Category: Farming

MIL-OSI: Diginex Limited Announces Underwriters’ Full Exercise of Over-Allotment Option

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HONG KONG, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diginex Limited (“Diginex Limited” or the “Company”), incorporated in the Cayman Islands, is an impact technology business that helps organizations to address the some of the most pressing Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”), climate and sustainability issues, utilizing blockchain, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate social responsibility and climate action, today announced that on January 27, 2025, the underwriters of its previously announced initial public offering (the “Offering”) have exercised their over-allotment option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) in full and purchased an additional 337,500 ordinary shares of the Company at the public offering price of $4.10 per share, resulting in additional gross proceeds of $1.38 million. After giving effect to the full exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, the total number of ordinary shares sold by the Company in the Offering increased to 2,587,500 ordinary shares and the gross proceeds increased to $10.61 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The Company’s ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “DGNX” on January 22, 2025.

The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Dominari Securities, LLC acted as the representative of the underwriters to the Offering, and Revere Securities LLC was a co-underwriter. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as U.S. and Hong Kong counsel to the Company, and Robinson & Cole LLP acted as U.S. counsel to Dominari Securities LLC and Revere Securities LLC in connection with this Offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-282027) was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and was declared effective by the SEC on December 20, 2024. A final prospectus relating to the Offering was filed with the SEC on January 23, 2025 and available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus relating to this Offering may be obtained from Dominari Securities LLC, 725 5th Ave, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, Telephone: (212) 393-4500; Email: investmentbanking@dominarisecurities.com.

Before you invest, you should read the registration statement (including the post-effective amendment) and the preliminary prospectus contained therein, the final prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Diginex Limited

Diginex Limited is a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands in 2024, with subsidiaries located in Hong Kong, United Kingdom and United States of America. Diginex Limited conducts operations through its wholly owned subsidiary Diginex Solutions (HK) Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“DSL”) and DSL is the sole owner of (i) Diginex Services Limited, a corporation formed in the United Kingdom and (ii) Diginex USA LLC, a limited liability company formed in the State of Delaware. DSL commenced operations in 2020, is headquartered in Hong Kong, and is a software company that empowers businesses and governments to streamline ESG, climate, and supply chain data collection and reporting. DSL is an impact technology business that helps organizations to address the some of the most pressing ESG, climate and sustainability issues, utilizing blockchain, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate social responsibility and climate action.

Diginex’s products and services solutions enable companies to collect, evaluate and share sustainability data through easy-to-use software For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.diginex.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Offering and the use of proceeds. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Diginex
Investor Relations
Email: ir@diginex.com

Jackson Lin
Lambert by LLYC
Phone: +1 (646) 717-4593
Email: jian.lin@llyc.global

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Digital transformation in the agriculture sector as a means of meeting the EU’s climate objectives – E-000134/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000134/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE)

The digitalisation of the agriculture sector in Europe and its modernisation with cutting-edge technologies have significant potential to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture and achieve the EU’s climate objectives, as well as to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the agriculture sector. However, the implementation of such projects is hampered by implementation costs – especially for small-scale farmers – the lack of resources and skills and imperfect interoperability between different systems.

In view of the above:

1.How does the Commission plan to help address these challenges, with a focus on small-scale farmers?

2.Is it considering drawing on best practices and encouraging their adoption in order to boost productivity and make agricultural production and the agriculture sector in general more sustainable?

Submitted: 15.1.2025
Last updated: 27 January 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Relief Still Available to West Virginia: Private Nonprofits Hit by April Storms

Source: United States Small Business Administration

TLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in West Virginia of the Feb. 24 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred on April 2-6, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Preston, Tyler and Wetzel.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises. 

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. 

“When disasters strike, businesses and nonprofits face significant challenges,” said Randle Logan, acting associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “These SBA loans provide the financial support they need to manage costs and continue moving forward.” 

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 24, 2025.

# # #

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rabi crop sowing exceeds 655.88 lakh hectares

Source: Government of India

Rabi crop sowing exceeds 655.88 lakh hectares

35.15 lakh ha area coverage under Paddy has been reported

324.38 lakh ha area coverage under Wheat has been reported as compared to 315.63 lakh ha during the corresponding period of last year

142.49 lakh ha area coverage under Pulses has been reported compared to 139.29 lakh ha during the corresponding period of last year

55.67 lakh ha area coverage under Shri Anna & Coarse Cereals has been reported

Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 5:48PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released progress of area coverage under Rabi crops as on 27^th January 2025.

Area: In lakh hactare

S. No.	Crop	Normal Area (DES) (2018-19 – 2022-23)	Area Sown
S. No.	Crop	Normal Area (DES) (2018-19 – 2022-23)	2024-25	2023-24
1	Wheat	312.35	324.38	315.63
2	Rice/Paddy	42.02	35.15	30.38
3	Pulses	140.44	142.49	139.29
a	Gram	100.99	98.55	95.87
b	Lentil	15.13	17.43	17.76
c	Fieldpea	6.50	8.94	8.98
d	Kulthi	1.98	3.13	3.13
e	Urd Bean	6.15	5.60	5.12
f	Moong Bean	1.44	1.27	1.08
g	Lathyrus	2.79	3.12	3.32
h	Other Pulses	5.46	4.45	4.04
4	Shri Anna & Coarse cereals	53.46	55.67	55.89
a	Jowar	24.37	24.35	26.60
b	Bajra	0.37	0.14	0.17
c	Ragi	0.74	0.73	0.68
d	Small Millets	0.15	0.16	0.00
e	Maize	22.11	23.67	21.75
f	Barley	5.72	6.62	6.70
5	Oilseeds	87.02	98.18	102.52
a	Rapeseed & Mustard	79.16	89.30	93.73
b	Groundnut	3.82	3.65	3.42
c	Safflower	0.72	0.71	0.77
d	Sunflower	0.81	0.74	0.43
e	Sesamum	0.58	0.34	0.52
f	Linseed	1.93	3.07	3.32
g	Other Oilseeds	0.00	0.38	0.34
Total Crops		635.30	655.88	643.72

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MG/KSR

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Padma Shri for Hariman Sharma: The Apple Man of India

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

Shri Hariman Sharma, a visionary farmer from Himachal Pradesh, has been honored with Padma Shri, the highest Civilian Award for his transformative contribution to Indian agriculture. He developed an innovative, self- pollinating, low chilling apple variety called HRMN – 99, that has revolutionized the apple cultivation landscape in the country and brought a juicy nutritive variety more within reach in terms of geography and affordability.

Unlike commercial apple varieties that require temperate climates and extended chilling hours, HRMN-99 thrives in tropical, sub-tropical, and plain regions with summer temperatures reaching 40-45°C, enabling apple farming in areas where it was previously considered unviable.

Orphaned during childhood, Hariman Sharma’s journey from the mountainous lanes of his tiny hamlet Paniala, located in Bilaspur (HP) to the great halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan is truly inspirational not only for the farming community, but also for the students, researchers and horticulturists of the country. Despite all odds, Shri Sharma completed his education till matric and pursued his passion for farming and pomology.

The story of the HRMN-99 apple variety began in 1998 when Hariman Sharma planted a few seeds from discarded apples used for household consumption in his backyard. Remarkably, one of these seeds sprouted the following year, and by 2001, the plant bore fruit despite the warm climate of Paniala, situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet. Realizing its potential, he carefully tended to the mother plant and propagated it through grafting, eventually establishing a flourishing apple orchard. Over the following decade, he focused on expanding his orchards by experimenting with various scions, grafting techniques and refining his innovative apple variety. Despite his efforts to share this breakthrough with regions having similar climatic conditions, his work initially garnered limited attention from both the farming and scientific communities.

In 2012, the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, scouted this innovation. NIF verified the distinctness of the variety and supported its validation by facilitating molecular studies, fruit quality testing, and multi-location trials in collaboration with ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, state agriculture departments, farmers and volunteers spread across the country. Through these collaborative efforts, the variety has expanded to 29 states and UTs, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli, Karnataka, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Pondicherry, Himachal Pradesh as well as planted at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. NIF also facilitated the registration of the variety at the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, New Delhi.

For his innovation, Shri Hariman Sharma was conferred the National Award in 2017 during the 9th National Biennial Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards by then Hon’ble President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He also has several accolades to his credit including the National Innovative Farmer Award by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, GoI (2016), IARI Fellow Award (2017), Kisan Vaigyanik Upadhi by DDG, ICAR (2017), National Best Farmer Award (2018), Rashtriya Krishak Samrat Samman (2018) Jagjivan Ram Krishi Abhinav Award (2019) and several state and central government awards. He also represented India in the 4th ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) held during November 2023 in Malaysia.

The HRMN-99 variety, characterized by its striped red-over-yellow skin, soft and juicy pulp, and ability to produce up to 75 kg of fruit per plant annually, has empowered thousands of farmers across India. NIF also supported its commercial adoption, establishing apple orchards and providing training to in collaboration with the State Agriculture Departments and the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) under North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, Govt of India to transplant the variety through the North-eastern states at large scale, resulting over one lakhs of saplings of the variety have been planted in all NE states for providing an additional source of income to the farmers.

Shri Hariman Sharma’s exceptional innovation has not only transformed apple cultivation in India but has also inspired innumerable farmers with additional income and better nutritional access. Through his efforts, the apple once considered rich man’s diet is in the reach of common man. Recognition of his efforts through the Padma Shri Award, stands as a testament to the transformative power of grassroots innovations in addressing national challenges and creating sustainable livelihoods, aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

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NKR/PSM

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Petroleum Industry

Source: Government of India

India’s Petroleum Industry

Fueling Growth and Innovation

Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 8:22PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

India’s petroleum industry is a comprehensive sector encompassing exploration, production, refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum and its by-products. This includes upstream activities like extraction of crude oil and natural gas, midstream activities such as transportation and storage, and downstream processes including refining and distribution of fuels like petrol, diesel, LPG, and kerosene. A critical contributor to India’s energy basket, the petroleum industry ensures energy security and underpins various economic activities.

At present, India has nineteen Public-Sector Undertaking (PSU) refineries, three Private-Sector refineries, and one Joint Venture refinery. The country’s refining capacity increased from 215.066 Million Metric Tons per annum (MMTPA) in April 2014 to 256.816 MMTPA in April 2024.

Origin and Brief History

The roots of India’s petroleum industry trace back to 1867 when the first oil well was drilled in Digboi, Assam. This discovery marked the inception of the country’s exploration and production activities. The establishment of the Indian Oil Corporation in 1959 heralded a structured approach to refining and distribution. Over the decades, the sector witnessed significant expansion, from small-scale refineries to a robust network capable of meeting domestic and export demands. Today, India’s petroleum industry stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation, evolving in response to global and domestic energy challenges.

Industry Development and Evolution

The Indian petroleum industry has evolved significantly, driven by technological advancements and policy reforms. The 1990s marked a pivotal era with economic liberalization, leading to increased private and foreign investment. Public sector undertakings (PSUs) like ONGC and Indian Oil Corporation have played a crucial role in exploration and refining. Establishing state-of-the-art refineries, such as Jamnagar Refinery in Gujarat, has bolstered refining capacities, making India a refining hub in Asia. Furthermore, government initiatives like the National Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) have incentivized exploration activities.

India’s energy landscape is rapidly evolving. The country boasts 651.8 million metric tons of recoverable crude oil reserves and 1,138.6 billion cubic meters of recoverable natural gas reserves within its sedimentary basins.

Here are some recent updates in India’s petroleum industry:

India is on track to increase its exploration acreage to 1million square kilometers by 2030, with a 16% increase expected in 2025.
The price of a domestic LPG cylinder in India is among the lowest worldwide, with costs as low as Rs. 803 per 14.2 Kg cylinder. For PMUY households, after a targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder, the effective price is Rs 503/ cylinder.
The approval process for exploration and production activities in the petroleum industry has now been simplified, reducing 37 approval processes to just 18, of which nine are now available for self-certification.
Introducing the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill in 2024 ensures policy stability for oil and gas producers, and enables single license for all hydrocarbons. This bill was recently passed by the Rajya Sabha on December 3, 2024.

Foreign trade of Petroleum

India has witnessed a remarkable surge in petroleum product exports over the last decade. The country’s refining capacity, now exceeding 250 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), has enabled it to cater to global markets.

Key export destinations include South Asian, African, and European countries. The government’s emphasis on export-oriented growth and establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for refineries have further boosted this trend. Exports not only contribute to foreign exchange reserves but also enhance India’s stature as a global energy supplier.

Source: https://ppac.gov.in/

Share in GDP

As per the information provided by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Gross Value Addition (GVA) of manufacture of Coke and Refined Petroleum Products has increased from Rs.1.56 lakh Crore in 2012-13 to Rs. 2.12 lakh Crore in 2022-23 (as per first revised estimates) which has also contributed in increase of All India GDP from Rs.99.44 lakh Crore to Rs. 269.49 lakh Crore in the corresponding period, at current prices. This industry also provides direct and indirect employment to millions, spanning exploration, refining, distribution, and retail sectors. The industry’s value chain supports ancillary industries such as petrochemicals, logistics, and manufacturing. The sector enhances socio-economic stability by fostering skill development and offering diverse career opportunities.

Global Ranking in Refining and Supply

India ranks among the top five refining nations globally, thanks to its robust infrastructure and strategic geographic location. The country is the seventh-largest exporter of refined petroleum products. Facilities like the Jamnagar refinery, one of the world’s largest, underscore India’s dominance in the refining sector. This global standing enhances India’s energy security and positions it as a key player in international energy markets. International Energy Agency (IEA) in February 2024 assessed that India will become the largest source of global oil demand growth between now and 2030. India is the second-largest economy in biofuel blending, following Brazil.

Metric	India’s Global Rank
Exporter of Refined Products	7th
Ethanol Blending in Petrol	2nd
BioFuel Producer	3rd
LNG Terminal Capacity	4th
Refining Capacity (MMTPA)	4th

Technological Advancements in Petroleum Industry

Adopting cutting-edge technologies has been pivotal to the petroleum industry’s growth. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques, digitalization, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have optimized exploration and production processes. Refineries are increasingly adopting green technologies to minimize environmental impact. Projects such as bio-refineries and the development of alternative fuels like compressed bio-gas (CBG) showcase the industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to bolster the petroleum sector. Here are some key schemes:

Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: Supporting bio-ethanol projects such as second generation and third generation plants for sustainable fuel production.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Enhancing energy security through storage facilities. In India, the SPR is primarily located at three underground storage facilities in Visakhapatnam, Mangalore, and Padur (Karnataka), with a total capacity of 5.33 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of crude oil managed by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL).
Ethanol Blending Program: Promoting biofuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb emissions. The government has a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26. Since the inception of the EBP Programme, ethanol blending has increased from 38 crore litres in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to over 707.4 crore litres in ESY 2023-24.
City Gas Distribution Network Expansion: Expanding piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure by covering 733 districts in 34 states/UTs covering almost 100% of the mainland area and almost 100% of total geographical area of the country.
Energy Security Initiatives: Investing in overseas exploration and acquisition of oil blocks.

Moving towards Greener Fuels

SATAT Initiative (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation): The SATAT initiative invites potential investors to set up Compressed Biogas (CBG) production plants. The aim is to make better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung, and municipal solid waste, and provide farmers with an additional source of revenue.
Mission Green Hydrogen: Promoting green hydrogen production to reduce carbon footprint. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, a global demand of over 100 MMT of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives like Green Ammonia is expected to emerge by 2030. Aiming at about 10% of the global market, India can potentially export about 10 MMT Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia per annum. The production capacity targeted by 2030 is likely to leverage over ₹8 lakh crore in total investments and create over 6 lakh jobs. Nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions are expected to be averted as a result of the various Green Hydrogen initiatives under the Mission. Achievement of Mission targets is expected to contribute to India’s energy security and reduce a cumulative ₹1 lakh crore worth of fossil fuel imports by 2030 .
National Bio-Energy Programme: Focused on bio-energy production and reducing waste.
Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP): Encouraging private investment in exploration and production.

Implications for India’s Growth and Development

The petroleum industry’s expansion has multifaceted implications. Economically, it boosts GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and industrial growth. Politically, energy independence strengthens India’s global standing and reduces strategic vulnerabilities. Socially, the industry’s growth promotes rural development through improved energy access and employment.

Future Prospects

India’s petroleum industry faces a dynamic future, shaped by global energy transitions and domestic demand. Increasing investments in exploration, expanding refining capacities, and embracing renewable energy sources will define its trajectory. Initiatives like green hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies highlight the sector’s adaptability. With a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, India is poised to maintain its leadership in the global energy landscape while aligning with its climate commitments.

