Category: Germany

MIL-OSI: Report for the nine months ended 30 September 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Highlights

Added 33 GWh of annual proportionate power generation in the SE3 and SE4 price areas through acquisitions and increased ownership in existing windfarms.
Power generation amounted to 620 GWh for the reporting period, which was approximately ten percent below expectations, due to lower-than-average wind speeds and voluntary production curtailments during periods of low electricity prices.
Continued progress on the Company’s greenfield projects, with additional land secured and the first projects in the UK and Germany approaching the ready-to-permit stage.

Consolidated financials – 9 months

Cash flows from investing activities amounted to MEUR 39.5 and was positively impacted by the sale of the Leikanger hydropower plant in the second quarter.
Cash flows from operating activities amounted to MEUR -3.6.

Proportionate financials – 9 months

Achieved electricity price amounted to EUR 35 per MWh, which resulted in a proportionate EBITDA of MEUR 6.9.
Proportionate net debt of MEUR 55.9, with significant liquidity headroom available through the MEUR 170 revolving credit facility.

Financial Summary

Orrön Energy owns renewables assets directly and through joint ventures and associated companies and is presenting proportionate financials to show the net ownership and related results of these assets. The purpose of the proportionate reporting is to give an enhanced insight into the Company’s operational and financial results.

Expressed in MEUR	1 Jan 2024- 30 Sep 2024 9 months	1 Jul 2024- 30 Sep 2024 3 months	1 Jan 2023- 30 Sep 2023 9 months	1 Jul 2023- 30 Sep 2023 3 months	1 Jan 2023- 31 Dec 2023 12 months
Consolidated financials
Revenue	18.6	1.6	19.6	2.3	28.0
EBITDA	0.9	-7.1	-4.2	-6.7	-5.1
Operating profit (EBIT)	-11.2	-11.3	-12.6	-9.4	-17.0
Net result	-6.7	-11.1	-15.6	-7.8	-7.6
Earnings per share – EUR	-0.02	-0.04	-0.05	-0.03	-0.03
Earnings per share diluted – EUR	-0.02	-0.04	-0.05	-0.03	-0.03
Proportionate financials¹
Power generation (GWh)	620	164	539	161	765
Average price achieved per MWh – EUR	35	18	49	23	47
Operating expenses per MWh – EUR	18	21	18	20	18
Revenue	22.0	2.9	26.6	3.6	36.2
EBITDA	6.9	-4.9	4.0	-4.3	5.3
Operating profit (EBIT)	-8.1	-10.1	-7.8	-8.2	-11.0

¹ Proportionate financials represent Orrön Energy’s proportionate ownership (net) of assets and related financial results, including joint ventures. For more details see section Key Financial Data in the report for the interim report for the third quarter.

Comment from Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO of Orrön Energy AB
“The third quarter provided many opportunities for our business, in a period characterised by low and volatile electricity prices. We continued to grow our business through selective acquisitions and consolidation opportunities, and continued to lay the foundation for future growth through our greenfield projects across Europe. However, the third quarter was challenging from a revenue and electricity price perspective, impacting our financial results. In the Nordics this was primarily due to lower-than-expected electricity demand, low gas prices and an oversupply of electricity during peak hours. Despite these challenges, we successfully expanded our asset base through strategic acquisitions of shares and assets across wind farms and companies, delivered in line with our cost guidance and maintained high technical availability across our operational portfolio. Orrön Energy’s balance sheet remains robust and we have ample liquidity to continue to invest in growth while withstanding periods with lower electricity prices, allowing us to capitalise on opportunities when markets are weak.

Proportionate power generation amounted to 620 GWh for the reporting period and was below expectations due to lower-than-average wind speeds and voluntary production curtailments during periods of low electricity prices. I am pleased that we continue to achieve high technical availability across our operational assets, reaching an average of 96 percent in the third quarter, which demonstrates that we have the capacity to produce more if not for the weather conditions and low prices. Lower seasonal demand, coupled with high volatility in the electricity markets, resulted in a higher number of hours with low or negative electricity prices across the Nordics this summer. During these periods, we proactively curtailed production for short periods to avoid uneconomical power generation, returning to full operation once prices strengthened. As we move into winter, we expect to see higher demand which should help to strengthen electricity pricing into the fourth quarter this year and the first quarter next year, as already reflected in the futures price. Based on our power generation year to date, we now expect to produce around 900 GWh in 2024, depending on wind speeds and power prices during the fourth quarter.

The third quarter marks one year since the start of the Sudan trial in the Stockholm District Court, which will conclude in early 2026 with a verdict expected around the summer 2026. My view on this case remains unchanged and, if anything, it has strengthened over the past 12 months, and I expect a complete and unequivocal acquittal of all parties involved, given the baseless nature of the allegations. Once the trial is complete, we will no longer need to fund the ongoing legal costs related to this case which reduces our G&A expenses by around MEUR 7 per annum, leading to higher underlying EBITDA for the Company in the long term.

Strategic Growth
We have been active on the M&A front since the start of the summer, adding 33 GWh of annual power generation in the SE3 and SE4 price areas through increased ownership in various wind farms and companies. These investments strengthen our operational portfolio, and we will continue to seek opportunities to further consolidate ownership in assets that are complementary to our existing portfolio.

On the greenfield front, we continue to make good progress with our growth strategy. Having secured additional land, we are now moving closer to the ready-to-permit phase for our first large-scale projects in both the UK and Germany, where market valuations and demand for such projects remain high. Additionally, we have commissioned our first battery project in Sweden and continue to advance a pipeline of projects across wind, solar and batteries in the Nordics.

Financially Resilient
We remain in a financially robust position, with liquidity headroom exceeding MEUR 110. Proportionate revenues and other income amounted to MEUR 2.9 for the third quarter, which was impacted by low electricity prices, resulting in a proportionate EBITDA of MEUR -4.9 for the third quarter and MEUR 6.9 for the reporting period. Due to cost savings and phasing of investments into 2025, we are revising our capital expenditure guidance to MEUR 11 for 2024.

Looking Ahead
Throughout the remainder of the year, we will intensify our efforts on the greenfield side to reach the ready-to-permit phase for our first large-scale projects, while continuing to explore opportunities to capitalise on the current market conditions. Orrön Energy has a resilient financial position, enabling us to withstand periods of low pricing while still investing in accretive growth opportunities and acquisitions. I expect market conditions to improve as we come into the winter months, and over time, I am convinced that we will see further value creation through the growth in our core business and greenfield projects.

Once again, I thank our shareholders for their continued support and look forward to sharing updates as we continue to grow the business.”

Webcast
Listen to Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO and Espen Hennie, CFO commenting on the report and presenting the latest developments in Orrön Energy and its future growth strategy at a webcast held on 8 August 2024 at 14.00 CEST. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Registration for the webcast presentation is available on the website and the below link:
https://vimeo.com/event/4678321/54544efc16

For further information, please contact:

Robert Eriksson
Director Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations
Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
robert.eriksson@orron.com

Jenny Sandström
Communications Lead
Tel: +41 79 431 63 68
jenny.sandstrom@orron.com

Orrön Energy is an independent, publicly listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: “ORRON”) renewable energy company within the Lundin Group of Companies. Orrön Energy’s core portfolio consists of high quality, cash flow generating assets in the Nordics, coupled with greenfield growth opportunities in the Nordics, the UK, Germany and France. With financial capacity to fund further growth and acquisitions, and backed by a major shareholder, management and Board with a proven track record of investing into, leading and growing highly successful businesses, Orrön Energy is in a unique position to create shareholder value through the energy transition.

Forward-looking statements
Statements in this press release relating to any future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that could occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to several factors, many of which are outside the company’s control. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and the company has no obligation (and undertakes no obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Attachment

Q3 Report 2024 ENG

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Hapag-Lloyd Partners with HERE Technologies to Transform Global Supply Chain Visibility with Advanced Tracking Solution
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Hapag-Lloyd has equipped over 1.5 million containers with advanced tracking devices, integrating HERE Tracking into their real-time tracking solution to enhance inland Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) calculations across global transportation networks.
- HERE Tracking delivers precise, AI-powered ETAs, providing Hapag-Lloyd with critical data for better operational planning, control and customer satisfaction.
Hamburg, Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands — Hapag-Lloyd, a global leader in container shipping, and HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology company, today announced a strategic partnership focused on significantly improving visibility in global supply chains. HERE Tracking enhances Hapag-Lloyd’s existing real-time smart container tracking solution Live Position with predictive ETAs for inland transportation, driving operational efficiency and improving customer satisfaction.

As supply chain disruptions continue to impact industries worldwide, the need for real-time visibility has never been greater. With the deployment of over 1.5 million container tracking devices to 90% of Hapag Lloyd’s total fleet, utilizing the HERE Tracking solution, Hapag-Lloyd can now accurately predict arrival of these containers across their rail, barge and truck transportation networks. The tracking devices will extend to Hapag-Lloyd’s entire fleet and include ETA prediction early next year.

By leveraging AI-powered, predictive ETAs from HERE, businesses and operations managers can rely on continuously updated data throughout the entire transport journey. This accuracy empowers more effective planning and decision-making, ultimately improving operational efficiency.

HERE Tracking, a versatile location service, offers customers the ability to monitor transportation in real time, both outdoors and indoors, and across multiple transportation modes. Along with predictive ETAs, the service also provides customizable geofencing for smart, event-based alerts and notifications and advanced post-trip analytics.

HERE Tracking is delivered via an application programming interface (API), offering seamless integration with existing enterprise software, and allowing customers to maintain full control of their data.

Jason Jameson, Chief Customer Officer at HERE Technologies, said: “We are excited to redefine the future of supply chain visibility together with Hapag-Lloyd and to provide their customers with the precise ETAs they need to stay competitive in a constantly evolving marketplace. We are looking forward to extending our partnership with Hapag-Lloyd to further enhance their service offerings for even greater operational efficiency and end-customer satisfaction.”

“As the first carrier to offer real-time visibility of our container locations through our Live Position product, Hapag-Lloyd is taking the next step with HERE to enhance inland ETA predictions,” said Patrick Briest, Head of Network & Operations IT Products at Hapag-Lloyd. “While we already know where each container is at any moment, our collaboration with HERE allows us to predict where it will be across any transport mode, in any country. This capability significantly boosts our operational planning and supports our customers with unparalleled precision in shipment timing.”

Media Contacts
HERE Technologies
Dr. Sebastian Kurme
+49 173 515 3549
sebastian.kurme@here.com

Anna Glockner
+44 7855 170344
anna.glockner@here.com

Hapag-Lloyd
Hanja Maria Richter
+49 40 3001 5102
HanjaMaria.Richter@hlag.com

Leon Schulz
+49 40 3001 4042
LeonJukka.Schulz@hlag.com

About HERE Technologies
HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for almost 40 years. Today, the HERE location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at here.com.

About Hapag-Lloyd
With a fleet of 287 modern container ships and a total transport capacity of 2.2 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. In the Liner Shipping segment, the Company has around 13,700 employees and 400 offices in 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd has a container capacity of 3.2 million TEU – including one of the largest and most modern fleets of reefer containers. A total of 114 liner services worldwide ensure fast and reliable connections between more than 600 ports on all the continents. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd has equity stakes in 20 terminals in Europe, Latin America, the United States, India and North Africa. Around 2,900 employees are assigned to the Terminal & Infrastructure segment and provide complementary logistics services at selected locations in addition to the terminal activities.

Attachment
- IMAGE_HERE_Hapag-LLoyd_partner_lockup
The MIL Network –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Website fb-invest.eu and fraudulent offers of shares: FB Invest UG (haftungsbeschränkt) target of identity fraud

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

Unknown persons are currently contacting consumers in Germany and offering them the opportunity to buy shares. BaFin suspects these persons of providing financial and investment services without the required authorisation. The offers of shares and the website fb-invest.eu used for this purpose do not originate from FB Invest UG (haftungsbeschränkt), based in Munich. This is a case of identity fraud. Furthermore, despite their assertions to the contrary, the website’s operators are not supervised by the financial supervisory authority BaFin.

Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: WTO members review latest notifications of anti-dumping actions

Source: WTO

Headline: WTO members review latest notifications of anti-dumping actions

The Committee reviewed new notifications of legislation submitted by Brazil, Cabo Verde, Solomon Islands and the United States. It continued its review of the legislative notifications of the European Union, Ghana, Liberia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
In reviewing semi-annual notifications on anti-dumping actions, delegations questioned and discussed the practices of other members including in relation to the initiation of investigations, the imposition of provisional and final anti-dumping measures, and the review of existing anti-dumping measures. Delegations questioned and discussed actions contained in the semi-annual reports submitted by Brazil, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States. In presenting its semi-annual report, Ukraine expressed concerns over the war in Ukraine and the effects on its domestic industry.
In respect of the semi-annual reports covering the period 1 January – 30 June 2024, 45 members notified the Committee of anti-dumping actions taken in this period, while 15 reported no new anti-dumping actions in the same period. In addition, 51 members submitted one-time notifications indicating they have not established an authority competent to initiate and conduct an investigation and have not, to date, taken any anti-dumping actions.
In addition to the semi-annual reports, the WTO’s Anti-Dumping Agreement requires members to submit without delay – on an ad hoc basis – notifications of all preliminary and final anti-dumping actions taken. Ad hoc notifications reviewed during the meeting were received from Argentina; Armenia; Australia; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; the European Union; Georgia; India; Israel; Japan; Kazakhstan; the Republic of Korea; the Kyrgyz Republic; Mexico; Morocco; Pakistan; the Russian Federation; South Africa; Chinese Taipei; Türkiye; Ukraine; the United Kingdom; and the United States. Members raised questions and discussed actions taken by Australia, China and Morocco. Canada encouraged members to submit timely ad hoc notifications and raised concerns about the conduct of investigations it considered to be politically motivated which are not based on sufficient evidence or justification.
In the absence of the Chair of the Committee Mr Mohamed Zuhair Taous (Tunisia), the interim Chair Mr Wolfram Spelten (Germany), who was elected to preside over the October 2024 meetings of the Committee and of its subsidiary bodies, urged members that had not submitted semi-annual reports and ad hoc notifications of actions taken to do so promptly. The interim Chair welcomed members’ continued extensive use of the anti-dumping portal to submit their semi-annual reports.
The Committee adopted its 2024 annual report to the Council for Trade in Goods.
Next meetings
The Committee decided that its spring and autumn meetings for 2025 would be held in the weeks of 28 April and 27 October 2025, respectively.

Share

MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Revenue as of September 30, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

€742.8 million in revenue over 9 months, down 3.5%, reflecting the group’s strategic orientations
- Implementation of a strategy to prioritize margins over revenue growth
- Continuing diversification into activities related to the energy transition, with strong growth of +28%
- Accelerating growth in Germany, the group’s future third pillar, at +28%.
Third quarter: €225.4 million in revenue, down 10.1%, reflecting the continuation of 2nd quarter trends
- Impact of selectivity measures implemented in Q2 in French and Spanish telecom sectors in France and Spain .
- Temporarily reduced fiber activity in Belgium as negotiations continue between telco service providers looking to pool their investments
- Sustained strong growth in Germany: +33%.
- Strong growth in Energy activity, despite unfavorable seasonal effects in Q3: +26 %
2024 full-year outlook confirmed

	9 months			Q3
In millions of euros (unaudited data)	2024	2023	% change	2024	2023	% change
Group	742.8	769.7	-3.5%	225.4	250.7	-10.1%
Benelux	278.9	269.6	3.5%	82.1	89.6	-8.3%
France	270.2	297.8	-9.3%	81.7	98.4	-16.9%
Other Countries	193.8	202.4	-4.3%	61.6	62.7	-1.8%

Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer of Solutions30, stated: “The evolution of Solutions30’s revenue since the beginning of the year reflects the strategic orientations we shared at our Capital Markets Day last September. We are prioritizing margins over revenue growth, with an increased selectivity in our mature markets. At the same time, we are continuing our expansion in Germany, which is set to become a profitable growth pillar for Solutions30, as well as our diversification into energy transition-related services, buoyed by favorable structural trends. The decrease in revenue in the third quarter was a continuation of trends seen in the second quarter, with the deepening impact of measures to reduce our exposure to certain insufficiently profitable contracts in France and Spain and a temporary slowdown in the fiber business in Belgium. In the current contrasted market environment, we are confident that our strategic choices are fully relevant.”

Consolidated revenue

In the first nine months of 2024, Solutions30’s consolidated revenue amounted to €742.8 million, down 3.5% from €769.7 million in the same period of 2023. This includes an organic contraction of -4.2%, a +0.3% impact from acquisitions, and a +0.4% favorable currency effect.

This decrease reflects the group’s strategic orientations, as presented at the Capital Markets Day held on September 26, 2024. Namely, the prioritization of margins over revenue growth with the measures taken in Q2 to reduce exposure to certain telecoms contracts, notably in France and Spain, which no longer met the Group’s profitability requirements. Solutions30’s growth drivers, however, maintained strong momentum: Germany, which is proving to be its best-performing market in terms of growth, and energy-related services, which continue to develop successfully, confirming the relevance of the strategic diversification undertaken.

Third-quarter consolidated revenue totaled €225.4 million, compared with €250.7 million in Q3 2023, representing a decline of -10.1% (-10.5% organically). This sharper decline than in Q2 (-4.5%) mainly reflects (i) the deepening impact of selectivity measures implemented in Q2 in the telecoms sector in France and Spain, and (ii) ongoing negotiations between Belgian telecom service providers, begun in Q2, with a view to pooling their fiber deployment investments.

Benelux

Revenue in Benelux for the first nine months of the year totaled €278.9 million, representing 38% of total revenue, up 3.5% (+3.4% organic growth). Following a year of exceptional growth (+77.2% in the first nine months of 2023), which set a particularly high comparison basis, business in the Benelux countries remains slowed down by ongoing negotiations between Belgian telecoms service providers to streamline the rollout of fiber nationwide. Although the Belgian market’s potential remains high, these negotiations are causing delays for Solutions30’s business. In Q4, these effects will be amplified due to the merger of two of the Group’s customers, Proximus and Fiberklaar, impacting the pace of the connection market.

In the third quarter of 2024, Benelux revenue totaled €82.1 million, down 8.3% (-8.6% organic). Connectivity activity posted revenue of €61.3 million, down -15.3%. This decline reflects the full impact of delays in fiber roll-out in Belgium from the 2nd quarter onwards, due to the above-mentioned negotiations, as well as, to a lower extent, the impact of the Belgian communal and provincial elections, which was limited by efficient planning.

The development of Energy activity continues, with growth accelerating to +23% in the third quarter of 2024 and revenue reaching €15.8 million. In September 2024, Solutions30 announced its acquisition of Xperal, a Netherlands-based photovoltaic project specialist (see press release dated September 23, 2024). This acquisition significantly enhances the group’s offering in the sector, providing an integrated range of energy services in the Benelux countries that cover smart meters, electric vehicle charging stations, low-voltage electricity grids, photovoltaic installation, and energy storage solutions. The acquisition of Xperal is fully in line with the Group’s strategy to become a leading energy services player in all the regions where it operates.

Technology activity posted revenue of €5.0 million in the third quarter of 2024, up +16.1%.

France

In France, revenue for the first nine months of the year was €270.2 million, or 36% of total revenue, down
-9.3%. This change includes an organic contraction of -9.9% and a +0.6% positive impact from the acquisition of Elec-ENR, consolidated since July 2023.

In the third quarter of 2024, revenue amounted to €81.7 million, a purely organic decline of -16.9%, driven by the sharp -35.3% decrease in Connectivity revenue to €45.8 million. This reflects the deepening impact of the selective measures implemented in the 2nd quarter, which led the Group to significantly reduce its exposure to certain contracts that no longer met its profitability standards. It also reflects a slowdown in the fiber roll-out market, which is set to continue in the quarters ahead.

Revenue from Energy activity continued to grow strongly, rising by +42.5% in the third quarter to €18,6 million. Solutions30 continues to successfully diversify in this sector, which is buoyed by favorable structural trends, and is gradually establishing itself as a leading player. Growth, however, was less strong than in the second quarter (+56%), due to the seasonal nature of these services, which usually experience lower activity during the summer period, before tending to rebound in the fourth quarter.

Technology activity’s revenue was €17.3 million, rising sharply by +19.8% and reflecting a temporary increase in business linked to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Drawing on its expertise in these fields, Solutions30 was on call at all Olympic sites to provide technical assistance for IT and payment systems.

Other countries

In other countries, the Group generated €193.8 million in revenue over the first nine months of the year, or 26% of total revenue, down -4.3%. This includes an organic decline of -5.8% and a positive currency effect of +1.5%, reflecting the appreciation of the zloty and the pound sterling against the euro during this period. In the third quarter of 2024, revenue was €61.6 million, down -1.8% (-3.0% organic) but with highly contrasting situations from one country to another.

In Germany, Solutions30 is benefiting from exceptional market momentum, with revenue increasing +33.2% in the third quarter of 2024 to €21.8 million. Coaxial network activity remains strong, while fiber activities continue to ramp up. Solutions30 is now firmly established as a trusted partner for the six national telecom service providers.

In Poland, growth remained solid at +24.2%, with revenue reaching €14.5 million in the third quarter.

In Italy, revenue amounted to €12.8 million in the third quarter. Normal activity has resumed with more favorable economic conditions, after the Group voluntarily limited its call-outs with its main fiber customer from the second half of 2023. Solutions30 returned to slight growth of +0.8% in the third quarter, and will benefit from a favorable base effect in the fourth quarter.

In Spain, revenue fell by -43.5% to €7.3 million, reflecting the full impact of measures taken in the second quarter to reduce the Group’s exposure to the mature fiber market. The Connectivity business is currently being restructured, while the Group refocuses its development on Energy and Technology. In the third quarter, it won a strategic contract with Atlante to install an initial set of 50 electric vehicle charging stations (see press release from September 30, 2024).

Lastly, in the United Kingdom, revenue fell by -42.5% to €5.2 million, reflecting the continued refocusing of Connectivity activities on the fiber market. Solutions30 is also focusing on developing its Energy business, as demonstrated by the multi-year contract signed with Connected Kerb to develop its electric vehicle charging infrastructure network (see press release from September 24, 2024).

2024 full-year outlook confirmed

For the full year 2024, Solutions30 expects slightly lower revenue compared to 2023, along with improvement in the Group’s adjusted EBITDA margin, leading to an overall increase in adjusted EBITDA.

2026 Roadmap

At the Capital Markets Day held on September 26, 2024, Solutions30 shared its 2026 roadmap, with concrete action plans and objectives tailored to each of its markets.

In the Benelux, the group is confident it will be able to capitalize on its leading market position and return to a profitable growth trajectory as early as 2025, whatever the outcome of the current negotiations with service providers. It is targeting an adjusted EBITDA margin above 10% by 2026.

In France, Energy activity revenue is set to triple compared with 2023, reaching €150 million by 2026. In Connectivity activity, the Group is working to stabilize its business while applying strict contract selectivity. It is also positioning itself to seize future opportunities such as the forthcoming dismantling of the copper network. Adjusted EBITDA margin, benefiting from the global transformation plan launched in 2022, should exceed 10% by 2026.

In Germany, Solutions30 is aiming for a first milestone in 2026, with revenue of between €150 and €200 million, and an adjusted EBITDA margin well above 10%. The country should then continue to grow faster than the rest of the Group, becoming one of its biggest contributors.

In the rest of Europe, Solutions30 has adopted a differentiated approach, with the aim of maintaining profitable growth in Poland, continuing to improve performance in the United Kingdom, and restoring margins in Italy and Spain by 2026, or else envisaging strategic actions for its activities in these two countries.

Webcast for investors and analysts
Date: Monday, November 4, 2024
6:30 PM (CET) – 5:30 PM (GMT)

Speakers
Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer
Jonathan Crauwels, Chief Financial Officer
Amaury Boilot, Group General Secretary

Connection details
Webcast in English: https://channel.royalcast.com/solutions30-en/#!/solutions30-en/20241104_1

Upcoming events

Gilbert Dupont Forum Valeurs Familiales (Paris) – November 5, 2024

CIC Forum (Virtual Day) – November 21, 2024

2024 Q4 Revenue – January 29, 2025

About Solutions30 SE

Solutions30 provides consumers and businesses with access to the key technological advancements that are shaping our everyday lives, especially those driving the digital transformation and energy transition. With its network of more than 16,000 technicians, Solutions30 has completed over 65 million call-outs since its inception and led over 500 renewable energy projects with a combined maximum output surpassing 1600 MWp. Every day, Solutions30 is doing its part to build a more connected and sustainable world. Solutions30 has become an industry leader in Europe with operations in 10 countries: France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
The capital of Solutions30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised. Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30).
Indices: CAC Mid & Small | CAC Small | CAC Technology | Euro Stoxx Total Market Technology | Euronext Tech Growth.
Visit our website for more information: www.solutions30.com.

Contact

Individual Shareholders:
shareholders@solutions30.com – Tel: +33 (0)1 86 86 00 63

Analysts/investors:
investor.relations@solutions30.com

Press – Image 7:
Charlotte Le Barbier – Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 – clebarbier@image7.fr

Attachment

PRESS RELEASE English Q3 2024

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: NXP Semiconductors Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) today reported financial results for the third quarter, which ended September 29, 2024. “NXP delivered quarterly revenue of $3.25 billion, in-line with our overall guidance. While we experienced some strength against our expectations in the Communication Infrastructure, Mobile and Automotive end markets, we were confronted with increasing macro related weakness in the Industrial & IoT market. Our guidance for the fourth quarter reflects broader macro weakness especially in Europe and the Americas. We focus on managing what is in our control enabling NXP to drive resilient profitability and earnings in an uncertain demand environment,” said Kurt Sievers, NXP President and Chief Executive Officer.

