NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fossil face discovery highlights challenges faced by Europe’s earliest settlers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Suzy White, Post-Doctoral Research Assistant, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Reading

    Piecing together the story of Europe’s earliest settlers is a challenge, largely
    because relevant human fossils are scarce. On March 12, researchers announced the
    discovery of a new fossil from the excavation site of Sime del Elefante, near Burgos in Spain.

    Known as ATE7-1, the new fossil consists of a partial face belonging to an ancient hominin, a biological classification that includes living humans and our closest extinct relatives, such as Neanderthals and Homo erectus. Nicknamed “Rosa” after one of her discoverers, the fossil includes part of the upper jaw, cheek and eye from an adult, and dates to between 1.1 and 1.4 million years ago. As such, she represents the oldest known partial face of a hominin from western Europe.

    Rosa is also a crucial piece of the puzzle explaining how and when humans first entered western Europe – and which species of hominin made those pioneering journeys.

    Hominins evolved in Africa. The first species to occupy multiple continents was Homo erectus, and the first fossil evidence we have of them beyond Africa comes from Dmanisi in Georgia. These fossils are around 1.8 million years old. However, stone tools from Grăunceanu (Romania) indicate that hominins had expanded further north even earlier than the Dmanisi finds – 1.95 million years ago.

    However, fossils from western Europe remain conspicuously absent until 1.4 million
    years ago. By contrast, we have more evidence of hominins moving into Asia during
    this time. They had reached Indonesia by 1.6 million years and descendants of these populations seem to have survived there until relatively recently. Early fossils from Asia are also more numerous and more complete, while their European counterparts are limited to an isolated tooth, a fragment of jaw and a partial skull cap.

    Despite being just a small part of the face, Rosa provides key insights into these
    elusive early European populations. The researchers compared Rosa’s facial
    features to Homo erectus fossils from Africa, Indonesia and Dmanisi. They also
    examined Rosa’s similarities to Homo antecessor, a later European species from Gran
    Dolina, a site close to Sima del Elefante.

    The evidence of settlement at Gran Dolina has been dated to about 860,000 years ago. While Rosa shares her delicate build with Homo antecessor, overall she has more affinities with the Homo erectus fossils – although not enough to confidently place her within this group.

    Rosa may therefore provide support for a hypothesis that the occupation of Europe
    by hominins was discontinuous, at least for the first million or so years. This means that hominins settled there, then went locally extinct and were replaced by other groups of hominins later on.

    Our closest relatives were not able to survive in Europe over long periods of time until much later. But why might that be? What made Europe harder to successfully inhabit than Asia? To begin to answer such questions, we have to combine the evidence from Rosa with what we already know about early human forays beyond their ancestral home continent of Africa.

    Smaller brains, longer legs

    The Dmanisi hominins are notable for their relatively small brains and basic tools.
    This challenged the idea that advanced tools and large brains were necessary for
    expansion beyond Africa. The tools from Grăunceanu are also relatively basic,
    despite the temperate and seasonal climate their makers would have experienced.

    The Dmanisi hominins also have relatively long legs, which would have allowed them
    to move more efficiently over long distances. Perhaps, then, efficient movement,
    rather than brain size or technology, was the driving factor allowing the initial
    expansion. But did the basic stone technology used by early Europeans prevent their long term occupation of the continent?

    It is likely that we will, in time, find even earlier fossils from western Europe. Further fossils from Sima del Elefante could reveal how variable Rosa’s group was, and enable us to either place her within an existing species, or create a new one.

    But, given the sparse information we have for now, the differences between Rosa, the Dmanisi hominins, and Homo antecessor fit within a model of short-term expansions into western Europe. These expansions were probably followed by a retreat of hominin populations into so-called refugia (locations where the environment and climate were more stable), as well as extinctions of local populations. This would have been driven by changing climatic conditions. For now, which and how many species ventured west into Europe is still unknown.

    Much else also remains unknown. Did early western Europeans survive long enough
    to give rise to later species such as Homo antecessor? And how was Homo
    antecessor     related to later European species? The European fossil record becomes
    more continuous from around 600,000 years ago, first with the appearance of
    a hominin species called Homo heidelbergensis, and then with the appearance of early Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis). In fact, these two species appear to have coexisted in Europe for some time.

    Later Europeans were also able to venture further north, with evidence of footprints of a mystery hominin at Happisburgh in the UK by 900,000 years ago. Nevertheless, as with Rosa’s species and Homo antecessor, the Neanderthals and Homo heidelbergensis eventually went extinct – along with all other species of humans globally, except our own.

    The changing climate and northern latitudes of western Europe presented a clear challenge for earlier hominins. As Europe’s climate continues to change, will Homo sapiens be the first hominin capable of long term survival here?

    Suzy White receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust, and has previously received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

    – ref. Fossil face discovery highlights challenges faced by Europe’s earliest settlers – https://theconversation.com/fossil-face-discovery-highlights-challenges-faced-by-europes-earliest-settlers-252413

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: NHS approval of endometriosis therapy Ryeqo enhances patient care, eases healthcare strain, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    NHS approval of endometriosis therapy Ryeqo enhances patient care, eases healthcare strain, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    The National Health Service (NHS) in England has approved Gedeon Richter’s Ryeqo, the first long-term pill available for endometriosis for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options. The approval addresses the long-standing gap in long-term treatment options for endometriosis, improving overall disease management while easing the burden on healthcare resources, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s report, “Endometriosis Market Size and Trend Report,” reveals that the endometriosis market size across the seven major markets* (7MM) is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of more than 9% during 2020-2030.

    A few of the major endometriosis market growth drivers across the 7MM include improvements in non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as the utilization of biomarkers, which should further increase the number of early diagnoses.

    Ryeqo is a combination medication containing relugolix (a GnRH antagonist), estradiol (a form of estrogen), and norethisterone (a synthetic progestin). Together, these three components help regulate estrogen and progesterone levels—key hormones involved in endometriosis—effectively reducing symptoms and improving overall disease management.

    According to the key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData, injectable treatments for endometriosis often present challenges in patient adherence and comfort. The approval of relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone as a standard NHS treatment improves accessibility, reduces the need for invasive procedures, and gives patients more control in managing their condition.

    By eliminating the need for multiple medications and frequent clinic visits for injections, this oral treatment offers a more convenient alternative. Unlike injections, which may initially worsen symptoms, the pill is taken at home and combines all necessary hormones into one convenient tablet.

    Dr Shireen Mohammad, Senior Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “By eliminating the need for multiple medications and frequent clinic visits for injections, this oral treatment offers a more convenient alternative. Unlike injections, which may initially worsen symptoms, the pill is taken at home and combines all necessary hormones into one convenient tablet. The oral route of administration offers greater clinical control over treatment, as dosages can be adjusted, and the medication can be quickly discontinued if necessary. This flexibility provides a significant advantage over long-acting injectable medications, allowing for easier management of side effects and treatment interruptions when needed.”

    Additionally, KOLs highlighted the lack of long-term treatment options for endometriosis, as most available medications are only approved for short-term use. Ryeqo helps address this gap by offering a sustained, long-term therapy, providing continuous symptom relief through hormonal regulation. This makes Ryeqo a valuable, non-invasive alternative for patients seeing effective, ongoing management of their condition, ultimately improving their quality of life.

    Dr Mohammad concludes: “The UK joins other nations in expanding access to endometriosis treatment, offering hope for continued progress in patient care. This approval enhances patients’ quality of life while also reducing strain on the NHS by decreasing hospital visits and the need for surgical procedures. Additionally, Ryeqo’s approval brings the UK in line with global advancements in endometriosis treatment, ensuring women have access to a more effective and convenient option.”

    7MM: The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and Japan.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BYD’s fast-charging tech ignites influencer buzz, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    BYD Co Ltd (BYD) has become a trending company among social media influencers on the third week of March 2025, driven by the unveiling of its new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging technology. The announcement, boasting the capability to charge a vehicle for approximately 400+ kilometers in just five minutes, has sparked significant interest. Influencers are actively discussing the potential implications of this technological advancement, particularly in the context of the EV market and BYD’s growing influence, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Influencers are expressing optimism, fueled by the potential of the fast-charging technology to revolutionize EV adoption. The ability to charge an EV nearly as quickly as refueling a gasoline car is viewed as a pivotal development that could address a major barrier for potential EV buyers. Several influencers highlight the convenience and practicality this technology could bring to EV ownership, making it a more attractive alternative to traditional vehicles.”

    Below are a few popular influencer opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:

    1. Assaad Razzouk, Chief Executive Officer at Gurīn Energy:

    “Tesla who? BYD just unveiled new EV tech to charge a vehicle enough for 400km in just 5 minutes. 5 minutes! More evidence that China is the decisive leader of the world in clean tech innovation – by some distance.”

    1. Kim, Technology Expert:

    “EV: charging 100km in 2 seconds! BYD Breakthrough How comes that every big news is now from China? BYD unveils battery system that charges EVs in five minutes This is a huge breakthrough. And should it prove to be true, it would be a huge step forward. Robotics would also benefit massively from it. “BYD’s new EV platform will allow cars to reach a speed of 100 kilometers per hour in 2 seconds, Wang said at the event at the carmaker’s headquarters in Shenzhen.”

    1. Glen Gilmore, Founder at Gilmore Business Network:

    “China takes another tech win: Chinese automaker BYD shows off new battery and charging system capable of providing 470 kilometers (292 miles) of range in 5 minutes…”

    1. Dan Primack, Business Editor at Axios:

    “This could be an EV game changer: BYD unveils a new system for electric cars that the Chinese automaker says will allow them to charge almost as fast as it takes a regular car to refuel”

    1. James DePorre, CEO at Shark Investing:

    “$TSLA BYD Co. unveiled a new system for electric cars that the Chinese automaker says will allow them to charge almost as fast as it takes a regular car to refuel. BYD’s new battery and charging system was capable of providing 470 kilometers (292 miles) of range in 5 minutes in tests on its new Han L sedan, Chairman and founder Wang Chuanfu said Monday. The manufacturer will start selling vehicles with the new technology next month. Being able to charge a car in the time it takes a combustion engine vehicle to pull in and out of a gas station could convince drivers who aren’t willing to make lengthy stops to go electric.”

    1. Dirk Harbecke, Chairman of Rock Tech Lithium Inc:

    “Chinese #EV giant BYD achieves petrol-like 470km in 5 minutes charging. China expected to add >460,000 EV chargers this year. BYD looking for further plant locations in Europe. Plant constructions in #Hungary and #Turkey ongoing. Tough for EU car makers.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni addresses Chamber of Deputies ahead of European Council meeting on 20-21 March

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    19 Marzo 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, addressed the Chamber of Deputies today following the general discussion on the official communications regarding the European Council meeting to be held on 20-21 March.
    Yesterday, President Meloni provided the Senate with the official communications, and later responded to the points raised during the general discussion.

    [President Meloni responds to the points raised by the Chamber of Deputies – Video available in Italian only]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why history instruction is critical for combating online misinformation

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lightning Jay, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership, Binghamton University, State University of New York

    Students ask questions during a social studies class on American politics. AP Photo/John Minchillo

    Can you tell fact from fiction online? In a digital world, few questions are more important or more challenging.

    For years, some commentators have called for K-12 teachers to take on fake news, media literacy, or online misinformation by doubling down on critical thinking. This push for schools to do a better job preparing young people to differentiate between low- and high-quality information often focuses on social studies classes.

    As an education researcher and former high school history teacher, I know that there’s both good and bad news about combating misinformation in the classroom. History class can cultivate critical thinking – but only if teachers and schools understand what critical thinking really means.

    Not just a ‘skill’

    First, the bad news.

    When people demand that schools teach critical thinking, it’s not always clear what they mean. Some might consider critical thinking a trait or capacity that teachers can encourage, like creativity or grit. They could believe that critical thinking is a mindset: a habit of being curious, skeptical and reflective. Or they might be referring to specific skills – for instance, that students should learn a set of steps to take to assess information online.

    Unfortunately, cognitive science research has shown that critical thinking is not an abstract quality or practice that can be developed on its own. Cognitive scientists see critical thinking as a specific kind of reasoning that involves problem-solving and making sound judgments. It can be learned, but it relies on specific content knowledge and does not necessarily transfer between fields.

    Early studies on chess players and physicists in the 1970s and ’80s helped show how the kind of flexible and reflective cognition often called critical thinking is really a product of expertise. Chess masters, for instance, do not start out with innate talent. In most cases, they gain expertise by hours of thoughtfully playing the game. This deliberate practice helps them recognize patterns and think in novel ways about chess. Chess masters’ critical thinking is a product of learning, not a precursor.

    Nurman Alua of Kazakhstan, left, and Lee Alice of the U.S. during the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept. 22, 2024.
    AP Photo/Denes Erdos

    Because critical thinking develops in specific contexts, it does not necessarily transfer to other types of problem-solving. For example, chess advocates might hope the game improves players’ intelligence, and studies do suggest learning chess may help elementary students with the kind of pattern recognition they need for early math lessons. However, research has found that being a great chess player does not make people better at other kinds of complex critical thinking.

    Historical thinking

    Since context is key to critical thinking, learning to analyze information about current events likely requires knowledge about politics and history, as well as practice at scrutinizing sources. Fortunately, that is what social studies classes are for.

    Social studies researchers often describe this kind of critical thinking as “historical thinking”: a way to evaluate evidence about the past and assess its reliability. My own research has shown that high school students can make relatively quick progress on some of the surface features of historical thinking, such as learning to check a text’s date and author. But the deep questioning involved in true historical thinking is much harder to learn.

    Social studies classrooms can also build what researchers call “civic online reasoning.” Fact-checking is complex work. It is not enough to tell young people that they should be wary online, or to trust sites that end in “.org” instead of “.com.” Rather than learning general principles about online media, civic online reasoning teaches students specific skills for evaluating information about politics and social issues.

    Still, learning to think like a historian does not necessarily prepare someone to be a skeptical news consumer. Indeed, a recent study found that professional historians performed worse than professional fact-checkers at identifying online misinformation. The misinformation tasks the historians struggled with focused on issues such as bullying or the minimum wage – areas where they possessed little expertise.

    Powerful knowledge

    That’s where background knowledge comes in – and the good news is that social studies can build it. All literacy relies on what readers already know. For people wading through political information and news, knowledge about history and civics is like a key in the ignition for their analytical skills.

    Readers without much historical knowledge may miss clues that something isn’t right – signs that they need to scrutinize the source more closely. Political misinformation often weaponizes historical falsehoods, such as the debunked and recalled Christian nationalist book claiming that Thomas Jefferson did not believe in a separation of church and state, or claims that the nadir of African American life came during Reconstruction, not slavery. Those claims are extreme, but politicians and policymakers repeat them.

    For someone who knows basic facts about American history, those claims won’t sit right. Background knowledge will trigger their skepticism and kick critical thinking into gear.

    A teacher in North Carolina conducts a lesson about the D-Day invasion of Normandy in an Advanced Placement class.
    AP Photo/Gerry Broome

    Past, present, future

    For this reason, the best approach to media literacy will come through teaching that fosters concrete skills alongside historical knowledge. In short, the new knowledge crisis points to the importance of the traditional social studies classroom.

    But it’s a tenuous moment for history education. The Bush- and Obama-era emphasis on math and English testing resulted in decreased instructional time in history classes, particularly in elementary and middle schools. In one 2005 study, 27% of schools reported reducing social studies time in favor of subjects on state exams.

    Now, history teachers are feeling heat from politically motivated culture wars over education that target teaching about racism and LGBTQ+ issues and that ban books from libraries and classrooms. Two-thirds of instructors say that they’ve limited classroom discussions about social and political topics.

    Attempts to limit students’ knowledge about the past imperil their chances of being able to think critically about new information. These attacks are not just assaults on the history of the country; they are attempts to control its future.