Key Area	Future Target
Refining Capacity	309.5 MMTPA by 2030
Ethanol Blending	20% by 2025-26
Green Hydrogen Production	5 MMTPA by 2030
Exploration Acreage	1 million sq. kms. by 2030

References

https://www.isprlindia.com/aboutus.asp

https://mopng.gov.in/

https://nghm.mnre.gov.in/overviews.php

https://ongcindia.com/web/eng/about-ongc/ongc-at-a-glance/oil-and-gas-industry

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2043042

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2038435

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1940265

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1946408

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2003519

https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=152007&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

https://pib.gov.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx?mincode=20

https://ppac.gov.in/import-export

https://ppac.gov.in/infrastructure/installed-refinery-capacity

https://pmuy.gov.in/

https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/jan/doc202413295811.pdf

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Rishita Aggarwal

Annexure 1

Refineries in India:

Refinery Location	Name of the Company	Name Plate Capacity (MMTPA)
	PSU Refineries
Digboi – 1901	Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.	0.650
Guwahati – 1962	Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.	1.200
Barauni – 1964	Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.	6.000
Koyali – 1965	Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.	13.700
Bongaigaon – 1974	Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.	2.700
Haldia – 1975	Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.	8.000
Mathura – 1982	Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.	8.000
Panipat – 1998	Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.	15.000
Paradip – 2016	Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.	15.000
Manali – 1965	Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd.	10.500
Cauvery Basin* – 1993	Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd.	0.000
Mumbai – 1954	Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.	9.500
Vizag – 1957	Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.	13.700
Mumbai – 1955	Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.	12.000
Bina^ – 2011	Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.	7.800
Kochi – 1963	Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.	15.500
Numaligarh – 2000	Numaligarh Refinery Ltd.	3.000
Mangalore – 1996	Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd.	15.000
Tatipaka, AP – 2001	Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.	0.066
Total PSU Refineries		157.316

	JV Refineries
Bathinda – 2012	HPCL Mittal Energy Ltd.	11.300
Total JV Refineries		11.300

	Private Sector Refineries
DTA-Jamnagar – 1999	Reliance Industries Ltd.	33.000
SEZ-Jamnagar – 2008	Reliance Industries Ltd.	35.200
Vadinar – 2006	Nayara Energy (Formerly Essar Oil Ltd.)	20.000
Total Private Sector		88.200
Grand Total		256.816

* The Cauvery Basin refinery is under capacity augmentation.

^The Bina oil refinery, in the year 2021, become wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited – a ‘Maharatna’ PSU of Government of India.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A Convergence of Flagship Initiatives Driving Regional Growth, says Dr. Jitendra Singh at North East Aroma Conclave 2025

Source: Government of India

A Convergence of Flagship Initiatives Driving Regional Growth, says Dr. Jitendra Singh at North East Aroma Conclave 2025

Both the Northeast region as well as Jammu & Kashmir have been on the priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Aroma Mission launched by the government headed by him in J&K is now picking up in the Northeast

North East Set to Mirror Lavender Revolution: Minister Hails Aroma Mission’s Role in Empowering Startups and Driving Innovation

Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Incubation & Innovation Complex (IICON), Paving the Way for Startup Growth in North East

Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 6:42PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that both the Northeast region as well as Jammu & Kashmir have been on the priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Aroma Mission launched by the government headed by him in J&K is now picking up in the Northeast.

Both these regions have abundant natural resources which have in the past remained unexplored but can be a vital value addition to India’s economy, said the Minister.

Speaking virtually at the inauguration of the Incubation & Innovation Complex (IICON) of CSIR-NEIST, Dr Jitendra Singh underscored the transformative potential of the Aroma Mission at the north East Aroma Conclave 2025, highlighting how the initiative integrates multiple flagship schemes of the Government to empower the region.

The Minister called It a model of the “whole-of-government” approach, aligning programs such as StartUp India, MSME support, agricultural advancements, and rural development.

“This single initiative represents the spirit of convergence that the Modi Government has championed,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said. He noted that the Aroma Mission is not just an agricultural or scientific initiative but a platform fostering startups, self-help groups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while simultaneously contributing to farmers’ income and promoting employment.The event witnessed the distribution of agreements to 25 startups, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and self-help groups, empowering them to utilize the advanced facilities at IICON and contribute to the region’s economic growth and innovation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further elaborated that this mission has drawn strength from the Prime Minister’s vision of inclusive development of regions like the North East and Jammu & Kashmir. “Through the Aroma Mission, we are addressing the untapped potential of these biodiverse regions, enabling them to contribute significantly to India’s economy,” he said.

The mission’s outcomes have been promising. Over 27 facilities established at CSIR-NEIST are being utilized by entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and startups. These efforts are creating new opportunities for employment and innovation in sectors such as essential oils and medicinal plants, with North East India poised to replicate the success of lavender cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted how the initiative ties into broader priorities such as doubling farmers’ income and fostering women’s empowerment. He praised the Rural Women Technology Park developed under the mission, describing it as a template for replication in other parts of the country.

The Minister also pointed to the broader vision of transforming the North East into a hub of connectivity, innovation, and collaboration. “From being regions with minimal connectivity, states in the North East now boast robust rail, air, and water networks, opening avenues for industrial partnerships and exports,” he remarked.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that the Aroma Mission will not only bring prosperity to the North East but also bolster India’s bio-economy and biotechnology sectors. With the recently launched Bio-E3 policy and new collaborations in place, the region is set to emerge as a key contributor to India’s growth story, paving the way for achieving the vision of India@2047.

The North East Aroma Conclave 2025, with its blend of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, stands as a beacon of how integrated government initiatives can drive regional progress and national aspirations.

Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the significance of IICON, calling it a “one-stop solution” for entrepreneurs, farmers, and artisans. The state-of-the-art facility offers 27 advanced technologies to support startups and MSMEs, fostering innovation and skill development while reducing business risks. Selected entrepreneurs and self-help groups will have access to the incubation facilities for up to two years, allowing them to refine production and marketing strategies before launching their independent ventures.

The Minister commended the CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST) for translating research into impactful solutions for rural communities. Through the Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission, CSIR-NEIST has successfully introduced aromatic crops like citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, and chamomile across more than 5,000 hectares in the North East, benefiting over 10,000 farmers. Additionally, the institute has established 39 essential oil distillation units and plans to distribute 1 lakh agarwood saplings in the coming year, paving the way for the region to emerge as a major player in the aromatic plants industry.

Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by stressing the importance of leveraging the North East’s natural and human resources to achieve the vision of India@2047. With initiatives like the Aroma Mission, IICON, and the Government’s Act East Policy, the North East is poised to become a gateway for trade and innovation, fostering regional prosperity and strengthening India’s position on the global stage.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2096771) Visitor Counter : 31

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IFAD Associate Vice President Shri Donal Brown meets Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi

Source: Government of India

IFAD Associate Vice President Shri Donal Brown meets Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi

Shri Donal Brown appreciates the role India’s role as founding member of IFAD

Agri Secretary highlights the importance of ensuring the sustainability of Farmer Producer Organizations

Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

Mr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), called on Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi today. During the meeting, Mr Brown appreciated India’s role as a founding member of IFAD, and longstanding and productive partnership with IFAD. Mr. Brown briefed the Secretary about IFAD’s collaborative projects with state governments, particularly in the North Eastern and Himalayan regions, focusing on building climate-resilient agricultural value chains; empowering women, youth, tribal communities; supporting marginalized farmers; and strengthening rural infrastructure.

During the meeting Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi highlighted the Ministry’s key priorities, including food and nutritional security, climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and improving farmer incomes. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), utilizing Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to support agriculture, promoting integrated farming systems, and fostering agricultural entrepreneurship through scaling up innovative, cost-effective solutions. He also noted IFAD’s continued support for integrated farming models, FPOs engagement, entrepreneurship development and co-financing initiatives.

Discussion were held to identify further area of collaboration based on Ministry’s key priorities to prepare the Country Strategy Plan of IFAD.

The IFAD delegation included Ms. Pieternel Marianne Boogaard, Managing Director, Office of Technical Delivery; Mr. Abdelkarim Sma, Country Director, Ms. Meera Mishra, Country Programme Coordinator; and Ms. Elisabeth Steinmayr, Programme Officer. The Indian side included Ms. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Additional Secretary (DA&FW), the Joint Secretary (IC), Joint Secretary (Marketing) and representatives from NABARD.

*****

MG/KSR

(Release ID: 2096770) Visitor Counter : 57

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Research and Innovation are Essential for Progressing in the World: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

Source: Government of India

Research and Innovation are Essential for Progressing in the World: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

PM Modi has said that we will host Olympics in 2036, which will symbolize India’s growing strength: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

India’s Pathway to the 2036 Olympics; Rashtriya Raksha University Hosts First International Olympic Research Conference

Over 60 research papers to be presented by experts from around the world during this four-day conference

Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 6:34PM by PIB Delhi

The first International Olympic Research Conference was inaugurated today by the Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, at Rashtriya Raksha University. The four-day conference aims to establish India as a significant player in the global Olympic ecosystem, focusing on financial sustainability, strategic planning and collaborative networks to bolster India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that the research and innovation at Rashtriya Raksha University reflect the transformation and progress of the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated, “The university represents the changing face of India. I would call the B-CORE initiative of the university the ‘core of India’ because the nation is prioritizing research and innovation in this era of transformation. We must advance, progress, and strive to achieve our goals, for which research and innovation play a crucial role. Without research or the implementation of new ideas, one cannot stay ahead in the world. If we want to lead, we must prioritize research and innovation.” He highlighted that Rashtriya Raksha University has taken a significant step by focusing on research in sports and the Olympics.

Dr. Mandaviya remarked that the Olympics are not just competitions but a symbol of sports and their integral role in our lifestyle. He said sports can provide solutions to numerous challenges, which is why Prime Minister Modi initiated major campaigns like Khelo India and Fit India to keep the nation fit. He further added, “PM Modi has envisioned hosting the Olympics in 2036, which symbolizes India’s growing strength. As we move toward a developed India, the nation will celebrate its centenary of independence in 2047. By then, India will be among the developed nations. The role of Fit India is crucial in ensuring not just physical fitness but also mental fitness among citizens. A mentally and physically fit person contributes to building an ideal society, which paves the way for a prosperous nation. Hence, sports are a symbol of our rising strength. By 2036, Modi Ji has set the goal for India to rank among the top 10 nations in sports, and by the centenary year of independence, we aim to rank among the top 5. To achieve this, we must step onto the field, compete, and win. Those who win leave their mark and convert their victories into medals. Sports science plays a vital role in enhancing our medal tally. Therefore, when we talk about Olympic research, it involves studying its social, youth, exposure, and international perception impacts, which together create comprehensive Olympic research.”

He further stated, “This conference is not a small event; over 60 research papers will be presented here. Researchers from many countries conducting research on the Olympics are participating in this conference. This is the first such conference in South Asia, and it will have a significant impact not only on our nation but globally. This will take sports one step further.”

Dr. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), conveyed a powerful message emphasizing the integration of sports and education to create a holistic approach to youth development and nation-building.

The Vice Chancellor of RRU, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, expressed pride in hosting this landmark event, highlighting the anticipated publication of over 60 research papers post-conference. He emphasized the significance of sports in shaping the youth and transformative impact on the country’s development.

A high-level panel discussion featured prominent personalities, including Dr. Utsav Chaware, Director of BCORE, Shri (Dr.) Mansukh Mandaviya, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel VC Rru,Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Wandra, Pro Vice-Chancellor Rru,Prasanth Shanthakumaran Partner KPMG in India and Mr. Lambis Konstantinidis, Executive Director of Planning and Coordination for Paris 2024 Olympics. The panel deliberated on India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, potential challenges from other bidders, sustainable infrastructure planning, and the importance of avoiding mistakes on the global stage. Mr. Konstantinidis highlighted critical aspects India must address, including sustainability, technical planning, and creating a compelling narrative that showcases India’s uniqueness and readiness to host the Games.

Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble State Minister of Sports, Gujarat, highlighted the state’s grassroots sports initiatives, particularly the record-breaking participation in the Khel Mahakumbh. He emphasized aligning sports with youth education and underscored the critical role of a strong sports culture in preparing India’s youth for international platforms.

The day concluded with a keynote presentation by Mr. Lambis Konstantinidis, offering an insightful roadmap for India’s Olympic preparations. He stressed the importance of sustainable development, strong leadership, and technical expertise to ensure the success of the sports. He posed five thought-provoking questions for India’s strategic planning, including what the Games can offer India, what India can contribute to the Olympics, and the long-term legacy of hosting the event.

The conference, set to run until January 30, 2025, is poised to leave a lasting impact on India’s Olympic ambitions, bringing together policymakers, academicians, and global experts to create a sustainable, innovative, and collaborative pathway to the 2036 Olympics.

*****

Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2096767) Visitor Counter : 84

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Fermented clothing? Here’s how the biofilm on kombucha can be turned into green textiles

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rajkishore Nayak, Associate Professor , RMIT University Vietnam

A SCOBY biofilm atop kombucha l i g h t p o e t/Shutterstock

If you’ve ever made kombucha, you will be familiar with the term SCOBY – a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. It’s impossible to miss – it’s the floating biofilm on top of your delicious drink.

While a SCOBY looks gross, it is remarkably versatile. If you feed it on sugar and tea or coffee in large vats, it grows rapidly. The reason you need tea or coffee is because caffeine contains nitrogen, which stimulates microorganism growth. Species of bacteria in the SCOBY such as komagataeibacter xylinus have the curious ability to eat sugars and produce bacterial cellulose.

The reason we and other researchers are focused on this unusual substance is because cellulose is extremely useful. Cotton is largely cellulose, as is flax, which we use to produce linen. Cellulose from bacteria has the advantage of being about ten times stronger than cotton.

Traditional methods of making the world’s clothes comes at a large environmental cost. If we can scale up production of bacterial cellulose using common materials such as sugar and tea, we might produce a new kind of versatile, sustainable textile. In our new research, we use this cellulose to make wallets and canvases for painting.

What’s so good about bacterial cellulose?

Deriving cellulose from bacteria isn’t new. It was first discovered back in 1886. Since then, the main use we’ve found for it has been in food and drink.

Kombucha – sometimes known as tea-mushroom – is thought to have been invented in China. In the Philippines, people have long fermented pineapple juice or coconut water to produce enough SCOBY to make chewy, gelatinous desserts. But this source of cellulose could be used for much more.

In recent years, researchers have looked into using food waste to make this cellulose.

Bacterial cellulose is made by cultivating a SCOBY in sugared tea, just like kombucha. But instead of the drink, what we are after is the SCOBY itself. As the microbes feed on the sugar, they spin out cellulose fibre and form a dense mat able to be harvested and processed.

Despite not being from plants, the bacterial cellulose is remarkably similar to cellulose from cotton. In some ways, it might be better – it is incredibly pure, highly absorbent and boasts impressive tensile strength. It’s natural, nontoxic, has a low environmental footprint and is biodegradable.

These traits make it potentially suitable for a range of uses, from clothing through to biomedical use in gauze bandages due to natural antibacterial properties. It can be dyed, sewed and treated to make different textures. It can be used to replace leather in clothing, footwear and accessories.

Bacterial cellulose can be used to make gauze bandages.
Kallayanee Naloka/Shutterstock

But clothing is the main game. Researchers have found ways of growing this cellulose in moulds shaped like pieces of clothing to avoid the 15-20% of material wasted by cutting fabric.

Bacterial cellulose might offer a way to reduce our reliance on the fibres we use to make clothes, which come with substantial environmental costs regardless of whether they are natural or synthetic.

Farming cotton requires huge volumes of water and plentiful pesticides and insecticides. To make one kilo of cotton fibre requires between 8,000 and 22,000 litres of fresh water. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon are made from oil, a fossil fuel.

The textile industry is highly polluting, consuming vast amounts of water and energy. As fashion gets ever faster, many of these clothes have a short lifespan before becoming waste. Synthetic fibres shed huge volumes of microplastics at every step of their lifespans.

The challenge of fermentation

In recent years, there’s been great interest in precision fermentation – using the rapid growth rate of microbes to produce foods and materials we want, such as milk grown without cows.

One of the big challenges with these approaches is scale. Bacterial cellulose is a similar form of fermentation. As a result, it faces similar challenges around scalability and efficiency. While the material has promise, the question is whether it can be produced cheaply and at scale.

To date, we haven’t yet found how to scale bacterial cellulose up to the level needed to meet the demand of large clothing manufacturers. And at present, the fermentation process is water intensive. Fermentation makes the water acidic, meaning it can’t be easily reused.

This fibre could readily replace cotton, but doesn’t have the same extreme durability and elasticity as some synthetic fibres.

Which way forward?

The way we currently make clothes comes at a huge environmental cost. Bacterial cellulose could offer one way to make clothes at vastly lower cost to the planet.

While there are still questions over whether it’s possible to make it competitive, researchers in several countries – including our research group – are coming at the problem from different angles. If they succeed, we might one day see a future where clothes and shoes come from sugar and tea.

Rajkishore Nayak works for RMIT University Vietnam. We received Tier II funding from the the office of Research & Innovation at RMIT University Vietnam & CSIRO Australia.

Donna Cleveland works for RMIT University Vietnam. She received funding from a Tier II grant from the the office of Research & Innovation at RMIT University Vietnam & CSIRO Australia..

– ref. Fermented clothing? Here’s how the biofilm on kombucha can be turned into green textiles – https://theconversation.com/fermented-clothing-heres-how-the-biofilm-on-kombucha-can-be-turned-into-green-textiles-228904

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 28, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between Hass and Shepard avocados? It’s not just the colour

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yasmine Probst, Professor, School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong

Stepanenco Valeria/Unsplash

Whether with crumbled feta or poached eggs, you’d be challenged to find a cafe in Australia or farther afield that doesn’t have avocado somewhere on the menu.

This fruit (yep, it’s a fruit from a tree, not a vegetable) is widely associated with brunch culture and other trendy eating habits.

The Australian avocado industry developed in the 1960s, 30 years after the start of the first large-scale production in California. Orchards producing avocados now span all parts of Australia, except Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

Avocados are considered a monoculture crop: they’re grown on the same land each year, making them more susceptible to pests and creating a need for increased fertiliser use. The carbon footprint of avos is almost twice as high as that of apples, but much lower than many animal food sources.

There are now over 50 different avocado types globally, but only a few are grown commercially.

Not all avos are the same

You may not notice a difference when you get your avocado toast at a cafe. But at the shops or the market, a striking difference occurs each year in Australia.

In autumn, the familiar dark purple Hass avocado disappears and is replaced with the lighter green Shepard variety. In Australia, this typically happens between February and May.