Key Highlights for the Third Quarter 2024:

Revenue was $3.25 billion, down 5 percent year-on-year;
GAAP gross margin was 57.4 percent, GAAP operating margin was 30.5 percent and GAAP diluted Net Income per Share was $2.79;
Non-GAAP gross margin was 58.2 percent, non-GAAP operating margin was 35.5 percent, and non-GAAP diluted Net Income per Share was $3.45;
Cash flow from operations was $779 million, with net capex investments of $186 million, resulting in non-GAAP free cash flow of $593 million;
During the third quarter of 2024, NXP continued to execute its capital return policy with the payment of $259 million in cash dividends, and the repurchase of $305 million of its common shares. The total capital return of $564 million in the quarter represented 95 percent of third quarter non-GAAP free cash flow. On a trailing twelve month basis, capital return to shareholders represented $2.4 billion or 87 percent of non-GAAP free cash flow. The interim dividend for the third quarter 2024 was paid in cash on October 9, 2024 to shareholders of record as of September 12, 2024. On August 29th, the NXP board of directors authorized an additional $2.0 billion for share repurchases, resulting in a $2.64 billion share repurchase balance at the end of the third quarter. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, between September 30, 2024 and November 1, 2024, NXP executed via a 10b5-1 program additional share repurchases totaling $117 million;
On August 20, 2024, ESMC, the previously announced manufacturing joint venture between TSMC, Robert Bosch GmbH, Infineon Technologies AG and NXP Semiconductors N.V. held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the initial phase of construction of its first semiconductor fab in Dresden, Germany;
On September 4, 2024, Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation and NXP Semiconductors N.V. announced the receipt of all necessary governmental approvals from relevant authorities and injected capital to officially establish the previously announced VisionPower Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Pte Ltd (VSMC) manufacturing joint venture. The company will now proceed with the planned construction of VSMC’s first 300mm wafer manufacturing facility;
On September 10, 2024, NXP announced the Trimension® SR250, the industry’s first single-chip, UWB solution to enable Industrial and IoT applications that integrates on-chip processing capabilities with both short-range UWB-based radar and secure ranging;
On September 17, 2024, NXP announced the MC33777, the world’s first electric vehicle battery junction box IC that consolidates essential BMS functions into a single device; and
On September 24, 2024, NXP announced the new i.MX RT700 crossover MCU family, designed to power smart AI-enabled edge devices, such as wearables, consumer medical devices, smart home devices and HMI platforms.

Summary of Reported Third Quarter 2024 ($ millions, unaudited) ⁽¹⁾

	Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q3 2023			Q – Q	Y – Y
Total Revenue	$	3,250		$	3,127		$	3,434		4%	-5%
GAAP Gross Profit	$	1,866		$	1,792		$	1,965		4%	-5%
Gross Profit Adjustments⁽ⁱ⁾	$	(26	)	$	(41	)	$	(45	)
Non-GAAP Gross Profit	$	1,892		$	1,833		$	2,010		3%	-6%
GAAP Gross Margin		57.4	%		57.3	%		57.2	%
Non-GAAP Gross Margin		58.2	%		58.6	%		58.5	%
GAAP Operating Income (Loss)	$	990		$	896		$	992		10%	—%
Operating Income Adjustments⁽ⁱ⁾	$	(163	)	$	(175	)	$	(211	)
Non-GAAP Operating Income	$	1,153		$	1,071		$	1,203		8%	-4%
GAAP Operating Margin		30.5	%		28.7	%		28.9	%
Non-GAAP Operating Margin		35.5	%		34.3	%		35.0	%
GAAP Net Income (Loss) attributable to Stockholders	$	718		$	658		$	787
Net Income Adjustments⁽ⁱ⁾	$	(172	)	$	(171	)	$	(178	)
Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Stockholders	$	890		$	829		$	965
GAAP diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share⁽ⁱⁱ⁾	$	2.79		$	2.54		$	3.01
Non-GAAP diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share⁽ⁱⁱ⁾	$	3.45		$	3.20		$	3.70

Additional information
	Q3 2024		Q2 2024		Q3 2023		Q – Q	Y – Y
Automotive	$	1,829	$	1,728	$	1,891	6%	-3%
Industrial & IoT	$	563	$	616	$	607	-9%	-7%
Mobile	$	407	$	345	$	377	18%	8%
Comm. Infra. & Other	$	451	$	438	$	559	3%	-19%
DIO		149		148		134
DPO		60		64		60
DSO		30		27		25
Cash Conversion Cycle		119		111		99
Channel Inventory (weeks / months)		8 / 1.9		7 / 1.7		7 / 1.5
Gross Financial Leverage⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾		1.9x		1.9x		2.1x
Net Financial Leverage^(iv)		1.3x		1.3x		1.3x

Additional Information for the Third Quarter 2024:
1. For an explanation of GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments, please see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
2. Refer to Table 1 below for the weighted average number of diluted shares for the presented periods.
3. Gross financial leverage is defined as gross debt divided by trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA.
4. Net financial leverage is defined as net debt divided by trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA.

Guidance for the Fourth Quarter 2024: ($ millions, except Per Share data) ⁽¹⁾

				Guidance Range
	GAAP			Reconciliation	non-GAAP
	Low	Mid	High		Low	Mid	High
Total Revenue	$3,000	$3,100	$3,200		$3,000	$3,100	$3,200
Q-Q	-8%	-5%	-2%		-8%	-5	-2%
Y-Y	-12%	-9%	-6%		-12%	-9	-6%
Gross Profit	$1,674	$1,746	$1,820	$(35)	$1,709	$1,781	$1,855
Gross Margin	55.8%	56.3%	56.9%		57.0%	57.5%	58.0%
Operating Income (loss)	$810	$872	$936	$(184)	$994	$1,056	$1,120
Operating Margin	27.0%	28.1%	29.3%		33.1%	34.1%	35.0%
Financial Income (expense)	$(87)	$(87)	$(87)	$(10)	$(77)	$(77)	$(77)
Tax rate	17.2%-18.2%				16.3%-17.3%
NCI & Other	$(14)	$(14)	$(14)	$(3)	$(11)	$(11)	$(11)
Shares – diluted	257.0	257.0	257.0		257.0	257.0	257.0
Earnings Per Share – diluted	$2.26	$2.46	$2.66		$2.93	$3.13	$3.33

Note (1) Additional Information:

GAAP Gross Profit is expected to include Purchase Price Accounting (“PPA”) effects, $(10) million; Share-based Compensation, $(15) million; Other Incidentals, $(10) million;
GAAP Operating Income (loss) is expected to include PPA effects, $(39) million; Share-based Compensation, $(118) million; Restructuring and Other Incidentals, $(27) million;
GAAP Financial Income (expense) is expected to include Other financial expense $(10) million;
GAAP Non-Controlling Interest (NCI) and Other is expected to include results relating to non-foundry equity-accounted investees $(3) million;
GAAP diluted EPS is expected to include the adjustments noted above for PPA effects, Share-based Compensation, Restructuring and Other Incidentals in GAAP Operating Income (loss), the adjustment for Other financial expense, the adjustment for Non-controlling interest & Other and the adjustment on Tax due to the earlier mentioned adjustments.

NXP has based the guidance included in this release on judgments and estimates that management believes are reasonable given its assessment of historical trends and other information reasonably available as of the date of this release. Please note, the guidance included in this release consists of predictions only, and is subject to a wide range of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond NXP’s control. The guidance included in this release should not be regarded as representations by NXP that the estimated results will be achieved. Actual results may vary materially from the guidance we provide today. In relation to the use of non-GAAP financial information see the note regarding “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. For the factors, risks, and uncertainties to which judgments, estimates and forward-looking statements generally are subject see the note regarding “Forward-looking Statements.” We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, including the guidance set forth herein, to reflect future events or circumstances.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In managing NXP’s business on a consolidated basis, management develops an annual operating plan, which is approved by our Board of Directors, using non-GAAP financial measures, that are not in accordance with, nor an alternative to, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In measuring performance against this plan, management considers the actual or potential impacts on these non-GAAP financial measures from actions taken to reduce costs with the goal of increasing our gross margin and operating margin and when assessing appropriate levels of research and development efforts. In addition, management relies upon these non-GAAP financial measures when making decisions about product spending, administrative budgets, and other operating expenses. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when coupled with the GAAP results and the reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide a more complete understanding of the Company’s results of operations and the factors and trends affecting NXP’s business. We believe that they enable investors to perform additional comparisons of our operating results, to assess our liquidity and capital position and to analyze financial performance excluding the effect of expenses unrelated to core operating performance, certain non-cash expenses and share-based compensation expense, which may obscure trends in NXP’s underlying performance. This information also enables investors to compare financial results between periods where certain items may vary independent of business performance, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management.

These non-GAAP financial measures are provided in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of these and other similar items in NXP’s non-GAAP financial results should not be interpreted as implying that these items are non-recurring, infrequent, or unusual. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most comparable measures calculated in accordance with GAAP are provided in the financial statements portion of this release in a schedule entitled “Financial Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Results (unaudited).” Please refer to the NXP Historic Financial Model file found on the Financial Information page of the Investor Relations section of our website at https://investors.nxp.com for additional information related to our rationale for using these non-GAAP financial measures, as well as the impact of these measures on the presentation of NXP’s operations.

In addition to providing financial information on a basis consistent with GAAP, NXP also provides the following selected financial measures on a non-GAAP basis: (i) Gross profit, (ii) Gross margin, (iii) Research and development, (iv) Selling, general and administrative, (v) Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, (vi) Other income, (vii) Operating income (loss), (viii) Operating margin, (ix) Financial Income (expense), (x) Income tax benefit (provision), (xi) Results relating to non-foundry equity-accounted investees, (xii) Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders, (xiii) Earnings per Share – Diluted, (xiv) EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and trailing 12 month adjusted EBITDA, and (xv) free cash flow, trailing 12 month free cash flow and trailing 12 month free cash flow as a percent of Revenue. The non-GAAP information excludes, where applicable, the amortization of acquisition related intangible assets, the purchase accounting effect on inventory and property, plant and equipment, merger related costs (including integration costs), certain items related to divestitures, share-based compensation expense, restructuring and asset impairment charges, extinguishment of debt, foreign exchange gains and losses, income tax effect on adjustments described above and results from non-foundry equity-accounted investments.

The difference in the benefit (provision) for income taxes between our GAAP and non-GAAP results relates to the income tax effects of the GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments that we make and the income tax effect of any discrete items that occur in the interim period. Discrete items primarily relate to unexpected tax events that may occur as these amounts cannot be forecasted (e.g., the impact of changes in tax law and/or rates, changes in estimates or resolved tax audits relating to prior year tax provisions, the excess or deficit tax effects on share-based compensation, etc.).

Conference Call and Webcast Information

The company will host a conference call with the financial community on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) to review the third quarter 2024 results in detail.

Interested parties may preregister to obtain a user-specific access code for the call here.

The call will be webcast and can be accessed from the NXP Investor Relations website at www.nxp.com. A replay of the call will be available on the NXP Investor Relations website within 24 hours of the actual call.

About NXP Semiconductors

NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. NXP’s “Brighter Together” approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that make the connected world better, safer, and more secure. The company has operations in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $13.28 billion in 2023. Find out more at www.nxp.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This document includes forward-looking statements which include statements regarding NXP’s business strategy, financial condition, results of operations, market data, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. These factors, risks and uncertainties include the following: market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; our ability to successfully introduce new technologies and products; the demand for the goods into which NXP’s products are incorporated; trade disputes between the U.S. and China, potential increase of barriers to international trade and resulting disruptions to NXP’s established supply chains; the impact of government actions and regulations, including restrictions on the export of US-regulated products and technology; increasing and evolving cybersecurity threats and privacy risks, including theft of sensitive or confidential data; the ability to generate sufficient cash, raise sufficient capital or refinance corporate debt at or before maturity to meet both NXP’s debt service and research and development and capital investment requirements; our ability to accurately estimate demand and match our production capacity accordingly or obtain supplies from third-party producers to meet demand; our access to production capacity from third-party outsourcing partners, and any events that might affect their business or NXP’s relationship with them; our ability to secure adequate and timely supply of equipment and materials from suppliers; our ability to avoid operational problems and product defects and, if such issues were to arise, to correct them quickly; our ability to form strategic partnerships and joint ventures and to successfully cooperate with our alliance partners; our ability to win competitive bid selection processes; our ability to develop products for use in customers’ equipment and products; the ability to successfully hire and retain key management and senior product engineers; global hostilities, including the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and resulting regional instability, sanctions and any other retaliatory measures taken against Russia and the continued hostilities and the armed conflict in the Middle East, which could adversely impact the global supply chain, disrupt our operations or negatively impact the demand for our products in our primary end markets; the ability to maintain good relationships with NXP’s suppliers; and a change in tax laws could have an effect on our estimated effective tax rate. In addition, this document contains information concerning the semiconductor industry, our end markets and business generally, which is forward-looking in nature and is based on a variety of assumptions regarding the ways in which the semiconductor industry, our end markets and business will develop. NXP has based these assumptions on information currently available, if any one or more of these assumptions turn out to be incorrect, actual results may differ from those predicted. While NXP does not know what impact any such differences may have on its business, if there are such differences, its future results of operations and its financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak to results only as of the date the statements were made. Except for any ongoing obligation to disclose material information as required by the United States federal securities laws, NXP does not have any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after we distribute this document, whether to reflect any future events or circumstances or otherwise. For a discussion of potential risks and uncertainties, please refer to the risk factors listed in our SEC filings. Copies of our SEC filings are available on our Investor Relations website, www.nxp.com/investor or from the SEC website, www.sec.gov.

For further information, please contact:

Investors:	Media:
Jeff Palmer	Paige Iven
jeff.palmer@nxp.com	paige.iven@nxp.com
+1 408 205 0687	+1 817 975 0602

NXP-CORP

NXP Semiconductors
Table 1: Condensed consolidated statement of operations (unaudited)

($ in millions except share data)	Three months ended
	September 29, 2024			June 30, 2024			October 1, 2023

Revenue	$	3,250		$	3,127		$	3,434
Cost of revenue		(1,384	)		(1,335	)		(1,469	)
Gross profit		1,866			1,792			1,965
Research and development		(577	)		(594	)		(601	)
Selling, general and administrative		(265	)		(270	)		(294	)
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets		(29	)		(28	)		(71	)
Total operating expenses		(871	)		(892	)		(966	)
Other income (expense)		(5	)		(4	)		(7	)
Operating income (loss)		990			896			992
Financial income (expense):
Extinguishment of debt		—			—			—
Other financial income (expense)		(82	)		(75	)		(75	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		908			821			917
Benefit (provision) for income taxes		(173	)		(154	)		(123	)
Results relating to equity-accounted investees		(6	)		(3	)		(2	)
Net income (loss)		729			664			792
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		11			6			5
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders		718			658			787

Earnings per share data:
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to stockholders in $
Basic	$	2.82		$	2.58		$	3.06
Diluted	$	2.79		$	2.54		$	3.01

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period (in thousands):
Basic		254,458			255,478			257,488
Diluted		257,717			258,732			261,095

NXP Semiconductors
Table 2: Condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited)

($ in millions)	As of
	September 29, 2024		June 30, 2024		October 1, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,748	$	2,859	$	4,042
Short-term deposits		400		400		—
Accounts receivable, net		1,070		927		939
Inventories, net		2,234		2,148		2,140
Other current assets		574		546		495
Total current assets		7,026		6,880		7,616

Non-current assets:
Other non-current assets		2,641		2,290		2,236
Property, plant and equipment, net		3,309		3,289		3,197
Identified intangible assets, net		735		796		1,010
Goodwill		9,958		9,941		9,937
Total non-current assets		16,643		16,316		16,380

Total assets		23,669		23,196		23,996

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		899		929		959
Restructuring liabilities-current		52		62		16
Other current liabilities		1,542		1,622		1,990
Short-term debt		499		499		999
Total current liabilities		2,992		3,112		3,964

Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt		9,683		9,681		10,173
Restructuring liabilities		4		7		3
Deferred tax liabilities		57		48		44
Other non-current liabilities		1,189		1,003		1,014
Total non-current liabilities		10,933		10,739		11,234

Non-controlling interests		338		327		310
Stockholders’ equity		9,406		9,018		8,488
Total equity		9,744		9,345		8,798

Total liabilities and equity		23,669		23,196		23,996

NXP Semiconductors
Table 3: Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows (unaudited)

($ in millions)	Three months ended
	September 29, 2024			June 30, 2024			October 1, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	729		$	664		$	792
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		218			213			273
Share-based compensation		115			114			103
Amortization of discount (premium) on debt, net		—			1			1
Amortization of debt issuance costs		2			1			2
Results relating to equity-accounted investees		6			3			2
(Gain) loss on equity securities, net		7			3			4
Deferred tax expense (benefit)		(40	)		(23	)		(33	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables and other current assets		(167	)		10			40
(Increase) decrease in inventories		(86	)		(46	)		(34	)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities		118			(220	)		(128	)
(Increase) decrease in other non-current assets		(134	)		40			(49	)
Exchange differences		7			5			5
Other items		4			(4	)		10
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities		779			761			988
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of identified intangible assets		(26	)		(55	)		(42	)
Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment		(186	)		(185	)		(200	)
Proceeds from the disposals of property, plant and equipment		—			1			—
Purchase of investments		(159	)		—			(31	)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities		(371	)		(239	)		(273	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid to common stockholders		(259	)		(260	)		(262	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock through stock plans		39			3			36
Purchase of treasury shares and restricted stock unit withholdings		(305	)		(310	)		(306	)
Other, net		(1	)		—			(1	)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities		(526	)		(567	)		(533	)
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash positions		7			(4	)		(3	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(111	)		(49	)		179
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		2,859			2,908			3,863
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		2,748			2,859			4,042

Net cash paid during the period for:
Interest		27			86			38
Income taxes, net of refunds		196			193			165
Net gain (loss) on sale of assets:
Cash proceeds from the sale of assets		—			1			—
Book value of these assets		—			(1	)		—
Non-cash investing activities:
Non-cash capital expenditures		125			166			167

NXP Semiconductors
Table 4: Financial Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Results (unaudited)

($ in millions except share data)	Three months ended
	September 29, 2024			June 30, 2024			October 1, 2023
GAAP Gross Profit	$	1,866		$	1,792		$	1,965
PPA Effects		(12	)		(12	)		(13	)
Restructuring		—			(4	)		—
Share-based compensation		(14	)		(15	)		(14	)
Other incidentals		—			(10	)		(18	)
Non-GAAP Gross Profit	$	1,892		$	1,833		$	2,010
GAAP Gross margin		57.4	%		57.3	%		57.2	%
Non-GAAP Gross margin		58.2	%		58.6	%		58.5	%
GAAP Research and development	$	(577	)	$	(594	)	$	(601	)
Restructuring		—			(4	)		4
Share-based compensation		(58	)		(58	)		(53	)
Other incidentals		—			—			(2	)
Non-GAAP Research and development	$	(519	)	$	(532	)	$	(550	)
GAAP Selling, general and administrative	$	(265	)	$	(270	)	$	(294	)
PPA effects		(1	)		(1	)		(1	)
Restructuring		—			2			—
Share-based compensation		(43	)		(41	)		(36	)
Other incidentals		(2	)		(2	)		(4	)
Non-GAAP Selling, general and administrative	$	(219	)	$	(228	)	$	(253	)
GAAP Operating income (loss)	$	990		$	896		$	992
PPA effects		(42	)		(41	)		(85	)
Restructuring		—			(6	)		4
Share-based compensation		(115	)		(114	)		(103	)
Other incidentals		(6	)		(14	)		(27	)
Non-GAAP Operating income (loss)	$	1,153		$	1,071		$	1,203
GAAP Operating margin		30.5	%		28.7	%		28.9	%
Non-GAAP Operating margin		35.5	%		34.3	%		35.0	%
GAAP Income tax benefit (provision)	$	(173	)	$	(154	)	$	(123	)
Income tax effect		9			15			45
Non-GAAP Income tax benefit (provision)	$	(182	)	$	(169	)	$	(168	)
GAAP Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$	718		$	658		$	787
PPA Effects		(42	)		(41	)		(85	)
Restructuring		—			(6	)		4
Share-based compensation		(115	)		(114	)		(103	)
Other incidentals		(6	)		(14	)		(27	)
Other adjustments:
Adjustments to financial income (expense)		(12	)		(8	)		(10	)
Income tax effect		9			15			45
Results relating to equity-accounted investees, excluding Foundry investees¹		(6	)		(3	)		(2	)
Non-GAAP Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$	890		$	829		$	965


Additional Information:
Refer to Table 7 below for further information regarding the results relating to equity-accounted investees.

GAAP net income (loss) per common share attributable to stockholders – diluted	$	2.79		$	2.54		$	3.01
PPA Effects		(0.16	)		(0.16	)		(0.33	)
Restructuring		—			(0.02	)		0.01
Share-based compensation		(0.45	)		(0.44	)		(0.40	)
Other incidentals		(0.02	)		(0.06	)		(0.10	)
Other adjustments:
Adjustments to financial income (expense)		(0.05	)		(0.03	)		(0.03	)
Income tax effect		0.04			0.06			0.17
Results relating to equity-accounted investees, excluding Foundry investees¹		(0.02	)		(0.01	)		(0.01	)
Non-GAAP net income (loss) per common share attributable to stockholders – diluted	$	3.45		$	3.20		$	3.70


Additional Information:
Refer to Table 7 below for further information regarding the results relating to equity-accounted investees.

NXP Semiconductors
Table 5: Financial Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial income (expense) (unaudited)

($ in millions)	Three months ended
	September 29, 2024			June 30, 2024			October 1, 2023
GAAP Financial income (expense)	$	(82	)	$	(75	)	$	(75	)
Foreign exchange loss		(3	)		(2	)		(3	)
Other financial expense		(9	)		(6	)		(7	)
Non-GAAP Financial income (expense)	$	(70	)	$	(67	)	$	(65	)

NXP Semiconductors
Table 6: Financial Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Other income (expense) (unaudited)

($ in millions)	Three months ended
	September 29, 2024			June 30, 2024			October 1, 2023
GAAP Other income (expense)	$	(5	)	$	(4	)	$	(7	)
Other incidentals		(4	)		(2	)		(3	)
Non-GAAP Other income (expense)	$	(1	)	$	(2	)	$	(4	)

NXP Semiconductors
Table 7: Financial Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Results relating to equity-accounted investees (unaudited)

($ in millions)	Three months ended
	September 29, 2024			June 30, 2024			October 1, 2023
GAAP Results relating to equity-accounted investees	$	(6	)	$	(3	)	$	(2	)
Results of equity-accounted investees, excluding Foundry investees¹		(6	)		(3	)		(2	)
Non-GAAP Results relating to equity-accounted investees	$	—		$	—		$	—

Additional Information:
We adjust our results relating to equity-accounted investees for those results from investments over which NXP has significant influence, but not control, and whose business activities are not related to the core operating performance of NXP. Our equity-investments in foundry partners are part of our long-term core operating performance and accordingly those results comprise the Non-GAAP Results relating to equity-accounted investees.

NXP Semiconductors
Table 8: Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow (unaudited)

($ in millions)	Three months ended
	September 29, 2024			June 30, 2024			October 1, 2023
GAAP Net income (loss)	$	729		$	664		$	792
Reconciling items to EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
Financial (income) expense		82			75			75
(Benefit) provision for income taxes		173			154			123
Depreciation		149			146			163
Amortization		69			67			110
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	$	1,202		$	1,106		$	1,263
Reconciling items to adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
Results of equity-accounted investees, excluding Foundry investees¹		6			3			2
Restructuring		—			6			(4	)
Share-based compensation		115			114			103
Other incidental items		6			14			27
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)	$	1,329		$	1,243		$	1,391
Trailing twelve month adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)		5,235			5,297			5,384


Additional Information:
Refer to Table 7 above for further information regarding the results relating to equity-accounted investees.


($ in millions)	Three months ended
	September 29, 2024			June 30, 2024			October 1, 2023
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	779		$	761		$	988
Net capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment		(186	)		(184	)		(200	)
Non-GAAP free cash flow	$	593		$	577		$	788
Trailing twelve month non-GAAP free cash flow	$	2,759		$	2,954		$	2,568
Trailing twelve month non-GAAP free cash flow as percent of Revenue		21	%		23	%		20	%

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Canada: G7 foreign ministers’ statement on the Launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Source: Government of Canada News

“We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) October 31 (local time) launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), following other launches using ballistic missile technology.

November 4, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

“We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, condemn in the strongest terms the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) October 31 (local time) launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), following other launches using ballistic missile technology. We deplore that the DPRK once again chose to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs over the welfare of the people in the DPRK.

” The DPRK continues to advance its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and to escalate its destabilizing activities. We reiterate our call for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and demand that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). We urge UNSC Members to follow through on their commitments and call on all UN Member States to fully and effectively implement relevant UNSCRs.

” The G7 remains committed to working with all relevant partners toward the goal of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and to upholding the free and open rules-based international order.”

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Address by Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi on Seventh General Assembly of ISA
Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

Hon’ble Ministers, Vice Presidents of the ISA Assembly

Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Honorary Consuls, Director General, Other Excellencies and Esteemed Delegates

It is a pleasure to stand before you today at the 7th General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance. Today, we are at a crucial point in our mission to reshape the global energy future.

Today we also celebrate the Power of the Sun. It is amazing to reflect on how harnessing solar energy has been a vital part of cultures globally for centuries.

In ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra was worshipped, symbolising life and energy. In the early 13th century in South America, the sun god, Inti was considered the ancestor of the Inca people.

Whether it be the Aztec civilisation, or the African traditions, Sun is personified and worshipped through dances and offerings.

Just like the Olympics, the Pythian Games were also part of ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of sun and light. He was worshipped through various festivals, including the Pythian Games.

Similarly, in India, the sun has held a sacred place in our culture, with the worship of Surya, deeply embedded in our traditions. To this day, we continue to pay our respect to the Sun God, through festivals like Makar Sankrant, or by reciting Gayatri Mantra or by practising Surya Namaskar every morning.

Our ancestors utilised solar energy in various forms, from solar heating techniques to architecture designed to capture sunlight effectively. Throughout India, you will find temples dedicated to Surya God anywhere and everywhere you go.

As we move forward, let us draw inspiration from these rich traditions and continue to promote solar energy, embracing its potential to transform lives and protect our planet. Together, we can harness the sun’s energy, furthering the wisdom of our ancestors while paving the way for a sustainable future.

Solar energy, once just a vision, is now a powerful reality, leading the world toward a cleaner and more sustainable path. The progress we have made together is undeniable, and the true potential of solar energy is unfolding, showing us just how transformative it can be.

In 2024, the global solar sector is set to reach approximately 2 terawatt of installed solar photovoltaic capacity. This marks an extraordinary leap from just a decade ago when solar was still considered a small segment within global energy markets. In 2023, solar energy contributed 5.5% of the global power, with its role in the energy mix expanding rapidly.

This rapid growth is fuelled by record-breaking investments. Global solar investments have grown from $144 billion in 2018 to $393 billion in 2023 and are expected to reach $500 billion by the end of 2024.

These investments are not only adding new capacity but are also driving down the cost of energy from solar worldwide. Today solar power has become the most affordable source of electricity in many regions, even surpassing coal and gas.

This cost-effectiveness is fuelling a global surge in solar ambitions, with several countries emerging as frontrunners in the field. Countries like the United States with more than 130 GW of installed solar capacity, and regions like the European Union (Germany and Spain collectively contribute over 250 GW of solar capacity) are also making good progress.