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

    – ref. Why history instruction is critical for combating online misinformation – https://theconversation.com/why-history-instruction-is-critical-for-combating-online-misinformation-248528

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Reaffirms Support for Ukraine, Emphasizes Ceasefire and Accountability Amid Ongoing Conflict: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK Reaffirms Support for Ukraine, Emphasizes Ceasefire and Accountability Amid Ongoing Conflict: UK Statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says Ukraine’s long-term security depends on a multifaceted approach of immediate ceasefire efforts, robust security arrangements, and economic and humanitarian support.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. As we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, we continue to emphasise the importance of its freedom, sovereignty, and independence. These principles are critical to securing Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security and are paramount to ensuring stability and peace in the region.

    Recent efforts to achieve a ceasefire have rightly dominated the strategic narrative. The meeting on March 11 between the USA and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was promising. We applaud Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations. A ceasefire is not only a cessation of hostilities but also a foundation for rebuilding trust and fostering long-term stability.

    Although we don’t have the full details from the dialogue between the USA and Russia yesterday, we understand that Putin has repeated his ‘Yes but No’ approach to a ceasefire, expressing concerns regarding the monitoring of the line of conflict and Ukraine’s ability to mobilise and re-arm in the interim. Russia’s demand for the complete cessation of provision of foreign military aid and intelligence to Kyiv is likely to prevent rapid progress. We repeat that any ceasefire must be respected, and that robust and credible security arrangements are necessary to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression.

    The UK welcomes the proposed agreement on a cessation of kinetic strikes on energy infrastructure, but again, we call on Russia to fully reciprocate by explicitly agreeing to a ceasefire in all areas and implementing it completely. Should Russia fail to agree to such a ceasefire, we remain prepared to impose further costs, including additional sanctions, caps on oil prices, and increased support for Ukraine. The use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets will also be considered.

    The devastating impact of the war continues. Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply alarming. The destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure has caused immense suffering and displacement. A Russian attack on Pokrovsk on March 17 severely injured three children. A Russian drone attack on a hospital in Kharkiv Oblast caused a 1500 square yard building fire, and the subsequent assault targeted rescue workers. On March 8, a coordinated strike on apartment buildings in Dobropillia killed 11 people and injured 30. We must emphasise the importance of accountability for these actions and reaffirm our commitment again to work together to achieve a durable peace.

    In conclusion, Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security depend on a multifaceted approach that includes immediate ceasefire efforts, robust security arrangements, economic and humanitarian support, and accountability for actions taken during the conflict. By standing together with Ukraine, we can achieve a durable peace and ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous. The path to peace and prosperity is challenging, but it is achievable. Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 March 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Emergency Medical Team ends 5-month deployment in Lebanon

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK Emergency Medical Team ends 5-month deployment in Lebanon

    UK Emergency Medical Team (UK-EMT) ends their 5-month deployment in Lebanon, the British Embassy held a workshop today for local and international partners.

    UK EMT Workshop hosted by British Embassy Beirut

    Partners focused on exploring opportunities to maintain and build capacity at the Turkish Hospital in Saida, building on lessons from the UK-EMT deployment. The workshop was attended by British Chargé D’Affaires and Development Director, Victoria Dunne; UK-Med Team Lead, Mr. Andres Gonzales Rodriguez; Turkish Hospital Director, Mrs Mona Teryaki; and Senior Advisor to the Minister of Public Health, Dr Nadeen Hilal.

    In November 2024, the UK-EMT arrived in Lebanon to attend to injured civilians caught up in the conflict and train Lebanese health workers in specialised burn treatment skills. The team, made up of medical staff from the NGO UK-Med and Interburns, had deployed in response to a call for assistance from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health to the international community. The deployment of medical professionals from the UK to emergencies and humanitarian crises around the world is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. 

    The UK-EMT shared their achievements and challenges in providing burns and trauma services at the Turkish hospital and suggested steps to ensure continuity of burns treatment and physiotherapy. The event highlighted how international NGOs like UK-Med can provide life-saving assistance in a crisis context while also improving Lebanon’s capacity to provide these specialised services in the longer term.  

    Charge D’Affaires and Development Director Victoria Dunne said:  

    The conflict in Lebanon brought intolerable suffering to so many, with homes destroyed and innocent civilians caught up in the crossfire. The UK is pleased to have been able to deploy such valuable expertise to assist Lebanon in a time of crisis. 

    Over the past 5 months, the UK medical team have managed to deliver urgently needed treatment to the most vulnerable and those with life-changing injuries, whilst imparting skills to Lebanese physiotherapist to use in the long-term.  We hope today’s workshop sets out a road map to sustain the Turkish Hospital in Saida and its burns rehabilitation expertise with the support of our local and international partners.  

    We are proud of our ongoing partnership and cooperation with Lebanon and international partners and what we have achieved in the last year – mobilising over $50m for the most vulnerable across the country.

    UK-Med Senior Operations Manager and Team Lead for the UK EMT in Lebanon, Andres Gonzalez Rodriguez said:  

    Since November 2024, UK-EMT has provided specialised physiotherapy care focussed on burn rehabilitation in partnership with Interburns in the Turkish Trauma and Emergency Hospital, Saida. Several training sessions for physiotherapists were held with the Lebanese Order of Physiotherapists and Interburns for staff, including improving protocols and securing vital equipment. 

    As our mission ends, UK-EMT remains committed to supporting sustainable medical capacity in Lebanon through knowledge transfer and strengthened local healthcare system.

    Senior Advisor to the Minister of Public Health Dr Nadeen Hilal said:

    The Turkish Hospital’s journey may be considered as a blueprint. Its evolution from an emergency recipient to a hub of localized expertise and burn standard of excellence demonstrates how targeted interventions can respond to national health priorities. The lessons learned here, in burns care, trauma management, and multidisciplinary collaboration, must inspire replication across Lebanon’s hospitals, addressing diverse needs such as maternal health and chronic disease management.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Schoolchildren’s delight as Centenary mascot unveiled

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Wednesday, 19th March 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary mascot has been unveiled at St Gregory’s Catholic Academy.

    The schoolchildren got the first glimpse of the official Stoke-on-Trent 100 mascot after winning a competition run by the city council. 

    Today (Wednesday 19 March), Kelvin the Kiln, surprised children at the Longton school, accompanied by The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe.  

    The two winners of the competition were Zunairah Hussain, who chose the name Kelvin the Kiln, and Fizza Fatima, who designed the front of Kelvin’s potter’s apron. Both children are in year six. 

    Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Councillor Lyn Sharpe, said: “It was an honour to meet Kelvin the Kiln for the first time and travel to the school together.  

    “The brilliant reaction from pupils said it all. Kelvin is going to bring a smile to a lot of faces this year.  

    “I’m sure we’ll spend a bit of time in each other’s company at more events over the coming months as we continue to celebrate our city’s Centenary.” 

    The mascot was produced by character and costume specialist, Rainbow Productions, who brought Kelvin to life. The company’s managing director, Simon Foulkes, was born in Stoke-on-Trent and still has connections to the city. 

    He said: “My grandfather was born in Dundee Street in Longton and, as was normal in the early part of the last century, the whole family was employed by the pottery industry; his father being a china warehouseman and his mother and sister being china paintresses.  

    “My father, who was born in Stone, joined the RAF and was stationed all over the world but home for us was always Stoke. Sitting on my father’s shoulders in the Paddock in the Boothen End of the Victoria ground is one of the earliest memories I have.  

    “I live in Surrey now and, unapologetically, have brought my kids up to support Stoke and how they thank me for it! We have never lost our association with Stoke and it is a tremendous privilege now for my company to supply Kelvin the Kiln, the centenary mascot, and to wish the glorious City of Stoke-on-Trent a wonderful 100th birthday.” 

    Victoria Brickley, headteacher of St Gregory’s Catholic Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for their wonderful achievement in the mascot competition, which highlights their creativity and understanding of our local area. The artwork celebrates the unique history of Stoke-on-Trent. It is a privilege to play a small part in this significant event.” 

    Elizabeth Harper, History and Art Leader at the school, said: “The centenary of Stoke-on-Trent offers a valuable opportunity to delve into our local history and understand how past events have shaped the community we live in today. 

    “This exploration fosters a sense of pride in our children for their local area and aims to inspire them in their personal journeys. By collaborating with local organisations, including museums, businesses, and community groups, we can create meaningful opportunities that enrich the lives of our young learners.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spotlight shines on local heroes at annual Mayor’s Awards

    Source: City of Winchester

    Community contributions from across the Winchester district have been recognised during the annual Mayor of Winchester’s awards.

    The ceremony took place in Winchester Guildhall on Thursday 13 March, when a total of 54 award certificates were presented to 71 local individuals, groups and businesses.   

    Among those recognised were: the Rotary Club of Bishop’s Waltham; Jean Browne; Hampshire Swifts; Winchester Young Carers; Winchester Go LD; Gary Munday from Swan Samba; Alan Marlow from Winchester Ramblers; Connect Winchester Community Bus; The Soberton and Newtown Conservation Group; Danny Dubois; Tuesday’s Place in King’s Worthy; Citizens Advice Winchester; Kathy East from Lanterns Nursery School; GrOws (Green Owslebury); Keith Leaman; Natalie March; Anne Collins, Parish Clerk serving Durley and Upham PCs; Wilfred’s Café in Droxford and Meon Valley; Jenny Webb from South Wonston Community Café.

    Swanmore Accredited Community Support Officer (ACSO) Gary McCulloch was presented with an award.

    Mr McCulloch, who has been in the role for five years and works in Swanmore and Owslebury, said: “I was really shocked and humbled to be amongst so many well deserving people from all across the district. Myself and my fellow ACSO Sarah work filling the gaps and taking care of what are often little things; people can see they’re being listened to. If I can solve a problem, it’s good for the local community.  

    “I truly believe that my job is the best there is and I thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate me.”

    The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith said: “The annual Mayor of Winchester Community Awards is one of the most important events in the Mayor’s calendar, and it’s a way to acknowledge and celebrate the quite invaluable work carried out by many community-spirited residents and business of all ages, from all walks of life.

    “It has been heartwarming to see just how many kind and compassionate people there are in our district. I was so impressed by the humbling and inspirational achievements, which included three remarkable instances of lives being saved by quick thinking and well-trained individuals, taking charge of emergency situations; in one case a fourteen-year girl had set in motion a rescue attempt.

    “I offer my profound thanks and admiration to every award recipient, for all that they have done and will no doubt continue to do for our community across the Winchester district.”  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: See Myself in Books Festival to help Manchester children feel represented in books and boost reading for pleasure

    Source: City of Manchester

    Author Maisie Chan with school children

    Thousands of children across Manchester will discover books with characters they can relate to during the first See Myself in Books Festival, in a bid to boost reading for pleasure across the city.

    The festival, which is delivered by Read Manchester – a partnership between Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust – runs for the next fortnight until 30 March and sees 15 diverse authors taking part. Highlights include a flagship event for schools at The Stoller Hall and a family fun day at the National Football Museum.

    The See Myself in Books Festival builds on the success of two book collections specially curated for the city’s primary schools, which include 25 books focused on ethnic diversity and a further 25 books focused on neurodiversity. Copies of these books have been distributed to over 50 local primary schools so far and families can also borrow them at their local library.

    The fortnight-long festival sees events across the city in schools, libraries and other community venues, including in-person events with diverse authors, with children and families encouraged to join in and also seek out some of the books to read themselves from the two collections.

    Over 350 local primary school pupils joined in the festival’s kick-off event for schools yesterday (Tuesday 18 March) at The Stoller Hall. The event focused on ethnic diversity in books, with bestselling authors including Nathan Bryon, Dapo Adeola, Maisie Chan and Bobby Joseph.  Each pupil who attended the event was given a copy of one of the authors’ books to take home.

    Read Manchester will also be taking over the National Football Museum this Saturday 22 March, with a See Myself in Books family fun day to celebrate diversity in children’s literature and football.  Author Priscilla Mante will read from her book, Jaz Santos vs The World (Puffin) and answer questions from families. There will also be craft activities and a book hunt for children of all ages. The event runs from 10 am – 3 pm and is free to attend for all Manchester families.  Author reading sessions take place at 11 am and 2 pm.

    Children across Manchester are also invited to design a See Myself in Books bookmark, which celebrates ethnically diverse or neuro-diverse characters in books. Three winning designs will be turned into official Manchester Libraries bookmarks, which will be shared across the city. Pick up an entry form at local libraries or find out more at readmanchester.org.uk

    The See Myself in Books Festival comes as Manchester works towards becoming a UNICEF recognised Child Friendly City – a place where children’s rights are understood and respected, and that adopts a whole city approach towards making Manchester the best possible place for a child to grow up in.

    Councillor Julie Reid, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People said: “We’re determined to make sure that every child and young person here in our wonderfully diverse city reaps the benefit of being a regular reader – both for the knowledge and wider understanding it gives them of the world around them, but also for the sheer joy of reading for pleasure.

    “What the research shows us however is that children and young people are far more likely to read books if they see people like themselves in them and can identify with them.

    “That’s why we’re on a mission to make sure that all our children whatever their background and circumstance, can see themselves reflected in the books they pick up – starting with the books in their own school library.

    “We want all children and young people in Manchester to feel included and empowered by the books they read which is what makes our first See Myself in Books Festival so important. We’d love to see families and children across the city get involved – and of course, get reading!”

    Research from the National Literacy Trust shows why events that celebrate reading and encourage reading for pleasure are so worthwhile. Last year, the charity revealed that when children and young people read in their free time at least once a month, it helps them to relax (56.6%) and feel happy (41%), learn new things (50.9%), understand the views of others (32.8%), learn about other cultures (32.4%) and be confident (26.0%) [1]. But too many children are missing out on these benefits because they don’t see themselves in the books they read:

    · Over half (53.1%) of children aged 8-11 said they find it difficult to find books with characters or people like them 

    · Yet 1 in 3 children and young people aged 8-18 say that being given books or having books that represent them would make them want to read more 

    With children’s reading for enjoyment levels at a record low – just 1 in 3 (34.3%) children and young people aged 8-18 in the North West enjoying it in their free time – it’s more important than ever to inspire children to pick up a book.

    Jill Connolly, Senior Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust said: “When children and young people enjoy reading in their free time, it helps their learning, wellbeing and confidence. By opening up a world of stories that children from diverse backgrounds can relate to, the See Myself in Books Festival helps more children feel these life-changing benefits.”

    Find out more information about events and activities taking place during the See Myself in Books Festival

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lancaster City Museums update admissions policy to support their future A revised admissions policy at Lancaster City Museums will help to protect the district’s rich history and vibrant cultural heritage while raising vital funds to support their future.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    A revised admissions policy at Lancaster City Museums will help to protect the district’s rich history and vibrant cultural heritage while raising vital funds to support their future.

    Lancaster City Museum

    From April 1 adult visitors who live outside of the LA1-LA6 postcodes will be charged a small entry fee. Entry to the Lancaster City and Maritime Museums will be £5 each, while a visit to the Cottage Museum will cost just £2.

    There are also new ticketing options to offer flexibility and great value:

    • Two-adult joint ticket: £8 for entry to either the Lancaster City or Maritime Museums
    • Weekly pass: £8 per person for access to all Lancaster City Council-run museum sites for a week
    • Annual pass: £10 per person for unlimited entry to all three museums for a year

    People living in the LA1 to LA6 postcode areas will continue to enjoy free entry to the City and Maritime museums to ensure local history enthusiasts are able to explore the district’s fascinating past at no cost.

    Carers accompanying a disabled visitor will also receive free entry. As is the case currently, local adult visitors will be asked to pay an entry fee to the Cottage Museum, with a visit costing £2.

    Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, emphasised the importance of these changes: “The Maritime Museum has charged an entry fee for people visiting from outside the local area for many years and these changes bring the City Museum in line with this existing charging policy.

    “Initially the additional funds we raise will be used to refurbish the staircase at the City Museum, and it seems reasonable to ask visitors to contribute, just as local people do through their council tax.

    “Longer term, the changes will ensure the sustainability of these treasured institutions and support the maintenance and development of our museums for future generations to enjoy.”

    For information about what’s on and details of future exhibitions visit Lancaster.gov.uk/museums.

