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Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI Global: Philly’s street fentanyl contains an industrial chemical called BTMPS that’s an ingredient in plastic

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Karli Hochstatter, Research Scientist in Epidemiology and Health Services, Columbia University

    Adulterants such as xylazine, medetomidine and now BTMPS are common in Philly’s street fentanyl. Juan Pablo Pino/AFP via Getty Images

    As much as half of the fentanyl sold on Philly’s streets contains an industrial chemical used in plastics manufacturing. That’s according to our November 2024 testing of fentanyl samples collected in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, regarded as the largest open-air drug market on the East Coast.

    What’s more, the amount, or concentration, of this industrial chemical in the drug samples often exceeded the amount of fentanyl.

    We are an epidemiologist and anthropologist whose research focuses on substance use disorders and the opioid overdose epidemic. Our team’s findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Medical Association in February 2025.

    The industrial chemical we found is called BTMPS, which is the common abbreviation for bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate. BTMPS belongs to a class of molecules called hindered amine light stabilizers that manufacturers frequently add to plastics and other polymers to protect against degradation from heat and sunlight.

    Since March 2024, our team has tested 228 street fentanyl samples collected in Kensington. Of these, 39 – or 17% – contained BTMPS.

    We first detected BTMPS in Philadelphia in June 2024. We found it in two of the eight samples – 25% – that we collected that month. By November 2024, 12 of 22 samples – or 55% – contained BTMPS.

    Why BTMPS is being added to the street opioid supply, and at what stage in production or distribution it is being added, remains unknown.

    Researchers suspect that it may be added to stabilize a fentanyl precursor chemical that is susceptible to degradation from heat and oxygen.

    Given its low cost, BTMPS may also be added to dilute other psychoactive substances or more expensive ingredients or both.

    Kensington Avenue in North Philadelphia is considered the epicenter of the city’s opioid crisis.
    Spencer Platt via Getty Images

    How toxic is BTMPS?

    Among the 39 samples that contained BTMPS in Philadelphia, the average amount of BTMPS was nearly double that of fentanyl. On average, BTMPS made up 4% of the sample, while fentanyl made up 2.3% of the sample. In one sample tested, BTMPS made up 18% of the sample.

    BTMPS has not been approved for human consumption or been studied in humans.

    However, it has been shown in rat studies to reduce nicotine use and attenuate withdrawal symptoms associated with morphine and cocaine.

    The rat studies revealed several adverse health effects from exposure to BTMPS. They include heart defects, serious eye damage and death.

    These findings raise concerns about the increasing exposure of BTMPS to humans through street drugs. The concentrations up to 18% found in the Philly samples are many orders of magnitude higher than the estimated concentration of 0.1% to 0.5% that people are exposed to through plastic products.

    Some of the street fentanyl samples from Philadelphia contained more BTMPS than fentanyl.
    Joe Lamberti for The Washington Post via Getty Images

    BTMPS appearing in fentanyl across the US

    Our colleagues who are testing street opioid samples in other regions also detected BTMPS in fentanyl samples or paraphernalia residue in Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, Washington and California. In Los Angeles, BTMPS was first detected in July 2024 – by September, 56% of samples there contained it.

    The sudden and almost simultaneous appearance of a new adulterant in U.S. street opioids from the East Coast to the West Coast is rare. For example, fentanyl, xylazine and medetomidine became prevalent in the U.S. opioid supply in different regions at different times.

    The recent emergence of BTMPS in street opioid markets nationwide suggests that it may be entering the supply at an early stage in production or wholesale distribution.

    Historically, Philadelphia’s street opioid supply has had strong ties to Puerto Rico. These ties influenced Philly’s early incorporation of the veterinary sedative xylazine into the street drug supply. Since 2021, xylazine has been present in virtually all of Philly’s street fentanyl.

    Given these associations, we are also testing the street opioid supply in Puerto Rico to examine potential similarities and relationships with Philadelphia’s supply. To date, we have detected BTMPS in two out of 49 – or 4% – of street opioid samples in Puerto Rico. We first detected it in a sample in September 2024 and again in December 2024.

    What’s next

    We continue to monitor BTMPS trends in Philadelphia’s street fentanyl. We are also examining whether concentrations of fentanyl and other key compounds such as xylazine in Philly’s street fentanyl have changed as new adulterants such as BTMPS and medetomidine become more widespread – and whether these changes play a role in the declining overdose death rate in Pennsylvania and other parts of the U.S.

    We are also developing plans to study the immediate and long-term effects that BTMPS exposure has on people using drugs.

    Karli Hochstatter receives funding from the NIH.

    Fernando Montero receives funding from the NIH, the Social Intervention Group at Columbia University, and the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) at New York University.

    – ref. Philly’s street fentanyl contains an industrial chemical called BTMPS that’s an ingredient in plastic – https://theconversation.com/phillys-street-fentanyl-contains-an-industrial-chemical-called-btmps-thats-an-ingredient-in-plastic-249990

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: “What could be more important than feeding people?”: Vladimir Stroyev took part in a strategy session on the topic of training managers in the agro-industrial complex

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On March 6, 2025, as part of the business program of the Exhibition and Forum of Educational Technologies, Infrastructure and Intelligent Solutions MMCO.Expo – 2025, a strategic session “Training of management personnel for rural areas and small towns: horizons for the development of the domestic system of vocational education” was held, in which the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev took part.

    Together with the rector of the State University of Management, the discussion was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova, member of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Igor Murog, rector of the Russian New University Vladimir Zernov, vice-president of RAO Viktor Basyuk, deputy chairman of the Association of Non-State Universities Roman Sultanov and other experts.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova spoke about the importance of the educational process for training personnel for the agro-industrial complex.

    “How can we make it so that students who receive an education in Moscow and St. Petersburg come to work at enterprises that are not always located in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and very often are located in small towns? There is only one way. This is precisely the mission, the feeling of significance, value, the very same educational policy that must be clearly and correctly built,” Olga Petrova noted.

    Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev spoke about the “Digital Village” – a large project to develop boxed solutions for farmers using various unmanned systems and new biotechnologies. Vladimir Vitalyevich also pointed out the high technology of the modern agro-industrial complex.

    “Previously, the attitude towards the agro-industrial complex was somewhat residual. A rural leader was perceived as “a man with a shovel and a plough”. Now this opinion is already considered backward and those who continue to think so do not understand how the agro-industrial complex is developing in our time. Now it is one of the most high-tech complexes. This is a huge scientific base, institutes that have been engaged in biotechnology, unmanned developments, and management decisions for many years. In order to work in the agro-industrial complex now, you need the highest level of qualification,” said Vladimir Stroyev.

    Deputy Chairman of the Association of Non-State Universities Roman Sultanov mentioned modern educational technologies.

    “The easiest way to make education accessible is online. Today, there is no other way to reach every student, applicant or schoolchild, wherever they are. If you look at the ratings and research, the private sector is leading in distance education. And if you synchronize private sector with state tasks, then the first step could be access to online education,” said Roman Sultanov.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/06/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: ARISE IIP secures $450 million Afreximbank facility for industrial parks, Special Economic Zones development

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

    Download logo

    In a significant move aimed at boosting industrial development across Africa, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) signed a US$450 million global credit facility with ARISE IIP, the leading pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks. This financing will support the development of industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZ), while also providing crucial trade finance support to businesses operating within the ARISE IIP ecosystem. 

    The US$ 450 million, granted in the context of Afreximbank’s strategic objective of promoting, facilitating, and supporting Africa’s industrialisation ecosystems, is part of a proposed US$ 800-million facility to support ARISE IIP in developing Industrial Parks (IPs) and SEZs in such countries as Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Malawi, among others. 

    Under the terms of the facility agreement, ARISE IIP will deploy US$ 300 million to finance working capital requirements for its operating Industrial Parks (GDIZ-Benin, PIA-Togo, LAHAM TCHAD-Chad, PEIA-Cote d’Ivoire and BSEZ-Rwanda) and for capital expenditures for the development of new industrial parks in DRC, Kenya, Chad, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire. 

    ARISE IIP will deploy the remaining US$ 150 million to develop an industrial park in Lilongwe, Malawi, and as trade finance for the activities of its export trading company in Malawi under Afreximbank’s Export Agriculture for Food Security initiative. 

    Signing the agreement on behalf of ARISE IIP was Arvind Arora, the Chief Treasury Officer, while Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, signed on behalf of Afreximbank. 

    Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank said: “The facility reflects Afreximbank’s ongoing commitment to mobilising financial and technical resources towards the promotion of industrialisation across Africa. This is our way of supporting value addition and structural transformation of African economies. We remain eager to collaborate with key stakeholders to build trusted partnerships and to industrialise African countries. Afreximbank strongly believes that IPs and SEZs are veritable tools that Africa can deploy to fast-track industrial infrastructure development and to promote intra-African trade and export development. With ARISE IIP as an established developer and operator of IPs and SEZs on the continent, we are confident that this facility will contribute to supporting the continental industrialisation agenda.” 

    Arvind Arora, Chief Treasury Officer of ARISE IIP remarked: “The US$450 million facility represents a major step forward in supporting Africa’s industrialisation efforts. This financing covers critical working capital and capital expenditure needs across various countries, addressing the diverse requirements for industrial development. Africa’s infrastructure investment gap, currently exceeding US$100 billion annually, significantly impacts the continent’s living conditions and its global competitiveness. At ARISE IIP, we are committed to working with strategic partners around the world to bridge this gap and accelerate industrialisation across the continent.” 

    The development of the new IPs and SEZs, along with the expansion of activities in the existing IPs, is expected to result in the attraction of 230 tenants, bringing in an estimated investment of US$ 1.7 billion over the next five years, while total exports from the new IPs and SEZs, once in operation, would reach US$ 5 billion over the five-year period, with domestically-sourced goods and services reaching US$ 3.4 billion. 

    In addition, the new investments in the IPs and SEZs are expected to contribute to the creation of 32,000 direct jobs and 138,000 in-direct jobs. 

    Afreximbank has been working with ARISE IIP as a strategic partner, focusing on industrialisation initiatives across Africa. The collaboration has seen the Bank and Arise working together on various projects including a USD 5 Billion Africa Textile Renaissance Plan, which intends to create 500,000 MT of African cotton transformation capacity and 500,000 jobs. 

    The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), Afreximbank’s development impact investment arm, invested USD 300 million in the latest fundraising round, which concluded in October 2024. During this round, Arise IIP raised a total of USD 443 million. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Contact details: 
    Vincent Musumba 
    Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations) – Afreximbank 
    press@afreximbank.com   

    Audrey Mebaley 
    Global Head of communications – Arise IIP 
    audrey.mebaley@arisenet.com   

    About Afreximbank: 
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. www.Afreximbank.com  

    About FEDA (Fund for Export Development in Africa): 
    The Fund for Export Development in Africa (“FEDA”) (https://apo-opa.co/3F2Rttw) is the impact investment subsidiary of the African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) set up to provide equity, quasi-equity, and debt capital to finance the multi-billion-dollar funding gap (particularly in equity) needed to transform the Trade sector in Africa. 

    FEDA pursues a multi-sector investment strategy along the intra-African trade, value-added export development, and manufacturing value chain which includes financial services, technology, consumer and retail goods, manufacturing, transport & logistics, agribusiness, as well as ancillary trade enabling infrastructure such as industrial parks. www.FEDAGroup.org 

    About ARISE IIP: 
    ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) (https://apo-opa.co/43vSJzc) est un développeur et opérateur panafricain de parcs industriels de classe mondiale. Arise IIP identifie des opportunités dans les chaînes de valeur commerciales et industrielles à travers l’Afrique, conçoit, finance, construit et opère l’infrastructure nécessaire, jouant un rôle catalyseur pour soutenir les pays dans leur transition vers une économie industrielle. Animé par la recherche de la croissance verte l’ambition de Arise IIP est d’accompagner au développement du potentiel industriel du continent tout en neutralisant ses émissions de carbone et son impact climatique. ARISE IIP est actuellement présent dans 12 pays, dont le Bénin (GDIZ), le Togo (PIA), le Gabon (GSEZ), la Côte d’Ivoire (ZIC), le Nigéria (IPRFZ), la République du Congo (PIC), la République Démocratique du Congo (CIP), la Sierra Leone (SIZ), le Malawi (MIP), le Rwanda (BSEZ), le Tchad et le Cameroun. www.ARISEIIP.com 

    MIL OSI Africa –

    March 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Important congratulations: a letter from the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev to the head of VNIOPTUSKh

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On March 5, representatives of the State University of Management took part in a ceremonial meeting dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the All-Russian Research Institute for the Organization of Production, Labor and Management in Agriculture (VNIOPTUSKh).

    Professors of the Department of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation of the State University of Management Tatyana Rogulenko and Roman Blizkiy presented the Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation Alexander Suglobov, who heads the All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Sciences, with a congratulatory letter from the Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev. The letter was given in recognition of the merits of Alexander Evgenievich and the contribution of the institute’s staff to the development of the agricultural sector.

    On April 16-17, 2025, the All-Russian scientific and practical conference “Current state and prospects for the organization of production, labor and management in agriculture” will be held for the 60th anniversary of VNIOPTUSKh. As part of strengthening the interaction of research teams, the head of VNIOPTUSKh invites scientists from the State University of Management to take part in the conference.

    The anniversary is an important stage in the history of VNIOPTUSKh, emphasizing the importance of the institute’s work in the field of labor protection and industrial safety. The interaction of scientific institutions and universities contributes to the development of new technologies and approaches aimed at increasing efficiency and safety in the agricultural sector.

    Today, VNIOPTUSKh continues active research activities, implements modern methods and ensures sustainable development of the country’s agro-industrial complex.

    GUU congratulates the institute staff on their anniversary and wishes them further success in their scientific work!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/06/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Marex Group plc announces record fourth quarter and full year 2024 results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marex Group plc (‘Marex’ or the ‘Group’; Nasdaq: MRX) a diversified global financial services platform, providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients in the energy, commodities and financial markets, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter (‘Q4 2024’) and year ended 31 December 2024 (‘2024’).

    Ian Lowitt, Group Chief Executive Officer, stated, “I’m pleased to confirm that robust levels of client activity and positive market conditions led to another strong performance in the fourth quarter, typically a slower quarter seasonally. This delivered a full year Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 of $321.1 million, up 40% year-over-year. Our performance in 2024 demonstrates the strength and scalability of our diversified global platform, as we delivered strong organic growth, gained market share and continued our track record of sequential profit growth. We have continued to execute our strategy of expanding our geographic footprint and product capabilities through both organic growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions, increasing our relevance to a growing client base, and are confident of achieving sustainable growth through a variety of market conditions. We have had a strong start to 2025 with positive momentum continuing into the first two months of the year, reflecting strong levels of client activity on our platform consistent with higher exchange volumes.”

    Financial and Operational Highlights:

    • Strong Q4 performance: robust client activity and supportive market conditions drove positive momentum and strong organic growth across the business. Average invested assets grew 12% over the quarter to $15.5bn delivering net interest income of $62.6m, broadly in line with the third quarter
    • Record full year 2024 profit: Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased 40% to $321.1m on a 28% increase in revenue, extending our track record of sequential profit growth to 10 years, as we continued to scale our platform
    • Executed growth strategy: expanded our geographic footprint and product capabilities through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, increasing our market share and relevance to a broader client base
    • Successful IPO and secondary placing, supported by strong investor demand: publicly listed on Nasdaq in April, with successful first follow-on transaction in October increasing public float to 52%
    • Prudent approach to capital and funding: maintained a strong capital and liquidity position and further diversified funding sources with a $600m senior unsecured issuance
    • Dividend: $0.14 per share to be paid in the first quarter of 2025
    Financial Highlights: ($m) 3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023   Change   Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023   Change
          Restated2                
    Revenue 415.6   325.6   28%   1,594.7   1,244.6   28%
    Profit Before Tax 77.8   39.4   97%   295.8   196.5   51%
    Profit Before Tax Margin (%) 19%   12%   700 bps   19%   16%   300 bps
    Profit After Tax 56.7   28.1   102%   218.0   141.3   54%
    Profit After Tax Margin (%) 14%   9%   500 bps   14%   11%   300 bps
    Return on Equity (%) 23%   15%   800 bps   25%   19%   600 bps
    Basic Earnings per Share ($)3 0.76   0.37   105%   2.96   1.94   53%
    Diluted Earnings per Share ($)3 0.70   0.35   100%   2.72   1.82   49%
                           
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 81.4   52.6   55%   321.1   230.0   40%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin (%)1 20%   16%   400 bps   20%   18%   200 bps
    Adjusted Profit after Tax
       Attributable to Common Equity1
    57.8   38.2   51%   231.0   162.6   42%
    Adjusted Return on Equity (%)1 27%   23%   400 bps   30%   26%   400 bps
    Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share ($)1,3 0.82   0.58   41%   3.34   2.46   36%
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share ($)1,3 0.76   0.54   41%   3.07   2.31   33%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such IFRS measure to its most directly comparable non-IFRS measure. The Group changed the labelling of its non-IFRS measures during 2024 to better align to the equivalent IFRS reported metric and enhance transparency and comparability.
    2. During 2023 an impairment of goodwill was recorded against the Volatility Performance Fund S.A. CGU (‘VPF’) . This impairment was previously disclosed in the Group’s discrete Q4 2023 numbers as part of the Group’s Q1 2024 earnings release update. Subsequent to this, management reassessed the impairment triggers as part of the Group’s interim results and concluded that the impairment triggers existed also as at 30 June 2023 and restated accordingly.  There has been no impact to the Group’s year to date 31 December 2023 impairment, only that the VPF impairment was restated to be reflected in three months ended Q2 2023 rather than the three months ended Q4 2023.
    3. Weighted average number of shares have been restated as applicable for the Group’s reverse share split (refer to Appendix 1 for further detail).
      Conference Call Information:
    Marex’s management will host a conference call to discuss the Group’s financial results today, 6 March 2025, at 9am Eastern Time. A live webcast of the call can be accessed from Marex’s Investor Relations website. An archived version will be available on the website after the call. To participate in the Conference Call, please register at the link here https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/59s7enfq.

    Investor Day:
    Marex plans to host an investor day 2 April 2025 in New York City to provide investors with a further understanding of its four businesses.

    Enquiries please contact:
    Marex
    Investors – Robert Coates
    +44 7880 486 329  / rcoates@marex.com

     

    Financial Review

    The following table presents summary financial results and other data as of the dates and for the periods indicated:

    Summary Financial Results

      3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023       Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023    
          Restated2                
      $m   $m   Change   $m   $m   Change
    – Net commission income 226.0   181.4   25%   856.1   704.9   21%
    – Net trading Income 128.1   111.5   15%   492.4   411.4   20%
    – Net interest income 62.6   30.2   107%   227.1   121.6   87%
    – Net physical commodities income (1.1)   2.5   (144)%   19.1   6.7   185%
    Revenue 415.6   325.6   28%   1,594.7   1,244.6   28%
                           
    Compensation and benefits (243.5)   (206.9)   18%   (971.1)   (770.3)   26%
    Depreciation and amortisation (7.1)   (6.1)   16%   (29.5)   (27.1)   9%
    Other expenses (90.3)   (71.7)   26%   (306.3)   (237.4)   29%
    Impairment of goodwill —   —   n.m.3   —   (10.7)   n.m.3
    Provision for credit losses (1.1)   (2.4)   (54)%   1.7   (7.1)   (124)%
    Bargain purchase gain on acquisitions —   —   n.m.3   —   0.3   n.m.3
    Other income 4.2   0.9   367%   6.3   3.4   85%
    Share of results in associates and joint ventures —   —   n.m.3   —   0.8   n.m.3
    Profit Before Tax 77.8   39.4   97%   295.8   196.5   51%
    Tax (21.1)   (11.3)   87%   (77.8)   (55.2)   41%
    Profit After Tax 56.7   28.1   102%   218.0   141.3   54%
                           
    Profit Before Tax 77.8   39.4   97%   295.8   196.5   51%
    Goodwill impairment charge2 —   —   n.m.3   —   10.7   n.m.3
    Acquisition related costs —   1.2   n.m.3   —   1.5   n.m.3
    Amortisation of acquired brands and customer lists 1.7   0.7   143%   5.5   2.1   162%
    Shareholder related activities —   3.4   n.m.3   9.3   9.1   2%
    IPO preparation and public offering of ordinary shares 1.9   7.9   (76)%   10.5   10.1   4%
    Adjusting items 3.6   13.2   (73)%   25.3   33.5   (24)%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 81.4   52.6   55%   321.1   230.0   40%
                
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. During 2023 an impairment of goodwill was recorded against the Volatility Performance Fund S.A. CGU (‘VPF’). This impairment was previously disclosed in the Group’s discrete Q4 2023 numbers as part of the Group’s Q1 2024 earnings release update. Subsequent to this, management reassessed the impairment triggers as part of the Group’s interim results and concluded that the impairment triggers existed also as at 30 June 2023 and restated accordingly.  There has been no impact to the Group’s year to date 31 December 2023 impairment, only that the VPF impairment was restated to be reflected in three months ended Q2 2023 rather than the three months ended Q4 2023.
    3. n.m. = not meaningful to present as a percentage.

    Costs and Group Headcount

    The Board and Senior Management also monitor costs split between Front Office Costs and Control and Support Costs to better understand the Group’s performance. The table below provides the Group’s management view of costs:

      3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023       Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023    
      $m   $m   Change   $m   $m   Change
    Front office costs1 (231.8)   (188.0)   23%   (881.5)   (690.4)   28%
    Control and support costs1 (100.1)   (76.0)   32%   (376.1)   (294.2)   28%
    Total (331.9)   (264.0)   26%   (1,257.6)   (984.6)   28%

    1) Management review Front Office Costs and Control and Support Costs when assessing Adjusted Profit Before Tax performance. These costs are included within compensation and benefits, other expenses and depreciation and amortisation in the Statutory Income Statement provided above.

    The following table provides a breakdown of Front Office and Control and Support Headcount

    Full Time Equivalent (‘FTE’) headcount1 2024   2023       2024   2023    
      Average   Average   Change   End of Year   End of Year   Change
    Front Office 1,250   1,028   22%   1,265   1,195   6%
    Control and Support 1,084   886   22%   1,160   972   19%
    Total 2,334   1,914   22%   2,425   2,167   12%

    1) For analysis purposes, average headcount is used in the performance commentary outlined below. 

    Performance for the three months ended 31 December 2024

    Revenue grew by 28% to $415.6m (Q4 2023: $325.6m) with strong organic growth across all businesses driven by robust client activity, market share gains and supportive market conditions. We continued to strengthen our position in the market outpacing growth in overall volumes in almost all markets in which we operate, particularly in Securities.