It gives me immense pride that India is also swiftly advancing its renewable energy capabilities. India’s journey is one of bold vision and relentless progress.

Under India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, and achieved remarkable milestones along the way. Last month, India reached an impressive 90 GW of installed solar capacity, moving steadily forward towards its broader goal of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

India is also setting its sights on new horizons, with a target to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, supported by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. We have approved 50 solar parks with a total capacity of nearly 37.5 GW and identified potential offshore wind energy sites to reach our 30 GW goal by 2030.

India’s Union Budget for 2024-25 reflects this commitment, with a 110% increase in funding for solar power projects and targeted support for initiatives like the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This, along with exemptions on critical mineral imports, underscores our resolve to lead in solar innovation.

India has one of the best schemes globally for Solar rooftop installation. We are empowering communities to generate their own renewable energy.

In fact, the PM-KUSUM scheme is already transforming rural landscapes, enabling farmers to irrigate with solar power and sell surplus energy, advancing both livelihoods and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, our Production Linked Incentive scheme is strengthening India’s solar manufacturing sector, fostering a self-reliant supply chain.

With these initiatives, India is not just contributing to a global energy transition but is setting a benchmark for sustainable growth. I am proud to say that we are making a tangible impact on the ground. This commitment to progress aligns seamlessly with the goals of the International Solar Alliance.

As a coalition of 120 Member and Signatory countries, ISA has been at the forefront of mobilising resources and facilitating the deployment of solar projects worldwide, particularly in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.

I am also pleased to share that ISA has successfully completed 21 out of 27 demonstration projects. This showcases our collective ability to make significant strides in solar energy deployment and support sustainable development across the globe.

I congratulate ISA and dedicate to the world 11 demonstration projects and the 7 STAR C centres launched today. It will help us expand the strong network of institutional capacities within ISA member states.

One of our innovative flagship initiatives in 2024 has been the launch of the Solar Data Portal. This platform delivers real-time data on solar resources, project performance, and investment opportunities across countries. It is providing transparent and actionable insights, thereby transforming how governments, investors, and developers engage with solar projects.

Another flagship initiative of ISA is the establishment of the Global Solar Facility. This facility aims to unlock commercial capital for solar projects in underserved regions, especially in Africa. With a pilot project already underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and commitments of $39 million from India, ISA, Bloomberg, and CIFF, we are on track to operationalise this initiative by COP29.

In addition to this, the SolarX Startup Challenge has successfully identified and supported innovative, scalable solutions for the solar sector. In September, we announced 30 winners from the Asia and Pacific edition, and preparations are underway to host the 3rd Edition of the challenge for the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Besides these initiatives, ISA continues to expand knowledge-sharing. Our monthly ISA Knowledge Series and the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, launched at the G20 Ministerial, are advancing solar energy research and development.

Our efforts have been brought to life through global events organised by ISA, like the International Solar Festival and CEO Caucus. At the upcoming COP29, we will host a pavilion called the Solar Hub where we shall be organising numerous high-level sessions to encourage global participation.

The ISA is guided by the Towards 1000 strategy which aims to mobilise $1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030. This is our strategy to:
- Deliver energy access to 1,000 million people
- Installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity
- Mitigate emissions to the tune of 1,000 MT of carbon dioxide every year.
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen, the path ahead is clear, and the time for action is now. As we look to the future, I urge all of us – governments, international organisations, private sectors, and civil society – to continue working hand in hand to accelerate the solar revolution.

Our nations come in all shapes and sizes, much like the diverse fingers of a hand. Yet, when we join together, we form a fist that represents strength and unity. ISA is your partner, and together, we have the power to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

As President of the International Solar Alliance, I take immense pride in the progress we have made together. The achievements of 2024 have set the stage for even greater advancements in the years to come. With your continued support, I am confident that ISA will continue to lead the world in making solar energy the foundation of our clean energy future.

With these words, I thank you, and look forward to the fruitful discussions ahead as we embark on this next chapter of our shared solar journey.

Thank you.

******

Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2070668) Visitor Counter : 58

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) Announces New Office Bearers for 2024 – 2026

Source: Government of India (2)

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) Announces New Office Bearers for 2024 – 2026

Republic of India and Republic of France retain the Presidency and Co-Presidency of the ISA Assembly

Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 6:04PM by PIB Delhi

The seventh session of the ISA Assembly in progress at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today elected its President and Co-president for a period of two years from 2024 to 2026. While the Republic of India was the sole contender for the post of President, the Co-Presidency was contested between the Republic of France and Grenada, with the Republic of France emerging victorious.

The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the International Solar Alliance provide for the election of the President, Co-President, and Vice Presidents.

The Assembly elects the President and Co-President, with due regard to equitable geographical representation. The four regional groups of the ISA Members include Africa; Asia and the Pacific; Europe and Others; and Latin America and the Caribbean. Eight Vice Presidents of the Standing Committee, two from each of the four ISA geographical regions, are selected based on seniority in terms of submitting the instrument of ratification to the depositary on a rotation basis from the ISA Member Countries in the specific region.

The Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Seychelles will hold office as Vice Presidents for the Africa region; the Commonwealth of Australia and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for Asia and the Pacific region; the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Italy for Europe and the Others region; Grenada and Republic of Suriname from the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

As the apex decision-making body of ISA, the Assembly holds significant authority and responsibility. It represents each Member Country and makes crucial decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective.

The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat, underscoring the regularity and importance of these gatherings. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance.

The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly is currently deliberating on the ISA’s key initiatives, focusing on three critical issues: energy access, energy security, and energy transition. These discussions aim to address and find solutions to these pressing global concerns.

The ISA’s governance bodies, the Assembly, the Standing Committee, and the Regional Committees, offer an integrated approach to governance and decision-making within the Alliance. These Meetings extend the ISA Secretariat the opportunity to enhance cooperation with ISA Member Countries, as well as provide Member Countries with the ability to improve collaboration among themselves and mutually identify avenues of cooperation and partnership.

About the International Solar Alliance

The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 120 Member and Signatory countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future. ISA’s mission is to unlock US$1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. It promotes the use of solar energy in the agriculture, health, transport, and power generation sectors.

ISA Member Countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments. Through this work, ISA has identified, designed and tested new business models for solar projects; supported governments to make their energy legislation and policies solar-friendly through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advisory; pooled demand for solar technology from different countries; and drove down costs; improved access to finance by reducing the risks and making the sector more attractive to private investment; increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers. With advocacy for solar-powered solutions, ISA aims to transform lives, bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to communities worldwide, fuel sustainable growth, and improve quality of life.

With the signing and ratification of the ISA Framework Agreement by 15 countries on 6 December 2017, ISA became the first international intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India. ISA is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

***

Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2070661) Visitor Counter : 23

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General in Berlin: “your support saves lives on the battlefield every day”

Source: NATO

During his first official visit to Berlin on Monday (4 November), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte thanked Chancellor Olaf Scholz for Germany’s significant contributions to the Alliance and its ongoing support for Ukraine.

The Secretary General praised Chancellor Scholz’s “personal leadership and commitment” to investing more in defence. “Germany now invests 2 percent of its GDP in defence for the first time in three decades. This is important for Germany and for NATO,” he said.

The Secretary General highlighted Germany’s contributions to NATO, including its presence in the eastern part of the Alliance where it is stationing a full brigade in Lithuania. Mr Rutte welcomed the opening of Germany’s new naval headquarters in Rostock, which will help to protect key trade and supply routes, and critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

Mr Rutte also thanked Germany for being “the biggest European contributor of military aid” to Ukraine, underlining that Germany’s support “saves lives on the battlefield every day.” He also warned of more frequent Russian hybrid attacks against NATO Allies, saying “the shifting frontline in this war is no longer solely within Ukraine.” Russia is interfering directly in Allies’ democracies, sabotaging industry and committing violence. “All of this to weaken us and to sow divisions, but NATO stands ready to deter and defend against these threats,” he said.

On Monday, the Secretary General also met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, and Chairman of the Defence Committee of the German Bundestag Marcus Faber.

MIL Security OSI –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis County Woman Accused of Three Different Frauds

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

ST. LOUIS – A woman from St. Louis County, Missouri was indicted Wednesday and accused of aiding a romance fraud conspiracy and committing a nearly $40,000 pandemic relief loan fraud as well as a separate mortgage fraud.

Shirley Waller, 42, was indicted on three counts of wire fraud, two counts of mortgage fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and use of an assumed name to commit mail fraud.

The indictment accuses Waller of applying for and receiving a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $19,235 for a Michigan business in 2021, as well as a second loan for a St. Louis resale shop. Waller used the proceeds of the first loan on personal flights to Ghana, Germany and Jamaica instead of approved business purposes, the indictment says.

On May 14, 2022, Waller applied for a home loan of more than $196,000 by lying about her marital status, salary and job and by submitting counterfeit W-2 forms and paystubs, the indictment says.

Finally, the indictment accuses Waller of aiding scammers who tricked a 71-year-old St. Louis County woman into believing that she was in an online relationship with a U.S. military surgeon deployed overseas. Scammers told the victim to send $30,000 in cash to Waller’s address, the indictment says. The shipment was tracked on its journey by several IP addresses in Nigeria. In a two-week period, at least 35 Express Mail shipments sent to Waller’s address by other victims were also tracked by Nigerian IP addresses, the indictment says. Waller would open the packages and forward the cash to others via cryptocurrency transactions and other means, it says.

Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use. With the collaborative efforts of our federal law enforcement partners, Postal Inspectors investigate fraudsters who utilize the U.S. Mail to perpetuate financial schemes to defraud others in order to enrich themselves. Postal Inspectors seek justice for victims, including the multiple individual consumer and business victims in this investigation,” said Inspector in Charge, Ruth Mendonça, who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.

Each mail theft charge carries a potential penalty of up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Town and Country Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 136th Canton Fair wraps up with record int’l buyer attendance

Source: China State Council Information Office

Buyers select massage machines at the 136th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 136th Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, concluded on Monday in Guangzhou, south China, recording a historic high in terms of overseas buyer attendance, according to data from the organizers.

As of Sunday, a total of 253,000 overseas buyers from 214 countries and regions had attended the event, marking an increase of 2.8 percent compared to the previous edition held from April 15 to May 5 this year, setting a new record, Zhou Shanqing, deputy director of China Foreign Trade Center and head of the fair’s media center, told a press conference held on Monday.

Buyers from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) accounted for over 60 percent of the attendance. The number of buyers from Middle East countries grew the most, reaching 34,000 or a surge of 32.6 percent compared with the previous edition. There was also a notable rise in the number of buyers from the United States and European countries, with 54,000 attending, an 8.2-percent increase from the previous edition.

The intended turnover of export transactions at this session reached 24.95 billion U.S. dollars, 1 percent higher than the previous session. Notably, transactions with Belt and Road partner countries accounted for more than half of this total, while transaction volumes involving buyers from Europe and the United States both logged growth.

Yang Zhusong, an associate professor at the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, said that the growing number of exhibitors at the fair is a microcosm of China’s influence in global import and export trade.

The increase in buyer attendance from Europe and the United States is attributable not merely to their confidence in China’s huge market potential but also to China’s efficient manufacturing prowess, which provides a complete industrial chain of services, Yang said.

The attendance of increasing number of enterprises from Belt and Road partner countries indicates that China’s cooperation with these countries is pragmatic and the benefits are mutual, according to Yang.

Christian Noll, a buyer from Germany, was still busy on the last day of the fair. Focused mainly on garments, he browsed some booths and settled on a cooperation plan with a partner from Fuzhou in east China’s Fujian Province.

“It is the biggest trade show I’ve ever seen. Normally trade shows happen every two years or at most once a year, to allow companies to innovate in between. This show occurs twice a year and each time the size is amazing, and there is a lot of new stuff. This is the coolest show on the planet,” said Noll.

Having attended the fair for four consecutive years, Moulay Elkamel, a buyer from Morocco, described his latest trip to China as “beyond delightful.”

“I’ve met great friends and partners and have seen many interesting products. It’s a pity the fair only lasts for half a month. I plan to come back for the show next year in April. There are already some orders ready for settlement,” Elkamel said.

Themed “Serving high-quality development, promoting high-level opening up,” the 136th Canton Fair featured more than 30,000 exhibitors showcasing 1.15 million new products.

Yang said international buyers are leveraging the Canton Fair as a platform to forge deeper, more mutually advantageous and promising partnerships with Chinese companies.

The continuous development of “Made in China” and “Created in China” is also injecting fresh impetus into the growth of global industrial and supply chains, Yang added.

Chu Shijia, deputy director and secretary general of the fair and head of China Foreign Trade Center, said that the continuous expansion of the Canton Fair reflects the growth and strength of China’s foreign trade, and demonstrates China’s unwavering determination to open wider to the outside world, providing new opportunities for the world with the country’s new development and contributing to the development of an open global economy.

Founded in 1957, the Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. It is the longest-running of several comprehensive international trading events in China, and is hailed as the barometer of China’s foreign trade.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Global firms capitalize on China’s smart, green transformation

Source: China State Council Information Office

Jinbao, the mascot of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), and Xiaoxin, a humanoid robot providing inquiry service, are pictured at the media center of the 7th CIIE in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Global investors are eyeing fresh opportunities in China as the world’s second-largest economy accelerates its intelligent, green transformation.

With the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) set to open on Tuesday, multiple industry leaders from across the world are gearing up to showcase their latest innovations and technologies, aiming to tap into China’s vast market potential.

Tapping smarter manufacturing

Aptiv, a multinational developing automobile parts, made its debut at the seventh CIIE, exhibiting software and hardware products featuring intelligence and electrification.

“The CIIE provides an excellent platform for enterprises from all over the world to exchange ideas and cooperate,” said Simon Yang, president of Aptiv for China and the Asia Pacific region. He noted that Aptiv hopes to make full use of the CIIE to showcase its innovative solutions.

The company is committed to its long-term development strategy of “In China for China,” and will continue to increase its investment in the Chinese market while expanding business cooperation with Chinese original equipment manufacturers.

Aptiv is one of a number of multinationals gathering in Shanghai to test the pulse of China’s smart manufacturing market, which plays an important part in the country’s pursuit of high-quality development.

Swedish technology company Hexagon has brought its new solutions to help traditional manufacturers become more digital-savvy to this year’s CIIE, including cloud platforms for industrial software and smart quality-testing systems.

“The company is ready to ride the wave of the country’s pursuit of new quality productive forces, which are high-tech, highly efficient and of a high quality,” said Qin Lei, marketing business partner at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (Qingdao) Co., Ltd.

Merck Group, Germany’s leading tech company, is showcasing its innovative achievements in the new materials section of the CIIE, which is new to the annual event.

China’s great market potential, improving business environment and rich talent pool have reinforced Merck’s confidence in its long-term investment in the country, said Marc Horn, executive vice president of Merck and president of Merck China.

Embracing a greener future

Entering its seventh year, the CIIE has retained its “New Era, Shared Future” theme, which holds special meaning for Christian Bruch, president and CEO of Siemens Energy AG.

“I strongly agree with the theme, as it envisions a sustainable and more decarbonized future that requires collaborative efforts from governments, enterprises, customers, partners and the entire supply chains,” Bruch said.

In his view, China’s dedication to building a modern energy system creates “extensive market opportunities” for global energy technology companies, including Siemens Energy.

“Together with Chinese customers and partners, we have developed many energy infrastructure projects, continuously invested and expanded our manufacturing capacity in China, in order to meet the growing market demand in China and across the world,” he said.

Pledging to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, China has been steadfast in accelerating its energy transition. Over the past decade, the share of clean energy in the country’s total energy use has increased 10.9 percentage points, according to the National Energy Administration.

Dedicated to promoting clean energy in China, Siemens Energy has established 15 manufacturing facilities across the country. It has become an important partner in the country’s energy transition, Bruch said.

At this year’s CIIE, the company is poised to showcase its cutting-edge decarbonization technologies for the energy sector. Many of its exhibits will be presented for the first time in Asia or China.

“During the expo, I look forward to meeting and exchanging ideas with partners, building consensus and fostering collaborative development,” Bruch said. “Tackling climate change and driving energy transition is a daunting task that no single country or region can accomplish alone.”

Bruch’s emphasis on collaboration aligns with China’s increasing global contributions. According to a white paper issued by China’s State Council Information Office in August this year, the country’s wind power and photovoltaic exports helped other countries reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by about 810 million tonnes in 2023.

Recognizing China’s role in the global energy transition, Bruch highlighted Siemens Energy’s confidence in deepening cooperation with its Chinese partners. “We are fully committed to working together to build a new energy ecosystem that supports China’s dual-carbon goals and fosters sustainable energy development worldwide.”

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Year End Review 2024: Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation,

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 25 JAN 2025 10:14AM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of JalShakti has been working relentlessly towards achieving the vision and mission of making India a ‘Water Secure Country’ as envisioned by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, formed in 2019 by bringing together all water related departments and organizations under one umbrella Ministry, has been playing a pivotal role in implementation of a focused strategy towards making India ‘Water Secure’ while ensuring optimal utilization of precious and scarce water resources across the nation. During the year2024, the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has undertaken several new initiatives and achieved significant outcomes/milestones. Following is some of the key achievements of the Department in 2024:

National Mission forClean Ganga (NMCG)

National Mission for Clean Ganga, in the year 2024, completed 25 projects which resulted in the completion of a cumulative total of 303 projects, sofar, and also sanctioned 39 new projects amounting to ₹ 2,056 crore, bringing the cumulative total to 488 projects sanctioned worth ₹ 39,730 crore. In sewerage infrastructure, 12 projects for the creation/ rehabilitation of 305 MLD sewage treatment capacity have been sanctioned between January to December 2024. In the same period, 16 projects for the creation/ rehabilitation of 750 MLD sewage treatment capacity have been completed. Till date, a total of 203 sewerage infrastructure projects have been sanctioned in the Ganga Basin for the creation of 6,255 MLD sewage treatment capacity and the laying of a 5,249 km sewer network.

Other key achievements during the year 2024 are as follows:

(A) Inauguration and Laying of Foundation Stones Sewerage infrastructure projects by Hon’ble Prime Minister (Under Nirmal Ganga)

On 25^thJanuary 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated the following projects with a cumulative cost of ₹ 790.5 Crores from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh.

Construction of 30 MLD STP at Masani, Mathura (under Hybrid Annuity-basedPPP (HAM) model under Namami Gange Program), Rehabilitation of existing (30 MLD at Trans Yamuna and 6.8 MLD STP at Masani, Mathura) total 36.8 MLD and Construction of 20 MLD TTRO plant (Tertiary Treatment and Reverse Osmosis Plant), Masani, Mathura

Construction of 58 MLD STP with 264 km and sewerage Network at Moradabad

On 1st March 2023, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated three projects worth
₹ 575 crore from Hooghly, West Bengal. These projects include, 40 MLD STP work with Interception & Diversion at Bally, West Bengal, 60 MLD STP work with Interception & Diversion at Kamarhati and Baranagar Municipalities, West Bengal and 65 MLD STP work with Interception & Diversion at Howrah.

On 2^nd March 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated twelve projects worth ₹ 2,189 crore from Aurangabad, Bihar. These projects include 60 MLD STP and 162 km sewerage network at Saidpur, Patna, 60 MLD STP at Pahari, Patna, 93 km sewerage network at Pahari Zone IVA (S), Patna, 116 km sewerage network at Pahari Zone V, Patna, 180 km sewerage network at Beur, Patna, 96 km sewerage network at Karmalichak, Patna, 11 MLD STP at Barh, Patna, 10 MLD STP at Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, 9 MLD STP at Naugachia, Bhagalpur, 3.50 MLD STP at Sonepur, Saran, 32 MLD STP at Chhapra, Saran.

On 10^th March 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated three sewage projects worth ₹ 1,114 crore from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. These projects include 72 MLD STP and I&D network work at Naini (District-G, 42 MLD), Phaphamau (District-F, 14 MLD) and Jhunsi (16 MLD), Prayagraj, 30 MLD STP and I&D network work at Jaunpur and 45 MLD STP and I&D network work at Etawah.

On 2^nd October 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for ten sewage treatment plant (STP) projects with a total cost of ₹ 1,555 crore. Among these, five projects worth ₹ 534.25 crore were inaugurated across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Additionally, laid the foundation stone for five more projects across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, amounting to ₹ 1,021 crore.

(B) Inauguration and Laying of Foundation Stones Sewerage infrastructure projects by Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti (Under Nirmal Ganga)

On 4^th January 2024, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Jal Shakti inaugurated 14 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a 2.4 km Interception & Diversion (I&D) Network worth ₹ 77.36 crores in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.

On 18^th January 2024, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Jal Shakti laid the foundation stone for the 220 MLD Meerut sewage treatment plant (STP) with interception and diversion (I&D) project worth ₹ 370 crore in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

Training on Occupational Health & Safety Audit

NMCG organized 9 virtual safety training program and trained more than 1,500 officials on “Occupational Health and Safety Audit (OHSA)” From January 2024 to December 2024, to ensure workplace safety and compliance.

Activities Under Biodiversity Conservation (Under Aviral Ganga)

The programme has sanctioned projects focused on protecting and rehabilitating fishery, turtles, crocodiles, and dolphins. Projects Sanctioned in the year 2024 are as under :

Advancing Rescue System for the protection of stranded Ganges river Dolphins.
Conservation, Reintroduction, and Rehabilitation of threatened Turtles along ganga basin.

· Expanding Conservation Breeding Programme of Freshwater Turtle and Gharial at Kukrail Rehabilitation Centre, Lucknow

NMCG, in partnership with CIFRI, has successfully implemented fish ranching programs for Indian Major Carps and other species. In 2024, notable achievements include – Ranching of Indian Major Carps (IMC): 49.25 lakhs, Mahseer: 7,370, Hilsa: 42,117 and Hilsa tagging: 1,387 nos.

Important Activities (under Jan Ganga)

Launch of Namami Niranjana Abhiyan: NMCG launched the “Namami Niranjana Abhiyan” on 20^th February 2024, aimed at ensuring the perennial flow of the Niranjana (Falgu) river and bolstering the ongoing efforts of the “Niranjana (Falgu) River Recharge Mission”. The Falgu river, revered as Niranjana in Bodhgaya and Falgu in Gaya, originates from Belgadda in the Simaria block of Chatra district, Jharkhand, holding profound significance in the Hindu Sanatan religion. Pilgrims partake in rituals such as PindDaan and Tarpan for their ancestors using water from the Falgu river.
Celebration of International Day of Yoga: On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) organized ‘Ghat Par Yoga’ at BSF Camp, Zero Pushta, Sonia Vihar in Delhi on the bank of River Yamuna on 21^st June, 2024. Over 1,000 people participated in the event including officials and staff from the NMCG, NGOs under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP-III) of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Border Security Force (BSF), Ganga Vichar Manch, various other NGOs, as well as students and children.
8^thIndia Water Week 2024: The 8^th edition of India Water Week (IWW) 2024 was held during 17-20 September 2024, in New Delhi, on the theme “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.” This prestigious international event has become a key platform for collaboration in water resource management. The event was inaugurated by the President of India, alongside Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, and Hon’ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti.

Ganga Utsav- A River Festival 2024: On 4^th November 2024, the 8th edition of Ganga Utsav was organized by NMCG at scenic Chandi Ghat in Haridwar to promote the conservation of the Ganga River, emphasize its cultural and spiritual importance, and raise public awareness about cleanliness. The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti in the august presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Hon’ble Uttarakhand Minister for Women & Child Welfare, Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and DG, NMCG. This eighth edition of the event was the first time held on the riverbank, with celebrations extending across more than 110 districts in the Ganga basin states.The event featured participants from diverse spheres, including students, scientists, spiritual leaders, and more.
9^th India Water Impact Summit: The 9^th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) & 2^nd Climate Investments and Technology Impact Summit were organised jointly by NMCG & c-Ganga from 4^th to 6^th December 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

International Collaboration

Meeting with German Delegates: On 9^th May 2024, a meeting was held with the Deputy Head of the Economic Division, German Embassy to discuss the current status of projects aimed at rejuvenating the Ganga River, supported through bilateral cooperation between India and Germany.
Workshop on Strengthening Quality Infrastructure for Water Monitoring of the Ganges River II: NMCG in association with Physikalisch- Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) under Indo-German Technical Cooperation Programme organised a 6-day training programme from 22^nd July to 31^st July 2024.
Inception Workshop for District Ganga Plans: On 5^th July 2024, NMCG in association with GIZ organized an inception workshop for the District Ganga Plans. The workshop aimed to create comprehensive District Ganga Plans (DGPs) based on a River Basin Management approach, which has been prepared for four pilot districts.
Smart Laboratory for Clean Rivers (SLCR): The Smart Lab for Clean Rivers (SLCR) has been set up under the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark to bring global solutions on current challenges in the field of clean river water, conduct collaborative research and development to fit in real environment through Living lab approach and creation of platform between Government authorities, academic institutions and technology providers for knowledge sharing and co-creation to achieve clean river water.
Meeting of the Joint Review Committee: On 9^th October 2024, the first meeting of the Joint Review Committee (JRC) under the India-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was held under the chairmanship of DG, NMCG, to address priority areas such as reducing non-revenue water, urban water management through IoT and AI, wastewater treatment, and sewage sludge management.

Development of knowledge products (Under Gyan Ganga)

The ‘River Atlas for Ganga Main Stem Districts’, an in-house developed knowledge product of the GKC was launched by the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti on 09^thDecember 2024 during the 13th Empowered Task Force Meeting. The atlas comprises maps of River Ganga and its tributaries, covering five main stem states in the Ganga basin – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. This comprehensive Atlas is essential for the effective implementation of policies and programs and accurate planning and informed decision-making.

National Water Mission (NWM)

MoU with Girganga Parivar Trust (Girganga) has been signed on 22.10.2024 on Pro bono basis. They have committed to build 11,111 bore well recharge and 11,111 check dams.
MoU with Sarkaritel.com/jalprahari.in has been signed on 13.12.2024 on Pro bono basis. They have committed for generating awareness on Water Conservation in the public.
MoU with Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI), the Art of Living has been signed on 16.12.2024 on Pro bono basis. They have committed for creating of Water recharge structure with the help of implementing many River Rejuvenation Programs through Government scheme MGNREGA

Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune
Central Soil and Material Research Station, New Delhi
National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee
Central Water Commission, New Delhi

Publication of research/ technical reports – 281 Nos.
Organisation of Trainings and workshops – 94 Nos.
Training of people for capacity building- 2623 persons
Publication of high impact technical report & research papers – 18 Nos.

