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Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4458-4460: Winter Schminter

    Source: NASA

    Earth planning date: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025
    During today’s unusual-for-MSL Tuesday planning day (because of the U.S. holiday on Monday), we planned activities under new winter heating constraints. Operating Curiosity on Mars requires attention to a number of factors — power, data volume, terrain roughness, temperature — that affect rover operability and safety. Winter means more heating to warm up the gears and mechanisms within the rover and the instruments, but energy that goes to heating means less energy for science observations. Nevertheless, we (and Curiosity) were up to the task of balancing heating and science, and planned enough observations to warm the science team’s hearts. 
    We fit in DRT, APXS, and MAHLI on two different bedrock targets, “Chumash Trail” and “Wheeler Gorge,” which have different fracturing and layering features. In the workspace, ChemCam targeted a clean vertical exposure of layered bedrock at “Sierra Madre” and a lumpy-looking patch of resistant nodules at “Chiquito Basin.” 
    The topography of the local terrain and our end-of-drive position after the weekend fortuitously lined up to give us a view of an exposure of the Marker Band, which we first explored on the other side of Gediz Vallis Ridge. Having a view of another exposure of this distinctive horizon helps give us further insight into its origin, so we included both RMI and Mastcam mosaics of the exposure. 
    Documenting a feature that, unlike the Marker Band, has been and will be in our sights for a long time — “Texoli” butte (pictured above) — was the goal of additional Mastcam and ChemCam imaging. Observations of potential sedimentary structures on the flank of Texoli motivated acquisition of an RMI mosaic, and a chance to capture structures along its southeast face inspired a Mastcam mosaic. Good exposures of additional nearby bedrock structures at “Mount Lukens” and “Chantry Flat” drew the eye of Mastcam, while another small mosaic focused on the kind of linear troughs in the sand we often see bordering bedrock slabs. Environmental observations included Navcam cloud and dust-devil movies, Mastcam observations of dust in the atmosphere, and REMS and RAD measurements spread across the three sols of the plan.
    Written by Michelle Minitti, Planetary Geologist at Framework

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: 60 Years Ago: Ranger 8 Moon Photos Aid in Apollo Site Selection 

    Source: NASA

    Before Apollo astronauts set foot upon the Moon, much remained unknown about the lunar surface. While most scientists believed the Moon had a solid surface that would support astronauts and their landing craft, a few believed a deep layer of dust covered it that would swallow any visitors. Until 1964, no closeup photographs of the lunar surface existed, only those obtained by Earth-based telescopes. 
    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, managed the Ranger program, a series of spacecraft designed to return closeup images before impacting on the Moon’s surface. Ranger 7 first accomplished that goal in July 1964. On Feb. 17, 1965, its successor Ranger 8 launched toward the Moon, and three days later returned images of the Moon. The mission’s success helped the country meet President John F. Kennedy’s goal of a human Moon landing before the end of the decade. 

    Ranger 8 lifted off from Cape Kennedy, now Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Feb. 17, 1965. The Atlas-Agena rocket first placed the spacecraft into Earth orbit before sending it on a lunar trajectory. The next day, the spacecraft carried out a mid-course correction, and on Feb. 20, Ranger 8 reached the Moon. The spacecraft’s six cameras turned on as planned, about eight minutes earlier than its predecessor to obtain images comparable in resolution to ground-based photographs for calibration purposes. Ranger 8 took its first photograph at an altitude of 1,560 miles, and during its final 23 minutes of flight, the spacecraft sent back 7,137 images of the lunar surface. The last image, taken at an altitude of 1,600 feet and 0.28 seconds before Ranger 8 impacted at 1.67 miles per second, had a resolution of about five feet. The spacecraft impacted 16 miles from its intended target in the Sea of Tranquility, ending a flight of 248,900 miles. Scientists had an interest in this area of the Moon as a possible landing zone for a future human landing, and indeed Apollo 11 landed 44 miles southeast of the Ranger 8 impact site in July 1969.  

    One more Ranger mission followed, Ranger 9, in March 1965. Television networks broadcast Ranger 9’s images of the Alphonsus crater and the surrounding area “live” as the spacecraft approached its impact site in the crater – letting millions of Americans see the Moon up-close as it happened. Based on the photographs returned by the last three Rangers, scientists felt confident to move on to the next phase of robotic lunar exploration, the Surveyor series of soft landers. The Ranger photographs provided confidence that the lunar surface could support a soft-landing and that the Sea of Tranquility presented a good site for the first human landing. A little more than four years after the final Ranger images, Apollo 11 landed the first humans on the Moon. 

    The impacts of the Ranger probes left visible craters on the lunar surface, later photographed by orbiting spacecraft. Lunar Orbiter 2 and Apollo 16 both imaged the Ranger 8 impact site at relatively low resolution in 1966 and 1972, respectively. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter imaged the crash site in greater detail in 2012. 
    Watch a brief video about the Ranger 8 impact on the Moon. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft held a patriotic event “Connection of Generations” in Orenburg

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Employees of the Orenburgneft company (Rosneft’s key production asset in the Volga region) held a patriotic event, “Connection of Generations,” in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. More than 50 schoolchildren from the “Movement of the First,” teachers, veteran oil workers, and representatives of public organizations took part in the event.

    During the event, industry veterans with the status of “children of war” shared their wartime memories with primary school students. The children heard first-hand stories about the events that their peers had to endure during the Great Patriotic War. The schoolchildren were able to ask questions and learn many historical facts about the contribution of Orenburg oil producers to the Victory. In total, about 1 million tons of oil were extracted from the region’s depths in 1941-1945 for the needs of the front. This was done mainly by women and teenagers who worked day and night to provide fuel to the Soviet Army.

    The veterans told the young listeners how they rejoiced at the announcement of the long-awaited Victory, how they worked in the oil industry after the war and participated in the restoration of cities and districts of the Orenburg region.

    The event became a real lesson in courage and patriotism; children had a unique opportunity to communicate with witnesses of heroic events, feel the connection between generations and understand the price at which their great-grandfathers won the Victory.

    The winners of the corporate festival “Energy of Talents” performed musical compositions from the war years for the guests of the meeting. Schoolchildren recited poems dedicated to the heroism of our people and love for the Motherland. In conclusion, the children’s choir performed the military-patriotic anthem, and the company’s volunteers presented the veterans with memorable gifts.

    The company is developing a volunteer program called “Good Deeds Platform”, within the framework of which employees, among other things, take an active part in historical, cultural and social-humanitarian initiatives. Volunteers conduct educational events and lessons aimed at preserving historical memory, forming spiritual and patriotic values in the younger generation.

    Reference:

    Orenburgneft is the largest oil producing enterprise in the Orenburg region, has been operating for over 60 years. The company is a multiple winner of the competition “Leader of the Economy of the Orenburg Region”, including in such nominations as “Organization of High Social Efficiency”.

    Today, Orenburgneft supports 2 veterans who participated in the Great Patriotic War, 41 home front workers, and 2 veterans who have been awarded the “Resident of Blockaded Leningrad” badge.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 20, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Kasu launches the highest risk-adjusted yields in RWA private credit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kasu, the most risk-optimised private credit platform in DeFi, is now live, offering institutional-grade yield opportunities with an unprecedented level of transparency, risk management, and borrower quality.

    Built on BASE, Kasu provides a sustainable 12-25% APY, offering the highest risk-adjusted yields in RWA private credit. This is achieved by lending exclusively to top-tier accounting firms and their clients in tier 1 economies: the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

    This approach ensures yields that are completely uncorrelated to crypto volatility or macroeconomic fluctuations, providing lenders with stable, high-quality returns.

    Apxium: the powerhouse behind Kasu’s zero-loss lending engine

    Kasu is powered by Apxium, a multi-award-winning SaaS+Fintech business whose proprietary technology is used by global accounting firms to manage and automate over $2.5 billion in invoices annually.

    This financial automation software accelerates the rate at which these firms collect payment from their invoices by up to 50%, thereby significantly increasing their cash flow, ultimately reducing risk to lenders on Kasu.

    Unlike other RWA lenders that have suffered over $200 million in losses in just the last three years, Apxium has an 8-year history with a 0% loss rate—a feat unheard of in RWA.

    “We’re not just another RWA lending platform—we’re redefining how real-world yield works in DeFi,” said Kasu Co-Founder, Luke Lombe. “By combining institutional-grade lending opportunities, industry-first transparency, and cutting-edge financial automation, Kasu is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, high risk-adjusted returns.”

    Best-in-class borrowers & risk structuring: lending to globally significant firms in Tier 1 economies

    Kasu exclusively lends to established accounting firms and their clients across the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK—a borrower class that is:

    • Highly regulated with strict financial oversight
    • Non-discretionary—these firms handle mission-critical services in all economic conditions, ensuring high repayment reliability
    • Low-risk, high-profit—less than 1% invoice default rate across the industry

    These borrowers include leading global accounting networks, US Top 25 firms, UK Top 15 firms, and Australia’s largest professional services firms.

    In addition, Kasu’s best-in-class risk management isn’t just theoretical—it’s engineered into every transaction, with multiple layers of borrower recourse and real-time financial tracking.

    This technology-driven risk management ensures that Lending Strategies on Kasu apply sophisticated credit risk structuring, making it safer for lenders, and with the highest level of transparency in the market.

    The future of yield is transparent, secure, and accessible

    While other private credit platforms force lenders to lend blindly into opaque structures, Kasu is setting a new standard.

    This includes loan performance and risk dashboard reporting, whilst providing lenders with full visibility and control over how their funds are allocated to some of the highest creditworthy business borrowers in private credit.

    This level of transparency, control, and risk management is unmatched in RWA lending.

    RWA lending, done right – democratising access to all lenders, including the U.S.

    Unlike most private credit RWA platforms that restrict participation to accredited investors, Kasu’s ethos of inclusiveness and financial democratisation means it is open to nearly all lenders—including everyday lenders in the United States, regardless of their wealth.

    This means for the first time, any US participant can access institutional-quality private credit strategies that were previously reserved for financial institutions.

    Kasu is designed to scale. Pre-launch, the platform achieved its hard cap of $3M in test TVL. With its advanced risk structuring, premier borrower base, and proprietary financial automation technology, Kasu is positioned to become the dominant force in RWA private credit.

    Strong backing – more to come

    Kasu launches with the support of early investors including Woodstock Fund, Morningstar Ventures, Cypher Capital, and Faculty Group.

    Perhaps more significantly, Kasu is in late-stage diligence for a significant debt facility from a major institutional lender—a move that, if finalised, would prove that institutional-grade capital is ready to enter DeFi in a material way.

    “The private credit market is a $1.6 trillion opportunity that’s been virtually untouched in crypto,” said Luke Lombe. “With the backing we’re securing, Kasu is positioned to be the Ondo of private credit, bridging TradFi with DeFi in a way that’s never been done before.”

    Kasu’s transparent lending model, borrower quality, and structured credit risk structuring set it apart in the rapidly evolving RWA landscape. By combining the highest risk-optimised yields in private credit with industry-first levels of transparency, Kasu is defining the next generation of DeFi lending.

    Kasu is live now. Start earning at www.kasu.finance.

    About Kasu

    Kasu is the most risk-optimised, fully transparent RWA private credit platform, providing institutional-grade, uncorrelated yields to any lender. By bridging DeFi with the multi-trillion-dollar private credit market, Kasu enables sustainable, and high-yield lending opportunities of the highest quality seen in RWA private credit. The platform is backed by leading lenders and has undergone multiple security audits by ChainSecurity and 0xCommit.

    About Faculty Group

    Faculty Group is a collective of blockchain-native companies that builds, invests in, and advises Web3 innovators. With over 100 staff worldwide, Faculty provides investment capital for early-stage projects, underpinned by a comprehensive suite of venture-building services, including product development, marketing, market making, and token economics—all under one banner.

    Press Inquiries for Kasu:
    Leon Ploubidis 
    Growth Strategy and Operations 
    Leon@kasu.finance

    Arvin Nathan, PR
    an@faculty.group

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Kasu .The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the Kasu .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. 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.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8f465bcf-d2d4-407d-aec1-d9d9e766340b

    The MIL Network –

    February 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: CLEAR Announces Quarterly Dividend, Special Dividend and Increase to its Share Repurchase Authorization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clear Secure, Inc. (NYSE: YOU) (“CLEAR” or the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share, and a special cash dividend of $0.27 per share, each payable on March 18, 2025 to holders of record of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of the close of business on March 10, 2025.

    The Company will fund the payment of the dividends from proportionate cash distributions made by Alclear Holdings, LLC to all of its members, including the Company. The distributions consist of a mandatory tax distribution as well as a discretionary distribution.

    In addition, the Company announced that its Board authorized a $200 million increase to its existing Class A Common Stock share repurchase program, resulting in an aggregate remaining authorization of approximately $232 million after using approximately $68 million subsequent to Q324.

    The declaration, timing and amount of any future dividends will be subject to the discretion and approval of the Board and will depend on a number of factors, including CLEAR’s results of operations, cash flows, financial position and capital requirements, as well as general business conditions, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions and other factors the Board deems relevant at the time it determines to declare such dividends. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased pursuant the Company’s repurchase program will be determined by management depending on a variety of factors, including stock price, trading volume, market conditions, and other general business considerations.

    About CLEAR
    CLEAR’s mission is to create frictionless experiences. With over 27 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR’s identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described in the Company’s filings within the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10- K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    Media Contact:
    CLEAR
    media@clearme.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

    February 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Latx Network Unveils LattieAI, the Next-Gen DeFi AI Agent Set to Disrupt Crypto in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the rapidly evolving landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi), the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a trend—it’s the future. Leading this transformative wave is Latx Network with the launch of LattieAI, an advanced AI-driven agent poised to redefine user interaction within DeFi protocols.

    As of February 2025, the crypto community is abuzz with high-performing projects like Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL), ai16z (AI16Z), and Griffain (GRIFFAIN), all driving AI innovations in blockchain and finance. While these platforms focus on specific applications of AI, Latx Network distinguishes itself by seamlessly merging AI with DeFi, SocialFi, and Meme Meta into a unified, user-centric experience. LattieAI transcends traditional trading assistants by offering an intelligent DeFi agent capable of real-time market analysis, predictive insights, and strategic execution across the ecosystem.

    A Smarter, Faster, and More Profitable DeFi Experience

    While platforms like Bittensor (TAO) and Fetch.ai (FET) are making strides in AI integration, LattieAI elevates the standard by combining LLM-powered analytics, comprehensive on-chain monitoring, and sentiment-driven insights. This fusion provides users with dynamic, real-time intelligence that adapts to ever-shifting market trends.

    “We’re making DeFi simple, smart, and rewarding,” states Jonathan Reed, CEO of Latx Network. “Latx is setting new standards for DeFAI projects by integrating AI with meme as a catalyst, and a seamless Telegram Mini App as SocialFi leverage for mass onboarding, all while continuing our development on Base to ensure scalability and efficiency.”

    Why LattieAI Stands Out Among AI Agents

    The crypto narrative for 2025 underscores a pivotal shift—AI is transforming DeFi into an autonomous, data-driven financial ecosystem. As leading DeFAI protocols incorporate AI into lending, trading, and governance, the demand for real-time, actionable intelligence has surged.

    Unlike conventional AI bots, LattieAI is designed to compete with the best AI agents on the market, including Virtuals Protocol, ai16z, and Griffain, by offering deeper contextual understanding, predictive modeling, and proactive trade execution. LattieAI is engineered to provide users with a competitive edge by processing vast amounts of on-chain and off-chain data to detect signals ahead of market movements. Whether it’s monitoring Total Value Locked (TVL) fluctuations, tracking significant whale activities, or identifying emerging trends, LattieAI empowers users to make informed, timely, and profitable decisions.