    Net commission income increased by 25% to $226.0m (Q4 2023: $181.4m). The growth was driven mainly in Agency and Execution, which grew 22% to $160.7m (Q4 2023: $131.3m), reflecting higher client activity in Energy, as well as in Securities, driven primarily by our acquisition of TD Cowen’s prime services business in December 2023.

    Net trading income rose by 15% to $128.1m (Q4 2023: $111.5m). The growth was driven mainly by Hedging and Investment Solutions which grew 24% to $52.6m (Q4 2023: $42.3m) as client demand grew for financial products.

    Net interest income increased by 107% to $62.6m (Q4 2023: $30.2m). This growth was primarily driven by higher average balances.

    Front office costs increased by 23% to $231.8m (Q4 2023: $188.0m), largely reflecting a 14% increase in average front office headcount and increased compensation on higher revenues.

    Control and Support costs increased 32% to $100.1m (Q4 2023: $76.0m), primarily reflecting investment in our Finance, Risk, Technology and Compliance functions, as we continue to invest in our systems and processes to support future sustainable growth.

    Reported Profit Before Tax increased by 97% to $77.8m (Q4 2023: $39.4m), driven by strong revenue growth and improved operating margins.

    Adjusting items reduced by $9.6m to $3.6m (Q3 2023: $13.2m). These costs are primarily related to corporate activities and are recognised within our Corporate segment. Adjusting items reduced mainly due to the non-recurrence of costs incurred in preparation for and associated with our successful IPO and owner fees in the prior period.

    As a result of the revenue and cost trends noted above, Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased 55% to $81.4m (Q4 2023: $52.6m) and Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 improved to 20% (Q4 2023: 16%). In addition, as a result of the revenue, cost trends and adjusting items noted above, Profit After Tax Margin increased to 14% (Q4 2023: 9%). 

    Performance for the year ended 31 December 2024

    Revenue grew by 28% to $1,594.7m (2023: $1,244.6m) driven by momentum across all our business, continued market share gains and a supportive market backdrop. Growth during 2024 was predominantly organic as we continued to invest in our businesses, as well as benefiting from the integration of our prior acquisitions.

    Revenue growth was driven by net commission income which increased by 21% to $856.1m (2023: $704.9m). The increase occurred mainly in Agency and Execution, which increased by 28%, reflecting increased customer activity in Energy as well as strong performance in Credit and our prime services business, which we acquired from TD Cowen in December 2023. Net commission income also increased in our Clearing segment, up 11%, driven by our Metals business.

    Net trading income rose by 20% to $492.4m (2023: $411.4m). Within our Market Making segment net trading income was significantly higher, primarily from Metals, reflecting exceptional market conditions and market sentiment in the second quarter across Copper, Aluminium and Nickel.

    Net trading income was also driven by our Hedging and Investment Solutions business, which increased by 27% to $210.3m (2023: $165.7m) as demand grew for commodity hedging and financial products.

    Net physical commodities income increased by 185% to $19.1m (2023: $6.7m). This increase was primarily due to an increase in sales volumes from physical recycled metal, largely driven by growth in demand for recycled metals.

    Front office costs represent staff, systems and infrastructure costs associated with running our revenue generating operations. These costs increased 28% to $881.5m (2023: $690.4m), largely reflecting a 22% increase in average front office headcount.

    Control and Support Costs primarily reflect staff and property related costs, along with professional fees and other administrative expenses associated with support functions. These costs increased 28% to $376.1m (2023: $294.2m), primarily reflecting investment in our Finance, Risk, Compliance and Technology functions, as we continue to invest in our systems and processes to support future sustainable growth. Total control and support average FTE grew 22% to 1,084 for 2024 (2023: 886).

    Reported Profit Before Tax increased 51% to $295.8m (2023: $196.5m), driven by strong revenue growth and improved operating margins.

    Adjusting items decreased by 24% to $25.3m (2023: $33.5m). These costs are primarily related to corporate activities and are recognised within our Corporate segment. Adjusting items decreased primarily due to the non-recurrence of goodwill impairment recognised in 2023. For full year 2024, adjusting items were mainly costs incurred in preparation for and associated with our successful IPO, including growth shares, owner fees and secondary sell down costs.

    As a result of the revenue and cost trends noted above, Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased 40% to $321.1m (2023: $230.0m) and Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 improved to 20% (2023: 18%) demonstrating our platform’s ability to deliver scale benefits. Profit after Tax Margins increased to 14% (2023: 11%).

    Net interest income increased by 87% to $227.1m (2023: $121.6m). This growth was driven by higher average balances and investment returns, as well as the acquisition of Cowen’s prime services business in December 2023.

      3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023   Change   Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023   Change
    Average Fed Funds rate 4.7%   5.3%   (60)bps   5.2%   5.0%   20bps
                           
    Average balances1 15.5   11.3   4.2   13.5   12.9   0.6
                           
    Interest income ($m) 185.2   141.5   43.7   702.4   520.4   182.0
    Interest paid out ($m) (62.4)   (60.6)   (1.8)   (257.7)   (219.0)   (38.7)
    Interest on balances ($m) 122.8   80.9   41.9   444.7   301.4   143.3
                           
    Net yield on balances 3.1%   2.8%   30bps   3.3%   2.3%   100bps
                           
    Average notional debt securities ($bn) (3.2)   (2.3)   (0.9)   (2.8)   (2.1)   (0.7)
    Yield on debt securities % 7.5%   8.6%   (110)bps   7.8%   8.4%   (60)bps
                           
    Interest expense ($m) (60.2)   (50.7)   (9.45)   (217.6)   (179.8)   (37.8)
                           
    Net Interest Income ($m) 62.6   30.2   32.4   227.1   121.6   105.5
    1. Average balances are calculated using an average of the daily holdings in exchanges, banks and other investments over the period. Previously, average balances were calculated as the average month end amount of segregated and non-segregated client balances that generated interest income over a given period.

    Segmental performance

    Clearing

    Marex provides clearing services across the range of energy, commodity and financial markets. We face the exchange on behalf of our clients providing access to 60 exchanges globally.

    Performance for the three months ended 31 December 2024

    Our Clearing business performed well with revenue increasing 48% to $124.7m (Q4 2023: $84.1m). This was driven by net interest income which rose by 81% to $56.4m (Q4 2023: $31.2m) primarily reflecting higher average balances, and commission income.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased by 68% to $65.8m (Q4 2023: $39.2m). Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 increased by 600 bps to 53% (Q4 2023: 47%).

    Performance for the year ended 31 December 2024

    Our Clearing business performed well in 2024, benefiting from higher levels of client activity on our platform as we continued to gain market share, with the total number of contracts cleared up 30% to 1,116.0m in 2024 (2023: 856.0m). This increase reflects a combination of factors, including an increase in the number of higher volume clients as well as a larger mix of clients transacting in financial securities.

    Revenue increased 25% to $466.3m (2023: $373.6m), driven by net interest income which rose by 45% to $198.1m (2023: $136.2m) as a result of both higher average interest rates in 2024 compared to 2023 and higher average balances. Net commission income also grew by 11% to $263.0m (2023: $236.2m). Average balances increased 5% to $13.5bn in 2024 (2023: $12.9bn). This growth was driven by a record number of new Clearing clients combined with a high retention of existing clients.

    Revenue growth was supported by investment in staff with average front office headcount increasing by 10% to 278 (2023: 253).

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased by 34% to $247.3m (2023: $185.0m) while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 increased by 300bps to 53% (2023: 50%).

      3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023       Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023    
      $m   $m   Change   $m   $m   Change
    Net commission income 65.6   52.5   25%   263.0   236.2   11%
    Net interest income 56.4   31.2   81%   198.1   136.2   45%
    Net trading income 2.7   0.4   575%   5.2   1.2   333%
    Revenue 124.7   84.1   48%   466.3   373.6   25%
    Front office costs (40.2)   (29.2)   38%   (149.2)   (117.1)   27%
    Control and support costs (18.6)   (15.7)   18%   (69.6)   (67.7)   3%
    Recovery/(provision) for credit losses —   0.1   —%   0.1   (3.6)   (103%)
    Depreciation and amortisation (0.1)   (0.1)   —%   (0.4)   (0.3)   33%
    Other Income and share of results of associates 0.1   —   n.m.3   0.1   0.1   n.m.3
                           
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax ($m)1 65.8   39.2   68%   247.3   185.0   34%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 53%   47%   600 bps   53%   50%   300 bps
                           
    Front office headcount (No.)2 284   259   10%   278   253   10%
    Contracts cleared (m) 290.0   228.0   27%   1,116.0   856.0   30%
    Market volumes (m) 2,853.0   2,677.0   7%   11,471.0   10,220.0   12%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. The headcount is the average for the period. Management have re-assessed headcount for Clearing and Market Making and re-allocated for FY24, FY23, 4Q24 and 4Q23.
    3. n.m. = not meaningful to present as a percentage.

    Agency and Execution

    Agency and Execution provides essential liquidity and execution services to our clients primarily in the energy and financial securities markets.

    Our energy division provides essential liquidity to clients by connecting buyers and sellers in the OTC energy markets to facilitate price discovery. We have leading positions in many of the markets we operate in, including key gas and power markets in Europe; environmental, petrochemical and crude markets in North America; and fuel oil, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and middistillates globally. We achieve this through the breadth and depth of the service we offer to customers, including market intelligence for each product we transact in, based on the extensive knowledge and experience of our teams.

    Our presence in the financial markets is growing as we integrate and optimise recent acquisitions, enabling Marex to diversify its asset class coverage away from traditional commodity markets. We are starting to see a maturation of our offering across all asset classes, contributing to enhanced revenue growth and margin expansion for the overall business.

    Performance for the three months ended 31 December 2024

    Revenue increased by 22% to $192.2m (Q4 2023: $157.9m). This was driven by Securities revenues, up 25% to $119.0m (Q4 2023: $95.3m) reflecting growth in prime services. There was also strong organic revenue growth in the quarter, notably in Rates and FX owing to higher volumes and a new structured rates desk which commenced in 2024. This was further supplemented by the strong growth in our Energy business where revenues increased 17% to $72.7m (Q4 2023: $62.4m), reflecting a combination of increased activity levels in European Energy markets, good demand for our environmentals offering and the benefit of our bolt-on acquisitions.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased 29% to $37.4m (Q4 2023: $28.9m) while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 increased 100 bps to 19% (Q4 2023: 18%).

    Performance for the year ended 31 December 2024

    Revenue increased by 28% to $695.2m (2023: $541.5m), reflecting the benefit of recent acquisitions, primarily the prime services business we acquired from TD Cowen that completed in December 2023, as well as positive market conditions in the energy markets.

    Energy revenue increased 30% to $286.3m (2023: $219.8m). This growth was a reflection of strong levels of demand for our environmentals offering as we continue to support our clients’ transition toward a low carbon economy, investments in new desks and capabilities and continued improvement in activity levels in European Energy markets.

    Securities revenue increased by 27% to $407.2m (2023: $319.8m), driven by our prime services business, as well as growth across Equities, FX and Rates.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased 50% to $107.9m (2023: $71.9m) while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 increased 300bps to 16% (2023: 13%), as we continued to optimise and integrate our acquisitions.

    Average front office headcount increased by 20% to 666 (2023: 553).

      3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023       Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023    
      $m   $m   Change   $m   $m   Change
    Securities 119.0   95.3   25%   407.2   319.8   27%
    Energy 72.7   62.4   17%   286.3   219.8   30%
    Other revenue 0.5   0.2   150%   1.7   1.9   (11)%
    Revenue 192.2   157.9   22%   695.2   541.5   28%
    Front office costs (138.7)   (121.4)   14%   (524.5)   (417.1)   26%
    Control and support costs (16.5)   (7.5)   120%   (62.0)   (51.1)   21%
    Provision for credit losses 0.2   (0.3)   —%   (0.1)   (0.9)   (89)%
    Depreciation and amortisation 0.1   (0.1)   (200)%   (0.8)   (0.8)   0%
    Other Income and share of results of associates 0.1   0.3   n.m.3   0.1   0.3   n.m.3
                           
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax ($m)1 37.4   28.9   29%   107.9   71.9   50%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 19%   18%   100 bps   16%   13%   300 bps
                           
    Front office headcount (No.)2 657   603   9%   666   553   20%
    Marex volumes: Energy (m) 13.8   13.6   0%   57.4   44.7   27%
    Marex volumes: Securities (m) 73.7   64.7   14%   295.3   239.5   23%
    Market volumes: Energy (m) 442.3   376.7   17%   1,721.0   1,404.8   22%
    Market volumes: Securities (m) 2,744.0   2,601.0   5%   10,920.6   9,969.6   10%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2.  The headcount is the average for the period.
    3. n.m. = not meaningful to present as a percentage.

    Market Making

    Our Market Making business provides direct liquidity to our clients across a variety of products, primarily in the energy, metals and agriculture markets. This ability to make prices and trade as principal in a wide variety of energy, environmentals and commodity markets differentiates us from many of our competitors.

    Performance for the three months ended 31 December 2024

    Revenue increased by 19% to $44.5m (Q4 2023: $37.5m). Higher revenue in Agriculture, Securities and Energy was partly offset by a more subdued operating environment in Metals.

    Revenue growth was supported by Front Office hiring, with average headcount increasing by 14% to 131 (2023: 115).

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased to $9.0m (Q4 2023: $8.3m), while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 decreased 200 bps to 20% (Q4 2023: 22%).

    Performance for the year ended 31 December 2024

    Revenue increased by 35% to $207.8m (2023: $153.9m). This was driven by Metals trading which benefited from unusual market conditions across Copper, Aluminium, Nickel in the second quarter. While this activity normalised in the third quarter, we continued to see strong performance. Revenue from Securities also grew primarily reflecting a stronger performance from Equities.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased by 97% to $65.6m (2023: $33.3m), while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 increased 10 percentage points to 32% (2023: 22%) reflecting strong revenue growth.

      3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023       Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023    
      $m   $m   Change   $m   $m   Change
    Metals 5.7   26.5   (78)%   105.9   69.3   53%
    Agriculture 15.7   0.3   5,133%   33.8   27.5   23%
    Energy 12.7   7.3   74%   32.5   31.6   3%
    Securities 10.4   3.4   206%   35.6   25.5   40%
    Revenue 44.5   37.5   19%   207.8   153.9   35%
    Front office costs (27.2)   (19.9)   37%   (111.4)   (88.5)   26%
    Control and support costs (8.2)   (9.0)   (9)%   (30.4)   (32.7)   (7)%
    Depreciation and amortisation (0.1)   (0.1)   0%   (0.4)   (0.3)   33%
    Other Income and share of results of associates —   (0.2)   n.m.3   —   0.9   n.m.3
                           
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax ($m)1 9.0   8.3   8%   65.6   33.3   97%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 20%   22%   (200) bps   32%   22%   1,000 bps
                           
    Front office headcount (No.)2 131   115   14%   129   109   18%
    Marex volumes: Metals (m) 11.3   6.8   57%   44.6   26.8   67%
    Marex volumes: Agriculture (m) 8.2   7.1   14%   35.1   28.1   25%
    Marex volumes: Energy (m) 0.7   0.6   17%   2.2   2.1   0%
    Marex volumes: Financials (m) 0.2   1.4   (86)%   1.6   5.3   (60)%
    Market volumes: Metals (m) 98.6   92.4   8%   422.7   343.5   23%
    Market volumes: Agriculture (m) 146.8   127.9   15%   581.3   521.1   12%
    Market volumes: Energy (m) 442.3   376.7   17%   1,721.0   1,404.8   22%
    Market volumes: Financials (m) 2,744.0   2,601.0   5%   10,920.6   9,969.6   10%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. The headcount is the average for the period. Management have re-assessed headcount for Clearing and Market Making and re-allocated for FY24, FY23, 4Q24 and 4Q23.
    3. n.m. = not meaningful to present as a percentage.

    Hedging and Investment Solutions

    Our Hedging and Investment Solutions business provides high quality bespoke hedging and investment solutions to our clients.

    Tailored commodity hedging solutions enable corporates to hedge their exposure to movements in energy and commodity prices, as well as currencies and interest rates, across a variety of different time horizons.

    Our financial products offering allows investors to gain exposure to a particular market or asset class, for example equity indices, in a cost-effective manner through a structured product.

    Performance for the three months ended 31 December 2024

    Revenue grew 20% to $39.9m (Q4 2023: $33.2m) driven by an expansion of the sales team leading to the onboarding of new clients.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased by 47% to $8.7m (Q4 2023: $5.9m), while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 increased by 400 bps to 22% (Q4 2023: 18%).

    Performance for the year ended 31 December 2024

    Revenue grew 26% to $161.5m (2023: $128.1m) driven by increased client activity across both businesses. Hedging Solutions increased 12% to $69.2m (2023: $62.0m) benefiting from volatility across Cocoa and Coffee and favourable market events, while Financial Products increased 40% to $92.3m (2023: $66.1m) benefiting from positive investor sentiment and equity market performance. We also expanded our product coverage with custom index and FX capabilities and our global footprint which now includes business from Australia and the Middle East, bringing new clients onto our platform.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax1 increased by 24% to $42.0m (2023: $33.8m), while Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 remained at 26% as we continued to invest in the business infrastructure and distribution network. We have also invested in our people with average front office headcount up 57% to 177 (2023: 113). Other income and share or results of associates represents the tax credit from qualifying research and development costs.

      3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023       Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023    
      $m   $m   Change   $m   $m   Change
    Hedging solutions 7.7   16.0   (52)%   69.2   62.0   12%
    Financial products 32.2   17.2   87%   92.3   66.1   40%
    Revenue 39.9   33.2   20%   161.5   128.1   26%
    Front office costs (25.7)   (17.5)   47%   (96.4)   (67.7)   42%
    Control and support costs (7.3)   (6.1)   20%   (27.2)   (23.7)   15%
    Recovery/(provision) for credit losses (0.6)   (3.6)   (83)%   2.2   (3.8)   (158)%
    Depreciation and amortisation (0.2)   (0.1)   100%   (0.7)   (0.3)   133%
    Other Income and share of results of associates 2.6   —   n.m.4   2.6   1.2   n.m.4
                           
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax ($m)1 8.7   5.9   47%   42.0   33.8   24%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin1 22%   18%   400 bps   26%   26%   0 bps
                           
    Front office headcount (No.)2 184   128   44%   177   113   57%
    Structured notes balance ($m)3 2,667.4   1,850.4   44%   2,667.4   1,850.4   44%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. The headcount is the average for the period.
    3. The structured notes portfolio consisted of 4,029 notes with an average maturity of 17 months and a total value of $2,667.4m at the end of 2024 compared to a total value of $1,850.4m in 2023 with an average maturity of 15 months.
    4. n.m. = not meaningful to present as a percentage.

    Corporate

    The Corporate segment includes the Group’s control and support functions. Corporate manages the resources of the Group, makes investment decisions and provides operational support to the business segments. Corporate net interest income is derived through earning interest on house cash balances placed at banks and exchanges. Revenue in Q4 2024 was $14.3m (Q4 2023: $12.9m), while full year Revenue in 2024 was $63.9m (2023: $47.5m), driven by net interest income primarily reflecting higher average balances.    

      3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023       Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023    
      $m   $m   Change   $m   $m   Change
    Revenue 14.3   12.9   11%   63.9   47.5   35%
    Control and support costs4 (49.5)   (37.7)   31%   (186.9)   (119.0)   57%
    (Provision)/recovery for credit losses (0.7)   1.4   n.m.3   (0.5)   1.2   (142%)
    Depreciation and amortisation (5.1)   (7.0)   (27%)   (21.7)   (25.4)   (15%)
    Other Income and share of results of associates 1.4   0.7   100%   3.5   1.7   106%
                           
    Adjusted Loss Before Tax ($m)1 (39.6)   (29.7)   33%   (141.7)   (94.0)   51%
                           
    Control and support headcount (No.)2 1,145   947   21%   1,084   886   22%
    1. These are non-IFRS financial measures. See Appendix 1 “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators” for additional information and for a reconciliation of each such IFRS measure to its most directly comparable IFRS measure.
    2. The headcount is the average for the period.
    3. n.m. = not meaningful to present as a percentage
    4. Control and support costs are presented on an unallocated basis.

    Summary Financial Position

    The Group’s equity base increased during the year with total equity increasing by $201.0m, 26% to $976.9m as a result of strong profitability during the year and an increase in the share premium balance reflecting the primary issuance of shares as part of the IPO.

    Total assets and total liabilities have grown significantly during 2024 as a result of client activity driving customer balances and in addition our funding activities to support this increase. Our balance sheet continues to consist of high-quality liquid assets which underpin client activity on our platform. Total assets increased from $17.6bn as at 31 December 2023 to $24.3bn as at 31 December 2024 with the growth largely due to the increase in the Securities, Cash and liquid assets, balances with exchanges offset by a reduction in the reverse repurchase agreement balances.

    Securities balances increased to $6.5bn, up $2.5bn from December 2023 driven by hedging activity to support our prime brokerage clients and increased stock lending activity within our Agency and Execution business.

    Cash and liquid assets increased by $1.7bn primarily reflecting cash placed by clients, the Group’s US Senior issuance and growth in structured notes issuance under the Financial Products Program.

      31 December 2024   31 December 2023    
          Restated1    
      $m   $m   Change
    Cash & Liquid Assets² 6,213.0   4,465.9   39%
    Trade Receivables 7,553.2   4,789.8   58%
    Reverse Repo Agreements 2,490.4   3,199.8   (22%)
    Securities³ 6,459.7   4,022.7   61%
    Derivative Instruments 1,163.5   655.6   77%
    Other Assets⁴ 199.7   258.2   (23%)
    Goodwill and Intangibles 233.0   219.6   6%
    Total Assets 24,312.5   17,611.6   38%
    Trade Payables 9,740.4   6,785.9   44%
    Repurchase Agreements 2,305.8   3,118.9   (26%)
    Securities⁵ 6,656.7   4,248.1   57%
    Debt Securities 3,604.5   2,216.3   63%
    Derivative Instruments 751.7   402.2   87%
    Other Liabilities⁶ 276.5   64.3   330%
    Total Liabilities 23,335.6   16,835.7   39%
    Total Equity 976.9   775.9   26%
    1. Prior period comparatives have been restated. Refer to note 3(b) and note 37 in our Group Annual Report for further information.
    2. Cash & Liquid Assets are cash and cash equivalents, treasury instruments pledged as collateral, treasury instruments unpledged and fixed income securities.
    3. Securities assets are equity instruments and stock borrowing.
    4. Other Assets are inventory, corporate income tax receivable, deferred tax, investments, right-of-use assets, and property plant and equipment.
    5. Securities liabilities are stock lending and short securities.
    6. Other Liabilities are short term borrowings, deferred tax liability, lease liability, provisions and corporation tax.