If you don’t know the difference between the two, you may expect Shepard avos to perform the same way as Hass – and be left disappointed. There are some important differences.

Hass avocados

Hass avocado skin is very dark when ripe.
Nungning20/Shutterstock

Hass avocados are known for their dark, pebbly-looking skin that appears almost black when ripe. They have an ovoid shape with a slight pear-like appearance. The thick skin can be a challenge to peel, often requiring a sharp knife or avocado slicer.

Hass avocado flavour is rich, creamy and buttery, with nutty undertones. Their texture is ideal for mashing, blending and spreading, creating a creamy texture in dips, guacamole and smoothies.

Hass avocados ripen – and darken in colour – slowly over several days. They remain firm to the touch when ripe, and will feel squishy when overripe. A slight give when pressed confirms Hass avos are ready to eat.

Available in Australia from May to January, Hass are the dominant variety of commercially grown avocado worldwide. They were cultivated by horticulturalist Rudolph Hass in California in the 1920s.

Shepard avocados

Shepard avocados have smooth, green skin that remains green even when they are fully ripe. They are round to slightly oblong in shape and have a slightly milder and sweeter taste, with less pronounced nutty undertones.

Shepard avocados ripen more quickly than Hass, but you won’t be able to tell that by the colour. Instead, check for softness – Shepard avocados are very soft when ripe. What might feel overripe when handling a Hass will likely be ideal ripeness if it’s a Shepard. The thin, smooth skin makes them easy to peel by hand or with a gentle squeeze.

Their buttery soft texture is firm and creamy, and they hold their shape well when cut, making them ideal for slicing, dicing and spreading despite being structurally firm.

Interestingly, Shepard avocados brown much more slowly than Hass, making them perfect for garnishes. Their milder flavour also makes Shepard avos well suited to sweet dishes, such as chocolate mousse.

Shepard avos account for approximately 10–15% of Australian avocados and are in season from February to April each year while there is a gap in the Hass season.

Australia is the only country in the world that grows Shepard avocados commercially. (They are grown in Queensland.)

Avocados and our health

As avocados contain 59% fat, people wishing to lose weight were previously advised to avoid or limit eating them.

We now know that a majority of this fat is oleic acid, a monounsaturated (healthy) fat that helps to reduce cholesterol and improve heart health.

Additionally, only 1% of an avocado is made up of carbohydrates, making the fruit popular with people following a ketogenic (keto) diet of low carbs and high fat.

People who consume avos also tend to follow a better pattern of eating in general. They eat more whole grains, fruit and vegetables and fewer discretionary or takeaway foods.

As an energy-dense food, consuming a whole avocado is about the same as eating 2.5 whole apples. Per 100 grams, avocado actually gives you less energy than an equivalent amount of cooked white rice.

As avocado dishes are visually appealing and often featured in food photography, they have become a symbol of modern eating habits.

Yasmine Probst receives funding from Multiple Sclerosis Australia and has previously received funding from various industry groups including the Hass Avocado Board. She is presently affiliated with the National Health and Medical Research Council, Multiple Sclerosis Plus and Multiple Sclerosis Limited.

Karen Zoszak receives funding from MS Australia.

– ref. What’s the difference between Hass and Shepard avocados? It’s not just the colour – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-hass-and-shepard-avocados-its-not-just-the-colour-233243

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall joins NewsNation: The Hill to Discuss President Trump’s First Week in Office

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined NewsNation: The Hill to discuss President Trump’s first week in office, promises made and promises kept, and Cabinet confirmation hearings, including RFK. Jr who will be testifying this week in front of both the Finance Committee and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Senator Marshall sits on both committees, and has been an advocate for RFK Jr. and Making America Health Again.
You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
On Trump’s Removal of Inspectors General:
“First of all, remind everybody President Reagan did basically the same thing. Look, these inspector generals have lost their way, and this is part of President Trump’s promises made, promises kept. He said he was going to drain the swamp over the past several years, record amounts of improper payments from the federal government – $250 billion of improper payments. The inspector generals have turned from a watchdog into somebody who’s protecting the agency. So he’s cleaning house, he’s starting over, and I think it’s a great move.”
“There are some really good people there, right? But I think when you sit there trying to sort out the good guys from the bad guys, sometimes you have to let them all go, and then, like President Reagan, maybe you rehire some of them as well, but we’ll get the reports eventually. But we need people working for the American people, not for the agency.”
On RFK Jr. Path Forward for Confirmation:
“Farmers and ranchers, just like Bobby Kennedy and myself, want America to be healthy again, and they’re all in. I think that Bobby would share with you is that the farmers and ranchers are indeed the heroes. I think that Bobby recognizes that 90% of rural America supported President Trump. Every time I see President Trump, the first thing he asks me is, Roger, how are your farmers and ranchers doing.”
“We’re already doing so many of the things that Bobby is talking about. Precision agriculture is not a dream anymore, that we are growing more with less. We’re growing more food with less fertilizers, with less pesticides. Soil health we’re embracing, that nobody more than sorghum is in the sorghum industry… We’re doing regenerative soil practices already.”
“Last point I’ll make is this- President Trump ran on two things, I think. He ran on making America more prosperous, and then on security. And one of the things he said is grocery prices, so we can’t do anything that’s inflationary. So we got to thread this needle. We need more innovation, but we don’t need inflation. And you know, my job is to help bridge that gap, and I’m just all in with Bobby to help Make America Healthy Again. 60% of Americans with a chronic disease right now, and I think a lot of that’s impacted by what they eat and the toxins exposed to.”
“I think Bobby, like myself, believes in the sanctity of the relationship between the patient and the doctor, and I want to make sure that we provide the mom, whether it’s my daughter or my daughter in law… We want to make sure that they have the right information, and I don’t think the CDC has done a good job on providing us that information… mostly there’s not enough transparency around it. A little common sense is going to go a long way. And I think Bobby Kennedy will thread the needle… I think the priority will be nutrition and the toxins that we are exposed to.”
“I think what you’re going to hear Bobby say is the President’s policies are my policies. Bobby and I don’t agree on everything, but we agree that we want to Make America Healthy Again. We share the same goals. He’s a game changer. I think that, and more importantly, is this, there is an army, a groundswell of people out there that are supporting him.”
On Kansas Troops Deployed to Southern Border:
“So I’m very grateful for those people that volunteered to wear the uniform, realizing that the southern border is a national security issue, if anybody understands and appreciates their families. I served my dad, served my brother, served my son is serving. I appreciate them, and some 300 soldiers are going to be going to that border.”
“But what I’m upset about is this summer, 3,000 soldiers from Fort Riley are going to Europe next year, another 5,000 soldiers from Fort Riley going to Europe. Why do we need 100,000 soldiers from the United States in Europe?”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Storm Éowyn recovery
Source: Scottish Government

Impacts continue to be felt.

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) met this afternoon to hear about further progress to reconnect power and reopen rail lines and schools following Storm Éowyn.

It heard:
- 5,900 properties are without power, with the vast majority expected to be reconnected in the course of today or tomorrow
- Network Rail has restored enough infrastructure to allow around 75% of services to resume, and is working at pace to open up the remaining lines
- At least two schools are confirmed to be closed tomorrow
Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance said:

“Three days after the worst of Storm Éowyn, we can see how the sheer scale of the damage continues to impact Scotland’s return to normal. I want to thank everyone who is playing their part, day and night, to get services back up and running.

“Utilities companies are working as fast as possible, in often challenging in weather conditions, and have reconnected over 280,000 properties. Around 5,900 properties are still without power and companies are in touch with those households to estimate restoration times and offer welfare or other support.

“While trunk roads and ferries are largely operating as normal, the railway continues to recover and Network Rail has experienced over 500 incidents. ScotRail were scheduled to operate 50% of services today but this has increased to around 73% over the course of today. We can however expect continued disruption on some lines to last until later this week, so I would ask passengers to be patient and check ScotRail and Network Rail information before they travel.

“A very small number of schools will be closed tomorrow and relevant councils will be in touch with parents and pupils where appropriate.”

Background

SGoRR was chaired by Justice and Home Affairs Secretary Angela Constance and attended by Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie. They were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.

Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website. 

Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website. 

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: ‘LA Dank DMV’ Crew Leader Sentenced for Sophisticated High-Grade Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

The Crew Was Armed with Machine Guns and Mass Marketed on 3 Dedicated Websites and Social Media Platforms

WASHINGTON –Abubakr Banire, 27, of Washington D.C, was sentenced today to 111 months in prison for leading the “LA Dank DMV Crew,” a sophisticated drug trafficking conspiracy that was responsible for bringing hundreds of pounds of high-grade marijuana from California to the metropolitan area, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.

Banire, aka “Swave,” pleaded guilty on September 29, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute marijuana; unlawful possession of a machine gun; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

In addition to the 111-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Banire to serve three years of supervised release. As part of Banire’s guilty plea, he admitted to operating as a leader of the drug distribution conspiracy.

As part of their distribution scheme, members of the crew relied heavily on mass marketing through three dedicated LA Dank websites, as well as social media platforms like Instagram where individual crew members would advertise the LA Dank brand and LA Dank branded marijuana for sale. Crew members also used rental properties to set up stash houses or points of sale that were used to conduct drug distribution operations for a short period of time before moving on to different locations.

The crew is known, and was found to possess numerous firearms, including semi-automatic and fully automatic machine guns, and devices used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns. Certain members of the crew also plead guilty to the possession of firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking operations. In total, approximately 122 pounds of marijuana, 19 firearms, and 10 machine gun conversion devices were recovered. Three of these nineteen firearms were discovered to be operational machine guns that had been modified with machinegun conversion devices. Seven of these machine gun conversion devices were found in an “LA Dank” branded bag. Two of these firearms were privately made AR-pistol style machine guns, sometimes referred to as “ghost guns.”

Ledgers and receipts show that the crew trafficked well over 100 kilograms of marijuana into the DMV area for distribution.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County Police Department.

	LA DANK DMV
Defendant		Sentence
Abubakr Banire, aka “Swave,” of Los Angeles, CA	Pleaded guilty September 29, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute marijuana; unlawful possession of a machine gun; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.	Sentenced Jan. 27, 2025, to 111 months in federal prison.
Christopher Akinduro aka “Oshay,” of Upper Marlboro, MD	Pleaded guilty October 3, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilos or more of marijuana.	Sentenced Jan. 17. 2024, to 74 months in federal prison.
Issac Akinduro, aka “Black,” of Washington D.C.	Pleaded guilty October 11, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilos or more of marijuana.	Sentenced March 14, 2024, to 41 months in federal prison.
Kavon Duncan, aka “Babyk,” of Upper Marlboro, MD	Pleaded guilty October 3, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilos or more of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.	Sentenced Jan 26, 2024, to 71 months in federal prison.
Avery Bost, aka “Avenue” and “Left,” of Brandywine, MD	Pleaded guilty October 27, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute marijuana.	Sentenced May 22, 2024, to 37 months in federal prison.
Joe Blyther, aka “Hawk,” of Bowie, MD	Pleaded guilty November 8, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute marijuana; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; possession of a machine gun; and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.	Sentenced May 22, 2024, to 120 months in federal prison.
Randall Lance, aka “Mike Lambo,” of Washington D.C.	Pleaded guilty May 23, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.	Sentenced Oct. 10, 2023, to 63 months in federal prison.
Omar Butler, aka “O,” of Washington D.C.	Pleaded guilty Nov. 3, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute marijuana.	Sentenced March 4, 2024, to 18 months in federal prison.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin F. Song and Meredith E. Mayer-Dempsey of the Federal Major Crimes Section and Thomas Strong of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

22cr83

MIL Security OSI –

January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Vermont Congressional Delegation and Governor Scott Announce $3.8 Million in Northern Border Regional Commission Grants for Vermont Communities

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
MONTPELIER, VT – Today, the Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large), along with Vermont Governor Phil Scott and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced the recipients of the NBRC’s Fall 2024 Catalyst Program and Forest Economy Program Awards. Seven projects in Vermont will receive a cumulative $3.88 million in funding, which will support projects including early childhood education, a new surplus crop processing center and food hub, and rural health care clinic upgrades.
Established in 2008, the NBRC is a Federal-State partnership in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire collaboration to improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. NBRC encourages projects that take a creative approach to accomplishing those goals.
“The Northern Border Regional Commission plays a major role in fostering long-term economic development in communities across Vermont. These new investments from the NBRC will support seven projects that benefit folks in every corner of the Green Mountain State–from building new child care centers to making energy-efficient upgrades to purchasing new classroom supplies,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “We’ll continue to work alongside state and local partners to support the growth and success of rural communities in Vermont.”
“These infrastructure, economic and community development projects make important investments across Vermont,” said Governor Scott. “These projects will help revitalize our rural communities and I want to thank our Congressional Delegation for their support.”
When evaluating potential projects, the Catalyst Program considers project readiness, economic impacts, impacts on Vermont’s skilled workforce, project location, regional input and priorities, and the project’s transformational nature. Awarded projects in the 2024 Catalyst Fall Competition will help pay for start-up costs—including classroom supplies and furniture for the Orange County Parent Child Center—implement new energy-efficient facilities at the Carlos G. Otis Health Care Center, transform a vacant facility into a child care center in the Northeast Kingdom, expand water and sewer infrastructure throughout the Town of Essex, and more.
The 2024 Catalyst Fall Competition Awardees include:
Carlos G. Otis Heath Care Center (Windham County) – $1,000,000:
Replace two aging, inefficient structures with a new energy-efficient facility that will increase patient privacy and enhance accessibility.
Orange County Parent Child Center (Orange County) – $379,124.82:
Funding for furniture, playground equipment and classroom supplies, as well as start-up operations costs towards launching the early childhood education program.
Northeast Kingdom Community Action (Essex County) – $62,888:
Convert a facility previously utilized as a health clinic into a childcare center providing 8 to 10 new Early Childhood Education spots.
Salvation Farms (Lamoille County) – $469,621.30:
Establish a 6,100 square foot Surplus Crop Processing Center & Food Hub.
Town of Essex (Chittenden County) – $500,000:
Planning and design to support the expansion of water and sewer infrastructure throughout the Essex Town Center area where proposed municipal facilities, fire station, library, and community space are planned.
Vermont Council on Rural Development (Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties) – $472,192.28:
Provide 9 rural communities with targeted, holistic capacity building services and support for long term economic development success. This project will scale up services to meet the overwhelming demand for facilitated community-led prioritization, technical assistance, leadership coaching, and resource guiding.
Read more from NBRC here. Pre-applications for the 2025 Catalyst Program are due February 28.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “You need to have the knowledge, skills and competencies to build a successful business in the Eastern markets”

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

© Mikhail Dmitriev / Higher School of Economics

HSE Expert Club “Eastern perspective» held its first event — a business session dedicated to launching and developing a successful business in India. The club was created by HSE experts to discuss tools, trends and insights on cooperation between Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia, the Near and Middle East, and North Africa. The participants were addressed by experts with many years of successful experience working in the Indian market in the interests of the world’s largest corporations.

It is no coincidence that the first event of the Eastern Perspective was dedicated to India. Today, this country is the fastest growing economy in the world among the G20 countries with more than 7 percent annual GDP growth, a growing consumer market and high rates of technological progress. This opens up unique opportunities for Russian companies, emphasized the moderator of the event, Deputy Director for Marketing Communications at the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Chubarov.

India is one of the most promising countries for entrepreneurs planning to start or grow their business.

Leading world experts today call this country a “market of billions of chances,” said the associate professor Schools of Oriental Studies Faculty of World Economy and World Politics HSE University Olga Kharina. “Many countries want to have India as a partner, and Western countries are already doing this successfully. Therefore, we also need to use this chance in our own interests – the interests of business and, of course, the state,” she noted.

Today, the dynamics of the development of Indian industries are as follows: the share of industrial products in the import structure reaches 50%, the annual growth of the beauty industry is 76%, the share of fintech in the volume of attracted financing among startups is 40%, and the share of e-commerce in the volume of attracted financing among startups is 20%. The average age of the population of this country is 28 years, which makes it one of the largest labor markets in the world. About 70% of the population is young people under 35 years old.

In 2023, India accounted for more than 40% of all smartphone sales in Asia. The number of internet users in India is expected to reach 700 million by 2025. There are already about 450 million, and 1.2 billion mobile users. The Indian smartphone market is the fastest growing in the world. In addition, in 2020, a $ 1.4 trillion transport infrastructure plan was adopted, which includes improving roads, railways and airports. Textile exports are expected to reach $ 100 billion by 2027. India is the second largest producer of crude steel in the world, and the third largest aviation market. The value of the chemical and petrochemical industry reaches $ 1,178 billion, and auto component exports are worth $ 13.3 billion.

Olga Kharina reviewed several cases related to the development of business of Russian entrepreneurs in India. Their experience showed that obtaining all the necessary permits for work in this country is a more complicated process than expected. It is also important to take into account the specifics of working with local regulatory authorities and carefully study the legislation and tax procedures.

Olga Kharina also presented a “treasure map” of Indian states, each of which has its own economic characteristics and laws. Thus, the state of Maharashtra (where the financial center of Mumbai is located) is the largest taxpayer and an important center for business. The state of Uttar Pradesh is the most populous (more than 220 million people), but the economy is mainly agricultural. The state of Gujarat is a leader in the production and export of such goods as chemicals, petrochemicals and textiles.

“India is located in the center of South Asia and has a strategic position as a gateway between East and West Asia. With access to the Indian Ocean, it plays a key role in trade and transport between the countries of Central Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and East Africa. Russia and India maintain close economic ties that are strengthening every year. In recent years, various agreements have been signed on mutual trade, as well as on strategic partnership in the fields of energy, defense and technology,” the speaker emphasized.