13 new research schemes has been recommended by Standing Advisory Committee and approved by Secretary (WR).
The research project “Hydro-geological Assessment and Socio-Economic implications of Depleting Water Resources in tourist towns of Uttarakhand” has been completed.
The research project “Irrigation Efficiency Improvement through On–farm Water Management” has been completed.
The research project “Dynamic Downscaling to study Climate Change Impacts on
Water Resource in India” has been completed.

National Water Development Agency (NWDA): Inter-Linking of Rivers Project

Under National Perspective Plan (NPP) formulated by Government of India, 30 inter-basin water transfer links (16 Peninsular and 14 Himalayan component) have been identified by National Water Development Agency for preparation of Feasibility Reports. Detailed Projects Reports (DPRs) of 11 links, Feasibility Reports (FRs) of 26 links and Pre-Feasibility Reports (PFRs) of all the 30 links have been prepared. The Inter-Linking River (ILR) Programme has been taken up on high priority by Government of India. The works related to ILR projects are already in progress. Five links have been identified as priority links by Govt. of India viz., Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project (MPKC) and Godavari-Cauvery (G-C) Link Project (comprising of 3 link systems).

System studies of four link projects viz.; Manas-Sanksoh-Teesta-Ganga (MSTG) link, Ganga-Damodar-Subernarekha (GDS) link, Subernarekha-Mahanadi (SM) link and Farakka-Sunderbans (FS) link have been initiated and the work of these four links has been awarded to IIT, Guwahati, NIT, Patna, NIT, Warangal and NIH, Roorkee respectively. Inception Reports have been submitted in June, 2023 by all the four Institutes. The draft final reports of MSTG and GDS have been submitted by the respective Institutes. The system studies of Mahanadi-Godavari link have been completed by NIH, Roorkee and the Final Report has been submitted in May, 2023. Awarding of work for system studies of southern linkage initiated, however, it may be taken up after finalization of quantity of water that can be transferred from MSTG, GDS, FS and SM link projects to Mahanadi river, as per system studies.

Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP): is the first inter-linking of rivers (ILR) project for which implementation has been initiated. The project will be of immense benefit to the water starved Bundelkhand Region, spread across the States of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh which includes districts of Panna, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpur&Raisen and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi & Lalitpur respectively. The status of KBLP is as given below:

Subsequent to signing of tripartite agreement in year, 2021, Govt. of India approved implementation of the project in December, 2021 at an estimated cost of Rs. 44,605 Crore with central support of Rs. 39,317 Crore.
With allocation of budget under RE of FY 2021-22, the implementation of the project has started.
Steering Committee and Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA) were been constituted vide Gazette Notification dated 11.02.2022.
KBLPA HQ Office is set up at Bhopal with three more offices at Chhatarpur, Panna and Jhansi, which are fully functional with regular CEO/ACEOs, Director (Fin.) and other officials.
Six meetings of Steering Committee and Six meetings of KBLPA have been held so far.
Initially the focus is on land acquisition, R&R, fulfilling the compliances to the conditions of forest clearance and wildlife clearance.
Greater Panna Landscape Council (GPLC) under Chief Secretary, Govt. of MP has been constituted for implementation of Landscape Management Plan through various stakeholders. Its first meeting was held on 05.09.23. Sub-Committee of GPLC was constituted on 16.10.2023 and its 1^st& 2^nd meetings were held on 17.10.2023 & 29.11.2023 respectively.
Planning for an Integrated Research and Learning Centre (IRLC) at Panna has already been initiated by WII.
The Monitoring Committee for R&R works of KBLP under Secretary, DoLR, MoRD has been constituted.
Collector, Chhattarpur has made payment of Rs. 197.23 Crore to the affected Families. Whereas, Collector Panna has made payment of Rs.76.82 Crore to the affected families of Panna. The remaining Land Acquisition Payment for Private land in both the districts are in Progress.
The work for engagement of Project Management Consultant (PMC) is in process. 9 bids were received for PMC, Result of Technical Evaluation of Bids was published on the CPP Portal on 22.08.2024. The Financial Proposals of the 5 technically qualified firms were opened on 10.09.2024. 20 meetings of Consultancy Evaluation Committee (CEC) for hiring PMC have been held so far. 20^th meeting of CEC was held on 11.09.2024 for financial evaluation of bids. After financial and technical evaluation of bids received, recommendations of the CEC have been submitted to DoWR,RD&GR, MoJS for approval on 13.09.2024.
A Technical Advisory Group for KBLP (TAG-KBLP) for KBLPA has been constituted to review and advise KBLPA on various planning and technical matters on implementation of various components of the link project. 10 meetings of TAG have been held so far.
The tender document for the main component of the project i.e. Daudhan dam and its Appurtenant works (EPC mode) was finalized by Technical Advisory Group of KBLP and the Tender Evaluation Committee (TEC) and floated on CPP portal on 11.08.2023. The complete proposal of technical and financial evaluation of bids was sent to Ministry of Jal Shakti that has been approved by Ministry. Subsequently, KBLPA has issued Letter of Acceptance to M/s NCC Limited for the work of Daudhan dam on 28.11.2024.
Stage–II Forest Clearance for diversion of 6017.00 ha of forest land for development of KBLP has been accorded by MoEF& CC on 03.10.2023.
The draft tender for EPC execution of Ken-Betwa Link Canal is prepared in two packages and circulated to State Governments of MP and UP for their comments/suggestions. Suggestions from Govt. of UP have been received.
PTR has accepted total 6017 ha non-forest land Transferred/ Mutated. Notification of 6017 ha has been completed by Forest Department under section-29 of Indian Forest Act-1927 and has been published.
Land in submergence: 3239 ha (Govt. Land: 1784.67 ha + Private Land 1454.33 ha) of land is coming under submergence area of Daudhan Dam. Private land of 1454.33 ha and Government land of 1604.429 ha has been mutated in favour of WRD, MP. Balance 180.241 ha Government land is likely to be transferred to WRD, MP soon.
Land Acquisition for Ken Betwa Link canal (99 villages of MP and 10 villages of UP) is under progress.
The work on State specific components like Lower Orr, Kotha Barrage and Bina Complex Multipurpose Project is already in progress. Head Works of Lower Orr has been completed whereas Head Works for Kotha & Bina are ongoing.

Cumulative Progress (%) upto December, 2024

Lower Orr : 67.00
Kotha Barrage: 59.00
Bina Complex: 50.20

The preparation of DPRs of components of UP likes two barrages, renovation and modernization of Tanks of Mahoba district, renovation and modernization of three weirs and ken command system is in progress.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji laid the Foundation Stone of KBLP on 25.12.2024 at Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh).
The project is planned to be completed in 8 years by March, 2030.

Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project (MPKC):

PFR has been circulated to concerned States. The work of DPRs is under progress.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed on 28.01.2024 amongst States of MP, Rajasthan and Govt. of India.
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) of Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link project has been signed on 05.12.2024 amongst States of MP, Rajasthan and Govt. of India. Subsequently Hon’ble Prime Minister declared the signing of the agreement on 17^th December, 2024 at Rajasthan.

Godavari-Cauvery (G-C) Link Project (comprising of 3 link systems):

Modified proposal for transfer of 4189 MCM of water from Godavari along with supplementation in Krishna basin through Bedti-Varda link (524 MCM) has been studied by NWDA.
Draft DPR of the modified /revised proposal has circulated to the concerned State/UT during Jan., 2024.
Draft MoA has been prepared for implementation of the project and circulated to concerned State/UT for perusal and observation during April, 2024.
Concerted efforts are being made for building up consensus amongst the States/UT for signing of MoA for the early implementation of this link project.

8^th India Water Week 2024:

IWW-2024 was successfully organized/held from 17^th to 20^th September, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The theme of the 8^th India Water Week is “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management”.
The mega event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble President of India.
The four-day multi-disciplinary conference comprises of Ministerial Plenary, Global Water Leaders’ Plenary (2), Country Forum (4), Water Leaders Forum (9), Practitioner’s Forum (8), Startup Forum, Youth Forum, Water Convention (18) one-day study tour and concurrently organized exhibition. Denmark, Australia and Israel were the Partner Countries. There were 15 Partner States viz.; Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, J&K, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.

More than 4500 delegates from India & abroad participated in the IWW-2024. About 215 delegates from 40 countries participated in the conference. Parallel to the conference, in the exhibition 143 Exhibitors from Central, States Government, Public Sector undertakings, Private Firms, NGOs, Startups and Schools etc. showcased their technologies.

Central Water Commission (CWC)

(i) Central Water Commission has undertaken sedimentation assessment studies of selected reservoirs located in various States using Satellite Remote Sensing technique under the plan scheme “Research & Development Programme in Water Sector”. It is planned to take up the studies in respect of 80 reservoirs during 2021-26. Accordingly, the work of carrying out the study for the first batch of 40 reservoirs was outsourced. Due to non-availability of either the desired water levels or satellite data for a reservoir on date of satellite pass, study in respect of 31 reservoirs was feasible which has been completed and reports published during 2022 to 2024. Besides this sedimentation studies in respect of 30 reservoirs have been completed in-house using Remote Sensing Techniques. Furthermore, a Google Earth Engine-based tool has also been developed by CWC officers, in-house under Smart Water Resources Modelling Organization (SWRMO) – Centre for Excellence, to automate the assessment of sedimentation in the live storage zone of reservoir.

(ii) A World Bank (WB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) team conducted the Mid-Term Review (MTR) mission for the Second Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP-2) between January 17 and May 3, 2024. The mission held discussions with Implementing Agencies (IAs) in Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Surat (Gujarat), and New Delhi and undertook field visits to selected dams in Gujarat (Ukai) and Odisha (Hirakud, Rengali). The wrap-up meeting was held in New Delhi, chaired by Joint Secretary, D/o WR, RD&GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and attended by Project Director, Central Water Commission (CWC), members of the Central Project Management Unit (CPMU), the Engineering and Management Consultant (EMC), and representatives of all Implementing Agencies (IA). As part of the mission, a detailed exercise on the use of the rapid risk assessment tool for Indian dams, in compliance with the National Dam Safety Act 2021, was carried out between March 5 and May 3, 2024.

(iii) The quarterly dialogues on Coastal Area Management, initiated as per the direction of the Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC) was held in April and May 2024.These dialogues brought together stakeholders from various levels of government, research institutions, and relevant departments to discuss pressing issues such as coastal erosion, salinity ingress, and the need for robust data collection and management. The dialogues provided a platform for sharing information, best practices, and innovative solutions from all stakeholders. As an outcome of the Quarterly Dialogue, CWC has published a report titled “Status Report on Coastal Area Management- An Indian Perspective, Region Issues & Remedial Measures”. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and initiatives related to coastal management in India. The report highlights the significant impacts of coastal erosion and salinity ingress, emphasizing the need for robust data collection, effective mitigation strategies, and increased collaboration among stakeholders.

(iv) A Smart Water Resources Modelling Organization acts as Centre of Excellence to grow as a pioneering hub for developing in-house expertise and innovation in tackling diverse problem statements and studies in water sector and directly reports to Chairman, CWC.

(v) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 06.06.2024between Central Water Commission (CWC) and IIT, Roorkeefor research work related to Irrigation Efficiency Assessment, Water Accounting studies, Cropped Area Mapping, Water Auditing, Urban Flood Forecasting & Risk Management, Urban Flood Inundation & Hazard Mapping, etc. These works will be carried out through mutual consultations and collaboration, leveraging the expertise and resources of both institutions.

(vi) A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Central Water Commission (CWC) and Space Application Centre (SAC) in the field of hydrology and water resources management, leveraging remote sensing and collaborative research efforts for mutual benefit on 08^th July,2024.

(vii) Support for Irrigation Modernization Program (SIMP): Central Water Commission (CWC), DoWR, RD & GR has taken up an initiative Support for Irrigation Modernization Program (SIMP) with technical assistance from theAsian Development Bank (ADB) to modernize Major/ Medium Irrigation (MMI) projects in the country.

(viii) SIMP is proposed to be taken up in 4 phases. SIMP Phase-1 concluded on 31.12.2021 under which 4 MMI projects have been identified for inclusion under 1st batch of projects for preparation of Irrigation Modernization Plans (IMPs) out of the 57 proposals received from 14 States and 2 UTs. The entire process including the preparation of IMPs, Detailed Project Report (DPRs), detailed designs and final implementation/ project execution is expected to be completed by Phase-4. Implementation of the project would lie with the concerned States who would have an option to either fund it from their own resources or they can avail loan facility from ADB or any other financial institutions.

(ix) SIMP Phase-2 was initiated from November 2022. Irrigation Modernization Plan (IMP) of four projects namely VanivilasaSagara Project, Karnataka, Palkhed Project Maharashtra, Purna Project, Maharashtra and Loharu Lift Irrigation Project, Haryana have been prepared. As a 1st step for preparation of IMPs, FAO developed RAP-MASSCOTE (Rapid Appraisal Procedure-Mapping System and Services for Canal Operation Techniques) workshops were organized to assess the present status of the identified four projects. The findings of RAP MASSCOTE workshops and issues related to Batch 1 SIMP projects were discussed in a mid-term workshop organized by ADB and CWC on 09.06.2023 at New Delhi.

For capacity building under SIMP phase-II, the following activities were organized:

From 6th to 10th November 2023, a five days training on modernization and design of Pipe Distribution Networks (PDN) was organized at Panchkula/ Chandigarh. 22 Engineers from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and CWC participated in the training.
On 15th and 20th December 2023, a Webinar on Irrigation Modernization and Design of PDN Systems was organized.
A Training on Asset Management Planning for Irrigation Schemes was held from 8^th to 12^th January 2024 at WALMI, Aurangabad.
A training on new technologies in Agriculture and Water Practices was held from 22^nd to 25^th January 2024 at HIRMI, Kurukshetra, Haryana.

The Preliminary Project Reports (PPR) of all the four projects has been submitted by ADB to the concerned project authorities. PPR of Loharu, Haryana is under process with Govt department. PPR of Palkhed and Purna, Maharashtra is under process in Planning Department of Haryana, PPR of VVS, Karnataka is under process with state finance Govt of Maharashtra.

PPRs are to be finalized by the states and submitted to DEA. After necessary approval from DEA, action for phase-3 will be taken up for preparation of DPRs.

(x) A Training program on the application of Rapid Risk Assessment tool, in association with the World Bank for the officers of the core group was held during April 22, 2024 – May 3, 2024 at Auditorium, 1st floor, CWC Library Building, Near Sewa Bhawan, Sector-1, R K Puram, New Delhi. Total 66 officials nominated by CWC, NDSA and States / DRIP IAs for taking forward the assignment of carrying out the Rapid Risk Assessment of specified dams in the country.

GLOF and Flood forecasting activities: –

CWC finalized the criteria for Risk Indexing of Glacial Lakes in the Indian Himalayan Region in September 2024, which provide a comprehensive methodology for identifying and categorizing Glacial Lakes based on factors such as Glacial Lake size, Glacial Lake type, Side slope, Snout distance from GL etc. and the potential socio-economic impacts of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood.

In the year 2024, 2 new stations (Inflow) have started functioning. Currently CWC is providing flood forecast at 340 stations (200-level forecasting stations & 140-inflow forecasting stations). During the period from 1st April to 30.11.2024, 10415 (i.e. 7093 Level and 3322 Inflow) forecasts were issued, out of which 9947 (95.5%) forecasts were found within the accuracy limit (±0.15m for level forecast and ±20% for inflow forecast).During flood season, CWC operates the Central Flood Control Room on 24×7 basis at its headquarter in New Delhi and 36 Divisional Flood Control Rooms spread throughout the country for monitoring flood situation. On an average, about 10,000 forecasts are issued during flood season every year by the CWC. Normally, these forecasts are issued 6 to 30 hours in advance, depending upon the river terrain and location of the flood forecasting sites and their base stations. In addition to conventional flood forecasting techniques, mathematical model forecasting based on rainfall-run off methodology is being used for some areas. This has enabled CWC to issue 7-day advance flood advisory.

Automated online 7-day flood advisory for all the level and inflow forecasting stations is maintained. “Flood Situation for next seven days” in respect of stations likely to be above warning level has been added in the “Daily Flood Situation Report cum Advisory” based on the 7-day advisory.

Flood Plain Zoning

In order to have a reasonable degree of protection, floods need to be managed through both structural & non-structural measures so as to reduce the losses. Non-structural measures are planned activities to modify susceptibility due to flood related damages. These are meant to keep people away from floods. Flood Plain Zoning is one of the main non-structural measures for management of floods worldwide.

A technical committee under the chairmanship of Member (RM) was constituted during November 2022 for formulation of ‘Technical Guidelines on Flood Plain Zoning’ . After due deliberations, the committee submitted the guidelines to Ministry. The guidelines is presently under circulation to the states for their comments/review. Once implemented, these guidelines shall serve as a valuable document in guiding the states in framing their own legislation in protecting their rivers from future encroachments.

Hydrological Studies:

The success of a project is largely governed by the hydrological inputs. The success of a project is largely governed by the hydrological inputs. The Hydrological Studies Organization (HSO), a specialized unit under Design and Research (D&R) Wing of CWC, carries out hydrological studies in respect of the water resources projects in the country. The inputs in Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Pre- Feasibility (PFR) stage are made available in the form of:

Water availability/yield studies.
Design flood estimation.
Sedimentation studies.
Diversion flood studies.

The country has been divided into 7 zones and further into 26 hydro- meteorologically homogeneous sub-zones and flood estimation models are developed for each subzone to compute the design flood in ungauged catchments. So far, flood estimation reports covering 24 sub-zones have been published. During the year 2024- 25, technical examinations of hydrological aspects of DPRs in respect of 88 projects have been carried out in CWC. Out of this, 46 projects have been cleared and comments were issued for 17 projects. Rest of the projects are under examination.

Some of the major works carried out during this period are:

• Flood frequency analysis & carrying capacity of Yamuna River from Hathnikund Barrage to Delhi.

• Hydrology Chapter for Bakchachuu HEP, Ringyang HEP, &RimbiKhola HEP has been submitted.

• 100 yr& 500 yr Return Period flood of Chandrawal River under Ken Betwa Link project.

• Water Availability of the untapped catchment between alignment of feeder canal, Mahalpur barrage and Navnera Barrage Under MPKC link.

Technical Assistance / Advice tendered

HSO has provided secretariat assistance to various technical/ expert committees for undertaking special studies on various aspects related to water resources development and management. Some of the important contributions during the year 2024- 25 are as under:

Hydrological Studies for Ponnaiyar River Basin, to resolve the interstate issue between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Hydrological modeling for heavy rainfall across the Yamuna River catchment in July 2023 caused significant runoff and discharge, leading to rapid water level rises. In this study estimated submergence areas for different return-period floods, analyzed embankment overtopping, and identified drainage congestion and afflux of existing structures using 2-D modeling for the river reach between 21 km upstream of Wazirabad barrage and 10 km downstream of Okhla barrage.

Hydrological modeling for tackling issues related to high intensity rainfall, riverine flood, drainage and interrelated issues in urban areas.

Planning and Design of Water Resources Projects

CWC is actively associated with design of majority of the mega water resources projects in India and neighboring countries, viz., Nepal and Bhutan by way of design consultancy or in the technical appraisal of the projects. At present CWC is provided design consultancy to 94 projects. Out of this, 31 projects (including 3 from neighboring countries) are at construction stage, 35 projects (including 2 from neighboring countries) are at DPR stage and 28 projects involve special problems.

National Committee on Seismic Design Parameters: –

The National Committee on Seismic Design Parameters (NCSDP) was constituted by MoWR Order dated 21 st October, 1991 with the objective to recommend the seismic design parameters for the proposals received from the dam owners. Member (D&R), CWC is the chairman of the committee with 12 other experts from various engineering disciplines from different technical institutions and Government organizations as its members. Director (FE&SA), CWC is the member Secretary of NCSDP. The 38th meeting of NCSDP was held on 10.05.2024 at CWC, New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Member (D&R) wherein six projects were cleared.

Further, a special meeting of NCSDP was held on 05.06.2024 wherein the Guideline for Preparation and Submission Of Site-Specific Seismic Study Report of River Valley Project To National Committee On Seismic Design Parameters was revised comprehensively to be in line with the International practices.

National Register of Large Dams:

Before enactment of Dam Safety Act 2021, Dam Safety Organisation (DSO) , CWC compiled and maintained the register of large dams across the country in the form of National Register of Large Dams (NRLD) based on information provided by State Govts. / PSUs. After enactment of Dam Safety Act 2021, the NDSA has been mandated to maintain National level database of all specified dam in the country. The National Register of Specified (Large) Dams 2023 was released by Hon’ble Vice President of India in International Conference on Dam Safety held during 14th-15th September 2023 at Jaipur. As per NRLD- 2023, there are 6138 constructed and 143 under construction dams in the country. The NRLD, 2023 is available on CWC’s website and can be accessed by l ink- https:// cwc. gov. in/ publication/nrld.

Technical Examination of Instrumentation aspects of the projects:

Hydroelectric project:-

Detailed Project Report (DPR)/ construction drawings of 29 river valley projects in various States/ countries namely Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Odisha, Sikkim Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Bhutan and Nepal were examined, out of which 4 projects have been cleared with respect to instrumentation aspects and remaining 25 projects are at various stages of examination.

Pumped storage Project:-

Detailed Project Report (DPR)/ construction drawings of 42 river valley projects in various States/ countries namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh were examined, out of which 6 projects have been cleared with respect to instrumentation aspects and for remaining 36 projects, clearance from instrumentation aspects is no longer required as per the latest CEA guidelines.

Standing Technical Advisory Committee of CSMRS

The Standing Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) was constituted under the Chairmanship of Member (D&R), CWC for providing an overall perspective and guidance in technical scrutiny of research schemes being undertaken at CSMRS. The STAC is composed of 11 members drawn from various public sector institutions and is headed by Member (D& R), CWC. The 39th Standing Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting of CSMRS was held on 25.10.2024

Other Seismic works:

Work related to technical evaluation and critical examination of web-based tool Seismic Hazard Assessment Information System (SHAISYS) being developed by IIT Roorkee and CWPRS Pune under DRIP is being carried out. A meeting is proposed on 18th December 2024 under the chairmanship of Member (D&R), CWC with the expert of IIT Roorkee at CWC, New Delhi regarding way forward for development of SHAISYS.

CWC Activities under National Hydrology Project (NHP):

Study on “Physical based Mathematical Modelling for estimation of Sediment Rate and Sediment Transport in Seven River Basin” has been completed.

Extended Hydrological Prediction (multi week forecast) for Yamuna, Narmada and Cauvery basins is in progress.

Reservoir Sedimentation Studies using Hydrographic survey for 32 reservoirs” under Phase-I has been completed. Works of Phase II: Consists of 87 reservoirs in 10 states (Rajasthan, Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, and Odisha is under progress.
Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning (SITC) of 93 Nos. ADCP (14 + 29 + 50 in three phases) for the measurement of discharge at the HO sites of CWC has been completed. Further procurement of additional 46 no’s ADCP and 8 no’s Total station is in under progress.
Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning (SITC) of 32 velocity radar sensors for modernization of discharge observations has been completed.
7 no’s of Water Quality Equipment (ICP-MS and GC-MS) have been commissioned and installation & Commissioning of 3 more Water Quality Equipment (1 GC-MS and 2 ICP-MS) is under process.
Consultancy services for “Early Flood Warning System Including Inundation Forecast in Ganga Basin” is in progress.
Consultancy services for Development of Decision Support System near to real time for Integrated Reservoir Operation System of Ganga Basin” has been completed.
Real Time Data Acquisition System (RTDAS) for Narmada Control Authority (NCA) and Arunachal Pradesh comprising of network of 48 & 50 no’s hydro meteorological Stations respectively has been commissioned.
Reservoir Sedimentation Studies using Hydrographic survey for 32 reservoirs” under National Hydrology Project, Phase-I have been completed and reports published and under Phase II studies in respect of 87 reservoirs are taken up.

DAM REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (DRIP) Phase-II and III

Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) is an externally aided project with financial assistance from the World Bank, targeting rehabilitation of some of the selected dams of the Country along with accompanying institutional strengthening component.

Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (Phase-II & III):

Based on the success of DRIP Phase- I, Ministry of Jal Shakti initiated another externally funded scheme, DRIP Phase-II and Phase-III. The Union Cabinet has approved the Scheme on October 29, 2020.

The scheme has provision for rehabilitation of 736 dams located in 19 States (Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and three Central Agencies (Central Water Commission, Bhakra Beas Management Board, and Damodar Valley Corporation). It is a State Sector Scheme with Central component, with duration of 10 years, to be implemented in two Phases i.e. Phase- II and Phase-III, each of six years duration with an overlap of two years. The budget outlay is Rs 10,211 Cr (Phase II: Rs 5107 Cr; Phase III: Rs 5104 Cr) with rehabilitation provision of 736 dams. Out of this cost, Rs. 7,000 crore is an external loan and Rs. 3,211 crores would be borne by the respective participating States and the three Central agencies. The funding pattern of scheme is 80:20 (Special Category States), 70:30 (General Category States) and 50:50 (Central Agencies). The scheme also has provision of Central Grant of 90% of loan amount for special category States (Manipur, Meghalaya and Uttarakhand). The DRIP Phase-II and III Scheme is 10 years duration, proposed to be implemented in two Phases, each of six-year duration with two years overlapping. Each Phase has external assistance of US$ 500 M. The Phase-II of the scheme is being co-financed by World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), with funding of US$ 250 million each. The loan agreement by World Bank was signed on August 04, 2021 with 10 States (Gujarat, Kerala, MP, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh) and became effective from 12th October, 2021. In addition to 10 States, four States (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Karnataka) have been notified by World Bank for inclusion under this scheme in June 2022 and their loan declared effective in January 2023.

The loan agreement by AIIB was signed on 19th May, 2022 with 10 States (Gujarat, Kerala, MP, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh) and declared effective on 29th December, 2022 by AIIB.

Inclusion of four States (Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Telangana) and two Central Agencies (BBMB and DVC) is under process.

Important project achievements include approval of PSTs of 139 dams costing Rs 3715 Cr by the World Bank. The contract(s) amounting approximately Rs 2906 Cr have been awarded by various Implementing Agencies and an amount of Rs 1487 Cr spent as on 30.11.2024 on various project activities including dam rehabilitation, institutional strengthening and project management activities

A training on DRIP Ph-II &Ph-III was given to 40 officers of Punjab WRD on 12th June 2024 at Shahpur Kandi. Few topics were covered like Overview of DRIP Ph-II &Ph-III scheme; dam structural problems & their identification; Procurement procedures; Hydro-Mechanical structural problems; PST preparation; Financial Management of DRIP scheme etc.