    Last updated: 19 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby Arena celebrates its 10th anniversary!

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby Arena is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The landmark building opened in 2015, with the aim of inspiring the next generation and put sport, health and physical activity at the heart of the city.

    Since opening, the Arena has offered citizens the opportunity to be more physically active and improve their health and wellbeing. It’s not just a fitness facility – it’s a national cycling hub, a stage for top performers and a venue for major sporting events, as well as conferences and tradeshows.

    In the past decade, Derby Arena has had over a 4 million visits and, in the last five years, has held over 300 events. These have included shows by top comedians Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican, national hockey and international handball finals, and University of Derby graduations.

    It was also an important part of the city’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming a huge vaccination centre which saw more than 100,000 people vaccinated.

    The Arena was constructed on behalf of Derby City Council by Bowmer + Kirkland – the same company that completed the new Becketwell Live performance venue.

    Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure said:

    For a decade, Derby Arena has thrived, becoming a leading hub for fitness, wellbeing, sport, and entertainment. Looking ahead, this ambitious facility will no doubt continue to enhance Derby’s appeal as a great place to live, work, and visit.

    As a centre for fitness and wellbeing, the Arena is continuing to inspire people to change their lives through physical activity.  

    Fitness member Dave Martin said: 

    I can now lift, press, push, and pull weights that I couldn’t have imagined handling before. Initially, even lifting the bar was a struggle. All of this progress is thanks to the dedicated personal training team. The PTs both challenge and support you at your desired level. At 56 years old, I’ve learned that with the right team and motivation, anything is possible.

    The Arena is one of only five cycling velodromes in the country and boasts four world champions coaches.

    Derby’s track cyclists have shone in national and world competitions, achieving huge medal success in both the 2024 National Masters Track Championship and the 2024 UCI Masters Track World Championships.

    Track cycling at Derby Arena

    Cyclist John Baugh is a regular at the velodome. He said:

    Since our first visit to the Arena three years ago, my son and I have shared many happy hours riding the velodrome. This venue is unique, in our experience. Where else could a father and son share an interest and passion for cycling, ride with multiple world champions, under the guidance and supervision of the finest coaches in the UK?

    The atmosphere on Track League evenings is superb – there’s a sense of camaraderie that is a joy to be a part of. I can’t thank the team at Derby Arena enough for their kindness and encouragement.

    The facility has attracted top-flight cyclists with the Great Britain Cycling Team track squads relocating to Derby Arena in 2022 while their usual home, the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, was renovated. Team GB’s track cyclists won one gold, three silver and four bronze medals at the Paris Olympics

    The Arena hosted the British University and College Sport (BUCS) cycling championships for the first time. Joe O’Loughlin, event organiser for the BUCS Track Championships, said:

    The first BUCS Track Championships in Derby was a huge success and we received amazing feedback, with members experiences overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to making next year even bigger and better and continuing to provide a platform where student riders can display their immense talent.

    The Arena is an important sporting centre for Derbyshire’s young people, as home to Derbyshire Institute of Sport. DIS provides bespoke support services to individual athletes, sports teams and club members to enable them to achieve success. 

    Managing director Chloe Maudsley said:

    We are proud to be hosted at the iconic Derby Arena, where we can deliver exceptional sports science, accessible to all the young athletes of Derbyshire. Together, we are showcasing that Derby can compete with the best in the world.

    The cast of Cinderella outside the Arena

    Beyond sport, Derby Arena has become a key entertainment venue, and has hosted Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment’s much-loved pantomimes since it opened. Last year’s Cinderella was Derby’s highest grossing panto ever, enjoyed by almost 40,000 people with sparkling reviews from audiences. The award-winning team will be back this year with Dick Whittington.

    Further exciting shows coming up this year include comedy from Jimmy Carr and Al Murray, the mind-blowing family show Jurassic Earth and music from world-renowned acts celebrating the sounds of Taylor Swift, Tina Turner and Elvis, to name a few.

    The Arena team will be celebrating the landmark 10th anniversary throughout the year with a host of events and activities, including Les Mills fitness launches, our popular family Fun-Fest, Cycle-Fest and other local, regional and national events. 

    Look out for the upcoming National Track Series Cycle Championships, the England Boxing National Amateur Championship Finals in April and, in September, the UK’s first full DEKA FIT competition –  billed as ‘the ultimate fitness test’.

    For more information visit the Derby Arena website and follow us on Facebook.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy Culinary Specialists Showcase their skills at the 49th Joint Culinary Training Exercise

    Source: United States Navy

    FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. – Culinary Specialists (CS) from across the fleet competed at the 49th annual Joint Culinary Training Exercise (JCTE), which ran from Feb. 28 until March 7, 2025, at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. This year’s training event attracted over 150 U.S. military personnel from installations and activities worldwide, alongside allied forces teams from the Republic of Korea, Germany, the U.K., and France.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Expansion in Nickel Mining Market Thriving from Heightened Demand Around the Globe

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – According to a report from Grand View Research, the nickel mining industry worldwide is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$83.813 Billion by 2030. A compound annual growth rate of 6.6% is expected of the worldwide nickel mining industry from 2023 to 2030.Growth in end-use industries such as construction, consumer durables, and machinery & equipment are propelling the growth of the stainless steel industry. Nickel is one of the key raw materials of stainless steel. Hence, development in the stainless steel industry is contributing to the growth of the market. According to the Nickel Institute, over two-thirds of the world’s nickel is utilized in the production of stainless steel. It acts as an alloying agent, enhancing essential properties such as formability, ductility, and weldability while also increasing corrosion resistance for specific applications. Another Grand View Research report said: “The nickel mining industry is highly competitive and to gain an edge, major players are acquiring their competitors. The batteries segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 7.2% in terms of revenue, over the forecast period (2030). Nickel batteries offer a cost-effective solution for achieving higher energy density and storage capabilities.” Active Companies in the market today include: First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN), Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP), First Hydrogen Corp. (OTCPK: FHYDF) (TSX-V: FHYD), Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE), FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL).

    Grand View Research continued: “Based on region, Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of over 57.0% in 2022. The growth in various industries, such as battery manufacturing, automotive & defense, and petrochemicals, is increasing the demand for nickel, which is positively influencing its mining activity. The Russia-Ukraine war has benefitted the Philippines’ nickel industry, as Russia’s output has been declining in the past few years coupled with the aversion it is receiving in trade. Europe is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.8% in terms of revenue over the forecast period (2030). The EU has recognized the importance of nickel in the energy transition and has added it to the list of critical minerals. To ensure a diversified supply chain, the EU has set benchmarks for the extraction of at least 10% of the annual consumption of nickel within the boundary of Europe. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the mining activity in the region. North America is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period (2030). The increasing demand for nickel-based products in aerospace and defense industries has raised its significance as a critical mineral. In addition, the growing emphasis on accomplishing a domestic supply chain for the EV battery segment is anticipated to boost production in the region.”

    First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN) AND COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES LAUNCH RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP TO EXPLORE GEOLOGIC HYDROGEN POTENTIAL IN NEWFOUNDLAND OPHIOLITES – First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (FSE: P21) (“First Atlantic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a strategic research partnership with Colorado School of Mines to explore geologic hydrogen as an energy source. This collaboration will focus on two significant ophiolite complexes in Newfoundland, Canada: the St. Anthony Ophiolite Complex (Atlantis Project, 103 km²) and the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex (Atlantic Nickel Project, 71 km²). Both projects are 100% owned by First Atlantic and encompass extensive ultramafic rock formations, characterized by awaruite-bearing serpentinized peridotites, which are key indicators of geologic hydrogen.

    First Atlantic Nickel is primarily focused on exploring awaruite nickel-iron alloy mineralization. Additionally, it is partnering with Colorado School of Mines to conduct secondary research on geological hydrogen produced during serpentinization. This collaborative research will leverage data collected by First Atlantic during its ongoing exploration for awaruite nickel deposits. Notably, awaruite serves as an indicator mineral of geologic hydrogen within serpentinized peridotites found in ophiolites. Colorado School of Mines will carry out this hydrogen research component, enhancing the overall exploration program while leveraging First Atlantic’s extensive geological assets and expertise.

    Geologic Hydrogen: Ophiolites and Peridotite

    Ophiolites—sections of oceanic crust and upper mantle thrust onto continental crust—are globally recognized as prime sources of geologic hydrogen, often referred to as “white hydrogen” or “gold hydrogen.” These formations are dominated by ultramafic rocks, notably peridotite, which consists primarily of olivine and pyroxene minerals rich in nickel, chromium, magnesium, and iron. When peridotite interacts with water, it triggers serpentinization—a hydrothermal reaction in which iron oxidizes and water is reduced, releasing molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). This natural process can be represented by the equation:

    3FeO (in olivine) + H₂O → Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) + H₂ – During serpentinization, awaruite (Ni₃Fe) forms as a secondary mineral when liberated nickel (Ni2+) and iron (Fe2+) from the olivine, pyroxene, and chromite minerals react with the abundant hydrogen (H2) present. This natural process can be represented by the equation:

    3(Ni²⁺) + (Fe²⁺) + 4(H₂) → (Ni₃Fe) + 8(H⁺) – The formation of awaruite could not happen without the presence of hydrogen. This process occurs readily in ophiolitic peridotites at depth, where water saturated rocks in oxygen-poor, reducing conditions produce this exothermic reaction, generating heat that sustains further reactions. According to the Geological Survey of Finland, “In Europe and in regions outside the crystal shield, only ophiolites are often referred to as a source of geological hydrogen.” Within these ophiolite settings, serpentinized peridotites are the most promising targets, with peridotites producing significantly more hydrogen than other rocks, up to 4 kg per cubic meter. Ophiolites represent large potential sources of geologic hydrogen, with some of the most significant global geologic hydrogen discoveries occurring in ophiolites.

    “Geologic hydrogen systems are a combination of mineral systems and natural gas systems. In our group, we have the unique combination of expertise from both the mining industry and oil and gas industry to advance geologic hydrogen exploration and stimulated hydrogen monitoring,” said Dr. Yaoguo Li from Colorado School of Mines. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for First Atlantic Nickel at: https://www.fanickel.com/archive

    In other market news of interest:

    Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) recently announced a multi-year supply agreement from Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (‘MCV’, www.mcv-eg.com), a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer based in Egypt, for fuel cell engines totaling approximately 5 MW.

    The supply agreement for 50 FCmove®-HD+ engines, and initial order of 35 units, represents the continued growth of the relationship with MCV which started in 2022 with fuel cell engine integration support and the first fuel cell engine order placed in 2023. Deliveries of the 50 engines are expected between 2025 and 2026 and will initially support projects in the EU.

    First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTCPK: FHYDF) recently announced the launch of its subsidiary, First Nuclear Corp., an initiative dedicated to advancing clean energy through the innovative use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). First Nuclear Corp. (“First Nuclear”) aims to revolutionize green hydrogen production, supporting global decarbonization efforts and paving the way for a sustainable, zero-emission future.

    Harnessing the Power of SMRs for Green Hydrogen – First Nuclear seeks to integrate advanced nuclear technology with green hydrogen production. SMRs, known for their compact design, scalability, and ability to provide a continuous, weather-independent power supply, are the cornerstone of this initiative. By leveraging SMRs, First Nuclear ensures a stable, cost-effective, and efficient process for producing green hydrogen, addressing the growing demand for clean energy solutions worldwide. IDTechEx anticipates the installation rate of SMRs to grow significantly addressing the climate crisis. They project the global market for SMRs to reach US$72.4 billion by 2033 and US$295 billion by 2043, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30%.

    Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE), a global leader in power solutions, announced recently an expansion of its longstanding relationship with Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company®. The collaboration now exceeds 100MW of electricity capacity to support Equinix’s International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data centers across the United States.

    With approximately 75MW already operational and another 30MW under construction, this latest expansion marks a significant milestone in the companies’ decade-long collaboration. What began as a pilot program in 2015 with just 1MW of fuel cells at a single IBX data center in Silicon Valley has scaled one hundredfold, supporting the critical digital infrastructure needed to meet increasing energy needs of AI-driven computing.

    FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) and Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Sdn Bhd (MMHE), a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad (MHB), have announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to co-develop large-scale hydrogen production systems and technologies across Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.

    Building on a memorandum of understanding signed in February 2023, the JDA represents a pivotal step for the two companies, driven by a shared vision to make clean hydrogen production easily accessible and viable. The collaboration underscores FuelCell Energy and MHB’s commitment to advancing green energy solutions and supporting global decarbonization and energy transition goals.

    About FN Media Group:
    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated thirty four hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by First Atlantic Nickel Corp. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:
    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Changes to cost limits for Child Abduction and Wardship

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Changes to cost limits for Child Abduction and Wardship

    We are making changes to the default cost limit for Child Abduction and Wardship for new applications submitted to the LAA from Monday 17th March 2025.

    Cost Update for Child Abduction and Wardship

    When reviewing current costs limitation for Child Abduction and Wardship it has been agreed following consultation and feedback that the cost limit for the substantive certificate will increase from £5000 to £25000. Our review of the data shows the costs incurred on these cases far exceed the current default cost limitation of £5000. Child Abduction and Wardship commonly involve a foreign element and costs on these cases can quicker escalate, meaning that costs incurred can frequently exceed the standard £5000 cost limit. These certificates are regularly granted to include representation at the final hearing, and this change will allow providers to focus on the case rather seeking to amend the costs limit of the certificate.

    What changes will you see?

    When granting an initial application, CCMS will grant a cost limit of £25,000 for the cases listed in the table below.

    It will apply to the following proceedings only:

    Proceedings
    CH001 – Child Abd/Custody – free – High Court
    CH003 – App for wardship – High Court
    CH002- App – Child Abduction/Custody Act 1985 – High Court

    Existing Scope and Proceeding limitations will continue to apply.

    Implementation Date

    This will be effective from Monday 17th March 2025. New applications started and submitted from Monday 17th March 2025 will have the new standard cost limit of £25,000.

    What’s Next?

    This is part of a continuous journey towards creating a more accessible Legal Aid system and reducing the administrative burden on provider and ourselves. Currently under consideration are ideas such as:

    • Including reviewing how we could make greater use of our backdating facilities
    • Reviewing the current cost limits in non-Family proceedings

    We’d be happy to hear from you with any ideas you have as well, so please do let us know.

    FAQs

    Why are we doing this? To ease access to the Justice system by applying modern, reflective limitations to certificates and to free up caseworker time by reducing time spent on lower risk, repetitive amendments. This will allow us to focus more on higher risk applications and claims. It is also about evolving our relationship with our providers where we seek to explore how we can give them more responsibility for decisions taken on the cases they work on.
    What will it look like? Applications will be submitted as normal, but the default costs limit will be £25,000 on application started and submitted from Monday 17th March 2025.
    How will Delegated Functions work? There will be no change on applications under Delegated Functions, the new limitations only apply from the issuing of the Substantive amendment.
    How will it be brought in? Communication and guidance will go out to both caseworkers and providers in advance of the changes going live.
    How will current cases for child abduction and wardship be affected? Existing certificates for child abduction and wardship will remain at their current cost limit. Once that limit has been met and there is further work to undertake, then a fresh amendment to increase costs should be submitted. The further work that needs to be undertaken should justify the cost limit that is being sought, as per standard practice.
    Does this apply to enforcement and appeal proceedings for child abduction and wardship? No, the standard cost limit for enforcement and appeal for child abduction and wardship will remain the same. This change to £25,000.00 is only applicable to the three specific proceedings mentioned above.
    Why doesn’t this apply to enforcement and appeal proceedings? The evidence based on average claim costs for the specific standalone proceedings for enforcement and appeal proceedings, didn’t justify the cost limit being increased to £25,000.00.
    Does this affect solicitor bills? Yes.  The change allows solicitors more freedom to undertake work that their case load requires, rather than having to spend their time seeking upfront permission for costs on applications submitted from the 17th March 2025.  Please note that all costs will still be subject to an assessment of reasonableness at the point of assessment. Providers will still be responsible for checking the public funding certificate to ensure that they are covered for the work they are undertaking.
    Is this for paper and CCMS? Yes, this process will be applied to paper applications.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Chang Yong Rhee: Sustainability challenges in Korea

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    I. Introduction

    Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, I am Rhee Changyong, Governor of the Bank of Korea.