    The Future of DeFAI Begins Now

    The introduction of LattieAI signifies a new era in DeFi, where AI-driven decision-making becomes the norm. While platforms like Immutable X and Aave focus on optimizing decentralized trading and lending, Latx Network is pioneering a comprehensive AI-powered DeFi agent that enhances user experiences across multiple ecosystems.

    With LattieAI, Latx Network isn’t merely participating in the AI narrative—it’s defining it.

    The launch is underway. Stay ahead or get left behind.

    Contact:
    Jonathan Reed
    ir@latx.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Latx Network. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the providing company 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 cloud mining and 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.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91600be4-ef0a-4894-8403-f316bdb9d279

    The MIL Network –

    February 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: Decoding China’s Economy: Present and Future | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    China’s largest economic stimulus package since 2008 has renewed attention on its economic performance and potential. In the longer term, the policy to mobilize “new quality productive forces” over a set of targeted “future industries” indicates a reliance on technology-driven industrial policy for future growth.

    How can China strike a balance between short-term fiscal stimulus and cohesive forward-looking industrial policy as it aims to deliver on its growth targets?

    This session was developed in collaboration with China Global Television Network (CGTN).

    Speakers: Michael Süss, Bonnie Y Chan, Tian Wei, Zhu Min, Hou Qijun

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgYFCH64Kwk

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank Partners with Interpol to Combat Financial Crime and Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts in Africa

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 21, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has taken a significant step forward in its fight against corruption and financial crime by signing a Letter of Intent with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) today. The Bank Group is the first multilateral development bank to establish such a collaboration with Interpol. 

    The Letter of Intent was signed on Wednesday by African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, who visited the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan.  

    The partnership will enhance collaboration between the Bank’s Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption (https://apo-opa.co/3QrB4ku) and Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre. It will focus on sharing expertise, enhancing investigative capabilities, and developing preventive measures against emerging financial crime threats, including cybercrime, anti-corruption measures, and counter-terrorism financing.  

    This initiative comes as Africa faces significant challenges of illicit financial flows, estimated at nearly $90 billion annually—a loss of resources that could otherwise be invested in critical development needs including water, sanitation, health, food, and energy infrastructure. 

    As an institution that deploys approximately $10 billion annually in development financing, with the majority going to government projects, the African Development Bank Group brings crucial insight into regional financial flows and development challenges, Adesina said. 

    “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to protecting development resources and ensuring they reach their intended beneficiaries,” said Adesina. “As the world’s most transparent financial institution for two consecutive editions (https://apo-opa.co/41o3TVt) [according to Publish What You Fund’s assessment of sovereign portfolios], we maintain zero tolerance for corruption and terrorism financing. By joining forces with Interpol, we are strengthening our capacity to help African countries build robust systems against money laundering and financial crime.” 

    Rapid advancements in digital technology have also led to an increase in internet-enabled financial crimes. According to Interpol’s 2024 Global Financial Fraud Assessment, business email compromise, romance baiting, phishing, and other online frauds pose growing threats to Africa’s digitalized economy. 

    Secretary General Urquiza, who was elected to his position in November 2024, said, “Corruption and financial crime are among the biggest obstacles to economic and social development in Africa and around the world. The evolving nature of financial crime, particularly in the digital environment, requires strong partnerships between law enforcement and financial institutions. Interpol’s closer relationship with the African Development Bank Group will help law enforcement agencies and financial institutions across Africa tackle increasingly sophisticated financial crime threats.” 

    Adesina said the Bank will continue to tackle these challenges by: 

    • Building capacity and supporting African countries in strengthening transparent and accountable governance and strong institutions capable of driving inclusive and sustainable growth and resilient economies. 
    • Strengthening Know Your Customer and Due Diligence systems to prevent and to fight fraud and corruption. 
    • Ensure that the Bank’s resources are used for their intended purposes in a transparent and accountable manner, a practice that has led to the Bank being recognized for two consecutive editions as the most transparent multilateral development bank in the world by Publish What You Fund. 

    The high-level Interpol delegation that accompanied Secretary General Urquiza included Mr. Silvino Schlickmann, Director of Governance and Ms. Paule Ouedraogo, Head of Interpol’s Regional Bureau.  

    The African Development Bank Group was represented by members of President Adesina’s senior management team including the director of the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption, Ms. Paula da Costa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Our Hearts Are With Them”: HSE Hosts Festival in Honor of Defenders of the Fatherland

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    February 19th HSE Center of CulturesThe HSE hosted a student festival dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and the 80th anniversary of the Victory. During the day, films from the III International Traveling Festival “Cinema in the Service of the Fatherland” were shown, the halls hosted thematic exhibitions dedicated to the Great Patriotic War and the heroes of the SVO, as well as platforms of patriotic student organizations. In the evening, a concert by the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A.V. Alexandrov was held.

    “War has become sacred”

    The festival was opened by representatives Military training centerNational Research University Higher School of Economics.

    The head of the Military Training Center, Hero of Russia Colonel Vladimir Korgutov congratulated students, lyceum students, and university staff on the upcoming Defender of the Fatherland Day and invited them to the festive events that will take place in the Military Training Center in the coming days.

    Ordinary Professor, Major General Adam Nizhalovsky spoke with festival participants about the victory in the Great Patriotic War. “This war became sacred because the enemy wanted not only to occupy our territory and use its resources. The efforts of the aggressor were aimed at the destruction of our people, their spiritual and moral values,” he emphasized.

    “It was an interesting conversation, and we learned a lot of new things,” the student shared his impressions. Lyceum of the National Research University Higher School of EconomicsFedor Koshlyak. – For example, that Hitler, having captured Paris, was unable to climb the Eiffel Tower because the French broke the elevator, and the Germans were unable to fix it. It is clear that the general is well informed, that he evaluates the events of those years impartially.”

    Among the participants in the conversation were those who demonstrated remarkable knowledge. When asked about the origin of the name of Hitler’s plan to attack the USSR, lyceum student Savely Zayev answered that the nickname Barbarossa was borne by the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, who died while crossing a river. “He was in heavy armor, fell from his horse and drowned. I don’t think that Hitler, when he approved his plan, knew the fate of this statesman to the end,” Adam Nizhalovsky clarified.

    “A university that serves the Fatherland”

    The Small Hall of the Culture Center hosted pre-premiere screenings of films from the III International Traveling Festival “Cinema in the Service of the Fatherland.” Among them was the documentary “River of Heroes,” dedicated to the origins of Russian courage using examples from different eras. After the screening, director Konstantin Aleksandrov answered questions from the audience — he was not released for an hour.

    “I had an idea of the Higher School of Economics as a liberal university, but after I showed the film and received feedback, it changed to the opposite,” Konstantin said in an interview with Vyshka.Glavnoe. “This is a university that serves the Fatherland. Both students and lyceum students watched the film consciously, thoughtfully analyzed it, asked tricky questions, and these were exactly the questions I needed!”

    One of the questions, dedicated to the parallels drawn in the film between the Patriotic War of 1812 and the Great Patriotic War, was asked by lyceum student Sergei Fedorkin. He studies in the Natural Sciences direction and is interested in history, especially the era of the Napoleonic wars. “A great film, it conveys feelings and emotions very well. The director managed to achieve all the goals he set for himself,” Sergei commented.

    “Beautiful, powerful works”

    An exhibition of portraits of the heroes of the SVO was organized in the hall of the second floor as part of the project “Coal of the Russian Land” – an addition to the festival “Cinema in the Service of the Fatherland”. Russian frontline artists presented their works painted in coal.

    And in the hall of the third floor there was an exhibition of photographs dedicated to the Great Patriotic War. It was held by the Creative Union of Artists of Russia as part of the All-Russian exhibition project “MEMORY”. After the festival, the exhibition will move to the atrium and will be regularly updated.

    3rd year studentJoint Bachelor’s degree program of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and the Center for Pedagogical Excellence Sidharth Mehta, who visited both exhibitions, noted their inseparable connection in an interview with Vyshka.Glavnoe. “The faces of people depicted in the paintings and captured in the photographs carry similar emotions – those that were experienced then, on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War, and now – in the SVO zone. They are connected by a common cause that they are carrying out, fighting the fascist threat,” the student believes.

    “The Higher School of Economics is one of the best universities in the country, and we were warmly welcomed here, we managed to gather a full hall. Young people are our main audience, and among our viewers there were also teachers, officers, including a Hero of Russia. There are plans for further cooperation with the university – we have many interesting things ahead of us,” said Virineya Shigina, head of the Coal of the Russian Land project.

    “Many portraits were painted based on photographs and stories from fellow soldiers – the guys were no longer alive, and we wanted to convey everything they experienced for us, for our future,” added her colleague Evgenia Laskina.

    “Thank you very much for this amazing exhibition. You have very beautiful, powerful works that leave a mark on the soul. The paintings depict heroes, servicemen, and you managed to convey their best human, officer qualities, to capture the foundation on which our state stands. This is invaluable support, your contribution to the victory,” said Vice-Rector Sergei Rozhkov, communicating with the artists.

    He also thanked the organizers of the photo exhibition, emphasizing that each work simultaneously conveys grief for those killed during the Great Patriotic War and the joy of Victory.

    Letter to the hero

    The halls of the Cultural Center housed stands of the Military Training Center, Department of Physical Educationand student organizations with a patriotic focus. Among them is the All-Russian student patriotic movement “White Raven”, created at the National Research University Higher School of Economics. Its stand featured weapons – both modern and from the Great Patriotic War. Anyone could take part in weaving a camouflage net that would save the lives of our soldiers in the SVO zone.

    As the leader of the movement, a 5th-year student of the educational program “Story” and a graduate of the Military Training Center Anton Yukhnevsky, its participants themselves deliver humanitarian aid to the SVO zone, and in the building on Staraya Basmannaya, anyone can take part in weaving camouflage nets on certain days, including those not from the Higher School of Economics.

    At the stand of the women’s student club “Big Dipper” (it unites girls who see their mission in supporting the morale of servicemen and students of military universities), participants and guests of the festival could write letters to the SVO fighters. Among those who took advantage of this opportunity was a third-year student MIEFEgor Stryukov.

    “I come from the city of Kurchatov in the Kursk region – my grandparents are still there, and of course I worry about them. In the letter, I tried to express gratitude to our soldiers who are taking back Russian land from the enemy. Let them know that the people are with them, that they are supported,” Yegor said.

    A letter to the fighters was also written by Nina Kulieva, a Muscovite who attended the student festival at the HSE as part of the Moscow Longevity program.

    “I am a child of war – I was born in 1944. I wrote a letter to our soldiers, congratulated them on Defender of the Fatherland Day. I pray for them every day, so that they return home safe and sound. And so that they win. Victory will always be ours,” said Nina Danilovna.

    “Very important words”

    The culmination of the festival was a concert by the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A.V. Alexandrov in the Great Hall of the Center of Cultures. Before its beginning, the rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Nikita Anisimov delivered welcoming remarks.

    He congratulated all those present on the upcoming holiday, thanked the festival organizers, drawing attention to the special role of the Military Training Center in its implementation, and emphasized that it is being held in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. “These days, we honor the memory of those who defended our Motherland. Our hearts are with them. Communicating with each other, we say very important words about our country, about its future, about the most important thing in our lives,” the rector noted.

    He also recalled that on February 14 we celebrated another anniversary of the liberation of Lugansk from the Nazi invaders and that this year we will celebrate the anniversary of Mikhail Matusovsky, a native of this city, the author of many famous songs. “By studying history, we shape the future,” concluded Nikita Anisimov.

    In turn, Hero of Russia Vladimir Korgutov wished “everyone a peaceful sky above their heads, and our troops victory.”

    The A.V. Alexandrov ensemble performed the songs “Where does the Motherland begin”, “The Holy War”, “Nightingales”, “Cranes”, “Infantry is infantry”, “Victory Day” and others. The hall was attended by guests of the university, students and employees, including vice-rectors Sergey Rozhkov, Dmitry Zemtsov, Vyacheslav Bashev, Irina Martusevich, Elena Odoevskaya and other leaders.

    “It was amazing! It is difficult to convey the full range of positive emotions from such a concert. I am very glad that I was able to listen to my favorite songs within the walls of the HSE on the eve of an important day. A very correct event. A big human thank you to those who organized it,” shared his impressions Deputy Vice-Rector, Director for Strategic Work with Applicants Alexander Chepovsky.

    “We were treated to real masters. Firstly, a very rich musical palette. Secondly, the impeccable teamwork of the musicians and soloists. Thirdly, as a result, a very powerful impact on the audience. To be honest, this is the first time I’ve heard the Alexandrov ensemble live and I’m very impressed,” said the dean. Faculty of HumanitiesFelix Azhimov.

    According to the senior lecturer Faculty of Creative IndustriesRimma Pogodina, in the songs that sounded from the stage – the strength, spirit, power of the Russian people who survived a terrible war. “The hall was attended by both young people and representatives of the middle and older generations, and the connection between generations is a valuable resource that helps unite a huge group of teachers and students,” Rimma Pogodina emphasized. “I would like to wish that such events become traditional at our beloved university.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greyhound racing ban bill to be introduced in late April

    Source: Scottish Greens

    21 Feb 2025 Sport

    Greyhound racing is cruel and must be stopped.

    More in Sport

    In late April MSPs will have their first opportunity to consider Mark Ruskell’s Member’s Bill to ban greyhound racing.

    The bill has received crossparty support allowing it to progress to this stage, but it is yet to secure the support of the Scottish Government.

    This week the Welsh Government announced that it would ban the cruel gambling-led entertainment “as soon as practically possible.”

    According to the RSPCA, there are only 9 countries in the world that still allow commercial greyhound racing, including all 4 UK nations.

    Data from 2023 showed that 109 greyhounds died trackside in the UK, an increase on the number for 2022. A further 4,238 greyhounds were injured during racing in 2023.

    Mr Ruskell said:

    “The way that a country treats its animals tells us a lot about its values.

    “Greyhound racing is cruel. There is no excuse for forcing these gentle dogs to run around a course at 40mph and putting them at risk of injury or death.

    “Scotland has made some important steps to ban some of the cruel practices and blood sports that were once considered acceptable. But now we are looking increasingly isolated in allowing this gambling-led spectacle to continue.

    “With Wales leading the change in the UK, we need to make sure that Scotland doesn’t fall behind.

    “April is not far away, and I will continue to work with animal welfare groups and MSPs from all parties to ensure that we build the biggest possible support for my bill.