A three days training on DFR organized during 8th to 10th July, 2024, in which 22 participants from seven (7) states and CWC participated.

The Management Information System (MIS-with 05 modules) was officially rolled out to SPMU on 14^th August 2024. In this regard a virtual MIS demonstration was organized on 14th August 2024 in which concerned officials of CPMU, SPMU, and EMC participated.

2^nd meeting of National Level Steering Committee (NLSC) on DRIP Phase-II and III chaired by Secretary, DoWR, RD and GR were held on 25.09.2024 at New Delhi to discuss the progress and issues of DRIP Scheme.

3^rd meeting of Technical Committee of DRIP Phase II and III was held on 18.10.2024 under the chairmanship of Member (D&R), CWC at Dehradun, Uttarakhand in which nodal officer and Project Director of DRIP IAs participated. Deliberations in respect of technical matters with regard to pertaining to implementation of the scheme were held during the meeting.

National Task Force for Integrated Water Resources Development and Management

National Task Force for Integrated Water Resources Development and Management (NTFIWRDM) has been set up by DoWR, RD & GR vide its OM dated 25.11.2024.

Sustainable development of water resources and its efficient management is the key to water security and economic growth. As a country, aspiring to be the world leader with the most powerful economy, challenges like increasing population, economic growth, industrialization and urbanization are bound to result in increased and conflicting demands for various purposes across the country. Moreover, the vagaries of climate change have already started to affect the water sector adversely. In the wake of ever-growing challenges in the water resources sector, it has become necessary to prospectively assess the projected water use for various purposes. In view of above, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR has set up a National Task Force for Integrated Water Resources Development and Management (NTFIWRDM) on 25.11.2024 under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Member, Niti Aayog with members from various Govt. Departments and experts from different organisations; thereby comprehensively covering various domains of water resources. Chief Engineer, BPMO, CWC is the Member Secretary of the NTFIWRDM. The NTFIWRDM – 2024 is expected to complete its work within 24 months, with interim reports submitted at yearly intervals.

(xxii) LIST OF IMPORTANT PUBLICATIONS OF CWC during 2024

Sl. No.	Publication	Released during
1	Water Sector at a Glance-2022	Aug-2024
2	Water & Related Statistics-2023	Sept-2024
3	Water Sector at a Glance-2023	Sept-2024
4	National Register of Major & Medium Irrigation Projects in India-2024	Sept-2024
5	Compendium on Sedimentation of Reservoirs in India	August 2024
6	Assessment of Area Affected Due to Floods in India	July 2024
7	Report on Flood Damage Statistics (1953-2022)	July 2024
8	Assessment of Area Affected Due to Floods in India [Part II: Assessment at Sub-District Level]	September 2024
9	Criteria for Risk Indexing of Glacial Lakes in Indian Himalayan Region	September 2024
10	Status Report on Coastal Area Management – An Indian Perspective, Regional Issues & Remedial Measures	September 2024

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB):

National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM)

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is implementing National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM), which envisages mapping of aquifers (water bearing formations), their characterization and development of Aquifer Management Plans to facilitate sustainable management of ground water resources. Out of 32 lakh sq km of the entire country, entire mappable area of 25 sq lakh km has been covered under this programme. NAQUIM outputs are shared with various stakeholders including the District Authorities. Building on the experiences of the NAQUIM, the NAQUIM 2.0 has been initiated from the year 2023-24 which emphasizes on detailed mapping and implementable management plans for identified priority areas. CGWB has completed 68 such studies (covering nearly 40,000 sq km) in year 2024.

In order to create infrastructure for data generation under NAQUIM, a Project has been approved by the Public Investment Board (PIB) with an outlay of Rs 805 Cr for implementation by CGWB during the period 2022-2026. As of now, tenders amounting approximately Rs. 550 Cr have been awarded.

One of the components of the project involves the construction of 7000 piezometers and the installation of Digital Water Level Recorders with telemetry devices for strengthening and automation of groundwater monitoring networks in the country. Construction of piezometers for strengthening groundwater monitoring has been initiated in 15 states (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, MadhyaPradesh, Chhattisgarh, UttarPradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, WestBengal, Odisha and Jammu&Kashmir). A total of 1796 piezometers have been constructed till 31st December 2024.

Another component of the project involves construction of 1135 Exploratory Wells (EW) and Observation Wells (OW) for completing the data gap in the NAQUIM project area for which work has been initiated under all awarded packages in 11 states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam). A total of 319 EW/OWs have been constructed till 31st December 2024.

Ground Water Resources

The Ground Water Resource Assessment for the water year 2024 was carried out jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs, through the web-based automated application “INDIA-GROUNDWATER RESOURCE ESTIMATION SYSTEM (IN-GRES) for the entire country. The assessment provides the state wise ground water resource scenario and insights required to adopt an integrated and sustainable ground water management in the Country.

As per the assessment, the total annual groundwater recharge in the country has been assessed as 446.90 billion Cubic Meter (BCM). The annual extractable ground water resource has been assessed as 406.19 BCM. The annual groundwater extraction for all uses is 245.64 BCM. The average stage of groundwater extraction for the country stands at 60.47 %. Out of the total 6746 assessment units (Blocks/ Mandals/ Talukas) in the country, 4951 (73.4 %) assessment units are categorized as ‘Safe’. 711 (10.5 %) assessment units are categorized “Semi-critical’’, 206 (3.05 %) assessment units, have been categorized as ‘Critical’ and 751 (11.1%) assessment units have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’. Apart from these, there are 127 (1.8%) assessment units, which have been categorized as ‘Saline’ as major part of the ground water in phreatic aquifers in these units is brackish or saline.

Key Highlights:

Total Annual GW Recharge has increased (15 BCM) substantially and Extraction has declined (3 BCM) in 2024 from 2017 assessment. There is slight reduction in recharge and increase in extraction in the present assessment year compared to the preceding year.
Recharge from Tanks, Ponds and WCS has shown a consistent increase in the last five assessments. In the year 2024, it has increased by 0.39 BCM w.r.t. 2023.
With respect to the year 2017, there is an increase of 11.36 BCM in recharge from Tanks, Ponds & WCS (from 13.98 BCM in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024).
The percentage of Assessment Units under Safe Category have increased from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4 % in 2024 (The percentage of Safe assessment units was 73.14 % in 2023).
The percentage of Over Exploited Assessment units have declined from 17.24 % in 2017 to 11.13 % in 2024 (The percentage of OE Assessment units was 11.23% in 2023)

The Union Minister for Jal Shakti released “National Compilation of Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India 2024” on 31^st December, 2024.

High resolution aquifer mapping and management in Arid areas of India

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has undertaken high resolution aquifer mapping in the arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana using advanced heliborne geophysical surveys. Under Phase I of the project, an area of 97,637 sq. km has been surveyed, covering 40,313-line km across 92 blocks in these states.
Based on the heliborne geophysical survey results, Gram Panchayat-level information of saturated/de-saturated, saline/fresh aquifers, groundwater potential zones, drilling sites, and managed aquifer recharge sites has been identified. Detailed reports have been prepared for 39 out of 92 blocks, comprising 20 blocks in Gujarat, 11 in Rajasthan, and 8 in Haryana.
A Coffee Table Book on the Summary of the findings of Heliborne Survey Phase I was released on 19.09.2024 in India Water Week-2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi by the Hon’ble Minister of State, Jal Shakti.

Artificial Recharge Activities

Groundwater augmentation through artificial recharge in identified water stressed areas of Rajasthan, comprising Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Alwar, Jhunjhunu & Sikar districts of Rajasthan has been taken up in three phases

Phase-1: Two large dams have been constructed:
- Zoned Earth Fill Dam with Clay Core, Indroka, Mandore, Jodhpur
- Concrete Gravity Dam, Bastawa Mata, Balesar, Jodhpur.
Phase-2: 82 WHS (Stone Masonary Check Dams (MCD), Anicuts, Concrete Check Dams (CCD & Recharge shafts) have been constructed in certain water stressed blocks of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Sikar district.
Phase-3: 39 WHS (Check Dam, Anicut, Model Talab) have been constructed certain water stressed blocks in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Alwar districts of Rajasthan to know the concentrated effect of artificial recharge.

Regulation of Ground Water extraction

The primary role of Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is to regulate groundwater resource exploitation in the country. The Authority has been regulating groundwater development and management by way of issuing ‘No Objection Certificates’ for groundwater extraction to industries, infrastructure projects, Mining Projects, registration of drilling rigs etc., and framed guidelines in this connection.

Development of a new portal for NoC issuance to ground water users i.e. BhuNeer APP, which is an advanced version of the application processing software of CGWA for issuing NOC to ground water users of Industries, Infrastructure & Mining projects and Bulk Water Supply. The motto of developing this portal is to provide users a smooth experience with new features and functionalities.

Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training & Research Institute (RGNGWTRI)

It is the training wing of CGWB and functions as a `Centre of Excellence’ with the national role of capacity building of Officers and Officials of CGWB, other Central Govt. Depts., State Govt. Depts., Public Sector Undertakings, Non-Governmental Organizations, Academic institutions and other stake holders through three arms -Tier I (National Level), Tier II (State Level) and Tier III (Block level) trainings.

During the last 10 years, from 2012-13 to 2024-25(As on 24.12.2024) a total of 1711 training courses (Tier-I, Tier-II & Tier-III) were organized (Male 83,330 + Female 30,369 = 1,13,699 Participants) by RGNGWTRI, Raipur.
The institute has also conducted Four trainings for foreign nationals, during the last 10 years

Development of three Indigenous Softwares as part of Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2022- a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat

Smart India Hackathon (SIH), a nationwide initiative envisioned under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister is an important mega annual event among students to provide solutions through innovations for specific challenges identified by different organizations. It is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, All India Council for Technical Education, along with partners. Based on problem statements shared by CGWB and under the mentorship of CGWB scientists, following three software applications were developed by engineering students as a part of Smart India Hackathon (SIH)

Hydra-Q: A Standalone desktop application for analysis, visualization and interpretation of hydrochemical data.
Aqua Probe: A Standalone desktop application for Pumping Test data analysis.
OASIS-G: Online application System for Stable Isotope Studies-Ground Water

The software applications can be accessed / downloaded from CGWB website (https://www.cgwb.gov.in/freewares-groundwater-data-analysis).

These freeware applications will be useful for students, researchers and groundwater professionals. So far, the software that are used for such kind of analysis are developed mostly in countries other than India. This is a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and is likely to reduce India’s dependence on foreign software.

Aquifer Management for Augmentation and Sustainability of Urban Water Supply- Faridabad

CGWB has taken up a study on augmentation of water supply to Faridabad city through sustainable ground water development in active Yamuna flood plain in 2024. CGWB has signed MoU with Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA)

Ground Water Quality Analysis

The comprehensive assessment of Ground Water Quality conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) provides valuable insights that can guide remedial actions and inform future planning by various stakeholders. Notably, this report on Ground Water Quality is the first to implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for groundwater quality monitoring, which ensures consistency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Additionally, the use of internationally recognized methods significantly bolsters the credibility and technical rigor of the findings. On December 31, 2024, Sh. CR Paatil, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, unveiled the Annual Groundwater Quality Report, 2024.

Key Highlights:

In terms of cation chemistry, calcium dominates the ion content, followed by sodium and potassium. For anions, bicarbonate is the most prevalent, followed by chloride and sulphate. This indicates that overall water in the country is of Calcium-Bicarbonate type.
Some regions face sporadic contamination of nitrates, fluoride, and arsenic.
Seasonal trends observed in parameters like Electrical Conductivity (EC) and fluoride provide evidence of positive monsoon recharge effects, which improve water quality.
From an agricultural perspective, the analysis of Sodium Adsorption Ration (SAR) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) reinforces the generally favorable suitability of groundwater for irrigation, with over 81% of samples meeting safe thresholds. However, localized issues of high sodium content and RSC values demand targeted interventions to prevent long-term soil degradation.
100% of ground water samples in North-Eastern States are in excellent category for irrigation.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26 with an outlay of ₹93,068 Crore to benefit about 22 lakh farmers

Against a target of 34.63 Lakh Ha irrigation potential of 25.80Lakh Ha (approx.74.5%) created through AIBP works of the prioritized projects during 2016-17 to 2023-24
Nine (09) new MMI projects and two (02) new National projects have been further included under PMKSYAIBP.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP):

The Government of India on 27.07.2016 approved funding of the 99 prioritized irrigation projects (and 7 phases) with an estimated balance cost of Rs. 77,595 Crore (Central share- Rs. 31,342 crores; State share- Rs. 46,253 crores) for completion in phases. The works include both the AIBP and CAD works. Funding arrangement for both Central Assistance (CA) and State Share made through NABARD under Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF). Targeted Irrigation Potential to be created under the scheme is 34.63 Lakh ha. An expenditure of Rs. 68891 crore (upto March 2024) has been reported to be incurred by the concerned State Governments on these projects since 2016-17. In January 2020, Ministry of Finance conveyed the continuation of ongoing centrally sponsored scheme up-to 31.03.2021.

Physical Progress: Against the target of 34.63 Lakh Ha. Irrigation Potential of about 25.80 Lakh ha. has been created through AIBP works of the prioritized projects during 2016-17 to 2023-24. The potential created during 2024-25 shall be available only after the end of cropping season.

Project Completed under PMKSY-AIBP: AIBP works of 62 prioritized projects out of identified 99 projects (and 7 phases) were reported to be completed till date.

The Government of India has approved implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26 with an outlay of ₹93,068 Crore on date 15-Dec-2021 to benefit about 22 Lakh farmers. The Union Cabinet has approved central support of ₹37,454 Crore to States and ₹20,434.56 Crore of debt servicing for loan availed by Government of India for irrigation development during PMKSY 2016-21. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, ‘Har Khet Ko Paani’ and Watershed Development components have been approved for continuation during 2021-26. Total additional irrigation potential creation targeted during 2021-26 under AIBP is 13.88 Lakh hectare. Apart from focused completion of 60 ongoing projects including their 30.23 lakh hectare command area development, 9 additional projects have been taken up till date. Also, two national projects, namely Renukaji Dam Project (Himachal Pradesh) and Lakhwar Multipurpose Project (Uttarakhand) have also been included for central funding of 90% of works of water component under the scheme.

Inclusion of new Major/Medium Irrigation (MMI) projects as well as funding of National Projects under AIBP.

Financial progress requirement is dropped for inclusion of a project underAIBPand only physical progress of 50% to be considered.

Advanced stage (50% physical progress) criteria are relaxed for projects having command area of 50% or more in Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), tribal, Desert Development Programme (DDP), Flood prone, Tribal area, Flood prone area, left wing extremism affected area, Koraput, Balangir and Kalahandi (KBK) region of Odisha, Vidarbha& Marathwada regions of Maharashtra and Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh, as also for Extension Renovation Modernization (ERM) projects and also for States with net irrigation below national average.

Reimbursement is allowed for due central assistance in subsequent year also.

Project completion permitted with physical progress of 90% or more.

Online Management Information System (MIS) has been developed for monitoring of the projects. A nodal officer for each of the 99 priority projects has been identified who updates the physical and financial progress of the project regularly in the MIS.

GIS based Application has been developed for geo-tagging of project components. Remote Sensing Techniques have been used for digitization of the canal network of the projects. Further, the Cropped Area estimation in the command of 99 priority projects is being carried out annually through remote sensing.

To resolve the issue of Land Acquisition (LA) and increase water conveyance efficiency, use of Underground Pipeline (UGPL) has been actively promoted. Guidelines for Planning and Design ofPiped Irrigation Network were released by this Ministry in July, 2017.

Pari-passu implementation of Command area development works in the commands of these projects is envisaged to ensure that the Irrigation Potential Created could be utilized by the farmers. New Guidelines bringing focus on Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) have been brought out. Further, transfer of control and management of irrigation system to the Water Users’ Association (WUA) has been made necessary condition for the acceptance of CADWM completion.

The Financial Progress under PMKSY-AIBP is as follows:

Funds Released	2016-17 to 2023-24	2024-25 (so far)	Total
Central Assistance for AIBP projects including special and National Projects	18550.98	629.22	19180.20
State Share	33830.83	180.60	34011.4
Total	52,381.81	809.82	53191.6

Special Package for Maharashtra: A Special Package approved on 18.07.2018 which provides Central Assistance to complete 83 Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) projects and 8 Major / Medium Irrigation Projects in drought prone districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada and rest of Maharashtra in phases up to 2023-24 (extended till March-25). The overall balance cost of the said projects as on 1.4.2018 is estimated to be Rs.13651.61 Crore. Total CA is estimated to be Rs. 3831.41 Crore including reimbursement for expenditureduring 2017-18Balancepotentialof 3. 77 Lakh Ha would be created on completion of these schemes. CA of Rs. 2901.63 crores have been released under the scheme so far. Under the scheme, 53 SMI and 2 MMI projects have been reported to be completed by the State Government of Maharashtra. Overall irrigation potential of 1.66 Lakh ha. has been reported to be created through all these projects during 2018-19 to 2023-24. Further potential created during 2024-25 shall be available only after the end of cropping season.

Modernization of Command Area Development & Water Management (M-CADWM):

The Ministry of Jal Shakti is reviewing the CADWM programme to make it more relevant in the current context of water use efficiency and agricultural productivity. The proposed change is a proposed smart irrigation scheme which envisages transforming the existing command (whether rain fed or gravity based) to a Pressurized Piped Irrigation Command (PPIC) by providing pressurized irrigation water from Established source to Farm Gate below Minor (Tertiary) Level Network. This will make the entire command area micro-irrigation ready with robust back-end infrastructure using Surface Water. The farmers shall be empowered by creating a Water User Society, which will also be an “economic entity”.

The Scheme will develop suitable models for different Agro-Climatic zones, integrating various sources of water, and different levels of water availability, covering both areas of assured irrigation and protected irrigation. These models will pave the way for development of a National Plan for Modernization of water management in rural area in general and irrigation services in particular based on integrated, sustainable, efficient and inclusive water management.

Polavaram Irrigation Project: Polavaram Irrigation Project was declared as National Project under Section 90 of AP Reorganization Act, 2014, which came into force on 1^st March 2014. The project with 2467.50 m of earth-cum-rock fill dam and 1121.20 m long spillway aims at irrigating 2.91 Lakh ha in erstwhile East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, West Godavari and Krishna districts besides several other benefits envisaged by it. Central Government is funding 100% of the remaining cost of the irrigation component of the project, as on 01.04.2014. Government of Andhra Pradesh is executing the irrigation component of the project on behalf of Government of India. The approved cost of the Project as per Revised Cost Committee (RCC) is Rs 29,027.95 cr at 2013-14 PL and Rs 47,725.74 cr at 2017-18 PL up to FRL i.e. EL +45.72 m. After declaration as National Project, a sum of Rs. 15,605.96 cr has been released for execution of Polavaram Irrigation Project so far.

The Union Cabinet has approved the revised cost of the PIP in its meeting held on 28.08.2024, with water storage upto EL + 41.15 m at a cost of Rs. 30,436.95 cr with balance central grant for the project limited to Rs. 12,157.53 cr. Further, an amount of Rs. 2,348 cr has been released on 09.10.2024 as advance payment to GoAP on account of execution of Polavaram Irrigation Project in addition to the reimbursement of Rs 15,605.96 cr made to GoAP.

As reported by Water Resource Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, an expenditure of Rs 18,348.84 cr has been incurred on the project works up to 30.11.2024, after declaration of Polavaram irrigation project (PIP) as National Project.

Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)

Atal BhujalYojana (Atal Jal) is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India with an outlay of Rs 6000 Crore, with focus on community participation and demand side interventions for sustainable ground water management in identified water stressed areas in 8203 water stressed Gram Panchayats of 229 administrative blocks/Talukas in 80 districts of seven States in the country viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme, partly funded by the World Bank, is being implemented from 1.04.2020 for a period of 6 years.

This unique scheme aims at increasing the capacity of States to manage their ground water resources and for ensuring their long-term sustainability with active participation of the local communities through a mix of top-down and bottom-up approaches. It also envisages convergence of various ongoing schemes for implementation of interventions for improving ground water availability with emphasis on demand management and also to inculcate behavioral changes in the community to ensure optimal use of available water resources.

The launch of Atal Bhujal Yojana heralds a change in the Government policy for ground water management by emphasizing the importance of community participation in planning, execution, and monitoring of scheme activities; convergence of ongoing schemes for implementing interventions aimed at improving ground water availability; focus on demand side management through improving water use efficiency and incentivizing participating States for awareness creation among the masses on the importance of ground water.

Atal Bhujal Yojana also envisages improving the capacity of States for ground water governance through strengthening of institutions dealing with ground water management, improving ground water monitoring networks, creation of awareness among the public on the importance and criticality of ground water resources and building the capacity of the grass root level stakeholders to plan and utilize the available resources in a judicious manner. It also addresses the gender perspective by making it mandatory to include women in all activities of the scheme.

Atal Bhujal Yojana is expected to improve ground water conditions in the target areas and to contribute significantly to ensure ground water sustainability for interventions planned under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). It is also expected to contribute to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s goal of doubling farmers’ income and to result in optimal use of ground water by the stakeholders in the long-run.

Further, to bridge the gap in the data availability at the GP level for better water management across India, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in collaboration with Ministry of Panchayati Raj has taken the initiative to expand water budgeting exercise to non-Atal Jal areas as well by their inclusion in the Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).

Key achievements under Atal Bhujal Yojana are as follows:

Public disclosure of data in all the Atal Jal GPs through various modes of disclosure viz., central/state web portals, display board at each GP, social media, wall paintings, distribution of pamphlets/brochure, public meetings and Atal Jal Mobile application.
States have used innovative measures like Groundwater Data Information Dissemination Centers, QR codes, social media, etc., to disseminate the groundwater related data to public.
Community led Water Budget and WSPs prepared for all the 8203 GPs and updated on yearly basis.
Groundwater monitoring system has been strengthened at GP level by providing equipment like Digital Water Level Recorders, water level indicators, rain gauges, water quality testing kits, water flow meters etc. In addition, piezometers have been constructed in GPs for monitoring of water levels.
A total of 49 State level, 410 District level, 1152 Block level and 99,406 GP level trainings have been conducted so far.
Awareness and sensitization at GP level through innovative Information Education and Communication practices like narrowcasting in Haryana, folk dances/songs in Karnataka, Jal dindis in Maharashtra, Ratri Choupals in Rajasthan have been used to drive the message of sustainable groundwater management.
Investment of Rs. 4355 Crore towards implementation of interventions proposed under WSPs through convergence.
An area of around 6.7 lakh Hectares has been brought under efficient water use practices including Drip, Sprinkler, Mulching, Crop Diversification etc.
More than 70,000 wells are being monitored for water level at GP level and shared with community.
More than 90,000 existing Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge structures have been mapped.
813 GPs in 47 Blocks have shown improvement in ground water level.
A total of Rs.3420.57 Cr. has been disbursed to the States since the inception of the scheme. A total of Rs.2863.98 Cr. has been utilized by the States since the inception of the scheme.
Sixth meeting of National Level Steering Committee (NLSC) for implementation of Atal Bhujal Yojana was held on 07 June 2024.

Minor Irrigation Statistics: Progress under the scheme “Irrigation Census”:

Minor Irrigation Census conducted quinquennially in order to create a sound and reliable database on groundwater and surface water minor irrigation schemes in the country. The Minor Irrigation Census is conducted under the centrally sponsored scheme “Irrigation Census” with 100% central funding through which State Statistical Cells constituted under different States/UTs are also supported.

The sixth Minor Irrigation Census and the first Census of Water bodies covering all water bodies in the country, both rural and urban have been completed. All India and State-wise report on 6^th Minor Irrigation Census and First Census of Water Bodies has been published and are available at the Department website ‘https://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in’. Key results have been disseminated on Bhuvan portal and the state wise unit level data has also been disseminated on Open Government Data (OGD) platform.

During 2024, the following progress under the scheme “Irrigation Census” has been achieved:

7^th Minor Irrigation Census and 2^nd Census of Water Bodies are underway, along with two new censuses: the 1^st Census of Springs and the 1^st Census of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects, with reference year 2023-24.
An all-India Workshop on these Censuses was held in 2023, with participation from all States and Union Territories. NIC has developed a mobile/web application for these censuses, with pilot testing successfully conducted in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Meghalaya in month of October, 2024.
Six regional workshops for training of trainers for upcoming censuses are being conducted at regional centers in Tripura, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and West Bengal from December, 2024 to January, 2025 to provide training to trainers at State level for further capacity building.
Grands-in-aid to States/UTs were released timely on receipt of proposals from eligible States/UTs.

Flood Management Wing (FM):

Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP):

The “Flood Management Programme (FMP)” and “River Management Activities and Works related to Border Areas” (RMBA) under operation during XII Five Year Plan were merged as “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme” (FMBAP) for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20 and further extended up-to March, 2021. Cabinet further approved the continuation of FMBAP scheme during 2021-22 to 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs. 4100 Crore (FMP-Rs. 2940 Crore and RMBA – Rs. 1160 Crore).

Since the inception of FMBAP (till December 2024), Central Assistance of Rs. 7136 crores have been released to States/UTs under FMP component of Flood Management & Border Area Programme (FMBAP) scheme and Central Assistance of Rs. 1258.73 crores have been released to UTs/States under RMBA component of FMBAP scheme.

Completion of balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project: DoWR, RD & GR has taken up the long pending project for completion of balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project, Bihar and Jharkhand. In August, 2017 the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project at an estimated cost of Rs. 1622.27 crore during three financial years from the start of the project. Subsequently, at the request of both State Governments, certain other components were found necessary to be included in the project. Complete lining of Right Main Canal (RMC) and Left Main Canal (LMC) was also regarded essential from technical considerations to derive envisaged irrigation potential. Thus, the works of Gaya distribution system, lining of RMC and LMC, remodeling of enroute structures, construction of a few new structures and onetime Special Package for R&R of Project Affected Families (PAFs) were to be provided for in the updated cost estimate. Accordingly, Revised Cost Estimate of the project was prepared. Out of the cost of balance works of Rs. 2430.76 crore, the Central would provide Rs.1836.41 crore. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval to the proposal to complete the balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project at a revised Cost of Rs. 2,430.76 crore on 04.10.2023. Project will provide irrigation benefit to 114,021 hectares of land annually in drought prone areas of Aurangabad and Gaya districts of Bihar and Palamau and Garwa districts of Jharkhand. Project also has the provision for supply of 44 MCM water for drinking and industrial water supply. The execution of balance works of the project on turnkey basis by M/s WAPCOS Ltd., a CPSU under DoWR, RD & GR as Project Management Consultant (PMC). 10% works on dam & appurtenant, 100% of additional works of Mohammad Ganjbarrage, 86% works on left main canal and works on Right Main Canal in Jharkhand Portion & 18% works on Bihar portion have been completed.