    Liquidity

      31 December   31 December
      2024   2023
      $m   $m
    Total available liquid resources 2,439.8   1,369.8
    Liquidity headroom 1,060.0   738.8

    A prudent approach to capital and liquidity and commitment to maintaining an investment grade credit rating are core principles which underpin the successful delivery of our growth strategy. As at 31 December 2024, the Group held $2,439.8m of total available liquid resources, including the undrawn portion of the RCF (2023: $1,369.8m).

    Group liquidity resources consist of cash and high-quality liquid assets that can be quickly converted to meet immediate and short-term obligations. The resources include non-segregated cash, short-term money market funds and unencumbered securities guaranteed by the U.S. Government. The Group also includes any undrawn portion of its committed revolving credit facility (‘RCF’) in its total available liquid resources. The unsecured revolving credit facility of $150m remains undrawn as at 31 December 2024 (2023: $150m, undrawn). Facilities held by operating subsidiaries, and which are only available to that relevant subsidiary, have been excluded from these figures as they are not available to the entire Group.

    Liquidity headroom is based on the Group’s Liquid Asset Threshold Requirement, which is prepared according to the principles of the UK Investment Firms Prudential Regime (IFPR). The requirement includes a liquidity stress impact calculated from a combination of systemic and idiosyncratic risk factors.

    In October, the Group successfully completed an offering of $600m 5-year senior unsecured notes, further diversifying its funding sources and supporting future growth. The notes have a coupon of 6.404%, mature in November 2029 and have been rated BBB- by both S&P and Fitch. This latest senior note issuance adds to the existing €300m notes issued in February 2023 under the Euro MTN programme.

    Regulatory capital

    The Group is subject to consolidated supervision by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and has regulated subsidiaries in jurisdictions both inside and outside of the UK.

    The Group is regulated as a MIFIDPRU investment firm under IFPR. The minimum capital requirement as at 31 December 2024 was determined by the Own Funds Threshold Requirement (‘OFTR’) set via an assessment of the Group’s capital adequacy and risk assessment conducted annually.

    The Group and its subsidiaries are in compliance with their regulatory requirements and are appropriately capitalised relative to the minimum requirements as set by the relevant competent authority. The Group maintained a capital surplus over its regulatory requirements at all times.

    The Group manages its capital structure in order to comply with regulatory requirements, ensuring its capital base is more than adequate to cover the risks inherent in the business and to maximise shareholder value through the strategic deployment of capital to support the Group’s growth and strategic development. The Group performs business model assessment, business and capital forecasting, stress testing and recovery planning at least annually. The following table summarises the Group’s capital position as at 31 December 2024 and 2023:

      31 December
    2024
      31 December
    2023
      $m   $m
    Core equity Tier 1 Capital1 623.9   437.7
    Additional Tier 1 Capital (net of issuance costs) 97.6   97.6
    Tier 2 Capital 1.6   3.1
    Total Capital resources 723.1   538.4
           
           
    Own Funds Threshold Requirement2 308.8   235.1
    Total Capital ratio3 234%   229%
    1. The own funds threshold requirement is the amount of own funds (i.e. capital) that a firm needs to hold at any given time to comply with the overall financial adequacy rule under the Investment Firm Prudential Regulation. The overall financial adequacy rule requires a firm to hold the amount of own funds for its ongoing business operations, taking into account potential periods of financial stress during the economic cycle. This is determined based on Group’s latest annual internal assessment.
    2. Own Funds Requirement presented as Own Funds Threshold Requirement based on the latest approved Group Internal Capital Assessment.
    3. The Group’s total capital resources as a percentage of Own Funds Requirement.

    At 31 December 2024, the Group had a Total Capital Ratio of 234% (2023: 229%), representing significant capital headroom to minimum requirements. The increase in the Total Capital Ratio resulted from an increase in total capital resources due to profit (unaudited) in 2024.

    Dividend

    The Board of Directors approved an interim dividend of $0.14 per share, expected to be paid on 31 March 2025 to shareholders on record as at close of business on 17 March 2025.

    Forward looking statements:

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including expected financial results and Adjusted Profit Before Tax and Reported Profit Before Tax, expected growth and business plans, expected investments and dividend payments. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation: subdued commodity market activity or pricing levels; the effects of geopolitical events, terrorism and wars, such as the effect of Russia’s military action in Ukraine, on market volatility, global macroeconomic conditions and commodity prices; changes in interest rate levels; the risk of our clients and their related financial institutions defaulting on their obligations to us; regulatory, reputational and financial risks as a result of our international operations; software or systems failure, loss or disruption of data or data security failures; an inability to adequately hedge our positions and limitations on our ability to modify contracts and the contractual protections that may be available to us in OTC derivatives transactions; market volatility, reputational risk and regulatory uncertainty related to commodity markets, equities, fixed income, foreign exchange and cryptocurrency; the impact of climate change and the transition to a lower carbon economy on supply chains and the size of the market for certain of our energy products; the impact of changes in judgments, estimates and assumptions made by management in the application of our accounting policies on our reported financial condition and results of operations; lack of sufficient financial liquidity; if we fail to comply with applicable law and regulation, we may be subject to enforcement or other action, forced to cease providing certain services or obliged to change the scope or nature of our operations; significant costs, including adverse impacts on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and expenses associated with compliance with relevant regulations; and if we fail to remediate the material weaknesses we identified in our internal control over financial reporting or prevent material weaknesses in the future, the accuracy and timing of our financial statements may be impacted, which could result in material misstatements in our financial statements or failure to meet our reporting obligations and subject us to potential delisting, regulatory investments or civil or criminal sanctions, and other risks discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our final prospectus filed pursuant to 424(b)(4) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on 31 October 2024 and our other reports filed with the SEC.

    The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this press release. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this press release, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.

    Appendix 1

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators

    This press release contains non-IFRS financial measures, including Adjusted Profit Before Tax, Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin, Adjusted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity and Adjusted Return on Equity. These non-IFRS financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for profit after tax, profit margin, return on equity or any other financial information presented in accordance with IFRS and may be different from similarly titled non-IFRS financial measures used by other companies. The Group changed the labelling of its non-IFRS measures during 2024 to better align to the equivalent IFRS reported metric and enhance transparency and comparability.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax (formerly labelled Adjusted Operating Profit)

    We define Adjusted Profit Before Tax as profit after tax adjusted for (i) tax, (ii) goodwill impairment charges, (iii) acquisition costs, (iv) bargain purchase gains, (v) owner fees, (vi) amortisation of acquired brands and customer lists, (vii) activities in relation to shareholders, (viii) employer tax on the vesting of Growth Shares, (ix) IPO preparation costs and (x) fair value of the cash settlement option on the Growth Shares. Items (i) to (x) are referred to as “Adjusting Items.” Adjusted Profit Before Tax is the primary measure used by our management to evaluate and understand our underlying operations and business trends, forecast future results and determine future capital investment allocations. Adjusted Profit Before Tax is the measure used by our executive board to assess the financial performance of our business in relation to our trading performance. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measure is profit after tax. We believe Adjusted Profit Before Tax is a useful measure as it allows management to monitor our ongoing core operations and provides useful information to investors and analysts regarding the net results of the business. The core operations represent the primary trading operations of the business.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin (formerly labelled Adjusted Operating Profit Margin)

    We define Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin as Adjusted Profit Before Tax (as defined above) divided by revenue. We believe that Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the profitability of our business in relation to revenue. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measure is profit margin, which is Profit after Tax divided by revenue.

    Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity (formerly labelled Adjusted Operating Profit after Tax Attributable to Common Equity)

    We define Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity as profit after tax adjusted for the items outlined in the Adjusted Profit Before Tax paragraph above. Additionally, Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity is also adjusted for (i) tax and the tax effect of the Adjusting Items to calculate Adjusted Profit Before Tax and (ii) profit attributable to Additional Tier 1 (“AT1”) note holders, net of tax, which is the coupons on the AT1 issuance and accounted for as dividends, adjusted for the tax benefit of the coupons. We define Common Equity as being the equity belonging to the holders of the Group’s share capital. We believe Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the profitability of the equity belonging to the holders of the Group’s share capital. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measure is profit after tax.

    Adjusted Return on Equity (formerly labelled Return on Adjusted Operating Profit after Tax Attributable to Common Equity)

    We define the Adjusted Return on Equity as the Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity (as defined above) divided by the average Common Equity for the period. Common Equity is defined as being the equity belonging to the holders of the Group’s share capital. Common Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital. For the years ended 31 December 2024, Common Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital as at 31 December of the prior year, 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December of the current year. For the year ended 31 December 2023, Common Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital as at 31 December of the prior year and 31 December of the current year. For the three months ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 Common Equity is calculated as the average of 30 September and 31 December of the current period. For the years ended 31 December 2024 and 2023, Return on Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity is calculated as Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity for the year divided by average Common Equity for the year. For the three months ended 31 December 2024 and 2023, Adjusted Return on Equity is calculated for comparison purposes on an annualised basis as Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity for the period multiplied by four and then divided by average Common Equity for the period. It is presented on an annualised basis for comparison purposes.

    We believe Adjusted Return on Equity is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the return on the equity belonging to the holders of the Group’s share capital. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards measure for Adjusted Return on Equity is return on equity, which is calculated as profit after tax for the period divided by average equity. Average equity for the years ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 is calculated as the average of total equity s at 31 December of the prior year, 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December of the current year. For the three months ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 Average Equity is calculated as the average of 30 September and 31 December of the current year. For the years ended 31 December 2024 and 2023, return on equity is calculated as profit after tax for the year divided by Average Equity for the year. For the three months ended 31 December 2024 and 2023, Adjusted Return on Equity is calculated for comparison purposes on an annualised basis as Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Equity for the period multiplied by four and then divided by Average Equity for the period. It is presented on an annualised basis for comparison purposes.

    Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share

    Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share is defined as the Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity (as defined above) for the period divided by weighted average number of ordinary shares for the period. We believe Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the profitability of our business per share. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards metric is basic earnings per share. This metric has been designed to highlight the Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity over the available share capital of the Group. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share is defined as the Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity for the period divided by the diluted weighted average shares for the period. We believe Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share is a useful measure as it allows management to assess the profitability of our business per share on a diluted basis. Dilution is calculated in the same way as it has been for diluted earnings per share. The most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards metric is diluted earnings per share.

    We believe that these non-IFRS financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain items that management believes are not indicative of our ongoing operations. Our management uses these non-IFRS financial measures to evaluate our business strategies and to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. We believe that these non-IFRS financial measures provide useful information to investors because they improve the comparability of our financial results between periods and provide for greater transparency of key measures used to evaluate our performance. In addition these non-IFRS financial measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies comparable to us, many of which present related performance measures when reporting their results.

    These non-IFRS financial measures are used by different companies for differing purposes and are often calculated in different ways that reflect the circumstances of those companies. In addition, certain judgments and estimates are inherent in our process to calculate such non-IFRS financial measures. You should exercise caution in comparing these non-IFRS financial measures as reported by other companies.

    These non-IFRS financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under IFRS Accounting Standards. Some of these limitations are:

    • they do not reflect costs incurred in relation to the acquisitions that we have undertaken;
    • they do not reflect impairment of goodwill;
    • other companies in our industry may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures; and
    • the adjustments made in calculating these non-IFRS financial measures are those that management considers to be not representative of our core operations and, therefore, are subjective in nature.

    Accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these non-IFRS financial measures.

    We also use key performance indicators (“KPIs”) such as Average Balances, Trades Executed, and Contracts Cleared to assess the performance of our business and believe that these KPIs provide useful information to both management and investors by showing the growth of our business across the periods presented.

    Our management uses these KPIs to evaluate our business strategies and to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. We define certain terms used in this release as follows:

    “FTE” means the number of our full-time equivalents as of the end of a given period, which includes permanent employees and contractors.

    “Average FTE” means the average number of our full-time equivalents over the period, including permanent employees and contractors.

    “Average Balances” means the average of the daily holdings in exchanges, banks and other investments over the period. Previously, average balances were calculated as the average month end amount of segregated and non-segregated client balances that generated interest income over a given period.

    “Trades Executed” means the total number of trades executed on our platform in a given year.

    “Total Capital Ratio” means our total capital resources in a given period divided by the capital requirement for such period under the IFPR.

    “Contracts Cleared” means the total number of contracts cleared in a given period.

    “Market Volumes” are calculated as follows:

    • All volumes traded on Marex key exchanges (CBOT, CME, Eurex, Euronext, ICE, LME, NYMEX COMEX, SGX)
    • Energy volumes on CBOT, Eurex, ICE, NYMEX, SGX
    • Financial securities (corporate bonds, equities, FX, repo, volatility) on CBOE, CBOT, CME, Eurex, Euronext, ICE, SGX
    • Metals, agriculture and energy volumes on CBOT, CME, Eurex, Euronext, ICE, LME, NYMEX COMEX, SGX

    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Key Performance Indicators:

      3 months ended 31 December 2024   3 months ended 31 December 2023   Year ended 31 December 2024   Year ended 31 December 2023
          Restated1        
      $m   $m   $m   $m
    Profit After Tax 56.7   28.1   218.0   141.3
    Taxation charge 21.1   11.3   77.8   55.2
    Profit Before Tax 77.8   39.4   295.8   196.5
    Goodwill impairment charge1 —   —   —   10.7
    Bargain purchase gains2 —   —   —   (0.3)
    Acquisition costs3 —   1.2   —   1.8
    Amortisation of acquired brands and customer lists4 1.7   0.7   5.5   2.1
    Activities relating to shareholders5 —   2.2   2.4   3.1
    Employer tax on vesting of the growth shares6 —   —   2.2   —
    Owner fees7 —   1.2   2.4   6.0
    IPO preparation costs8 —   7.9   8.6   10.1
    Fair value of the cash settlement option on the growth shares9 —   —   2.3   —
    Public offering of ordinary shares10 1.9   —   1.9   —
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax 81.4   52.6   321.1   230.0
    Tax and the tax effect on the Adjusting Items11 (20.43)   (11.1)   (76.8)   (54.1)
    Profit attributable to AT1 note holders12 (3.3)   (3.3)   (13.3)   (13.3)
    Adjusted Profit After Tax Attributable to Common Equity 57.8   38.2   231.0   162.6
                   
    Profit after Tax Margin 14%   9%   14%   11%
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin13 20%   16%   20%   18%
                   
    Basic Earnings per Share ($) 0.76   0.37   2.96   1.94
    Diluted Earnings per Share ($) 0.70   0.35   2.72   1.82
                   
    Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share ($)14 0.82   0.58   3.34   2.46
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share ($)15 0.76   0.54   3.07   2.31
                   
    Common Equity16 870.7   662.6   775.6   629.2
    Return on Equity 23%   15%   25%   19%
    Adjusted Return on Equity (%) 27%   23%   30%   26%
    1. Goodwill impairment charges in 2023 relates to the impairment recognised for goodwill relating to the Volatility Performance Fund S.A. CGU (‘VPF’) largely due to declining projected revenue.
    2. A bargain purchase gain was recognised as a result of the ED&F Man Capital Markets division acquisition.
    3. Acquisition costs are costs, such as legal fees incurred in relation to the business acquisitions of ED&F Man Capital Markets business, the OTCex group and Cowen’s prime services and Outsourced Trading business.
    4. This represents the amortisation charge for the period of acquired brands and customers lists.
    5. Activities in relation to shareholders primarily consist of dividend-like contributions made to participants within certain of our share-based payments schemes.
    6. Employer tax on vesting of the growth shares represents the Group’s tax charge arising from the vesting of the growth shares.
    7. Owner fees relate to management services fees paid to parties associated with the ultimate controlling party based on a percentage of our EBITDA in each year, presented in the income statement within other expenses.
    8. IPO preparation costs related to consulting, legal and audit fees, presented in the income statement within other expenses.
    9. Fair value of the cash settlement option on the growth shares represents the fair value liability of the growth shares at $2.3m. Subsequent to the initial public offering when the holders of the growth shares elected to settle the awards in ordinary shares, the liability was derecognised.
    10. Costs relating to the public offerings of ordinary shares by certain selling shareholders.
    11. Tax and the tax effect on the Adjusting Items represents the tax for the period and the tax effect of the other Adjusting Items removed from Profit After Tax to calculate Adjusted Profit Before Tax. The tax effect of the other Adjusting Items was calculated at the Group’s effective tax rate for the respective period.
    12. Profit attributable to AT1 note holders are the coupons on the AT1 issuance, which are accounted for as dividends.
    13. Adjusted Profit Before Tax Margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted Profit Before Tax (as defined above) by revenue for the period.
    14. The weighted average numbers of shares used in the calculation for the years ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 were 69,231,625 and 66,018, 514 respectively. The weighted average numbers of shares used in the calculation for the three months ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 were 70,290,886 and 66,018,514 respectively. Weighted average number of shares have been restated as applicable for the Group’s reverse share split.
    15. The weighted average numbers of diluted shares used in the calculation for the years ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 were 75,279,454 and 70,323,467 respectively. The weighted average numbers of shares used in the calculation for the three months ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 were 76,338,715 and 70,323,467 respectively. Weighted average number of shares have been restated as applicable for the Group’s reverse share split.
    16. Common Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital. For the years ended 31 December 2024, Adjusted Return on Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital, as at 31 December of the prior year, 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December of the current year. For the years ended 31 December 2023, Adjusted Return on Equity is calculated as the average balance of total equity minus additional Tier 1 capital, as at 31 December of the prior year and 31 December of the current year. For the three months ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 Common Equity is calculated as the average of 30 September and 31 December of the current period.

    Appendix 2 – Supplementary Financial Information

    Revenue

    The following tables presents the Group’s segmental revenue for the periods indicated:

    3 months ended 31 December 2024 Clearing   Agency and Execution   Market Making   Hedging and Investment Solutions   Corporate   Total
      $m   $m   $m   $m   $m   $m
                           
    Net commission income/(expense) 65.6   160.7   (0.3)   —   —   226.0
    Net trading income 2.7   21.1   51.7   52.6   —   128.1
    Net interest income/(expense) 56.4   9.5   (4.9)   (12.7)   14.3   62.6
    Net physical commodities income —   0.9   (2.0)   —   —   (1.1)
    Revenue 124.7   192.2   44.5   39.9   14.3   415.6
    3 months ended 31 December 2023 Clearing   Agency and Execution   Market Making   Hedging and Investment Solutions   Corporate   Total
      $m   $m   $m   $m   $m   $m
                           
    Net commission income/(expense) 52.5   131.3   (2.4)   —   —   181.4
    Net trading income/(expense) 0.4   23.2   45.9   42.3   (0.3)   111.5
    Net interest income/(expense) 31.2   3.4   (8.5)   (9.1)   13.2   30.2
    Net physical commodities income —   —   2.5   —   —   2.5
    Revenue 84.1   157.9   37.5   33.2   12.9   325.6
    Year ended 31 December 2024 Clearing   Agency and Execution   Market Making   Hedging and Investment Solutions   Corporate   Total
      $m   $m   $m   $m   $m   $m
                           
    Net commission income/(expense) 263.0   597.1   (4.0)   —   —   856.1
    Net trading income 5.2   61.3   215.6   210.3   —   492.4
    Net interest income/(expense) 198.1   34.6   (20.7)   (48.8)   63.9   227.1
    Net physical commodities income —   2.2   16.9   —   —   19.1
    Revenue 466.3   695.2   207.8   161.5   63.9   1,594.7
    Year ended 31 December 2023 Clearing   Agency and Execution   Market Making   Hedging and Investment Solutions   Corporate   Total
      $m   $m   $m   $m   $m   $m
                           
    Net commission income/(expense) 236.2   473.4   (4.7)   —   —   704.9
    Net trading income/(expense) 1.2   62.1   182.8   165.7   (0.4)   411.4
    Net interest income/(expense) 136.2   6.0   (30.9)   (37.6)   47.9   121.6
    Net physical commodities income —   —   6.7   —   —   6.7
    Revenue 373.6   541.5   153.9   128.1   47.5   1,244.6

    Consolidated Income Statement

    For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

        2024 2023
        $m $m
    Commission and fee income   1,618.1 1,342.4
    Commission and fee expense   (762.0) (637.5)
    Net commission income   856.1 704.9
    Net trading income   492.4 411.4
    Interest income   765.2 591.8
    Interest expense   (538.1) (470.2)
    Net interest income   227.1 121.6
    Net physical commodities income   19.1 6.7
    Revenue   1,594.7 1,244.6
           
    Expenses:      
    Compensation and benefits   (971.1) (770.3)
    Depreciation and amortisation   (29.5) (27.1)
    Other expenses   (306.3) (237.4)
    Impairment of goodwill   — (10.7)
    Provision for credit losses   1.7 (7.1)
    Bargain purchase gain on acquisitions   — 0.3
    Other income   6.3 3.4
    Share of results in associates and joint ventures   — 0.8
    Profit before tax   295.8 196.5
    Tax   (77.8) (55.2)
    Profit after tax   218.0 141.3
           

    Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    As at 31 December 2024

        31 December 31 December
        2024 2023
        $m $m
          Restated1
    Assets      
    Non-current assets      
    Goodwill   176.5 163.6
    Intangible assets   56.5 56.0
    Property, plant and equipment   20.8 16.6
    Right-of-use asset   59.9 40.6
    Investments   24.0 16.2
    Deferred tax   46.7 21.4
    Treasury instruments (unpledged)   53.5 60.8
    Treasury instruments (pledged as collateral)   46.1 300.4
    Total non-current assets   484.0 675.6
           
    Current assets      
    Corporate income tax receivable   12.5 0.1
    Trade and other receivables   7,553.2 4,789.8
    Inventory   35.8 163.4
    Equity instruments (unpledged)   231.4 189.6
    Equity instruments (pledged as collateral)   4,446.6 1,331.7
    Derivative instruments   1,163.5 655.6
    Stock borrowing   1,781.7 2,501.4
    Treasury instruments (unpledged)   556.2 481.8
    Treasury instruments (pledged as collateral)   2,912.9 2,062.6
    Fixed income securities (unpledged)   87.7 76.7
    Reverse repurchase agreements   2,490.4 3,199.8
    Cash and cash equivalents   2,556.6 1,483.5
    Total current assets   23,828.5 16,936.0
    Total assets   24,312.5 17,611.6
    1. Prior period comparatives have been restated. Refer to note 3(b) and note 37 in the Group Annual Report for further information.

    Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    As at 31 December 2024

        31 December 31 December
        2024 2023
        $m $m
          Restated1
    Liabilities      
    Current liabilities      
    Repurchase agreements   2,305.8 3,118.9
    Trade and other payables   9,740.4 6,785.9
    Stock lending   4,952.1 2,323.3
    Short securities   1,704.6 1,924.8
    Short-term borrowings   152.0 —
    Lease liability   10.5 13.2
    Derivative instruments   751.7 402.2
    Corporation tax   41.9 7.6
    Debt securities   2,119.6 1,308.4
    Provisions   0.6 0.4
    Total current liabilities   21,779.2 15,884.7
    Non-current liabilities      
    Lease liability   67.0 39.4
    Long-term borrowings   — —
    Debt securities   1,484.9 907.9
    Deferred tax liability   4.5 3.7
    Total non-current liabilities   1,556.4 951.0
    Total liabilities   23,335.6 16,835.7
    Total net assets   976.9 775.9
           
    Equity      
    Share capital   0.1 0.1
    Share premium   202.6 134.3
    Additional Tier 1 capital (AT1)   97.6 97.6
    Retained earnings   722.4 555.3
    Own shares   (23.2) (9.8)
    Other reserves   (22.6) (1.6)
    Total equity   976.9 775.9
    1. Prior year comparatives have been restated. Refer to note 3(b) and note 37 in the Group Annual Report for further information.

    The MIL Network –

    March 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: The Next Full Moon is the Worm Moon

    Source: NASA

    The next full moon is called the Worm Moon. Also, there will be a total lunar eclipse this full moon. The Moon will be full early Friday morning, March 14, at 2:55 a.m. EDT, but will appear full for about three days around this time, from Wednesday evening into Saturday morning.

    As the Moon passes opposite the Sun it will move through the shadow of Earth creating a total eclipse of the Moon. The Moon will begin entering the partial shadow Thursday night at 11:57 p.m. EDT, but the gradual dimming of the Moon will not be noticeable until it starts to enter the full shadow Friday morning at 1:09 a.m. The round shadow of Earth will gradually shift across the face of the Moon (from lower left to upper right) until the Moon is fully shaded beginning at 2:26 a.m. The period of full shadow, or total eclipse, will last about 65 minutes, reaching the greatest eclipse at 2:59 a.m. and ending at 3:31 a.m. Even though it will be in full shadow, the Moon will still be visible. The glow of all of the sunrises and sunsets on Earth will give the Moon a reddish-brown hue, sometimes called a “Blood Moon” — although this name is also used for one of the full moons near the start of fall. From 3:31 a.m. until 4:48 a.m., the Moon will exit the full shadow of Earth, with the round shadow again shifting across the face of the Moon (from upper left to lower right). The Moon will leave the last of the partial shadow at 6 a.m. ending this eclipse.
    The Maine Farmers’ Almanac began publishing Native American names for full moons in the 1930s, and these names are now widely known and used. According to this almanac, the tribes of the northeastern U.S. called the full moon in March the Crow, Crust, Sap, Sugar, or Worm Moon. The more northern tribes of the northeastern United States knew this as the Crow Moon, with the cawing of crows signaling the end of winter. Other northern names were the Crust Moon, because the snow cover became crusted from thawing by day and freezing by night, or the Sap (or Sugar) Moon as this was the time for tapping maple trees. The more southern tribes called this the Worm Moon after the earthworm casts that appeared as the ground thawed. It makes sense that only the southern tribes called this the Worm Moon. When glaciers covered the northern part of North America they wiped out the native earthworms. After these glaciers melted about 12,000 years ago the more northern forests grew back without earthworms. Most of the earthworms in these areas are invasive species introduced from Europe and Asia.
    Continuing the tradition of naming moons after prominent phenomena tied to the time of year, a few years ago my friend Tom Van Wagner suggested naming this the Pothole Moon. It may be a case of confirmation bias, but whether in my car or on my bicycle I’ve noticed more potholes lately.

    As usual, the wearing of suitably celebratory celestial attire is encouraged in honor of the full moon. Enjoy the total lunar eclipse (if you are in a part of the world that can see it), anticipate the coming of spring and watch out for potholes!

    Gordon johnston
    NASA Program Executive (Retired)

    Here are the other celestial events between now and the full moon after next with times and angles based on the location of NASA Headquarters in Washington:
    As winter in the Northern Hemisphere ends and spring begins, the daily periods of sunlight continue to lengthen, changing fastest around the vernal (spring) equinox on March 20. On Friday, March 14 (the day of the full moon), morning twilight will begin at 6:23 a.m. EDT, sunrise will be at 7:20 a.m., solar noon will be at 1:17 p.m. when the Sun will reach its maximum altitude of 48.9 degrees, sunset will be at 7:14 p.m., and evening twilight will end at 8:12 p.m. By Saturday, April 12 — the day of the full moon after next — morning twilight will begin at 5:36 a.m., sunrise will be at 6:36 a.m., solar noon will be at 1:09 p.m. when the Sun will reach its maximum altitude of 60.1 degrees, sunset will be at 7:43 p.m., and evening twilight will end at 8:43 p.m.
    During this lunar cycle, a backyard telescope should still provide interesting views of Jupiter and Mars high in the evening sky. Venus and Mercury will only be visible near the start at this cycle and will be too low to see easily unless you have access to a location with clear views toward the western horizon. With a telescope, you should be able to see Jupiter’s four bright moons, Ganymede, Callisto, Europa, and Io, noticeably shifting positions in the course of an evening. Jupiter was at its closest and brightest in early December. Mars was at its closest and brightest for the year just a month ago. The planet Uranus will be too dim to see without a telescope when the Moon is in the sky, but later in the lunar cycle, if you are in a very dark area with clear skies and no interference from moonlight, it will still be brighter than the faintest visible stars, making it barely visible. Uranus was at its closest and brightest in mid-November.
    Comets and Meteor Shower
    No meteor showers are predicted to peak during this lunar cycle, and no comets are expected to be visible without a telescope.
    Evening Sky Highlights
    On the evening of Thursday, March 13 — the night of the full moon — as twilight ends at 8:11 p.m. EDT, the rising Moon will be 14 degrees above the eastern horizon. The brightest planet in the sky will be Venus at 4 degrees above the west-southwestern horizon, appearing as a thin, 4% illuminated crescent through a telescope. Next in brightness will be Jupiter at 62 degrees above the west-southwestern horizon. Third in brightness will be Mars at 72 degrees above the southeastern horizon. Mercury, to the left of Venus, will also be 4 degrees above the western horizon. Uranus, on the edge of what is visible under extremely clear, moonless, and dark skies, will be 45 degrees above the western horizon. The bright star closest to overhead will be Capella at 75 degrees above the northwestern horizon. Capella is the 6th brightest star in our night sky, and the brightest star in the constellation Auriga (shaped like a charioteer). Although we see Capella as a single star it is actually four stars — two pairs of stars orbiting each other. Capella is about 43 light-years from Earth.
    Also high in the sky will be the constellation Orion, easily identifiable because of the three stars that form Orion’s Belt. This time of year, we see many bright stars at evening twilight, with bright stars scattered from the south-southeast toward the northwest. We see more stars in this direction because we are looking toward the Local Arm of our home galaxy (also called the Orion Arm, Orion-Cygnus Arm, or Orion Bridge). This arm is about 3,500 light years across and 10,000 light years long. Some of the bright stars we see from this arm are the three stars of Orion’s Belt, along with Rigel (860 light-years from Earth), Betelgeuse (548 light-years), Polaris (about 400 light-years), and Deneb (about 2,600 light-years).
    As this lunar cycle progresses, the background of stars will rotate by about a degree westward each evening around the pole star Polaris. March 16 will be the last evening Venus will be above the horizon, and March 17 will be the last evening Mercury will be above the horizon as twilight ends. On March 30, Mars will pass by the bright star Pollux for the third time in 6 months, having passed by in mid-October 2024, changed direction (called apparent retrograde motion) and passed again in mid-January, then changed directions again for this March 30 pass. The waxing moon will appear near the Pleiades star cluster on April 1, Jupiter on April 2, Mars and Pollux on April 5, and Regulus on April 7 and 8.
    By the evening of Saturday, April 12 — the evening of the night of the full moon after next — as twilight ends at 8:43 p.m. EDT, the rising Moon will be 10 degrees above the east-southeastern horizon with the bright star Spica about a half degree to the upper left. The brightest planet in the sky will be Jupiter at 38 degrees above the western horizon. Next in brightness will be Mars at 70 degrees above the southwestern horizon. Uranus, on the edge of what is visible under extremely clear, moonless dark skies, will be 18 degrees above the western horizon. The bright star closest to overhead will be Pollux at 71 degrees above the west-southwestern horizon. Pollux is the 17th brightest star in our night sky and the brighter of the twin stars in the constellation Gemini the twins. It is an orange-tinted star about 34 light-years from Earth. Pollux is not quite twice the mass of our Sun, but is about 9 times the diameter and 33 times the brightness.
    Morning Sky Highlights
    On the morning of Friday, March 14 — the morning of the full moon — as twilight begins at 6:23 a.m. EDT, the setting full moon will be 12 degrees above the western horizon. No visible planets will appear in the sky. The bright star closest to overhead will be Vega at 68 degrees above the eastern horizon. Vega is the 5th brightest star in our night sky and the brightest star in the constellation Lyra (the lyre). Vega is one of the three bright stars of the “Summer Triangle” along with Deneb and Altair. It is about 25 light-years from Earth, has twice the mass of our Sun, and shines 40 times brighter than our Sun.
    As this lunar cycle progresses, the background of stars will rotate westward by about a degree each morning around the pole star Polaris. The waning moon will appear near Spica on March 16 and 17, and Antares on March 20. Bright Venus — now the morning star — will begin to emerge from the glow of dawn around March 21 and will be above the horizon as twilight begins after March 29. Mercury and Saturn will begin emerging from the glow of dawn in early April, rising after morning twilight begins. Initially Saturn will appear brighter than Mercury, but Mercury will brighten each morning as it becomes a fuller crescent, showing more illuminated area to Earth. After about April 8, Mercury will appear brighter than Saturn.
    By the morning of Sunday, April 13 — the morning of the night of the full moon after next — as twilight begins at 5:34 a.m. EDT, the setting full moon will be 10 degrees above the west-southwestern horizon with the bright star Spica 4 degrees to the right. The only planet in the sky as twilight begins will be bright Venus as the morning star at 5 degrees above the eastern horizon. However, both Mercury and the fainter Saturn should be visible below Venus after they rise 4 and 7 minutes later (Saturn at 5:37 a.m. and Mercury at 5:40 a.m.). The bright star closest to overhead still will be Vega at 81 degrees above the eastern horizon.

    Here for your reference is a day-by-day listing of celestial events between now and the full moon on April 12, 2025. The times and angles are based on the location of NASA Headquarters in Washington, and some of these details may differ for where you are (I use parentheses to indicate times specific to the D.C. area). If your latitude is significantly different than 39 degrees north (and especially for my Southern Hemisphere readers), I recommend using an astronomy app that is set up for your location or a star-watching guide from a local observatory, news outlet, or astronomy club.
    March 8 Just after midnight on Saturday morning, March 8, the planet Mercury will reach its greatest angular separation from the Sun as seen from Earth for this apparition (called greatest elongation).
    Saturday evening, March 8, Mercury will appear at its highest (6 degrees) above the western horizon as evening twilight ends (at 7:06 p.m. EST). Mercury will set 34 minutes later (at 7:40 p.m.). This will also be the evening Mercury will have dimmed to the brightness of Mars, after which Mars will be the third brightest visible planet again.
    March 8 – 9 On Saturday evening into Sunday morning, March 8 to 9, Mars will appear near the waxing gibbous moon with the bright star Pollux (the brighter of the twin stars in the constellation Gemini) nearby. As evening twilight ends at 7:06 p.m. EST, Mars will be 1.5 degrees to the lower right of the Moon and Pollux will be 6 degrees to the lower left. As the Moon reaches its highest for the night more than an hour later at 8:22 p.m., Mars will be 1.5 degrees to the lower right of the Moon and Pollux will be 5.5 degrees to the upper left. By the time Mars sets on the northwestern horizon (at 4:53 a.m.) it will be 4 degrees to the lower left of the Moon and Pollux will be 3 degrees above the Moon.
    March 9 Don’t forget to reset your clocks (if they don’t automatically set themselves) as we “spring forward” to Daylight Saving Time! For much of the U.S., 2 to 3 a.m. on March 9, 2025, might be a good hour for magical or fictional events (as it doesn’t actually exist).
    March 11 – 12 Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, March 11 to 12, the bright star Regulus will appear near the nearly full moon. As evening twilight ends at 8:09 p.m. EDT, Regulus will be 4 degrees to the lower right of the Moon. When the Moon reaches its highest for the night at 11:52 p.m., Regulus will be 3 degrees to the lower right. By the time morning twilight begins at 6:26 a.m., Regulus will be about one degree below the Moon.
    Wednesday morning, March 12, Saturn will be passing on the far side of the Sun as seen from Earth, called conjunction. Because Saturn orbits outside of the orbit of Earth it will be shifting from the evening sky to the morning sky. Saturn will begin emerging from the glow of dawn on the eastern horizon in early April (depending upon viewing conditions).
    Wednesday evening, March 12, will be when Venus and Mercury will appear closest to each other low on the western horizon, 5.5 degrees apart. They will be about 5 degrees above the horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:10 p.m. EDT, and Mercury will set first 27 minutes later at 8:37 p.m.
    March 14 As mentioned above, the full moon will be early Friday morning, March 14, at 2:55 a.m. EDT. There will be a total eclipse of the Moon. As the Moon passes opposite the Sun it will move through the shadow of Earth. The Moon will begin entering the partial shadow Thursday night at 11:57 p.m., but the gradual dimming of the Moon will not be noticeable until it starts to enter the full shadow Friday morning at 1:09 a.m. The round shadow of Earth will gradually shift across the face of the Moon (from lower left to upper right) until the Moon is fully shaded beginning at 2:26 a.m. The period of full shadow or total eclipse will last about 65 minutes, reaching the greatest eclipse at 2:59 a.m. and ending at 3:31 a.m. Even though it will be in full shadow, the Moon will still be visible. The glow of all of the sunrises and sunsets on Earth will give the Moon a reddish-brown hue, sometimes called a “Blood Moon” — although this name is also used for one of the full moons near the start of fall. From 3:31 a.m. until 4:48 a.m. the Moon will exit the full shadow of Earth, with the round shadow of Earth again shifting across the face of the Moon (from upper left to lower right). The Moon will leave the last of the partial shadow at 6 a.m., ending this eclipse. This full moon will be on Thursday evening from Pacific Daylight Time and Mountain Standard Time westward to the International Date Line in the mid Pacific. The Moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Wednesday evening into Saturday morning.
    March 16 Sunday morning, March 16, the bright star Spica will appear near the waning gibbous moon. As the Moon reaches its highest at 2:34 a.m. EDT, Spica will be 6.5 degrees to the lower left. As morning twilight begins at 6:20 a.m. Spica will be 5 degrees to the upper left.
    During the day on Sunday, March 16, for parts of Eastern Africa, the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Ocean, and the southern tip of Western Australia, the Moon will pass in front of Spica.
    Sunday evening, March 16, will be the last evening that Venus will be above the west-northwestern horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:14 p.m. EDT, with Venus setting 1 minute later.
    March 16 – 17 Sunday night into Monday morning, March 16 to 17, the waning gibbous moon will have shifted to the other side of the bright star Spica. As the Moon rises on the east-southeastern horizon at 9:49 p.m. EDT, Spica will be 4 degrees above the Moon. By the time the Moon reaches its highest at 3:15 a.m., Spica will be 6.5 degrees to the upper right. As morning twilight begins at 6:18 a.m., Spica will be 7.5 degrees to the right of the Moon.Monday midday, March 17, at 12:27 p.m. EDT, the Moon will be at apogee, its farthest from Earth for this orbit.Monday evening, March 17, will be the last evening that Mercury will be above the western horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:15 p.m. EDT, with Mercury setting 3 minutes later.
    March 19 Wednesday evening, March 19, Neptune will be passing on the far side of the Sun as seen from Earth, called conjunction. Because it orbits outside of the orbit of Earth, Neptune will be shifting from the evening sky to the morning sky. Neptune is faint enough that it is only visible with a telescope.
    March 20 Thursday morning, March 20, the bright star Antares will appear near the waning gibbous moon. As Antares rises on the southeastern horizon at 1:17 a.m. EDT, it will be 5 degrees to the lower left of the Moon. By the time the Moon reaches its highest for the night at 5:31 a.m., Antares will be 3.5 degrees to the left of the Moon. Morning twilight will begin 42 minutes later at 6:13 a.m. For parts of Australia and New Zealand the Moon will pass in front of Antares.
    Thursday morning at 5:01 a.m. EDT will be the vernal equinox, the astronomical end of winter and start of spring.
    March 21 Starting around Friday morning, March 21, Venus as the morning star will begin to emerge from the glow of dawn, rising on the east-northeastern horizon more than 30 minutes before sunrise. Interestingly, this is just before inferior conjunction, when Venus passes “between” Earth and the Sun (passing through the same ecliptic longitude as the Sun as seen from Earth).
    March 22 Saturday morning, March 22, the waning moon will appear half-full as it reaches its last quarter at 7:29 a.m. EDT.
    Saturday night, Venus will be passing through the same ecliptic longitude as the Sun as seen from Earth, called inferior conjunction. Planets that orbit inside of the orbit of Earth can have two types of conjunctions with the Sun, inferior (when passing between Earth and Sun) and superior (when passing on the far side of the Sun as seen from Earth). Venus will be shifting from the evening sky to the morning sky but will be passing far enough away from the Sun that it may have already begun to be visible in the glow of dawn on the east-northeastern horizon (depending upon viewing conditions).
    March 24 Monday afternoon, March 24, Mercury will be passing between Earth and Sun as seen from Earth, called inferior conjunction. It also will be shifting from the evening sky to the morning sky and will begin emerging from the glow of dawn on the eastern horizon in early April (depending upon viewing conditions).
    March 29 Saturday morning, March 29, will be the first morning that Venus as the morning star will be above the horizon as twilight begins at 5:59 a.m. EDT.
    Saturday morning, March 29, at 6:58 a.m. EDT, will be the new moon, when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun and is usually not visible from Earth. However, for parts of northwestern Africa, northwestern Eurasia, and northeastern North America, part of the silhouette of the Moon will be visible as it passes in front of the Sun in a partial solar eclipse. The viewing from the Washington area will not be very good. As the Sun rises on the eastern horizon at 6:57 a.m., the Moon will be blocking a small sliver of the left side of the Sun, with the eclipse ending 5 minutes later at 7:02 a.m.
    March 30 Early Sunday morning, March 30, at 1:19 a.m. EDT, the Moon will be at perigee, its closest to Earth for this orbit.
    For the third time since mid-October 2024, Mars will be passing by the bright star Pollux, the brighter of the twin stars in the constellation Gemini (the twins). Planets that orbit farther from the Sun than Earth’s orbit usually appear to shift westward each night, like the stars, but more slowly, so that they shift eastward relative to the stars. This is because the planets all move in the same direction around the Sun. But around the time when an outer planet is closest to Earth it appears to move the other direction, shifting westward relative to the stars, called apparent retrograde motion. This tendency to “wander” relative to the stars is where the word “planet” comes from (based on the Greek word for “wanderer”). In mid-October 2024 Mars passed by Pollux for the first time as it moved eastward relative to the stars. Beginning Dec. 6, 2024, Mars started its retrograde motion. On Jan. 15, 2025, Mars was at its closest and brightest for the year. On January 23 Mars passed by Pollux for the second time, just 2.5 degrees apart, this time shifting westward relative to the stars. Mars ended its retrograde motion on February 23. It is now shifting eastward again relative to the stars and will pass Pollux a third time on March 30, this time 4 degrees apart. Mars and Pollux will be nearly overhead as evening twilight ends at 8:29 p.m. EDT. Mars will set first on the west-northwestern horizon the morning of March 31 at 3:43 a.m.
    This also is the first morning that Mercury will be above the eastern horizon 30 minutes before sunrise. Mercury will be relatively dim, as it will only present a narrow crescent toward Earth. It will brighten significantly each morning, but it’s difficult to predict when it will be bright enough to see in the glow of dawn.
    April 1 Tuesday morning, April 1, will be the first morning that Saturn will be above the eastern horizon 30 minutes before sunrise, a rough approximation of when it might start being visible in the glow of dawn.
    Tuesday evening, the Pleiades star cluster will appear 1.5 degrees below the waxing crescent moon. The Moon will be 36 degrees above the western horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:31 p.m. EDT, and the Pleiades will set first on the west-northwestern horizon 3 hours later at about 11:40 p.m.
    April 2 Wednesday evening, April 2, Jupiter will appear 5.5 degrees to the lower left of the waxing crescent moon. The Moon will be 49 degrees above the western horizon as evening twilight ends at 8:32 p.m. EDT. Jupiter will set first on the west-northwestern horizon 4 hours later Thursday morning at 12:43 a.m.
    April 4 Friday night, April 4, the Moon will appear half-full as it reaches its first quarter at 10:15 p.m. EDT.
    April 5 – 6 Saturday night into Sunday morning, April 5 to 6, the waxing gibbous moon, Mars, and the bright star Pollux will appear to form a triangle. As evening twilight ends at 8:35 p.m. EDT, Mars will be 3 degrees to the lower right and Pollux 5 degrees to the upper right. As the night progresses, Mars and Pollux will appear to rotate clockwise and away from the Moon. As Mars sets first on the west-northwestern horizon 7 hours later at 3:26 a.m. it will be 6 degrees to the lower right, with Pollux 8.5 degrees to the right of the Moon.
    April 7 – 8 Monday night into Tuesday morning, April 7 to 8, the bright star Regulus will appear near the waxing gibbous moon. As evening twilight ends at 8:37 p.m. EDT, Regulus will be 7 degrees below the Moon. As the Moon reaches its highest in the sky at 9:51 p.m., Regulus will be 6.5 degrees to the lower left. By the time Regulus and the Moon set together on the west-northwestern horizon at 4:52 a.m., Regulus will be 3.5 degrees to the left of the Moon.
    Tuesday morning, April 8, will be when Mercury will become as bright as Saturn in the glow of dawn (with both Mercury and Saturn rising after morning twilight begins). After this, Mercury will continue brightening each morning as more of its sunlit crescent faces Earth.
    April 8 – 9 Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, April 8 to 9, the waxing gibbous moon will have shifted to the other side of the bright star Regulus. As evening twilight ends at 8:38 p.m. EDT, Regulus will be 6 degrees to the upper right of the Moon. As the Moon reaches its highest in the sky at 10:34 p.m., Regulus will be 7 degrees to the right. The pair will continue to separate as the night progresses.
    April 10 Thursday morning, April 10, the planets Mercury and Saturn will appear nearest each other, 2 degrees apart, in the glow of dawn. Mercury — the brighter of the two — will be on the left and Saturn will be on the right. Saturn will rise last on the eastern horizon at 5:48 a.m. EDT, 9 minutes after morning twilight begins. You will only have about 20 minutes to view the pair, as by 30 minutes before sunrise (i.e., 6:09 a.m.) the sky will become too bright to see them.
    April 12 Saturday, April 12, 2025, is the International Day of Human Space Flight as declared by the United Nations to mark the date of the first human space flight.
    The full moon after next will be April 12 at 8:22 p.m. EDT. This will be on April 13 in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and from the Azores, Iceland, Liberia, and Senegal times zones eastward across Africa, Eurasia, and Australia to the International Date Line in the mid-Pacific. Most commercial calendars are based on UTC and will show this full moon on April 13. The Moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Friday evening into Monday morning, making this a full moon weekend.
    Saturday evening into Sunday morning, the bright star Spica will appear close to the full moon. As evening twilight ends at 8:43 p.m., Spica will be less than a degree to the upper left of the Moon. Spica will appear to rotate clockwise and shift away from the Moon as the night progresses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cowes Library set to undergo building works to improve accessibility 6 March 2025 Cowes Library set to undergo building works to improve accessibility

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Cowes Library is set to undergo major renovations starting Monday, 24 March.