    It is an honor to join the Global Engagement & Empowerment Forum (GEEF) to discuss building a sustainable future. I sincerely thank Yonsei University President Yun Dongseob, former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and everyone who made this event possible. I am also pleased to reconnect with former World Bank President Jim Yong Kim after my time in Washington, D.C.

    Over the years, the GEEF has brought together global leaders, international organizations, businesses, and stakeholders to explore solutions for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I hope this forum continues driving practical solutions to today’s sustainability challenges.

    I am here to share Korea’s perspective on these issues. Some people say, “The Governor of the Bank of Korea is overstepping his bounds,” because I speak on social issues beyond monetary policy. Discussing the SDGs today may reinforce that perception. While central bankers debate their role in such discussions, sustainability challenges directly impact our economy and daily lives. For this reason, I cannot remain indifferent-not just as a central bank governor, but also as a citizen.

    Sustainability takes many forms, but today I will focus on two urgent challenges for Korea’s economy. The first is climate change, a global crisis affecting everyone. The second is our declining birth rate and aging population, a challenge that is especially severe in Korea.

    II. Climate Change

    There is global and domestic consensus that human activities drive global warming and reducing carbon emissions is essential. However, Korea faces significant resistance to accelerating carbon reduction due to its heavily export-oriented economy dominated by high-carbon manufacturing industries. Strengthening emission reduction policies and environmental regulations raises concerns about export companies losing competitiveness. Thus, balancing urgent carbon reduction with sustaining industrial competitiveness has become a central issue.

    However, climate change should not be viewed solely from the perspective of export industries. It is a crisis directly affecting our daily lives and quality of life. We are already experiencing more extreme heat waves, frequent flooding, and the gradual disappearance of familiar fruits and vegetables. Our summer rainfalls used to be predictable, but not anymore. If Los Angeles can experience massive wildfires, what is stopping Korea from experiencing similar disasters? Climate change is not distant-it is occurring now, and its impacts are unavoidable.

    Air quality is a clear example. Last week, I visited Cape Town, South Africa, for a BIS meeting. While it was winter in Korea, it was summer there, with warm weather, a refreshing sea breeze, and remarkably clean air. Within days, I realized, “This is truly clean air.” Upon returning to Incheon Airport, I immediately felt a headache-not just from the flood of emails about economic and political concerns, but also from the noticeably poorer air quality. Korea’s air quality has improved recently, but after experiencing cleaner air in Washington, D.C., I can clearly sense the difference. As someone sensitive to lung health after experiencing long COVID, this difference is especially noticeable. Although conditions have improved, fine dust remains a serious issue.

    Statistically, the cost of deteriorating air quality is undeniable. Over the past 15 years, diagnoses of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis have doubled, and cases of heat exhaustion have quadrupled, now totaling 4,000. Climate change directly threatens our health, making the challenges of protecting public health increasingly severe as temperatures rise and pollution worsens.

    Another example is the increased frequency of sudden downpours, repeatedly flooding Seoul’s Gangnam Station area, one of Korea’s wealthiest neighborhoods, submerging numerous luxury vehicles over the past several years. Beyond property damage, the human toll has been devastating. Just two years ago, 14 people tragically lost their lives when an underpass collapsed after 500mm of rain fell in thirteen days. Observing these intense summer storms reminds me of tropical squalls typically seen in Thailand or South America.

    The Korea Meteorological Administration now classifies rainfall exceeding 50mm per hour or 90mm over three hours as “extreme heavy rain,” conditions responsible for 80% of flood damage. These extreme events have more than doubled since the 1970s. Given these dramatic changes, it is unclear whether our current flood prevention infrastructure-such as dams, embankments, and drainage systems-can handle the intensifying conditions. About 20% of national river embankments are already rated as “inadequate” or “poor,” and projections suggest half of Korea’s dams may fail to prevent flooding by 2040. We must proactively strengthen infrastructure now to withstand growing climate challenges.

    Third, climate change is disrupting our food supply. Last year, I faced criticism from agricultural stakeholders after suggesting apple imports due to soaring prices (Im et al., 2024). Initially, I anticipated resistance primarily from traditional apple-growing regions like Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. However, apple production areas are gradually shifting northward. Apple cultivation in Daegu-Gyeongbuk has decreased by nearly half compared to 30 years ago. Once grown nationwide, except for the southern coast and Jeju Island, projections suggest high-quality apples will only be viable in Gangwon Province’s mountainous areas by the 2030s, due to rapid climate change (Rural Development Administration, 2022). Within a decade, importing apples will likely become a necessity rather than controversial.

    The fishing industry faces similar disruptions. Pollack, once a staple in Korea, has nearly vanished from local waters, with catches below one ton since 2019. Traditional species like croaker and anchovies are declining, while warmer-water species like yellowtail and mackerel are increasing. Korea’s fishing industry must rapidly adapt by modernizing vessels, gear, and aquaculture techniques to match the changing marine ecosystem.

    While countless examples exist, the core message is clear. Climate change is not just a challenge for export industries-it already deeply impacts our daily lives and various domestic sectors. Thus, addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions is not a matter of choice-it is an urgent necessity.

    Although the government has initiated policy efforts, substantial progress remains necessary. First, Korea’s Green Taxonomy (K-Taxonomy) must align with international standards to clearly define “environmentally friendly” activities, signaling strong support for carbon reduction. Second, carbon pricing must be more realistic. Last April, the global average carbon price was approximately $30 per ton, reaching $60 per ton in the EU, compared to only $6 per ton in Korea. At this price, companies find it more economical to buy emission credits than reduce emissions, undermining carbon reduction targets. Third, structural improvements to Korea’s Emissions Trading System (K-ETS) are needed. Gradually reducing the 90% free allocation rate and tightening the emissions cap will create stronger market incentives for effective emissions trading.

    The Bank of Korea is also increasing its efforts by conducting financial stress tests on climate-related risks. Financial institutions traditionally manage risks like loan defaults and real estate fluctuations, but climate-driven risks introduce unexpected tail risks not yet fully considered. Events like Los Angeles’ wildfires or Australia’s six-month wildfire crisis in 2019 are not distant threats. They serve as warnings for Korea. Severe localized climate damage could cause significant financial losses for households and businesses, destabilizing financial institutions and spreading shocks throughout the economy.

    Thus, the Bank of Korea actively researches climate risks’ impacts on our industries and financial system, conducting stress tests with financial institutions under various scenarios. Next Tuesday, we will present these climate stress test results at a joint conference with the Financial Supervisory Service.

    Bank of Korea employees are also committed to reducing carbon emissions through research (Kim et al., 2024) and daily practices. Believing even small actions matter, we have adopted eco-friendly measures such as using recycled-paper business cards, reducing plastic use, turning off unused lights, and implementing license plate-based driving restrictions.

    III. Ultra Low Fertility and an Aging Population

    Beyond climate change, one of the most pressing sustainability challenges is our demographic crisis-an aging population combined with extremely low fertility rates. Korea’s total fertility rate slightly rose to 0.75 in 2024 from 0.72 in 2023. Although this small uptick is welcome, a fertility rate of 0.75 remains a national emergency. If this trend continues, Korea faces an irreversible population crisis that threatens economic stability and social cohesion.

    Some people suggest that population decline might have benefits, such as reduced pollution, lower energy consumption, and higher GDP per capita, possibly enhancing quality of life. However, this view dangerously oversimplifies the issue. A fertility rate of 0.75 leads not to gradual decline but rapid demographic collapse, undermining economic and social stability. By contrast, the OECD average fertility rate of 1.4 results in a more manageable and sustainable population decline.

    The difference between fertility rates of 0.75 and 1.4 significantly impacts economic growth prospects. At 0.75, Korea’s population would shrink from 51.7 million to 30 million in 50 years, just 58% of today’s figure, declining annually by 1.1%. In contrast, at a rate of 1.4, the population decline is less severe, reaching 43 million-83% of today’s level-with an annual drop of 0.4%. From a purely demographic standpoint, the difference in GDP growth between these two scenarios would amount to 0.4 percentage points annually. But the true cost goes beyond this simple calculation. A declining youth population, crucial for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic dynamism, would severely undermine Korea’s long-term growth potential. According to a recent Bank of Korea study, Korea’s potential growth rate, currently around 2%, may approach near 0% by the late 2040s (Lee et al., 2024). If the fertility rate remains at 0.75, Korea will inevitably face prolonged negative economic growth after 2050. Conversely, at 1.4, Korea could maintain positive economic growth well into the future.

    Beyond GDP, persistently low fertility will create substantial fiscal strain, increasing the burden on younger generations. As the elderly population surges, spending on pensions, healthcare, and elder care will rise significantly. According to the National Assembly Budget Office (2025), Korea’s national debt-to-GDP ratio, currently 46.9%, is projected to reach 182% within 50 years if fertility remains at 0.75. If fertility improves to 1.4, the ratio would increase more slowly, reaching 163%. The burden on young Koreans will become particularly overwhelming. Currently, four working-age individuals support each elderly person. At a fertility rate of 0.75, this ratio will decline to one-to-one within 50 years. At 1.4, however, it remains more manageable, easing strain on future generations.

    Moreover, economic instability from demographic shifts increases society’s vulnerability to populism. Stagnant growth exacerbates income inequality, deepens generational and class divides, and fuels political polarization. Politicians and governments may resort to populist fiscal policies, such as direct cash handouts and temporary welfare measures, providing short-term relief without addressing underlying issues. Such policies risk creating a cycle of fiscal inefficiency and mounting national debt, exacerbating rather than resolving the core problems.

    To preserve economic sustainability, decisive action must be taken urgently. If Korea’s fertility rate remains critically low without significant expansion of the workforce through foreign labor, the country risks chronic negative growth, soaring debt, and escalating social tensions. Avoiding this scenario requires raising the fertility rate to a more viable level. Completely reversing population decline may be unrealistic since many advanced economies face similar demographic challenges, but Korea cannot afford to remain passive. At a minimum, we must strive to reach the OECD average fertility rate of 1.4.

    Why has Korea’s fertility rate fallen so drastically? The answer lies in structural barriers discouraging young people from marriage and parenthood. Bank of Korea studies indicate young Koreans delay or forgo marriage and childbirth due to intense competition and anxieties over employment, housing, and childcare. Young people today face fierce competition for scarce, high-quality jobs, making career stability difficult. Simultaneously, soaring housing prices make homeownership seem unattainable. Under these pressures, raising children is more than challenging-it is an overwhelming financial and emotional burden.

    A major driver of this crisis is the extreme concentration of population and economic activity in the Seoul metropolitan area. A recent Bank of Korea study analyzing fertility trends in 35 OECD countries identified Korea’s urban concentration as among the highest globally, pinpointing it as a key factor behind the country’s ultra-low fertility (Hwang et al., 2023). Over 50% of Korea’s GDP, population, and jobs are concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area-much higher than 5% in the U.S. and Germany, 10-20% in the U.K. and Italy, 20-30% in France, and 30% in Japan. While Korea’s rapid economic development-the “Miracle on the Han River”-transformed the country into an economic powerhouse, it also centralized infrastructure, talent, and opportunities in Seoul. Consequently, young people continue migrating to the capital for career prospects, draining vitality from regional economies and pushing many toward demographic extinction.

    Korea’s highly competitive university entrance system further reinforces the population concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area. Admission to prestigious universities is considered essential-not only for stable employment but also for social status and marriage prospects. This fuels intense competition for limited spots at elite universities, overwhelmingly located in Seoul. Private education has become critical, prompting families to relocate to Seoul’s affluent areas like Gangnam-gu, known for high-quality private educational infrastructure. Many parents unable to afford homeownership instead rely on costly rental housing to secure educational advantages. This strategy appears justified, as students from Seoul account for 32% of admissions to Seoul National University (SNU), despite representing only 16% of school-age population. More strikingly, students from Gangnam-gu alone constitute 12% of SNU admissions, three times the district’s 4% share of school-age residents (Chung et al., 2024). Relocating to Gangnam-gu is thus seen as essential for top university admission, intensifying Seoul’s population density, raising housing prices, and worsening the fertility crisis.

    Korea’s university admission system is excessively competitive by any standard. Parents sacrifice their quality of life and retirement savings, investing considerable resources to secure their children’s admission to elite universities. Paradoxically, this intense pursuit of academic success imposes a heavy cost on both parents and children. From as early as kindergarten, students experience relentless pressure and burnout, depriving them of childhood joys and a healthy adolescence.

    Korea’s critically low fertility rate (0.75), extreme population concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area, and overheated university competition seem like separate issues but are deeply interconnected. Left unresolved, these challenges-drastic population decline, persistent negative economic growth, escalating social tensions, and diminishing opportunities for youth-will push Korea toward an unsustainable tipping point. Addressing these structural issues simultaneously is challenging, yet the urgency demands bold action. Recognizing this, the Bank of Korea recently proposed two policy suggestions: foster a limited number of regional hub cities and implement a “regional proportional admission system” for universities.

    First, to effectively reduce the extreme population concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area, we must strategically develop a small number of regional hub cities. Over the past two decades, regional development policies have been introduced to address this imbalance. However, due to political challenges and efforts to evenly distribute resources nationwide, these initiatives have been too fragmented to meaningfully curb Seoul’s dominance.

    According to Bank of Korea research, the optimal approach-given Korea’s land area and population-is to concentrate substantial investments in two to six carefully selected regional hub cities. Targeted, large-scale investment in critical infrastructure, such as healthcare, education, and cultural amenities, is essential to providing a quality of life comparable to Seoul, thus effectively attracting and retaining residents (Chung et al., 2023, 2024). Pursuing this focused strategy will rebalance population distribution, revitalize regional economies-including surrounding smaller cities-and achieve sustainable national development.

    In parallel, bold reforms to Korea’s college admissions system are essential. The Bank of Korea has proposed a “regional proportional admission system,” where universities voluntarily allocate admissions based on each region’s proportion of high school seniors (Chung et al., 2024). Despite multiple revisions to university entrance system, excessive competition in university admissions remains unresolved. BOK’s new proposal seeks to enhance universities’ autonomy in admissions while strongly requiring balanced regional representation-a crucial step to address extreme competition. Adopting this system offers several benefits. First, it reduces the disproportionate influence of socioeconomic factors such as parental wealth and private education, thus significantly enhancing social mobility. Second, dispersing admissions competition from Seoul would ease demographic pressures, stabilize housing prices, and improve fertility rates. Third, attracting students from diverse regions promotes mutual understanding, social cohesion, and reduces regional disparities.

    This proposal does not require government intervention or legal amendments, relying instead on the willingness and initiative of leading universities. In Korea, there remains a strong belief that selecting students based solely on academic scores is the fairest, leading resistance to this proposal. Some universities argue they already implement regional proportional admissions for roughly 15% of their freshmen. However, such limited quotas can stigmatize these students and have insufficient impact on demographic or housing pressures in Seoul. To be effective, regional proportional admissions must be applied to most incoming students’ admissions. In many advanced nations, regional diversity in admissions is widely accepted and encouraged. I believe Dr. Jim Yong Kim, joining us today and a former president of Dartmouth College, understands this issue well. He could highlight how Korea’s test score-based admissions approach is an exception globally, and how this reform could realistically occur through proactive leadership at major universities.

    In my view, allowing universities greater flexibility in evaluating applicants-under regional proportional requirements-would better acknowledge and fairly recognize diverse talents. Human talent is far too diverse to be measured by academic tests alone. Yet, Korea’s current admissions system prioritizes a narrow skillset: memorization, quick mathematical calculations, and rapid text summarization under time pressure. These skills, overly rewarded by standardized exams, limit the range of recognized talents. I happen to possess these particular skills and was a major beneficiary of Korea’s college admission system. However, if asked to write a creative essay over a week, I might not have excelled. Today, elite university students often share certain defining characteristics such as a personality that diligently follows instructions without rebellion, a willingness to endure 15 years of repetitive study from kindergarten, an IQ high enough to handle the academic workload, but not so high as to question or challenge its purpose.