India and Bangladesh Matters

A Treaty was signed by the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh on 12th December, 1996 for the sharing of Ganga/Ganges waters at Farakka during the lean season. As per the Treaty, the Ganga/Ganges waters is being shared at Farakka (which is the last control structure on river Ganga in India) during lean period, from 1^st January to 31^st May every year, on 10-daily basis as per the formula provided in the Treaty. The validity of Treaty is 30 years. The sharing of water as per the Treaty is being monitored by a Joint Committee headed by Members, JRC from both sides. The following India-Bangladesh Joint Committee Meetings have been convened.

The 83^rd meeting of the Joint Committee on sharing of the Ganga/Ganges waters at Farakka was held at Dhaka on 24^th January, 2024 after a visit to the joint observation site at Hardinge Bridge, on 24th January, 2024.
The 84^th meeting of the Joint Committee on sharing of the Ganga/Ganges Waters at Farakka was held at Kolkata on 7^th March, 2024 after visit to the joint observation sites at Farakka on 5^th March, 2024.
The 85^th meeting of the Joint Committee on sharing of the Ganga/ Ganges waters at Farakka was held at Dhaka (Bangladesh) on 14^th November, 2024 for the finalization of Annual Report of the lean/dry season of the year 2024.

During the 83^rd and 84^th Joint Committee meetings, the Indian delegation was led by Mr. Atul Jain, Commissioner (FM), Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Ministry of Jal Shakti. During the 85th Joint Committee meeting, the Indian delegation was led by Mr. Sharad Chandra, Commissioner (FM), Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of the Republic of India and Member, India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Dr. Mohammad Abul Hossen, Member, India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD)

Cleaning of river is a continuous process and Government of India is supplementing the efforts of the State Governments in addressing the challenges of pollution of rivers by providing financial and technical assistance. Assistance is provided to State Governments for abatement of pollution in identified stretches of various rivers (excluding river Ganga and its tributaries) under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) on cost sharing basis between the Central & State Governments for taking up various pollution abatement works relating to interception & diversion of raw sewage, construction of sewerage systems, setting up of sewage treatment plants, low cost sanitation, river front/bathing ghat development, etc.

Project for ‘Pollution Abetment River Banganga at Katra’ in Jammu & Kashmir at a cost of Rs.92.10 crore was sanctioned.
Project for ‘Pollution Abetment and Conservation of river Mindhola at Surat’ in Gujarat at a cost of Rs.98.51 crore was sanctioned.
Project for ‘Interception & Diversion of Sewerage Water from Existing Drains to Nearest STP for Treatment Purposes in Jodhpur City for Pollution Abatement of River Jojari at Jodhpur’ in Rajasthan at a cost of Rs.13.10 crore was sanctioned.
Project for ‘Sewer rehabilitation of old and deteriorated pipes by Trenchless CIPP Technology for main trunk sewer lines heading towards Nandari and Salawas STPs for pollution abatement of Jojari River at Jodhpur’ in Rajasthan at a cost of Rs.51.99 crore was sanctioned.
Project for ‘Design of Complete Sewerage System and Proposal of Development of New STP for Jhalamand Area, Jodhpur for pollution abatement of river Jojari at Jodhpur’ in Rajasthan at a cost of Rs.53.63 crore was sanctioned.
Project for ‘Establishing and Commissioning of 30 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Nandari for pollution abatement of river Jojari at Jodhpur’ in Rajasthan at a cost of Rs.53.86 crore was sanctioned.
Project for ‘Rejuvenation of Imphal-Manipur River and Faecal Sludge and Septage Management at 27 ULBs’ in Manipur at a cost of Rs.92.39 crore was sanctioned.
Project for ‘Elamkulam sewerage project for rejuvenating Chitrapuzha River through restoration of natural streams/outfalls carrying sewage/pollutants-Construction of STP 17.5 MLD’ in Kerala at a cost of Rs.47.53 crore was sanctioned.
Project for ‘Perandoor Sewerage Project for Rejuvenating Periyar River through Restoration of Natural Streams/Outfalls Carrying Sewage/Pollutants—Construction of 19 MLD STP (Part 1)’ in Kerala at a cost of Rs.49.78 crore was sanctioned.
Project Management Consultant has been appointed for implementation the project of ‘Pollution abatement and conservation of River Nag at Nagpur, Maharashtra’ sanctioned at a cost of Rs.1,926.99 crore with Japan International Cooperation Assistance.
Project for pollution abatement of river Devika and Tawi at Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir sanctioned for Rs.186.74 crore has been completed 3 sewage treatment plants (STPs) with total capacity of 13.06 mld constructed under NRCP.
Project for pollution abatement of river Tapi at Surat, Gujarat sanctioned for Rs. 971.25 crore has been completed 11 sewage treatment plants (STPs) with total capacity of 208.97 mld constructed under NRCP.
Central Assistance amounting to Rs. 425 crores released to various State Governments/Agencies for implementation of projects under NRCP.
Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Guidelines for National River Conservation Plan and DPR Preparation held on 06th May, 2024 in the presence of Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR. The recommendation and suggestions of the stakeholders are under review and accordingly will be proposed in the revised guidelines of NRCP and DPR guidelines.
First meeting of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) was held on 31.05.2024 under the Chairpersonship of Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR at Nagpur under the project Condition Assessment and Management Plan of Six River Basins (Cauvery, Periyar, Narmada, Mahanadi, Godavari and Krishna).
The project “Assessment of ecological status of 7 rivers viz. Narmada, Mahanadi, Godavari, Cauvery, Periyar, Pamba and Barak for conservation planning” has been entrusted to Wild Life Institute of India (WII) at a sanctioned cost of Rs. 24.56 crore in September, 2020. The project broadly aims to spearhead river conservation in above seven Indian rivers for biodiversity conservation and maintenance of ecosystem services. Intensive ecological studies will be carried out in the seven prioritized river basins of India and ecological status will be assessed. Stake Holders workshops of NRCD- WII held at Bengaluru, Karnataka Cauvery River basin.

External Affairs & International Cooperation (EA&IC)

DoWR, RD & GR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with different countries on cooperation in the field of water resources management and development. For effective implementation of activities under the various signed MoUs, to enhance the collaboration under the MoU, certain activities were undertaken including Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting, the details of which is as follows –

MoU with Denmark – The MoU between India and Denmark on Cooperation in the field of Water Resources Management was signed on 12.09.2022. Two projects namely “Centre of excellence on Smart Water Resources Management (CoESWaRM)” and “Smart Laboratories on Clean River (SLCR)” have been identified under the MoU. Indian side Joint Working Group was formed on 05.08.2024. First Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting under the MoU was held on 05^th December 2024. In the meeting, it has been agreed to have organizational division at PMU level into two sub-thematic areas under the existing Centre of Excellence (CoE).

MoU with European Union – The MoU between India and the European Union on Water Cooperation was signed on 01.10.2016. Three JWG meetings have been convened so far. Third Meeting of JWG was convened on 12.07.2023 virtually. The 6th EU-India Water Forum meeting was held on 18.09.2024 during the 8th India Water Week in New Delhi. The forum inter-alia explored trilateral collaboration between East Africa, India and the EU to address water challenges in regions like Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.

MoU with Israel: The MoU between India and Israel on Water Resources Management and Development Cooperation was signed on 11.11.2016. A Joint Review Committee (JRC) (Now Steering Committee) has been formed on 20.02.2024 to assess the activities and progress of the projects identified for implementation under the MoU. 1^st meeting of the JRC was convened on 9th Oct 2024 recommending the proposal for the “Establishment of India-Israel Centre of Water Technology (CoWT)”.

MoC with Japan (Water Resources): The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan in the area of Water Resources was signed on 11.12.2019. Two meetings of Joint Working Group (JWG) have been convened so far. 2nd JWG meeting was held on 14.11.2024. In the meeting both sides agreed for extension of the MoU and to identifying additional areas for collaboration.

MoU with Morocco- The MoU between India and Morocco on cooperation in the field of Water Resources was signed on 14.12.2017. Four JWG meetings have been convened so far. Fourth JWG meeting was convened on 20.09.2024. It was agreed upon that both the countries will share their experiences, analysis, findings, policies and developments in the field of water resources in its next meeting of JWG.

Bilateral Meetings of Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti with the Ministers of Foreign Nations during India Water Week 2024 in New Delhi: –

Denmark: Mr. C.R. Paatil, Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti met with H.E. Mr. Morten Bødskov, Denmark’s Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. Denmark’s Minister reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to sustainable water solutions and highlighted the expertise of Danish companies in water management. The Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti proposed collaborative initiatives to develop scalable technologies for water challenges, suggesting pilot projects at the district level.
Guyana: A significant meeting took place between Mr. C. R. Paatil, Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti and Mr. Collin D. Croal, Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Water, Guyana. It was agreed upon that both the countries will share their experiences, policies and developments in the field of water resources
Tanzania: Mr. C. R. Paatil, Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti, India met with Mr. Mathew Andrea Kundo, Deputy Minister of Water, Tanzania. The Tanzanian Minister proposed discussions on a new project to transport water from Lake Victoria, estimated at $600 million, to address water challenges in Tanzania. Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti assured that this proposal would be deliberated upon in the Ministry positively.
Zimbabwe: A productive meeting took place between Mr. C. R. Paatil, Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti and Mr. Vangelis Peter Haritatos, Hon’ble Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s Minister sought innovative financing options beyond traditional avenues such as EXIM etc. Hon’ble Minister for Jal Shakti assured that these matters would be deliberated upon positively, emphasizing that improvements in Zimbabwe’s irrigation sector would significantly enhance food security across Africa.

Barhmaputra & Barak (B&B) Wing

Expert Level Mechanism (ELM)

During the visit of the Hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of China to India on November 20-23, 2006, it was agreed to set up an Expert-Level Mechanism to discuss interaction and cooperation on provision of flood season hydrological data, emergency management and other issues regarding trans-border Rivers as agreed between them. Accordingly, the two sides have set up the Joint Expert Level Mechanism through a Joint Declaration by both the countries.

The ELM meetings are held alternately in India and China every year. Fifteen meetings of ELM have been held so far. The 15^th meeting of ELM was held at Beijing, China during 13^th-14^th August 2024. The GoI delegation was led by Shri S.K. Sinha, Commissioner (B&B), DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Hao Zhao, Director General of the International Economic & Technical Cooperation and Exchange Centre, Ministry of Water Resources, People’s Republic of China. Representatives of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and Central Water Commission (CWC) had also participated in the meeting.

(ii) INDIA-BHUTAN COOPERATION

Joint Group of Expert (JGE) on Flood Management:

A Joint Group of Expert (JGE) on Flood Management has been constituted between India and Bhutan to discuss and assess the probable causes and effects of the recurring floods and erosion in the southern foothills of Bhutan and adjoining plains in India and recommend to both Governments appropriate and mutually acceptable remedial measures. Ten meetings of JGE have been held so far. The 10^th meeting was held during 28^th-29^th February, 2024 at New Delhi, India. The GoI delegation was led by Shri S. K. Sinha, Commissioner (B&B), Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD& GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, GoI and the RGoB delegation was led by Mr. Karma Dupchu, Director, National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), RGoB.

Joint Technical Team (JTT) on Flood Management:

In accordance with the decision taken during the first meeting of JGE, a Joint Technical Team (JTT) on Flood Management between the two countries was constituted. The purpose of JTT is to assess the field situation and provide technical support to JGE on flood management. Eight meetings of JTT have been held so far. The 8^th meeting of JTT was held during 18^th–20^th November, 2024 at Chalsa, Jalpaigudi, West Bengal. The Indian delegation was led by Shri G.L. Bansal, Chief Engineer, Brahmaputra Basin Organisation (BBO), Central Water Commission, GoI and the Bhutanese delegation was led by Dr. SingayDorji, Chief of Meteorological Services Division (MSD), National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology, RGoB.

Joint Experts Team (JET) on Flood Forecasting:

A Joint Experts Team (JET) consisting of senior officials from the Government of India and Royal Government of Bhutan(RGoB) continuously reviews the progress and other requirements of a network of 36 hydro-meteorological sites located in the catchments of trans-border rivers Puthimari, Pagladiya, Sankosh, Manas, Raidak, Torsa, Aie and Jaldhaka. So far, JET has met 38 times alternately in India and Bhutan since its reconstitution in 1992 and the last JET meeting i.e. 38^th meeting was held at Mandarmani, West Bengal, India during 10^th-11^th December, 2024.

The Indian delegation was led by Shri Subhrangshu Biswas, Chief Engineer, Teesta&Bagarathi-Damodar Basin Organisation (T&BDBO), Central Water Commission, GoI and the Bhutanese delegation was led by Mr. Karma Dupchu, Director, National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), RGoB.

13. NERIWALM

The North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, continued its vital contributions to water and land management across North East India in 2024. As the only institute of its kind in the region, it upheld its mandate of capacity building and skill enhancementfor efficient management of water and land resources for irrigation and agriculture.

During the year (January to December, 2024), the institute organized 76 training programmes, reaching 3,173 beneficiaries. Among these were induction-level courses for newly recruited engineers from the Irrigation and Agriculture Departments of Assam, as well as the Brahmaputra Board. A faculty development program on advancements in agriculture and water management was also conducted. NERIWALM collaborated with leading national institutions and agencies to host a two-day National Seminar on Advances in Irrigation Technologies and Management, fostering knowledge exchange and innovation.

In research and development, the institute undertook a diverse range of projects sponsored by state and central government departments. Key initiatives included the preparation of State-Specific Action Plans for 19 states, evaluations of PMKSY-AIBP and PMKSY-HKKP irrigation projects in Assam and Meghalaya, research project on farmer participation in irrigation management in Manipur, studies on good water management practices and study on the impact of climate change on dam-related hydro-geomorphic and social aspects in Arunachal Pradesh.

NERIWALM’s academic program also progressed with the enrollment of 15 students in the M.Tech course on Water Resource Management for the 2024-25 session. The institute further strengthened its credentials by developing e-learning modules on water resource management for the i-GOT platform. NERIWALM was accredited as “EXCELLENT” under the Capacity Building Commission’s National Standards, while its Soil and Water Laboratory achieved NABL accreditation.

14. NATIONAL HYDROLOGY PROJECT

National Hydrology Project (NHP), with support from the World Bank, envisages establishing a system for timely and reliable water resources data acquisition, storage, collation and management. It has pan-India coverage with 48 Implementing Agencies (IAs) {12 from Central Government (including 3 from River Basin Organisations) and 36 from States/ UTs}. It will also provide tools and systems for informed decision making for water resources assessment, planning and management. The National Hydrology Project has been approved with an outlay of Rs. 3,679.77 Crore as a Central Sector Scheme with 100% grant to State Governments and Central Implementing Agencies. The project originally had a duration of 8 years from 2016-17 to 2023-24. However, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has accorded approval for extension of project till Sept-2025 within the same allocation.

Broad objectives of NHP include: a) To improve the extent, quality, and accessibility of water resources information; b) To create decision support system for floods and basin level resource assessment/planning; and c) To strengthen the capacity of targeted water resources professionals and institutions in India.

Under the ongoing NHP, almost 22960 Real Time Data Acquisition System (RTDAS) surface water and ground water stations have already been installed in the country. Besides, 46 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) packages have been commissioned; almost 5667 piezometers constructed; 134 stationary as well as mobile water quality labs have been developed/procured/maintained and put into operation;
high-resolution DEMs, CORS network as well as Geoid model have also been developed. Furthermore, Bathymetric surveys of 464 important reservoirs of the country covering 162 BCM have also been taken up under NHP of which 373 studies have already been completed. Further 36 State Data Centres / Regional data centres / knowledge centres, etc. have been completed under the ongoing NHP. The need for development & maintenance of appropriate institutional framework both at the Central as well as State level for water resources information system intended for collection, collation and dissemination of the database was given shape in the ongoing NHP. As envisaged in the Cabinet note, the National Water Resources Informatics Centre (NWIC) has been created in 2018 and is now functional. Additionally, the formation of the State Water Informatics Centres for development of respective State Water Resources Information Systems was expedited in the ongoing NHP. Till date almost 19 SWICs have already been formed with a few more under process. The information system covering hydro-meteorological, hydro-geological, sedimentation, morphological and water quality data is also important in the context of various studies being done under NHP which
include IT Applications, Digital Products, geospatial hydro products, etc.

15. Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) scheme

Under the Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) scheme, since 12th plan onwards, 7282 schemes are ongoing with an estimated cost of ₹ 16113.560 crores. Central Assistance (CA) of Rs. 9009.169 crores have been released to states up-to March, 2024. Further, 4965 schemes have been reported to be completed up-to March, 2024. Target irrigation potential creation of these schemes is 11.58 L Ha and out of this, 8.59 L Ha is reported to be created till March, 2024.

16. Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies scheme

Under the Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies scheme, since 12th plan onwards, 3075schemes are ongoing with an estimated cost of Rs. 2834.692 crore. Central Assistance (CA) of Rs. 554.279Crore has been released to states up to March, 2024. Further, 2192 water bodies have been reported to be completed up to March, 2024. Target irrigation potential restoration of these schemes is 2.41 L Ha and out of this, 2.00 L Ha is reported to be restored till March, 2024

18. Mass Communication Internship programme

DoWR, RD & GR undertook internship programme in mass communication on during 2024. Students pursuing Degrees or are Research Scholars enrolled in recognized University/Institution in the field of Mass Communication in India are given opportunity to apply as “interns”. The Internship Programme provided short term exposure to “selected candidates” to be associated with the Department’s work related to media/social media activities. The objectives of the programme are to well acquaint the “Interns” with the working of the Department in field of media/social media related activities etc. and simultaneously the “interns” to supplement the process of mass publicity of this Department to create awareness about importance of development and management of water resources in holistic manner.

03 interns were selected for an initial period of 6 months under the program.

*****

Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Release ID: 2096022) Visitor Counter : 29

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Aktsiaselts Infortar Unaudited Consolidated Interim Report for third quarter of 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Aktsiaselts Infortar (Infortar) will organize a webinar for introducing third quarter 2024 results today. Please join the webinar via the following links:

4. November at 12.00 (EET) Estonian webinar

4. November at 14.00 (EET) English webinar

Following the acquisition of a majority stake in Aktsiaselts Tallink Grupp (Tallink), Infortar’s total assets have reached €2.5 billion. For the first nine months of this year, the company’s consolidated revenue amounted to €926 million, net profit reached €187 million, and investments totaled €138 million.

“We’ve grown into Estonia’s largest investment company in the third quarter—our consolidated asset volume has increased by €1 billion within just nine months. Infortar’s structure and outlook have transformed significantly over a short period; we’re literally fuelled by growth,” remarked Ain Hanschmidt, Chairman of Infortar’s Management Board.

“Infortar actively seeks and invests in growth across various sectors and beyond borders. When we went public last year, we committed to invest €110 million from 2023 to 2025, yet we have already invested €138 million in the current year alone,” said Hanschmidt.

In the third quarter of 2024, Infortar increased its shareholding in Tallink to 68.5% through a public share offering. Alongside with other investors, Infortar envisions a strong and stable future for Tallink. The voluntary takeover offer attracted those who wished to exit the region for various reasons.

In the third quarter of 2024, Tallink transported a total of 1,715,496 passengers, with the company’s ships completing 1,840 departures. Compared to the same period last year, Tallink´s unaudited sales revenue decreased by 3.7%, totalling €231.9 million, with a net profit of €36.8 million.

AS Eesti Gaas, the largest private energy company in the Finnish and Baltic region, increased its sales volume of natural gas and electricity by 27% year-on-year, reaching 13.9 TWh and a market share of 25.7%. Operating under the Elenger brand in foreign markets, the company is focused on expanding its energy business in Poland and Germany and establishing access to the wholesale gas market in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The construction of Rimi’s logistics centre and the new Pärnu bridge are going according to the schedule. In July, the bridge arch was installed, introducing new engineering solutions to Estonia.

At the end of the third quarter, Infortar announced plans to acquire Tallinna Raamatutrükikoda, in addition to the printing houses Printon and Vaba Maa. This acquisition aims to enhance synergies and bolster the company’s extensive experience in the printing sector.

KEY FIGURES	9 months 2024	9 months 2023	Q3 2024	Q3 2023
Revenue (in thousands of EUR)	925 607	746 892	349 468	186 540
Gross profit (in thousands of EUR)	93 758	107 238	40 669	18 887
EBITDA (in thousands of EUR)	117 384	105 865	41 874	19 294
EBITDA margin %	12,7%	14,2%	12,0%	10,3%
Operating profit (in thousands of EUR)	83 817	94 661	20 422	14 234
Net profit (in thousands of EUR)	187 339	269 624	114 322	185 941
Profit attributable to the owners of the parent company (in thousands of EUR)	184 122	269 546	111 105	185 658
Earnings per share (EUR)*	9,1	13,3	5,5	9,2

Total equity (in thousands of EUR)	1 223 058	771 700
Total liabilities (in thousands of EUR)	961 419	480 816

* For the period ending 30.09.2024, earnings per share (EPS) in euros have been calculated using a share count of 21,166,239, with company´s own shares deducted for comparability.

Revenue

During the first nine months of 2024, Infortar’s consolidated revenue increased by €178.7 million, reaching €925.6 million, compared to €746.9 million in the same period in 2023. This growth was significantly impacted by the line-by-line consolidation of Tallink results into Infortar’s financial statements.

EBITDA and Segment Reporting

The acquisition of a majority stake in Tallink does not significantly impact segment reporting; Infortar’s management continues to monitor business segments using existing principles.

Energy Segment: Nine-month EBITDA for 2024 was €79.5 million, down from €99.1 million in 2023.

Maritime transportation segment: nine-month EBITDA for 2024 was €149,5 million, compared to €177.7 million in 2023. Until 31.07.24, Infortar consolidated Tallink results by the equity method according to its ownership percentage, switching to line-by-line reporting as of 01.08.24.

Real Estate Segment: EBITDA for real estate in the first nine months of 2024 reached €12 million, up from €11 million in the same period of 2023.

Net Profit

Consolidated net profit for the first nine months of 2024 was €187.3 million, compared to €269.6 million for the same period in 2023. The previous year’s results included a one-time profit from the AS Gaso acquisition.

Financing

Loan and lease obligations totalled €961.4 million for the first nine months of 2024, up from €480.8 million in 2023 due to the consolidation of Tallink liabilities. The net debt-to-EBITDA ratio, considering Tallink’s full-year EBITDA for 2024, stands at 2.4.

Income statement, in thousands of EUR	Q3 2024	Q3 2023	9 months 2024	9 months 2023
Sales Revenue	349 468	186 540	925 607	746 892
Cost of Sales	-308 803	-169 764	-831 796	-634 815
Impairment of Receivables	4	2 111	-53	-4 839
Gross Profit	40 669	18 887	93 758	107 238
Marketing Expenses	-7 789	-394	-8 627	-1 109
General Administrative Expenses	-13 423	-3 975	-27 679	-12 563
Profit (Loss) from Biological Assets	44	0	17	0
Loss on Changes in Fair Value of Investment Properties	-3 047	0	-2 891	0
Profit (Loss) from Derivative Instruments	52	380	24 574	1 067
Other Operating Income	4 368	308	5 449	1 065
Other Operating Expenses	-452	-972	-784	-1 037
Operating Profit	20 422	14 234	83 817	94 661
Profit from Investments Accounted for Using the Equity Method	3 243	22 254	22 128	37 701
Financial Income and Expenses
Income from Financial Investments	69 782	-34	72 520	-58
Interest Expense	-11 340	-5 520	-24 466	-14 004
Interest Income	1 215	467	4 219	2 300
Profit (Loss) from Foreign Exchange Rate Changes	160	-23	156	-160
Other Financial Income and Expenses	-393	159 216	-395	159 216
Total Financial Income and Expenses	59 424	154 106	52 034	147 294
Profit Before Tax	83 089	190 594	157 979	279 656
Corporate Income Tax	31 233	-4 653	29 360	-10 032
Profit (Loss) for the Reporting Period	114 322	185 941	187 339	269 624
Including:
Profit (Loss) Attributable to Owners of the Parent Company	111 105	185 658	184 122	269 546
Profit (Loss) Attributable to Non-controlling Interests	3 217	283	3 217	78
Other Comprehensive Income for the Reporting Period			-33 463	-60 195
Total Comprehensive income for the Reporting Period			153 876	209 429
Including:
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Owners of the Parent Company			150 659	209 351
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-controlling Interests			3 217	78
Basic Earnings per Share			9,11	13,20
Diluted Earnings per Share			8,78	12,80

^{* The non-cash revaluations of derivative instruments in comprehensive income do not affect the profitability or cash flow generating ability of AS Eesti Gaas or Infortar’s core business operations.}

Balance sheet, in thousands of EUR

ASSETS	30.09.24	30.09.23	31.12.2023
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash	95 863	90 456	87 115
Short-term Financial Investments	1	1	0
Short-term Derivative Instruments	2 246	21 216	28 728
Receivables from Realized Derivative Instruments	2 773	1 279	5 958
Receivables from Customers	115 992	91 071	162 575
Tax Prepayments	4 161	1 192	925
Other Receivables and Prepayments	31 098	20 228	20 185
Prepayments for Inventories	2 885	29 354	3 493
Inventories	221 174	177 824	146 884
Biological Assets	420	0	0
Total Current Assets	476 613	432 621	455 863
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Investments in Associates	15 756	341 490	346 014
Long-term Derivative Instruments	1 451	3 485	1 125
Long-term Loans and Other Receivables	29 668	9 771
Investment Properties	67 791	171 046	9 072
Property, Plant, and Equipment	1 816 338	449 014	176 024
Intangible Assets	39 276	13 474	446 748
Right-of-use Assets	47 548	10 421	14 366
Biological Assets	2 840	0	11 300

Total non-current assets	2 020 668	998 701	1 004 649
TOTAL ASSETS	2 497 281	1 431 322	1 460 512

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Loan Liabilities	199 247	204 468	184 259
Lease Liabilities	8 499	956	1 766
Payables to Suppliers	136 017	60 687	74 751
Tax Liabilities	35 702	17 341	32 822
Customer Prepayments	34 741	3 171	3 099
Realized Derivative Instruments	222	3 395	1 463
Other Short-term Liabilities	53 351	21 374	10 851
Short-term Derivative Instruments	11 680	226	3 659
Total Current Liabilities	479 459	311 618	312 670
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term Provisions	9 208	7 255	8 399
Deferred Income Tax Liability	2 391	34 920	33 233
Other Long-term Liabilities	28 612	30 426	30 679
Long-term Derivative Instruments	880	11	186
Loan liabilities	713 212	265 805	246 410
Lease liabilities	40 461	9 587	8 725
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES	794 764	348 004	327 632
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1 274 223	659 622	640 302
EQUITY
Share Capital	2 117	1 985	2 105
Treasury Shares	-95	-95	-95
Share Premium	32 484	0	29 344
Statutory Reserve	212	205	205
Option Reserve	7 647	3 068	3 864
Hedging Reserve*	20 725	22 084	24 118
Unrealized Exchange Differences	1 114	32	-39
Reserve for Post-employment Benefit Obligations	-44	0	-44
Retained Earnings	728 559	474 015	466 140
Profit for the Reporting Period	184 122	269 546	293 778
Equity Attributable to Owners of the Parent Company	976 841	770 840	819 376

Non-controlling Interests	246 217	860	834
TOTAL EQUITY	1 223 058	771 700	820 210
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES	2 497 281	1 431 322	1 460 512

^{* This represents the change in the accounting hedging position, which affects the comprehensive income result.}

Cash flow statement, in thousands of EUR	9 months 2024	9 months 2023	2023
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Profit for the Reporting Period	187 339	269 624	293 830
Adjustments
Depreciation and Impairment of Fixed Assets	30 676	11 204	15 581
Change in Value of Investment Properties	2 891	0	4 074
Profit/Loss from Equity Investments	-156 017	-37 701	-39 639
Change in Value of Derivative Instruments	26 156	59 284	54 122
Other Financial Income/Expenses	-66	-161 433	-161 965
Accrued Interest Expenses	24 466	14 004	22 573
Profit/Loss from Disposal of Fixed Assets	-301	-76	-91
Income from Targeted Financing Recognized in Revenue	-319	-347	784
Accrued Income Tax Expense	-29 360	10 032	8 610
Income Tax Paid	-1 482	0	-267
Change in Receivables and Prepayments Related to Operating Activities	79 126	130 325	54 540
Change in Inventories	-22 986	-118 715	-61 914
Change in Liabilities Related to Operating Activities	35 968	-24 650	-406
Change in Biological Assets	112	0	0
Total Cash Flows from Operating Activities	176 203	151 551	189 832

Cash Flows from investing activities
Payments for Purchase of Associates	0	-7 728	-10 314
Payments for Purchase of Subsidiaries	-67 810*	-103 410	-103 414
Dividends paid	20 862	0	0
Repayments of Loans Granted	2 057	5 966	6 652
Interest Received	4 019	2 301	2 691
Payments for Acquisition of Investment Properties	-10 566	-10 506	-18 304
Payments for Acquisition of Property, Plant and other assets	-17 042	-13 972	-18 143
Proceeds from Sale of Investment Properties and Fixed Assets	707	78	-252
Total cash Flows from investing activities	-67 773	-127 271	-141 084
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Change in Overdraft	-30 457	30 546	14 348
Loans Received	106 303	148 955	287 606
Repayments of Loans Received	-114 706	-150 790	-312 846
Repayments of Principal Portion of Lease Liabilities	-8 674	-1 562	-2 233
Interest Paid	-24 968	-13 100	-22 224
Dividends Paid	-30 332	-7 875	-15 750
Proceeds from Issuance of Shares	3 152	0	29 464
Total Cash Flows from Financing Activities	-99 682	6 174	-21 635

Total cash flows	8 748	30 454	27 113

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	87 115	60 002	60 002
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	95 863	90 456	87 115
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	8 748	30 454	27 113

Aktsiaselts Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Aktsiaselts Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Aktsiaselts Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in AS Eesti Gaas and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 116,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Aktsiaselts Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, taxi business and other areas. A total of 105 companies belong to the Aktsiaselts Infortar group: 96 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Aktsiaselts Infortar employs 6,108 people.