As for the most promising areas for business, India is one of the largest consumers of energy resources, and Russian companies can develop their activities in the field of oil and gas supplies, as well as participate in energy projects. Russia can also offer its developments in the field of IT and innovative technologies, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain. In addition, India is an important importer of agricultural products, and Russian companies can supply there grain, fish, meat, dairy products. At the same time, Indian technologies in agribusiness can be useful for Russian farmers.

The Indian government actively supports the “Make in India” program, which is aimed at developing manufacturing and stimulating foreign investment in the country.

“You need to have the knowledge, skills and competencies to build a successful business in new markets, which we now call the Global East – friendly markets that are supported by both Russia and other countries,” emphasized Natalia Guseva, professor at the Faculty of World Economy and World Politics at the HSE and head of the HSE educational programs “Business with the East.”

She presented the educational programs “Eastern Perspective” for entrepreneurs working with countries of the Near and Middle East, North Africa, and the Indo-Pacific region.

The university currently offers three such programs. The flagship five-month program isEastern Perspective: Strategy and Tactics for Building a Business” combines the experience and practices of entering new markets in developed countries of the Global East. Intensive three-month program “Eastern Perspective: The Basics of Building a Business” is aimed at obtaining practical knowledge on business development, launching international projects in various sectors of the economy with the countries of the Global East. The three-week program “Eastern Perspective: The Practice of Building a Business in India” focuses on knowledge, strategies and practices for building a successful business in India.

“You will have a clear understanding of the potential and specifics of Eastern markets depending on what company you work for or what startup you plan to do. When entering new markets, offering your products and services, you must have a clear understanding of the vectors and potentials of development, the features of the financial and tax systems. You also need to understand the main political trends, the features of the local society. You need to clearly assess the export potential, due to which you will compete. Most Russian companies that had experience in international business were mainly focused on the European markets, and that competition strategy was mainly based on low prices, but in the Eastern markets this strategy will be ineffective,” Natalia Guseva emphasized.

Expert in developing GR tools and strategies for promoting companies on the Indian market, representative of the media conglomerate The Times of India Group in Russia Nair Devadathan spoke about the country’s features that businessmen entering this market should pay attention to. Thus, according to him, caste, religiosity and beliefs are very important in Indian society (for example, entrepreneurs build relationships with partners based on astrological horoscopes). Business connections are also of great importance: to enter the market, it is necessary to find a partner from among local residents – this way the company will be able to receive many preferences and more favorable conditions. “India should be understood as Bollywood,” he said. At the same time, this country loves Russian culture, especially theater and film adaptations.

According to Nair Devadathan, not only large companies and medium-sized businesses can succeed in this country, but also small production facilities and even individual entrepreneurs – such examples already exist. At the same time, Indian consumers may be interested in absolutely any product, including those subject to sanctions, or services – for example, from the beauty industry or the arts, education or tourism.

“Promoting Russia is a business in itself. All our young people use social networks, so you need to pay attention to this,” he is convinced.

In conclusion, Dmitry Chubarov invited the business session participants to take the HSE educational programs dedicated to the East. “The expertise, experience and cases that will be discussed will not be based on abstract textbooks, but on the daily successful practice of both Russian and international companies that are currently operating in the Indian market,” he summed up.

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 –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New £2m project to save UK from food shortages

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is leading a new £2 million initiative to help prevent food shortages that could potentially trigger civil unrest in the UK.

The project, called Backcasting to Increase Food System Resilience in the UK, is being led by experts from Anglia Ruskin’s Global Sustainability Institute and has received £2,048,461 in funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Building on recent research that found that over 40% of food experts believe widespread civil unrest linked to food shortages, such as demonstrations and violent looting, is possible or likely in the UK within the next 10 years, the new project aims to urgently address vulnerabilities in the nation’s food supply.

The UK’s food system is currently optimised for efficiency rather than resilience, relying heavily on imports, seasonal labour, and just-in-time supply chains.

This makes it particularly susceptible to disruptions that could lead to a collapse, defined as a situation where the public lack access to affordable food, resulting in economic productivity losses, disease outbreaks, extreme hunger, malnutrition, or civil unrest.

Potential causes of such a collapse include geopolitical instability and conflict around the world, pandemics, extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, and trade tariffs.

The project aims to identify and find ways of mitigating the potential tipping points that could lead to a collapse and prioritise the areas within the UK food system that urgently need to strengthen their resilience to likely risks and shocks.

To achieve these goals, the researchers will work closely with key stakeholders including food producers, importers, distributers and retailers.

A “backcasting” mapping exercise will be carried out to identify the most likely pathways leading to civil unrest with a focus on addressing problems at the early stages of these pathways, well before any unrest arises.

Anglia Ruskin University is leading the project in partnership with experts from the University of York, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the University of the West of England and the Royal Agricultural University.

Other partners include WTW, the Food Farming & Countryside Commission, the Food Ethics Council, WRAP, DEFRA, Trussell, Sustain, Better Food Traders, Samworth Brothers, the Food Standards Agency, the Institute of Grocery Distributors and WWF.

“The Backcasting to Increase Food System Resilience in the UK project is a major investment into understanding how future shocks could significantly impact the UK food system and how we can build resilience to these.

“The food system is exposed to various risks from climate change and biodiversity loss to geopolitical events, such as wars or cyberterrorism. Supporting the UK’s food system stakeholders from farmers through to retail, by working with them to build on their knowledge to deliver a transformation towards resilience, is vital.

“The project will also involve placements inside organisations focusing on food system challenges, to better understand the interventions that may be possible, and allow wider lessons to be captured and shared. These placements will be open to PhDs from across the UK and will be announced in 2026.”

Professor Aled Jones, Director of the Global Sustainability Institute at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: College course teaches Philly students to appreciate beer − whether they’re tailgating or fine dining
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul O’Neill, Assistant Clinical Professor of Food and Hospitality Management, Drexel University

The Philadelphia region is home to over 90 craft breweries. sutiporn somnam/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching.

Title of course:

The Fundamentals of Beer

What prompted the idea for the course?

After 25 years of working in professional kitchens and as a server in fine dining, I became an adjunct professor and then director of special projects in the Food and Hospitality Management department at Drexel University. Lynn Hoffman, the founder of the school’s culinary program and the author of “The Short Course in Beer,” suggested we create a 10-week beer course.

It seemed like a no-brainer, given beer’s popularity with college students. But it was also an opportunity to help our students appreciate beer’s dizzying array of styles, as well as its deep cultural and historical significance – including right here in Philadelphia.

What does the course explore?

The course explores the history of brewing and how different societies – specifically Sumerian, German, English and Belgian – influenced the ingredients and brewing techniques used to make different styles of beers.

Some styles are named after their city of origin – for example, pilsners originated in Pilzen, Czech Republic. Others are derived from the brewing procedure. “Lager,” for example, is German for “to stock or store.” These beers are stored at refrigerated temperatures for months after they’re brewed in order for residual flavors to subside, making way for a cleaner, crisper and more refreshing profile. Meanwhile, “porters” are named after the London working-class longshoremen – those who loaded and unloaded cargo at ports – who commonly consumed them.

After studying the foundational aspects of beer, students learn about its evolution in America, with a focus on the Philadelphia region.

For example, Yuengling, originally named Eagle Brewery, was established in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles outside Philadelphia, and is credited with being America’s oldest continuously operating brewery. And in the city itself, local brewer Robert Hare Jr. made what George Washington referred to as “the best porter in Philadelphia,” just down the street from where America’s first lager was purportedly brewed by Bavarian expat John Wagner around 1840.

We also discuss current Philadelphia-area brewers such as the Philadelphia Brewing Company, Dock Street and Yards, and their impact on the city’s craft beer industry.

Why is this course relevant now?

Beer and other alcoholic beverages have a significant financial impact on the restaurant industry, where many businesses operate on thin margins. Restaurants can attract diners with a dynamic beverage offering. A good beer program requires an informed staff, locally brewed options and an array of diverse styles. They might showcase classic lagers and ales alongside popular contemporary favorites such as New England IPAs and Italian pilsners, and off-the-wall experiments like Fruity Pebbles kettle sour ales.

What’s a critical lesson from the course?

Beer appreciation is not inebriation.

There is a proper way to analyze beer through sight, aroma, palate texture and flavor. We use a tasting grid to guide students through this process. First we assess the beer’s color, clarity and foam, which gives us our initial ideas regarding the beer’s character. We then evaluate the beer’s aroma, which is derived from the grains, hops and fermentation. Then we sip and focus on the texture of the beer to determine the weight of it on the palate, the quality of the carbonation and the mouthfeel – whether it is thin, full or silky. Last, we assess the flavor profile.

Students get the opportunity to distinguish the various malt and hop characters present in many popular beer styles – from the crisp, biscuit or cracker flavor and light green bitterness of a pilsner, to the dried fruit and dark caramel-laden quality of doppelbocks, to the cold-brew coffee style of dry stouts.

“Tasting” and not simply “drinking” beer enables students to understand and appreciate what is in their glass. It is also important to note that when analyzing a beer, the glass must be clean, clear and of a certain shape – tulip. Having a globe to swirl the beer allows tasters to judge the viscosity, test the carbonation and open up the aromas.

What materials does the course feature?
- Lynn Hoffman’s “Short Course in Beer” offers a digestible summation of beer styles, history and how beer can be enjoyed in settings ranging from tailgates to fine dining.
- Joshua Bernstein’s “The Complete Beer Course” illustrates the beer family tree in great detail, includes interviews with prominent brewers and provides textbook examples of various beer styles.
- The Brewers Association’s Style Guidelines
  and Tasting Grid are go-to guides for how beer styles are delineated using a scale of color, bitterness and flavor attributes.
- Six 1-oz. weekly samples allow students to taste historical representations and current iterations of a particular beer style, such as Bohemian pilsners, German hefeweizens, English bitters and Belgian tripels.
- We also do a guided tour and tasting at one of Philadelphia’s larger independent craft beer brewers, Yards brewery.
What will the course prepare students to do?

Students learn about the history of beer production and its cultural relevance, and develop an understanding of tasting notes and profiles for various beer styles so they can distinguish between ale and lager family styles. By the end of the course, they should also be able to design their own beer menu for a restaurant.

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

– ref. College course teaches Philly students to appreciate beer − whether they’re tailgating or fine dining – https://theconversation.com/college-course-teaches-philly-students-to-appreciate-beer-whether-theyre-tailgating-or-fine-dining-244476
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why government can’t make America ‘healthier’ by micromanaging groceries purchased with SNAP benefits

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Benjamin Chrisinger, Assistant Professor of Community Health, Tufts University

More than 41 million Americans use SNAP benefits to buy groceries. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

President Donald Trump’s pick for director of the Health and Human Services Department, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has announced a bold plan. He wants to “Make America Healthy Again.”

Kennedy’s strategy has gotten a lot of attention for its oddities, such as his opposition to vaccine mandates and support for raw milk. But it includes some concepts that many public health experts consider sensible, such as calling for a stronger focus on chronic disease prevention and seeking more restrictions on prescription drug advertising aimed at consumers.

But he’s also demanding a ban on junk food from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Banning junk food from SNAP is something that has divided public health experts for years.

As public health researchers, we’ve devoted our careers to helping reduce chronic diseases. We agree with Kennedy that a healthy diet and sound nutrition are important ways to improve the nation’s health. We also know from our own research that safety net programs, including SNAP benefits – which are still sometimes called food stamps – are staving off hunger and food insecurity for millions of Americans.

And we’re certain that adding to the restrictions that already limit access to SNAP benefits do little to make Americans healthier.

What is SNAP?

Over 42.1 million Americans, about 13% of all families, receive SNAP benefits. More than 1 in 4 of the households enrolled in the program include someone who is earning at least some income.

More than 4 in 5 families getting SNAP benefits include a child, someone over 65 or someone with a disability. These benefits are distributed on a monthly basis through an electronic benefits transfer card that looks and works like a credit or debit card and can be used at supermarkets and other approved retailers. The federal government has spent more than US$110 billion annually on this program in recent years.

Benefits help get food on the table but typically don’t cover everything a family needs to eat. The average monthly benefit is $195 per person.

Americans who earn less than 130% of the poverty line are eligible for SNAP. In the 2025 fiscal year, a family of three can’t make more than $2,152 a month in net income or have assets of more than $4,500 if a household includes someone over 60, and $3,000 if it doesn’t.

Adults without children or disabilities can’t get these benefits for more than three months every three years unless they meet the program’s work requirements by being employed or spending at least 20 hours weekly in a training program. People who are on strike and foreigners living in the U.S. without authorization are ineligible. People with prior drug-related felony convictions are federally banned from SNAP for life, but states can waive this rule. This program is federally funded but administered by the states, which have some leeway in determining eligibility.

People enrolled in SNAP already face some restrictions on what they can buy with their benefits. They can’t use SNAP to purchase premade or restaurant meals, alcohol, tobacco, or things such as diapers, vitamins and toilet paper.

Why restrict SNAP?

Since SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kennedy would have very little power to change SNAP’s rules should the Senate approve his nomination following the controversial politician’s upcoming confirmation hearing on Jan. 29, 2025.

Still, we’re concerned that his support for new restrictions could help sway the authorities who would be responsible for such a policy change.

Proposals to ban particular foods from SNAP have been floated many times by state legislators and members of Congress over the years.

These bills have generally been designed to exclude supposedly luxury items, such as steak and seafood, or aimed at barring purchases from a different supermarket aisle: candy, soda and other junk foods.

States can’t make this kind of modification without the USDA’s authorization. And so far, the USDA has rebuffed calls for it to allow such measures. Even without the agency’s support, Congress can make changes to these policies in the Farm Bill, which could in the future force the USDA to allow these restrictions in states that ask for them.

The Trump administration, including Kennedy, has signaled its interest in these kinds of restrictions.

Why SNAP restrictions won’t make America healthier

While improving the American diet is a worthy goal, research that we and other scholars have done makes it clear that adding new restrictions to SNAP will do little to help us become a healthier nation.

First, many studies have found that nearly all Americans could eat healthier.

The rich and the poor alike consume unhealthy food in the U.S.

Studies show that while lower-income Americans often spend more of their food budget on unhealthy stuff than more affluent people do, families in the middle and at the top of the income ladder still purchase lots of junk food.

Unsurprisingly, those purchases reflect what we’re eating: Americans at all income levels have diets that don’t satisfy federal dietary guidelines. Spotlighting the poor food choices of SNAP participants would be a distraction from these facts and would risk further stigmatizing a successful anti-hunger program.

Maintaining a good diet is not cheap or straightforward, especially on a low income. The poorest communities have far more inexpensive fast-food chains and dollar stores than their wealthier neighbors, as well as more ads for unhealthy products. Even when they get SNAP benefits, many Americans still struggle to make ends meet, and studies show how this negatively affects the quality of their diets.

Another reason SNAP restrictions wouldn’t make America healthier is that diet is just one of many contributors to chronic diseases. Your level of physical activity, exposure to pollution, stress and genetics, among other things, shape your risk of getting heart disease, diabetes or other chronic diseases.

Flexible but don’t cover all needs

SNAP benefits are fairly flexible, covering just about anything people might want to eat, even if they have dietary restrictions due to their culture or health conditions. The program helps Americans afford most of their basic necessities, although it fails to pay for all the groceries most people who rely on the program need to buy in the course of a month.

SNAP’s main function is preventing the worst effects of hunger and food insecurity for the more than 41 million people relying on it.

There are other ways for the government to help make Americans healthier besides the imposition of stigmatizing restrictions on SNAP. For example, it can create matching programs for SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables, which would give retailers incentives to offer more produce and make it easier for people who get SNAP benefits to buy more healthy food. The USDA has begun to support this kind of effort in several states.

Benjamin Chrisinger receives funding from The Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics (RIDGE) Partnership.

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

– ref. Why government can’t make America ‘healthier’ by micromanaging groceries purchased with SNAP benefits – https://theconversation.com/why-government-cant-make-america-healthier-by-micromanaging-groceries-purchased-with-snap-benefits-246462

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: PSB Holdings, Inc. Reports Earnings of $0.73 Per Share for Q4 2024; Twelve Month 2024 Earnings up 10% to $2.37 per Share

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WAUSAU, Wis., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PSB Holdings, Inc. (“PSB”) (OTCQX: PSBQ), the holding company for Peoples State Bank (“Peoples”) serving Northcentral and Southeastern Wisconsin reported fourth quarter earnings ending December 31, 2024 of $0.73 per common share on net income of $3.0 million, compared to $0.69 per common share on net income of $2.9 million during the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, and $0.55 per common share on net income of $2.3 million during the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2023. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, PSB reported earnings of $2.37 per common share on net income of $9.8 million compared to $2.16 per common share on earnings of $9.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

PSB’s fourth quarter 2024 operating results reflected the following changes from the third quarter of 2024: (1) higher net interest income supported by a net interest margin increase of six basis points; (2) lower non-interest income due primarily to a loss on the sale of securities; (3) slightly lower non-interest expenses due to lower salaries and employee benefit expenses; and (4) loan growth of 2% during the quarter.

“We are pleased with our results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2024. We continue to maintain strong asset quality and controlled expenses, and expect to see continued expansion in our net interest margin as loan products continue to reset to higher yields and funding costs stabilize or decline. Additionally, we expect to see stronger loan growth in fiscal 2025. We are focused on delivering strong returns to shareholders through capital growth, payment of dividends and supporting our stock price through stock repurchases, when economically appropriate,” stated Scott Cattanach, President and CEO.