    When Korea’s primary goal was catching up with more advanced nations, the current educational system was beneficial in developing individuals who excelled at following orders and carrying out assigned tasks. However, with Korea now at the forefront of global technological competition, we need people unafraid to explore new frontiers, bringing diverse backgrounds and innovative thinking. Additionally, we must foster an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and meaningful interaction. It is time for universities to broaden their evaluation criteria and nurture diverse talents by implementing regional proportional admissions.

    The challenges highlighted today-climate change and demographic crisis-pose critical threats and require urgent action. Korea has achieved remarkable economic progress, joining the ranks of advanced nations. Now we must focus on enhancing individual well-being, ensuring prosperity and happiness for all citizens. Through bold decisions, we can develop vibrant, youth-friendly, green regional hubs that combat climate change and support marriage and childbirth. The Bank of Korea remains fully committed to securing a sustainable, prosperous future for upcoming generations.

    Thank you for your time and attention.

    This speech was prepared with the assistance of Sanghun Park and Joonki Min from the Office of Sustainable Growth, and Inro Lee and Inkyung Yoo from the Economic Research Institute.

    References

    Kim J. Y., Ryu G. B., Hwang J. H., Kim H. J., Kim H. N., Lee H. A., and Sim S. B. 2024. “The Impact of Climate Change Risks on the Real Economy: Analysis by Climate Response Scenarios.” BOK Issue Note No. 2024-30, Bank of Korea.

    Rural Development Administration. 2022. “Prediction of Changes in Cultivation Areas for Six Major Fruits Considering Climate Change Scenarios.” Press Release.
    Lim W. J., Lee D. J., Lee Y. S., and Park C. H. 2024. “Characteristics and Implications of Korea’s Price Levels: A Comparison with Major Countries.” BOK Issue Note No. 2024-14, Bank of Korea.

    Chung M. S., Kim E. J., Lee H. S., Hong S. J., and Lee D. R. 2023. “Interregional Population Migration and Regional Economy.” BOK Issue Note No. 2023-29, Bank of Korea.

    Chung M. S., Lee Y. H., Yoo J. S., and Kim E. J. 2024. “Analysis of Regional Economic Growth Factors and Balanced Development Focused on Hub Cities.” BOK Issue Note No. 2024-15, Bank of Korea.

    Chung J. W., Lee D. W., and Kim H. J. 2024. “Adressing Social Issues Steming from Excessive Competition in College Admissions.” BOK Issue Note No. 2024-26, Bank of Korea.

    Hwang I. D., Nam Y. M., Sund W., Shim S. R., Yeom J., Lee B. J., Lee H. R., Chung J. W., Cho T. H., Choi Y. J., Hwang S. W., and Son M. K. 2023. “Lowest-low Fertility and Super-aged Society: Causes and Impacts of the Extreme Population Structure, and Policy Options.” In-Depth Analysis, Korea Economy Outlook, Bank of Korea.

    Lee E. K., Chun D. M., Kim J. W., and Lee D. J. 2024. “Potential Growth Rate of the Korean Economy and Future Outlook.” BOK Issue Note No. 2024-33, Bank of Korea.

    Lim W. J., Lee D. J., Lee Y. S., and Park C. H. 2024. “Characteristics and Implications of Korea’s Price Levels: A Comparison with Major Countries.” BOK Issue Note No. 2024-14, Bank of Korea.

    National Assembly Budget Office. 2025. “2025-2072 NABO Long-Term Fiscal Outlook.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Denis Beau: Regulation and innovation – mutual benefits

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    The financial sector is engaged in an unprecedented dynamic of innovation. New technologies offer vast opportunities in the field of financial services but bring also a variety of risks. This ambivalent impact of innovation raises obvious questions for central banks and supervisors in charge of financial stability: how can we ensure that financial stability is maintained in such a changing environment, and that customers and all stakeholders have confidence in the financial system? In Europe, part of the answer to this question is provided by adapting our regulation tools to help harness benefits brought by innovation while controlling risks. However this approach raises questions: is there not a risk of hampering innovation and therefore competitiveness of the financial sector in the name of controlling risks?

    This morning I would like to share with you a strong conviction, which may seem iconoclastic in the current context, and perhaps even more so in this country: there is no point in opposing innovation and regulation. Jean Monnet, one of the fathers of European integration, famously said: ‘Nothing is possible without men, but nothing lasts without institutions’. In the same vein, I would say: ‘Nothing is possible without innovation, but nothing lasts without regulation’. 

    This is particularly true, I believe, for the financial system, and I would like to illustrate this in three critical areas for the prospective safety and efficiency of the financial sector – DLT-based finance, artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber risks.

    I/ Let me start with DLT-based finance.

    1/ Today, crypto-assets are back in the spotlight, particularly here in the US. However, we need to bear in mind that ‘first generation’ crypto-assets, such as bitcoin, represent only a small proportion of global financial assets (1.4% of the world market capitalisation at the end of 2024), and are not widely used in critical financial services, including payments, on which the real economy depends.

    In contrast, the sponsors of tokenization initiatives argue that DLT-based tokenization, while still in its infancy, offers wider opportunities and use cases notably in the field of investment, trading, clearing and settlement services. For example, in the short to medium term, the tokenisation of financial assets could lead to efficiency gains in post-trade activities, with blockchain technologies enabling greater automation, greater availability and transparency, and improved traceability. In the longer term, the tokenisation of non-financial assets – such as real estate – could increase the liquidity and accessibility of the underlying markets.

    However, the development of tokenised finance is notably handicapped by the absence of a fully secure settlement asset. Central bank money – the most secure form of money, and the reference settlement asset in traditional finance – is not currently available on blockchain. For this reason – in other words, by default – market participants may be tempted to use crypto-assets known as stablecoins. However, stablecoins, especially when they are not regulated, are subject to many risks, particularly liquidity risks. Market participants are well aware of these risks, and the resulting lack of confidence goes a long way to explaining the relatively slow pace at which the tokenisation of assets is developing.

    2/ Against this backdrop, our strategy in Europe has been to adapt our regulation tools in two main ways to support a sustainable and safe development of tokenised finance, and to also safeguards our monetary sovereignty on settlement solutions. First, we have developed an ad-hoc legislation for stablecoins issuers and digital assets service providers through the adoption of the MiCA Regulation and the so-called ‘DLT Pilot Regime’ Regulation. Second, central banks of the Eurosystem under the aegis of the ECB have been preparing an adaptation of the central bank money services they provide. To support the development of tokenized finance more specifically, the Governing Council of the ECB announced two weeks ago that the Eurosystem will develop and deploy solutions to settle in central bank money, including in digital form, namely in wholesale CBDC, transactions recorded on DLTs, following a two track approach. This initiative whose first track should become live by the end of next year should contribute to support the growth of an integrated and sound European market for digital assets.

    II/ I’d now like to turn to a second area of innovation that is absolutely crucial for the financial sector: artificial intelligence. 

    1/ The recent International AI Safety Report led by Professor Yoshua Bengio identifies three types of AI risk: risks associated with misuse, risks associated with malicious use, and systemic risks. This morning I would like to talk about the latter, and how they apply to the financial sector.

    First and foremost, the financial sector is vulnerable to risks originating in the real economy. AI could bring about incremental productivity gains but also more profound economic changes, with major sectoral restructuring, and major transfers of jobs from some economic sectors to others – with increased risks of bankruptcy in some sectors, speculative bubbles in others… These economic changes could in turn destabilise the financial sector.

    The financial sector is also largely concerned with environmental risks, which the development of AI tends to amplify. The prospect of regular, or even intensive, use of generative AI by billions of customers around the world obviously raises environmental questions and leads to advocacy for a reasoned use of AI.

    AI could also contribute to amplify financial sector vulnerabilities through a number of specific characteristics. For instance, concentration in the AI market, in terms of reliance on specialized hardware, cloud services and pre-trained models, may result in compounding a risk of dependence on third-party players, if the financial sector were to massively favour the purchase of ‘off-the-shelf’ AI systems – for example in the field of generative AI, where the main players are today the same as those who dominate the cloud market. This echoes the sovereignty issues I mentioned earlier.

    Other amplification impacts on financial system vulnerabilities could go through the use of the same types of trading tools and models, which could increase herding behaviour in the financial markets, resulting in greater volatility and procyclicality. The complexity and novelty of the new models could also increase the risk of error or misuse of AI by institutions. This could lead to significant financial losses, which, through financial interconnectedness, could quickly spread throughout the financial system.

    2/ To deal with these risks, we must lay the foundations for ‘trustworthy AI’, i.e. AI that is under control, which implies appropriate regulation.

    Europe has been a pioneer in this area: the AI Act, adopted in the summer of 2024, aims to protect citizens’ rights while promoting the development of a European market of trustworthy AI. In addition, financial supervisors will have to adapt their supervisory activities to ensure that financial institutions remain in control of the risks associated with their use of AI. 

    To that end, I would like to share two convictions with you this morning. Firstly, the principles we usually promote as supervisors of sound risk management and governance can provide an effective framework for most of the risks associated with AI, with a few adaptations. And the financial sector’s risk management culture and internal control systems provide solid safeguard. 

    However, and this is my second conviction, some issues are resolutely new. Thus, they require specific attention from supervisors and supervised entities alike. This is the case for the explainability and fairness of algorithms. To leave these questions unanswered would mean creating legal uncertainty for institutions, in other words slowing down operational decisions and ultimately innovation in the sector. So I believe that we need to provide the financial sector now with technological and regulatory support, to ensure the development of trustworthy AI. In particular, this means that supervisors need to upgrade their skills, adapt their tools and methods… in short, they need to innovate. Here again, innovation and regulation appear to be complementary rather than mutually exclusive imperatives.

    III/ Finally, let me now turn to a third area of critical importance to the financial sector: cyber risks.

    1/ The financial sector is one of the biggest users of data and IT resources in the world. This structural trend has been reinforced in recent years by the ever-increasing availability and openness of data. This openness is of great benefit to the financial sector, which can assess new risks or fine-tune pricing. At the same time, the multiplication of data sources and the strengthening of technical interconnections are creating new vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by the development of new technologies, most notably AI, which greatly increases the threat posed by cyber attackers, although it can also help to identify attack patterns.

    Another new technology could have an even more radical impact on cyber risks, with devastating consequences for the financial sector: quantum computing. It has already been proven that, thanks to their parallel computing capabilities, quantum computers will be able to break the most widely used encryption methods by ‘brute force’, particularly those that currently protect our communication channels. The advanced dematerialisation of exchanges means that our economy and financial system are highly dependent on the robustness of encryption techniques. As a result, this threat should prompt us to begin without delay a gradual transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions. These solutions already exist and have recently been referenced by the American NIST, even if they still require a great deal of research. This is one of the reasons why we, at the Banque de France, have been conducting a number of experiments in this area on an international scale, notably through our involvement in the BIS Innovation Hub.

    2/ Furthermore, in order to reconcile open data and risk management, we need to organise the operational resilience of the financial sector. To that end, in Europe, the recently enacted DORA Regulation complements the sectoral regulations with specific rules on operational resilience and IT risk management. In particular, it introduces new risk prevention methods, such as threat-led penetration testing (TLPT) for systemic institutions. These enhanced security tests, involving ‘red’ teams that simulate the tactics of cyber attackers, allow institutions’ critical systems to be tested in a real-world environment.

    DORA also encourages financial institutions to cooperate with each other to share their knowledge of emerging threats. Supervisors will play a central role in facilitating and overseeing this exchange of information between stakeholders. In this way, regulation will act as a facilitator, to improve operational resilience and IT risk management.

    To conclude, let me say a few last words on the challenges those innovations raise for us central banks and supervisors if we want to contribute positively to harness their benefits and mitigate their risks on the functioning and stability of the financial system. 

    1/ First, we need to master new technologies ourselves to remain effective and efficient in the conduct of our supervisory activities. This means equipping ourselves with high-performance processing infrastructures, paying particular attention to the sensitive data at our disposal. When it comes to data, we need to make the most of the new data sources, by taking advantage of technological innovations: the open ledgers that blockchains constitute, for example, are a new data manna for central banks and supervisors. To make the most of this potential, however, we need to acquire specialised skills – which is not always easy in a highly competitive world – and develop our tools and methods. In this area, closer cooperation with the academic world could enable us to move forward more quickly.

    2/ This brings me to my second point: we also need to cooperate more and better. Each of the three subjects I mentioned earlier – DLT, AI, cyber and quantum – is by its very nature a cross-border issue. We therefore naturally need to develop synergies with peer financial authorities, in order to build coherent regulation on a global scale. We also need to go further and build cooperation with other sectoral authorities (competition, privacy, cyber-security, etc.), in order to take account of the many dimensions of these highly complex issues. Finally, it is also in our interest to cooperate more with the financial sector itself: public authorities and financial institutions share many challenges – think, for example, of quantum computing, which I mentioned earlier – and they will be able to tackle them all the more easily if they are able to move forward together.

    To sum up, I would say that central bankers and financial supervisors must not only contribute to regulate, but also innovate, in order to ensure the stability of the financial system while supporting its transformation through innovations. This requires from us to avoid the pitfall common to both regulation and innovation, which can be excessive sophistication or complexity.
    This is why in the debate which has started in Europe about how to foster the competitiveness of our financial sector, we advocate at the Banque de France for regulation as simple as possible, and for simplifying it and reducing the associated reporting burden when needed, without renouncing to set demanding requirements in terms of risk management.

    In other words, we are in favor of simplifying, not deregulating, which means regulating more effectively and efficiently.

    Thank you for your attention.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Interest in Nickel Mining Booming as Demand Skyrockets Around the World

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – According to a report from Grand View Research, the global nickel mining market size was estimated at USD 50.40 billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2023 to 2030. Growth in end-use industries such as construction, consumer durables, and machinery & equipment are propelling the growth of the stainless steel industry. Nickel is one of the key raw materials of stainless steel. Hence, development in the stainless steel industry is contributing to the growth of the market. According to the Nickel Institute, over two-thirds of the world’s nickel is utilized in the production of stainless steel. It acts as an alloying agent, enhancing essential properties such as formability, ductility, and weldability while also increasing corrosion resistance for specific applications. The report said: “The nickel mining industry is highly competitive and to gain an edge, major players are acquiring their competitors.   The batteries segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 7.2% in terms of revenue, over the forecast period (2030). Nickel batteries offer a cost-effective solution for achieving higher energy density and storage capabilities.” Active Companies in the markets today include: First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN), Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE), Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), Glencore plc (OTCPK: GLNCY) (OTCPK: GLCNF), Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (OTCQB: QIMCF) (CSE: QIMC).

    Grand View Research continued: “Based on region, Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of over 57.0% in 2022. The growth in various industries, such as battery manufacturing, automotive & defense, and petrochemicals, is increasing the demand for nickel, which is positively influencing its mining activity. The Russia-Ukraine war has benefitted the Philippines’ nickel industry, as Russia’s output has been declining in the past few years coupled with the aversion it is receiving in trade.   Europe is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.8% in terms of revenue over the forecast period (2030). The EU has recognized the importance of nickel in the energy transition and has added it to the list of critical minerals. To ensure a diversified supply chain, the EU has set benchmarks for the extraction of at least 10% of the annual consumption of nickel within the boundary of Europe. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the mining activity in the region.   North America is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period (2030). The increasing demand for nickel-based products in aerospace and defense industries has raised its significance as a critical mineral.   In addition, the growing emphasis on accomplishing a domestic supply chain for the EV battery segment is anticipated to boost production in the region.”