    “I hope that the Scottish Government will get on board and do its bit for animal welfare by supporting the call and ending greyhound racing for good.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Finnvera Group’s Report of the Board of Directors and Financial Statements 2024 – Level of financing reduced from previous year, expectations of future demand positive – Result EUR 228 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Finnvera Group, Stock Exchange Release, 21 February 2025

    Finnvera Group’s Report of the Board of Directors and Financial Statements 2024

    Level of financing reduced from previous year, expectations of future demand positive – Result EUR 228 million

    Finnvera Group, summary 2024 (vs. 2023)

    • Result 228 MEUR (433) – The result for the period under review was strong for all business operations. Net interest income grew by 20% and net fee and commission income by 12%. During the period under review, Finnvera was able to partially reverse loss provisions for export credit guarantees and special guarantees, which have had a significant impact on the company’s result in recent years, especially those relating to cruise shipping companies. The reference period saw larger reversals of loss provisions than the period under review.
    • Result by business operations: Result of parent company Finnvera plc’s SME and midcap business stood at 23 MEUR (55) and that of Large Corporates business at 173 MEUR (351). The impact of Finnvera’s subsidiary, Finnish Export Credit Ltd, on the Group’s result was 32 MEUR (27).
    • The cumulative self-sustainability target set for Finnvera’s operations was achieved.
    • The balance sheet total EUR 14.8 bn (14.3) increased by 3%.
    • Contingent liabilities decreased by 9% and stood at EUR 14.9 bn (16.4).
    • Non-restricted equity and the assets of the State Guarantee Fund, which provide the Group’s reserves for covering potential future losses, increased by 12% and totalled EUR 2.1 bn (1.9).
    • Expected credit losses on the balance sheet were reduced by 4% to EUR 1.1 bn (1.2).
    • The NPS index (Net Promoter Score) used to measure client satisfaction improved by 15 points to 79 (64).
    • Outlook for 2025: The business outlook for cruise shipping companies continued to improve in 2024. The credit loss risk of export financing liabilities remains high, however, which causes uncertainty concerning the Finnvera Group’s financial performance in 2025.
    Finnvera Group, year 2024 (vs. 2023)
    Result
    228 MEUR
    (433), change -47%
    Balance sheet total
    EUR 14.8 bn
    (14.3), change 3%
    Contingent liabilities
    EUR 14.9 bn
    (16.4), change -9%
    Non-restricted equity and
    the assets of The State Guarantee Fund
    EUR 2.1 bn (1.9), change 12%
    Expense-income ratio
    17.3%
    (19.4), change -2,1 pp
    NPS index
    (net promoter score)
    79
    (64), change 15 points

    Comments from CEO Juuso Heinilä: 

    “Year 2024 was challenging for the Finnish economy, even if a cautious improvement could be observed in the early part of the year. Finland’s key export markets were also affected by a downturn, which dampened Finnish export companies’ prospects. While interest rates dropped and inflation decreased, geopolitical uncertainty persisted.

    Finnvera granted EUR 0.9 billion (1.8) in domestic loans and guarantees in 2024. The significant decrease in financing from the previous year is due to a major individual amount of working capital financing granted to a large corporate in the reference period. The level of SME and midcap financing was similar to the reference period. The largest share of funding by sector was granted to industry, and the regional drivers were the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and Lapland. Financing for investments did not reach the previous year’s level. The level of financing for corporate acquisitions and transfers of ownership was also lower than in previous years.

    A total of EUR 73 million (36) was granted in climate and digitalisation loans intended for green transition and digitalisation projects under the InvestEU guarantee programme. These loans were first granted in June 2023. To ensure that companies of all sizes have access to financing, we launched loans for micro-enterprises’ growth as a pilot project at the beginning of October 2024. Over three months, EUR 6 million in these loans was granted to micro-enterprises. The pilot project will continue until the end of March 2025, after which we will reassess the availability of financing for small companies.

    In accordance with Finnvera’s strategy, 92% of domestic financing was allocated to start-ups, SMEs seeking growth and internationalisation, investments, transfers of ownership, export and delivery projects, and SME guarantee projects. The long period of economic uncertainty eroded SMEs’ liquidity and increased the number of applications for corporate restructuring and bankruptcy.

    Finnvera granted export credit guarantees, export guarantees and special guarantees amounting to EUR 2.9 billion (5.4). The lower amount of export financing reflected the post-cyclical nature of Finnish exports and reduced demand for exports. Annual fluctuations are also always influenced by the timing of large individual export transactions. In particular, financing was granted to companies in the telecommunications, cruise shipping and mining sectors.

    Largest export credit guarantee agreement related to telecommunications sector in Finnvera’s history was signed in April concerning Nokia’s deliveries for the Indian 5G network worth USD 1.5 billion. In the mining sector, we financed Sibanye-Stillwater’s Keliber lithium project with a Finance Guarantee, which can be granted for domestic investments that support exports. In the energy sector, we financed Wärtsilä’s deliveries of energy storage systems for solar and wind power projects in the United States and Chile. These mining and energy projects, whose total value was approx. EUR 500 million, were the first export financing projects compliant with Finnvera’s climate criteria. Towards the end of the year, Finnvera participated in Meyer Turku’s construction financing that amounted to around EUR 1 billion for the Icon 3 ship.

    Finnish Export Credit Ltd, which is Finnvera’s subsidiary, granted EUR 0.6 billion in export credits (0.5) in 2024. While the demand for export credits increased slightly, it remains significantly lower than in pre-pandemic years. An increasing number of export transactions are financed by a bank to which Finnvera grants a guarantee.

    2024 was a successful year for Finnvera. The Finnvera Group’s result was EUR 228 million (433). The SME and midcap business, export credit guarantee and special guarantee operations, and subsidiary Finnish Export Credit Ltd turned a profit. Finnvera also built up its reserves for possible future losses. The business outlook for the cruise shipping sector, which is important for Finnvera’s export credit guarantee exposure, has continued to improve. Repayments have also helped to reduce exposure relating to Russia. In recent years, Finnvera has been able to partially reverse loss provisions for export financing, which have had a significant impact on the Group’s financial performance since 2020. The reversal of loss provisions has especially impacted the good results for the last two financial periods.

    As a result of crises affecting the global economy, the difficulties faced by some companies around the world and in various sectors have built up to form an insurmountable obstacle. During the period under review, Finnvera incurred major export credit guarantee losses in two cases. Our mission is to bear the risks of export companies. Our core business enjoys a high level of profitability, building up our reserves and creating preconditions for enabling companies’ growth and exports. However, the credit loss risks of exposure relating to export financing remain high, which may affect Finnvera’s future financial performance and reserves.

    We continued to develop our operations and services in line with our strategy in 2024. The ongoing upgrade of our basic information systems supports the digitalisation of services and a good client experience. Our client satisfaction reached an exceptionally high level, as did our personnel satisfaction. We invested in accelerating the growth of midcap enterprises in close cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the Tesi Group, and worked together with the Team Finland network and Business Finland to promote exports. We maintained export financing expertise, especially in SMEs and midcap enterprises, and we brought out new export financing instruments to ensure the availability of financing. The overhaul of the legislation applicable to Finnvera, which is included in the Government Programme and which is extremely important in terms of developing Finnvera’s operations and the competitiveness of export financing, was circulated for comments.

    We advanced our sustainability measures based on our goals in 2024. We joined the Net-Zero ECA Alliance of export credit agencies, which enables us to focus on the sustainability theme and enhance our impact through international cooperation. We developed Finnvera’s sustainability reporting as planned.

    In 2025–2028, our new strategy adopted by the company’s Board of Directors at the end of the year will emphasise increasing the volume of Finnish exports and the number of exporters as well as enabling growth and new business. The achievement of these goals will be supported by our competent personnel and management as well as client-oriented digitalisation. Finnvera contributes to ensuring that Finnish companies are able to invest, develop their products and get their products out around the world. This is a prerequisite for ensuring that we can continue to look after our welfare in Finland in the future.”

    Finnvera Group Financing granted, EUR bn 2024 2023 Change, %
    Domestic loans and guarantees 0.9 1.8 -51%
    Export credit guarantees, export guarantees and special guarantees 2.9 5.4 -47%
    Export credits 0.6 0.5 15%
    The fluctuation in the amount of granted financing is influenced by the timing of individual major financing cases.

    The credit risk for the subsidiary Finnish Export Credit Ltd’s export credits is covered by the parent company Finnvera plc’s export credit guarantee.

    Exposure, EUR bn 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 Change, %
    Domestic loans and guarantees 2.9 3.0 -4%
    Export credit guarantees, export guarantees and special guarantees 21.1 23.4 -10%
    – Drawn exposure 14.3 14.2 1%
    – Undrawn exposure 4.4 4.5 -2%
    – Binding offers 2.4 4.7 -49%
    Parent company’s total exposure 24.0 26.4 -9%
    Contract portfolio of export credits 10.2 11.0 -8%
    – Drawn exposure 6.5 7.3 -11%
    – Undrawn exposure 3.7 3.7 -2%
    The exposure includes binding credit commitments as well as recovery and guarantee receivables.

    Financial performance 

    The Finnvera Group’s result for 2024 was EUR 228 million (433). Finnvera’s result was strong for all business operations. EUR 46 million of the total result was generated in the last quarter of the year, and EUR 182 million between January and September. Compared to the year before, the result was most significantly affected by the changes in the amount of expected losses, or loss provisions. Loss provisions have had a significant impact on the Group’s result in recent years. Finnvera was able to partially reverse its loss provisions for export credit guarantees and special guarantees in 2024, especially those relating to cruise shipping companies. In the reference period, Finnvera was able to reverse more loss provisions than in the review period, which led to an exceptionally good result in 2023. The result for the review period was also significantly affected by higher net interest income and fee and commission income as well as changes in the value of items recognised at fair value through profit or loss.

    The Group’s realised credit losses and change in expected losses totalled EUR 49 million during the review period, whereas the corresponding item was positive with a value of EUR 210 million during the reference period. The realised credit losses of EUR 121 million (128) were slightly lower than in the reference period. During the period under review, two larger individual export credit guarantee compensations were paid. Expected losses, or loss provisions, decreased by EUR 51 million (320), of which the reversal of loss provisions for export credit guarantee and special guarantee operations accounted for EUR 74 million (376). Credit loss compensation from the State covering losses in domestic financing totalled EUR 20 million (18).

    Compared to the year before, the Group’s net interest income increased by 20% to EUR 139 million (115) and net fee and commission income by 12% to EUR 198 million (177). The higher level of market interest rates was a particularly important factor affecting the increased net interest income. The most significant factors increasing the net fee and commission income were recognition of guarantee premiums for reimbursed export and special guarantees and prepayments of individual liabilities as well as the reimbursement of insurance premiums received as a result of the cancellation of reinsurance contracts. The changes in the Group’s value of items recognised at fair value through profit or loss and net income from foreign currency operations amounted to EUR 8 million (-9).

    After the result of the period under review, the parent company’s reserves for domestic operations as well as export credit guarantee and special guarantee operations for covering potential future losses amounted to a total of EUR 1,878 million (1,676) at the end of December. These reserves, which also cover the credit risk of export credits granted by the subsidiary, consisted of the following: the reserve for domestic operations, EUR 432 million (405) as well as the reserve for export credit guarantees and special guarantees and the assets of the State Guarantee Fund for covering losses, totalling EUR 1,446 million (1,272). The State Guarantee Fund is an off-budget fund whose assets include the assets accumulated from the activities of Finnvera’s predecessor organisations. Under the Act on the State Guarantee Fund, the Fund covers the result showing a loss in the export credit guarantee and special guarantee operations if the reserve funds in the company’s balance sheet are not sufficient. The non-restricted equity of the subsidiary, Finnish Export Credit Ltd, amounted to EUR 230 million (198) at the end of December.

    Finnvera Group
    Financial performance
    2024
    MEUR
    2023
    MEUR
    Change
    %
    Q4/2024
    MEUR
    Q4/2023
    MEUR
    Change
    %
    Net interest income 139 115 20% 37 33 10%
    Net fee and commission income 198 177 12% 50 40 24%
    Gains and losses from financial instruments carried at fair value through P&L and foreign exchange gains and losses 8 -9 – -2 -5 -54%
    Net income from investments and other operating income 0 1 -95% 0 0 -23%
    Operational expenses -53 -50 6% -16 -14 12%
    Other operating expenses, depreciation and amortisation -7 -5 35% -3 -1 118%
    Realised credit losses and change in expected credit losses, net -49 210 – -19 209 –
    Operating result 236 439 -46% 47 262 -82%
    Income tax -8 -6 45% -1 -1 4%
    Result 228 433 -47% 46 261 -82%

    Outlook for financing 

    The worst of the recession is behind us, and the Finnish economy is forecast to start growing in 2025. Great expectations are currently placed on the improved outlook for exports as well as the growth and renewal of the entire business sector.

    We expect that the demand for Finnvera’s domestic financing will increase, including more and more financing for investments, as the economic upturn drives a need for more production capacity. Due to the long-standing uncertainty, the economic position of many companies is weak. Finnvera’s role is stressed in arranging financing and sharing the risk with other providers of financing.

    We encourage companies to grasp the growth opportunities created by the green transition with the help of our climate and digitalisation loans and other incentives for sustainable financing. We will continue piloting loans for micro-enterprises’ growth projects until the end of March 2025. While we expect the high demand for the loans to continue, we will reassess small companies’ access to financing after the conclusion of the pilot. Finnvera strives to be active wherever our input is needed to arrange access to financing.

    We expect that the demand for export credit guarantees will start growing in 2025 and that this growth will continue in 2026. Exportation of investment goods, which is vital for Finland’s exports, is post-cyclical and the increase in demand will be reflected in export credit guarantees granted by Finnvera with a delay. Positive signs can already be seen in several sectors, however. Finnvera plays an important role in granting guarantees for long-term trade. We encourage export companies to seek growth in emerging and new markets and to rely on Finnvera for financing export transactions and risk hedging. We will continue to grant export credit guarantees to Ukraine as part of Finland’s national reconstruction programme for the country.

    Finnvera, the Tesi Group and Business Finland will step up their cooperation with the goal of boosting companies’ growth, exports, and the impact of financing. We will continue to work actively together with Team Finland and promote the growth and internationalisation of companies, also while the renewal of public export functions is underway. Finnvera’s Trade Facilitators strive to bring together foreign buyers and Finnish exporters and to promote trade using Finnvera’s export financing together with Business Finland. The aims also include increasing the number of midcap enterprises in Finland.

    Outlook for 2025

    The business outlook for cruise shipping companies continued to improve in 2024. The credit loss risk of export financing liabilities remains high, however, which causes uncertainty concerning the Finnvera Group’s financial performance in 2025.

    Further information:

    Juuso Heinilä, CEO, tel. +358 29 460 2576

    Ulla Hagman, CFO, tel. +358 29 460 2458

    Finnvera publishes the Report of the Board of Directors and its financial statements as an XHTML file compliant with the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) requirements. Auditor Ernst & Young Ltd has issued an independent assurance report that provides reasonable assurance concerning Finnvera’s ESEF financial statements. The XHTML file is available in Finnish and English. Finnvera additionally publishes the report and financial statements in PDF format.

    ESEF Report 2024 (ZIP)

    Finnvera Group’s Report of the Board of Directors and Financial Statements 1 January – 31 December 2024 (PDF)

    Distribution: NASDAQ Helsinki Ltd, London Stock Exchange, key media, www.finnvera.fi

    The report is available in Finnish and English at www.finnvera.fi/financial_reports

    Attachments

    • 743700T69OBBJO7TCA15-2024-12-31-0-en
    • Finnvera-Group-Report-of-the-Board-of-Directors-and-Financial-Statements-2024

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Notice to convene the annual general meeting of Danske Banks A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no 8 2025 Danske Bank
    Bernstorffsgade 40
    DK-1577 København V
    Tel. + 45 45 14 14 00

    21 February 2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Notice to convene the annual general meeting of Danske Banks A/S

    Danske Bank A/S will hold its annual general meeting on Thursday 20 March 2025 at 3.00pm (CET).

    As was the case in 2024, the annual general meeting will be held as a fully electronic general meeting without the possibility of attending in person.

    A fully electronic general meeting facilitates participation for a wider audience, including our international investors, while ensuring that all shareholders can exercise their rights to participate in, ask questions and vote at the general meeting on the same terms.

    Attached is the agenda, including complete proposals.

    Get more information on our general meeting on www.danskebank.com/agm

    The Board of Directors of Danske Bank A/S

    Contact: Stefan Kailay Wind, Head of Corporate Communications & Media Relations, tel. +45 45 14 14 00

    Attachments

    • Agenda – annual general meeting 2025
    • Company announcement no 8 2025

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: ANNUAL RESULTS 2024: MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES CONTINUES TO GROW

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

       

    PRESS RELEASE

    21 February 2025
    ANNUAL RESULTS 2024:
    MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES CONTINUES TO GROW
    In 2024, Mobilize Financial Services reported an increase in sales1, with growth in the amount of financing of 2.4%. Mobilize Financial Services also reported a rise in pre-tax income to 1,194 million euros, thanks to strong growth in net banking income. This solid annual performance reflects the effective operational management of Mobilize Financial Services and the commercial dynamism of Renault Group brands.