December 31, 2024, Highlights:

Net interest income increased to $10.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, from $9.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Asset and loan yields increased while funding costs declined slightly.
Noninterest income decreased $566,000 to $1.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.8 million the prior quarter due primarily to a loss on the sale of securities.
Noninterest expenses decreased to $8.0 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 from $8.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, reflecting lower salary and benefit expenses.
Loans increased $20.2 million, or 2% in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, to $1.08 billion largely due to new commercial real estate and construction and development loans. Allowance for credit losses was 1.13% of gross loans.
Non-performing assets remained unchanged at $10.4 million, or 0.71% of total assets at December 31, 2024 compared to the previous quarter.
Total deposits increased slightly to $1.15 billion at December 31, 2024 from $1.14 billion at September 30, 2024, with the increase largely consisting of interest-bearing demand and savings deposits.
Return on average tangible common equity was 11.07% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 10.96% the prior quarter and 9.64% in the year ago quarter.
Tangible book value per common share was up 9.0% over the past year to $25.98 at December 31, 2024, compared to $23.84 at December 31, 2023. Additionally, PSB paid dividends totaling $0.64 per share during 2024, up 6.7% over the prior year.
On January 21, 2025, the Bank acquired Larson Financial Group, LLC, a financial advisory company based in Wausau, WI.

Balance Sheet and Asset Quality Review

Total assets decreased $10.0 million during the fourth quarter to $1.47 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to September 30, 2024. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $46.6 million to $40.5 million at December 31, 2024 from $87.1 million at September 30, 2024 as funds were used to originate new loans and pay down FHLB advances. Cash and cash equivalents increased $12.7 million from one year earlier. Investment securities available for sale increased $14.2 million to $189.1 million at December 31, 2024, from $174.9 million one quarter earlier. Total collateralized liquidity available to meet cash demands was approximately $349 million at December 31, 2024, with an additional $354 million that could be raised in a short time frame from the brokered CDs market.

Total loans receivable increased $20.2 million to $1.08 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to one quarter earlier, due primarily to increased commercial non-real estate, commercial real estate and construction lending. Commercial non-real estate loans increased $5.1 million to $144.2 million at December 31, 2024, from $139.0 million one quarter earlier. Commercial real estate loans increased $10.1 million to $551.6 million at December 31, 2024 and construction and development lending increased $18.4 million to $79.4 million at December 31, 2024, compared to one quarter earlier. Offsetting gross loan growth, loans in process of disbursement increased $10.0 million to $27.8 million as new construction and development loans have not been fully funded. Residential real estate loans decreased $3.9 million from the prior quarter to $337.5 million. The loan portfolio remains well diversified with commercial real estate and construction loans totaling 56.5% of gross loans, followed by residential real estate loans at 30.2% of gross loans, commercial non-real estate loans at 12.9% and consumer loans at 0.4%.

The allowance for credit losses decreased slightly to 1.13% of gross loans at December 31, 2024, from 1.18% the prior quarter. Annualized net charge-offs to average loans were 0.02% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Non-performing assets remained at 0.71% of total assets at December 31, 2024 and totaled $10.4 million. Approximately 71% of the non-performing assets consisted of three loan relationships. For the eighth consecutive quarter, the Bank did not own any foreclosed real estate.

Total deposits increased $8.2 million to $1.15 billion at December 31, 2024, from $1.14 billion at September 30, 2024. The increase in deposits reflects a $12.9 million increase in interest-bearing demand and savings deposits and a $3.3 million increase in retail and local time deposits greater than $250,000, offset by a $1.5 million decrease in money market deposits, a $5.6 million decrease in non-interest bearing deposits and a $0.9 million decrease in retail and local time deposits less than $250,000.

At December 31, 2024, non-interest bearing demand deposits decreased to 22.6% of total deposits from 23.3% the prior quarter, while interest-bearing demand and savings deposits increased to 29.4% of deposits, compared to 28.4% at September 30, 2024. Uninsured and uncollateralized deposits decreased to 21.6% of total deposits at December 31, 2024, from 21.7% of total deposits at September 30, 2024.

FHLB advances decreased $19.0 million to $162.3 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $181.3 million at September 30, 2024.

Tangible stockholder equity as a percent of total tangible assets was 7.76% at December 31, 2024, compared to 7.85% at September 30, 2024, and 7.49% at December 31, 2023.

Tangible net book value per common share increased $2.14 to $25.98, at December 31, 2024, compared to $23.84 one year earlier, an increase of 9.0% after dividends of $0.64 were paid to shareholders. Relative to the prior quarter’s tangible book value per common share of $26.41, tangible net book value per common share decreased primarily due to a fair market value decrease in the investment portfolios and payment of dividends. The accumulated other comprehensive loss on the investment portfolio was $19.3 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $15.8 million one quarter earlier.

Operations Review

Net interest income increased to $10.4 million (on a net margin of 2.96%) for the fourth quarter of 2024, from $9.9 million (on a net margin of 2.90%) for the third quarter of 2024, and $9.6 million (on a net margin of 2.88%) for the fourth quarter of 2023. Earning asset yields remained flat at 5.29% during the fourth quarter of 2024, while interest bearing deposit and borrowing costs decreased seven basis points to 3.06% compared to 3.13% during the third quarter of 2024. Relative to one year earlier, earning asset yields were up 30 basis points while interest bearing deposit and borrowing costs increased 27 basis points.

The increase in earning asset yields was primarily due to higher yields on loan originations and renewals. Loan yields increased during the fourth quarter of 2024 to 5.80% from 5.78% for the third quarter of 2024. Taxable security yields were 3.16% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 3.01% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, while tax-exempt security yields were flat at 3.31% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The increase in taxable security yields reflect the rise in interest rates and security restructuring activity from security sales.

The cost of all deposits declined to 2.08% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.11% the prior quarter, while the overall cost of funds decreased seven basis points to 3.06% from 3.13% during the same time period. Deposit costs for all deposit categories decreased during the fourth quarter with time deposits decreasing two basis points to 4.02%, money market deposits decreasing 13 basis points to 2.56% and savings and demand deposits decreasing two basis points to 2.56%. FHLB advances also declined four basis points to 4.40% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

Total noninterest income decreased during the fourth quarter of 2024 to $1.28 million, from $1.84 million for the third quarter of 2024 due primarily to a net loss on sale of securities. Mortgage banking income decreased slightly to $414,000 in the fourth quarter from $433,000 the prior quarter while various decreases in nominal revenue sources accounted for the remaining decline in noninterest income. At December 31, 2024, the Bank serviced $373.5 million in secondary market residential mortgage loans for others which provide fee income.

Noninterest expenses decreased $149,000 to $8.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $8.2 million for the third quarter of 2024 and increased $644,000 from $7.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Relative to one year earlier, salary and benefit cost increased $447,000, or 10.5% to $4.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $4.2 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023.

Taxes decreased $69,000 during the fourth quarter to $524,000, from $593,000 one quarter earlier. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, was 14.4% compared to 16.6% for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, and 26.7% for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023.

About PSB Holdings, Inc.

PSB Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Peoples State Bank. Peoples is a community bank headquartered in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northcentral and southeastern Wisconsin from twelve full-service banking locations in Marathon, Oneida, Vilas, Portage, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties and a loan production office in Dane County. Peoples also provides investment and insurance products, along with retirement planning services, through Peoples Wealth Management, a division of Peoples. PSB Holdings, Inc. is traded under the stock symbol PSBQ on the OTCQX Market. More information about PSB, its management, and its financial performance may be found at www.psbholdingsinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about PSB’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by management and include, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential growth of PSB, its future profits, expected stock repurchase levels, future dividend rates, future interest rates, and the adequacy of its capital position. Forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, strength of the economy, the effects of government policies, including interest rate policies, risks associated with the execution of PSB’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to current and future M&A activity, and risks associated with global economic instability. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which they are made and PSB does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.



PSB Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, September 30, June 30, and March 31, 2024, unaudited, December 31, 2023 derived from audited financial statements

	Dec. 31,			Sep. 30,			Jun. 30,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Assets

Cash and due from banks	$	21,414		$	23,554		$	16,475		$	13,340		$	20,887
Interest-bearing deposits		3,724			5,126			251			105			1,431
Federal funds sold		15,360			58,434			69,249			2,439			5,462

Cash and cash equivalents		40,498			87,114			85,975			15,884			27,780
Securities available for sale (at fair value)		189,086			174,911			165,177			165,566			164,024
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $79,654, $82,389, $79,993, $81,234 and
$82,514 respectively)		86,748			86,847			86,825			87,104			87,081
Equity securities		2,782			1,752			1,661			1,474			1,474
Loans held for sale		217			–			2,268			865			230
Loans receivable, net (allowance for credit losses of $12,342, $12,598, $12,597,
$12,494 and $12,302 respectively)		1,078,204			1,057,974			1,074,844			1,081,394			1,078,475
Accrued interest receivable		5,042			4,837			5,046			5,467			5,136
Foreclosed assets		–			–			–			–			–
Premises and equipment, net		13,805			14,065			14,048			13,427			13,098
Mortgage servicing rights, net		1,742			1,727			1,688			1,657			1,664
Federal Home Loan Bank stock (at cost)		8,825			8,825			8,825			7,006			6,373
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance		24,732			24,565			24,401			24,242			24,085
Core deposit intangible		195			212			229			249			273
Goodwill		2,541			2,541			2,541			2,541			2,541
Other assets		11,539			10,598			12,111			11,682			11,866

TOTAL ASSETS	$	1,465,956		$	1,475,968		$	1,485,639		$	1,418,558		$	1,424,100

Liabilities

Non-interest-bearing deposits	$	259,515		$	265,078		$	250,435		$	247,608		$	266,829
Interest-bearing deposits		887,834			874,035			901,886			865,744			874,973

Total deposits		1,147,349			1,139,113			1,152,321			1,113,352			1,141,802

Federal Home Loan Bank advances		162,250			181,250			184,900			158,250			134,000
Other borrowings		6,872			6,128			5,775			8,096			8,058
Senior subordinated notes		4,781			4,779			4,778			4,776			4,774
Junior subordinated debentures		13,023			12,998			12,972			12,947			12,921
Allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments		672			477			477			477			577
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		14,723			12,850			13,069			10,247			12,681

Total liabilities		1,349,670			1,357,595			1,374,292			1,308,145			1,314,813

Stockholders’ equity

Preferred stock – no par value:
Authorized – 30,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding
Outstanding – 7,200 shares, respectively		7,200			7,200			7,200			7,200			7,200
Common stock – no par value with a stated value of $1.00 per share:
Authorized – 18,000,000 shares; Issued – 5,490,798 shares
Outstanding – 4,092,977, 4,105,594, 4,128,382, 4,147,649 and
4,164,735 shares, respectively		1,830			1,830			1,830			1,830			1,830
Additional paid-in capital		8,610			8,567			8,527			8,466			8,460
Retained earnings		139,838			138,142			135,276			134,271			132,666
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(19,314	)		(15,814	)		(20,503	)		(20,775	)		(20,689	)
Treasury stock, at cost – 1,397,821, 1,385,204, 1,362,416, 1,343,149 and
1,326,063 shares, respectively		(21,878	)		(21,552	)		(20,983	)		(20,579	)		(20,180	)

Total stockholders’ equity		116,286			118,373			111,347			110,413			109,287

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	1,465,956		$	1,475,968		$	1,485,639		$	1,418,558		$	1,424,100

PSB Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
	Quarter Ended													Years Ended
(dollars in thousands,	Dec. 31,			Sep. 30,		Jun. 30,		Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			December
except per share data – unaudited)		2024			2024		2024		2024			2023			2024			2023

Interest and dividend income:
Loans, including fees	$	15,646		$	15,634	$	15,433	$	15,109		$	14,888		$	61,822		$	53,633
Securities:
Taxable		1,545			1,345		1,295		1,197			1,147			5,382			4,919
Tax-exempt		522			522		521		526			532			2,091			2,137
Other interest and dividends		948			699		265		343			320			2,255			851

Total interest and dividend income		18,661			18,200		17,514		17,175			16,887			71,550			61,540

Interest expense:
Deposits		6,027			5,905		5,838		6,082			5,526			23,852			16,993
FHLB advances		1,890			2,038		1,860		1,450			1,349			7,238			4,417
Other borrowings		57			57		58		60			54			232			215
Senior subordinated notes		59			59		58		59			59			235			238
Junior subordinated debentures		252			252		255		251			254			1,010			985

Total interest expense		8,285			8,311		8,069		7,902			7,242			32,567			22,848

Net interest income		10,376			9,889		9,445		9,273			9,645			38,983			38,692
Provision for credit losses		–			–		100		95			100			195			450

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		10,376			9,889		9,345		9,178			9,545			38,788			38,242

Noninterest income:
Service fees		362			367		350		336			360			1,415			1,448
Mortgage banking income		414			433		433		308			247			1,588			1,228
Investment and insurance sales commissions		226			230		222		121			100			799			910
Net loss on sale of securities		(511	)		–		–		(495	)		(297	)		(1,006	)		(576	)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance		166			165		159		157			154			647			615
Life insurance death benefit		–			–		–		–			–			–			533
Other noninterest income		620			648		742		617			540			2,627			2,562

Total noninterest income		1,277			1,843		1,906		1,044			1,104			6,070			6,720

Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		4,691			4,771		5,167		5,123			4,244			19,752			18,648
Occupancy and facilities		691			757		733		721			675			2,902			2,761
Loss (gain) on foreclosed assets		–			1		–		–			1			1			(45	)
Data processing and other office operations		1,111			1,104		1,047		1,022			1,001			4,284			3,785
Advertising and promotion		141			164		171		129			244			605			733
Core deposit intangible amortization		17			17		20		24			24			78			109
Other noninterest expenses		1,351			1,337		1,257		1,306			1,169			5,251			4,557

Total noninterest expense		8,002			8,151		8,395		8,325			7,358			32,873			30,548

Income before provision for income taxes		3,651			3,581		2,856		1,897			3,291			11,985			14,414
Provision for income taxes		524			593		410		169			878			1,696			4,845

Net income	$	3,127		$	2,988	$	2,446	$	1,728		$	2,413		$	10,289		$	9,569
Preferred stock dividends declared	$	122		$	122	$	122	$	122		$	122		$	486		$	486

Net income available to common shareholders	$	3,005		$	2,866	$	2,324	$	1,606		$	2,291		$	9,803		$	9,083
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.73		$	0.69	$	0.56	$	0.39		$	0.55		$	2.37		$	2.16
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.73		$	0.69	$	0.56	$	0.39		$	0.55		$	2.37		$	2.16

PSB Holdings, Inc.
Quarterly Financial Summary
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)		Quarter ended
		Dec. 31,			Sep. 30,			Jun. 30,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
Earnings and dividends:			2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

	Interest income	$	18,661		$	18,200		$	17,514		$	17,175		$	16,887
	Interest expense	$	8,285		$	8,311		$	8,069		$	7,902		$	7,242
	Net interest income	$	10,376		$	9,889		$	9,445		$	9,273		$	9,645
	Provision for credit losses	$	–		$	–		$	100		$	95		$	100
	Other noninterest income	$	1,277		$	1,843		$	1,906		$	1,044		$	1,104
	Other noninterest expense	$	8,002		$	8,151		$	8,395		$	8,325		$	7,358
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	3,005		$	2,866		$	2,324		$	1,606		$	2,291

	Basic earnings per common share (3)	$	0.73		$	0.69		$	0.56		$	0.39		$	0.55
	Diluted earnings per common share (3)	$	0.73		$	0.69		$	0.56		$	0.39		$	0.55
	Dividends declared per common share (3)	$	0.32		$	–		$	0.32		$	–		$	0.30
	Tangible net book value per common share (4)	$	25.98		$	26.41		$	24.55		$	24.21		$	23.84

	Semi-annual dividend payout ratio		23.27	%		n/a			33.61	%		n/a			38.14	%
	Average common shares outstanding		4,094,360			4,132,218			4,139,456			4,154,702			4,168,924


Balance sheet – average balances:
	Loans receivable, net of allowances for credit loss	$	1,064,619		$	1,066,795		$	1,088,013		$	1,081,936		$	1,081,851
	Assets	$	1,479,812		$	1,445,613		$	1,433,749		$	1,429,437		$	1,424,240
	Deposits	$	1,151,450		$	1,110,854		$	1,111,240		$	1,138,010		$	1,148,399
	Stockholders’ equity	$	118,396		$	114,458		$	110,726		$	109,473		$	105,060


Performance ratios:
	Return on average assets (1)		0.84	%		0.82	%		0.69	%		0.49	%		0.67	%
	Return on average common stockholders’ equity (1)		10.75	%		10.63	%		9.03	%		6.32	%		9.29	%
	Return on average tangible common
	stockholders’ equity (1)(4)		11.07	%		10.96	%		9.34	%		6.57	%		9.64	%
	Net loan charge-offs to average loans (1)		0.02	%		0.00	%		0.00	%		0.00	%		0.00	%
	Nonperforming loans to gross loans		0.95	%		0.97	%		1.15	%		1.08	%		0.54	%
	Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.71	%		0.71	%		0.84	%		0.83	%		0.42	%
	Allowance for credit losses to gross loans		1.13	%		1.18	%		1.16	%		1.14	%		1.13	%
	Nonperforming assets to tangible equity
	plus the allowance for credit losses (4)		8.85	%		8.71	%		11.09	%		10.59	%		5.38	%
	Net interest rate margin (1)(2)		2.96	%		2.90	%		2.84	%		2.80	%		2.88	%
	Net interest rate spread (1)(2)		2.23	%		2.16	%		2.15	%		2.12	%		2.20	%
	Service fee revenue as a percent of
	average demand deposits (1)		0.53	%		0.56	%		0.56	%		0.54	%		0.52	%
	Noninterest income as a percent
	of gross revenue		6.40	%		9.20	%		9.81	%		5.73	%		6.14	%
	Efficiency ratio (2)		67.59	%		68.43	%		72.52	%		78.93	%		67.04	%
	Noninterest expenses to average assets (1)		2.15	%		2.24	%		2.35	%		2.34	%		2.05	%
	Average stockholders’ equity less accumulated
	other comprehensive income (loss) to
	average assets		9.08	%		9.06	%		9.03	%		8.98	%		8.88	%
	Tangible equity to tangible assets (4)		7.76	%		7.85	%		7.32	%		7.60	%		7.49	%

Stock price information:

	High	$	27.90		$	25.00		$	21.40		$	22.50		$	22.30
	Low	$	25.00		$	20.30		$	19.75		$	20.05		$	20.10
	Last trade value at quarter-end	$	26.50		$	25.00		$	20.40		$	21.25		$	22.11

(1) Annualized
(2) The yield on federally tax-exempt loans and securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.
(3) Due to rounding, cumulative quarterly per share performance may not equal annual per share totals.
(4) Tangible stockholders’ equity excludes goodwill and core deposit intangibles.