    The project follows a successful application to Arts Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund and aims to make the library more accessible and user-friendly for all members of the community.

    Key improvements include the installation of an accessible front door and toilet, ensuring the library is welcoming and usable for people with mobility challenges.

    Additionally, the renovations will enhance facilities for community groups, making the library a more inclusive space for various activities and gatherings.

    This project builds on the success of previous works and investment at Lord Louis Library in Newport and Ryde Library.

    Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for libraries, said: “Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books; they are sanctuaries of learning, creativity, and connection.

    “Making our libraries accessible to all residents is crucial in ensuring everyone can benefit from these vital community resources.”

    To facilitate these important upgrades, Cowes Library will close to the public on Friday, 21 March, and remain closed for around seven weeks.

    During this period, a pop-up library service will be available at the Beckford Centre, opposite the library building, with the following reduced opening hours:

    • Monday: 1.30pm – 4.30pm
    • Tuesday: 10am – 1pm
    • Friday: 10am – 1pm
    • Saturday: 1.30pm – 4.30pm

    There will be no public computers, photocopying services or groups and activities during the renovation period.

    However, staff will continue to engage the community through online Rhyme Times and Lego challenges via the Supporters of Cowes Library Facebook page.

    Photo: Getty Images

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – European Parliament Press Kit for the Special European Council of 6 March 2025

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will represent the European Parliament at the special summit, where she will address the heads of state or government at 12.30.

    European Council President António Costa convened the Special European Council to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defence, with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

    On 24 February 2025, the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission issued a joint statement, saying “Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.”

    The three Presidents highlighted that “Ukraine is part of our European family” and that “the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.”. They said “the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.”

    On 11 February, Parliament’s Conference of Presidents issued a statement on continuing the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression. EP leaders reaffirmed their “steadfast solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and courage in defending their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The European Union must remain united in its commitment to support Ukraine that includes political, military, economic, humanitarian and financial assistance. (…) . We call on the EU and its member states to increase and speed up the delivery of its support, in particular of its military support and establish a legal regime allowing for the confiscation of Russian-owned assets frozen by the EU.”

    Also on 11 February, the Chair of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, addressed a formal sitting of the European Parliament. Welcoming Mr Stefanchuk, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “I am proud that this Parliament has stood with Ukraine from the very first moment – united, unwavering, and resolute. We will keep pushing for peace. Peace must be just, it must be dignified, and it must be based on the principle of ‘Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine’.”

    In a resolution adopted on 23 January, MEPs condemn the Russian regime’s systematic falsification of historical arguments to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The text rejects historical claims by the Russian regime used to undermine Ukraine’s history and national identity as futile attempts to justify its ongoing illegal war. Parliament issues a strong call for the EU and its member states to increase and better coordinate their efforts to promptly and rigorously counter Russian disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference. This is essential, they say, to protect the integrity of democratic processes and strengthen the resilience of European societies.

    The resolution also calls on the EU to expand its sanctions against Russian media outlets conducting disinformation campaigns championing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. It urges EU countries to implement these sanctions thoroughly and to dedicate sufficient resources to effectively addressing hybrid warfare. MEPs also want the EU to step up its support for exiled independent Russian media to facilitate diverse voices in the Russian-language media.

    On 28 November 2024, MEPs adopted a resolution calling for more military support for Ukraine amid the involvement of China and North Korea. They condemn Russia’s use of North Korean troops against the Ukrainian army and its testing of new ballistic missiles in Ukraine. These recent escalatory steps represent a new phase in the war and a new risk for Europe’s security as a whole, MEPs argue, calling on the EU and Ukraine’s other international partners to respond accordingly.

    Insisting that “no negotiations about Ukraine can take place without Ukraine”, MEPs urge the EU to work towards achieving the broadest possible international support for Ukraine and identifying a peaceful solution to the war. The resolution also demands the Council extend its sanctions against Russia, particularly against sectors of special economic importance, such as the metallurgical, nuclear, chemical, agricultural and banking sectors, and on Russian raw materials.

    Extraordinary plenary session with Volodymyr Zelenskyy

    On 19 November 2024, Parliament held an extraordinary plenary session with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking 1000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Opening the sitting, EP President Roberta Metsola said Parliament would stand with Ukraine until it has “freedom and real peace, for as long as it takes.” She added that the Ukrainian people’s sacrifice over the previous 1,000 days was not just for themselves but for every European’s freedom and way of life.

    In his address, President Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its support and said that Ukraine, all of Europe, and our partners in America and around the world have succeeded not only in “preventing Putin from taking Ukraine” but also in defending the freedom of all European nations. “Putin remains smaller than the united strength of Europe. I urge you not to forget this, and not to forget how much Europe is capable of achieving. We can surely push Russia towards a just peace. Peace is what we desire the most,” he added. President Zelenskyy concluded by saying: “No one can enjoy calm water amid the storm. We must do everything we can to end this war fairly and justly. 1,000 days of war is a tremendous challenge. We must make the next year the year of peace.”

    Statement by EP leaders marking 1,000 days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

    Also on 19 November 2024, Parliament’s President and political group leaders adopted a statement marking 1,000 days of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine. “We have started EU accession talks with Ukraine as it moves towards taking its rightful place in our European family. The gradual integration of Ukraine into the Union will be a central task for all EU institutions in this legislature, along with providing long-term financial and military assistance and much-needed support,” they said. They said, “The ultimate goal remains to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine on Ukraine’s terms, ensuring the safety and dignity of its people within a peaceful and stable Europe. Together, the democratic world must send a clear, simple message: we stand with and support Ukraine in every possible way until its victory.”

    Measures against the Russian “shadow fleet”

    In a resolution adopted on 14 November 2024, Parliament calls for more targeted EU sanctions against Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’, which provides a key financial lifeline for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. MEPs demand measures against these vessels in the next EU sanctions packages, including all individual ships as well as their owners, operators, managers, accounts, banks and insurance companies. They also call for the systematic sanctioning of vessels sailing through EU waters without known insurance and urge the EU to enhance its surveillance capabilities, especially drone and satellite monitoring, and to conduct targeted inspections at sea. MEPs want EU member states to designate ports capable of handling sanctioned vessels carrying crude oil and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and to seize illegal cargo without compensation.

    Financial assistance to Ukraine

    On 22 October 2024, MEPs approved an extraordinary loan of up to €35 billion to Ukraine, to be repaid with future revenues from frozen Russian assets. Parliament endorsed the new macro-financial assistance (MFA) to help Ukraine against Russia’s brutal war of aggression. This loan is the EU’s part of a G7 package agreed last June, to provide up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion) in financial support to Ukraine. The final amount the EU will contribute could be lower, depending on the size of the loans provided by other G7 partners.

    The Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, a newly established framework, will make future revenues from the frozen Russian Central Bank assets located in the EU available to Ukraine. These funds will help Ukraine service and repay the EU’s MFA loan as well as loans from other G7 partners. While the mechanism’s funds can be used to service and repay loans, Kyiv may allocate the MFA funds as it sees fit.

    Further reading

    Joint statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    EP Conference of Presidents’ statement on EU support for Ukraine

    Ruslan Stefanchuk: “Peace in Ukraine can only be achieved if we stay strong”

    MEPs condemn Russia’s use of disinformation to justify its war in Ukraine

    More military support for Ukraine amid the involvement of China and North Korea

    Zelenskyy to MEPs: “We must end this war fairly and justly”

    1000 days: Statement on Ukraine by European Parliament’s leaders

    Parliament calls for an EU crackdown on Russia’s ’shadow fleet’

    Parliament approves up to €35 billion loan to Ukraine backed by Russian assets

    MEPs: Ukraine must be able to strike legitimate military targets in Russia

    Newly elected Parliament reaffirms its strong support for Ukraine

    MEPs approve trade support measures for Ukraine with protection for EU farmers

    Joint Statement by the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

    Parliament calls on the EU to give Ukraine whatever it needs to defeat Russia

    EU sanctions: new rules to crack down on violations

    MEPs: EU must actively support Russia’s democratic opposition

    Yulia Navalnaya: “If you want to defeat Putin, fight his criminal gang”

    Debate 12 March 2024: Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024

    Debate 13 March 2024: Need to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia

    Parliament wants tougher enforcement of EU sanctions against Russia

    A long-term solution for Ukraine’s funding needs

    How the EU is supporting Ukraine

    EU stands with Ukraine

    European Defence

    At the informal European Council meeting on defence on 3 February 2025, European Parliament President Metsola outlined her vision for how Europe can and must strengthen its own security and defence. “More action, more financing, and more cooperation,” must be the EU’s goals, she argued.

    “We need to do more, much more, to ramp up defence production and increase our defence industrial readiness” she said, stressing that “the best investment in European security is investing in the security of Ukraine.”

    President Metsola argued “investing in security, is not just about protection – it is about boosting European competitiveness, driving growth, creating quality high-skilled jobs and powering everyday breakthroughs that improve how we live, work and connect. The real incentive lies in addressing fragmentation within our markets. Different rules, standards, and systems are putting up barriers and risk holding us back. It makes no sense for Europe to have 178 different weapons systems, when the United States has 30.”

    “Fragmentation costs us billions: between €25 and €75 billion are lost due to duplication and inefficiencies. The answer to this is staring us right in the face. Now is the time to move forward with a single market for defence. Europe must be responsible for its own security. No one else will do this for us,” she added

    In a report adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee on 30 January, MEPs push for the EU to strengthen its defence capacity against a backdrop of multiple security threats. The report emphasises the absolute need for the EU to recognise and meet the current challenges posed by multiple and evolving security threats. The EU, they say, needs to engage in new and better policies that will enable the European Union and its member states to strengthen their defence in Europe. Noting the limited progress and underinvestment in common European defence capability development, industrial capacity, and defence readiness since the establishment of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) 25 years ago, MEPs restate need for a truly common European approach, policies and joint efforts in the area of defence. They say a paradigm shift in EU CSDP is essential to enable the European Union to act decisively in its neighbourhood, and on the global stage, to safeguard its values, interests, citizens, and promote its strategic objectives.

    On 13 January, MEPs discussed the security situation in Europe and beyond, as well as defence and EU-NATO cooperation, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

    Regarding EU-NATO cooperation, MEPs quizzed Mr Rutte on the EU’s contribution. Defence is not limited to military issues, MEP said, adding that it includes international relations, as well as social, economic and diplomatic relations. MEPs also asked about future cooperation with the incoming Trump Administration and expressed concern about the role of Türkiye in NATO.

    Other MEPs pointed out that there are differences between NATO allies on defence issues, but unity is necessary to secure a sustainable peace in Ukraine. They also highlighted the difficult security situation in the Mediterranean and the Western Balkans.

    Several MEPs enquired about the avoidance of duplication in military production as well accelerating the development of weapons, and others raised the issue of the need to tackle hybrid threats, particularly on the eastern flank of Europe and in the Western Balkans.

    Further reading

    “Europe must be responsible for its own security”, Metsola tells EU leaders

    MEPs call on Europe to strengthen its defence capacity

    Rutte to MEPs: “We are safe now, we might not be safe in five years”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/HAITI – “Educating to create a supportive and fraternal community”: literacy school for young people and adults

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 5 March 2025

    MM

    Jeremie (Agenzia Fides) – “I have returned to Jeremie for a few days to stock up on supplies so I can continue with community activities. With the March 8th celebration approaching, the parish, together with the women of Pourcine-Pic Makaya, is organizing a day of training, dialogue and celebration. I hope to return to the parish with all the necessary material to begin adult literacy classes in mid-March,” said Father Massimo Miraglio, Camillian missionary and parish priest of the Pourcine-Pic Makaya community, to Fides.“Thanks to the support of the humanitarian organization Heks Eper,” he continued, “I should be able to transport the sheets for the roof of the guest house to the bottom of the valley. Then the local people will take them to the village.” However, he warns that the work on the house is progressing slowly despite having greatly simplified the project. “There are many difficulties,” he added.Haiti is the poorest country on the American continent, with a very high rate of illiteracy among young people and adults, especially in rural areas, where access to education for these two categories of people is almost impossible. Illiteracy is an obstacle to the human and socio-economic development of communities, reducing employment opportunities and the participation of citizens in civil society. In the complex Haitian rural context, this reality aggravates discrimination against women and the most vulnerable groups. Thanks to the support of Madian Orizzonti ETS, the non-profit organization of the Camillian Religious, the literacy project for young people and adults (Alfa) in the rural mountain community of Pourcine-Pic Makaya continues with the aim of improving the living conditions of its inhabitants. “In mid-February, Alfa teachers participated in a training day on teaching in these schools for adults. It was a very enriching experience for everyone and we hope to be able to organize more sessions soon. It is another small step forward for our community. 150 people have already signed up and we have 12 teachers involved.” “Education,” insists Father Massimo Miraglio, “is a fundamental tool for Pourcine-Pic Makaya to fight poverty. Literacy is key both for individuals, as it expands their development possibilities, and for the local community, by strengthening their resilience and promoting a sustainable development model.”Father Miraglio also talks about another project he is working on, which he describes as “more delicate” and complex: a microcredit program for 20 women with children in the Pourcine-Pic Makaya community. “It is a program with a significant potential impact, but it must be managed with caution. The situation in Haiti is difficult everywhere at the moment, but, like our brothers and sisters in Port-au-Prince, we remain firm in our place. And we work…”Experience in various countries has shown that, with even limited financial capital, the poor can achieve profound changes in their lives. This microcredit project is aimed especially at women with children and seeks to enhance their personal background and skills, enabling them to start activities that, due to lack of resources, they cannot carry out. Its main objectives are to strengthen the self-confidence of the beneficiaries, improve the economic stability of their households and help them overcome the poverty line.“We are entering the great planting season for beans and corn, a period of intense work for the community of Pourcine-Pic Makaya,” says Father Miraglio, who is involved on multiple fronts. “I am also preparing part of the parish land for planting, in the hope that there will be a good harvest for everyone, God willing. It is important to share the same hopes and work alongside them.” In the meantime, the Camillian missionary has also launched a project for coffee production, although its progress has been slowed by heavy rains, which have delayed the germination of the seeds sown at the end of 2024. “In addition, the phytocells – small bags bought in Italy – are still stuck in Port-au-Prince, as land access to Jérémie remains blocked,” he explains. “Reviving coffee cultivation is essential for the Pourcine-Pic Makaya community. In the meantime, the first seedbed is germinating and I have finally obtained a first batch of small bags for the seedlings. We will soon have to prepare the physical space for the nursery.” This nursery will be managed by students in grades 4, 5 and 6 of the parish school, boys and girls between 12 and 16 years old, under the guidance of an elderly coffee farmer. “From time to time, an agronomist who passes through the area will offer us theoretical training,” concludes Father Miraglio. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 5/3/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: US trade wars with China – and how they play out in Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lauren Johnston, Associate Professor, China Studies Centre, University of Sydney

    Since taking office, US president Donald Trump has implemented policies that have been notably hostile towards China. They include trade restrictions. Most recently, a 20% tariff was added to all imports from China and new technological restrictions were imposed under the America First Investment Policy. This isn’t the first time US-China tensions have flared. Throughout history the relationship has been fraught by economic, military and ideological conflicts.

    China-Africa scholar and economist Lauren Johnston provides insights into how these dynamics may also shape relations between Africa and China.

    How has China responded to hostile US policies?

    First, China tends to have a defiant official response. It expresses disappointment, then states that the US policy position is not helpful to any country or the world economy.

    Second, China makes moves domestically to prioritise the interests of key, affected industries.

    Third, China will sometimes impose retaliatory sanctions.

    In 2018, for instance, China imposed a 25% tariff on US soybeans, a critical animal feed source. The US Department of Agriculture had to compensate US soybean farmers for their lost income.

    Another example is how, following US tech sanctions, China took a more independent technology path. It has channelled billions into tech funds. The goal is to make financing available for Chinese entrepreneurs and to push technological boundaries in areas of US sanction, such as semiconductors. These efforts are backed up by subsidies and tax reductions. In some cases, the Chinese state will invest directly in tech companies.

    More recently, China retaliated to the US trade war by announcing tariffs on 80 US products. China is set to place 15% tariffs on certain energy exports, including coal, natural gas and petroleum. An additional 10% tariffs will be placed on 72 manufactured products including trucks, motor homes and agricultural machinery.

    Agricultural trade has been hard hit. The day the US announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, China announced “an additional 15% tariff on imported chicken, wheat, corn and cotton originating from the US”. Also, “sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables and dairy products will be subject to an additional 10% tariff”.

    How have these Chinese responses affected Africa?

    We can’t say for certain that China’s response to US trade tensions has explicitly affected its Africa policy, but there are some notable coincidences.

    Less than one month after Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, and soon after the first tariffs were slapped on China’s exports to the US, China announced new measures to foster China-Africa trade efforts. The policy package aims to “strengthen economic and trade exchanges between China and Africa.”

    This is the latest in a series of Chinese actions.

    In January 2018 trade hostilities began to escalate after Trump imposed a first round of tariffs on all imported washing machines and solar panels. These had an impact on China’s exports to the US.

    Later the same year, China imposed 25% tariffs on US soy bean imports and took steps to reduce dependence on US agricultural products. China also took steps to expand trade with Africa, agricultural trade in particular.

    In September 2018, Beijing hosted the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation summit, a triennial head of state gathering. It was announced that China would set up a China-Africa trade expo and foster deeper agricultural cooperation. In the days after the summit, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs was already acting on this. A gathering of African agricultural ministers took place in Changsha, Hunan province.

    Hunan province has since taken centre stage in China-Africa relations. It’s now the host of a permanent China-Africa trade exhibition hall and a larger biennial China-Africa economic and trade exhibition (known as CAETE).

    Hunan also hosts the pilot zone for In-Depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation. The zone has numerous initiatives designed to overcome obstacles to China-Africa trade and investment, like support in areas of law, technology and currency, and vocational training.

    Finally, the zone is located in a bigger free-trade zone that is better connected to Africa by air, water and land corridors. African agricultural exports to China pass through Hunan, where local industry either uses these imports or distributes them across the country to retailers.

    Companies in Hunan are well placed to play a key role in supporting China-Africa trade, capitalising on the opportunities left by China-US hostilities.

    Hunan’s agritech giant Longping High-Tech, for instance, is investing in Tanzanian soybean farmers.

    Hunan is also home to China’s construction manufacturing and electronic transportation frontier. This includes global construction giant Sany, which produces heavy industry machinery for the construction, mining and energy sectors. China’s global electronic vehicle manufacturing BYD and its electronic railway industry are also in Hunan. They have deep and increasing interests in Africa and can also support China’s key minerals and tech race with the US.

    As US-China hostility enters a new era, what are the implications for China-Africa relations?

    As my new working paper sets out, African countries are, for example, responding to the new opportunities from China.

    At the end of 2024, while the world waited for Trump’s second coming, various African countries made moves to strengthen economic ties with China, Hunan province especially.

    In December 2024, Tanzania became the first African country to open an official investment promotion office in the China-Africa Cooperation Pilot Zone in Changaha.

    In November 2024, both the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Africa and the China Engineering Technology Exhibition were held in Abuja, Nigeria. Equivalent events were hosted in Kenya.

    Early in 2025 in Niamey, Niger, a joint pilot cooperation zone was inaugurated , and which is direct partner of the China-Africa Pilot zone in Hunan.

    As China moves away from US agricultural produce, for instance, African agricultural producers can benefit. Substitute African products and potential exports will enjoy a price boost, and elevated Chinese support.

    China’s newly elevated interest in African development and market potential will bring major prospects. The question will be whether African countries are ready to grasp them, and to use that potential to foster an independent development path of their own.

    – US trade wars with China – and how they play out in Africa
    – https://theconversation.com/us-trade-wars-with-china-and-how-they-play-out-in-africa-249609

    MIL OSI Africa –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: US trade wars with China – and how they play out in Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lauren Johnston, Associate Professor, China Studies Centre, University of Sydney

    Since taking office, US president Donald Trump has implemented policies that have been notably hostile towards China. They include trade restrictions. Most recently, a 20% tariff was added to all imports from China and new technological restrictions were imposed under the America First Investment Policy. This isn’t the first time US-China tensions have flared. Throughout history the relationship has been fraught by economic, military and ideological conflicts.

    China-Africa scholar and economist Lauren Johnston provides insights into how these dynamics may also shape relations between Africa and China.

    How has China responded to hostile US policies?

    First, China tends to have a defiant official response. It expresses disappointment, then states that the US policy position is not helpful to any country or the world economy.

    Second, China makes moves domestically to prioritise the interests of key, affected industries.

    Third, China will sometimes impose retaliatory sanctions.

    In 2018, for instance, China imposed a 25% tariff on US soybeans, a critical animal feed source. The US Department of Agriculture had to compensate US soybean farmers for their lost income.

    Another example is how, following US tech sanctions, China took a more independent technology path. It has channelled billions into tech funds. The goal is to make financing available for Chinese entrepreneurs and to push technological boundaries in areas of US sanction, such as semiconductors. These efforts are backed up by subsidies and tax reductions. In some cases, the Chinese state will invest directly in tech companies.

    More recently, China retaliated to the US trade war by
    announcing tariffs on 80 US products. China is set to place 15% tariffs on certain energy exports, including coal, natural gas and petroleum. An additional 10% tariffs will be placed on 72 manufactured products including trucks, motor homes and agricultural machinery.

    Agricultural trade has been hard hit. The day the US announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, China announced “an additional 15% tariff on imported chicken, wheat, corn and cotton originating from the US”. Also, “sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables and dairy products will be subject to an additional 10% tariff”.

    How have these Chinese responses affected Africa?