    KEY FIGURES

    Sales performance

    • The number of financing contracts is stable (+0.6%) compared with 2023.
    • The amount of new financings is up 2.4% compared with 2023
    • The penetration rate for electric vehicles is 45% in 2024, i.e. 2.9 points higher than the penetration rate for other types of engines
    • The penetration rate, all engines combined, was 42.3%, down 1.1 point on 2023.
    • In a growing market, Mobilize Lease&Co’s portfolio of financing contracts is up 11% compared with 2023.
    • Mobilize Financial Services sold 3.7 million service and insurance contracts in 2024, down 4.4% on 2023.

    Financial performance

    • Net banking income (NBI) came to 2,180 million euros, up 11.2% on 2023.
    • Operating costs reached 1.30% of Average Performing Assets (APA)2, an improvement of 8 basis points compared with 2023.
    • The total cost of risk was 0.31% of APAs in 2024, compared with 0.30% in 2023.
    • At the end of the year, net assets at end3 amounted to 61 billion euros compared with 54.7 billion euros in 2023, an increase of 11.6%.
    • Net deposits collected increased by 2.3 billion euros to 30.5 billion euros.
    • Pre-tax income was 1,194 million euros, compared with 1,034 million euros at the end of December 2023.

    Gianluca De Ficchy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RCI Banque SA: “In a rapidly changing automotive and banking environment, Mobilize Financial Services continues to demonstrate its strength by delivering an excellent commercial and financial performance and making a significant contribution to Renault Group’s results. In 2025, we will leverage synergies with the Group to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable mobility, while placing customer experience and satisfaction at the heart of our strategy. Together, we will continue to create value for all our stakeholders. “

    Martin Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mobilize Financial Services: “In 2024, Mobilize Financial Services delivered remarkable growth and proved its resilience, with a 2.4% increase in financing amounts and an 11.2% rise in net banking income. As we start 2025, we are determined to support our customers in adopting a more sustainable form of mobility by offering products and services tailored to new uses. We will also continue our efforts to achieve operational excellence, through exemplary management of our costs and risks “.

    SOLID SALES PERFORMANCE DRIVEN BY AN INCREASE IN NEW FINANCING

    Mobilize Financial Services will see the amount of new financings (excluding cards and personal loans) rise by 2.4% compared with 2023, to 21.5 billion euros, thanks to the growth in registrations by Renault Group, Nissan and Mitsubishi, the increase in average amounts financed and the acquisition of MeinAuto. Mobilize Financial Services financed 1,282,066 contracts in 2024, a stable volume compared with 2023 (+0.6%).

    In an automotive market that grew slightly by 2.3%, volumes for Renault Group, Nissan and Mitsubishi brands reached 2.25 million vehicles in 2024, up 3.9%.

    The penetration rate, all engines combined, will be 42.3% in 2024, down 1.1 points on 2023. The penetration rate for electric vehicles is 45%, 2.9 points higher than for other types of engines.

    Mobilize Financial Services sold 3.7 million service and insurance contracts in 2024, down 4.4% on 2023.

    Used vehicle financing was down 5.9% on 2023, with 310,747 loans financed.

    Mobilize Financial Services is continuing to roll out operational leasing offers in partnership with its dealer network, via Mobilize Lease&Co. In a buoyant operational leasing market, Mobilize Lease&Co aims to expand its fleet to one million vehicles by 2030. Renault Group’s full-service leasing offerings in Europe and Latin America are showing a very positive trend for 2024, with volumes up 11% on the previous year.

    In 2024, Mobilize Financial Services achieved a record level of customer recommendation with a Net Promoter Score4 of +59 in June 2024, up one point compared to November 2023, the date of the previous edition of this barometer. Mobilize Financial Services has also achieved a 79% satisfaction rate among its dealer customers, up 4 points compared with 2023, and a Net Promoter Score of +49 (+11 points compared with 2023).

    FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE CONFIRMS THE RELEVANCE OF MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES’ STRATEGY

    At the end of 2024, net assets at end of business reached 61 billion euros compared with 54.7 billion euros at the end of 2023, an increase of 11.6% on the previous year.

    Net banking income (NBI) came to 2,180 million euros, up 11.2% on 2023. This increase is due to growth in outstandings, the non-recurrence of a negative impact on the valuation of swaps observed in 2023 and the acquisition of MeinAuto at the beginning of 2024.

    Services account for 34% of NBI, down 2.8 points on 2023.

    The deposit collection business was buoyant. The net savings collected increased by 2.3 billion euros to 30.5 billion euros, compared with 28.2 billion euros at the end of December 2023.

    Operating costs amount to 727 million euros, up 21 million euros on 2023. This increase is due to the inclusion of MeinAuto’s operating costs in 2024. Operating expenses represent 1.30% of average performing assets (APA), an improvement of 8 basis points compared with 2023.

    The overall cost of risk is 0.31% of APAs, compared with 0.30% in 2023.

    Pre-tax income was therefore 1,194 million euros, compared with 1,034 million euros at the end of December 2023.

    MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES, MORE THAN 4,000 EMPLOYEES COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE TRANSITION TO MORE SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

    Mobilize Financial Services focuses on four priorities:

    • Offers based on usage throughout the vehicle’s life cycle to meet the changing mobility needs of professional and retail customers. Mobilize Financial Services is continuing to develop its loyalty-building operational leasing offers, with the aim of developing a pan-European range of offers for new and used vehicles.
    • Insurance and services tailored to new mobility needs: new offers will be tested and deployed according to the value they bring to customers and to Renault Group, to cover new uses and the real needs of the market.
    • The ongoing development of information systems: Mobilize Financial Services continues to invest in the transformation of its digital tools, in order to benefit from the latest technological standards and increased flexibility in the management of its activities. This development is being carried out with particular attention to the customer experience, in compliance with cybersecurity and data protection requirements.
    • Operational excellence: the Group will take great care to improve its efficiency by simplifying and harmonising its processes, to the benefit of all its businesses.

    In pursuing these focus areas, Mobilize Financial Services relies on two fundamental levers:

    • Consolidate the management of its sustainable development strategy, in line with Renault Group’s ESG approach.
    • Managing risks and ensuring compliance throughout the Group to protect its customers and its business.
     
    About Mobilize Financial Services

    Attentive to the needs of all its customers, Mobilize Financial Services, a subsidiary of Renault Group, creates innovative financial services to build sustainable mobility for all. Mobilize Financial Services, which began operations over 100 years ago, is the commercial brand of RCI Banque SA, a French bank specializing in automotive financing and services for customers and networks of Renault Group, and also for the brands Nissan and Mitsubishi in several countries. With operations in 35 countries and over 4,000 employees, Mobilize Financial Services financed more than 1,2 million contracts (new and used vehicles) in 2023 and sold 3,7 million service contracts. At the end of December 2024, average earning assets stood at 61 billion euros of financing and pre-tax earnings at 1 194 million euros. Since 2012, the Group has deployed a deposit-taking business in several countries. At the end of December 2024, net deposits amounted to 30,5 billion euros, or 50 % of the company’s net assets.    

    The consolidated financial statements of RCI Banque Groupe and RCI Banque S.A. at 31 December 2024 were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 February 2025. The audit procedures on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 have beeń substantially completed. The audit reports relating to the certification of these consolidated financial statements will be issued after verification of the management report and finalisation of the procedures required for the purposes of publication of the 2024 Annual Financial Report in ESEF format. The 6-page business report with an analysis of the financial results for 2024 and the uncertified consolidated financial statements are available on www.mobilize-fs.com under the headings ‘Business Report’ and ‘Financial Reports’ on the ‘Finance’ page.

    Find more about Mobilize Financial Services on : www.mobilize-fs.com/

    Read this press release online, click here
    Press contacts

    Hopscotch PR
    +33 (0)1 41 34 22 03
    mobilize-fs-presse@hopscotch.fr

     

    1 Except Equity Accounted Companies
    2 Average performing assets: APA corresponds to average performing assets plus assets related to operating leases. For customers, this is the average of month-end performing assets. For the dealer network, it is the average of daily performing assets.
    3 Net assets at-end = Total net outstandings at-end + operating leases transactions net of depreciation and impairement.
    4 The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is the percentage of customers who rate their likelihood of recommending a company, product or service to a friend or colleague as 9 or 10 (“promoters”) minus the percentage who rate this likelihood as 6 or less (“detractors”) on a scale of 0 to 10.

    Attachment

    • UK – PR Annual Results 2024 MFS

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CoSTAR Realtime Lab at Water’s Edge in Dundee will provide a major stimulus to Scotland’s screen and tech industries

    Source: University of Abertay

    CoSTAR Realtime Lab at Water’s Edge in Dundee will provide a major stimulus to Scotland’s screen and tech industries

    A new £9m virtual production studio will drive research, innovation and economic growth in Scotland’s screen, games, immersive and performance industries.

    Abertay University launched the CoSTAR Realtime Lab at Water’s Edge, Dundee on Tuesday 18 February marking the start of operations for a major infrastructure project that will provide a significant boost to Scotland’s screen industries.

    This cutting-edge programme will bring new opportunities and expert support to UK creative and technology companies working across the breadth of the creative industries.

    The CoSTAR Network represents the largest investment in Creative Industries R&D to date with a £75.6M grant awarded by the UKRI Infrastructure Fund and delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

    The CoSTAR Realtime Lab is led by Abertay University and the total project investment is £9m operated in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, CodeBase, Interface and Chroma Developments.

    Industry and academia working in partnership

    Creative companies from across the UK and beyond will have the opportunity to work with the CoSTAR Realtime Lab, benefitting from state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facilities and access to industry experts and academic researchers.

    The studio at Chroma Developments’ Water’s Edge in Dundee marks the beginning of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab’s work, with a further studio led by the University of Edinburgh to open at First Stage Studios in Edinburgh in March 2025. The facilities will be connected through the Realtime Cloud Lab supporting remote access and collaboration from anywhere in the world.

    Virtual production—a cinematography technique that employs computer-generated imagery (CGI), augmented reality, and motion capture to create immersive virtual film, game and performance sets – will be at the heart of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab’s work and represents a significant opportunity for creative companies working with real time technologies.

    Researchers will support industry-led projects to generate new products and processes to improve production pipelines including, 3D environments and video processing, performance and motion capture, facial animation, automated speech and dynamic generation of hyper-realistic digital film sets and many others. The CoSTAR Realtime Lab’s work will also look at ways to enhance spectator experiences at concerts, live events and museums and how immersive technologies like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality can be better used and integrated.

    Blending Abertay University’s internationally renowned expertise in video games and technology with the University of Edinburgh’s world-leading AI, animation and film capabilities, the partnership will build transformative new processes, pipelines, tools and workflows to help companies grow, while de-risking opportunities to diversify and take on new projects and clients.

    Supporting creators and creative companies

    The CoSTAR Realtime Lab will create opportunities for Scotland’s screen innovators to access next generation production technologies and support them to apply their creativity, skills and expertise to create new technologies, design new experiences and establish new markets. Access will be offered through a series of open programmes, giving companies and creatives the opportunity to test, develop and refine their ideas.

    One of the main programmes is the Realtime TEST Lab, which offers creative companies, creatives and innovators access to resources to experiment with virtual production and creative technologies in content production or software development before committing further investment in their final productions. The Realtime TEST Lab is supported with funding from Screen Scotland.

    The CoSTAR Realtime Lab will also offer support through Collaborative R&D – a way of working in partnership that can be activated by companies, individuals and project staff in conversation with the CoSTAR Realtime Lab. Scale-up and start-up training and support will also be provided by CodeBase through its Techscaler programme.

    Further CoSTAR Network programmes include the Pilots and Prototypes Programme (PPP), a £3.6 million fund for UK companies to develop new ideas by accessing technical and research capabilities, and the Enterprise and Commercial programme (E&C) supporting the growth of highly capable, inclusive, and sustainable creative technology businesses.

    In addition to its main partners, CoSTAR Realtime Lab is supported by Screen Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia and VSS-Scotland.

    Professor Gregor White, Director of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab said:

    With the technologies that power our screen-based experiences in film, games and performance rapidly converging there’s an opportunity for companies working in these sectors to diversify their offer, explore new markets and push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in their sectors. Bringing together international-quality academic researchers with industry experience and enterprise support, CoSTAR Realtime Lab is a truly collaborative project which will break down barriers for the Scottish creative industries, encourage entrepreneurship and experimentation, and provide a space where innovation can flourish.

    Professor Melissa Terras MBE, Edinburgh College of Art, Co-director of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab said:

    Scotland has vibrant creative industries, with world-leading activity in festivals, film/TV, music, heritage, and games in particular. Building a bridge between creatives and technologists will allow us to support the development of new products and services, while also ensuring that we are encouraging diverse access to cutting edge facilities, which will then produce diverse outputs. The partnership behind CoSTAR Realtime Lab is expertly placed to deliver this exciting innovation vehicle to support our creative communities.

    AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith said:

    The CoSTAR Realtime Lab will build on the strong foundations of Scotland’s gaming cluster, bringing together next generation production technologies, the latest in video game development, and AI and machine learning, to support innovators in the creation of new technologies, experiences, and markets. As part of the CoSTAR network it will play a key role in ensuring that the UK’s creative industries act as a key driver of growth as identified in the government’s industrial strategy. It is by strategically investing in the industries of the future that AHRC shows how arts and humanities research drives innovation and growth in a 21st century economy.

    Chris van der Kuyl CBE, FRSE, Chairman, 4J Studios said: 

    I’ve always believed in Dundee’s potential as a global leader in technology and digital innovation. That’s why we’ve invested in spaces like Water’s Edge to provide a collaborative infrastructure for the next generation of creators and companies to thrive. The launch of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab is a major step in that journey, bringing cutting-edge virtual production technology to Dundee and securing its position at the forefront of real-time content creation. This is a huge opportunity for Scotland’s screen industries, and I’m incredibly proud to support it.

    UK Government Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

    This project is beyond exciting – the possibilities it creates for the entertainment industry are endless. The UK Government’s investment in cutting-edge initiatives like this is central to our Plan for Change to create the jobs and opportunities that will raise living standards right across the UK. “It’s a tremendous feather in the cap of Brand Scotland too, demonstrating to the world that Dundee and Scotland is a centre of excellence for the screen and gaming industries as we push into new markets and further strengthen the sector. I wish the team at Abertay University every success with the opening of the new facility.

    Stephen Coleman OBE, CEO & Co-Founder of CodeBase said:

    Supporting the CoSTAR Realtime Lab is another great opportunity for CodeBase to play our part as a Scottish ecosystem builder and a champion of tech-driven enterprise and entrepreneurship. We are always looking for new ways to collaborate with specialists in different technology domains and to leverage our delivery of Techscaler, Scotland’s national tech backbone for the benefit of the ecosystem as a whole, building on Scotland’s unique strengths in talent, research, and innovation.

    Howell Davies, Head of Strategic Funding and Programmes at Interface, said: 

    CoSTAR’s Realtime Lab is a game-changer for industry seeking to harness the power of real-time technologies. With access to cutting-edge tools, a deep and diverse pool of expertise and talent with a support system for organisations to empower them to innovate and create groundbreaking experiences, it will create significant impact and legacy for the UK’s creative industry and wider.