Additional information:
Kadri Laanvee
Investor Relations Manager
Phone: +372 5156662
e-mail: kadri.laanvee@infortar.ee
www.infortar.ee/en/investor

Attachments

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: US accounts for over half of high-value VC deals announced globally during Q1-Q3 2024, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

US accounts for over half of high-value VC deals announced globally during Q1-Q3 2024, reveals GlobalData

Posted in Business Fundamentals

The US continues to remain the top destination for venture capital (VC) investments globally. Moreover, it also outpaced peer countries by a significant margin for high-value* VC investments and accounted for more than half of deal volume as well as value of those investments during Q1-Q3 2024. The US accounted for 55.4% share of the total number of high-value VC deals announced globally during Q1-Q3 2024, while its share in terms of the corresponding value stood at 56.4%, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The US outpaced other nations in terms of both the volume and value of high-value VC deals by a substantial margin. The dominance of the US for high-value VC deals can also be understood from the fact that it was distantly followed by China, which held 12.7% and 16.6% share of high-value VC deal volume and value, respectively, during Q1-Q3 2024.”

An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that the US saw announcement of 209 high-value VC deals during Q1-Q3 2024 with the total valued of these deals pegged at $48.4 billion. Meanwhile, a total of 48 high-value VC deals worth $14.2 billion in terms of disclosed funding value were announced in China during the same period.

Bose adds: “Of the top 10 countries by high-value VC deals volume during Q1-Q3 2024, five were from Europe, three were from the Asia-Pacific region, and two countries were from the North American region.”

The UK occupied the third spot in terms of the volume of high-value VC deals during Q1-Q3 2024, followed by Germany, India, Canada, France, Japan, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

*Valued more than or equal to $100 million

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement contracts in the EU – E-002196/2024
Source: European Parliament
21.10.2024

Question for written answer E-002196/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN), Marc Jongen (ESN)

The EU requires that public invitations to tender comply with certain standards and transparency requirements, such as respect for equal opportunities, transparency, fair conditions of competition, minimum economic and financial requirements for bidders, as well as compliance with the ban on discrimination.

1.Are these requirements implemented in a consistent and uniform manner in all Member States?

2.Is there any evidence of any shortcomings in the implementation of such requirements, especially in countries that may have a less developed administrative tradition than, for example, Germany?

3.If so, what measures is the Commission taking to ensure compliance with these requirements across the EU?

Submitted: 21.10.2024
Last updated: 4 November 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP Today 4 November 2024

Source: European Parliament

The confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate will begin today.

MEPs will evaluate whether the Commissioners-designate are qualified both to be a member of the College and to carry out the particular duties to which they have been assigned.

Find more detailed information about the hearings process and how to follow them.

All hearings are public and can be followed live on Parliament’s webstreaming and Ebs/Ebs+.

Find additional information also on Parliament’s dedicated website on the hearings.

Find here press releases on the hearings.

Today’s hearings schedule is as follows:

14.30 – 17.30, room ANTALL 2Q2

Maroš Šefčovič

Portfolio: Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Responsible committees

Committee on International Trade

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

Contacts

Eszter ZALÁN

(+32) 477 99 20 73

EP Trade

Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

(+32) 470 96 47 35

EP_Institutional

Martina VASS

(+32) 477 99 11 57

You can watch the hearing live.

Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany), Chair of the Committee on International Trade, and Sven Simon (EPP, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

14.30 – 17.30, room ANTALL 4Q2

Glenn Micallef

Portfolio: Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport

Responsible committee

Committee on Culture and Education

Contacts

Raquel LOPES

(+32) 477 99 14 95

EPCulture

John SCHRANZ

(+32) 498 98 14 02

You can watch the hearing live.

Nela Riehl (Greens/EFA, Germany), Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

18.30 – 21.30, room ANTALL 2Q2

Christophe Hansen

Portfolio: Commissioner for Agriculture and Food

Responsible committee

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Contacts

Hana RAISSI

(+32) 484 27 87 54

EP_Agriculture

Michaela FINDEIS

(+32) 498 98 33 32

You can watch the hearing live.

18.30 – 21.30, room ANTALL 4Q2

Apostolos Tzitzikostas

Portfolio: Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism

Responsible committee

Committee on Transport and Tourism

Contacts

Gediminas VILKAS

(+32) 470 89 29 21

EP_Transport

Kyriakos KLOSIDIS

(+32) 470 96 47 35

You can watch the hearing live.

Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (EPP, Greece), Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, will hold a press point after the hearing outside the meeting room. You can follow it live on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A high-level Indian Delegation Participated in G-20 DRRWG Ministerial Meeting in Belem, Brazil

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 10:00AM by PIB Delhi

A high-level Indian Delegation, led by Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr. PK Mishra, took part in G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) Ministerial Meeting from 30^th October to 1^st November 2024, held in Belem, Brazil.

With the active participation of the Indian Delegation, consensus arrived in finalising the first Ministerial declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). In his inventions, during various Ministerial sessions, Dr. PK Mishra shared the progress made by the Government of India in reducing disaster risks and in upscaling disaster financing in India.

Dr. PK Mishra emphasized India’s proactive approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR), on five priorities of DRRWG, which were enunciated during Indian Presidency of G20 i.e. Early warning systems, Disaster resilient infrastructure, DRR financing, Resilient recovery and Nature based solutions. In the disaster resilient infrastructure, he shared Prime Minister’s global initiative of Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI), which has now 40 countries and 7 International Organisations, as members.

The Principal Secretary to Prime Minister reiterated Government of India’s commitment to the Sendai Framework and called for increased international collaboration on knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable development to enhance disaster resilience globally.

Indian Delegation also participated in Troika meeting with the Ministers of Brazil and South Africa, and held bilateral meetings with ministers from the host country Brazil and other countries namely Japan, Norway, South Africa, South Korea, Germany, and Heads of invited International Organisations.

Responding to the call by UNSG on Extreme Heat, Principal Secretary to the PM, shared experience & steps being taken including the focus on promoting traditional practices to suit local conditions.

The first DRR WG was established on India’s initiative during its Presidency of G20 in 2023. Dr Mishra, congratulated the Brazilian Presidency on its continuation of the DRRWG, and scaling it up to Ministerial level and affirmed India’s support to South Africa on DRRWG on their upcoming G20 Presidency next year.

India’s participation underscores its growing role in global DRR efforts and its commitment to building a safer and more resilient world.

*****

RK/VV/ASH/PS

(Release ID: 2070268) Visitor Counter : 55

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: diamondwhale.pro: BaFin warns consumers about website

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the website diamondwhale.pro. According to information available to BaFin, financial and investment services are being provided on this website without the required authorisation.

The website operator is simply referred to as “DiamondWhale”, and there is no information regarding its legal form. They give no specific business address.

BaFin has recently become aware of a number of websites with almost identical content and has also warned consumers about them. In each case, the website’s homepage displays the phrase: “Step Up Your Trading with [name of operator]“.

Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in database of companies.

Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: diamondwhale.pro: BaFin warns consumers about website

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the website diamondwhale.pro. According to information available to BaFin, financial and investment services are being provided on this website without the required authorisation.

The website operator is simply referred to as “DiamondWhale”, and there is no information regarding its legal form. They give no specific business address.

BaFin has recently become aware of a number of websites with almost identical content and has also warned consumers about them. In each case, the website’s homepage displays the phrase: “Step Up Your Trading with [name of operator]“.

Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in database of companies.

Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: SafeTrades: BaFin warns about website safetrades.com

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about services offered by SafeTrades, London, UK, on its website safetrades.com. BaFin has information that the company is offering financial services without the required authorisation. The company does not provide its full company name or legal form.

Financial services may only be offered in Germany if the company providing these services has the necessary authorisation from BaFin to do this. However, some companies offer these services without the required authorisation. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: SafeTrades: BaFin warns about website safetrades.com

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about services offered by SafeTrades, London, UK, on its website safetrades.com. BaFin has information that the company is offering financial services without the required authorisation. The company does not provide its full company name or legal form.

Financial services may only be offered in Germany if the company providing these services has the necessary authorisation from BaFin to do this. However, some companies offer these services without the required authorisation. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: I research sexual perversions and paraphilias – here’s what we’ve learned about them

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mark Griffiths, Director of the International Gaming Research Unit and Professor of Behavioural Addiction, Nottingham Trent University

Hollywood actor Armie Hammer was accused of sending messages detailing cannibalistic fantasies in 2021. DFree/Shutterstock

After allegedly sending messages detailing cannibalistic fetishes, Hollywood actor Armie Hammer hopes to relaunch his career with a new podcast and movie.

Following the 2021 social media cannibal scandal, Hammer was also accused of rape and abuse by various women, but consistently denied any criminal behaviour and was not charged.

Now, it seems, Hammer is laughing off the cannibalism allegations. Speaking to his first podcast guest, Tom Arnold, Hammer says, “I’m not gonna lie. I’m just like, Hey, I’m a cannibal!”

But being sexually aroused by the fantasy – or reality – of cannibalism is real. I should know, as it’s one of the subjects I discuss in my latest book Sexual Perversions and Paraphilias: An A-Z

Paraphilias are uncommon types of sexual expression often described as sexual deviations, sexual perversions or disorders of sexual preference.

They are typically accompanied by intense sexual arousal to unconventional or non-sexual stimuli such as enemas (klismaphilia), statues (agalmatophilia), teeth (odontophilia) and vomit (emetophilia).

To many people paraphilias may seem bizarre or socially unacceptable, representing the extreme end of the sexual continuum – and in some cases, such as zoophilia (having sex with animals) and necrophilia (having sex with dead people), may be illegal.

Paraphilias may be laughed off, dismissed or leave some people disgusted, but there’s a pressing need for more research into uncommon sexual behaviour given how little we know.

Sexual fantasies and behaviour are a fundamental part of the human experience. What is considered immoral or even illegal changes according to the social and temporal context. But whatever sexual desires are considered illicit or depraved in a particular time and place are also stigmatised.

Researching paraphilias, even the most distasteful or criminal, is essential to help safeguard vulnerable groups. Research can also help minimise the discrimination faced by those with uncommon sexual interests, helping ensure their access to sexual health care and psychological support, which can be lacking.

Vorarephilia

Vorarephilia – or “vore” – refers to being sexually aroused by the idea of being eaten, eating another person or observing this process for sexual gratification.

Most of the fantasies of vorarephiliacs involve being the ones eaten. Devouring someone could be viewed as the ultimate act of dominance by a predator and the ultimate act of submission by the prey.

The most infamous vorarephiliac is arguably Armin Meiwes from Germany.

Meiwes had allegedly been fantasising about cannibalism since his childhood and frequented cannibal fetish websites. He posted around 60 online adverts asking if anyone would like to be eaten by him.

In March 2002, Bernd Jürgen Brandes responded to Meiwes. They met up only once. Meiwes bit off Brandes’ penis, which the two of them cooked and ate.

Brandes was videotaped being stabbed to death by Meiwes in his bath. The body was then stored for Meiwes to eat.

Meiwes was eventually convicted of murder and imprisoned for life. However, it’s worth nothing that although some paraphilias are illegal, most cause no psychological or behavioural problems when they are engaged by consenting adults.

Dacryphilia

Dacryphilia is getting sexual arousal from seeing someone cry.

I have published a number of studies on dacryphilia. One involved interviews with eight dacryphiles: six women and two men, from the US, UK, Romania and Belgium.

It showed there were sub-types of dacryphilia, even among such a small group. Based on the interviews, I identified three types of dacryphile.

Compassionate dacryphiles are sexually aroused by the compassion of comforting a crier.

Dominant or submissive dacryphiles are sexually aroused by either causing tears in a consenting submissive partner or by being made to cry by a consenting dominant partner.

“Curled lip” dacryphiles are sexually aroused by the curling of a protruded bottom lip during crying.

Eproctophilia

Eproctophilia involves being sexually aroused by flatulence.

In 2013, I published the first case study of an eproctophile. The case concerned a 22-year-old single man, Brad*, an American from Illinois.

Brad recalled that in middle school he had a crush on a girl who had farted in the class. Brad said:

This blew my mind [I] knew by simple biology that girls farted, but hearing that the girl I had been fawning over was capable of such a thing sparked a strange interest in me.

Brad first engaged in an eproctophilic act with a male friend in his mid-teens. Up to that point he had considered himself heterosexual. However, this changed when he heard his male friend fart.

Brad said it was “appealing in sound” and that he began fixating on it. He set up a bet with the wager being the right to fart in the loser’s face for a week. He continued to lose such bets once every few weeks for about two years.

Apotemnophilia

Apotemnophilia refers to being sexually aroused by the fantasy or reality of being an amputee.

Some apotemnophiles may pretend to be amputees but, for a minority, the behaviour involves obsessive scheming to convince a surgeon to perform a medically unnecessary amputation.

To most people, this might seem like a type of masochism, but case studies suggest that there is no erotisation of pain – only of the healed amputated stump.

Salirophilia

Salirophilia is sexual arousal from soiling or dishevelling someone attractive, which can include tearing or damaging the desired person’s clothing, covering them in mud or filth or messing up their hair or make-up.

My 2019 case study involved Jeff*, a 58-year-old Australian heterosexual. Jeff recounted that when he was young he wanted to masturbate in strange places such as lying under a cabinet in a dirty garage.

Jeff said that he engaged in solitary salirophilic practices regularly but very infrequently with female partners because it was difficult to find like-minded women.

He was also a fan of the television show Fear Factor in which contestants perform revolting tasks for prize money, such as eating rotting food or being submerged in foul fluids. These were a source of sexual arousal for Jeff. He told me: “I just find the defilement of an attractive woman’s body erotic.”

*The names of case study participants in this article have been changed.

Dr. Mark Griffiths has received research funding from a wide range of organizations including the Economic and Social Research Council, the British Academy and the Responsibility in Gambling Trust. He has also carried out consultancy for numerous gambling companies in the area of player protection, social responsibility and responsible gaming.. Views expressed here are his own and not those of these funding bodies.

– ref. I research sexual perversions and paraphilias – here’s what we’ve learned about them – https://theconversation.com/i-research-sexual-perversions-and-paraphilias-heres-what-weve-learned-about-them-238446

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM speech to the INTERPOL General Assembly: 4 November 2024

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes a speech to the INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow.

Location:

Glasgow

Delivered on:

4 November 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

It’s great to welcome you all to Glasgow.

It was right here, in this conference centre, exactly three years ago that over 190 countries came together at COP26 to agree the Glasgow Climate Pact.

That was the first global commitment to phase down the use of coal. And a vital step in the fight against climate change – a challenge that no country can meet on its own.

So it’s fantastic that once again today, we have over 190 countries here working together to meet another global challenge: the threat of serious organised crime.

And it’s particularly fitting to be here in Glasgow: a place that was once home to what many consider to be the first professional City Police Force.

And a place that is today home to our state-of-the-art Scottish Crime Campus, just down the road in Gartcosh.

18 different organisations working together, under one roof, co-operating for a common cause. Precisely the kind of co-operation that is so essential to the missions of my government, and the foundation we rest everything upon.

Greater security for our people. Security rooted in our values, in respect for human rights and upholding the rule of law.

Now, I was a prosecutor myself. I served as the Director of Public Prosecutions in England and Wales. Not here in Scotland – we have a complicated set of arrangements across these countries.

But what we know from being a country of four nations – what I know having served in that role – having seen the complexity of operations that fight organised crime, first-hand, is that crime is global.

Criminals do not respect borders. And so I want to start today by thanking you – all of you here in this conference centre. And the thousands that you represent. Those who serve in police, in intelligence, and security services right across the world. Because too often – what you do goes unrecognised.

Some of it necessarily unknown. But just look at some of the operations we can talk about – they tell the story.

The UK working with the US and Ecuador to seize 19 tonnes of cocaine. The global identification of over 40,000 victims of child sexual abuse online, and more than 70 countries working together to save them.

60 countries working together to tackle online scams, resulting in almost 4,000 arrests, and more than $250 million of assets seized.

And of course, the operation which infiltrated and seized the online platform used by LockBit, the world’s most harmful cyber-crime group.

I know the hard work that goes into this. I know how many things have to come together, almost instantly. And most importantly – I know what would happen without you.

The extra lives destroyed by drugs and violence. The unspeakable horrors of child sexual abuse. Gangs forcing the vulnerable into modern slavery or prostitution. People having their life savings stolen through online fraud.

It’s your work, your service, that protects people from these threats. And because so much of your work is done in private, I’m grateful for this opportunity in public to say a huge and heartfelt thank you.

Now, of course INTERPOL is absolutely central to these efforts. As I say – I have seen the importance of global co-operation first-hand. I sent British prosecutors in Pakistan so we could work together on counter-terrorism. In West Africa – to disrupt the flow of drugs from South America to Europe, and ultimately to the UK.

So I understand the power of what INTERPOL does, and why the UK makes great use of those resources…

Handling thousands of enquiries every week from around the world, from intelligence sharing to managing direct threats to life.

So I am pleased to say today that the UK is increasing its funding for INTERPOL projects, investing £6 million this financial year.

This will include support for improved data-sharing, and faster communications capabilities. The first ever Global Fraud Threat Assessment, and new regional networks. From strengthening co-operation across the Pacific to tackling drug and gun smuggling networks in the Caribbean.

Because together, we want to send a clear message to the world’s most hardened criminals: there is no safe haven. There is no place that you can hide from justice. Together – we’ve got the whole world covered. And together – we will defeat you.

And look – there is a particular group of organised criminals that urgently need to hear this message: the vile people smugglers, who think that human life can be trafficked, that borders can be ignored.

And that desperation, misery and hope – they prey on that too – are all emotions that are ripe for exploitation.

Make no mistake – people smuggling needs a global response. And on a scale – way beyond where we are now. We need to unlock the power of that co-operation – across borders, agencies, continents – even.

And look – I know many people in this room are already working hard on this. So I accept that my argument here is a political one, first and foremost.

But I’m afraid we’re still at the stage where the world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge. It goes back to security.

I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that – of course they are. But I say it again – security doesn’t stop at our borders.

And illegal migration is, without question, a massive driver of global insecurity. There is nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel.

And you don’t advance the cause of global justice – or compassion for those individuals – to pretend that there is.

This is a vile trade that must be stamped out – wherever it thrives. And it exploits the cracks between our institutions, pits nations against one another, profits from our inability – at the political level – to come together.

That’s part of the business model. And so I will work with anyone serious who can offer solutions on this – anyone.

Because without co-ordinated, global action, it will not go away.

And unless we bring all the powers we have to bear on this, in much the same way as we do for terrorism, then we will struggle to bring these criminals to justice.

And that in a sense is my message here today. People-smuggling should be viewed as a global security threat similar to terrorism.

We’ve got to combine resources, share intelligence and tactics, and tackle the problem upstream, working together to shut down the smuggling routes.

We do that with terrorism. When I was the Director of Public Prosecutions, it was my personal mission to smash the terrorist gangs. And we worked across borders to ensure the safety of citizens, across Europe and across the world.

Now, as the UK’s Prime Minister, it is my personal mission to smash the people smuggling gangs. And look, that starts here in the UK.

This Labour government is resetting the UK’s whole approach to this challenge. No more gimmicks. No more gesture politics. No more irresponsible, undeliverable promises that almost by design – seek conflict with other countries.

We have turned the page on all of that. Because such promises are not worth the paper they are written on. All they do is waste taxpayer money, destroy people’s trust in politics as a force for good.

Instead, we are approaching this issue with humanity, and with profound respect for international law.

We will never withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights. Indeed, we’re proud of the role the UK played in creating that Convention. Respecting international treaties also makes international co-operation easier, because it shows that the UK is a reliable partner.

So our approach is different. As I say – we’re going to treat people smugglers like terrorists. So we’re taking our approach to counter-terrorism – which we know works – and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command.

We’re ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies. Recruiting hundreds of specialist investigators. They are best of the best – from our National Crime Agency, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement, the CPS and our intelligence agencies – all working together.

We’re making border protection an elite border force. And not just within our country. We’re also working together with international partners, sharing intelligence and tactics.

Earlier this year I visited the Headquarters of our National Crime Agency. I saw first-hand the ways we are already collaborating, and what it takes to intercept, to disrupt, and destroy these networks. There are so many tools at our disposal.

We can seize their phones at the border, identifying and tracing smugglers wiring payments. We’ve already trained sniffer dogs to detect the smell of dinghy rubber and working with Bulgaria stopped more than 100 small boats upstream, long before they made it to the Channel.

And as we understand how these gangs work, we can invest in new capabilities and enhanced powers to smash them.

So we’re giving our new Border Security Command an additional £75 million of new funding on top of the of £75 million we’ve already committed.

This will support a new Organised Immigration Crime Intelligence Unit, hundreds of new investigators and intelligence officers, backed by state-of-the-art technology.

We’re also investing a further £58 million in our National Crime Agency, including strengthening its data analysis and intelligence capabilities.

And we’ll also legislate to give those fighting these gangs enhanced powers too. Again, look what we’ve done with counter-terrorism. We have the powers to trace suspects’ movements using information from the intelligence services.

We can shut down their bank accounts, cut off their internet access, and arrest them for making preparations to act, before an attack has taken place.

We don’t wait for them to act – we stop them before they act. And we need to stop people smuggling gangs before they act too.

Now, as with any crime – smuggling does not operate in an institutional vacuum, so we also need to rebuild our broken asylum system, process claims swiftly and humanely.

That will make law enforcement’s job much easier. So we’re recruiting hundreds of additional people into asylum case working.

Overall returns since this government came to office are now 9,400 – up almost 6,000 since the end of August.

Enforced returns are up almost a fifth on the same period last year. And returns of Foreign National Offenders are up 14 per cent.

But look, the only way to defeat this vile trade and save lives is to stop people being smuggled here in the first place.

And that means doing everything possible to deepen our cross-border co-operation. So international agreements matter.

We have to use every tool we have – operational, diplomatic, political – to join up our response.

President Macron and I have already agreed to increase intelligence sharing and do more to dismantle smuggling routes further upstream. This is also a priority for the bi-lateral co-operation treaty we are working on with Germany.

We’re also working with Italy to dismantle the supply chains of maritime equipment, combat illicit financial flows, and strengthen our investigative capacities and our data sharing. And as part of the UK’s wider reset with the European Union, we are seeking a new security pact, including restoring access to real-time intelligence sharing networks. And at the European Political Community this Thursday in Hungary, I’ll be putting this issue at the top of the international agenda once again.

But we need your help also. This is the General Assembly of the world’s security experts. It’s your co-operation across borders that saves lives, time and again. It’s your collective efforts that bring organised criminals to justice, wherever they seek to hide.

And it’s your leadership today that can help make a decisive breakthrough against this vile trade in human life.

Because if together we can win this war against the people smugglers, then this gathering will have achieved a victory for humanity – every bit as significant as the Glasgow Climate Pact.

Because you will have helped to smash the gangs, secure our borders, and save countless lives. And it is with that hope, and in that spirit, that I declare the 92nd General Assembly open.