PSB Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

		Quarter Ended
		Dec. 31,			Sep. 30,			Jun. 30,			Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,
(dollars in thousands – unaudited)			2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Net income		$	3,127		$	2,988		$	2,446		$	1,728		$	2,413

Other comprehensive income:

	Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax		(3,955	)		4,738			184			(615	)		5,278

	Reclassification adjustment for security loss included in net income, net of tax		404			–			–			391			280

	Accretion of unrealized loss included in net income on securities available for sale deferred tax adjustment for Wisconsin Act 19		(76	)		–			–			(35	)		–

	Amortization of unrealized loss included in net income on securities available for sale transferred to securities held to maturity, net of tax		90			90			89			91			91

	Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap, net of tax		65			(101	)		39			122			(109	)

	Reclassification adjustment of interest rate swap settlements included in earnings, net of tax		(27	)		(38	)		(40	)		(41	)		(39	)


Other comprehensive income (loss)			(3,499	)		4,689			272			(87	)		5,501

Comprehensive income (loss)		$	(372	)	$	7,677		$	2,718		$	1,641		$	7,914

PSB Holdings, Inc.
Nonperforming Assets as of:
	Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Nonaccrual loans (excluding restructured loans)	$	10,109		$	10,116		$	12,184		$	11,498		$	5,596
Nonaccrual restructured loans		18			25			28			30			34
Restructured loans not on nonaccrual		286			292			299			304			310
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more		–			–			–			–			–

Total nonperforming loans		10,413			10,433			12,511			11,832			5,940
Other real estate owned		–			–			–			–			–

Total nonperforming assets	$	10,413		$	10,433		$	12,511		$	11,832		$	5,940

Nonperforming loans as a % of gross loans receivable		0.95	%		0.97	%		1.15	%		1.08	%		0.54	%
Total nonperforming assets as a % of total assets		0.71	%		0.71	%		0.84	%		0.83	%		0.42	%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of nonperforming loans		118.52	%		120.75	%		100.69	%		105.59	%		207.10	%

PSB Holdings, Inc.
Nonperforming Assets >= $500,000 net book value before specific reserves
At December 31, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
		Gross			Specific
Collateral Description	Asset Type	Principal			Reserves

Real estate – Recreational Facility	Nonaccrual	$	4,126		$	151
Real estate – Independent Auto Repair	Nonaccrual		538			–
Real estate – Dealership	Nonaccrual		2,708			560


Total listed nonperforming assets		$	7,372		$	711
Total bank wide nonperforming assets		$	10,413		$	1,043
Listed assets as a % of total nonperforming assets			71	%		68	%

PSB Holding, Inc.
Loan Composition by Collateral Type
Quarter-ended (dollars in thousands)	Dec 31, 2024			Sep 30, 2024			Jun 30, 2024			Mar 31, 2024			Dec 31, 2023

Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	116,864		$	115,234		$	125,508		$	118,821		$	117,207
Agriculture		11,568			11,203			11,480			12,081			12,304
Municipal		15,733			12,596			11,190			28,842			31,530

Total Commercial		144,165			139,033			148,178			159,744			161,041

Commercial Real Estate:
Commercial real estate		551,641			541,577			544,171			546,257			536,209
Construction and development		79,377			60,952			70,540			63,375			81,701

Total Commercial Real Estate		631,018			602,529			614,711			609,632			617,910

Residential real estate:
Residential		271,643			269,954			270,944			274,300			274,453
Construction and development		28,959			34,655			36,129			34,158			33,960
HELOC		36,887			36,734			33,838			31,357			29,766

Total Residential Real Estate		337,489			341,343			340,911			339,815			338,179

Consumer installment		5,060			4,770			4,423			4,867			4,357

Subtotals – Gross loans		1,117,732			1,087,675			1,108,223			1,114,058			1,121,487
Loans in process of disbursement		(27,791	)		(17,836	)		(21,484	)		(20,839	)		(31,359	)

Subtotals – Disbursed loans		1,089,941			1,069,839			1,086,739			1,093,219			1,090,128
Net deferred loan costs		605			733			702			669			649
Allowance for credit losses		(12,342	)		(12,598	)		(12,597	)		(12,494	)		(12,302	)

Total loans receivable	$	1,078,204		$	1,057,974		$	1,074,844		$	1,081,394		$	1,078,475

PSB Holding, Inc.
Selected Commercial Real Estate Loans by Purpose
	Dec 31,				Sept 30,				June 30,				Mar 31,				Dec 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2024				2024				2024				2024				2023

	Total Exposure		% of Portfolio (1)		Total Exposure		% of Portfolio (1)		Total Exposure		% of Portfolio (1)		Total Exposure		% of Portfolio (1)		Total Exposure		% of Portfolio (1)
Multi Family	$	140,087	14.0	%	$	140,307	14.7	%	$	146,873	15.2	%	$	142,001	14.4	%	$	132,386	13.2	%
Industrial and Warehousing		88,297	8.8			86,818	9.1			86,025	8.9			85,409	8.6			83,817	8.3
Retail		33,991	3.4			33,020	3.5			34,846	3.6			33,177	3.4			35,419	3.5
Hotels		31,101	3.1			31,611	3.3			34,613	3.6			35,105	3.6			36,100	3.6
Office		6,234	0.6			6,378	0.7			6,518	0.7			6,655	0.7			6,701	0.7

(1) Percentage of commercial and commercial real estate portfolio and commitments.

PSB Holdings, Inc.
Deposit Composition

Insured and Collateralized Deposits	December 31,				September 30,				June 30,				March 31,				December 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2024				2024				2024				2024				2023
	$		%		$		%		$		%		$		%		$		%

Non-interest bearing demand	$	204,167	17.8	%	$	210,534	18.5	%	$	202,343	17.5	%	$	199,076	17.8	%	$	197,571	17.3	%
Interest-bearing demand and savings		315,900	27.6	%		305,631	26.8	%		304,392	26.5	%		318,673	28.7	%		317,984	27.8	%
Money market deposits		141,024	12.3	%		138,376	12.2	%		137,637	12.0	%		143,167	12.9	%		142,887	12.5	%
Retail and local time deposits <= $250		155,099	13.5	%		155,988	13.7	%		149,298	13.0	%		148,404	13.3	%		149,145	13.1	%

Total core deposits		816,190	71.2	%		810,529	71.2	%		793,670	69.0	%		809,320	72.7	%		807,587	70.7	%
Retail and local time deposits > $250		25,500	2.2	%		23,500	2.1	%		22,500	2.0	%		24,508	2.3	%		23,000	2.0	%
Broker & national time deposits <= $250		1,241	0.1	%		1,241	0.1	%		1,490	0.1	%		2,229	0.2	%		3,470	0.3	%
Broker & national time deposits > $250		56,164	4.9	%		56,164	4.9	%		56,328	4.9	%		61,752	5.5	%		70,020	6.1	%

Totals	$	899,095	78.4	%	$	891,434	78.3	%	$	873,988	76.0	%	$	897,809	80.7	%	$	904,077	79.1	%

PSB Holdings, Inc.
Deposit Composition

Uninsured Deposits	December 31,				September 30,				June 30,				March 31,				December 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2024				2024				2024				2024				2023
	$		%		$		%		$		%		$		%		$		%

Non-interest bearing demand	$	55,348	4.8	%	$	54,544	4.8	%	$	48,092	4.1	%	$	48,532	4.4	%	$	69,258	6.1	%
Interest-bearing demand and savings		20,934	1.8	%		18,317	1.6	%		32,674	2.8	%		20,535	1.8	%		20,316	1.8	%
Money market deposits		153,334	13.4	%		157,489	13.8	%		177,954	15.4	%		124,766	11.2	%		124,518	10.9	%
Retail and local time deposits <= $250		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%

Total core deposits		229,616	20.0	%		230,350	20.2	%		258,720	22.3	%		193,833	17.4	%		214,092	18.8	%
Retail and local time deposits > $250		18,638	1.6	%		17,329	1.5	%		19,613	1.7	%		21,710	1.9	%		23,633	2.1	%
Broker & national time deposits <= $250		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%
Broker & national time deposits > $250		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%		–	0.0	%

Totals	$	248,254	21.6	%	$	247,679	21.7	%	$	278,333	24.0	%	$	215,543	19.3	%	$	237,725	20.9	%


PSB Holdings, Inc.
Deposit Composition

Total Deposits	December 31,				September 30,				June 30,				March 31,				December 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2024				2024				2024				2024				2023
	$		%		$		%		$		%		$		%		$		%

Non-interest bearing demand	$	259,515	22.6	%	$	265,078	23.3	%	$	250,435	21.6	%	$	247,608	22.2	%	$	266,829	23.4	%
Interest-bearing demand and savings		336,834	29.4	%		323,948	28.4	%		337,066	29.3	%		339,208	30.5	%		338,300	29.6	%
Money market deposits		294,358	25.7	%		295,865	26.0	%		315,591	27.4	%		267,933	24.1	%		267,405	23.4	%
Retail and local time deposits <= $250		155,099	13.5	%		155,988	13.7	%		149,298	13.0	%		148,404	13.3	%		149,145	13.1	%

Total core deposits		1,045,806	91.2	%		1,040,879	91.4	%		1,052,390	91.3	%		1,003,153	90.1	%		1,021,679	89.5	%
Retail and local time deposits > $250		44,138	3.8	%		40,829	3.6	%		42,113	3.7	%		46,218	4.2	%		46,633	4.1	%
Broker & national time deposits <= $250		1,241	0.1	%		1,241	0.1	%		1,490	0.1	%		2,229	0.2	%		3,470	0.3	%
Broker & national time deposits > $250		56,164	4.9	%		56,164	4.9	%		56,328	4.9	%		61,752	5.5	%		70,020	6.1	%

Totals	$	1,147,349	100.0	%	$	1,139,113	100.0	%	$	1,152,321	100.0	%	$	1,113,352	100.0	%	$	1,141,802	100.0	%

PSB Holdings, Inc.
Average Balances ($000) and Interest Rates
(dollars in thousands)


	Quarter ended December 31, 2024							Quarter ended September 30, 2024							Quarter ended December 31, 2023
	Average					Yield /		Average					Yield /		Average					Yield /
	Balance			Interest		Rate		Balance			Interest		Rate		Balance			Interest		Rate
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)(2)	$	1,077,242		$	15,693	5.80	%	$	1,079,393		$	15,674	5.78	%	$	1,094,152		$	14,974	5.43	%
Taxable securities		194,272			1,545	3.16	%		177,520			1,345	3.01	%		167,366			1,147	2.72	%
Tax-exempt securities (2)		79,475			661	3.31	%		79,472			661	3.31	%		80,922			673	3.30	%
FHLB stock		8,825			227	10.23	%		8,825			176	7.93	%		6,373			158	9.84	%
Other		58,405			721	4.91	%		36,680			523	5.67	%		11,846			162	5.43	%

Total (2)		1,418,219			18,847	5.29	%		1,381,890			18,379	5.29	%		1,360,659			17,114	4.99	%

Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks		15,500							17,162							16,243
Premises and equipment,
net		14,001							14,216							13,243
Cash surrender value ins		24,625							24,458							23,990
Other assets		20,090							20,485							22,406
Allowance for credit
losses		(12,623	)						(12,598	)						(12,301	)

Total	$	1,479,812						$	1,445,613						$	1,424,240

Liabilities & stockholders’ equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings and demand
deposits	$	319,777		$	1,479	1.84	%	$	323,841		$	1,515	1.86	%	$	327,036		$	1,296	1.57	%
Money market deposits		304,897			1,961	2.56	%		277,884			1,876	2.69	%		272,087			1,820	2.65	%
Time deposits		256,201			2,587	4.02	%		247,296			2,514	4.04	%		273,332			2,410	3.50	%
FHLB borrowings		170,701			1,890	4.40	%		182,414			2,038	4.44	%		133,560			1,349	4.01	%
Other borrowings		6,848			57	3.31	%		6,702			57	3.38	%		6,999			54	3.06	%
Senior sub. notes		4,780			59	4.91	%		4,779			59	4.91	%		4,773			59	4.90	%
Junior sub. debentures		13,011			252	7.71	%		12,985			252	7.72	%		12,909			254	7.81	%

Total		1,076,215			8,285	3.06	%		1,055,901			8,311	3.13	%		1,030,696			7,242	2.79	%

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits		270,575							261,833							275,944
Other liabilities		14,626							13,421							12,540
Stockholders’ equity		118,396							114,458							105,060

Total	$	1,479,812						$	1,445,613						$	1,424,240

Net interest income				$	10,562						$	10,068						$	9,872
Rate spread						2.23	%						2.16	%						2.20	%
Net yield on interest-earning assets						2.96	%						2.90	%						2.88	%

(1) Nonaccrual loans are included in the daily average loan balances outstanding.
(2) The yield on federally tax-exempt loans and securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.

PSB Holdings, Inc.
Average Balances ($000) and Interest Rates
(dollars in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2024							Year ended December 31, 2023
	Average					Yield/		Average					Yield/
	Balance			Interest		Rate		Balance			Interest		Rate
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)(2)	$	1,087,816		$	62,085	5.71	%	$	1,043,144		$	53,824	5.16	%
Taxable securities		179,074			5,382	3.01	%		183,984			4,919	2.67	%
Tax-exempt securities (2)		79,735			2,647	3.32	%		81,481			2,705	3.32	%
FHLB stock		8,024			750	9.35	%		5,304			386	7.28	%
Other		29,153			1,505	5.16	%		9,073			465	5.13	%

Total (2)		1,383,802			72,369	5.23	%		1,322,986			62,299	4.71	%

Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks		16,841							17,110
Premises and equipment, net		13,834							13,294
Cash surrender value ins		24,382							24,331
Other assets		20,911							23,136

Allowance for credit losses		(12,528	)						(12,079	)

Total	$	1,447,242						$	1,388,778

Liabilities & stockholders’ equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings and demand deposits	$	331,411		$	6,133	1.85	%	$	344,906		$	4,582	1.33	%
Money market deposits		281,828			7,569	2.69	%		249,079			5,328	2.14	%
Time deposits		256,265			10,150	3.96	%		261,595			7,083	2.71	%
FHLB borrowings		167,708			7,238	4.32	%		116,282			4,417	3.80	%
Other borrowings		7,241			232	3.20	%		7,061			215	3.04	%
Senior sub. notes		4,778			235	4.92	%		4,927			238	4.83	%
Junior sub. debentures		12,972			1,010	7.79	%		12,870			985	7.65	%

Total		1,062,203			32,567	3.07	%		996,720			22,848	2.29	%

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits		258,173							274,273
Other liabilities		13,475							12,397
Stockholders’ equity		113,391							105,388

Total	$	1,447,242						$	1,388,778

Net interest income				$	39,802						$	39,451
Rate spread						2.16	%						2.42	%
Net yield on interest-earning assets						2.88	%						2.98	%

(1) Nonaccrual loans are included in the daily average loan balances outstanding.
(2) The yield on federally tax-exempt loans and securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%.