    Councillor Mark Flynn, Leader of Dundee City Council said:

    Dundee has a long history of being at the forefront of technology and innovation for the creative industries and it is wonderful to see the CoSTAR Realtime Lab and its virtual production studio being added to the city’s digital cluster. The video games, screen and performance industries already make a significant contribution to Dundee’s economic and cultural success and collaborative projects like this, supported by both academia and business, are important for the continued growth and future of the sector.

    Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland said: 

    An exemplar of academia collaborating directly with industry, Abertay’s role in CoStar and its leadership of the real-time lab continues Dundee’s illustrious history of creativity, design and invention.  The project will ensure that Scotland’s tech, digital and creative pioneers are embedded in the next wave of digital and creative transformation.

    For more information visit CoSTAR Network or follow @costarnetwork.

    Full information and funding calls can be found online: Access Programmes | CoSTAR

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Rosen Introduce Bill to Protect Outdoor Sporting Events from Unauthorized Drones

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
     
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353February 20, 2025
    Cotton, Rosen Introduce Bill to Protect Outdoor Sporting Events from Unauthorized Drones
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Jacky Rosen (D- Nevada) today introduced the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, legislation that will enhance security at major outdoor gatherings and sporting events by ensuring that state and local law enforcement have the authority and tools necessary to protect these events from aerial threats in real-time, rather than waiting for federal intervention. 
    This bill is endorsed by the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, the NCAA, and the SEC.
    “Stadiums and spectators at large events are vulnerable to unauthorized drone activity, which puts both public safety and national security at risk. Our bill empowers local authorities to safeguard large public gatherings from aerial threats,” said Senator Cotton.
    “Major events — including sports and live entertainment — play a significant role in supporting our economy in Las Vegas and across the country, and we need to ensure they are safe,” said Senator Rosen. “Our bipartisan bill would enable state and local law enforcement to better mitigate threats posed by drones to the security of these high attendance events.”
    “The NFL thanks Senators Cotton and Rosen for introducing the DEFENSE Act.  As the threat of illicit drone use continues to rise, it is critical that our partners in local law enforcement have the tools and resources they need to keep fans safe.  The league strongly supports this legislation, which will help keep fans safe at major sporting events across the country,” said Cathy Lanier, Chief Security Officer, NFL.
    “Major League Baseball applauds Senators Tom Cotton and Jacky Rosen for introducing the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act”, said David Thomas, Major League Baseball Senior Vice President of Security and Ballpark Operations. “ For several years, MLB has urged Congress to address the growing and unmitigated threat which unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) pose to major sporting venues. The Cotton-Rosen legislation would enable the employment of counter-drone technology by well-trained state and local law enforcement to protect our stadiums and sporting venues nationwide. If enacted, this legislation would dramatically increase the security of our stadiums and the safety of the 70,000,000 fans who attend our games annually. We look forward to working with Senator Cotton, Senator Rosen and other members of Congress to advance this critical piece of legislation for the benefit of our fans, players, and employees.”
    “In introducing the DEFENSE Act, NASCAR recognizes Senator Cotton and Senator Rosen for addressing a crucial issue related to event security,” said Allen Taylor, Managing Director, Security, NASCAR. “Giving qualified law enforcement partners at the state and local level the resources necessary to mitigate drone related threats is essential to helping keep events and communities across the country safe.”
    “The NCAA supports this legislation and thanks Senator Cotton and Senator Rosen for their leadership on this issue.  For several years, the NCAA has expressed concern for the threat that unauthorized drones pose at NCAA championships and college sporting events. The safety of the competitors, fans, and staff that work at NCAA events is our top priority,” said Tim Buckley, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, NCAA.
    “The safety of our teams and fans is a key priority at athletics events.   The SEC commends the bipartisan leadership of Senator Tom Cotton and Senator Jackie Rosen for introducing this important legislation that is intended to provide public safety officials on campuses and in the communities they serve with enhanced measures to address unauthorized drone usage,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.
    Text of the legislation may be found here.
    Background:
    The bill would give state and local law enforcement the authority to mitigate threats posed by drones and unmanned aircraft systems in places where a temporary flight restriction is in place. This includes large outdoor and sporting events. 
    It would also require DOJ, FAA, FCC, and NTIA to create a list of approved technology that local and state law enforcement officers can use to address these threats.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Stresses Need To Remove Big Tech’s Liability Shield To Protect Kids From Online Fentanyl Sales

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 20, 2025

    During a committee business meeting, Durbin pushed to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

    WASHINGTON – During an executive business meeting to consider the HALT Fentanyl Act, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke about the importance of allowing people to sue social media companies when they or their loved ones are harmed by online fentanyl sales.

    Durbin offered an amendment to the bill to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which he ultimately withdrew after securing an agreement with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to work together toward this goal.

    The executive business meeting concluded without action on the bill.

    Key Quotes:

    “In just a decade, fentanyl has emerged as the deadliest drug in American history. All it takes is two milligrams—a fraction of the size of a penny—to cause an overdose. There is an overdose crisis in the United States, but we have learned that evidence-based solutions reduce deaths. In fact, in 2023, overdose deaths actually decreased for the first time since 2018—by more than 10 percent.”

    “We need to look at every factor that contributed to this reduction. Counseling and treatment, training for first responders, and Naloxone, and other things are making a difference.”

    “I appreciate the hard work by the sponsors of the bill we are considering, but we can all agree that the HALT Fentanyl Act will not by itself keep our communities safe.”

    “Our law enforcement agencies are on the front lines of the fight to protect Americans. The National Crime Prevention Council estimates eighty percent of teen and young adult fentanyl poisoning can be traced to social media… which means, in my mind, we ought to consider that as part of the solution to reducing fentanyl use.”

    “Getting fentanyl off the streets is a herculean task that will require us all to put politics aside and work across the aisle to make this country a healthier, safer place to live.”

    “I don’t believe we can deal with fentanyl effectively if we don’t deal with what’s going on on social media. When 80 percent of young children who are victims of fentanyl use social media… we have to deal with it directly. Time and again, social media [companies] have made excuse after excuse that they ‘really want to cooperate with us,’ but they are never there when we need them. We have to move forward directly with this and include [social media regulation] in this effort.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Ensuring Accountability for NYC

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today proposed new actions to restore public trust in New York City government with a sweeping expansion of state oversight and new guardrails to ensure accountability and protect New Yorkers. These actions will require legislative action and would take effect immediately upon passage.

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

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

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

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

    Good afternoon. You may be aware that over 24 hours ago, I did not respond very well to the Trump administration posting a photo of the president attired like a king, as well as a message declaring that, indeed, he was the king. He did this when he attempted to undermine the duly elected laws of our state related to congestion pricing.

    I reference this again today for one reason. We fought a war, 250 years ago, to depose a king who tried to impose his will on a young country. We don’t have a king today because it conflicts with the very genius of a democracy where the voices and the votes of the people – not a king, not a queen, and not a governor – should prevail.

    Voters determine who they want, or who they do not want to represent them in elective office. As I said last week, I was deeply troubled by the accusations leveled at Mayor Eric Adams, not just the initial indictment, but also the more recent allegation of a quid pro quo with the Trump administration.

    For days, I’ve been deeply involved in discussions with my closest advisors, city leaders, electeds, clergy, business, labor, civic leaders, all people whose opinions matter to me because they care about our city. I consulted them and legal advisors on whether it’s appropriate and necessary at this moment to exercise the power – granted to me as the governor of the State of New York by the New York State Constitution and the City of New York Charter – to remove a mayor from office.

    I’ve also heard from many voices of New Yorkers who feel outraged, who feel hurt. Betrayed by what they have seen. And I want those New Yorkers to know, I understand those feelings as well.

    After careful consideration, I have determined that I will not commence removal proceedings at this time. My strong belief is that the will of the voters and the supremacy and sanctity of democratic elections, preclude me from any other action.

    I cannot deny the people of this great city the power to make this decision for themselves.

    And to those who conclude that decision is due to pressure from any groups or individuals, I say this – you do not know me. Constant pressure is what I deal with all day long and it has absolutely no bearing on any decisions I make.

    I will say this – I also have concerns about disruption and chaos that such a move, such a proceeding could bring to the residents of this great city. And those who argue, “Just go and remove him,” fail to appreciate there is a process involved, due process, the length of the process, and the impact that such a process would have on this city.

    And actually with the timing, it’s not impossible that we’d have a scenario where there’s multiple mayors of this city in the course of one year. But make no mistake, the current situation is one that I take very seriously. That’s why I want to spell out my immediate objectives.

    Number one, to stabilize this city and restore calm. Number two, ensure that all services for our residents continue without disruption. And three, to take steps to make sure our leaders are operating only with the city’s best interest in mind, unimpeded by any legal agreements with the Trump Justice Department. I want to be very clear, there are past examples of coordination and cooperation between the federal government, the city, the state. It’s not uncommon.

    But there’s a clear line between cooperation and coercion. Given how aggressive the Trump administration has been, including its attempt yesterday to dismantle a previously approved congestion pricing program, and how deeply disturbing the comments from the President’s Border Czar were, we know they’ll stop at nothing to try and exercise control over New York.

    That is the fight we had yesterday. That is the fight we have today. And that is the fight I’m willing to take on for the next 1,430 days. To move this city forward, I’m undertaking the implementation of certain guardrails that I believe are a first start in reestablishing trust for New York City residents and ensure that all decisions out of City Hall are in the clear interests of the people of this city and not at the behest of the President.

    I’m proposing three immediate actions which I believe will help protect New Yorkers. First, I’m proposing legislation to create a special Inspector General for New York City Affairs within the Office of the State Inspector General. The State Inspector General will be able to direct the New York City Department of Investigations.

    And the Mayor will only be able to move the Department of Investigations Commissioner with the approval of the State Inspector General. This will protect the City’s investigations from any interference. Make sure that there’s no lack of independence as they make their determinations and allow the Inspector General to focus more directly on any improper activity that may arise out of New York City. They’ll also give reports to us. We’ll have access to information.

    Second, I’m proposing giving the City Comptroller, the Public Advocate and the New York City Council Speaker, an independent authority to clarify the independent language to commence litigation against the federal government when necessary, and using outside counsel.

    The City’s law department will still have the opportunity to initiate legal actions within seven days of any request, but the whole-of-city government should not be reliant on City Hall for legal cases where the people of the City may be under attack by the federal government.

    Third, I’m expanding funding for the office of the Deputy State Comptroller for city oversight, because this stepped up oversight, again, gives us an independent line of sight into potential decisions related to the federal government. This will be paid for by city receipts. Once these measures are enacted, they’ll be effective immediately and expire at the end of 2025, subject to renewal.

    I’ve already discussed these proposals with the City Council Speaker and the Speaker of the State Assembly and the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate. I also told the Mayor that strong managers need to be identified to fill the roles of the Deputy Mayors before they become vacant, and that we and my administration, with the strong relationships that we have, will work to accomplish that goal. And do whatever he can to keep his key commissioners.

    I want to take a moment to put this all in context: New York is facing a grave threat from Washington. The Trump Administration is already trying to use the legal jeopardy facing our mayor as leverage to squeeze and punish our city. The President is already trying to weaken our public transit system and undermine our state’s sovereignty. I call it the Trump Revenge Tour and I have to stand in its way.

    Not surprising: He’s taking out his anger and frustration over the 35 felony convictions he received here in the State of New York, taking it out on our own New Yorkers. And as Governor, I will be the vanguard against harm to our state and our people, and nothing will stand in our way.

    But once I have made a decision, I execute it, I work hard to make it work. And my decision today did not come lightly, but the path forward for me is clear: I will retain the powers conferred upon me by the New York State Constitution, the City Charter. But it’s my sincere hope that these dark days will pass, elections will occur, and the people of New York will decide who they trust to govern this extraordinary city.

    And we can remain laser focused and united against the storm clouds that are swirling 226 miles away in our nation’s capital. My eyes are on the City, the State, and on Washington. And I am ready and prepared to take on any fight against any threats to the well being of our residents.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Deepfakes can ruin lives and livelihoods – would owning the ‘rights’ to our own faces and voices help?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graeme Austin, Chair of Private Law, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Getty Images

    Not that long ago, the term “deepfake” wasn’t in most people’s vocabularies. Now, it is not only commonplace, but is also the focus of intense legal scrutiny around the world.

    Known in legal documents as “digital replicas”, deepfakes are created by artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate the visual and vocal appearance of real people, living or dead.

    Unregulated, they can do a lot of damage, including financial fraud (already a problem in New Zealand), political disinformation, fake news, and the creation and dissemination of AI-generated pornography and child sexual abuse material.

    For professional performers and entertainers, the proliferation and increasing sophistication of deepfake technology could demolish their ability to control and derive income from their images and voices.

    And deepfakes might soon take away jobs: why employ a professional actor when a digital replica will do?

    One possible solution to this involves giving individuals the ability to enforce intellectual property (IP) rights to their own image and voice. The United States is currently debating such a move, and New Zealand lawmakers should be watching closely.

    Owning your own likeness

    Remedies already being discussed in New Zealand include extending prohibitions in the Harmful Digital Communications Act to cover digital replicas that do not depict a victim’s actual body.

    Using (or amending) the Crimes Act, the Fair Trading Act and the Electoral Act would also be helpful.

    At the same time, there will be political pressure to ensure regulation does not stymie investment in AI technologies – a concern raised in a 2024 cabinet paper.

    Legislation introduced to the US Congress last year – the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Bill – proposes a new federal intellectual property right that individual victims can use against creators and disseminators of deepfakes.

    Known informally as the “No Fakes Bill”, the legislation has bipartisan and industry support, including from leading entertainment worker unions. The US Copyright Office examined the current state of US law and concluded that enforceable rights were “urgently needed”.

    From the New Zealand perspective, the No Fakes Bill contains both helpful ideas and possible pitfalls. As we discuss in a forthcoming paper, its innovations include expanding IP protections to “everyday” individuals – not just celebrities.

    All individuals would have the right to seek damages and injunctions against unlicensed digital replicas, whether they’re in video games, pornographic videos, TikTok posts or remakes of movies and television shows.

    But these protections may prove illusory because the threshold for protection is so high. The digital replica must be “readily identifiable as the voice or visual likeness of an individual”, but it’s not clear how identifiable the individual victim of a deepfake needs to be.

    Well known New Zealand actors such as Anna Paquin and Cliff Curtis would certainly qualify. But would a New Zealand version of the bill protect an everyday person, “readily identifiable” only to family, friends and workmates?

    Can you license a digital replica?

    Under the US bill, the new IP rights can be licensed. The bill does not ban deepfakes altogether, but gives individuals more control over the use of their likenesses. An actor could, for example, license an advertising company to make a digital replica to appear in a television commercial.

    Licences must be in writing and signed, and the permitted uses must be specified. For living individuals, this can last only ten years.

    So far, so good. But New Zealand policy analysts should look carefully at the scope of any licensing provisions. The proposed IP right is “licensable in whole or in part”. Depending on courts’ interpretation of “in whole”, individuals could unknowingly sign away all uses of their images and voice.

    The No Fakes Bill is also silent on the reputational interests of individuals who license others to use their digital replicas.

    Suppose a performing artist licensed their digital replica for use in AI-generated musical performances. They should not, for example, have to put up with being depicted singing a white supremacist anthem, or other unsanctioned uses that would impugn their dignity and standing.

    Protectng parody and satire

    On the other side of the ledger, the No Fakes Bill contains freedom of expression safeguards for good faith commentary, criticism, scholarship, satire and parody.

    The bill also protects internet service providers (ISPs) from liability if they quickly remove “all instances” of infringing material once notified about it.

    This is useful language that might be adopted in any New Zealand legislation. Also, the parody and satire defence would be an advance on New Zealand’s copyright law, which currently contains no equivalent exception.