    We can’t say for certain that China’s response to US trade tensions has explicitly affected its Africa policy, but there are some notable coincidences.

    Less than one month after Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, and soon after the first tariffs were slapped on China’s exports to the US, China announced new measures to foster China-Africa trade efforts. The policy package aims to “strengthen economic and trade exchanges between China and Africa.”

    This is the latest in a series of Chinese actions.

    In January 2018 trade hostilities began to escalate after Trump imposed a first round of tariffs on all imported washing machines and solar panels. These had an impact on China’s exports to the US.

    Later the same year, China imposed 25% tariffs on US soy bean imports and took steps to reduce dependence on US agricultural products. China also took steps to expand trade with Africa, agricultural trade in particular.

    In September 2018, Beijing hosted the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation summit, a triennial head of state gathering. It was announced that China would set up a China-Africa trade expo and foster deeper agricultural cooperation. In the days after the summit, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs was already acting on this. A gathering of African agricultural ministers took place in Changsha, Hunan province.

    Hunan province has since taken centre stage in China-Africa relations. It’s now the host of a permanent China-Africa trade exhibition hall and a larger biennial China-Africa economic and trade exhibition (known as CAETE).

    Hunan also hosts the pilot zone for In-Depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation. The zone has numerous initiatives designed to overcome obstacles to China-Africa trade and investment, like support in areas of law, technology and currency, and vocational training.

    Finally, the zone is located in a bigger free-trade zone that is better connected to Africa by air, water and land corridors. African agricultural exports to China pass through Hunan, where local industry either uses these imports or distributes them across the country to retailers.

    Companies in Hunan are well placed to play a key role in supporting China-Africa trade, capitalising on the opportunities left by China-US hostilities.

    Hunan’s agritech giant Longping High-Tech, for instance, is investing in Tanzanian soybean farmers.

    Hunan is also home to China’s construction manufacturing and electronic transportation frontier. This includes global construction giant Sany, which produces heavy industry machinery for the construction, mining and energy sectors. China’s global electronic vehicle manufacturing BYD and its electronic railway industry are also in Hunan. They have deep and increasing interests in Africa and can also support China’s key minerals and tech race with the US.

    As US-China hostility enters a new era, what are the implications for China-Africa relations?

    As my new working paper sets out, African countries are, for example, responding to the new opportunities from China.

    At the end of 2024, while the world waited for Trump’s second coming, various African countries made moves to strengthen economic ties with China, Hunan province especially.

    In December 2024, Tanzania became the first African country to open an official investment promotion office in the China-Africa Cooperation Pilot Zone in Changaha.

    In November 2024, both the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Africa and the China Engineering Technology Exhibition were held in Abuja, Nigeria. Equivalent events were hosted in Kenya.

    Early in 2025 in Niamey, Niger, a joint pilot cooperation zone was inaugurated , and which is direct partner of the China-Africa Pilot zone in Hunan.

    As China moves away from US agricultural produce, for instance, African agricultural producers can benefit. Substitute African products and potential exports will enjoy a price boost, and elevated Chinese support.

    China’s newly elevated interest in African development and market potential will bring major prospects. The question will be whether African countries are ready to grasp them, and to use that potential to foster an independent development path of their own.

    Lauren Johnston 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. US trade wars with China – and how they play out in Africa – https://theconversation.com/us-trade-wars-with-china-and-how-they-play-out-in-africa-249609

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Designing Dumplings: Food Engineering Competition Held at Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Production of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology of SPbPU held the competition “Food Engineering”. Students from schools and colleges from St. Petersburg, Leningrad Region, Penza and Podolsk took part in it.

    The competition program consisted of online and offline events, which included theoretical interactive sessions and practical cases for students.

    This year the educational intensive was dedicated to school nutrition.

    In a remote format, the competition participants listened to lectures on the topic “Tasty Science: How Nutrition Shapes the Future” (Associate Professor Svetlana Eliseeva) and “Meat Quality Control from Farm to Plate” (Associate Professor Alexander Moskvichev).

    After that, the in-person stage began — solving cases. Students in grades 9–11 completed tasks on the topic of “Designing Dumplings.” They learned about the types of dumplings, the beneficial properties of raw materials, the range and quality indicators of products, mastered the technology of preparation and the rules of serving.

    College students solved the case “Designing a healthy burger”. The guys mastered the technology of cooking healthy burgers, acquired skills in working in a food quality control laboratory, where they determined the organoleptic and physicochemical indicators of product quality.

    The final stage was the presentation of the results of all completed tasks.

    In the “Designing Pelmeni” case, the winners were Sofia Badanova and Natalie Karapetyan from Gymnasium No. 587.

    The top three were determined among college students.

    First place — Irina Murtazina and Ivan Voronin (Institute of Secondary Vocational Education SPbPU). Second place — Maria Dubrovina and Sofia Basova (College of Business and Technology). Third place — Angelina Ermoolenkova and Evelina Royanova (College of Culinary Arts).

    First-year student of the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Professional Educational Institution “College of Culinary Arts” Angelina Ermoolenkova participated in such a competition for the first time, so she was very pleased with the third place: We will take into account the mistakes and next time we will definitely do everything for the maximum points. I really liked the work in the laboratory, the teachers and student volunteers helped and supported! I was very impressed by the Polytechnic University, I am seriously thinking about entering your university.

    First of all, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to participate in such an event. There was nothing complicated in the preparation, the process was exciting. Thanks to the competition, I learned not to be afraid to combine different textures, tastes and ingredients with each other, – said first-year student of the RANEPA SPb Sofia Balabanova.

    The Food Engineering competition is very popular among schoolchildren and college students. Its goal is career guidance and attracting talented applicants to the Polytechnic University. Participants acquire scientific skills in the food quality control laboratory, design healthy food products and implement their project in the Food Technologies laboratory. Many contestants eventually become Polytechnicians, – noted Associate Professor of the Higher School of Business and Food Engineering Valeria Bychenkova.

    Based on the results of testing, all competition participants received personalized electronic certificates.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Drones elevate spring plowing in SW China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    As spring farming kicks off across southwestern China, drones are making their mark, buzzing through the skies above farms in uneven highland areas.
    Yan Bian, a rice grower in Menghai County, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, used to struggle with labor shortages during the spring plowing season.
    “It was a real headache in the past, just managing one mu (about 0.067 hectares) of land required five people,” said Yan, whose cooperative cultivates more than 5,000 mu of rice seedlings this year and plans to plant on an area of around 10,000 mu.
    This year, Yan introduced rice transplanters and drones — which not only lowered costs but also solved the labor shortage challenge. The efficiency and convenience delivered by technology have put a big smile on his face. “We used drones for the first time in fertilization and transportation. The efficiency is incredible, even 50 workers working at the same time couldn’t match its speed.”
    In Mengzhe Township, also in Yunnan Province, the sight of drones buzzing over the fields has drawn considerable attention. Operated by skilled technicians, these drones take off steadily and then follow pre-set routes as they glide over the rice paddies. Within minutes, they efficiently disperse pre-loaded fertilizer, completing the task with remarkable precision and speed.
    “A single drone flight can carry and spread 70 kg of fertilizer in less than a minute. In the course of a full day, a drone can distribute approximately 10 tonnes of fertilizer, covering 300 to 400 mu of farmland,” revealed Yan Yihuan, a technician.
    “The amount of work a drone can accomplish in one day is equivalent to that of more than 50 workers,” he added.
    In Yongde County, another county located in Yunnan, drones carrying irrigation pipes steadily ascend and navigate challenging terrain along pre-planned routes. They swiftly and precisely deliver these pipes to designated locations, where workers then proceed with installation and welding to construct pipelines.
    “Compared to traditional methods, the drone delivery approach offers superior efficiency and stability, showcasing its significant advantages,” said Yang Jianhong, director of the county’s agriculture and rural affairs bureau.
    Yongde County has over 930,000 mu of farmland — much of it scattered across mountainous terrain. Every spring, transporting water from the foot of the mountains to the fields posed a major challenge for local farmers. Traditionally, irrigation pipelines had to be laid entirely manually or trenches dug to channel water, tasks that are both labor-intensive and costly.
    The innovative use of drone-lifting technology has played a crucial role in laying irrigation pipelines and improving agricultural infrastructure in Yongde. “This approach has significantly shortened construction timelines while enhancing safety,” said Yang.
    Spring farming is now undergoing a shift toward greater use of technological and intelligent options. Agricultural drones, for instance, are already widely used in many remote mountainous areas, efficiently handling tasks such as fertilization, weeding and field inspection.
    Across the mountainous regions of southwest China, drones are injecting new vitality into spring farming and agricultural production. Experts believe that, with their unique advantages, drones are helping agriculture “soar” to new heights. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: What to know about whole-process people’s democracy in China

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

    BEIJING, March 5 — Democracy is a universal value, yet it takes different forms across civilizations. While Western democracies often equate democracy with elections, China has developed a distinct model — whole-process people’s democracy — tailored to its national conditions and historical traditions.

    WHERE IS IT FROM

    First introduced in 2019, the concept of whole-process people’s democracy is deeply rooted in China’s rich political philosophy, where governance is centered on the people as the foundation of the state.

    Whole-process people’s democracy is a creation of the Communist Party of China in leading the people to pursue, develop and realize democracy, embodying the Party’s innovation in advancing China’s democratic theories, systems and practices.

    It is a logical outcome of history, theory and practice based on the strenuous efforts of the people under the leadership of the Party.

    WHAT DOES IT MEAN

    As the name suggests, whole-process people’s democracy ensures public participation throughout the entire process of governance, covering all aspects of the democratic process and all sectors of society.

    Unlike election-centric Western democratic models, China’s system weaves together law-based democratic elections, consultations, decision-making, management, and oversight within a structured institutional framework. This approach fosters broad and continuous participation, ensuring that governance decisions reflect the collective will and evolving needs of society.

    Through these procedures, citizens actively engage in discussions on public affairs, working toward the greatest common ground based on the aspirations and interests of the entire population. Their rights are safeguarded, their voices are heard, and their well-being is prioritized in the decision-making process.

    At its core, this model guarantees that the people are the true masters of the country, with public affairs governed through consensus-driven discussions and extensive consultation.

    HOW DOES IT WORK

    Whole-process people’s democracy is not just a set of institutions and procedures, it is an active, participatory system where civic engagement plays a crucial role.

    A key example is “two sessions,” the annual meetings of China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC), and the top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

    Nearly 3,000 NPC deputies and more than 2,100 CPPCC National Committee members convene in Beijing to deliberate on and discuss major policies and governance matters, representing a broad cross-section of society.

    The NPC deputies come from all walks of life, including many front-line workers and farmers who ensure grassroots representation. Notably, even the smallest ethnic minority group has at least one representative. Meanwhile, CPPCC National Committee members include officials and prominent figures such as scientists, educators and entrepreneurs.

    During the “two sessions,” these representatives engage in crucial public issues, from income distribution and healthcare to education, housing, elderly care, and childcare.

    National lawmakers deliberate bills and reports and participate in all NPC elections. They also have the power to move for the recall of certain state officials according to the law, propose organizing committees of inquiry into specific issues, and criticize or offer suggestions and comments on all work.

    Meanwhile, political advisors offer their policy proposals, thus actively contributing to national governance.

    WHY DOES IT MATTER

    By ensuring broad and continuous participation, China’s whole-process people’s democracy represents a governance model that is both effective and deeply rooted in the will of the people.

    The whole-process people’s democracy has proven effective in addressing societal challenges and improving governance. Many significant policies — such as enhanced protection of labor rights for food delivery and ride-hailing workers, as well as measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises — have emerged from legislative proposals and public consultations.

    At its heart, China’s democratic model embraces the belief that democracy is not a decorative symbol but a practical tool for solving real problems and improving people’s lives.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: What to know about NPC in China’s democracy

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

    BEIJING, March 5 — Close to 3,000 deputies — ranging from farmers to state leaders — are in Beijing for the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s national legislature, which opened Wednesday.

    Established in 1954, the NPC is the supreme organ of state power, sitting at the pinnacle of China’s people’s congress system.

    According to the Constitution, all administrative, supervisory, adjudicatory and procuratorial organs of the state shall be created by the people’s congresses and shall be responsible to them and subject to their oversight.

    The annual session of the national legislature, a key event in China’s political calendar, provides a window into the country’s whole-process people’s democracy in practice.

    DISTRIBUTION OF NPC DEPUTIES

    The number of NPC deputies is capped at 3,000, and their distribution is decided by the NPC Standing Committee, the permanent institution of the NPC.

    National legislators hail from various backgrounds and form a representative cross-section of society.

    The deputies to the 14th NPC were elected from 35 electoral units across the country between December 2022 and January 2023 for a five-year term.

    They are broadly representative, including workers, farmers, technical personnel, as well as Party and government officials, among others. Female deputies make up more than a quarter of the total. All of China’s 55 ethnic minority groups are represented in the NPC.

    There are also deputies elected from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, deputies representing Taiwan Province, and deputies representing overseas Chinese who have returned to the motherland.

    ELECTION OF NPC DEPUTIES

    According to the electoral law, deputies to county- and township-level people’s congresses are directly elected by voters, while deputies to people’s congresses above the county level are elected by deputies at the next lower level.

    NPC deputies are elected by people’s congresses of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government. The armed forces elect their own deputies.

    The number of NPC deputies elected by the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and the methods for their elections shall be prescribed separately by the NPC, according to the electoral law.

    National legislators are elected by secret ballot, and candidates should outnumber deputy vacancies by 20 percent to 50 percent.

    DUTIES OF NPC DEPUTIES

    The NPC and its Standing Committee exercise the legislative power of the state, the power to decide on major issues, the power to appoint and remove top-level officials, and the power of oversight.

    Deputies at various levels are key channels for people’s voices. They are entitled and obliged to stand for the people’s interests and express their requests.

    NPC deputies are actively engaged in state affairs. During the annual session, the NPC deputies review and vote on bills and documents of national importance like the report on the work of the government. As an important way for them to exercise their rights and perform their duties in accordance with the law, national legislators submit proposals and suggestions on a wide range of issues.

    When not in session, they engage with the people, participate in inspections of law enforcement, and conduct research on important or urgent issues. Some of them are invited to attend regular sessions of the NPC Standing Committee in a non-voting capacity.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Iowa Congressional Delegation Call on USDA to Assist Turkey Farmers Impacted by aMPV

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined the entire Iowa congressional delegation to urge Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and Farm Service Agency Acting Administrator Kimberly Graham to deliver critical financial relief for Iowa’s turkey producers who have been severely impacted by avian metapneumovirus (aMPV).

    Specifically, the delegation requested USDA allow aMPV to qualify as an eligible adverse event under the Livestock Indemnity Program, which provides financial compensation to farmers who have experienced high levels of livestock death due to adverse events such as a natural disaster or disease.

    “Iowa’s sharp decline in turkey production is reflective of the national turkey industry at large. Despite devastating financial shortfalls and supply chain disruptions caused by aMPV, there are currently no federal assistance programs available to offset these devastating losses, leaving many family-owned operations at risk of closure. Without immediate support, the viability of these farms—and the stability of the U.S. turkey industry—is in jeopardy,” the members wrote.

    “To mitigate these losses and prevent future outbreaks, we urge the USDA Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA) to consider determining aMPV as an eligible adverse event under the Livestock Indemnity Program so that our farmers can access much-needed financial relief to affected producers,” the lawmakers concluded.

    Since its identification in the fall of 2023, aMPV has spread to all turkey producing states, having a major impact on turkey farmers, processors, small businesses and the consumer supply chain. aMPV has caused some Iowa turkey farmers to lose 30 to 50 percent of their flocks since the fall of 2023, threatening producer stability and the broader national turkey supply.

    In 2024, Iowa farmers lost an estimated 569,700 turkeys due to aMPV– a loss of $18 million in farm income.

    Last month, Grassley and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) also urged Rollins to quickly address the ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the largest animal health outbreak in U.S. history.

    Text of the letter to Rollins and Graham follows:

    March 4, 2025

    The Honorable Brooke Rollins
    Secretary of Agriculture
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20250

    The Honorable Kimberly Graham
    Acting Administrator of FSA
    Farm Service Agency
    1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20250

    Secretary Rollins and Acting Administrator Graham,

    We write today with deep concerns regarding the avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), an acute respiratory virus of turkeys and poultry breeding stock, and the devastating impact it has had on Iowa’s turkey farmers. Given the severe implications threatening the viability of turkey operations, we ask that the U.S. Department of Agriculture consider providing immediate financial assistance to the nation’s turkey producers by allowing aMPV to qualify as an eligible adverse event under the Livestock Indemnity Program.

    The aMPV virus, or Turkey Rhinotracheitis, is a highly contagious, viral respiratory disease that can infect turkeys, broilers, layers, and breeders for up to four weeks, leading to high flock mortality, reproductive disorders, and potentially a permanent reduction in egg production.

    Since its identification in the fall of 2023, the disease has spread to all turkey producing states, having a major impact on turkey farmers, processors, small businesses, and the consumer supply chain. Iowa turkey farmers have reported flock losses ranging from 30 percent to 50 percent due to aMPV, threatening both their livelihoods and the broader U.S. turkey supply. Last year alone, Iowa’s farmers lost an estimated 569,700 turkeys due to aMPV. This attributed to a loss of $18 million in farm income.

    Iowa’s sharp decline in turkey production is reflective of the national turkey industry at large. Despite devastating financial shortfalls and supply chain disruptions caused by aMPV, there are currently no federal assistance programs available to offset these devastating losses, leaving many family-owned operations at risk of closure. Without immediate support, the viability of these farms—and the stability of the U.S. turkey industry—is in jeopardy.

    We appreciate the USDA’s efforts in authorizing the importation of one inactivated vaccine and three live vaccines for aMPV. As this process develops, it is critical that the USDA act swiftly to approve its use and expedite its distributions across the nation. In the interim, turkey farmers continue to suffer substantial losses without any meaningful financial safety net.

    To mitigate these losses and prevent future outbreaks, we urge the USDA Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA) to consider determining aMPV as an eligible adverse event under the Livestock Indemnity Program so that our farmers can access much-needed financial relief to affected producers.

    We appreciate your consideration and look forward to working together to support American

    turkey farmers during this crisis. Should you have any questions about this request, please

    contact Congressman Zach Nunn’s Legislative Assistant, Madeline Willis, at

    madeline.willis@mail.house.gov.

    Sincerely,

    Zach Nunn

    Member of Congress

    Randy Feenstra

    Member of Congress

    Ashley Hinson

    Member of Congress

    Mariannette miller-Meeks, M.D.

    Member of Congress

    Charles Grassley

    United States Senator

    Joni K. Ernst

    United States Senator

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: 61-2025: Scheduled Outage: Thursday 06 March 2025 – External Broker Website

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    06 March 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who use the External Broker Website.

    Information

    Service Disruption start time:

    As of Monday 24 February 2025 (AEDT).

    The External Broker Website is currently experiencing an unplanned service disruption, resulting in some users experiencing intermittent issues when attempting to use the system…

    MIL OSI News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with NIH Nominee, Calls for Radical Transparency at the NIH

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya, President Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH) during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. During his remarks, Bhattacharya explained his plan to root out waste within the NIH and how he will earn back the trust of the American people by ensuring transparency.

    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you doctor for being here. It’s always good to run into somebody that’s name’s harder to say than mine and mispronounced more.

    You’ve got a hard job in front of you, but I share the ideas and desire that the President has to root out waste and the fraud that we have in this country. Because if we don’t, we’re not gonna have a country left. It’s gonna be gone. And he’s doing the right thing. You’re gonna have a tough job. You’re gonna have to put your team together and do the same thing. We have got to make sure we use American taxpayers’ money the right way.

    So, kind of give me your plan of how you’re gonna do this—when you come into office and are confirmed how you’re gonna put your team together?”

    BHATTACHARYA: “Thanks Senator, I should say this: I have a background as an economist as well as being a doctor. And to me, that background, what it leads me to do is understand that every dollar wasted on a frivolous study is a dollar not spent—every dollar wasted on administrative costs that are not needed—is a dollar not spent on research. The team I’m gonna put together is gonna be hyper-focused to make sure that the portfolio grants that the NIH funds is devoted to the chronic disease problems of this country. It’s gonna be devoted to making sure we have not just incremental progress, but research projects that have the capacity to make huge advances in treatment for cancer, for diabetes, for obesity. That’s how I’m going to decide what the team is.

    And the NIH […], I’m blessed in some ways because it already has so many excellent scientists there to advise me on the on the areas I don’t know about. And I wanna tap [into] that resource. I wanna make sure I talk to every single person who who’s already a leader at the NIH to understand where those opportunities are.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Well, thank you.

    You know, for the past four years, I’ve been on this Committee, and we’ve obviously gone through COVID [which was] devastating to not just our country, but the world.

    Transparency and trust is gonna have to be earned again from a lot of people. Most people across this country don’t know what the hell NIH stands for. Okay? But now they do because of COVID. You said that science has to be reliable, exactly. But people also have to trust, you know, we’re finding out now we have biolabs in Ukraine—where a war is going on, and we’re funding them.

    I mean, and so you’ve got to be on top of that, and the American people have to trust you that you will say, ‘Listen, we’re gonna keep an eye on, you know, the biolabs in North Carolina,’ or wherever we have them. Because it scares me to death of what’s going on. 

    What’s your plan there of getting trust back in this country?”

    BHATTACHARYA: “Senator first of all […], I want to work with Congress to make sure that there’s appropriate regulation of any risky research. The NIH […] I don’t think should be doing any research that has the potential to cause a pandemic. And I want to work with Congress to make sure that happens.

    As far as trust, I think the key thing is we have to be utterly open, if I’m confirmed, I’ll be at the head of an organization that’s a scientific organization. As a citizen, I would often look for FOIA responses from the NIH Freedom Information Act request, and they’d be fully redacted during the pandemic.

    You can’t have trust unless you are transparent. And if I’m confirmed as an NIH Director, I fully commit to making sure that the American people can see all of the activities of the NIH openly, with limited sort of obfuscation. [The NIH has been characterized this way], I think unfortunately, [because of the] way that they’ve interacted with American people.”

    TUBERVILLE: “And I think that starts with being very visual on television, telling people, you know, the truth. Don’t hide anything because we’ve been hiding things for years and that that doesn’t work. We found that out.

    You know, Chairman Cassidy and I led a letter to the NIH under the last administration asking questions about a grant that the NIH funded focused on children transitioning genders. The study followed all these children—two of them committed suicide. Devastating. 

    So, how can we ensure the NIH doesn’t grant funds to things like this?”

    BHATTACHARYA: “Well, first of all, I think it’s if you have a negative result and it’s politically inconvenient to you, usually, you have an obligation to scientists to report it. Right? 