Investor Relations Contact
PSB Holdings, Inc.
1905 Stewart Avenue
Wausau, WI 54401
888.929.9902
InvestorRelations@bankpeoples.com

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Warren, McGovern, Lawmakers Blast Trump’s Inaction on High Egg Prices

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
January 27, 2025
Lawmakers lay out six executive actions that could lower costs.
“We urge you to make good on your campaign promise to lower food prices for American families.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) led 19 of their colleagues, writing to President Donald Trump, pushing him to take meaningful steps to lower the prices of eggs and other groceries—a problem he largely ignored during his entire first week in office.
During his campaign for president, Mr. Trump repeatedly promised he would lower food prices “immediately” if elected. Trump even told the press, “I won on groceries.” But during his first week, he instead focused on attempting to end birthright citizenship, firing inspectors general, and pardoning January 6 attackers, including those who assaulted Capitol police officers.
“Your sole action on costs was an executive order that contained only the barest mention of food prices and not a single specific policy to reduce them,” wrote the lawmakers. “You have tools you can use to lower grocery costs and crack down on corporate profiteering, and we write to ask if you will commit to using those tools to make good on your promises to the American people.”
“To make food more affordable, you should look to the dominant food and grocery companies that have made record profits on the backs of working families who have had to pay higher prices,” continued the lawmakers.
For example, last year a Kroger executive admitted in federal court that the company raised the price of eggs and milk “significantly higher than the cost of inflation” in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, a federal court found that the country’s largest egg producers had engaged in a price-fixing conspiracy in the mid-2000s as well. Now, egg producers and grocery stores may leverage the current avian flu outbreak as an opportunity to further constrain supply or hike up egg prices to increase profits.
“If you are indeed committed to lowering food prices, we stand ready to work with you,” wrote the lawmakers.
The lawmakers laid out six recommendations for executive actions to lower prices by encouraging competition and fighting price-gouging at each level of the food supply chain:
Encourage the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prohibit exclusionary contracting by dominant firms in the food industry, making it harder for major retailers and food brands to shut out smaller suppliers and drive up prices at smaller stores.
Encourage the FTC to issue guidance on potential violations of the Robinson Patman Act and Section 5 of the FTC Act within the food industry and take enforcement action where merited.
Work with the USDA to increase the number of government contract recipients that are very small businesses and to ensure that government contracting considers the long-term costs of food sector consolidation.
Help the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FTC scrutinize, and where appropriate, block mergers and acquisitions in the food and agricultural sectors.
Encourage the DOJ to prosecute actors in the agricultural and food sectors for price-fixing and other anticompetitive behavior.
Direct the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and FTC to form a joint task force to investigate food price manipulation throughout the supply chain.
“Americans are looking to you to lower food prices. Instead of working to lower their grocery bills, however, you have used the first week of your administration on attempting to end birthright citizenship, pardoning individuals who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, and renaming a mountain,” concluded the lawmakers. “We urge you to make good on your campaign promise to lower food prices for American families.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Exercise does increase calorie burn – but probably not as much as you might hope

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dylan Thompson, Professor of Human Physiology, University of Bath

Exercise can still be a benefit if you’re trying to lose weight or get fit. Green Elk/ Shutterstock

It’s generally accepted that exercise is a key element of losing weight. But this long-held view has been called into question in recent years – with no shortage of articles and podcasts claiming it’s a myth that exercise increases your metabolism and helps you burn calories after you work out.

The central tenet of these reports is that the amount of calories we burn each day is somehow constrained. This hypothesis was first proposed in 2012 by the evolutionary anthropologist Herman Pontzer. He posited that as you increase your daily energy expenditure (calories burned) through physical activity, your body will find ways to cut back on energy expended on other biological processes – such as your resting metabolism. This leaves your overall daily energy expenditure unchanged.

This theory has since been popularised in Pontzer’s 2021 book Burn, in which he theorises that “we burn calories within a very narrow range: nearly 3,000 calories per day, no matter our activity level”.

Building on this, Pontzer suggests that, “The bottom line is that your daily (physical) activity levels have almost no bearing on the number of calories that you burn each day.”

But before you pack away your running shoes, let’s look at what the research shows us. The most rigorous and robust evidence available on the topic actually shows that exercise does increase energy expenditure – though perhaps not as much as we might expect.

Exercise and energy expenditure

The evidence Pontzer used to support his hypothesis came from observational studies that compared energy expenditure in different populations around the world. In an observational study, researchers only take measurements and make comparisons between groups without actually introducing any changes.

The most eye-catching of the studies Pontzer used to support his hypothesis was research on the Hadza tribe – one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer groups in Africa. Hunter-gatherers are assumed to be highly active in order to survive. But the study observed that the Hadza expended no more energy than the average Westerner did each day.

We reviewed the constrained energy expenditure hypothesis in 2023. We concluded that Pontzer’s theory raises some interesting questions. However, it’s generally not very convincing due to flaws in the nature of the evidence.

Indeed, Pontzer’s own observational data shows that daily energy expenditure can vary by more than 1,000 calories per day in a group of older people. This directly contradicts his suggestion that it’s fixed at 3,000 calories a day for everyone.

The effects of exercise on calorie burn may be more modest than we might hope, however.
Dean Drobot/ Shutterstock

When we look at data from randomised controlled trials, we can clearly see that exercise does have an effect on energy expenditure.

Randomised controlled trials allow researchers to establish cause and effect from a specific treatment or intervention. They allow groups of people to be fairly compared with just one variable manipulated at a time.

Trials show that a structured, supervised exercise programme done up to five times a week for six and ten months increases daily energy expenditure. These effects were shown in both young and middle-aged men and women.

This research clearly shows that physical activity does increase how many calories you burn each day.

Modest increase

It’s important to note that these trials do report, however, that the increases in daily energy expenditure were not always as big as expected. Put simply, burning 600 calories in the gym will not necessarily increase your daily energy expenditure by the same amount.

However, a more-modest-than-expected increase in energy expenditure is a far cry from bold statements that exercise does not increase daily energy expenditure at all. The exact number is difficult to estimate though, as it varies a lot between people.

As we discuss in our review, there are many possible reasons why exercise does not increase energy expenditure by as much as would be expected. Some factors might include physical activity substitution (when your new workout substitutes for physical activity you would normally have done at that time – so you might only end up burning a few calories more than you normally would have) and behavioural compensation (doing less activity later in the day after a morning workout).

This also highlights a common misunderstanding about the magnitude of exercise’s effects. Exercise can feel hard – so people might reasonably expect a large return on their investment. But five hours of exercise a week is only about 4% of our typical waking time. So this will only go so far in shifting the dial upwards in terms of how many calories we burn through physical activity.

Part of the misunderstanding about changes in energy expenditure and potential weight loss through exercise is perhaps related to unrealistic expectations about how many calories we burn when working out.

So, despite what you might have heard or read, the strongest evidence from robust trials clearly demonstrates that exercise can increase daily energy expenditure. Though this might not be as much as you expect or hope.

Dylan Thompson receives funding from BBSRC, NIHR, and Heart Research UK. He has previously had funding from MRC, BHF, and Unilever. He is a Fellow of The Physiological Society and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Javier Gonzalez receives funding from BSRC, MRC, British Heart Foundation, Clasado Biosciences, Lucozade Ribena Suntory, ARLA Foods Ingredients, Cosun Nutrition Center, Innocent Drinks and the Fruit Juice Science Centre; is a (non-exec) scientific advisory board member to ZOE; and has completed paid consultancy for 6d Sports Nutrition, Science in Sport, The Dairy Council, PepsiCo, Violicom Medical, Tour Racing Ltd., and SVGC. For a full list of disclosures see https://gonzalezjt1.wordpress.com/2024/03/.

– ref. Exercise does increase calorie burn – but probably not as much as you might hope – https://theconversation.com/exercise-does-increase-calorie-burn-but-probably-not-as-much-as-you-might-hope-247720

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Forbion BioEconomy Fund I surpasses €150 million target, raising €164.5 million with strong institutional LP support
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Forbion’s BioEconomy Fund I has raised €164.5 million to date, exceeding its €150 million target in just over a year, since launching in November 2023.
- Institutional investors, include KfW Capital, Novo Holdings, Rentenbank, Aurae Impact and most recently ABN AMRO Bank and EIFO.
- The fund focuses on biotech-enabled, B2B solutions that deliver sustainability at price parity or better across Food, Agriculture, Materials, and Environmental Technologies.
NAARDEN, The Netherlands, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Forbion, a leading venture capital firm with deep biotech expertise in Europe and the US, announces that its BioEconomy Fund I has raised €164.5 million. This exceeds the fund’s €150 million target, underscoring growing investor interest in the commercial potential of biotech innovations that address global sustainability challenges.

BioEconomy Fund I is supported by top-tier institutional investors, including KfW Capital, Novo Holdings, Rentenbank, and Aurae Impact, alongside new backers ABN AMRO Bank and EIFO. The BioEconomy Fund I anticipates a final close at or close to the hard cap of €200 million, demonstrating the growing confidence in biotech innovations that address global sustainability challenges.

Launched in November 2023, the Forbion BioEconomy Fund I is a planetary health fund that targets business-to-business (B2B) solutions that replace unsustainable products with scalable, cost-effective alternatives. A key pillar of the fund’s strategy is ensuring these innovations achieve price parity with incumbent solutions, enabling wide-scale adoption across the fund’s four target sectors: Food, Agriculture, Materials, and Environmental Technologies industries.

Sander Slootweg, Managing Partner and co-founder of Forbion, stated, “Exceeding €150 million in just over a year reflects the strength of our team and strategy and the confidence our investors have in our ability to execute. Their support for BioEconomy Fund I demonstrates the growing demand for scalable, cost-competitive biotech solutions that deliver both sustainability and strong returns.”

Alex Hoffmann, General Partner, added, “Investors recognize the transformative potential of scalable biotech solutions to meet the needs of industries seeking to adopt sustainable practices. Their support empowers us to help companies scale and deliver meaningful change.”

About Forbion BioEconomy Fund I
BioEconomy Fund I’s focus on using biotechnology and green chemistry to deliver sustainable B2B solutions in Food, Agriculture, Materials, and Environmental Technologies is best exemplified by its initial investments in Solasta Bio and Novameat. These portfolio companies illustrate Forbion’s commitment to scalable, biotech-enabled innovation. Solasta Bio develops sustainable insect control solutions as alternatives to chemical insecticides, while Novameat advances plant-based meat production with proprietary technology designed for scalability and high-quality texture. By building on Forbion’s expertise in biotechnology, the fund aligns its investments with UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (climate action). Forbion BioEconomy Fund I aims to deliver strong financial returns while driving impactful solutions to pressing planetary challenges. Forbion announced the first close of BioEconomy Fund I at €75 million on 20 June 2024.

About Forbion
Forbion is a leading global venture capital firm with deep expertise in Europe and the US with offices in Naarden, The Netherlands, Munich, Germany and Boston, USA. Forbion invests in innovative biotech companies, managing approximately €5 billion across multiple fund strategies that cover all stages of (bio-) pharmaceutical drug development. In addition, Forbion leverages its biotech expertise beyond human health to address ‘planetary health’ challenges through its BioEconomy fund strategy, which invests in companies developing sustainable solutions in food, agriculture, materials, and environmental technologies. Forbion’s team consists of over 30 investment professionals that have built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with 128 investments across 11 funds. Forbion’s record of sourcing, building and guiding life sciences companies has resulted in many approved breakthrough therapies and valuable exits. Forbion typically selects impactful investments that will positively affect the health and well-being of people and the planet, as well as meet its financial return objectives. The firm is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Forbion operates a joint venture with BGV, the manager of seed and early-stage funds, especially focused on Benelux and Germany.

For more information, please contact:

Forbion Investor Relations
Email: Robbert.van.de.Griendt@forbion.com
General Partner IR & Impact

Forbion Communications
Email: laura.asbjornsen@forbion.com
Head of Communications

The MIL Network –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – A cap on the price of rice: the government’s measure to prevent speculation

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Manila (Agenzia Fides) – In an effort to curb the rise in rice prices, the Manila government has set a limit of 58 pesos per kilogram for imported rice, after carrying out “extensive consultations” with importers, retailers and government agencies. The measure, which came into effect on January 20, provides for a gradual reduction in the cost of rice. The Minister of Agriculture, Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., explained that the initial recommended selling price will be 58 pesos per kilo, focused mainly on containing prices in the metropolitan area of Manila. Subsequently, the price will be reduced progressively: to 55 pesos on February 5, to 52 pesos on February 15 and, finally, to 50 pesos on March 1, with the expectation of reaching 49 pesos if international prices remain stable.According to Minister Laurel, “the gradual reduction will allow for an orderly transition in the market, avoiding destabilization of the rice sector and ensuring that companies can adapt without major disruption.” The recommended price of the staple food will be reviewed every month to take into account new factors affecting cereal prices. On the one hand, the Government wants to ensure that “the price of rice is fair and affordable”; on the other, it wants to ensure that the rice industry remains profitable, but avoiding speculation: “We cannot allow the greed of a few to endanger the well-being of an entire nation,” he said. The Agriculture Minister has reiterated plans to distribute subsidies to rice farmers during the planting season to increase local production of palay (unhulled rice) by 2025. The “Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund” is a government fund dedicated to rice farmers, the amount of which has been tripled to reach 30 billion pesos by 2025. This has come about following the Rice Tariff Law, enacted in 2018 and amended by Congress last December, to expand funding for the modernization of the rice industry. About 6 billion of the initial 10 billion will go to agricultural mechanization, and 4 billion to seeds. Other components to be funded include solar irrigation, diversification and financial aid to rice farmers. The aim is to help farmers get agricultural support during the planting season, including timely delivery of seeds and fertilizers, which will ensure efficient planting and increase productivity. National rice production this year is expected to be 20 million tons, compared to the 19.3 million tons estimated for the end of 2024. In the Philippines, rice production is a key aspect of the country’s food supply and economy. There are an estimated 2.4 million rice farmers in the country. “They are the backbone of the country and provide basic food for everyone. It is important to protect their work and ensure that the population can benefit from rice at a fair price,” explain the priests of the Diocese of San Jose, in the province of Nueva Ecija, in the north of the Philippines. They point out that “if rice is overpriced, it is above all the poor and the less well-off who suffer.” In the area, known as the “rice field of the Philippines”, the local Catholic Church has always supported farmers and, in recent years, has also launched training programs to teach organic farming techniques. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 27/1/2024)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems Major Becomes Plant Science in 2025

Source: US State of Connecticut

The sustainable plant and soil systems major offered by the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) will be renamed “plant science” beginning in the summer 2025 semester.

This change comes after an in-depth market analysis of employment opportunities, benchmarking against other universities and programs across the nation, and a survey of students, faculty, and staff in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. These activities indicated a desire for a major name that was more aligned with industry needs and for better understanding by prospective students.

“There are a variety of career options when graduating with a degree in plant science,” says Sydney Everhart, department head. “Both the name and program were thoughtfully redesigned to enhance recognition of the degree by employers, prospective students, and those who might consider national rankings. This is an exciting time to be considering coming to UConn for plant science.”

A cornerstone of the plant science program is the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience through courses with labs, field studies, and internships. The degree prepares students to tackle real world challenges in plant systems, from topics like bioremediation, environmental restoration, and sustainable agricultural plant production practices in the greenhouse, field, and across landscapes.

The core focus of the degree will remain learning about plant science, plant production, biotechnology, and cultivation. Graduates will have a foundational understanding of plant biology and soil management, learning how to optimize plant growth and health in a variety of environments. The program emphasizes hands-on skills, teaching students how to identify and manage pests, diseases, and weeds, and apply sustainable practices to improve agricultural and horticultural systems.

Students in the renamed plant science major will continue to be able to take courses towards a concentration in environmental horticulture, sustainable agriculture, or turfgrass science.

Students with a plant science degree may also have an easier time navigating the post-graduation employment landscape, as this is a broad degree name that provides flexible alignment with a variety of plant science affiliated careers and fields.

“The move away from SPSS is going to be good for the department. Most students, including myself, find it hard to explain what SPSS is to people outside of the major,” says Robert Eselby ’25 (CAHNR). “This name change will help realign the identity of the major with the focuses of the students within it.”

This name change will also allow UConn’s program to be recognized in national rankings of plant science programs. This was not possible in the past as the unique major name did not allow UConn’s graduates to be included in elements necessary for the rankings.

Students currently enrolled in the sustainable plant and soil systems major will have the name of their degree updated for degrees awarded in fall 2025 and moving forward.

“After over 100 years with ‘plant science’ in the name of our department, it is exciting to have everything align – including the bachelor’s degree name, graduate program, and associate’s degree program,” says Everhart. “With many new faculty in our department, we have bold plans to offer new concentrations and courses in the next couple of years that will continue to provide graduates of our program with a strong foundation and cutting-edge skills to equip them to succeed in their careers.”

Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Blackford Capital Acquires Ace Controls, Expanding PACIV, its Industrial Automation Platform

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blackford Capital (“Blackford”), a leading lower middle market private equity firm, announced today the acquisition of Ace Controls, a Houston, Texas-based company renowned for designing and building industrial control panels. This acquisition diversifies Blackford’s Industrial Automation Platform, PACIV, to service a broader range of customers. Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

Ace Controls is the third acquisition for the PACIV platform since its establishment in June 2023, following its add-on acquisitions of Data Science Automation in January 2024, and Eight12 Automation in May 2024. PACIV has already established a strong presence in the healthcare and life science industries, and the addition of Ace Controls brings a new focus on industrial applications in the water and wastewater industry, and also further expands the platform’s control panel capabilities. Ace Controls has a 95% repeat business rate from its customers, who represent the equipment manufacturing, electrical contracting, and general contracting sectors.

Martin Stein, Founder and Managing Director of Blackford Capital, said, “Entering an additional highly regulated, strict tolerance end market with high entry barriers will enable PACIV to scale and diversify its business. Our PACIV platform thesis is to be a multi-dimensional industrial automation enterprise catering to life sciences, food and beverage, and water and wastewater companies.”

Ace Controls President Agmed Aguirre founded the company in 2005 with a vision to serve the water and wastewater industries by building and distributing high-quality wholesale control panels designed with the end user in mind. Under his leadership over the past 20 years, Ace Controls has flourished, earning recognition as an industry leader. Agmed’s wife Lindsey Aguirre joined the business in 2006, playing a crucial role in administration and bookkeeping, which has helped to build a solid foundation for the company. The entire management team and all employees will remain with the PACIV platform post-acquisition.

“We are excited to join the PACIV platform and are eager to gain access to new customers, receive additional services, and collaboratively achieve significant growth,” said Mr. Aguirre.

Jeff Johnson, Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of PACIV, said, “We welcome the Ace Controls team to PACIV, who impressed us with their strong culture of continuous improvement, dedication to cost control, and customer service. We believe that by expanding PACIV’s control panel offerings we can achieve our ’one-stop’ goal for the platform and create a truly synergistic portfolio company.”

The platform is headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico with offices in Indiana, Pennsylvania, California, Ireland, and now Texas.

Generational Group served as exclusive financial advisor and Lancaster | Helling served as legal advisor to Ace Controls. Varnum LLP served as legal advisor and RSM US LLP served as the financial and tax advisor to Blackford and PACIV. Mercantile Bank provided debt financing, and Rush Street Capital provided financing advisory services in support of the transaction.