    But the US bill contains no measures empowering victims to require ISPs to block local subscribers’ access to online locations that peddle in deepfakes. Known as “site-blocking orders”, these injunctions are available in at least 50 countries, including Australia. But New Zealand and the US remain holdouts.

    For individual victims of deepfakes circulating on foreign websites that are accessible in New Zealand, site-blocking orders could offer the only practical relief.

    The No Fakes Bill is by no means a perfect or comprehensive solution to the deepfakes problem. Many different weapons will be needed in the legal and policy armoury – including obligations to disclose when digital replicas are used.

    Even so, creating an IP right could be a useful addition to a suite of measures aimed at reducing the economic, reputational and emotional harms deepfakes can inflict.

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

    – ref. Deepfakes can ruin lives and livelihoods – would owning the ‘rights’ to our own faces and voices help? – https://theconversation.com/deepfakes-can-ruin-lives-and-livelihoods-would-owning-the-rights-to-our-own-faces-and-voices-help-249929

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government kickstarts work with Scottish Government to boost broadband in rural Scotland, powering Prime Minister’s Plan for Change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Around 11,000 Scottish homes and businesses to gain access to lightning-fast broadband.

    • First Project Gigabit contract signed to bring fastest broadband networks on the market to rural Scotland 

    • Around 11,000 homes and businesses in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian will be the first to benefit from the Scotland-wide rollout, with further contracts planned for other parts of Scotland this year

    • Supports UK Government plans to raise living standards and grow the economy across the country, including in isolated rural areas, as part of the Plan for Change

    Around 11,000 Scottish homes and businesses will gain access to lightning-fast broadband, as joint efforts by the UK and Scottish governments to supercharge internet access in rural areas across the nation get underway and power the UK Government’s Plan for Change.  

    Rural areas in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian will benefit from gigabit-capable internet upgrades, allowing residents to fulfil day-to-day tasks, from rapid access to health advice through remote hospital consultations to interviewing for jobs and working more flexibly.    

    The upgrades will benefit some of the most remote areas of Scotland and the UK, including Athelstaneford and Innerwick in East Lothian and St Abbs, Broughton and Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders.  

    These areas will be among the first in Scotland to benefit from a £26 million contract awarded under Project Gigabit – the UK Government-funded rollout to areas unlikely to receive upgrades through commercial plans due to their challenging location. The contract was awarded to independent Scottish provider GoFibre by the Scottish Government.  

    UK Government Minister for Telecoms and Data Chris Bryant said:

    As technological advancements race ahead and revolutionise our day-to-day lives, we cannot afford to leave anyone behind.

    It is fantastic to see this UK Government-funded gigabit investment being delivered in Scotland for the first time, not only bringing thousands of people the fastest broadband networks on the market and levelling the playing field but also helping us realise our mission to boost economic growth and improve living standards across the whole country, under the PM’s Plan for Change.

    Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:

    Reliable internet connectivity is a vital part of everyday life – allowing people to work flexibly, engage in education and stay connected with loved ones.

    The Scottish Government has successfully implemented digital infrastructure programmes across Scotland to increase broadband speeds and help grow the economy.

    Expanding upon the achievements of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband and Reaching 100% programmes, we will deliver Project Gigabit in Scotland to provide resilient connections that meet the needs of people and businesses now and into the future.

    One of Scotland’s leading amateur rugby clubs, Melrose Rugby Club, based in the Scottish Borders, has previously been connected to full fibre network by provider GoFibre.  

    Having reliable and fast connection meant the club could stream across the world their annual tournament, the Melrose Sevens. The event, which is held every April in Melrose, is the oldest rugby sevens competition in the world and is watched by tens of thousands of fans across the globe, with teams coming from as far afield as Japan, Hong Kong, Uruguay and South Africa. 

    Malcolm Changleng, Melrose Rugby Club Director, said:

    Getting full fibre connection has been a game changer for our club.

    As well as the 10,000 fans attending the event on the day of the tournament, we got about 60,000 people watching games on YouTube and other online platforms, which is why it’s so important to have good WiFi.

    It’s not just rugby fans watching, but people that have left the Borders to go all over the world. Lots of families from the Borders connect back to the area through the Melrose Rugby Sevens, and we’re proud that we allow people to get a little taste of the Borders on an annual basis.

    This weekend, rugby fans in Melrose will be able to support their national team in the Six Nations, with the club streaming Scotland taking on England at Twickenham on Saturday.  

    Local restaurant, The Hoebridge, is set to grow as a business thanks to the programme – contributing to plans to kickstart economic growth. 

    Kyle Tidd, Co-Owner of The Hoebridge said: 

    This investment in faster broadband would improve our operations. It would enable us to streamline our ordering, payment and online booking systems, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

    Now the £26 million contract is signed, detailed planning and surveying work will begin immediately with the first connections expected in the Autumn.  

    Further contracts to be signed this year will see faster broadband delivered to tens of thousands more premises across Scotland, including Aberdeenshire and the Morayshire Coast, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Orkney and Shetland.    

    For households, gigabit-capable broadband delivers faster speeds and fewer dropouts, providing a gateway to remote working and online education. Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections won’t slow down at peak times, meaning no more battling for bandwidth with neighbours. Gigabit networks can easily handle over a hundred devices all at once with no buffering, meaning the whole family can seamlessly surf, stream and download at the same time.       

    Project Gigabit will support the UK Government’s plans to kickstart economic growth, creating and supporting thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs, empowering industries of all kinds to innovate and increasing productivity by taking up digital technology.    

    It will also ensure people can access vital services they need now and, in the future, from giving patients improved access to healthcare through virtual appointments and remote health monitoring to helping pensioners combat loneliness by catching up with loved ones over higher quality video calls.    

    Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said: 

    This landmark contract marks a crucial step forward in our mission to end digital inequality across Scotland. By bringing the fastest possible broadband to our rural communities, we’re not just laying cables – we’re opening up new opportunities for local businesses, improving access to education and healthcare. The UK Government, through our Plan for Change, is working to ensure Scotland’s rural communities can benefit from the digital economy and economic growth is seen across the country.

    Neil Conaghan, CEO of GoFibre, said:

    As a Scottish company, born in the Borders, GoFibre is proud to be named as the delivery partner for the first Project Gigabit contract in Scotland, bringing transformative full fibre connectivity to thousands more homes and businesses across the region. This contract award marks a step-change in our ambition and footprint as a major Scottish telecommunications company.

    We have a sterling track record of connecting communities across Scotland to our ultra-fast broadband network. Delivering this project will build on our successful delivery of Project Gigabit contracts in North Northumberland and Teesdale where we are delivering much-needed broadband in rural areas, ahead of schedule. We will bring all that expertise and GoFibre experience to this essential project for people in the Borders and East Lothian.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

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    Published 20 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA’s Read Across America 2025: Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers with Story, Sound, and Song

    Source: US National Education Union

    By: Miguel A. Gonzalez, Senior Communications Specialist

    Published: February 20, 2025

    WASHINGTON – For more than 25 years, NEA’s Read Across America has been encouraging people to crack open a book and read. The year-round literacy program is not just about turning pages—it is about opening minds. This year, NEA is celebrating Read Across America with story, sound, and song, featuring Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover winning the Newbery medal.

    “True joy in reading begins with access to diverse books, allowing readers to understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences around the world. Just like literature, music and song help to build community, reflect culture and history, and tell powerful stories. In this spirit, NEA’s Read Across America celebrates the magic that happens when we come together to share these stories. This year, we highlight the dynamic connection between story and sound. By blending two of the most expressive art forms—literature and music—young readers gain new perspectives, inspire positive change, and experience the joy of community. Through books, they not only discover their own voices but also learn to appreciate the rhythm of others’ stories and lived experiences—one book, one story, and one song at a time.”

    This year’s national, signature Read Across America event features award-winning author Kwame Alexander and jazz bassist Amy Shook as they bring the acclaimed book, The Crossover, to life in a dynamic jazz performance on Sunday, March 2, Read Across America Day, at Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston, Va. Langston Hughes students will feel the rhythm and the beat of twin brothers navigating love, loyalty, and family on and off the basketball court in a whole new way. Students will share their artistic, dramatic, musical, and athletic talents in an unforgettable afternoon with invited students, families, educators, and esteemed guests.

    “The beauty of reading lies in the fact that every story matters. We all deserve to see ourselves reflected in books, but we also need stories that broaden our perspectives and introduce us to experiences beyond our own. The National Education Association and I share the belief that books have the power to transform the world. That’s why I’m thrilled to collaborate with them to bring The Crossover to readers in a whole new way to celebrate NEA’s Read Across America,” said author, poet, and founder of AuthorStudy.com Kwame Alexander. “Offering up new and different experiences is the magic reading brings us. Through the nation’s largest celebration of books and reading, we can spread that magic simply by picking up a book and sharing it with a child. When we read together, we inspire a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.”

    In addition, NEA curated new opportunities and resources to help educators support students in making powerful connections between music, storytelling, and the joy of reading.

    • Read Across America Presents: Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover – A Jazz-Infused Reading. For the 10th anniversary of the popular novel, NEA is bringing music and story together with a special video performance by poet and author Kwame Alexander reading aloud the entirety of his award-winning title with accompaniment by jazz bassist Amy Shook.
    • NEA will release five 25-minute videos of this engaging fusion of literature and music throughout the first week of March on NEA’s YouTube, Facebook, and at nea.org/crossover. This gives students in grades 5 – 12 across the country an opportunity to feel the rhythm and the beat of twin brothers navigating love, loyalty, and family on and off the basketball court in a whole new way!
    • Readers can tune in for a new episode every day at beginning at 8 a.m. ET March 3 – 7, 2025.
    • Resources for educators to support sharing The Crossover in the classroom are available at nea.org/crossover.

    With an estimated 45 million people participating, NEA’s Read Across America is the biggest reading celebration in the country. Reading events nationwide are more important than ever to ensure diverse, age-appropriate books are available to all students.

    “Thank you Langston Hughes Middle School for hosting our signature event and thank you, Kwame Alexander, for your craft, contributions, and for creating stories that leap off the page and into the hearts of young readers. Your book, The Crossover, and your poetry inspire, empower, and remind us that poetry can soar and connect us in unforgettable ways.”

    About NEA’s Read Across America

    Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read via events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.  The titles and resources featured by NEA’s Read Across America include books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different than them.

    ### 

    Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social and https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social 

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Enters Into $175 Million Revolving Credit Facility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: KYN) has entered into a $175 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility matures on February 19, 2026 and replaces the Company’s $135 million credit facility that was scheduled to mature on February 20, 2025.

    The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility may vary between SOFR plus 1.40% and SOFR plus 2.25%, depending on the Company’s asset coverage ratios. Based on the Company’s current asset coverage ratios, the interest rate is SOFR plus 1.40%. The Company will pay a commitment fee of 0.20% per annum on any unused amounts of the Credit Facility. As of February 20, 2025, the Company had $101 million borrowed under the Credit Facility.

    A copy of the credit agreement is available on the Company’s website at www.kaynefunds.com/kyn.

    Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The Company’s investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Company’s most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms.

    The Company pays cash distributions to common stockholders at a rate that may be adjusted from time to time. Distribution amounts are not guaranteed and may vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in portfolio holdings and market conditions. 

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investor’s specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Company’s filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Company’s investment objectives will be attained.

    Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com.

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Reckoner Capital Management Announces Launch as New Credit Asset Manager

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Reckoner Capital Management (“Reckoner”) announced its launch as a global alternative credit asset manager. Led by Co-Founder and CEO John Kim, the firm will capitalize on the team’s extensive experience investing in credit assets to provide tailored solutions for regulated, institutional, and retail clients. The firm launches with the backing of RedBird Capital Partners (“RedBird”) and is headquartered in New York City.

    Reckoner will leverage a comprehensive view of the credit markets to deliver premium, customized investment solutions across liquid and illiquid investment-grade fixed income and structured products. Reckoner intends to empower both institutional and individual investors to achieve their financial goals through innovative solutions, disciplined risk management, and a client-focused approach.

    The firm is led by a proven management team with decades of experience in credit investments and established performance in the space. The team’s strong track record of managing scaled portfolios with above-market returns will support Reckoner’s mission to meet growing demand for public and private credit products.

    “I’m thrilled to be launching Reckoner alongside this best-in-class team, prepared to provide adaptive and innovative solutions for our clients in credit,” said Mr. Kim. “Alternative credit’s enhanced liquidity, transparency, and performance over cycles make it an attractive asset allocation, and we have the knowledge and robust industry network to source and execute transactions to maximize value.”

    Reckoner is supported by RedBird, a strategic investor with extensive expertise building businesses within the financial services industry. The partnership aligns with RedBird’s strategy, which focuses on providing growth capital and operational support to industry-leading management teams.

    “We are proud to partner with the Reckoner team, whose significant experience managing credit assets and ability to structure superior risk-adjusted investments is evident in their track record of success,” added Mike Zabik, Partner at RedBird. “As investors, we’re always looking for opportunities to unlock value by building scalable, industry-leading platforms and we look forward to working with the team to drive transformative growth in the asset management space.”

    Founding Team
    Reckoner was co-founded by John Kim, Ricky Li, Timothy Wickstrom, and Jamie Kim, who previously worked together at Panagram Structured Asset Management. The senior management team consists of experienced investors with specialized expertise in credit investment management.

    About Reckoner Capital Management
    Reckoner Capital Management is a newly launched global asset manager dedicated to delivering superior investment performance across a range of alternative credit strategies. Reckoner provides its clients with customized access to liquid and complex credit assets, structuring expertise for rating-sensitive and regulatory capital investors, and capital markets capabilities in both liquid and semi-liquid markets. Reckoner strives to deliver the best possible risk-adjusted returns to its clients by taking a long-term approach to investment portfolios and creating partnerships across banks, asset originators, financiers, and its client base. For more information, please visit www.reckoner.com.

    About RedBird Capital Partners
    RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $10 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue-chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business-building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Financial Services, Sports and Media & Entertainment. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please go to www.redbirdcap.com.

    Media Contacts:
    Dan Gagnier / Lindsay Barber
    Gagnier Communications
    RedBird@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Reports Monthly Activity for January 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a wholly owned subsidiary of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) (the “Company”), today released its monthly activity report for January 2025.

    Total advisory and brokerage assets at the end of January were $1.81 trillion, an increase of $71.1 billion, or 4.1%, compared to the end of December 2024.

    Total net new assets for January were $34.1 billion, which included $0.1 billion of acquired net new assets resulting from Liquidity & Succession activity.

    Total organic net new assets for January were $34.0 billion, translating to a 23.4% annualized growth rate. This included $13.5 billion of assets from Prudential Advisors (“Prudential”) and $15.2 billion of assets from Wintrust Investments, LLC and certain private client business at Great Lakes Advisors, LLC (collectively, “Wintrust”) that onboarded in January, and $0.2 billion of assets that off-boarded as part of the previously disclosed planned separation from misaligned large OSJs. Prior to these impacts, organic net new assets were $5.4 billion, translating to a 3.9% annualized growth rate.

    Total client cash balances at the end of January were $52.2 billion, a decrease of $2.9 billion compared to the end of December 2024. Net buying in January was $14.5 billion.