    So, the NIH funds a study that shows that the gender transition doesn’t reduce suicide rate among, you know, adolescents. That researcher has an obligation to report it even though she may think it’s politically inconvenient. So, I wanna make sure that NIH research is required to report even negative results. And there’s ways to do that we can talk about.

    But I think as far as, like, the prioritization of studies, as I was telling Senator Paul, I think we wanna make sure that the studies are focused on the diseases that really are hurting Americans—obesity—a lot of the research that, you know, it’s so easy to come up with, examples of this. One of a shrimp on a treadmill for instance, that was once funded. It’s not that I’m necessarily against research like that, but the American taxpayer should be focused on the needs of American taxpayers. And the research should be focused on those needs, the health needs of Americans. And I want to make sure that the NIH, if confirmed, focuses on exactly that.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Good luck.”

    BHATTACHARYA: “Thank you so much.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Shanxi’s millennium-old porcelain gets modern makeover

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A millennium-old porcelain craft in north China’s Shanxi Province has been pulled back from the brink of extinction and is now poised for a modern renaissance.

    The techniques for making Honglyucai (Red and Green Color) Porcelain of the Bayi kiln, one of China’s earliest producers of the distinctive porcelain, was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2021. The kiln is located in Bayi township, Shangdang district, Changzhi city of Shanxi.

    Archaeological excavations reveal that during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) over 1,000 years ago, the kiln was the largest porcelain production hub in southeastern Shanxi. Porcelain from the kiln became the gold standard of Honglyucai porcelain in China.

    Today, visitors to Honglyucai village, 2 kilometers from the Bayi kiln, can explore a Honglyucai porcelain museum housing over 600 ancient porcelain treasures from the kiln and over 10,000 modern pieces of Honglyucai porcelain.

    Honglyucai porcelain features a signature white base and is adorned with vibrant red, green, and yellow designs depicting auspicious flowers, birds, and figures, according to Li Yamin, a municipal-level representative inheritor of the techniques for making Honglyucai porcelain of the Bayi kiln.

    Li Yamin said more than 100 ancient kiln sites were unearthed in Shangdang district, which is nestled in the Taihang Mountains and characterized by rolling ridges and deep ravines, confirming that Bayi township was a thriving commercial hub as early as the Song Dynasty. The region boasts abundant high-quality kaolin, coal, and water resources essential for porcelain production.

    “Red is one of the most iconic colors in Chinese culture, yet achieving a vibrant red glaze on porcelain was a significant challenge. It wasn’t until the Song Dynasty when the Bayi kiln pioneered the use of iron-red pigment that Honglyucai porcelain products were successfully produced,” Li Yamin noted.

    But the road to revival wasn’t exactly a cakewalk. The Honglyucai porcelain industry was in decline over the past decades due to high production costs and complex craftsmanship.

    Li Yamin’s father Li Jianping grew up hearing stories about Honglyucai porcelain. His grandfather was a kiln worker at the Bayi kiln, and from a young age, Li Jianping learned pottery and painting techniques. After high school, he worked as a farmer and miner, but always dreamed of reviving Bayi kiln porcelain.

    In 2012, as part of an industrial transformation initiative, the local government launched a cultural heritage project for the Bayi kiln. Seeing an opportunity, Li Jianping decided to reignite the kiln fires and restore Honglyucai porcelain production.

    To make a Honglyucai porcelain item, 72 procedures must be followed, including a twice-firing technique.

    The procedures are so complicated that the techniques were lost for decades. Many people told Li Jianping not to waste his time, but he couldn’t bear to see this ancient craft disappear.

    Li Jianping collaborated with Honglyucai village to establish a company and construct a cultural expo center, the Honglyucai porcelain museum, and a production base of Honglyucai porcelain. Meanwhile, he visited local elderly artisans and technical experts to rebuild lost knowledge.

    After years of trial and error, the techniques for making Honglyucai porcelain were recovered by Li Jianping, who became a provincial-level representative inheritor of the craft.

    The father-son duo have adopted a strategy of integrating tradition with innovation to promote the development of Honglyucai porcelain. In recent years, they’ve inked partnerships with prestigious institutions like the Central Academy of Fine Arts and the Academy of Arts & Design under Tsinghua University to tackle everything from material research and color matching to painting skills and product design.

    After years of dedicated efforts, the issues of rough bodies and dull colors of Honglyucai porcelain items were overcome. As a result, these items have gained greater popularity in the market.

    “Thanks to our independently developed new materials that withstand temperatures above 1,300 degrees Celsius without warping, our everyday-use porcelain items are thinner, lighter and more lustrous than traditional ones and are easy to clean,” said Li Yamin.

    In recent years, local rural tourism has thrived thanks to measures including the establishment of organizations aiming at passing on the intangible cultural heritage. The Honglyucai porcelain museum receives over 10,000 tourist visits annually.

    So far, the company has developed over 300 kinds of Honglyucai porcelain products, which have caught the eye of porcelain enthusiasts both at home and abroad, Li Yamin said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Urges USDA to Deliver Relief to Iowa Turkey Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined the entire Iowa delegation to urge U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and the Acting Administrator of the Farm Service Agency Kimberly Graham to deliver critical financial relief for Iowa turkey farmers.
    In their letter, the lawmakers outlined the dire animal health crisis due to avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) that has caused flock losses from 30-50% since the fall of 2023, threatening producer stability and the broader national turkey supply.
    “Iowa’s sharp decline in turkey production is reflective of the national turkey industry at large. Despite devastating financial shortfalls and supply chain disruptions caused by aMPV, there are currently no federal assistance programs available to offset these devastating losses, leaving many family-owned operations at risk of closure. Without immediate support, the viability of these farms—and the stability of the U.S. turkey industry—is in jeopardy,” wrote the lawmakers.
    “To mitigate these losses and prevent future outbreaks, we urge the USDA Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA) to consider determining aMPV as an eligible adverse event under the Livestock Indemnity Program so that our farmers can access much-needed financial relief to affected producers,” the lawmakers concluded.
    In 2024, an estimate of 569,700 turkeys in Iowa have been lost due to aMPV, and the ongoing spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) – a completely separate but deadly virus – has only been compounding the financial, physical, and mental strains on turkey producers.
    Read the full letter here.
    Background:
    Ernst has long been a champion of foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts including the bipartisan Animal Disease and Disaster Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act and her Beagle Brigade Act, which was recently signed into law.
    Following the increase in HPAI outbreaks in both Iowa poultry flocks and dairy herds, Ernst hasworked to hold federal agencies accountable to provide public and state agencies with coordinated, up-to-date, and accurate information on the spread of the virus.
    Last month, Ernst provided USDA with a blueprint for developing an effective plan to combat HPAI and protect Iowa poultry farmers. During a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, Ernst directly raised the need for a vaccination strategy that takes trade into account and praised Secretary Rollins for hercomprehensive HPAI strategy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ADM Recalls Select Pelleted Cattle Nutrition Feed Products

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    March 05, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    March 05, 2025
    Product Type:
    Animal & VeterinaryFood & BeveragesLivestock Feed
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Elevated levels or deficient levels of nutrients which may be harmful to cattle

    Company Name:
    ADM Animal Nutrition
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    ADM Animal Nutrition

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Cattle Feed

    Company Announcement
    Specific lots may contain elevated or deficient levels of nutrients which may be harmful to cattle
    CHICAGO, March 5, 2025 – ADM Animal Nutrition, a division of ADM (NYSE: ADM), is recalling specific pelleted animal feed products because they may contain elevated levels of copper or have levels of zinc below the represented amounts which could be harmful to cattle.
    Possible impacts of chronic copper toxicity include: gastroenteritis characterized by anorexia, signs of abdominal pain, depression, lethargy, diarrhea, and dehydration. Possible impacts of zinc deficiency include: decreases in feed intake, feed efficiency, and growth.
    No illnesses or deficiency impacts have been reported to date.
    There are 33 lot numbers involved in this recall. The pelleted products were distributed between January 16, 2025 and February 27, 2025, and could have been purchased in Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Iowa, Georgia, and Ohio. All of the products listed, except for GROFAST32, have elevated levels of copper. GROFAST32 has levels of zinc below the represented amounts.
    ADM discovered this issue during routine production. The company immediately began investigating and initiated the recall upon receiving confirmation that the pelleted feed had varying levels of copper and zinc that can impact animals. ADM is in the process of notifying customers and distributors involved in this recall, and all affected products are currently being removed from retail shelves.
    The lot number of ADM products can be found at the bottom of the label. Click here to view an image of the label. Customers who have purchased the recalled pelleted feed should immediately stop using it and return it to their distributor or directly to ADM for a full replacement or refund. Please direct any customer inquiries to 800-217-2007 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday.
    Below is the list of products included in this recall.
    Link to Product List
    About ADMADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We’re an essential global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. We’re a premier human and animal nutrition provider, offering one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of ingredients and solutions from nature. We’re a trailblazer in health and well-being, with an industry-leading range of products for consumers looking for new ways to live healthier lives. We’re a cutting-edge innovator, guiding the way to a future of new bio-based consumer and industrial solutions. And we’re leading in business-driven sustainability efforts that support a strong agricultural sector, resilient supply chains, and a vast and growing bioeconomy. Around the globe, our expertise and innovation are meeting critical needs from harvest to home. Learn more at www.adm.com.
    ADM Media RelationsJackie Andersonmedia@adm.com312-634-8484

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    800-217-2007

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    03/05/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Development – OPEC Fund supports Burkina Faso’s cotton industry with €26 million trade finance facility

    Source: OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund)

    March 5, 2025: The OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) is providing €26 million to support Burkina Faso’s strategic cotton sector. The financing is part of a €100 million trade finance facility arranged by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC). It will enable Société Burkinabè des Fibres Textiles (SOFITEX), the country’s largest cotton company and a key player in the sector, to purchase seasonal seed cotton from local farmers at harvest point, ensuring timely payments and financial stability for smallholder farmers.

    OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “The OPEC Fund is proud of its commitment to Burkina Faso’s cotton industry, a key economic driver that sustains millions of livelihoods. By enabling the timely purchase of cotton from smallholder farmers, this financing not only supports rural communities, but also promotes economic resilience and strengthens Burkina Faso’s position in global cotton markets.”

    Cotton is the backbone of Burkina Faso’s rural economy, generating 5 percent of GDP and providing income for millions. As Africa’s third-largest producer the country exports the vast majority of its cotton, making it a key driver of foreign exchange earnings and economic growth. The sector supports livelihoods from smallholder farmers to workers across the supply chain. Often referred to as “white gold,” cotton remains essential to Burkina Faso’s economic resilience and rural development.

    The OPEC Fund has a long-standing partnership with SOFITEX dating back to 2009. Since the inception of this partnership, the OPEC Fund has approved 11 operations to support cotton export financing for a combined net amount of US$373 million.

    The OPEC Fund’s recent financing is aligned with the institution’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and trade finance in Africa. Over four decades the OPEC Fund has supported Burkina Faso’s economic development, financing projects in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure with over US$800 million financing across public and private sector loans and trade finance.

    About the OPEC Fund

    The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively.

    The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world.

    The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education.

    To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS patients receive first home-grown blood plasma treatments

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    NHS patients receive first home-grown blood plasma treatments

    The first NHS patients in a generation have started to receive life saving plasma from the blood of UK donors.

    • Treatments will help save 17,000 NHS patients’ lives every year
    • Move will deliver government’s Plan for Change by building domestic medical supply chains, reducing reliance on imports and with savings between £5 million to £10 million a year

    The first NHS patients in a generation have started to receive life-saving plasma from the blood of UK donors, thanks to a partnership between NHS Blood and Transplant and NHS England. 

    Since a longstanding ban on UK plasma was lifted in 2021, the UK has been building its own supply of plasma medicines amid a global shortage. This will reduce reliance on imports, saving the NHS between £5 million to £10 million per year and strengthening the UK as a powerhouse for life sciences under the government’s Plan for Change.
    Around 17,000 NHS patients with immune deficiencies and rare diseases rely on vital human-donated plasma to save or improve their lives. It is also used in emergency medicine for childbirth and trauma care. 

    Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: 

    This is a significant milestone for the NHS as we take a step toward UK self-sufficiency in these vital medicines. 

    As part of our Plan for Change, we are improving access to life-saving treatments for thousands of NHS patients and strengthening healthcare security.  

    By sourcing our own medicine, we are building a more resilient and domestic medical supply chain and boosting economic growth.

    Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director NHS England, said:

    This landmark moment ensures patients relying on crucial plasma-derived medicines will always have access to the treatment they need.

    Thanks to NHS efforts, new plasma-derived products, owned from start to finish by the UK, will reduce our reliance on imported stock and boost the fortitude of hospital supplies.

    Thousands of people with serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, including immunodeficiencies and neurological conditions rely on these products, and strengthening the supply chain of plasma-derived treatments through UK donations will help NHS clinicians ensure these vital medicines are available for all who need them.

    Jill Jones made history by becoming the first patient to be given UK-sourced plasma at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. She has received treatments every three weeks following a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 20 years ago, and described the infusions as “life-changing”.

    The initiative will also build UK capacity in the global plasma medicines industry, which was valued at over $30 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $45 billion by 2027. It will help establish the NHS as an engine of economic growth to drive investment in public services and raise living standards for everyone.

    NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has collected 250,000 litres of plasma from donors in England since 2021. From this, two vital medicines are being produced: immunoglobulins, which treat autoimmune conditions, and albumin, which is essential for surgery and treating liver conditions.

    The NHS plans to reach 25% self-sufficiency in immunoglobulin by the end of 2025, rising to 30-35% in 2031, and 80% self-sufficiency in albumin by next year.

    Global medical supply issues worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2024, a national patient safety alert was issued due to critically low blood stocks, demonstrating the importance of building self-sufficiency in the UK.

    Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant said:

    Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, NHS patients are now receiving life-saving medicines made from UK plasma for the first time in a generation.

    Plasma makes up 55 per cent of our blood and contains antibodies which strengthen or stabilise the immune system. It is used to save lives during childbirth and trauma and is used to treat thousands of patients with life limiting illnesses such as immune deficiencies.

    These lifesaving medicines can only be made from our blood. We need more donors to help save more lives. Please go to blood.co.uk to become a donor.  

    Jill Jones from Oxford, the first patient to receive UK-sourced plasma medicine, said:

    Coming to the Immunology ward is like catching up with friends. The staff are delightful and you get to know staff and patients really well. You have a cup of coffee and chat. Today I was talking about knitting and kittens as I was being transfused!

    Infusions have been life-changing for me in keeping me well. Before I started on them, I was regularly in hospital with infections – which just doesn’t happen now. It’s made a huge and positive difference to my life and my family’s life.

    I felt really privileged today to be the first patient in the UK to be receiving Immunoglobin that was made from UK plasma for the first time in a very long time.

    Previously, the NHS relied solely on imported plasma medicines due to a long-standing ban on using UK plasma.

    The ban was introduced in 1998 as a precautionary measure against Variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease (vCJD), linked to mad cow disease. 
     
    In 2021 following rigorous scientific reviews, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirmed plasma from UK donors is safe, supported by robust safety measures. 

    Decades of rigorous research showed no confirmed cases of vCJD transmission through plasma-derived medicines. 

    Plasma comes from blood donations. The plasma in blood contains antibodies that strengthen or stabilise the immune system. The antibodies are separated out and made into immunoglobin medicines that treat people with life-limiting conditions such as immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, as well as severe burns.

    Notes to editors: 

    • Blood donations can be given at one of 27 donor centres across the country. 

    • First UK-sourced plasma medicines will come from English donations, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow. 

    • Donors can book an appointment at a dedicated Plasma Donor Centres in Birmingham, Reading or Twickenham.  Visit www.blood.co.uk to find out how you can become a donor today. 

    • Plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries vital proteins, antibodies, and clotting factors. It is essential for creating plasma-derived medicines, which treat life-threatening conditions such as immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, and severe burns. Plasma donation saves thousands of lives each year and is a critical part of modern healthcare. 
    • Two types of medicines are being made – immunoglobulins (used to treat autoimmune conditions and week immune systems) and albumin (used in surgery and to treat burns and liver conditions). This puts the NHS on track to supply 25% of its immunoglobulin needs by the end of 2025, with plans to increase this to 30-35% by 2031 and 80% of albumin by next year.

    • In 1998, the UK imposed a ban on using domestically collected plasma for fractionation, the process of separating plasma into its components. This followed concerns about a potentially increased risk of plasma recipients acquiring the brain disease variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) due to UK plasma donors being exposed to Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, sometimes referred as Mad Cow Disease) prions from infected cattle.

    • As a result, the UK relied solely on plasma imports, primarily from the United States which increased dependence on international supply chains for plasma-derived medicines. 

    • Rising demand for plasma globally placed additional pressure on supply. 

    • In February 2021, the UK government lifted the ban on using UK-donated plasma for fractionation. This decision followed scientific reviews confirming the safety of plasma collection and manufacturing processes. 
    • Advanced donor screening, pathogen testing, and fractionation techniques now ensure the highest safety standards. 

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    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Alleged International Leader of MS-13 Extradited to Face Racketeering Charge Connected to at Least One Murder

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Moises Humberto Rivera-Luna, also known as Viejo Santos, 55, an alleged international leader of the violent MS-13 drug gang, made an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court following his extradition from Guatemala to the United States to face a racketeering charge connected to at least one murder. U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth ordered Rivera-Luna held without bond.

               The extradition was announced today by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

    Rivera-Luna is one of seven defendants charged in a fourth superseding, nine-count indictment, which was returned on May 3, 2013 alleging a racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering and other offenses. Rivera-Luna is charged only with committing racketeering conspiracy. The government alleges that Rivera-Luna, while incarcerated in El Salvador, supervised operations of MS-13 cliques in the Washington, D.C. area. Upon release, he traveled to Guatemala where he was subject to extradition.

               “The decade-long pursuit of this alleged violent gang member illustrates our office’s resolve to remain focused and bring to justice those who violate the law no matter where they are, no matter how long it takes,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr.

               “Keeping Americans safe from transnational criminal gangs is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Supervisory Official Bacon. “This defendant’s appearance in federal court in Washington today demonstrates our relentless commitment to seeking justice for victims, no matter how long it takes. Thanks to the incredible work by our federal prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we are one step closer to bringing closure for the many victims of this defendant’s alleged brutal violence.”

               “Moise Humberto Rivera-Luna will have his day in court, but he stands accused of very serious crimes. His alleged criminal activity combined with his leadership of the MS-13 transnational criminal organization, makes Rivera-Luna a significant threat to the safety of the American people,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck. “We are grateful for the strong relationships we enjoy with our local, state, federal and international law enforcement partners. Without their cooperation, none of this would be possible. ICE HSI Washington, D.C. will continue to work relentlessly and exhaust all resources to investigate and apprehend anyone who presents a threat to national security or the residents of our communities.”

               The indictment alleges that MS-13 engages in racketeering activity to include murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice and other crimes. The indictment specifically states that some of the defendants allegedly participated in assaults against persons they believed to be rival gang members, made threats against persons they believed to be cooperating with law enforcement, and carried out extortions.

               The range of criminal activity alleged in the indictment includes acts committed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and other states. The indictment alleges that there was frequent contact between MS-13 members in the Washington, D.C.-metropolitan area and El Salvador, and that persons incarcerated in El Salvador encouraged or ordered assaults and murders.

               Rivera-Luna is alleged to be an international leader of MS-13 who was sending orders and advice to an MS-13 clique operating in the Washington area, via cellular telephone calls from his prison cell in El Salvador. The indictment alleges that he and another MS-13 leader, Marvin Geovanny Monterrosa-Larios, also incarcerated in El Salvador, directed that a coalition of MS-13 cliques be formed in the Washington area. They advised local clique members that the coalition’s aim was to seek and kill MS-13 members who were found to be cooperating with law enforcement officials.                                                                                     

               Among other allegations, the indictment charges Rivera-Luna with ordering the murder of Louis Alberto Membreno-Zelaya, 27. Membreno-Zelaya was found stabbed to death on Nov. 6, 2008, near 11th Street and Otis Place, in Northwest Washington, D.C.

               The indictment also alleges that Rivera-Luna authorized the murder of Felipe Enriquez, 25, whose body was found on March 31, 2010, in Montgomery County, MD.

               This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Lakeita F. Rox-Love of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case is being investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

               The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition of Rivera-Luna from Guatemala.

               Assistance was provided by the Montgomery County and the Prince George’s County, MD. Police Departments, the State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County, MD., the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

               The prosecution grew out of the efforts of the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a multi-agency team that conducts comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the nationwide program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.

               An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Extreme Tariffs on Everyday Goods, Agriculture

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Extreme Tariffs on Everyday Goods, Agriculture

    Senator Reverend Warnock is the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness
    Tariffs will impact cost of produce, canned soda, beer, lumber for housing, aluminum for cars and manufacturing equipment, fertilizer for producers, and more
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), ranking member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, issued the following statement on the newly announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
    “When I hear from ordinary Georgians, they tell me the cost of everything from housing to prescription drugs to groceries are too expensive. Georgians feel like their dollar isn’t going far enough, and these tariffs only make the problem worse.”
    “These sweeping tariffs and this impending trade war will hurt our farmers, who are now seeing a hike in fertilizer prices going into planting season. With retaliatory tariffs already being implemented, I fear that my years of bipartisan efforts to open up international markets for our farmers will be erased. This will make produce in the grocery stores more expensive and producers losing their farms more likely.”
    “I’m not opposed to all tariffs. They can be a useful tool to protect American jobs and coerce bad actors like China to play by the rules. But these chaotic and impulsive tariffs do nothing but punish Georgians who are just trying to balance their checkbook and save for the future. I will continue to speak out against policies that hurt Georgia families and farmers.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Innovative technology installed in Menindee to restore native fish passages

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 6 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Water


    The Minns Labor Government is trialling Fishheart; a state-of-the-art temporary fish passage technology in the Lower Darling-Baaka River near Menindee, western NSW.

    The goal of this initiative is to test options to connect the Northern and Southern Basin and reduce the accumulation of fish, as part of the Government’s response to the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer (OCSE) independent review into the March 2023 mass fish kill.

    The NSW Government continues to make good progress in addressing the recommendations identified in the OSCE report, with 10 of the 26 actions we’ve committed to now complete and the remaining 16 underway funded under the $25 million Restoring the Darling-Baaka River Program.

    One of the key actions the NSW Government has committed to is a $6.52 million trial of new temporary fish passage technology at Menindee.

    Australian native fish need to migrate to feed, breed and seek new habitat but due to the introduction of barriers to fish passage, like dams and weirs, fish migration pathways have been impacted.