    First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN) AND COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES LAUNCH RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP TO EXPLORE GEOLOGIC HYDROGEN POTENTIAL IN NEWFOUNDLAND OPHIOLITES – First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (FSE: P21) (“First Atlantic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a strategic research partnership with Colorado School of Mines to explore geologic hydrogen as an energy source. This collaboration will focus on two significant ophiolite complexes in Newfoundland, Canada: the St. Anthony Ophiolite Complex (Atlantis Project, 103 km²) and the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex (Atlantic Nickel Project, 71 km²). Both projects are 100% owned by First Atlantic and encompass extensive ultramafic rock formations, characterized by awaruite-bearing serpentinized peridotites, which are key indicators of geologic hydrogen.

    First Atlantic Nickel is primarily focused on exploring awaruite nickel-iron alloy mineralization. Additionally, it is partnering with Colorado School of Mines to conduct secondary research on geological hydrogen produced during serpentinization. This collaborative research will leverage data collected by First Atlantic during its ongoing exploration for awaruite nickel deposits. Notably, awaruite serves as an indicator mineral of geologic hydrogen within serpentinized peridotites found in ophiolites. Colorado School of Mines will carry out this hydrogen research component, enhancing the overall exploration program while leveraging First Atlantic’s extensive geological assets and expertise.

    Geologic Hydrogen: Ophiolites and Peridotite

    Ophiolites—sections of oceanic crust and upper mantle thrust onto continental crust—are globally recognized as prime sources of geologic hydrogen, often referred to as “white hydrogen” or “gold hydrogen.” These formations are dominated by ultramafic rocks, notably peridotite, which consists primarily of olivine and pyroxene minerals rich in nickel, chromium, magnesium, and iron. When peridotite interacts with water, it triggers serpentinization—a hydrothermal reaction in which iron oxidizes and water is reduced, releasing molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). This natural process can be represented by the equation:

    3FeO (in olivine) + H₂O → Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) + H₂ – During serpentinization, awaruite (Ni₃Fe) forms as a secondary mineral when liberated nickel (Ni2+) and iron (Fe2+) from the olivine, pyroxene, and chromite minerals react with the abundant hydrogen (H2) present. This natural process can be represented by the equation:

    3(Ni²⁺) + (Fe²⁺) + 4(H₂) → (Ni₃Fe) + 8(H⁺) – The formation of awaruite could not happen without the presence of hydrogen. This process occurs readily in ophiolitic peridotites at depth, where water saturated rocks in oxygen-poor, reducing conditions produce this exothermic reaction, generating heat that sustains further reactions. According to the Geological Survey of Finland, “In Europe and in regions outside the crystal shield, only ophiolites are often referred to as a source of geological hydrogen.” Within these ophiolite settings, serpentinized peridotites are the most promising targets, with peridotites producing significantly more hydrogen than other rocks, up to 4 kg per cubic meter. Ophiolites represent large potential sources of geologic hydrogen, with some of the most significant global geologic hydrogen discoveries occurring in ophiolites.

    “Geologic hydrogen systems are a combination of mineral systems and natural gas systems. In our group, we have the unique combination of expertise from both the mining industry and oil and gas industry to advance geologic hydrogen exploration and stimulated hydrogen monitoring” said Dr. Yaoguo Li from Colorado School of Mines. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for First Atlantic Nickel at:   https://www.fanickel.com/archive

    In other market news of interest:

    Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE) noted the Company leads the production of nickel metal that is considered one of the most versatile. Hard but also malleable, it is corrosion resistant and retains its properties even when subjected to extreme temperatures. It is part of everyday life: it is used in the production of batteries and items ranging from coins to cars.

    Highlights: The ore obtained from our mines contains more than just nickel. Therefore, by extracting and processing it, we also produce cobalt, copper and precious metals. Where we operate: Brazil, Canada and Indonesia.

    Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) recently announced senior leadership changes as part of the company’s efforts to simplify its organizational structure, execute faster and more effectively, and be positioned for stronger long-term competitiveness.   The company’s Oil, Products & Gas organization will be consolidated into two segments: Upstream and Downstream, Midstream & Chemicals. Mark Nelson will continue to lead this organization as vice chairman and executive vice president, Oil, Products & Gas.

    The Upstream organizational model will drive value through greater standardization across Shale & Tight, Base Assets & Emerging Countries, Offshore, Eurasia and Australia.

    Ceibo, a clean copper extraction technology company, and Glencore plc‘s (OTCPK: GLNCY) (OTCPK: GLCNF) Lomas Bayas Mining Company have recently entered into a partnership to deploy Ceibo’s proprietary leaching technologies that enable a more effective extraction of copper from low-grade sulfides at one of Chile’s leading mines. Lomas Bayas has validated Ceibo’s technology and is moving toward scaling up to assess this as an alternative to extend the life of their mining operations. This partnership follows two years of testing by Glencore, an important contributor to Chile’s position as the world’s largest copper producer.

    Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, Ceibo’s technology will scale up with on-site testing through the Lomas Lab, a Glencore world-scale test site, and the company’s research and development branch. This agreement opens a significant commercial avenue for Ceibo, demonstrating its unique approach with a major mining company and affirming the value that Ceibo’s advanced leaching technologies bring to copper assets globally.

    Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (OTCQB: QIMCF) (CSE: QIMC) recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Black Tree Energy Group Sàrl (BTEG), a Swiss-based energy infrastructure and project development firm. This partnership reinforces QIMC’s strategic expansion into the U.S., a key market for accelerating the commercialization of natural hydrogen. Together, QIMC and BTEG will drive large-scale hydrogen projects by integrating technical expertise with financial strategy, project development, and execution capabilities.

    With strong support for clean natural hydrogen initiatives, the United States presents a substantial opportunity for natural hydrogen development. Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), QIMC intends to capitalize on its established expertise in natural renewable hydrogen—encompassing geological and geophysical analyses, project evaluation, and hydrogen fieldwork and drilling—to identify high-potential U.S. sites and accelerate the path to commercial production.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels.  FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein.  FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material.  All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks.  All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release.  FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers.  Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks.  For current services performed FNM has been compensated thirty four hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by First Atlantic Nickel Corp. by a non-affiliated third party.  FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Update: Coop Pank 2024 audited Annual Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The file “Coop Pank_aastaaruanne_konsolideeritud 2024_est.pdf“ has been attached to the Estonian version of the notice.

    Management Board of Coop Pank has compiled 2024 audited Annual Report. There are no differences in the audited accounts as regards the financial results, compared to the unaudited financial results published on 13 February 2025.

    The consolidated annual report 2024 of Coop Pank AS has been enclosed to the announcement and will be made available on the bank’s homepage https://www.cooppank.ee/en/financial-reports

    Annual report will be presented for approval to general meeting of shareholders.

    Coop Pank’s business results for 2024 were positively impacted by solid business volume growth – both the number of customers and the loan portfolio showed strong growth. The overall economic and interest rate environment had a negative impact on business results.

    • By the end of 2024, the number of Coop Pank customers reached 208,000, of which 99,400 were active customers. Over the year, the number of Coop Pank customers increased by 26,000 (+14%) and the number of active customers increased by 17,400 (+21%).
    • By the end of 2024, deposits of Coop Pank reached 1.89 billion euros, increased by 164 million euros (+10%) over the year. The market share of the bank’s deposits increased from 6.0% to 6.1% over the year.
    • By the end of 2024, loan portfolio of Coop Pank reached 1.77 billion euros, increased by 283 million euros (+19%) over the year. The market share of the bank’s loans increased from 6.0% to 6.3% over the year.
    • Net profit of Coop Pank in 2024 was 32.2 million euros, decreased by 18% over the year.
    • Over the year the bank’s cost / income ratio increased from 41% to 50% and the return on equity decreased from the level from 23.5% to 16.2%.

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking reached 211,000. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti, comprising of 320 stores.

    Additional information:
    Paavo Truu
    CFO
    Phone: +372 5160 231
    E-mail: paavo.truu@cooppank.ee

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Funds to Acquire OEG, a Leading Provider of Core Services to the Offshore Energy Industry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON and NEW YORK, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that funds managed by Apollo affiliates (the “Apollo funds”) have agreed to acquire a majority stake in OEG Energy Group (“OEG” or the “Company”), a leading offshore energy solutions business, from funds managed by the Power Opportunities strategy of Oaktree Capital Management, LP (“Oaktree”) and other investors. The transaction implies a headline valuation of more than $1 billion for OEG, and Oaktree and others will retain a minority equity interest in the Company.

    OEG is a scaled provider of core services across the offshore energy ecosystem, delivering development and operations solutions to oil & gas (O&G) and wind end markets for more than 50 years. The Company owns and operates one of the world’s largest fleets of cargo carrying units (CCUs), with 75,000+ units, enabling the safe transportation of essential cargo to and from offshore energy installations. OEG’s Renewables segment is a global, integrated provider of key technical solutions and services to the offshore wind sector.

    John Heiton, CEO of OEG, said: “Since our company’s founding, we have worked hard to establish OEG as a global leader in delivering core services throughout the offshore energy value chain. As energy producers across Europe and around the globe continue to invest in energy transition, we are committed to expanding and enhancing our capabilities as a key partner. We look forward to working with Apollo as we enter this new and exciting chapter for our business and remain focused on supporting our customers with the same quality service they have come to expect.”

    Wilson Handler, Partner at Apollo, said: “John and team have built OEG into a global leader and trusted provider of offshore equipment and services, with an integrated business model that has scaled across cycles. We see a tremendous opportunity to invest in the Company’s future growth as secular tailwinds drive demand for services enabling efficient energy production and renewable power. Bringing to bear the scale of Apollo’s integrated platform and deep expertise in energy services, we look forward to working with the talented team at OEG to unlock value for its various stakeholders and loyal customer base via organic and inorganic channels.”

    Francesco Giuliani, Managing Director and Assistant Portfolio Manager in Oaktree’s Power Opportunities strategy, said: “We are proud of our partnership with the management team at OEG and the success achieved during Oaktree’s period of ownership. During that time, increased focus on the energy transition and global supply dynamics has made investment for core energy infrastructure even more important. We continue to have strong conviction in OEG’s growth trajectory and are thrilled to maintain a minority interest alongside Apollo funds.”

    Over the past five years, Apollo-managed funds and affiliates have committed, deployed, or arranged approximately $58 billioni of climate and energy transition-related investments, supporting companies and projects across clean energy and infrastructure.

    The transaction is subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in Q2 2025.

    Banco Santander SA acted as financial advisor and Vinson & Elkins LLP served as legal counsel to the Apollo funds on the transaction.

    Goldman Sachs International acted as financial adviser to Oaktree, while Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (corporate) and Latham & Watkins (financing & antitrust) served as legal advisers.

    White & Case LLP served as legal counsel to OEG management.

    ___________________

    i As of December 31, 2024. The firmwide targets (the “Targets”) to deploy, commit, or arrange capital commensurate with Apollo’s proprietary Climate and Transition Investment Framework (the “CTIF”), are (1) $50 billion by 2027 and (2) more than $100 billion by 2030. The CTIF, which is subject to change at any time without notice, sets forth certain activities classified by Apollo as sustainable economic activities (“SEAs”), and the methodologies used to calculate contribution towards the Targets. Only investments determined to be currently contributing to an SEA in accordance with the CTIF are counted toward the Targets. Under the CTIF, Apollo uses different calculation methodologies for different types of investments in equity, debt and real estate. For additional details on the CTIF, please refer to our website here: https://www.apollo.com/strategies/asset-management/real-assets/sustainable-investing-platform.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2024, Apollo had approximately $751 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    About OEG Energy Group

    OEG is a leading offshore energy solutions business providing infrastructure assets, technologies and services to the global energy industry. From the company’s beginning in 1973, OEG has evolved significantly, growing both organically and through strategic acquisitions, to become a pivotal link in the global energy supply chain.

    OEG delivers specialized and complementary solutions for above-water, on-water and below-water applications across the full energy lifecycle. From the provision of offshore logistics equipment and bespoke solutions, through to the delivery of integrated services for larger project work scopes, OEG plays an important role in supporting the production of the world’s energy needs whether that be electricity, gas or oil.

    Headquartered in Aberdeen, UK, OEG has over 1,300 employees and operates in more than 65 countries.

    About Oaktree

    Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $202 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented, and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, equity, and real estate. The firm has more than 1,200 employees and offices in 23 cities worldwide. For additional information, please visit Oaktree’s website at http://www.oaktreecapital.com/.

    Apollo Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    Oaktree Press Contacts

    FGS Global
    Rory King / Hannah Ratcliff
    Rory.King@fgsglobal.com / Hannah.Ratcliff@fgsglobal.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tastytrade Expands Crypto Trading with New Digital Assets, Powered by Zero Hash

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zero Hash, the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure provider, today announced that tastytrade, a leading brokerage with an award winning platform for traders, has expanded their relationship with Zero Hash, enabling trading of five additional digital assets. Having launched crypto trading capability in 2020, through Zero Hash, this expansion meets increased customer demand for more crypto trading options.

    Tastytrade clients can now trade Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), Shiba Inu (SHIB), AAVE (AAVE), and Avalanche (AVAX) through Zero Hash. This week, tastytrade will also add support for Pepe (PEPE), Stellar (XLM), Tezos (XTZ), Sui (SUI), and Aptos (APT).

    “We were early crypto supporters, launching this set up with Zero Hash in 2020, furthering our mission of integrated access to all asset classes – including a growing number of digital assets,” said Ryan Grace, Head of Digital Assets at IG North America. “We will continue giving customers more choices in the fast-moving crypto space while maintaining the powerful, intuitive, and trusted experience they expect from tastytrade.”

    The expansion follows record crypto trading volume in Q4 2024 on the tastytrade platform. By leveraging Zero Hash’s full-stack API, tastytrade can quickly integrate the most popular digital assets without added complexity.

    “Zero Hash continues to power the infrastructure behind the biggest players in traditional brokerage, including tastytrade,” said Edward Woodford, Founder and CEO of Zero Hash. “Our ever-scaling partnership with tastytrade is another example of how we enable trading platforms to seamlessly integrate digital assets, and grow their offering to provide traders unparalleled, simplified access to crypto markets.”

    Zero Hash’s crypto brokerage infrastructure powers access to crypto for leading traditional brokers, including tastytrade and Interactive Brokers. The Zero Hash APIs enable:

    • Liquidity provision and seamless trade execution
    • Ensure regulatory compliance and secure custody solutions

    Disclosures

    Cryptocurrency trading at tastytrade is provided by Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, MSB # 31000181510564, and cryptocurrency custody provided by Zero Hash LLC NMLS # 169937. Zero Hash is a licensed virtual currency business by the NYDFS. Cryptocurrency accounts are not protected by SIPC coverage. Cryptocurrencies are not covered by the FDIC, which covers fiat currency. Cryptocurrency trading is not suitable for all investors due to the number of risks involved, including volatile market prices, illiquid market conditions, lack of regulatory oversight, market manipulation, and other risks. You are solely responsible for evaluating your financial circumstances and determining whether or not trading cryptocurrencies is appropriate for you. Please read the General Risks of Digital Assets risk disclosure. tastytrade, Inc. is a separate company and is not an affiliate company of Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC or Zero Hash LLC.

    About tastytrade
    Tastytrade is an award-winning brokerage firm established in 2017 to change the way people invest. tastytrade, named Best Broker for Options in 2024 by Investopedia and Best Broker in North America by TradingView, empowers investors seeking to actively manage their own money with a powerful platform and access to educational content for options, futures, crypto and equities trading. tastytrade is an indirect subsidiary of IG US Holdings, Inc., parent to tastylive, the financial content and education platform, tasty Software Solutions, LLC, and a subsidiary of IG Group Holdings plc (LON:IGG), a global fintech company that provides award-winning products, platforms and access to ~19,000 financial markets to investors around the world. Learn more at www.tastytrade.com.   

    About Zero Hash
    Zero Hash is the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure provider that seamlessly connects fiat, crypto, and stablecoins in one platform, enabling a better way to move and transfer money and value globally.

    Through its embeddable infrastructure, start-ups, enterprises, and Fortune 500 companies build a diverse range of use cases, including cross-border payments, commerce, trading, remittance, payroll, tokenization, wallets, and on/off-ramps.