    (End of period $ in billions, unless noted) January December Change January Change
    2025 2024 M/M 2024 Y/Y
    Advisory and Brokerage Assets          
    Advisory assets 992.4 957.0 3.7% 740.7 34.0%
    Brokerage assets 819.4 783.7 4.6% 621.1 31.9%
    Total Advisory and Brokerage Assets 1,811.8 1,740.7 4.1% 1,361.8 33.0%
               
    Organic Net New Assets          
    Organic net new advisory assets 13.4 12.5 n/m 2.4 n/m
    Organic net new brokerage assets 20.5 12.9 n/m (0.4) n/m
    Total Organic Net New Assets 34.0 25.5 n/m 2.0 n/m
               
    Acquired Net New Assets          
    Acquired net new advisory assets 0.1 0.0 n/m 0.0 n/m
    Acquired net new brokerage assets 0.0 0.2 n/m 0.0 n/m
    Total Acquired Net New Assets 0.1 0.3 n/m 0.0 n/m
               
    Total Net New Assets          
    Net new advisory assets 13.5 12.6 n/m 2.4 n/m
    Net new brokerage assets 20.6 13.2 n/m (0.4) n/m
    Total Net New Assets 34.1 25.8 n/m 2.0 n/m
               
    Net brokerage to advisory conversions 2.1 2.0 n/m 1.0 n/m
               
    Client Cash Balances          
    Insured cash account sweep 36.2 38.3 (5.5%) 33.7 7.4%
    Deposit cash account sweep 10.0 10.7 (6.5%) 8.9 12.4%
    Total Bank Sweep 46.3 49.0 (5.5%) 42.6 8.7%
    Money market sweep 4.1 4.3 (4.7%) 2.4 70.8%
    Total Client Cash Sweep Held by Third Parties 50.4 53.3 (5.4%) 45.0 12.0%
    Client cash account(1) 1.8 1.8 —% 1.9 (5.3%)
    Total Client Cash Balances 52.2 55.1 (5.3%) 46.9 11.3%
               
    Net buy (sell) activity 14.5 13.5 n/m 12.0 n/m
               
    Market Drivers          
    S&P 500 Index (end of period) 6,041 5,882 2.7% 4,846 24.7%
    Russell 2000 Index (end of period) 2,288 2,230 2.6% 1,947 17.5%
    Fed Funds daily effective rate (average bps) 433 448 (3.3%) 533 (18.8%)
               

    For additional information regarding these and other LPL Financial business metrics, please refer to the Company’s most recent earnings announcement, which is available in the quarterly results section of investor.lpl.com.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations
    investor.relations@lplfinancial.com

    Media Relations
    media.relations@lplfinancial.com

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.


    Note: Totals may not foot due to rounding.
    (1) During the first quarter of 2024, the Company updated its definition of client cash account balances to exclude other client payables. Prior period disclosures have been updated to reflect this change as applicable.

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Asure Software to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results on March 6, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asure Software, Inc.  (“Asure” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: ASUR), a leading provider of cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software solutions, announced today that the Company will hold a conference call on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024. Financial results will be issued via press release prior to the call.

    Asure Chairman and CEO Pat Goepel as well as CFO John Pence will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer session.

    Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
    Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (3:30 p.m. Central time)
    U.S. dial-in: 877-407-9219
    International dial-in: 201-689-8852
    Confirmation: 13751651

    Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call. An operator will register your name and organization.

    The conference call will also be webcast on the investor relations section of Asure Software’s website here. A replay of the webcast will be available.

    About Asure Software
    Asure Software (NASDAQ: ASUR) provides cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software solutions that assist organizations of all sizes in streamlining their HCM processes. Asure’s suite of HCM solutions includes HR, payroll, time and attendance, benefits administration, payroll tax management, and talent management. The company’s approach to HR compliance services incorporates AI technology to enhance scalability and efficiency while prioritizing client interactions. For more information, please visit www.asuresoftware.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Patrick McKillop
    Vice President Investor Relations
    617-335-5058
    patrick.mckillop@asuresoftware.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Bishop Street Underwriters Closes Acquisition of Landmark Underwriting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bishop Street Underwriters (“Bishop Street”), a RedBird Capital Partners portfolio company, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Landmark Underwriting (“Landmark”), a specialty-focused managing general agent (“MGA”) based in London. This deal continues Bishop Street’s rapid expansion, growing its investment footprint outside of North America for the first time, and further strengthening the capabilities of its platform. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

    As a well-positioned high-growth MGA with an established panel of rated capacity partners, this deal brings Landmark’s specialized and dynamic team to the Bishop Street platform, in support of building a truly integrated global underwriting business. Landmark’s leadership team will remain intact with Sitki Gelmen as Group CEO, David Ratledge as Group MD and Deepti Janak as Group CFO, facilitating a seamless transition and incorporating the teams’ vision into the future growth of the platform across the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific.

    Landmark has served clients in the specialty (re)insurance market since 2017, offering a range of bespoke insurance solutions across various classes including Professional Indemnity, Property, Directors and Officers and General Liability. With the acquisition now complete, Landmark will build upon it’s established market presence and recent expansions into Marine and Political Risk products, with expansion planned across new classes and geographies.

    “We’re thrilled to officially welcome Landmark Underwriting to the Bishop Street family,” said Chad Levine, CEO of Bishop Street. “We look forward to leveraging the team’s experience and strong industry relationships to enable the next chapter of international development for our platform. Landmark’s ability to adapt to client needs and attract the best underwriting talent will continue to fuel its growth, positioning the company as a leading MGA of choice in the global market and a complementary fit for the Bishop Street portfolio.”

    Sitki Gelmen, Landmark Underwriting Group CEO and Co-Founder, said: “This is an exciting next phase for Landmark. We are focused on bringing specialty underwriting solutions to our partners, and through this partnership, we will amplify our ability to provide leading risk solutions to top broking houses worldwide. The combination of Bishop Street’s resources and our niche expertise will allow us to accelerate growth, expand our product offerings into complementary lines of business and deepen our presence in key markets.”

    Mike Zabik, Partner of RedBird Capital, added, “Bishop Street’s growth strategy is predicated on leveraging a multi-jurisdictional footprint. Landmark’s strong presence in London and its expanding global presence are key levers for future growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions across key international markets.”

    This addition marks the latest strategic move for Bishop Street, following recent key investments and acquisitions including Ethos Specialty’s Transactional Liability unit, Verve Services, Conifer Insurance Services and Ahoy!, as well as partnerships with companies like Skyward Specialty Insurance and Topsail Re.

    About Bishop Street
    Bishop Street Underwriters, a RedBird Capital portfolio company, seeks to partner with Managing General Agents (“MGAs”) as well as niche underwriting teams. Bishop Street aims to combine their best-in-class (re)insurance executive team’s vision with RedBird’s strong track record, expertise and network in the financial services sector to build a differentiated platform that is uniquely positioned to capitalize on secular growth tailwinds in the industry. For more information, please go to www.bishopstreetuw.com.

    About Landmark Underwriting
    Landmark Underwriting is a specialist, UK based MGA providing (re)insurance solutions to complex risks globally. Since 2017, Landmark has maintained relationships with all of the significant Insurance Broker markets. From its centre of operations in London, Landmark currently provides risk solutions across Professional Indemnity, General Liability, Directors and Officers, Property and Marine. The company continues to expand its underwriting and operational bandwidth in key territories, driving rapid growth.

    About RedBird Capital Partners
    RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $10 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Financial Services, Sports and Media & Entertainment. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please go to www.redbirdcap.com.

    Media Contacts
    Bishop Street 
    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    redbird@gagnierfc.com
    646.569.5897

    The MIL Network –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: Kash Patel’s Record Shows He Is A Dangerous, Inexperienced, & Dishonest Trump Loyalist Who Is Not Qualified To Serve As Next FBI Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 20, 2025

    In a speech on the Senate floor shortly before the vote on his nomination, Durbin summarizes Kash Patel’s disqualifying behavior

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered his closing argument against the nomination of Kash Patel to serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  In his remarks delivered shortly before the vote on Patel’s nomination, Durbin underscored Patel’s extremism, his blind loyalty to President Trump, his dangerous support of January 6 insurrectionists, and his history of peddling lies about the federal government.

    “If Senate Republicans confirm Mr. Patel, I believe they will come to regret this vote, probably sooner rather than later.  I, for one, am convinced that Mr. Patel has neither the experience, the judgment, nor the temperament to lead this… criminal investigative agency [FBI],” Durbin began.  “Let me be clear.  This is not a partisan issue.  During my time in the Senate, I have voted for four FBI Director nominations before this one.  Each one was a Republican, and I voted for them, nevertheless.”

    “I oppose Mr. Patel because he is dangerously, politically extreme.  He has repeatedly expressed his intention to use our nation’s most important law enforcement agency to retaliate against his political enemies,” Durbin said.

    Durbin then began to lay out his justification for opposing Patel’s nomination and warned his Republican colleagues about the potential consequences of allowing an unqualified extremist to lead the nation’s top law enforcement agency.  Durbin first pointed to the credible whistleblower allegations that detailed Patel’s direct involvement in the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI. 

    “The Director is the only political appointment at the FBI. Congress took steps to ensure that this position remains as apolitical as possible by providing for a single term of 10 years for a director and subjecting the appointment to the advice and consent of the Senate… But as we have seen for weeks now, the Trump Administration’s purge of the FBI is a political exercise that has spread to career officials,” Durbin said.  “This purge has dramatically weakened the FBI’s ability to combat national security threats and has made Americans less safe.  Senior leaders with collectively hundreds of years of experience have been forced out, creating a leadership vacuum.”

    Thousands of FBI agents now fear for their jobs because they were assigned to work on cases related to the January 6 insurrection or President Trump’s long list of legal infractions.  Whistleblowers have come forward with evidence that Patel, as a private citizen, called for these agents to be fired—which Patel denied vehemently despite being under oath during his nomination hearing.  Further, these career agents now fear for their own and their families’ safety as January 6 insurrections continue to make credible, serious, and public threats against them.

    “I have heard directly from FBI agents who now fear for their safety and the safety of their families. To understand why, let me tell you about a January 6 rioter named Edward Kelley.  Mr. Kelley was convicted of assaulting law enforcement during the attack on the U.S. Capitol… and he was given a full and unconditional pardon by Donald Trump.  But Mr. Kelley has also been convicted in his home state of Tennessee of conspiracy to murder the FBI agents who investigated his role in the January 6 attack.  Now he is arguing that President Trump’s blanket pardon should cover his attempt to kill FBI agents,” Durbin said.

    “When asked about the possible firings of career FBI officials at his confirmation hearing, Mr. Patel, under oath, said, ‘I don’t know what’s going on right now’ at the FBI.  That’s not true.  Thanks to multiple brave whistleblowers, we now know that Mr. Patel likely committed perjury in making that statement,” Durbin said.  “Even before being confirmed as the FBI Director, Mr. Patel is already directing the ongoing purge of honorable career public servants despite his status as a private citizen.”

    Durbin offered several more examples of Patel’s consistent dishonesty, including the string of lies his told during his own confirmation hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

    “At his hearing, Mr. Patel implausibly told me that he could not recall Stew Peters, a man who has been identified as an antisemitic Holocaust denier… This is simply not true, considering that Mr. Patel appeared on Mr. Peters’s podcast eight times.  Eight times, and he couldn’t recall the man’s name.  And, Mr. Peters has since revealed that he and Mr. Patel directly communicate via their personal cell phones ‘constantly,’” Durbin said.

    As Durbin noted in his remarks, Patel continually offered unequivocal support to insurrectionists, producing a recording of January 6 rioters singing in order to raise money.  Under oath at his nomination hearing, Patel testified that he was not involved in the project despite being quoted saying, “We got this idea to record the January 6 prisoners who recite the national anthem every night from the D.C. prison… Then we took that to studio… So we mastered and digitized that.”

    “Mr. Patel also claimed he ‘didn’t have anything to do with’ the recording of the so-called January 6 Prison Choir, which includes at least six rioters who violently assaulted police officers,” Durbin said.  “Mr. Patel has called these violent January 6 rioters ‘political prisoners.’  That includes Guy Reffitt, who was sentenced to 87 months in prison for his role in the January 6 assault.”

    “Mr. Reffitt brought a gun to the Capitol on January 6…  Mr. Reffitt’s 19-year-old son, Jackson, turned him in to law enforcement after the attack, despite Reffitt’s threats to shoot Jackson and his sister,” Durbin said.  “Mr. Reffitt received a full and unconditional pardon from President Trump.  Guess where he was on January 30 of this year?  Back at the Capitol complex, at Mr. Patel’s confirmation hearing.”

    Durbin then pointed to those who have warned against the nomination of Patel to serve as FBI director, including many of President Trump’s former appointees.

    “Consider who is warning us about Mr. Patel: former Trump officials who know him, like Attorney General Barr, CIA Director Haspel, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and National Security Advisor John Bolton… All Republican appointees. Mr. Patel has left a long trail of grievances, lashing out at anyone who is not completely aligned with him. He calls Democrats ‘vindictive, evil, [and] vicious,’ and repeatedly attacks Republican Senators who don’t toe the MAGA line,” Durbin said. 

    “I have read Mr. Patel’s book, Government Gangsters.  It includes an enemies list of 60 names, ‘members of the deep state’ in the words of Kash Patel, which includes distinguished public servants from both political parties.  What do they all have in common?  From Attorneys General Bill Barr and Merrick Garland to former FBI Directors Bob Mueller and Chris Wray, they all have had the misfortune of crossing paths with the vindictive Patel,” Durbin said.

    Durbin underscored his final point, reiterating that Patel aims to dismantle the FBI from the inside out. 

    “Mr. Patel claims he respects law enforcement, but his words and actions demonstrate his disdain for the FBI.  He has said that on day one, he plans to ‘shut down’ the FBI headquarters.  And he has falsely claimed that the FBI ‘was planning January 6 for a year,’ beforehand.  There is no truth to that statement,” Durbin said.

    Durbin concluded by emphasizing that Patel will serve as a dangerous, influenceable lackey for President Trump and tarnish the reputation of an independent FBI.

    “Mr. Patel’s record demonstrates that he is dangerous, inexperienced, and dishonest.   He should not and cannot serve as an effective FBI Director.  Mr. Patel has been crystal clear that he plans on using the FBI’s vast surveillance and investigative authority to ‘come after’ the President’s enemies,” Durbin said.

    “It is shocking that my Republican colleagues are willing to support Mr. Patel, despite the serious threat he poses to our national security.  I’m sorry to say that I believe they will quickly come to regret this vote,” Durbin concluded.

    To view Durbin’s questions to Patel in his confirmation hearing click here and here.

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Total Wireless and Straight Talk Wireless unveil affordable Unlimited Tablet Plans with big savings

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Total Wireless and Straight Talk Wireless unveil affordable Unlimited Tablet Plans with big savings

    NEW YORK – Total Wireless and Straight Talk Wireless, two no-contract wireless providers covered by the Verizon network, have announced new unlimited tablet plans for the first time. With seamless data options and exclusive discounts, the new plans give customers access to the most affordable unlimited tablet plans in the no-contract wireless industry.

    The new Total Wireless 5G Unlimited Tablet Plan and the Straight Talk Tablet Unlimited + Plan both cost only $20 per month when bundled with any of our phone plans, providing customers $40 per month in savings. The plans include access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, 30 GB of hotspot data to access the internet and power other connected devices, plus 1080p resolution for high-quality movie and TV streaming. 

    The Total Wireless Base Unlimited Tablet Plan and the Straight Talk Wireless Tablet Unlimited Plan both deliver great value at just $10 per month when bundled with any of our phone plans, saving customers $40 each month. The plans include 5GB of hotspot data and are also able to support 720p resolution, ensuring high-quality movie and TV streaming for an enjoyable viewing experience.

    Both Total Wireless and Straight Talk Wireless are also introducing new tablets to go along with the plans, including:

    • Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 + 5G
    • TCL Tab 8 4G
    • TCL Tab 10 NXT Paper 5G

    “For many people, managing multiple devices can be costly,” said David Kim, Chief Revenue Officer at Verizon Value. “Both Total Wireless and Straight Talk understand the importance of staying connected across multiple devices without breaking the bank. Our new Unlimited Tablet Plans are the most affordable among no-contract wireless providers, and are designed to make it easier and more budget-friendly for our customers to enjoy the benefits of real, unlimited data.”