    Currently in the Lower Darling-Baaka, fish can only migrate upstream as far as Lake Wetherell and Menindee Main Weir. The Fishheart unit is a floating hydraulic fishway system designed to assist fish moving over existing barriers. Construction commenced to install the Fishheart unit to the Lake Wetherell outlet regulator in December 2024.

    Work continued over the summer, with the technology being lowered into the Lower Darling-Baaka River in late January 2025. Calibration and testing of the Fishheart is currently underway. 

    The Fishheart unit works by attracting fish into the fishway and then using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect and collect fish in the chambers, counting fish, gathering data before moving fish up and over barriers like the Lake Wetherell outlet regulator.

    This is the first time that this innovative technology will be trialled at this scale on Australian inland freshwater fish and builds on Fishheart’s work in Europe and the USA that has shown plenty of promise.

    The aim of the project is to test options to connect sections of the river, thereby helping move some fish out of the Menindee town weir pool to complete their life cycle and reducing the biomass and associated risks for water quality and fish kills.

    Fisheries Scientists from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries will conduct the monitoring program, using underwater sonar and video capture technology, plus trapping activities under appropriate permits.

    For more information about the project visit the Menindee Lower Darling-Baaka Temporary Tube Fishway Trial webpage.

    To read the NSW Government’s six-month Darling-Baaka progress report, visit the Restoring the Darling-Baaka program webpage.

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “This is the first time that this fishway technology will be trialled under Australian conditions at this scale and on native inland freshwater fish and it demonstrates the commitment of the Minns Labor Government to address environmental issues using innovative approaches, especially in western NSW.

    “While there is no one size fits all solution to restore fish passage in the Lower Darling-Baaka River or the Menindee Lakes system, this project aims to use innovative science, data and infrastructure as we promised to do.

    “Construction has been progressing through very hot days out at Menindee and we are grateful to all the personnel for their efforts in ensuring the fishway can get operational as soon as possible.

    “The Fishheart will be trialled for three breeding seasons, to measure its effectiveness in Menindee. But overseas experiences provide strong indicators for success, for moving fish through the fishway safely and hopefully reduce the risks of future fish kills in the Lower Darling-Baaka.”

    Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

    “It’s fantastic to see the fish passage being trialled in Menindee which is one of the innovative infrastructure solutions proposed to prevent future fish deaths.

    “We pledged to take decisive action on water quality in the Darling-Baaka to improve fish health and we are delivering on this promise, with a six-month progress report now available to show the community where we are up to.

    “So far, we have developed new water quality triggers, overhauled our emergency response plans, continued to upgrade monitoring and added additional resources while also exploring state-of-the-art infrastructure solutions such as the tube fishway and microbubble technology.

    “I’m encouraged by the progress in a short space of time, which the Chief Scientist himself has acknowledged publicly, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

    “The reality is this is an incredibly complex river system with significant challenges that won’t go away overnight, but we are in a much stronger position to respond to changing conditions than ever before, and we are undoubtedly moving in the right direction.”

    MIL OSI News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: High quality Kiwi beef and lamb helps lead economic recovery

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Strong demand and favourable export prices combined with new export opportunities in Europe and the Middle East will see New Zealand’s beef and lamb farmers add an extra $1.2 billion to their bank accounts this year as the primary sector helps to grow the economy, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said during a farm visit in Canterbury today. 
    “This is extremely positive news for sheep and beef farmers who have been doing it tough over the last six years,” Mr McClay says. 
    “Red meat exports are forecast to grow by 13 per cent this year which will have a positive economic impact on many of our provincial towns. 
    “New Zealand’s trade is extremely diversified with our network of FTAs offering exporters choices about where they send their products. For example, the newly enacted trade agreement with the European Union has seen goods exports to Europe increase by more than 24 per cent over the last year with sheep meat playing a big part in this growth.” 
    Mr McClay says lamb prices have increased by 20 per cent over the last year and mutton prices up by 70 per cent.
    “It’s good to see farmers starting to receive recognition for what their high quality product is worth.” 
    Total red meat exports are expected to reach $10.2 billion this year with increased demand from key markets seeking high quality, safe, grass-fed food and fibre from New Zealand.  
    “New Zealand red meat is some of the safest environmentally friendly food produced on the planet.  We can continue to meet our environmental and climate obligations without shutting down farms or sending jobs and production overseas.”
    Mr McClay says that the Government will continue to back sheep and beef farmers by reducing red tape and compliance costs and ensuring they can farm on a level playing field. 
    “We have already announced a ban on full farm to forest conversions from entering the ETS on some of our most productive food producing land from 4 December last year and will shortly introduce legislation to Parliament to enact this decision. 
    “The Government has set an ambitious goal of doubling exports by value in 10 years. It’s important to recognise that our hard-working sheep and beef farmers are doing their bit to grow the New Zealand economy.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking Sector – ASB further boosts rural commitment with new Head of Food & Fibre

    Source: ASB

    ASB has appointed Kristen Ashby as its new Head of Food & Fibre, a newly established role within its Rural Corporate Banking team.

    Kristen joins ASB from Fonterra where she was most recently Director of Capital Strategy. Starting her career as a Chartered Accountant, Kristen has worked across a variety of roles at organisations including Fonterra, Turners & Growers and Goodman Fielder.

    Born and bred in Waikato, Kristen’s rural upbringing and breadth of experience mean she brings a unique perspective to this role. She is passionate about helping Kiwi businesses to reach their goals, as well as future proofing for tomorrow.

    Kristen says, “I’m excited to be joining the team at such a crucial time. I see so much opportunity in the Food & Fibre sector and feel privileged to help build on the work already being done at ASB.

    As a bank we can make a real difference for our rural communities, uplift regional economies and put New Zealand-grown products on the map globally.

    I’m looking forward to getting on the road soon to meet our customers and broader industry participants to tackle these ambitious goals.”

    ASB General Manager Rural Banking Aidan Gent says “Kristen is a passionate leader with a proven track record of success, genuinely interested in making a difference for our customers.

    We are so excited to have her on board in this pivotal role as we bring our full-service banking proposition to the Food & Fibre sector – a critical component of our economy.

    With Food & Fibre making up more than 80% of our global exports, there is significant opportunity in this sector. This is not just farmers – it is the innovators looking at new foods & fibres and future uses of land, processors, logistics companies moving goods, all the way through to the electrician in Gore fixing a woolshed.

    Food & Fibre represents an opportunity to truly accelerate the social, environmental and financial progress of New Zealanders.”

    Kristen Ashby started in her new role in February 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Low-carbon liquid fuels of the Future Made In Australia

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    The Albanese Government is delivering $250 million to accelerate the pace of Australia’s growing domestic Low Carbon Liquid Fuels (LCLF) industry.

    This funding is part of the $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund and will be provided as grants to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment.

    Low carbon liquid fuels can be produced sustainably from waste, biomass such as agricultural feedstocks, or renewable hydrogen.

    Australia’s domestic LCLF industry will focus on supplying sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel in liquid fuel-reliant sectors, including transport (aviation, heavy vehicle, rail and maritime), mining, agriculture and construction.

    The development of low carbon fuels will drive economic growth and jobs in regional areas, including supporting diversification in agriculture, making good use of excess feedstock from crops, sugarcane and waste products such as tallow.

    CSIRO projects that a LCLF industry could contribute between AUD $6 billion to $12 billion annually in direct economic benefits, with greater gains from regional co-benefits including diversified income streams for farmers and regional communities.

    LCLFs not only help decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors of the economy but provide Australia with sovereign capability and resilience at a time of increasing international uncertainty. 

    Alongside the $250 million for low carbon liquid fuels, the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund is providing $500 million for clean energy technology manufacturing capabilities including electrolysers, batteries and wind towers.

    The Fund – a key element of the Future Made in Australia plan – will ensure Australia can maximise the economic and industrial benefits of the international move to net zero and secure Australia’s place in a changing global and strategic landscape. Funding is administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

    The investment in a wider domestic LCLF industry builds on the momentum of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Funding Initiative.

    This Sustainable Aviation Fuel Funding Initiative has seen the Albanese Government invest in $33.5 million across five projects to date, including LCLF production facilities in Bundaberg and Townsville, and enabling the supply of sustainable aviation fuel at Brisbane Airport.

    Funding from the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund is subject to the legislated Future Made in Australia Community Benefits Principles. The Albanese Government established these principles to ensure public investment and the private investment it attracts, has a direct and tangible benefit for local workers and businesses.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

    “The Australian Government is backing clean, green low carbon liquid fuels as an important part of our move towards net zero and long-term fuel security.

    “Australia has the know how and skills to meet the crucial task of decarbonising hard to abate sectors such as aviation, heavy transport and mining that rely on liquid fuels.

    “Investing in a Future Made in Australia means delivering the industries that will provide high end jobs, many in the regions, for future generations.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “We know that industries vital to our national prosperity, like the transportation of people and goods across our vast land, are carbon intensive and hard to abate.

    “That’s why we’re investing hundreds of millions of dollars to develop – right here in Australia – the low carbon liquid fuels of the future that will reduce their environmental impact without preventing their operation or expansion.

    “We have all the ingredients in Australia to be a global clean energy superpower, and the Future Made in Australia fund will help bring that potential to reality.”

    MIL OSI News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Budget 2025: Investing in Alberta’s future | Budget 2025 : Investir dans l’avenir de l’Alberta

    As Alberta continues work to address increasing domestic and international economic pressures, Budget 2025 works to strengthen Alberta’s economy. This budget helps build communities, secure Alberta’s southern border and boost investments in the province’s economic future.

    “While we work closely with partners to find solutions to a possible trade conflict, we will continue our work to make sure Alberta’s economy is strong – in and outside of the energy sector – so that we can manage any turbulence that comes our way. Budget 2025 carves our path forward in the face of this uncertainty.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Budget 2025: Supporting a strong workforce

    Alberta’s workforce is the backbone of the provincial economy. Budget 2025 continues the commitment to training and developing a skilled and resilient labour force to further grow Alberta’s economy and help businesses succeed, including: 

    • $26.1 billion over three years from the Capital Plan, to support about 26,500 direct and 12,000 indirect jobs each year through 2027-28.
    • $135 million for skilled trade programs such as apprenticeship and adult learning initiatives to help Albertans gain the skills and training needed for successful careers, and support access to job opportunities.
    • $2 billion in 2025-26 to support and expand early learning and child-care system so parents and caregivers can participate in training, education or work opportunities.  

    Budget 2025: Securing our borders

    • Alberta’s government is committed to being a good neighbour and trading partner, and part of this commitment involves taking measures to secure the Alberta-US border. Budget 2025 includes $29 million in 2025-26 for a new Interdiction Patrol Team within the Alberta Sheriffs to tackle illegal drug and gun smuggling, human trafficking, apprehension of persons attempting to cross the border illegally, and other illegal activities along Alberta’s international land border. Budget 2025 also includes a $15 million investment over two years for three new vehicle inspection stations located near borders to the USA.

    Budget 2025: Investing in post-secondary education

    Budget 2025 invests a total of $7.4 billion in post-secondary education, with an operating budget of $6.6 billion in 2025-26. This includes:

    • $78 million per year over the next three years to create more seats in apprenticeship classes across the province to build skilled trades and apprenticeship education that will respond to the needs of industry, support the economy and connect Albertans with jobs.
    • $113 million to support greater demand for scholarships and the Alberta Student Grant, with $60 million funded from the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund.
    • $4 million to the First Nations Colleges Grant which is distributed equally across five colleges in rural and remote Indigenous communities.

    “Our government is ensuring that Alberta students have the skills and training they need to meet the needs of today while preparing for the economy of the future. Budget 2025 makes foundational investments to meet the challenge of a rapidly growing population while supporting a sustainable post-secondary education system.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    Budget 2025: Building communities

    Alberta’s vibrant communities make Alberta the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family. Budget 2025 invests in stronger communities across Alberta, including:

    • $17.2 million to increase grants made to municipalities in lieu of property taxes on government-owned property to 75 per cent, up from the current 50 per cent. By next year, the province will cover 100 per cent of the amount that would be paid if the property was taxable.
    • $820 million this year and $2.5 billion over three years in Local Government Fiscal Framework capital funding to help fund local infrastructure priorities.

    Budget 2025: Supporting trade and diversification

    Alberta continues to champion economic growth and policies that support productivity. Through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government will continue to build on current successes through:

    • Attracting more investment through low corporate income taxes. At eight per cent, Alberta’s corporate income tax rate is 30 per cent lower than the next lowest province.
    • Providing greater incentive for small- and medium-sized firms that increase their spending on research and development, with Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant.
    • Promoting Alberta as a reliable partner in supporting North American and global energy security to investors. The province will optimize new and existing infrastructure to access new markets for Alberta’s energy and mineral resources.
    • Supporting Alberta’s agriculture producers and value-added processors, addressing barriers to trade by cultivating export markets, and working to increase market access for Alberta products.
    • Reinforcing Alberta as a critical contributor to North American energy security by continuing to advocate for our remarkable energy sector across Canada, the U.S., Germany, Japan and the rest of the world.

    Budget 2025: Investing in business and industry

    Budget 2025 continues to find ways to help Alberta’s economy grow through investments in business and industry and help our economy grow, including:

    • Support to attract investment in Alberta’s energy and mineral resource sector to accelerate opportunities in emerging resources.
    • $45 million over three years for the Investment and Growth Fund to attract investment into Alberta’s economy.
    • $1.8 million in Western Crop Innovations for industry-leading crop research.
    • $780,000 to support small- and medium-sized meat processors.
    • $3.1 million for the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to expand toward a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory. This will give livestock producers and vets access to quicker, more affordable livestock diagnostics closer to home.

    “Budget 2025 builds a stronger Alberta by growing industries, creating high-quality jobs and expanding opportunities for workers and families. With strategic investments in innovation, infrastructure and workforce development, Alberta is rising to the challenge, strengthening our province for many years to come.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    “We are advancing cutting-edge research in agriculture and supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, we are strengthening our agricultural infrastructure, ensuring quicker and more affordable services for livestock producers and veterinarians. We’re supporting innovation, attracting investment, and building a resilient economy for the future.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Related information

    • Budget 2025

    Related news

    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge (Feb 27, 2025)
    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge in health and education (Feb 27, 2025)

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    Le budget de 2025 relève le défi de l’incertitude en matière de commerce et de sécurité en mettant l’accent sur l’économie.

    À mesure que l’Alberta continue de répondre aux pressions économiques intérieures et internationales, le budget de 2025 vise à renforcer l’économie albertaine. Il contribue à bâtir des communautés, à assurer la sécurité de la frontière au sud de la province et à renforcer les investissements dans notre avenir économique.

    « Alors que nous travaillons en étroite collaboration avec des partenaires pour trouver des solutions à un différend commercial potentiel, nous poursuivons notre travail pour nous assurer que l’économie de l’Alberta est forte, dans le secteur de l’énergie et ailleurs, afin de pouvoir gérer toute perturbation. Le budget de 2025 trace la voie à suivre face à cette incertitude. »

    Nate Horner, président du Conseil du Trésor et ministre des Finances

    Budget 2025 : Soutenir une main-d’œuvre solide

    La main-d’œuvre albertaine est l’épine dorsale de l’économie provinciale. Le budget de 2025 maintient l’engagement envers la formation et le perfectionnement d’une main-d’œuvre qualifiée et résiliente de sorte à faire croître l’économie et aider les entreprises à réussir : 

    • 26,1 milliards de dollars sur trois ans provenant du plan d’immobilisations afin d’appuyer environ 26 500 emplois directs et 12 000 emplois indirects chaque année jusqu’en 2027-2028.
    • 135 millions de dollars pour des programmes de métiers spécialisés, comme des initiatives d’apprentissages et d’éducation des adultes de sorte à aider les Albertains à acquérir les compétences et à suivre la formation nécessaires pour mener des carrières fructueuses, ainsi qu’à soutenir l’accès aux possibilités d’emploi.
    • 2 milliards de dollars en 2025-26 pour appuyer et élargir le système d’apprentissage et de garde des jeunes enfants afin que les parents et les gardiens tirent parti de possibilités de formation, d’éducation ou d’emploi.  

    Budget 2025 : Assurer la sécurité de nos frontières

    • Le gouvernement de l’Alberta est résolu à être un bon voisin et un bon partenaire commercial, ce qui implique la prise de mesures pour assurer la sécurité de la frontière entre l’Alberta et les États-Unis. Le budget de 2025 prévoit 29 millions de dollars en 2025-26 pour une nouvelle équipe de « patrouille d’interdiction » (Interdiction Patrol Team) qui fait partie des shérifs de l’Alberta et sera chargée de lutter contre le trafic de drogue et d’armes et la traite de personnes, d’appréhender les personnes qui tentent de traverser la frontière illégalement et de surveiller d’autres activités illégales le long de la frontière internationale de la province. Le budget de 2025 comprend en outre un investissement de 15 millions de dollars sur deux ans pour trois nouveaux postes d’inspection de véhicules près de la frontière des États-Unis.

    Budget 2025 : Investir dans l’enseignement postsecondaire

    Le budget de 2025 investit en tout 7,4 milliards de dollars dans l’enseignement postsecondaire, le budget d’exploitation étant de 6,6 milliards de dollars en 2025-2026. Cette somme comprend :

    • 78 millions de dollars par années sur trois ans pour créer un plus grand nombre de places dans les cours d’apprentissage de toute la province en vue de renforcer les métiers spécialisés et les formations en apprentissage qui répondront aux besoins de l’industrie, soutiendront l’économie et mettront les Albertains en rapport avec des emplois.
    • 113 millions de dollars pour contribuer à satisfaire à la demande croissante de bourses et appuyer la bourse aux étudiants de l’Alberta (Alberta Student Grant), dont 60 millions de dollars provenant de l’Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund.
    • 4 millions de dollars pour la subvention aux collèges des Premières Nations (First Nations Colleges Grant), cette somme étant répartie également entre cinq collèges dans des communautés autochtones rurales et éloignées.

    « Notre gouvernement veille à ce que les étudiants en Alberta possèdent les compétences et la formation nécessaires pour répondre aux besoins actuels, tout en se préparant à l’économie future. Le budget de 2025 réalise des investissements fondamentaux de sorte à relever les défis posés par une population en pleine croissance, tout en appuyant un système d’éducation postsecondaire durable. »

    Rajan Sawhney, ministre de l’Enseignement postsecondaire

    Budget 2025 : Bâtir des communautés

    Les communautés dynamiques de notre province font de l’Alberta le meilleur endroit au Canada où vivre, travailler et élever une famille. Le budget de 2025 investit dans des communautés plus fortes partout en Alberta :

    • 17,2 millions de dollars pour augmenter de 50 % à 75 % les subventions accordées aux municipalités en remplacement d’impôts fonciers à l’égard des propriétés qui appartiennent au gouvernement. D’ici l’année prochaine, la province couvrira 100 $ du montant qui serait versé si la propriété était imposable.
    • 820 millions de dollars cette année et 2,5 milliards de dollars sur trois ans en dépenses en capital du cadre fiscal des administrations locales (Local Government Fiscal Framework) afin d’aider à financer les travaux d’infrastructures prioritaires.

    Budget 2025 : Soutenir le commerce et la diversification

    L’Alberta continue de favoriser la croissance économique et des politiques qui appuient la productivité. Par l’entremise du budget de 2025, le gouvernement de l’Alberta continuera de tirer parti des réussites actuelles en faisant ce qui suit :

    • Attirer plus d’investissements grâce à un faible taux d’imposition sur le revenu des sociétés. En Alberta, le taux de 8 % est de 30 % inférieur à celui de la province qui se classe deuxième.
    • Offrir de plus grands stimulants aux petites et moyennes entreprises qui augmentent leurs dépenses en recherche et développement, par l’entremise de la subvention pour l’emploi et l’innovation (Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant).
    • Promouvoir l’Alberta en tant que partenaire fiable pour soutenir la sécurité énergétique nord-américaine et mondiale auprès des investisseurs. La province optimisera les infrastructures nouvelles et existantes afin d’accéder à de nouveaux marchés pour les ressources énergétiques et minérales de l’Alberta.
    • Soutenir les producteurs agricoles albertains et les transformateurs à valeur ajoutée de l’Alberta, s’attaquer aux obstacles au commerce en cultivant les marchés d’exportation et s’employer à améliorer l’accès au marché pour les produits de l’Alberta.
    • Renforcer la position de l’Alberta en tant que contributrice essentielle à la sécurité énergétique de l’Amérique du Nord en continuant de promouvoir notre secteur énergétique remarquable au Canada, aux États-Unis, en Allemagne, au Japon et dans le reste du monde.

    Budget 2025 : Investir dans les entreprises et les industries

    Le budget de 2025 continue de trouver des moyens de favoriser la croissance de l’économie albertaine en investissant dans les entreprises et les industries :

    • Soutien visant à attirer des investissements dans le secteur de l’énergie et des ressources minérales de sorte à accélérer les possibilités dans le domaine des ressources émergentes.
    • 45 millions de dollars sur trois ans pour le fonds d’investissement et de croissance (Investment and Growth Fund) en vue d’attirer des investissements dans l’économie albertaine.
    • 1,8 million de dollars versés à Western Crop Innovations au titre de la recherche de pointe sur les cultures.
    • 780 000 $ pour appuyer les petites et moyennes entreprises de transformation de viande.
    • 3,1 millions de dollars pour la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l’Université de Calgary en vue d’un agrandissement menant à un laboratoire de diagnostic vétérinaire complet. Les éleveurs de bétail et les vétérinaires auront alors accès à un diagnostic plus rapide, plus abordable et plus proche.

    « Le budget de 2025 bâtit une Alberta plus forte en développant les industries, en créant des emplois de haute qualité et en élargissant les possibilités offertes aux travailleurs et aux familles. Grâce à des investissements stratégiques en innovation, infrastructure et perfectionnement de la main-d’œuvre, l’Alberta relève le défi pour être plus forte pendant de nombreuses années à venir. »

    Matt Jones, ministre de l’Emploi, de l’Économie et du Commerce

    « Nous faisons progresser la recherche de point en agriculture et nous appuyons les petites et moyennes entreprises. De plus, nous renforçons notre infrastructure agricole pour offrir des services plus rapides et plus abordables aux éleveurs de bétail et aux vétérinaires. Nous soutenons l’innovation, nous attirons les investissements et nous bâtissons une économie résiliente pour l’avenir. »

    RJ Sigurdson, ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Irrigation

    Le budget de 2025 relève le défi auquel fait face l’Alberta grâce à des investissements continus dans l’éducation et la santé, une baisse des impôts pour les familles et un accent sur l’économie.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Budget 2025

    Nouvelles connexes

    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge | Budget 2025 : Relever le défi (27 février 2025)
    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge in health and education | Budget 2025 :  Relever le défi dans la santé et l’éducation (27 février 2025)

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    March 6, 2025
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