Thank you so much.

Updates to this page

Published 4 November 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Speech: PM speech to the INTERPOL General Assembly: 4 November 2024

Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes a speech to the INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow.

Location:

Glasgow

Delivered on:

4 November 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

It’s great to welcome you all to Glasgow.

It was right here, in this conference centre, exactly three years ago that over 190 countries came together at COP26 to agree the Glasgow Climate Pact.

That was the first global commitment to phase down the use of coal. And a vital step in the fight against climate change – a challenge that no country can meet on its own.

So it’s fantastic that once again today, we have over 190 countries here working together to meet another global challenge: the threat of serious organised crime.

And it’s particularly fitting to be here in Glasgow: a place that was once home to what many consider to be the first professional City Police Force.

And a place that is today home to our state-of-the-art Scottish Crime Campus, just down the road in Gartcosh.

18 different organisations working together, under one roof, co-operating for a common cause. Precisely the kind of co-operation that is so essential to the missions of my government, and the foundation we rest everything upon.

Greater security for our people. Security rooted in our values, in respect for human rights and upholding the rule of law.

Now, I was a prosecutor myself. I served as the Director of Public Prosecutions in England and Wales. Not here in Scotland – we have a complicated set of arrangements across these countries.

But what we know from being a country of four nations – what I know having served in that role – having seen the complexity of operations that fight organised crime, first-hand, is that crime is global.

Criminals do not respect borders. And so I want to start today by thanking you – all of you here in this conference centre. And the thousands that you represent. Those who serve in police, in intelligence, and security services right across the world. Because too often – what you do goes unrecognised.

Some of it necessarily unknown. But just look at some of the operations we can talk about – they tell the story.

The UK working with the US and Ecuador to seize 19 tonnes of cocaine. The global identification of over 40,000 victims of child sexual abuse online, and more than 70 countries working together to save them.

60 countries working together to tackle online scams, resulting in almost 4,000 arrests, and more than $250 million of assets seized.

And of course, the operation which infiltrated and seized the online platform used by LockBit, the world’s most harmful cyber-crime group.

I know the hard work that goes into this. I know how many things have to come together, almost instantly. And most importantly – I know what would happen without you.

The extra lives destroyed by drugs and violence. The unspeakable horrors of child sexual abuse. Gangs forcing the vulnerable into modern slavery or prostitution. People having their life savings stolen through online fraud.

It’s your work, your service, that protects people from these threats. And because so much of your work is done in private, I’m grateful for this opportunity in public to say a huge and heartfelt thank you.

Now, of course INTERPOL is absolutely central to these efforts. As I say – I have seen the importance of global co-operation first-hand. I sent British prosecutors in Pakistan so we could work together on counter-terrorism. In West Africa – to disrupt the flow of drugs from South America to Europe, and ultimately to the UK.

So I understand the power of what INTERPOL does, and why the UK makes great use of those resources…

Handling thousands of enquiries every week from around the world, from intelligence sharing to managing direct threats to life.

So I am pleased to say today that the UK is increasing its funding for INTERPOL projects, investing £6 million this financial year.

This will include support for improved data-sharing, and faster communications capabilities. The first ever Global Fraud Threat Assessment, and new regional networks. From strengthening co-operation across the Pacific to tackling drug and gun smuggling networks in the Caribbean.

Because together, we want to send a clear message to the world’s most hardened criminals: there is no safe haven. There is no place that you can hide from justice. Together – we’ve got the whole world covered. And together – we will defeat you.

And look – there is a particular group of organised criminals that urgently need to hear this message: the vile people smugglers, who think that human life can be trafficked, that borders can be ignored.

And that desperation, misery and hope – they prey on that too – are all emotions that are ripe for exploitation.

Make no mistake – people smuggling needs a global response. And on a scale – way beyond where we are now. We need to unlock the power of that co-operation – across borders, agencies, continents – even.

And look – I know many people in this room are already working hard on this. So I accept that my argument here is a political one, first and foremost.

But I’m afraid we’re still at the stage where the world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge. It goes back to security.

I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that – of course they are. But I say it again – security doesn’t stop at our borders.

And illegal migration is, without question, a massive driver of global insecurity. There is nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel.

And you don’t advance the cause of global justice – or compassion for those individuals – to pretend that there is.

This is a vile trade that must be stamped out – wherever it thrives. And it exploits the cracks between our institutions, pits nations against one another, profits from our inability – at the political level – to come together.

That’s part of the business model. And so I will work with anyone serious who can offer solutions on this – anyone.

Because without co-ordinated, global action, it will not go away.

And unless we bring all the powers we have to bear on this, in much the same way as we do for terrorism, then we will struggle to bring these criminals to justice.

And that in a sense is my message here today. People-smuggling should be viewed as a global security threat similar to terrorism.

We’ve got to combine resources, share intelligence and tactics, and tackle the problem upstream, working together to shut down the smuggling routes.

We do that with terrorism. When I was the Director of Public Prosecutions, it was my personal mission to smash the terrorist gangs. And we worked across borders to ensure the safety of citizens, across Europe and across the world.

Now, as the UK’s Prime Minister, it is my personal mission to smash the people smuggling gangs. And look, that starts here in the UK.

This Labour government is resetting the UK’s whole approach to this challenge. No more gimmicks. No more gesture politics. No more irresponsible, undeliverable promises that almost by design – seek conflict with other countries.

We have turned the page on all of that. Because such promises are not worth the paper they are written on. All they do is waste taxpayer money, destroy people’s trust in politics as a force for good.

Instead, we are approaching this issue with humanity, and with profound respect for international law.

We will never withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights. Indeed, we’re proud of the role the UK played in creating that Convention. Respecting international treaties also makes international co-operation easier, because it shows that the UK is a reliable partner.

So our approach is different. As I say – we’re going to treat people smugglers like terrorists. So we’re taking our approach to counter-terrorism – which we know works – and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command.

We’re ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies. Recruiting hundreds of specialist investigators. They are best of the best – from our National Crime Agency, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement, the CPS and our intelligence agencies – all working together.

We’re making border protection an elite border force. And not just within our country. We’re also working together with international partners, sharing intelligence and tactics.

Earlier this year I visited the Headquarters of our National Crime Agency. I saw first-hand the ways we are already collaborating, and what it takes to intercept, to disrupt, and destroy these networks. There are so many tools at our disposal.

We can seize their phones at the border, identifying and tracing smugglers wiring payments. We’ve already trained sniffer dogs to detect the smell of dinghy rubber and working with Bulgaria stopped more than 100 small boats upstream, long before they made it to the Channel.

And as we understand how these gangs work, we can invest in new capabilities and enhanced powers to smash them.

So we’re giving our new Border Security Command an additional £75 million of new funding on top of the of £75 million we’ve already committed.

This will support a new Organised Immigration Crime Intelligence Unit, hundreds of new investigators and intelligence officers, backed by state-of-the-art technology.

We’re also investing a further £58 million in our National Crime Agency, including strengthening its data analysis and intelligence capabilities.

And we’ll also legislate to give those fighting these gangs enhanced powers too. Again, look what we’ve done with counter-terrorism. We have the powers to trace suspects’ movements using information from the intelligence services.

We can shut down their bank accounts, cut off their internet access, and arrest them for making preparations to act, before an attack has taken place.

We don’t wait for them to act – we stop them before they act. And we need to stop people smuggling gangs before they act too.

Now, as with any crime – smuggling does not operate in an institutional vacuum, so we also need to rebuild our broken asylum system, process claims swiftly and humanely.

That will make law enforcement’s job much easier. So we’re recruiting hundreds of additional people into asylum case working.

Overall returns since this government came to office are now 9,400 – up almost 6,000 since the end of August.

Enforced returns are up almost a fifth on the same period last year. And returns of Foreign National Offenders are up 14 per cent.

But look, the only way to defeat this vile trade and save lives is to stop people being smuggled here in the first place.

And that means doing everything possible to deepen our cross-border co-operation. So international agreements matter.

We have to use every tool we have – operational, diplomatic, political – to join up our response.

President Macron and I have already agreed to increase intelligence sharing and do more to dismantle smuggling routes further upstream. This is also a priority for the bi-lateral co-operation treaty we are working on with Germany.

We’re also working with Italy to dismantle the supply chains of maritime equipment, combat illicit financial flows, and strengthen our investigative capacities and our data sharing. And as part of the UK’s wider reset with the European Union, we are seeking a new security pact, including restoring access to real-time intelligence sharing networks. And at the European Political Community this Thursday in Hungary, I’ll be putting this issue at the top of the international agenda once again.

But we need your help also. This is the General Assembly of the world’s security experts. It’s your co-operation across borders that saves lives, time and again. It’s your collective efforts that bring organised criminals to justice, wherever they seek to hide.

And it’s your leadership today that can help make a decisive breakthrough against this vile trade in human life.

Because if together we can win this war against the people smugglers, then this gathering will have achieved a victory for humanity – every bit as significant as the Glasgow Climate Pact.

Because you will have helped to smash the gangs, secure our borders, and save countless lives. And it is with that hope, and in that spirit, that I declare the 92nd General Assembly open.

Thank you so much.

Updates to this page

Published 4 November 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 30 Years Ago: STS-66, the ATLAS-3 Mission to Study the Earth’s Atmosphere

Source: NASA

On Nov. 3, 1994, space shuttle Atlantis took to the skies on its 13th trip into space. During the 11-day mission, the STS-66 crew of Commander Donald R. McMonagle, Pilot Curtis L. Brown, Payload Commander Ellen Ochoa, and Mission Specialists Joseph R. Tanner, Scott E. Parazynski, and French astronaut Jean-François Clervoy representing the European Space Agency (ESA) operated the third Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Sciences (ATLAS-3), and deployed and retrieved the U.S.-German Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere-Shuttle Pallet Satellite (CRISTA-SPAS), as part of NASA’s Mission to Planet Earth. The remote sensing instruments studied the Sun’s energy output, the atmosphere’s chemical composition, and how these affect global ozone levels, adding to the knowledge gained during the ATLAS-1 and ATLAS-2 missions.
Left: Official photo of the STS-68 crew of Jean-François Clervoy, left, Scott E. Parazynski, Curtis L. Brown, Joseph R. Tanner, Donald R. McMonagle, and Ellen Ochoa. Middle: The STS-66 crew patch. Right: The ATLAS-3 payload patch.
In August 1993, NASA named Ochoa as the ATLAS-3 payload commander, and in January 1994, named the rest of the STS-66 crew. For McMonagle, selected as an astronaut in 1987, ATLAS-3 marked his third trip into space, having flown on STS-39 and STS-54. Brown, also from the class of 1987, previously flew on STS 47, while Ochoa, selected in 1990, flew as a mission specialist on STS-56, the ATLAS-2 mission. For Tanner, Parazynski, and Clervoy, all from the Class of 1992 – the French space agency CNES previously selected Clervoy as one of its astronauts in 1985 before he joined the ESA astronaut cadre in 1992 – STS-66 marked their first spaceflight.
Left: Schematic illustration of ATLAS-3 and its instruments. Right: Schematic illustration of CRISTA-SPAS retrievable satellite and its instruments.
The ATLAS-3 payload consisted of six instruments on a Spacelab pallet and one mounted on the payload bay sidewall. The pallet mounted instruments included Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS), Millimeter-Wave Atmospheric Sounder (MAS), Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor (ACRIM), Measurement of the Solar Constant (SOLCON), Solar Spectrum Measurement from 1,800 to 3,200 nanometers (SOLSCAN), and Solar Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM).
The Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) instrument constituted the payload bay sidewall mounted experiment. While the instruments previously flew on the ATLAS-1 and ATLAS-2 missions, both those flights took place during the northern hemisphere spring. Data from the ATLAS-3’s mission in the fall complemented results from the earlier missions. The CRISTA-SPAS satellite included two instruments, the CRISTA and the Middle Atmosphere High Resolution Spectrograph Investigation (MAHRSI).
Left: Space shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Middle: Liftoff of Atlantis on STS-66. Right: Atlantis rises into the sky.
Following its previous flight, STS-46 in August 1992, Atlantis spent one and a half years at the Rockwell plant in Palmdale, California, undergoing major modifications before arriving back at KSC on May 29, 1994. During the modification period, workers installed cables and wiring for a docking system for Atlantis to use during the first Shuttle-Mir docking mission in 1995 and equipment to allow it to fly Extended Duration Orbiter missions of two weeks or longer. Atlantis also underwent structural inspections and systems upgrades including improved nose wheel steering and a new reusable drag chute. Workers in KSC’s Orbiter Processing Facility installed the ATLAS-3 and CRISTA-SPAS payloads and rolled Atlantis over to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Oct. 4 for mating with its External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters. Atlantis rolled out to Launch Pad 39B six days later. The six-person STS-66 crew traveled to KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, essentially a dress rehearsal for the launch countdown, on Oct. 18.
They returned to KSC on Oct. 31, the same day the final countdown began. Following a smooth countdown leading to a planned 11:56 a.m. EST liftoff on Nov. 3, 1994, Atlantis took off three minutes late, the delay resulting from high winds at one of the Transatlantic Abort sites. The liftoff marked the third shuttle launch in 55 days, missing a record set in 1985 by one day. Eight and a half minutes later, Atlantis delivered its crew and payloads to space. Thirty minutes later, a firing of the shuttle’s Orbiter Maneuvering System (OMS) engines placed them in a 190-mile orbit inclined 57 degrees to the equator. The astronauts opened the payload bay doors, deploying the shuttle’s radiators, and removed their bulky launch and entry suits, stowing them for the remainder of the flight.
Left: Atlantis’ payload bay, showing the ATLAS-3 payload and the CRISTA-SPAS deployable satellite behind it. Middle: European Space Agency astronaut Jean-François Clervoy uses the shuttle’s Remote Manipulator System (RMS) to grapple the CRISTA-SPAS prior to its release. Right: Clervoy about to release CRISTA-SPAS from the RMS.
The astronauts began to convert their vehicle into a science platform, and that included breaking up into two teams to enable 24-hour-a-day operations. McMonagle, Ochoa, and Tanner made up the Red Team while Brown, Parazynski, and Clervoy made up the Blue Team. Within five hours of liftoff, the Blue Team began their sleep period while the Red Team started their first on orbit shift by activating the ATLAS-3 instruments, the CRISTA-SPAS deployable satellite, and the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) or robotic arm in the payload bay and some of the middeck experiments. The next day, Clervoy, operating the RMS, grappled CRISTA-SPAS, lifted it from its cradle in the payload bay, and while Atlantis flew over Germany, deployed it for its eight-day free flight. McMonagle fired Atlantis’ thrusters to separate from the satellite.
Left: Ellen Ochoa and Donald R. McMonagle on the shuttle’s flight deck. Middle: European Space Agency astronaut Jean-François Clervoy in the commander’s seat during the mission. Right: Scott E. Parazynski operates a protein crystallization experiment in the shuttle middeck.
Left: Joseph R. Tanner operates a protein crystallization experiment. Middle: Curtis L. Brown operates a microgravity acceleration measurement system. Right: Ellen Ochoa uses the shuttle’s Remote Manipulator System to grapple CRISTA-SPAS following its eight-day free flight.
For the next eight days, the two teams of astronauts continued work with the ATLAS instruments and several middeck and payload bay experiments such as protein crystal growth, measuring the shuttle microgravity acceleration environment, evaluating heat pipe performance, and a student experiment to study the Sun that complemented the ATLAS instruments. On November 12, the mission’s 10th day, the astronauts prepared to retrieve the CRISTA-SPAS satellite. For the retrieval, McMonagle and Brown used a novel rendezvous profile unlike previous ones used in the shuttle program. Instead of making the final approach from in front of the satellite, called the V-bar approach, Atlantis approached from below in the so-called R-bar approach. This is the profile Atlantis planned to use on its next mission, the first rendezvous and docking with the Mir space station. It not only saved fuel but also prevented contamination of the station’s delicate sensors and solar arrays. Once within 40 feet of CRISTA-SPAS, Ochoa reached out with the RMS, grappled the satellite, and then berthed it back in the payload bay.
A selection from the 6,000 STS-66 crew Earth observation photographs. Left: Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. Middle left: Hurricane Florence in the North Atlantic. Middle right: The Ganges River delta. Right: The Sakurajima Volcano in southern Japan.
As a Mission to Planet Earth, the STS-66 astronauts spent considerable time looking out the window, capturing 6,000 images of their home world. Their high inclination orbit enabled views of parts of the planet not seen during typical shuttle missions.
Left: The inflight STS-66 crew photo. Right: Donald R. McMonagle, left, and Curtis R. Brown prepare for Atlantis’ deorbit and reentry.
On flight day 11, with most of the onboard film exposed and consumables running low, the astronauts prepared for their return to Earth the following day. McMonagle and Brown tested Atlantis’ reaction control system thrusters and aerodynamic surfaces in preparation for deorbit and descent through the atmosphere, while the rest of the crew busied themselves with shutting down experiments and stowing away unneeded equipment.
Left: Atlantis makes a perfect touchdown at California’s Edwards Air Force Base. Middle: Atlantis deploys the first reusable space shuttle drag chute. Right: Mounted atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, Atlantis departs Edwards for the cross-country trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
On Nov. 14, the astronauts closed Atlantis’ payload bay doors, donned their launch and entry suits, and strapped themselves into their seats for entry and landing. Tropical Storm Gordon near the KSC primary landing site forced a diversion to Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) in California. The crew fired Atlantis’ OMS engines to drop out of orbit. McMonagle piloted Atlantis to a smooth landing at Edwards, ending the 10-day 22-hour 34-minute flight, Atlantis’ longest flight up to that time. The crew had orbited the Earth 174 times. Workers at Edwards safed the vehicle and placed it atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for the ferry flight back to KSC. The duo left Edwards on Nov. 21, and after stops at Kelly Field in San Antonio and Eglin AFB in the Florida panhandle, arrived at KSC the next day. Workers there began preparing Atlantis for its next flight, STS-71 in June 1995, the first Shuttle-Mir docking mission. Meanwhile, a Gulfstream jet flew the astronauts back to Ellington Field in Houston for reunions with their families. As it turned out, STS-66 flew Atlantis’ last solo flight until STS-125 in 2009, the final Hubble Servicing Mission. The 16 intervening flights, and the three that followed, all docked with either Mir or the International Space Station.
“The mission not only met all our expectations, but all our hopes and dreams as well,” said Mission Scientist Timothy L. Miller of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “One of its high points was our ability to receive and process so much data in real time, enhancing our ability to carry out some new and unprecedented cooperative experiments.” McMonagle said of STS-66, “We are very proud of the mission we have just accomplished. If there’s any one thing we all have an interest in, it’s the health of our planet.”
Enjoy the crew narrate a video about the STS-66 mission.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: cmc-central.net: BaFin warns consumers about website and identity fraud

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The operators of the website refer to themselves as CMC Central AG and give a business address in Zurich, Switzerland. BaFin already published a warning about the largely identical cmc-central.pro website on 7 August 2024.

BaFin has recently become aware of a number of websites with almost identical content and has also warned consumers about them. In each case, the website’s homepage displays the phrase: “Step Into the Trading Arena with Confidence & [name of website]“.

BaFin advises consumers that the website cmc-central.pro and/or its operators have no business relationship with the company CMC Markets Germany GmbH, domiciled in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, which is registered with BaFin. This is a case of identity fraud committed against CMC Markets Germany GmbH.

Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Visions of development have shifted in Africa over the past two decades: study explores how Rwanda and Ethiopia tried to shape the future

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Barnaby Joseph Dye, Lecturer, King’s College London

Contemporary economic challenges in Africa appear to be shifting the continent into a new era of development. From COVID-19 to war-induced inflation, many countries in Africa are facing significant economic challenges. The crises of recent years come on top of longer-term increases in debt, especially after the 2014 commodity price shock.

These circumstances have been the backdrop to recent conflicts, coups, and regime changes. But these contemporary crises follow a period of relatively successful state-led development in the first two decades of the 21st century, resulting in a hype about the new “African lions” and the emergence of an “Africa rising” narrative.

Two cases stand out as emblematic of this era: Rwanda’s vision of a Dubai-style financial and service hub, and Ethiopia’s rapid manufacturing and infrastructure ambitions.

Much has been written about the international factors behind this era of state-led development. The focus has been on the extension of private finance and the growth of “new” lenders such as China, India and Brazil. But these perspectives often overlook important questions. What has inspired ambitious African national plans over the last two decades? What assumptions were made about how development happens and how it should look?

In new research published in a special issue of a journal, we analyse these modernising visions. We unpick their differences and commonalities using cases from multiple countries.

Our emphasis is on understanding ideas, beliefs, and norms in shaping development plans. Such perspectives are often overlooked in the study of Africa. Scholars have often presumed that ruling elites are primarily interested in narrow material power or self-enrichment. We argue that ideas and beliefs underpin the goals and content of development plans.

The research covered in the special issue covers Angola, Eritrea and Tanzania, but in this article we will unpack our analysis of Ethiopia and Rwanda.

20th century modernist development

Many of the elements of development this century look like resurgent 20th century “high modernism”. This is a term coined by scholar James Scott to describe top-down, state-led, authoritarian programmes of economic development. These programmes typically used infrastructure and technology to engineer supposedly “backward”, “traditional” people and landscapes into efficient, modern, rational alternatives.

Perhaps the chief examples here are large dams. Historically, dams were viewed as the hallmark projects of modernisation. They could tame nature and deploy technology, whether electricity or irrigation, to found modern economies and workers. Ghana’s Akosombo Dam is one such project.

But building dams paused from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s as the World Bank and other major funders withdrew. Dam projects were seen as having too-high social and economic costs and as not performing well. Such negative impacts also generated significant protests.

Rwanda’s case

Underpinning Rwanda’s model is a concentrated Leninist-style power structure. The president and associated elites chart the path to progress. The party, with its affiliated companies and investment funds, is all powerful – not solely the state. Rwanda also revived mid-century plans, from dams to an east African railway corridor. Electricity was deemed central, resulting in a rapid, but overambitious five-fold increase in over 15 years.

This recent period was not just a reproduction of the 1960s, however. It had new elements. A Dubai-style aesthetic is central to the reinvented capital, Kigali, where the goal is to create a new corporate service hub, replete with skyscraper, conference centres, shopping malls and a new international airport. This replaces the 20th century obsession with industrial sites and brutalist concrete.

Rather than the state-led programmes of the 20th century, pro-market reforms have been incorporated. There’s an embrace of private enterprise, a stock market and investment. The country’s electricity boom was largely enacted by private firms and Rwanda consistently ranks as one of the top countries in the Ease of Doing Business index. It takes hours, not weeks, to set up a company and there’s a speedy regulatory bureaucracy.

Read more:
Rwanda is creating shiny, modern cities after the genocide – but this won’t help communities heal from the past

In some cases, “neoliberal” reforms have been brought in, with private enterprise and investment in previously state-controlled domains. Rwanda embraced corporate investment and ownership while making business-friendly, low-tax reforms. The private sector was given a big role in Rwanda’s boom to build over 40 microhydro plants in 15 years.

New public management techniques, with individual incentives and civil service targets, were adopted.

Ethiopia’s case

Ethiopia focused on investments in large agricultural plantations and industrial parks. The result evoked 20th century modernisation drives. A broad-based infrastructure boom and an industrialisation strategy that moved agricultural produce up the value chain would transform the structure of the economy. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Addis-Djibouti Railway and other megaprojects became symbols of this vision. The aim was to maintain state control of the commanding heights of the economy (electricity, water, telecommunications and aviation, among others), while building an industrial base that would absorb the surplus agricultural labour.

This was coupled with investments in education and health. In 2016, Ethiopia had the third highest ratio of public investment to GDP, but also one of the fastest economic growth rates globally.

Unlike Rwanda, this ideology has not survived. Progress in health, education and income was achieved but political tensions grew. By the mid 2010s, the material reality of people’s livelihoods could no longer keep up with the promises the ruling party had evoked. Dissent was not tolerated and led to mass protests, riots, and the eventual demise of the party. Since 2018, there has been a dramatic shift in ideology and vision with an openness to liberalisation, and a focus away from industrialisation to the service sector.

Continuity and change

Overall, our analysis reveals a combination of continuity and change during this period. It marks the triumph of an “African left”, with old titans like Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi or Mozambique’s Frelimo joined by new revolutionary parties also inspired by Marxism.

The language of communism or socialism is not used explicitly. But a belief endures that top-down schemes and mega-infrastructure can catapult people into an “enlightened” future. Structural economic barriers are surmountable through technology and engineering.

Simultaneously, one cannot escape the language of the Davos establishment about the supremacy of markets, importance of foreign investment and pledges to tackle climate change and poverty. This illustrates the degree to which these illiberal modernisers are connected to international policymaking.

Our publication conceptualises this pattern of continuity and change, as a 10-point “illiberal modernisers” manifesto. Although holding considerable variation between countries, we argue that these these hegemonic ruling parties shared common goals of transforming society through an elite-defined programme.

Ultimately, the pattern of continuity and change demonstrates the importance of analysing ideas, beliefs, and values. Elites in Africa, just as elsewhere, are not only interested in power but are influenced by ideas about development.

Barnaby Joseph Dye receives funding from the Economic and Social Science Research Council (UK).

Biruk Terrefe received funding from the Heinrich Böll Foundation (Germany).

– ref. Visions of development have shifted in Africa over the past two decades: study explores how Rwanda and Ethiopia tried to shape the future – https://theconversation.com/visions-of-development-have-shifted-in-africa-over-the-past-two-decades-study-explores-how-rwanda-and-ethiopia-tried-to-shape-the-future-224988

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest update on cases of Clade Ib mpox
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirms 2 additional cases of Clade Ib mpox.
Two cases of Clade Ib mpox have been detected in household contacts of the first case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) can confirm. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previous

30 October 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The wider risk to the UK population remains low.

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

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025

Category: Germany

Please be aware:

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) Announces New Office Bearers for 2024 – 2026Republic of India and Republic of France retain the Presidency and Co-Presidency of the ISA Assembly

(xxii) LIST OF IMPORTANT PUBLICATIONS OF CWC during 2024

Expert Level Mechanism (ELM)

Please be aware:

Please be aware:

Please be aware:

Please be aware:

Vorarephilia

Dacryphilia

Eproctophilia

Apotemnophilia

Salirophilia

Updates to this page

Updates to this page

Please be aware:

20th century modernist development

Rwanda’s case

Ethiopia’s case

Continuity and change

Previous

30 October 2024

Share this page

Updates to this page

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) Announces New Office Bearers for 2024 – 2026

Republic of India and Republic of France retain the Presidency and Co-Presidency of the ISA Assembly