    Now, Total Wireless customers can get a TCL Tab 8 for $29.99, a TCL 5G NXT Paper for $49.99, or a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G for $99.99 when adding a new tablet line with a 5G Unlimited Tablet Plan. These offers are available exclusively in Total Wireless stores for a limited time.

    Part of the Verizon Value portfolio of brands, Total Wireless and Straight Talk Wireless continue to demonstrate their commitment to providing customers exceptional value in wireless with seamless, affordable, high-quality wireless connectivity, leveraging the power of the Verizon network. For more information about the new plans, visit straighttalk.com, totalwireless.com or your local Total Wireless store.

    About Total Wireless

    Total Wireless is a fast-growing, no-contract wireless provider covered by the Verizon 5G network, with over 1,000 exclusive stores across the country, and counting. On a mission to raise the bar in prepaid wireless, Total Wireless disrupts the status quo by offering more value than any other no-contract provider. Total Wireless offers plans with unlimited data and access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra-Wideband network, prices guaranteed for five years (taxes and fees included), select free 5G phones with qualifying purchase plans, and more. 

    Total Wireless is part of the Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands, which includes Straight Talk, Visible, Tracfone, Simple Mobile, SafeLink, Walmart Family Mobile, and Verizon Prepaid. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services.

    For more information on Total Wireless, visit one of its exclusive storefronts across the country, or check out Totalwireless.com.

    About Straight Talk Wireless

    Straight Talk Wireless provides quality no-contract wireless solutions to value-conscious consumers and is available exclusively at Walmart, Walmart.com, and Straighttalk.com.

    Straight Talk is part of the Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands, which includes Total Wireless, Visible, Tracfone, Simple Mobile, SafeLink, Walmart Family Mobile, and Verizon Prepaid.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Comics Creator Championship: Race heats up for young creators as five-member jury to select finalists

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship: Race heats up for young creators as five-member jury to select finalists

    Selected 10 semi-finalists to compete at grand finale at WAVES

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:36PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, February 20, 2025

    A five-member jury panel has been announced to select the semi-final winners of the ongoing Comics Creator Championship being organized as part of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) which will be held in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May, 2025. The WAVES Comics Creator Championship, a joint initiative of the Indian Comics Association (ICA) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, is part of the “Create in India Challenge,” a program of government of India to promote Indian creativity and innovation globally.

    The semi-finalists for the championship have already been announced. The jury panel, which includes industry legends who have shaped the Indian comics landscape, will now select the winners by evaluating the semi-finalists’ entries. The selected 10 finalists will then compete at WAVES in Mumbai.

    Speaking about the jury panel, Ajitesh Sharma, President, ICA, said that the members’ expertise and passion for comics would ensure that the championship sets a new standard for excellence in Indian comics. “We are honored to have such an esteemed jury panel on board,” he said.

    The Jury Members

    1. Dilip Kadam, a renowned comic artist and illustrator, brings his vast experience and expertise to the table. With a career spanning multiple decades, Dilip Kadam has worked with various leading publishers and has been instrumental in creating some of India’s most beloved comic characters, including Bhokal.
    2. Nikhil Pran, son of legendary cartoonist Pran Kumar Sharma and a renowned comic creator himself, adds a unique perspective to the panel. Pran’s work has been influenced by his father’s iconic creations, such as Chacha Chaudhary and Sabu, and he has carried forward the legacy with his own innovative storytelling.
    3. Jazyl Homavazir, an award-winning animation professional and the creator of The Beast Legion, India’s first and longest-running web manga, which recently won the Ann award, brings a fresh and innovative approach to the contest.
    4. Sanjay Gupta, founder of Raj Comics and creator of India’s most popular superheroes, Nagraj, Doga, Bhokal, Bheriya, and many others, provides valuable insights into the industry’s trends and demands.
    5. Preeti Vyas, President and CEO of Amar Chitra Katha, rounds out the panel with her extensive knowledge and experience in the content ecosystem. Vyas’s work has spanned multiple genres, from mythology to picture books to early chapter books.

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship

    The WAVES Comics Creator Championship was launched by the ICA in collaboration with the MIB in August 2024 with a motto of discovering and encouraging the next generation of Indian comic creators. The championship is an initiative aimed at creating a new era in the Indian comics by nurturing innovation, creativity, and a passion for storytelling.

    About WAVES 2025

    WAVES 2025 is a global summit scheduled to be held at Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai from 1st May to 4th May 2025, aimed at fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration in the media, entertainment, and technology sectors. The summit will bring together creators, industry leaders, and investors to explore new opportunities in animation, gaming, visual effects, and XR (Extended Reality). With a vision to position India as a global powerhouse in the AVGC-XR sector, WAVES 2025 promotes skill development, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaborations.

     

    PIB Mumbai | WAVES 2025/Riyas/Priti

     

     

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

    (Release ID: 2105094) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal interacts with Industry Stakeholders and Associations at Auric, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal interacts with Industry Stakeholders and Associations at Auric, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra

    Union Government is committed towards creating a conducive environment for business growth and innovation: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Maharashtra actively actively promoting investments across sectors, making it a favourable destination for businesses and investors: Shri Goyal

    Shri Piyush Goyal endorses setting up of skill & job centre in AURIC Hall in collaboration with industry stakeholders

    Union Minister undertakes aerial survey of upcoming Dighi Port Industrial Area

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 7:34PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, visited the Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) Shendra developed under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)  on the auspicious occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti on February 19, 2025. He also visited various operational industries at AURIC Shendra viz. Coatall Films Pvt Ltd, Inox Air Products, and Umasons Auto Compo Pvt. and appreciated the efforts being made by these units to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.

    Highlighting AURIC’s global competitiveness, the Minister emphasized that Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area stands as India’s premier large-scale greenfield industrial smart city, in terms of world-class infrastructure with plug-n-play infrastructure and futuristic urban planning with walk-to-work facilities. The Minister highlighted that 20 such Industrial Smart Cities are being developed by Govt of India under the NICDP which reaffirms the Modi government’s commitment to creating an advanced industrial ecosystem that caters to global investors and businesses.

    Recognizing the critical need for a dedicated skill development center in AURIC, the Minister endorsed the establishment of a Skill & Job Centre in collaboration with industry stakeholders. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been urged to take the lead in setting up this center, which will be strategically housed within 20,000 sq. ft. of office space at AURIC Hall.

    Shri Goyal appreciated Maharashtra for actively promoting investments across various sectors, making it a favourable destination for businesses and investors. Investors looking at Maharashtra can benefit from its proactive Government policies, strategic location, skilled workforce, and a strong Industrial base.

    Shri Goyal further emphasized the Government’s commitment towards fostering a robust Industrial ecosystem that supports innovation, sustainable growth, and global competitiveness. He highlighted the pivotal role of Industry stakeholders in achieving the nation’s ambitious Vision of a Developed Nation @ 2047.

    On the sidelines, the Minister Shri Piyush Goyal on 20th Feb 2025 also undertook an aerial survey of the upcoming Dighi Port Industrial Area (DPIA) under NICDP approved by GoI in Aug 2024 and nearby critical multimodal connectivity. The Minister was briefed on the advanced trunk infrastructure, integrated master planning, demand assessment, target sectors, and implementation timelines at DPIA by the officials. It was also highlighted that the project holds immense potential due to its strategic location on Mumbai-Goa Highway and proximity to Dighi Port. The Minister directed to create best-in-class infrastructure facilities for DPIA to create a benchmark for others to follow.

    The interaction witnessed the participation of more than 100 stakeholders, including representatives from CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CMIA, MASSIA, MAGIC, Marathwada Auto Cluster, Deogiri Electronic Cluster, Laghu Udyog Bharti, and other distinguished industry associations. Their continuous support and collaboration play a vital role in shaping Maharashtra into a premier global business destination. The event also provided a platform for industrialists focused on Maharashtra to share their views, innovative suggestions and success stories.

    Officials from National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited (MITL) were also present during the event who were given necessary directions from the Hon’ble Minister for further facilitating Ease of Doing Business.

    About AURIC:

    Shendra and Bidkin Industrial Areas are being developed in two phases, covering 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) to establish a modern industrial hub. Auric Smart City follows a balanced development model, with 60% of the land dedicated to industries and the remaining 40% allocated for commercial, residential, educational, and healthcare facilities. Essential infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, sewage systems, and high-speed internet, has been developed in Shendra (2,000 acres) and Bidkin Phase-1 (2,500 acres), with underground distribution reaching individual industrial plots. Notably, 42% of the water demand will be met through treated wastewater. The city is equipped with advanced SCADA systems, CCTV surveillance, air quality monitoring sensors, and traffic control mechanisms for effective governance. Additionally, the implementation of the e-Land Management system ensures a transparent process for industrial land allotment. With its electricity distribution license, Auric Smart City provides power at lower tariffs, enhancing its appeal to investors.

    About Dighi Port Industrial Area:

    The Dighi Port Industrial Area, spanning 6,056 acres across the Roha and Mangaon tehsils in Raigad district, is positioned as a key driver of industrial growth, leveraging its proximity to Mumbai and Pune. The project ensures seamless connectivity through major highways, including NH66 (Mumbai–Goa Highway), NH753F (Mangaon–Pune Highway), and Major State Highway 05, reinforcing its appeal for global and domestic investors.DPIA is strategically designed to accommodate key industries, including Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Textiles, and Food & Beverages.

    ******

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2105093) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 21, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: From suits to social justice: World’s top human rights forum turns stage over

    Source: United Nations 2

    Trading suits, ties and debates for DJ turntables, bright traditional Indigenous garb and ancient instruments, three performers – an anthropologist, an R&B singer and a genre-defying artist – showcased their music and messages at the Stand Up for Social Justice event to celebrate the World Day of Social Justice, marked annually on 20 February.

    It took place in front of hundreds of people in the emblematic Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, where high-stakes diplomacy happens throughout the year.

    The world needs more diverse platforms like the UN “so that transculturality can exist”, said Brisa Flow, a Chilean-born Mapuche artist who got her first break in rap battles in Brazil, following her intense musical performance.

    “We need more empathy and to listen more to Indigenous Peoples in order to better understand how to take care of our territories that need care, not just in terms of water, food and land, but also our children and our elders,” said the São Paulo-based singer, rocking a green marble-printed manicure.

    “We need to be in spaces where everything we speak about is not just a utopia, where hope, which exists, can be heard and considered.”

    Calls for change around the world

    Ms. Flow joined French-speaking Geneva-born R&B revelation Ocevne (pronounced Océane) and anthropologist-cum-poet Idjahure Terena in delivering powerful music and personal messages inspired by social justice while helping to link local realities to issues of a global scale.

    Echoing the Day’s 2025 theme Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future, the event was co-organised by UNRISD, an independent UN research institute focusing on development issues, and Antigel, a Geneva-based music festival designed to make culture more accessible.

    The messages from the young people on stage did just that, with electrifying performances and calls for change around the world.

    For Ocevne, 28, the message was about equality.

    “The simplest way I could define it is simply the right to equal opportunities,” she said. “No matter your background, where you come from, who you are, your gender, everything, we all have the right to that opportunity.”

    © City of Geneva/ANTIGEL/Giona

    Ocevne warming up the room at the Stand Up for Social Justice event.

    ‘No climate justice without social justice’

    Climate justice was another recurring theme throughout the event, an issue highlighted by Mr. Terena, a doctoral student in social anthropology at the University of São Paulo and poet who spends much of his time defending the rights of his community and others.

    “There is no climate justice without social justice,” he told the audience. “We know that standing forests are the simplest and most efficient solution for fighting global warming.”

    The young researcher slammed the impact of mining companies and agribusinesses on his ancestral land that belongs to the Terena people of Brazil in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul.

    “This is not just a territorial issue, but a matter of physical and cultural survival for our peoples and for humanity as indigenous lands represent the most important areas of biodiversity,” he said, inviting the audience to fight for a “common, diverse living world”.

    © Courtesy of Idjahure Terena

    Idjahure Terena playing the japurutu flute with his father-in-law Francisco Baniwa in Brazil.

    ‘The future is going to be very hot’

    Indeed, “the future is going to be very hot,” said Ms. Flow, adding that “it is already very hot in Brazil, and this is urgent for us because without water, we cannot live, and without food, [we cannot] either.”

    Advocating for issues affecting indigenous communities, including the burning impacts of climate change on the natural resources of her home country, she said collectively not enough is getting done.

    “We need more communication and more exchanges. By exchanges, I mean listening, speaking, listening, speaking and thinking about new ways of living well so that we can keep heading into the future.”

    © Giselle Dietze

    Brazilian federal deputy Célia Xakriabá (right) performs with artist Brisa Flow at the Stand Up for Social Justice concert.

    Amplifying marginalised voices

    The event is the brainchild of the UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) Head of communications chief Karima Cherif, who wanted to bridge art and research through the initiative.

    She says her institute works with scholars from the global South to ensure that the voices and expertise of minorities are heard.

    “We’re giving voices to the marginalised and the youth,” explained Ms. Cherif, who sees art as a way to “translate what we do in a language that can touch hearts”.

    ‘Never give up’

    Thuy-San Dinh, who heads Antigel, echoed her vision and encouraged the young audience to pursue their goals, recalling when she co-created the annual event 15 years ago.

    “You have to believe in your ideas and never give up,” Ms. Dinh said.

    Melanie Rouquier, who created SHAP SHAP, a non-profit that fights global inequality and discrimination through cultural projects, told several activists in the room that each of their actions showed citizen engagement was not a lost cause.

    “To resist, we have to get together,” she said.

    © City of Geneva/ANTIGEL/Giona

    Brisa Flow playing a traditional instrument at the Stand Up for Social Justice concert in Geneva in February 2025.

    Connecting generations

    For Aryan Yasin, a designer from Geneva who founded a cultural non-profit supporting disadvantaged youth, the show was an opportunity for cross-pollination and broadening his network by connecting with UN staff.

    The exceptional venue “is not a place where you would necessarily see young people”, he said. “But, that actually allows us to create an intergenerational connection, with people who are more experienced, more established,” he added.

    After the show, management student Ludivine said she was mesmerised by the experience. Putting on a concert with one of her favourite artists there to denounce inequalities “makes sense… because at the UN, people get together to talk about inequalities around the world.”

    © Courtesy of Brisa Flow

    Ms. Flow (right) at a protest by the Guarani people of Brazil.

    What is social justice?

    After the event ended, doctoral students Beatrice and Thomas shared what the concept of social justice, which can seem quite abstract, meant to them.

    “It’s about recognising and taking differences into account while ensuring that everyone has the same access” to the same opportunities, said Beatrice, from Italy, who studies at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

    “That may mean that some people will need more support, while others may not need as much, but have different needs.”

    Thomas offered a more societal vision of the idea.

    “For me, it’s something that is both individual and collective – something that must be built as a society. It is entirely dependent on the structures we have put in place, but it also relies on everything that is local.”

    Read our social justice explainer here.

    ‘We need to be united’

    Ahead of the concert, Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva set the tone in her opening remarks in the Human Rights and Civilisation Room.

    “This room sees a lot of very important and challenging negotiations,” she told the audience. “But, today we open this room to everyone.”

    Geneva Mayor Christina Kitsos, whose term is guided by the motto “what connects us”, reminded the youthful audience of the UN’s fundamental role despite the worrying rise of “desire to undermine all the work [that has been done] around humanitarian aid and human rights”.

    “We need to be united, strong and truly hopeful and courageous to ensure that we stay the course, that we remain a beacon in this world in turmoil,” she said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 21, 2025
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