    Zero Hash Holdings is backed by investors, including Point72 Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and NYCA.

    Zero Hash LLC is a FinCen-registered Money Service Business and a regulated Money Transmitter that can operate in 51 U.S. jurisdictions. Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC are licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. In Canada, Zero Hash LLC is registered as a Money Service Business with FINTRAC.

    Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange Provider, with DCE registered provider number DCE100804170-001. Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered on the New Zealand register of financial service providers, with Financial Service Provider (FSP) number FSP1004503. Zero Hash Europe B.V. is registered as a Virtual Asset Services Provider (VASP) by the Dutch Central Bank (Relation number: R193684). Zero Hash Europe Sp. Zoo is registered as a VASP by the Tax Administration Chamber of Poland in Katowice (Registration number RDWW – 1212).

    Media Contacts

    Zero Hash
    Shaun O’Keeffe
    (855) 744-7333
    media@zerohash.com

    Tastytrade
    Laura Hayes
    laura.hayes@ig.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest update on Clade Ib mpox

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Latest update on Clade Ib mpox

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) latest updates on Clade Ib mpox.

    Updates on clade Ib mpox case numbers are published on the UKHSA data dashboard

    Latest update

    Clade I mpox no longer considered a high consequence infectious disease

    Clade Ia and Ib mpox will no longer be classified as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID) following a review of available evidence by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens, the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed today.

    This decision has been taken because the evidence related to this clade no longer meets the criteria for an HCID, which includes having a high mortality rate and a lack of available interventions.

    However, the decision should not be interpreted as clade I mpox no longer being of any public health consequence. The disease is still a public health emergency of international concern as defined by the WHO.

    Sexual and close physical contact is the main way that mpox spreads.

    There have been no reported deaths from mpox in the UK to date, and vaccination is available for higher risk contacts, healthcare workers, and those who are most at risk.

    Emma Richards, Incident Director at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

    There is now firm evidence of vaccine effectiveness and a low mortality rate for cases of clade I mpox, alongside heightened clinical awareness of symptoms, and access to rapid diagnostic testing and safe therapies with emerging evidence of efficacy.

    This change does not alter our overall public health response and we remain committed to preventing the spread of clade I mpox within the UK.

    While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms including unusual rashes and blisters, a fever and headache.

    The majority of people who have presented with symptoms report close physical contact, including massages, or sex prior to developing symptoms. It’s important people who have travelled to affected countries in Africa remain alert to the risks and seek medical advice if necessary.

    All 4 UK Chief Medical Officers have agreed to accept the recommendation.

    There have been no cases of clade Ia mpox in the UK, and only a small number of cases of clade Ib mpox. Most of these cases have appeared in returning travellers from affected areas in Africa with the others being household contacts of a case.

    There has been no community transmission of clade I mpox within the UK and the risk to the population remains low.

    In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, we expect to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib mpox in the UK.

    Previous

    13 February 2025

    A new case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm. 

    The case was detected in London and the individual is now under specialist care at the Royal Free Hospital High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit. They had recently returned from Uganda, where there is currently community transmission of clade Ib mpox. The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual.

    The risk to the UK population remains low. In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, we expect to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib mpox in the UK.

    This is the eighth case of clade Ib mpox confirmed in England since October 2024. This case has no links to the previous cases identified in England.

    Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Contacts will be offered testing and vaccination where needed to prevent further infections and they will be advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.

    Dr Merav Kliner, Incident Director at UKHSA, said:

    The risk to the UK population remains low. Close contacts have been identified and offered appropriate advice in order to reduce the chance of further spread.

    Clade Ib mpox has been circulating in several countries in Africa in recent months. Imported cases have been detected in a number of countries including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and the United States.

    There has been extensive planning undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to confirmed cases.

    Further updates on clade Ib mpox case numbers will be published on the following page: Confirmed cases of mpox clade Ib in United Kingdom.

    Previous

    27 January 2025

    Another case of clade Ib mpox has been detected, bringing the total number of confirmed cases since October 2024 to 7, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm.

    The individual had recently travelled to Uganda. The risk to the UK population remains low.

    The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual.

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:

    The risk to the UK population remains low. Close contacts have been identified and offered appropriate advice in order to reduce the chance of further spread.

    20 January 2025

    A new case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm.  

    The case was detected in East Sussex and the individual is now under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. They had recently returned from Uganda, where there is currently community transmission of clade Ib mpox. The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual. 

    The risk to the UK population remains low. In the context of the outbreak in parts of Africa, we expect to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib mpox in the UK. 

    This is the sixth case of clade Ib mpox confirmed in England since October 2024. This case has no links to the previous cases identified in England.

    Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Contacts will be offered testing and vaccination where needed to prevent further infections and they will be advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive. 

    Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said: 

    It is thanks to clinicians rapidly recognising the symptoms and the work of our specialist laboratory that we have been able to detect this new case.

    The risk to the UK population remains low following this sixth case, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread.

    Clade Ib mpox has been circulating in several countries in Africa in recent months. Imported cases have been detected in a number of countries including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden and the United States. 

    There has been extensive planning undertaken to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.

    29 November 2024

    A new case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm.  

    The case was detected in Leeds and the individual is now under specialist care at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. They had recently returned from Uganda, which is seeing community transmission of clade Ib mpox. The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual. 

    The risk to the UK population remains low. We expect to see the occasional imported case of clade Ib mpox in the UK. 

    This is the fifth case of clade Ib mpox confirmed in England in recent weeks. This case has no links to the previous cases identified. All 4 previous cases were from the same household and all have now fully recovered.  

    Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Any contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive. 

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: 

    It is thanks to clinicians rapidly recognising the symptoms and our diagnostics tests that we have been able to detect this new case. 

    The risk to the UK population remains low following this fifth case, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases. 

    Clade Ib mpox has been widely circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya in recent months. Imported cases have been detected in Canada, Sweden, India, Thailand and Germany. 

    There has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.

    6 November 2024

    One further case of clade Ib mpox has been detected in a household contact of the first case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) can confirm.  

    This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 4, all of which belong to the same household. 

    The patient is currently under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. The risk to the UK population remains low. 

    The patient has been isolating since identified as a contact of the first case and no additional contact tracing is required. 

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: 

    Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household. 

    The overall risk to the UK population remains low. We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread.

    Contacts of cases are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. All contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive. 

    There has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.

    4 November 2024

    Two cases of clade Ib mpox have been detected in household contacts of the first case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) can confirm. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 3.

    The 2 patients are currently under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. The risk to the UK population remains low.

    There has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:

    Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household.

    The overall risk to the UK population remains low. We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread.

    Contacts of all 3 cases are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. All contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.

    30 October 2024

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected a single confirmed human case of clade Ib mpox. The risk to the UK population remains low.

    This is the first detection of this clade of mpox in the UK. It is different from mpox clade II that has been circulating at low levels in the UK since 2022, primarily among gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (GBMSM).

    UKHSA, the NHS and partner organisations have well tested capabilities to detect, contain and treat novel infectious diseases, and while this is the first confirmed case of mpox clade Ib in the UK, there has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any confirmed cases.

    The case was detected in London and the individual has been transferred to the Royal Free Hospital High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit. They had recently travelled to countries in Africa that are seeing community cases of clade Ib mpox. The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual.

    Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Any contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.

    UKHSA is working closely with the NHS and academic partners to determine the characteristics of the pathogen and further assess the risk to human health. While the existing evidence suggests mpox clade Ib causes more severe disease than clade II, we will continue to monitor and learn more about the severity, transmission and control measures. We will initially manage clade Ib as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID) whilst we are learning more about the virus.

    Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:

    It is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus. This is the first time we have detected this clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad.

    The risk to the UK population remains low, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said:

    I am extremely grateful to the healthcare professionals who are carrying out incredible work to support and care for the patient affected.

    The overall risk to the UK population currently remains low and the government is working alongside UKHSA and the NHS to protect the public and prevent transmission.

    This includes securing vaccines and equipping healthcare professionals with the guidance and tools they need to respond to cases safely.

    We are also working with our international partners to support affected countries to prevent further outbreaks.

    Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccination and screening, said:

    The NHS is fully prepared to respond to the first confirmed case of this clade of mpox.

    Since mpox first became present in England, local services have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate those eligible, with tens of thousands in priority groups having already come forward to get protected, and while the risk of catching mpox in the UK remains low, if required the NHS has plans in place to expand the roll out of vaccines quickly in line with supply.

    Clade Ib mpox has been widely circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent months and there have been cases reported in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, India and Germany.

    Clade Ib mpox was detected by UKHSA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

    Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last 2 to 4 weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

    The infection can be passed on through close person-to-person contact with someone who has the infection or with infected animals and through contact with contaminated materials. Anyone with symptoms should continue to avoid contact with other people while symptoms persist.

    The UK has an existing stock of mpox vaccines and last month announced further vaccines are being procured to support a routine immunisation programme to provide additional resilience in the UK. This is in line with more recent independent JCVI advice.

    Working alongside international partners, UKHSA has been monitoring clade Ib mpox closely since the outbreak in DRC first emerged, publishing regular risk assessment updates.

    The wider risk to the UK population remains low.

    UKHSA has published its first technical briefing on clade I mpox which provides further information on the current situation and UK preparedness and response.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bullet Blockchain and Sailo Technologies Partner to Set a New Standard in Bitcoin ATM Security and Fraud Prevention

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bullet Blockchain, Inc. (“Bullet Blockchain” or the “Company”), (OTC: BULT), a pioneering BaaS company at the forefront of blockchain and Bitcoin ATM technologies, announced today the finalization of its exclusive partnership with Sailo Technologies CY Ltd. (“Sailo Technologies” or “SailoTech”). This collaboration designates Bullet as the exclusive provider of advanced cybersecurity solutions for the Bitcoin ATM industry across the United States.

    Initially announced December 2024, this exclusive strategic partnership introduces a first-of-its-kind, cutting-edge cybersecurity solution for crypto wallets—designed to combat the growing threat of crypto wallet fraud in the rapidly expanding Bitcoin ATM industry. Sailo Technologies, a leader in cryptographic security, has partnered with Bullet Blockchain to integrate next-generation security solutions into Bitcoin ATMs. This collaboration aims to enhance security, prevent fraud, and create a seamless transaction experience for cryptocurrency users worldwide.

    Enhancing Bitcoin ATM Security Through Innovation

    As Bitcoin ATMs grow in popularity, security vulnerabilities remain a critical concern. Attackers continue to exploit weaknesses in transaction protocols, increasing fraud-related incidents. Recognizing this, Bullet Blockchain and Sailo Technologies have joined forces to implement cutting-edge cryptographic protections designed to prevent fraud, secure transactions, and build trust in Bitcoin ATM usage.

    “Bitcoin ATMs are a crucial access point for the crypto economy, but security gaps put users at unnecessary risk,” said Ehud Tal, CEO and Co-founder of Sailo Technologies. “By integrating advanced cryptographic security into these machines, we are not just improving security—we are setting a new industry standard.”

    Through this partnership, Sailo Technologies’ next-generation security solutions will be integrated into Bullet Blockchain’s licensed Bitcoin ATM network, providing enhanced fraud prevention, transaction monitoring, and wallet security.

    “This partnership isn’t just about upgrading security—it’s about redefining the Bitcoin ATM experience,” said Simon Rubin, CEO of Bullet Blockchain. “By combining Bullet’s deep industry expertise with Sailo Technologies’ advanced cybersecurity solutions, we’re creating a safer, more seamless way for users to interact with cryptocurrency.”

    What This Means for Bitcoin ATM Users

    With this advanced security rollout, starting with Bullet’s ATMs, participating Bitcoin ATM operators and their users will benefit from:

    • Stronger Security – Transactions protected by next-gen cryptographic technology
    • Enhanced Fraud Prevention – Advanced security measures to block unauthorized access
    • Safer Bitcoin ATMs – Reduced risks of theft and fraudulent activity
    • Protection Against Crypto Wallet Exploits – Safeguarding personal and transactional data

    By proactively addressing security risks, Bullet Blockchain and Sailo Technologies are reinforcing trust in Bitcoin ATMs and ensuring safer, more reliable cryptocurrency transactions nationwide.

    Bullet Blockchain’s Intellectual Property

    Bullet Blockchain continues to advance its licensing initiatives, offering operators and manufacturers a variety of partnership models including transaction-based fees and revenue-sharing opportunities centered around its intellectual property. Now, with its exclusive partnership with SailoTech to provide advanced cybersecurity solutions for Bitcoin ATMs, the value proposition for operators and manufacturers partnering with Bullet has become even stronger—beyond just Bullet’s ownership of key Bitcoin ATM patents.

    As previously announced, Bullet Blockchain acquired First Bitcoin Capital LLC, gaining ownership of an intellectual property portfolio that includes two Bitcoin ATM patents. By virtue of its subsidiary, First Bitcoin Capital LLC, Bullet Blockchain holds the exclusive rights to U.S. Patent Nos. US9135787B1 (“Bitcoin kiosk/ATM device and system integrating enrollment protocol and method of using the same”) and US10332205B1 (“Bitcoin kiosk/ATM device and system and method of using the same”). These patents remain critical technologies for the operation and security of Bitcoin ATMs and their networks.

    About Sailo Technologies

    Based in Cyprus, Sailo Technologies is a leading cybersecurity firm dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions for the protection of digital assets. Their advanced offering focus on securing cryptocurrency transactions and ensuring the integrity and safety of users’ worldwide. Sailo Technologies is a leading cybersecurity company specializing in security-agnostic service solutions for financial blockchain transactions. Its technology is designed to make transactions transparent only between the participants, much like standard financial transactions. Our real-time algorithm works without any manipulation of private currencies or chains, and no off-chain/on-chain bridges. The Sailo Technologies protocol allows customers to prevent tracking, currency theft, hacking, and other cyber-attacks.

    About Bullet Blockchain 

    Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bullet Blockchain Inc. – common stock is publicly traded on the OTC Markets under the symbol (BULT) – is a diversified software development and BaaS company, specializing in blockchain technologies and Web 3.0, and through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Bitcoin Capital LLC, the owner and licensor of two Bitcoin ATM patents. Bullet Blockchain’s Bitcoin ATMs are operated by licensed third-party operators within the jurisdictions in which they reside. Bullet Blockchain is committed to driving the innovations needed to shape the future of digital and blockchain-related platforms through digital technology and decentralized blockchain solutions. Management is dedicated to rapid growth and increasing the shareholders’ value. 

    Shareholders, potential investors, and others should note that we announce material events and material financial information to our shareholders and the public using our website and the social media addresses listed below, as well as in our OTC Markets’ disclosures, press releases, public conference calls, and webcasts. We also use social media to communicate with our email subscribers and the public about Bullet Blockchain, services, and other related information. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage shareholders, the media, and others interested in Bullet Blockchain to review the information we post on Bullet Blockchain’s social media channels listed below. This list may be updated from time to time. 

    Follow us at: 

    Forward-Looking Statements: 

    Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unknown factors that could cause the Company’s actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors, including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release, and these views could change at some point in the future. However, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “expect,” “intends,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “plan,” to be uncertain and forward-looking. 

    Contact us: contact@BulletBlockchain.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Toobit Obtains VASP License in Poland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Toobit, the award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform, has successfully secured the Poland VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) license from the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).

    As part of its registration, the leading global exchange was assessed on its anti-money laundering measures and know-your-customer processes, both which currently align with the EU’s latest financial standards.

    “Obtaining the Polish VASP license is a representation of our commitment to operating within a regulated framework,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer of Toobit, “With the European Union preparing to roll out MiCA, this milestone is especially significant as it puts us ahead in regulatory compliance.”

    With the license, the exchange expects continued growth in Poland, a growing crypto market with increasing adoption of digital assets. Statista indicates that the number of cryptocurrency users in the region is projected to reach 7.91m users by 2025. Projected revenue in the cryptocurrency markets in Poland is expected to reach US$514.2m as a result.