About Blackford Capital
Founded in 2010, Blackford Capital is a private equity investment firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Blackford acquires, manages, and builds founder and family-owned, lower middle-market companies, with a focus on the manufacturing, industrial and distribution industries. Blackford has a track record of exceptional returns, a disciplined and relentless approach to value creation, and a focus on operational excellence and a compelling culture. In 2023 and 2024, Blackford Capital was named to Inc’s list of Founder-Friendly Investors, was recognized by ACG Detroit with the 2023 M&A Dealmaker of the Year Award and awarded the 2023 Small Markets Deal of the Year award by both Buyouts Magazine and the Global M&A Network Atlas Awards. For more information, visit www.blackfordcapital.com.

About Ace Controls
Established in January 2005, Ace Controls leverages over 30 years of combined expertise in control panel design, fabrication, and integration to deliver reliable and cost-effective solutions. Serving the water and wastewater industries, as well as the oil and gas industries, Ace Controls caters to manufacturers of process equipment such as pumps, compressors, blowers, conveyors, mixers, and clarifiers, making Ace Controls a trusted partner in these critical sectors.

Media Contact:
Lambert by LLYC
Jennifer Hurson
(845) 729-3100
jhurson@lambert.com

Jackson Lin
(646) 717-4593
jlin@lambert.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72daeb91-d04c-4f9e-a1d3-5374ce84b9fb

The MIL Network –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Welch Votes for Disaster Aid Package to Support Vermont’s Flood-Impacted Communities

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

Welch-championed disaster package will support Vermont’s flood-impacted communities, fund the government
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tonight, the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive disaster aid package shaped by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), which will help states like Vermont recover from extreme weather and climate disasters by delivering more than $100.4 billion of relief. The American Relief Act, 2025 will also fund the government through March 14, 2025. It now goes to President Biden’s desk for his signature.
Senator Welch released the following statement after the vote:
“As I said in the days after Vermont’s catastrophic flooding in July 2023 and again in July 2024, it is the federal government’s job to stand up and help our neighbors when—through no fault of their own—a disaster hits. Senator Sanders, Congresswoman Balint and I have worked with our colleagues in other disaster-impacted states, across the aisle, and across the Capitol to get comprehensive disaster aid to President Biden’s desk. This bill will help communities in Vermont recover stronger and more resiliently than before the floods—and help so many other communities across America that are also recovering from extreme weather disasters.
“This bill will help Vermont’s homeowners get the buyout they’re waiting for, farmers and small businesses access the assistance they need, and provide communities flexible recovery funding. It will replenish FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, rebuild our highways and bridges, reimburse states for the repairs made after storms, and so much more. It will also, importantly, keep the government funded—something that shouldn’t be up for debate, and shouldn’t be used as a political football in the 11th hour.
“I promised we would not abandon Vermonters. I promised we would do everything possible to help Americans who were caught in the path of terrible storms. I’m proud that a bipartisan group of my colleagues found a way to work together, through the chaos of the past week, to get this over the finish line for families counting on this relief. I look forward to President Biden signing our bill for flood-impacted Vermonters.”
Senator Welch and the Vermont Congressional Delegation have advocated for disaster aid funding since Vermont’s catastrophic floods of July 2023. It contains many of his top priorities for the State: dedicated help for Vermont’s flood-impacted farmers, flexible spending through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief fund, money for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, and support for businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), among so much more.
In addition to helping disaster victims the bill will fund the will also fund the government through March 14, 2025, extend portions of the Farm Bill, help farmers with emergency economic assistance, and renews some expiring public health and Medicare programs.
Senator Welch spoke on the Senate floor last night about the need to work together to pass disaster aid for Vermont and communities across America. Watch Senator Welch’s remarks here:

Background on the Comprehensive Disaster Aid in the Continuing Resolution:
$100.4 billion in disaster aid: 

$29 billion will fund FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF)
More than $33 billion is dedicated to supporting agriculture, which includes: 

$21 billion for disaster assistance to farmers and producers, including dedicated funding set aside via block grants for Vermont disaster victims who experiences crop, timber, livestock and on-farm infrastructure losses for 2023-2024; 
$920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, to provide financial assistance to support debris removal and watershed restoration;
$362.5 million for the Rural Disaster Assistance Fund, to allow USDA Rural Development to quickly and flexibly address disasters-related needs using its existing programs, tailored to the specific needs of affected communities; and
$25 million in commodity assistance, which can help states with nutrition assistance.

The disaster aid funding also includes other funding:

$12 billion in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief funds to help communities recover with flexible funding; 
$8 billion for the Federal Highways Administration emergency relief to reimburse states impacted by natural disasters; and
$2.25 billion for SBA loans.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New protections for British food and drink in Japan
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

UK secures special protected status as geographical indications for a further 39 British food and drink products in Japan.
Woman shopping for vegetables

Diners in Japan will be tucking into authentic UK products this festive period after the country granted special protected status to nearly 40 British food and drink products.

Festive favourites such as Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese are just some of the products to receive the status, which means British businesses can export to Japan with confidence that their products are protected against imitation.

The news has been welcomed as an early Christmas present by food and drink businesses across the UK and could see a boost to British exports in Japan.

Japan’s population of 124 million has a strong appetite for international food and drink and the country’s status as the world’s fourth largest economy in 2023 highlights the strength of its consumer market and the commercial opportunities for premium British products.

39 distinctive products from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, already protected and celebrated by the UK Government as geographical indications (GIs), have formally gained protection following the completion of Japanese scrutiny processes.

These protections will safeguard British food and drink products with a distinct local identity, supporting jobs and tourism in mainly rural areas and boosting local growth, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

The latest batch of GIs follows 37 that gained protection in the country earlier this year, including Cornish Pasties and Anglesey Sea Salt.

Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said:

I’m thrilled to see there’s a taste for authentic British food and drink in Japan. We are committed to growing trade opportunities for British producers around the world as part of our Plan for Change, boosting growth and benefitting businesses across the country.

The UK is home to a feast of flavours from every corner of the British Isles. With the new agreement between the UK and Japan, consumers will now be able to chew over their choices with confidence, knowing they’re getting the quality and reputation that British food is known for – it’s the perfect recipe for success.

Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said:

Iconic UK products such as Ayrshire New Potatoes and Carmarthen Ham will now benefit from protected status in Japan. From Sussex to Armagh we are securing protections for unique British food and drink products, ensuring Japanese consumers can rest assured that they are receiving authentic, high-quality British produce.

This early Christmas present to British producers will give them confidence when exporting to Japan, helping them sell more, grow their business and ultimately drive economic growth.”

Co-founder of Rathfinny Wine Estate, Mark Driver said:

We launched Rathfinny’s Traditional Method Sussex sparkling wines in Japan in 2023 and are delighted that the Sussex PDO will now be afforded protection in Japan. The Sussex PDO is a mark of both provenance and quality, ensuring any wine with ‘Sussex’ on the label has had to pass a stringent blind tasting and high analytical standards.

Rathfinny’s Traditional Method Sussex sparkling wines are produced on a single-site vineyard, in the iconic South Downs near the Seven Sisters in East Sussex. They are now available across Japan through the specialist wine importer, Vin Passion.

Chief Executive Officer of Penderyn Distillery, Stephen Davies said:

Japan is an important market for world-class single malt whisky, making it a key target market for Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky.

We have a great partner (Whisk-E) and together we plan to build awareness and reputation for our unique brand from Wales. The establishment of the geographical indication for Single Malt Welsh Whisky in 2022 was an important milestone in the development of the whisky industry in Wales and to have recognition in Japan will be a great achievement to support our export strategy.

Co-Founder and Managing Director of Halen Môn, Alison Lea-Wilson said:

We are proud to have the name and method of Halen Môn recognised in Japan as authentic and possessing the special qualities that set it apart from other salts.

GI status offers brands such as Halen Môn protection against passing off and another way of differentiating ourselves from our competitors. We know that Japanese consumers recognise the premium quality of British brands and are keen to buy the authentic product, so it’s great to hear that Japan is recognising further GIs from the UK.

Further British GIs have been recognised across the world in recent months, with fourteen UK GIs including Welsh Laverbread, Vale of Evesham Asparagus and London Cure Smoked Salmon granted protection in Iceland on 4 December under the Free Trade Agreement between the UK and Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and the Kingdom of Norway.

This followed new protections for Scotch Whisky in Brazil, South America’s largest economy, in August, tackling counterfeits and giving distillers the confidence to up their exports to Brazil.

Further information

Geographical Indications

A Geographical indication (GI) is an intellectual property right used on products that have qualities or characteristics attributable to a specific geographical origin. Examples include Scotch Whisky, Welsh Lamb and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies.

Food, drink and agricultural products with a geographical connection or that are made using traditional methods can be registered and protected as intellectual property.

Geographical indications protect the authenticity of many of our most prestigious food and drink products and give consumers confidence that international GI products are genuine articles.

The UK’s annual GI exports are estimated to be worth over £6 billion and account for 25% of UK food and drink exports’ value.

UK food, drink, and agricultural products to be protected in Japan include:

Armagh Bramley Apples

Ayrshire New Potatoes/Ayrshire Earlies

Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese

Bonchester Cheese

Buxton Blue

Cambrian Mountains Lamb

Carmarthen Ham

Cornish Sardines

Darnibole

Dovedale Cheese

Fal Oysters

Fenland Celery

Gloucestershire Cider

Gloucestershire Perry

Gower Salt Marsh Lamb

Lakeland Herdwick

New Season Comber Potatoes / Comber Earlies Potatoes

Newmarket Sausage

Orkney Beef

Orkney Lamb

Rutland Bitter

Scottish Wild Salmon

Shetland Lamb

Sussex Wine

Swaledale Ewes Cheese

Teviotdale Cheese

The Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum

Traditional Welsh Cider

Traditional Welsh Perry

Vale of Evesham Asparagus

West Wales Coracle Caught Salmon

West Wales Coracle Caught Sewin

Whitstable Oysters

Worcestershire Cider

Worcestershire Perry

Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb

New Forest Pannage Ham

Welsh Leeks

Welsh Whisky

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Updates to this page

Published 22 December 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir assumes role as Minister for Foreign Affairs

Source: Government of Iceland

Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir assumed the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs today, succeeding Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, the outgoing Minister. Þorgerður Katrín becomes the the fifth woman to hold this position.

Þorgerður Katrín is the chair of the Liberal Reform Party and has served in parliament for the party since 2016. She first took a seat in parliament in 1999 and was Minister of Education from 2003 to 2009 and Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture from 11 January to 30 November 2017.

Þorgerður Katrín was born in Reykjavík on 4 October 1965. Her husband is Kristján Arason and their children are Gunnar Ari, Gísli Þorgeir and Katrín Erla.
Þorgerður Katrín is the 26th Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland and the fifth woman to hold the position, as mentioned earlier.

Þorgerður Katrín‘s Parliamentary career on the Alþingi website.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Yes, reindeer actually can have red noses – and other fascinating facts about this Christmas icon

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Old, Associate Professor, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Western Sydney University

Dmitry Chulov, Shutterstock

At this time of year, images of reindeer are everywhere. I’ve had a soft spot for reindeer ever since I was a little girl. Doesn’t everyone?

While I work on Australian mammals, especially marsupials such as wombats, I still find reindeer fascinating.

I’ve spent a great deal of time reading up about reindeer. Some of the research may interest you too.

So here’s everything you need to know about this iconic animal, including why they need antlers, why they really can have red noses and how their eyes change colour!

Male reindeer lose their horns in winter.
Tam and Trace Photography, Shutterstock

What do reindeer eat?

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandua) are herbivores, which means they eat plants. But because they live in the Arctic, where snow and ice covers the ground for most of the year, they can’t be too fussy.

Their diet mostly consists of lichen, a plant-like organism that grows on rocks and trees. They also eat grass, moss and fungus when they can get it. I’m sure they’d love a carrot or two, but they’re more likely to find only tough “vascular” shrubs and bushes in the Arctic.

Like rabbits and koalas, reindeer also eat droppings – specifically barnacle goose poo. Who knows, maybe eating goose droppings give reindeer special flying powers at Christmas time?

How do they keep warm?

We’ve all heard the Christmas song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Yet you may not realise reindeer really can have red noses!

Blood flow in the nose can increase or decrease to control heat exchange. So when reindeer need to cool down, their nose looks red because blood is pumped closer to the skin. It’s a bit like when fair-skinned people get hot and flushed.

Reindeer can also regulate the temperature of the skin on their legs by a similar mechanism, to conserve energy.

They build up very large fat reserves over the warmer months. Around 25% of these reserves are then used for energy in winter.

Reindeer can also break down their own protein for energy over winter.

Specialised hair acts to minimise heat loss. Reindeer fur is thickest in winter with more dense woollen underfur.

Hollow “guard hairs” stand out from the rest to provide both colour and insulation from the cold.

As reindeer fur is broader than other deer fur, with a larger hollow cavity, it probably also supports buoyancy. Perhaps it helps keep reindeer afloat when they cross lakes and rivers during migration. Maybe it could even make them lighter, just as birds have hollow bones, and enable flight.

But these cold climate specialists may suffer as the world warms. Last year researchers described how female reindeer responded to an extreme heatwave in Finland. The reindeer became less active as their body temperature increased and heart rate decreased, reducing the ability to build up their fat reserves.

Glittering eyes and fancy feet

Reindeer noses are not the only body part that changes colour. Part of the back of their eye shines a gold-turquoise colour in summer, and deep blue in winter.

The colour change corresponds to changes in the spacing of collagen fibres and pressure within the eye itself. It all has to do with making the most of the light at different times of the year.

In summer, reindeer have sponge-like footpads that help grip the soft ground. In winter, however, their footpads are smaller and the hoof rim is exposed, enabling reindeer to cut through snow and ice to find food.

Reindeer toes on the front feet play a braking role – making for easy landings on roofs perhaps – while toes on the back feet are used for pushing.

Antlers and herd dynamics

Reindeer are unique among all deer in that both males and females have antlers. But only females have antlers all year around.

The size of male reindeer (bull) antlers is second only to that of the moose. But relative to body size, reindeer antlers are the largest among living deer.

Bulls use their antlers and body size to win over females. Older males have larger antlers with more spiky projections.

Bull antler buds appear in March or April, become fully developed during summer then shed from August to September. Bulls also grow a mane and their neck thickens by this time.

The older males shed their antlers earlier than younger (or weaker) bulls, with antlers dropping off sometime between November and May.

Unlike bulls, cows need to keep their antlers throughout winter to compete for food and prevent unwanted attention from young bulls.

Young cows develop antlers early to earn a higher rank among the herd, which can be maintained for life.

The clicking sound from reindeer knees is a curious feature. It’s thought to come from the tendon within the knee when it slips over the bone.

The sound is likely to be louder in bigger reindeer with longer tendons, as observed in eland (Taurotragus oryx). So knee clicking can provide an acoustic signal to rivals, allowing combatants to determine if they want to engage in battle or not.

Survival of the species

Reindeer are essential to the health of the Arctic grasslands and forests, and have great cultural significance to the many Indigenous peoples of the regions in which they live.

Yet reindeer are vulnerable to extinction. The global population has declined from about 4.8 million to 2.9 million over a couple of decades.

People are largely to blame. Farming, mining, forestry, hunting and now climate change threaten the survival of the species.

Fortunately, Santa is not the only person to keep reindeer. Many are kept in captivity, ensuring this amazing species’ survival for a while yet.

Julie Old 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. Yes, reindeer actually can have red noses – and other fascinating facts about this Christmas icon – https://theconversation.com/yes-reindeer-actually-can-have-red-noses-and-other-fascinating-facts-about-this-christmas-icon-242739

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 27, 2025

Category: Farming

Rabi crop sowing exceeds 655.88 lakh hectares35.15 lakh ha area coverage under Paddy has been reported

India’s Petroleum IndustryFueling Growth and Innovation

IFAD Associate Vice President Shri Donal Brown meets Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh ChaturvediShri Donal Brown appreciates the role India’s role as founding member of IFAD

Research and Innovation are Essential for Progressing in the World: Dr. Mansukh MandaviyaPM Modi has said that we will host Olympics in 2036, which will symbolize India’s growing strength: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

What’s so good about bacterial cellulose?

The challenge of fermentation

Which way forward?

Not all avos are the same

Hass avocados

Shepard avocados

Avocados and our health

Title of course:

What prompted the idea for the course?

What does the course explore?

Why is this course relevant now?

What’s a critical lesson from the course?

What materials does the course feature?

What will the course prepare students to do?

What is SNAP?

Why restrict SNAP?

Why SNAP restrictions won’t make America healthier

Flexible but don’t cover all needs

Exercise and energy expenditure

Modest increase

Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said:

Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said:

Co-founder of Rathfinny Wine Estate, Mark Driver said:

Chief Executive Officer of Penderyn Distillery, Stephen Davies said:

Co-Founder and Managing Director of Halen Môn, Alison Lea-Wilson said:

Further information

Geographical Indications

UK food, drink, and agricultural products to be protected in Japan include:

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What do reindeer eat?

How do they keep warm?

Glittering eyes and fancy feet

Antlers and herd dynamics

Survival of the species

Rabi crop sowing exceeds 655.88 lakh hectares

35.15 lakh ha area coverage under Paddy has been reported

India’s Petroleum Industry

Fueling Growth and Innovation

IFAD Associate Vice President Shri Donal Brown meets Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi

Shri Donal Brown appreciates the role India’s role as founding member of IFAD

Research and Innovation are Essential for Progressing in the World: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

PM Modi has said that we will host Olympics in 2036, which will symbolize India’s growing strength: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya