosomes, are the “molecular factories” that produce the proteins essential for life. Without healthy ribosomes, our cells age and deteriorate. But what if we could preserve their functionality to prolong health?
    The ribosome translates genetic instructions into proteins, ensuring proper cellular functioning. However, as we age, ribosomes suffer accumulative damage that impairs their efficiency, leading to errors in protein production and contributing to cellular decline. Recent studies have shown that ribosomal malfunction is closely linked to disease processes such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and premature aging, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies to preserve ribosomal integrity and improve longevity.
    Preserving ribosome function could be a key to slowing aging at the molecular level. Most advanced research is focusing on two main strategies: first, reducing ribosomal stress through nutritional and pharmacological interventions that modulate protein metabolism and increase ribosomal efficiency. Second, the possibility of reprogramming the ribosomes themselves to optimize protein synthesis and prevent the accumulation of misfolded proteins, a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases and aging-associated muscle decline.
    The implications of these findings are revolutionary: if we could directly intervene in ribosomes, we could not only combat aging but also prevent chronic diseases and improve quality of life in old age.

    Intervention of Professor Giulio Maira
    My research aims to better understand human development and regenerative potential. Aging is not an inescapable fate, but a scientific frontier to be explored. In my talk at the Conference, I will show how the cellular reprogramming factors discovered by Nobel Laureate Yamanaka can revolutionize the length and quality of human life. Age-related diseases result from the progressive decline of our tissues and organs. However, groundbreaking studies show that manipulating epigenetic mechanisms could reverse this process, offering new opportunities to prevent and treat the diseases of aging. What can we learn from the longest-lived organisms on the planet? We have some animal species on our planet that manage to live long and healthy lives, opening up new perspectives for innovative cellular rejuvenation strategies. The goal is not just to extend life but to improve our biological resilience by reversing age-related degeneration.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigerian journalists are harassed by the public, the state and paid ‘data boys’ – what must change

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Temple Uwalaka, Lecturer in Communication and Media Studies, University of Canberra

    Death threats, kidnapping, unlawful detention, torture and assassination are some of the crimes being committed against journalists in Nigeria, according to a recent report. Another recent report details how the police and politicians are responsible for 70% of these harassment cases.

    They point to the increased level of threats that Nigerian journalists endure in their fourth estate role, serving as the voice of the people and holding government to account.

    This isn’t new. The harassment of journalists is baked into Nigerian history. But today journalists are also attracting online threats and harassment from members of the public.

    I teach and research media and politics, with a focus on online journalism in Nigeria. What’s clear is that the digital age has brought with it a complex relationship not just between journalists and the state, but also with citizens.

    All these parties need to turn down the heat, in the interests of free and fair information, particularly in a young democracy like Nigeria.

    A long history of violence

    The history of Nigerian journalism is characterised by violence from British colonial powers, from 1859 when the first newspaper was established, and also from indigenous politicians. There’s always been a suspicion that a free press could empower ordinary citizens and cause a shift in the power base.

    This isn’t unfounded. Journalism contributed to ending colonialism. But, after independence in 1960, the political class feared that an unfettered press would be difficult to control. Particularly when the country came under oppressive military rule from 1966 to 1999.

    There was always a fair amount of goodwill towards the press from citizens. But the ownership and control of major media houses by prominent Nigerian politicians, alongside the rise of social media, has changed the picture.

    The public used to act as the buffer for journalists, defending them from the attacks of government officials. Now some Nigerians have joined in attacking and harassing journalists in Nigeria.

    Online harassment

    We know that journalists in Nigeria under-report the harassment they receive. Many don’t view acute forms of harassment – verbal abuse, online disrespect and maltreatment – as an issue. One of our studies found they regard this as mere online banter, verbal sparring and attention seeking. But dismissing harassment doesn’t make it go away or stop. It just makes it worse in frequency and form.

    Read more: Threats to press freedom are taking on different forms across Africa

    Our studies indicate that online harassment of journalists is prevalent and escalating. This type of harassment is usually sustained and it often moves from one social media platform to another.

    In some cases, it spills from online to offline. The burning of the Television Continental station in Lagos in 2020 is just one example. The harassment is usually personal. Threats to the lives and safety of journalists are becoming common.

    Data Boys and corruption

    Nigerian journalists have reported that the harassers particularly target investigative and political reports, as well as perceived unethical conduct by journalists.

    The result is that political reporting is becoming difficult. A critical report about a politician makes the journalist an enemy of the politician. The politician will then unleash their supporters and paid influencers (known as “Data Boys”) to harass and hassle the journalist.

    The Data Boys phenomenon as we know it today began during Nigeria’s 2015 general elections. Data Boys are groups of young people on a politician’s payroll. They help to promote the politician’s image online and generally do their bidding. The politician sends them money to buy internet data and shares promotional “news” about themself. The Data Boys are also paid to attack any perceived enemy of the politician.

    It’s an increasingly successful political tactic in Nigeria. As a result, journalists have started censoring themselves.

    Data Boys aside, we asked ordinary Nigerians who reported engaging in online harassment why they picked on journalists. They indicated that perceived journalistic malpractice was their main reason. They accused journalists of being part of the problem because they believed many were corrupt and in the pay of politicians. Adding fuel to the fire is that Nigerian politicians are also often media owners.

    Some solutions

    One of the reasons that a culture of harassment continues is the failure of law enforcement. Those who harass journalists are not made to account for their actions. Strengthening harassment laws in Nigeria would give law enforcement the tools needed to curb it.

    There are no explicit laws around online harassment in Nigeria, just sexual and physical assault laws. This has to change if journalists are to be protected. All respondents in our studies, both journalists and the public, highlighted the law as a cardinal factor to fight harassment.

    Another solution is that journalists need to be accountable, transparent and ethical. Journalists themselves have raised these concerns about their profession.

    Yet in our studies journalists did not highlight transparency or an improved code of conduct as ways to improve the harassment situation in Nigeria.

    Read more: Western media outlets are trying to fix their racist, stereotypical coverage of Africa. Is it time African media did the same?

    Their detachment can come off as arrogant and has the potential to worsen hostility towards them. All the suggested solutions to online harassment made by journalists in our studies were external to them, like media sensitisation campaigns, improved workplace security and proper punishment for offenders. Their attitudes, we found, could be misconstrued as lacking self-reflection or empathy.

    Journalists, their harassers and politicians will all need to make changes or be brought to book if the problem is to be solved. Until then, online harassment is harming journalism as a profession in Nigeria. And this has the potential to have a negative impact on democracy.

    – Nigerian journalists are harassed by the public, the state and paid ‘data boys’ – what must change
    – https://theconversation.com/nigerian-journalists-are-harassed-by-the-public-the-state-and-paid-data-boys-what-must-change-252100

    MIL OSI Africa –