    The Polish VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) license is issued by the Ministry of Finance of Poland and regulated by the KNF. Licensed VASPs are required to comply with Poland’s AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) regulations

    About Toobit

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

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

    Contact: Davin C.

    Email: market@toobit.com

    Website: www.toobit.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Toobit. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aac03e62-d5c8-4274-975d-812e0c9148c9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Expansion of Turbo Energy Gains Momentum with Launch of Turbo Energy Solutions’ New Business Line in Latin America

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Introduces New Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) Financing Model to Mitigate Large Initial Investments in Sustainable Energy Technologies by Customers in Chile

    Performance of the First SUNBOX Industry Installation in Temuco, Chile Successfully Put to the Test During Recent Massive Country-Wide Blackout Just Days After Activation

    VALENCIA, Spain, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Turbo Energy, S.A. (NASDAQ:TURB) (“Turbo Energy” or the “Company”), a global provider of leading-edge, AI-optimized solar energy storage technologies and solutions, today proudly announced its expansion into Latin America with the formation of Turbo Energy Solutions (“TES”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company created to offer advanced, fully integrated, end-to-end solutions for scalable generation, storage and intelligent AI-optimized management of solar energy for commercial and industrial (“C&I”) customers in Chile.

    Turbo Energy Solutions, in collaboration with the Molina Brothers’ Smart Dock group, complete installation of Latin America’s first fully integrated solar generation, storage and AI-optimized energy management system at Alto Labranzo Shopping Center in Chile

    Through TES, the Company has also introduced its new Energy-as-a-Service financing program, which enables C&I customers in Chile to acquire, deploy and capitalize on advanced solar energy production systems integrated with SUNBOX Industry and its innovative AI-powered energy management system, without the need to make large upfront investments in equipment. Customers benefit from an optimized, efficient and sustainable energy supply while also taking full economic advantage of a payment system based on SUNBOX Industry’s AI-powered energy management performance. The EaaS financing program represents a potentially lucrative new recurring revenue stream for Turbo Energy that is expected to fuel exponential growth for the Company as market acceptance and adoption of SUNBOX Industry gains momentum in the region.

    Senior officials from Turbo Energy Solutions and the Smart Dock industrial group: (left to right) Andres Molina, TES Business Partner; Rafael Gonzalez, TES Solar Self-Consumption Director; Agustin Molina, TES Business Partner; Santiago Molina, TES Business Partner; Felipe Bozzo, TES LATAM Strategy Director; Javier Ferrer, TES Business Development Manager, SUNBOX Industry

    Marking the first project in partnership with the Smart Dock industrial group, an enterprise owned and operated by Chile’s prominent Molina Garcia family, TES completed the debut installation of the SUNBOX Industry smart energy storage system in the Alto Labranza shopping center located in Temuco, Chile. The full project involved the implementation of a hybrid solar generation and active storage system consisting of a photovoltaic installation integrated with the SUNBOX Industry system featuring 102.4 kWh of capacity and supported by Turbo Energy’s AI-optimized energy management system. It is estimated that Alto Labranza will produce more than 147 MWh of clean energy annually, while optimizing its energy efficiency.

    Within days following the live activation of the system at Alto Labranza, on February 26, 2025, Chile suffered a massive blackout that affected much of the country, from Arica to the Los Lagos region, including the nation’s capital, Santiago. Despite the widespread power outage, the Alto Labranza shopping center remained fully operational without interruptions, validating the viability, reliability and efficiency of renewable energy and smart storage in the operation of commercial facilities.

    “The installation in the Labranza center signifies the achievement of double milestones for our Company. On the one hand, it represents Turbo Energy’s entry into a leading country in renewable energy with an innovative business model, further demonstrating that execution of our planned global expansion initiative is on track and gaining traction. On the other hand, it represents the first smart storage system implemented in Latin America, setting a precedent for the incorporation of new models that promote the economic decarbonization of this high growth region,” said Mariano Soria, CEO of Turbo Energy.

    For more information on SUNBOX Industry smart energy storage solutions, please email Turbo Energy at sales@Turbo-e.com.  

    About Turbo Energy, S.A.

    Founded in 2013, Turbo Energy is a globally recognized pioneer of proprietary solar energy storage technologies and solutions managed through Artificial Intelligence. Turbo Energy’s elegant all-in-one and scalable, modular energy storage systems empower residential, commercial and industrial users expanding across Europe, North America and Latin America to materially reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, helping to lower electricity costs, provide peak shaving and uninterruptible power supply and realize a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. A testament to the Company’s commitment to innovation and industry disruption, Turbo Energy’s introduction of its flagship SUNBOX represents one of the world’s first high performance, competitively priced, all-in-one home solar energy storage systems, which also incorporates patented EV charging capability and powerful AI processes to optimize solar energy management.  Turbo Energy is a proud subsidiary of publicly traded Umbrella Global Energy, S.A., a vertically integrated, global collective of solar energy-focused companies.  For more information, please visit www.turbo-e.com. 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business of the Company, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control, including the risks described in our registration statements and annual report under the heading “Risk Factors” as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Turbo Energy, S.A. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    For more information, please contact:
    At Turbo Energy, S.A.                                                 
    Dodi Handy, Director of Communications                       
    Phone: 407-960-4636                                                   
    Email: dodihandy@turbo-e.com 

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Newly awarded public tender: Establishment and operation of an external hosting environment for Brugerklubben SBSYS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Newly awarded public tender: Establishment and operation of an external hosting environment for Brugerklubben SBSYS

    Aalborg, 19 March 2025 – Contain by Netic, a Trifork subsidiary, has recently been awarded a public tender for the establishment and operation of an external hosting environment for Brugerklubben SBSYS. Brugerklubben SBSYS is a Danish association of 41 municipalities and 2 regions that oversees the development of the Electronic Document and Records Management Systems (EDRMS), SBSYS, and SBSIP, which in total support the daily workflow for more than 50,000 users.

    Contain by Netic has been selected to establish and operate an external operating environment that will facilitate the operation of SBSYS and SBSIP for all members. The project involves migrating key components from Hetzner in Germany to Contain by Netic’s Danish infrastructure. Additionally, operations will be consolidated from members’ decentralized environments into a centralized, external hosting environment in Netic’s data center.

    As part of the agreement, Contain by Netic is delivering a PaaS (Platform as a Service) solution based on Managed Kubernetes. This enables Brugerklubben SBSYS to offload all complexity to Contain by Netic while maintaining the flexibility to scale as needed.

    Claus Hansen, CCO at Netic, comments on the agreement:

    “It is a great recognition of our expertise that Brugerklubben SBSYS has chosen Contain by Netic as the managed platform for their critical EDRM systems. With more than 50,000 daily users, reliability and scalability are paramount, and we are proud to take on this critical responsibility. As part of the project, we are moving key components from Germany to a Danish public cloud hosted in Netic’s local data center – an essential step for data protection and compliance. We appreciate the trust placed in us and look forward to a strong four-year partnership, where we will provide modern, secure, and future-proof operations for Brugerklubben SBSYS.”

    The contract has a duration of 48 months. During this period, Contain by Netic will ensure stable and consistent operations while maintaining seamless collaboration with Brugerklubben SBSYS’s other vendors.

    Investor and media contact

    Frederik Svanholm
    Group Investment Director, Head of IR & PR
    frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 7317

    About Trifork

    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s phone call with Putin fails to deliver ceasefire – here’s what could happen next

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    After more than two hours on the phone on Tuesday, March 17, the US president, Donald Trump, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreed agreed only to confidence-building measures, not a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The two leaders came away from the call having agreed on a limited prisoner exchange, a suspension of attacks on energy infrastructure, and the creation of working groups to explore further steps towards a ceasefire and ultimately a peace agreement.

    A less charitable way of looking at the outcome of the second call between the two presidents since Trump returned to the White House would be that the ball is now back in America’s court. Putin made it crystal clear to Trump that he is not (yet) in the mood for any compromise.

    This is hardly surprising given recent events.

    The US has pressured Ukraine mercilessly into accepting a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which Trump hoped Russia would also agree to. But apart from a vague statement by Trump that he might consider sanctions against Russia, he has so far seemed unwilling to contemplate putting any meaningful equivalent pressure on Putin.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    On the ground, Russia has gained the upper hand in the Kursk region where Ukrainian troops have ceded most of the territory they captured after a surprise offensive last summer. Once Putin’s forces, assisted by thousands of North Korean soldiers, have succeeded in driving the Ukrainians out of Russia, Kyiv will have lost its most valuable bargaining chip in negotiations with Moscow.

    Meanwhile, Russia has also made further gains on the frontlines inside Ukraine especially in parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. These are two of the four regions (the other two are Donetsk and Luhansk) that Putin has claimed for Russia in their entirety since sham referendums in September 2022, despite not yet having full control of them.

    If Russia were to capture yet more Ukrainian territory, Putin would probably find it even easier to convince Trump that his demands are reasonable. The fact that Trump already hinted at a “dividing of assets”, including the nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia – Europe’s largest before its forced shutdown in September 2022 – is a worrying indication of how far the Russian president has already pushed the envelope.

    Ukraine war: territory occupied by Russia as at March 18 2025.
    Institute for the Study of War

    But a deal solely between Russia and the US is not going to work. In that sense, time is not only on Putin’s side but also on Zelensky’s.

    The Russian readout of the call between the two presidents claimed that they had discussed “the complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv” as a key condition for moving forward – something that Trump subsequently denied in an interview with Fox. This means that, for now, Kyiv is likely to continue to receive US aid.

    Europe at the ready

    Perhaps more importantly in the long term, Europe is also doubling down on support for Ukraine. While Trump and Putin were discussing a carve-up of Ukraine over the phone, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, left no doubt on where the EU stands.

    In a speech at the Royal Danish Military Academy foreshadowing the publication of the commission’s Readiness 2030 white paper on bolstering European defences, she recommitted to developing European “capabilities to have credible deterrence” against a hostile Russia.

    A few hours later, the German parliament passed a multi-billion Euro package that loosens the country’s tight borrowing rules to enable massive investments in defence. This follows announcements of increased defence elsewhere on the continent, including in the UK, Poland, and by the EU itself.

    Meanwhile, the UK and France are leading efforts to assemble a coalition of the willing to help Ukraine. Representatives of the 30-member group gathered in London on March 15 for further talks.

    Afterwards, the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, released a statement saying that Ukraine’s western partners “will keep increasing the pressure on Russia, keep the military aid flowing to Ukraine and keep tightening the restrictions on Russia’s economy”.

    Undoubtedly, these measures would be more effective if they had Washington’s full buy-in – but they send a strong signal to both the Kremlin and the White House that Ukraine is not alone in its fight against Russia’s continuing aggression.

    Putin’s options

    Putin, meanwhile, may have time on his side in the short term – but he should take note of this. Russian manpower and firepower may dwarf that of Ukraine, but it would be no match for a Ukraine backed by such a coalition of the willing.

    Putin’s apparent plan to drag Trump into the minutiae of negotiating a comprehensive deal may eventually backfire in more ways than one. For a start, really detailed discussions will test the US president’s notoriously short attention span.

    But this will also buy time for Ukraine and its supporters to strengthen Kyiv’s position in future negotiations. And it will continue to strain – but not immediately break – Russia’s economy.

    For now, Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine have stalled. He is attempting to broker a complex ceasefire deal that involves separate agreements with Kyiv and Moscow, pressure on Nato allies, and an attempt to drive a wedge between Russia and China. It’s not clear how this will succeed or indeed where it will end.

    The only certainty is that they are not bringing a just and stable peace for Ukraine any closer.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

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

    – ref. Trump’s phone call with Putin fails to deliver ceasefire – here’s what could happen next – https://theconversation.com/trumps-phone-call-with-putin-fails-to-deliver-ceasefire-heres-what-could-happen-next-252417

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens repeat call for UK to suspend all arms exports to Israel

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Reacting to the resumption of attacks by Israeli forces on Gaza, Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire and Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said: 

    “As Israel returns to its bombardment of Gaza, hundreds more lives have been lost. Families, children, entire communities – gone in an instant. This is horrific. Each of these lives mattered. Each of these deaths was preventable.

    “The UK cannot remain complicit while bombs rain down on civilians. The government must act now: we must use all diplomatic means necessary to secure an immediate ceasefire and suspend all arms exports to the Israeli military including components of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which evidence suggests have been used in ways that violate international law and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. There can be no justification for continuing to supply arms while international law is being violated and humanitarian catastrophe unfolds.

    “The people of Gaza are not only facing bombardment – they are also being starved. The blockade is preventing essential food, water, and medical aid from reaching those in desperate need. The UK government must demand the full and immediate flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and apply real diplomatic pressure to make that happen.

    “We also repeat our call for the release of the hostages still held in Gaza. The families of those hostages deserve to see their loved ones return home.

    “For too long, the UK has failed to take the necessary steps towards justice and peace. We must formally recognise the State of Palestine – a vital step towards a future based on equality, dignity, and the rule of law.

    “The cycle of violence will not end without justice. There must be accountability for war crimes, an end to the occupation, and a real commitment to peace. The UK government must make a stronger stand now, before more lives are lost.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for Interactive Dialogue with the Group of Experts on Belarus

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for Interactive Dialogue with the Group of Experts on Belarus

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Group of Experts on Belarus. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Experts, for your report.

    We continue to condemn human rights violations and the systematic repression of fundamental freedoms in Belarus.

    We share your concern over the more than 1,200 political prisoners who are denied a fair trial, held in inhumane conditions, subject to ill-treatment, and denied adequate medical care. We acknowledge the pardoning of over 250 political prisoners since July 2024. However, arrests and political repression continue.

    The reported increase of digital surveillance in Belarus, which has further restricted civil society and freedom of expression in both online and physical spaces, is troubling. As your report notes, the regime’s repression extends beyond its own borders. The UK condemns reports of trials in absentia of Belarusian nationals.

    On 27 January, the UK imposed new sanctions on six individuals and three entities, targeting leaders of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations and companies in the Belarusian defence sector supporting Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

    We stand with the Belarusian people and their right to live in a genuinely free and democratic environment, without fear or oppression.

    Experts, how can we best demonstrate solidarity with those facing trials in absentia?

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ESFA Update: 19 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    ESFA Update: 19 March 2025

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

    Applies to England

    Documents

    ESFA Update further education: 19 March 2025

    HTML

    ESFA Update academies: 19 March 2025

    HTML

    ESFA Update local authorities: 19 March 2025

    HTML

    Details

    Latest for further education

    Article Title
    Information Transfer of Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) functions to the Department for Education (DfE)
    Information National Insurance contributions grants
    Information Update on adult skills funding for 2025 to 2026
    Information 16 to 19 funding allocation statements for 2025 to 2026
    Information Applications for cohort 5 of the Teacher Mentoring Programme are open
    Information Training provider apprenticeship service account
    Reminder Framework certificates must be claimed by 31 March 2025

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information Transfer of Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) functions to the Department for Education (DfE)
    Information National Insurance contributions grants
    Information Pupil premium funding rates for 2025 to 2026
    Information Pupil premium allocations for 2024 to 2025 financial year – quarter 4 update
    Information 16 to 19 funding allocation statements for 2025 to 2026
    Reminder Framework certificates must be claimed by 31 March 2025
    Events and webinars Academy finance professionals March power hour – Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool
    Events and webinars Q&A drop-in sessions – academies chart of accounts and automation
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only – summer fetes
    Events and webinars RPA members only – stress

    Latest information for local authorities

    Article Title
    Action Data collection – centrally employed adult education staff
    Information Transfer of Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) functions to the Department for Education (DfE)
    Information National Insurance contributions grants
    Information Pupil premium funding rates for 2025 to 2026
    Information Pupil premium allocations for 2024 to 2025 financial year – quarter 4 update 
    Information Update on adult skills funding for 2025 to 2026
    Information 16 to 19 funding allocation statements for 2025 to 2026
    Reminder Framework certificates must be claimed by 31 March 2025
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only – summer fetes
    Events and webinars RPA members only – stress

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 March 2025

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