Category: Germany

MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the delay in State aid approval for Solar Package I on agri-photovoltaics and European competitiveness – E-001269/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001269/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Andreas Schwab (PPE)

Solar Package I came into force in Germany on 16 May 2024. Certain aspects require State aid approval from the Commission, including support for agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV) on agricultural land.

Agri-PV enables dual land use, increases agricultural resilience and contributes to the energy transition. The fact that State aid approval is still pending is creating significant economic uncertainty for farmers and companies.

The delay threatens the economic stability of companies investing in agri-PV and a swift decision is crucial to avoid jeopardising the EU’s climate goals.

1.How does the Commission assess the challenges faced by agri-PV projects that rely on the swift approval of Solar Package I, especially as in some Member States, Recovery and Resilience Facility funds can already be used for agri-PV?

2.What measures is the Commission taking to ensure that investments already made in agri-PV projects do not become unprofitable due to the delay?

3.What steps does the Commission plan to take to make future State aid approvals for agri-PV faster and more predictable to ensure investment security?

Submitted: 26.3.2025
Last updated: 2 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Inclusion Not Optional’, Deputy Secretary-General Says in Message to Disability Summit

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message at the opening of the Global Disability Summit in Berlin today:

I am truly sorry that I could not join you in person today, but it is a true honour to open this third Global Disability Summit. More than that, I want to thank you for your leadership and commitment to shape a more just world.

Expanding hope and opportunities for people with disabilities is close to my heart — and that of the Secretary-General. It is a matter of dignity, of humanity, of human rights. It is a test of our common values. And it is also plain common sense.

When persons with disabilities can fully participate in society, societies are stronger. When we unlock potential and recognize talents, economies and communities thrive. When we advance human rights, all of humanity moves forward.

Disability rights are human rights — and everyone one wins when we make them real. And so I thank the International Disability Alliance and the Governments of Germany and Jordan for bringing us together.

You are meeting at a crucial time — with the five-year clock ticking on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I was involved in the shaping of that agenda — and saw firsthand how so many of you helped put the rights and hopes of persons with disabilities front and centre.

In doing so, you gave deeper meaning to the promise of leaving no one behind — and laid the foundation for the progress we strive to advance today.

The Pact for the Future, adopted last year, reinforces that call for a more peaceful, inclusive, accessible and equitable world — with persons with disabilities a full and equal part of our shared effort to advance sustainable development, climate action and digital transformation.

Yet today, we face a sobering truth.

Progress is not just slow — in some cases, we are moving backward. The UN Disability and Development Report found that about 98 per cent of the SDG [Sustainable Development Goal] indicators for persons with disabilities are off track.

This is far more than a statistic — it is a wake-up call. Persons with disabilities are being left behind. The world is failing them.

We are seeing growing and stark inequalities across the board — with higher poverty, greater unemployment, deeper food and health insecurity and more limited access to digital technologies.

Women, Indigenous Peoples, rural residents with disabilities, and persons with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities face even greater exclusion.

Not to mention those in humanitarian and emergency situations. In Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere, countless civilians have sustained permanent injuries and deep psychological trauma. Children with disabilities are especially vulnerable. Gaza alone has the highest number of child amputees in modern history.

Too often, persons with disabilities also face inaccessible evacuation routes, shelters, and services — an assault on their human rights and dignity. Many are deprived of the assistive devices critical to their survival. When I think of people with disabilities in conflict, I think of people like Mai. Mai was a young Palestinian, and a proud employee of the United Nations, living and working in Gaza. Mai did not let her muscular dystrophy or her wheelchair confine her dreams.

She was a top student, became a software developer and devoted her skills to working on information technology for the United Nations. When given the opportunity, she excelled — bringing skill and determination to all she did. Unfortunately, she was killed along with her family in November 2023. Her story still weighs heavily on our hearts.

I share it not only to honour her memory, but because it reminds us both of what is possible when barriers are removed and of the terrible truth that persons with disabilities are often among the first casualties in conflict.

Despite the challenges, we have much to build upon. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has led to significant legislative progress worldwide. Yet, implementation is lagging.

The problem is not always a lack of will, but a lack of resources. Nearly 90 per cent of developing countries have laws or policies protecting education for persons with disabilities — yet only about one third of those countries have accessible schools.

Meanwhile, almost half of all persons with disabilities in these countries face inaccessible transportation. Behind these figures are people. Children shut out of classrooms.

Adults who cannot get to work. Families denied essential services. This must change. And we must all be part of it. The United Nations is committed to leading by example.

Our UN Disability Inclusion Strategy is striving to drive action across the system. We are working to strengthen institutional capacities, mainstream disability inclusion across our work, and expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

At the country level, we are working to ensure that our cooperation frameworks with Governments are fully inclusive of the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.

And we are committed to supporting Member States turn global commitments into local progress — for and with persons with disabilities. This Summit presents opportunities to strengthen cooperation with all partners — and reaffirm the leadership of organizations of persons with disabilities.

Development assistance for disability inclusion has been growing — but it is still far from enough. And in today’s troubling context, it is under increasing threat. So too, perversely, is the very concept of accessibility.

Developed countries in particular have a responsibility to step up support. Now is the time to recommit to the 2030 Agenda by securing decent work and dignified livelihoods, fostering inclusive education and career opportunities, building accessible and affordable housing, promoting equitable health systems and harnessing technologies that enable autonomous living for all.

That means investing in inclusive public institutions, empowering representative organizations as full partners in policy and implementation, and integrating disability inclusion into national development plans backed by clear targets and real funding.

I know so many of you have spent years, even decades, breaking down barriers and opening doors — for all of us. Let this Summit help drive that action forward.

As we look ahead to the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar and beyond, let’s together send a clear message: Inclusion is not optional. Rights are not negotiable. Accessibility is essential. Promises made must be promises kept. Let’s keep fighting for the inclusive, just, sustainable future for all that our world needs.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Hyrox: this challenging race could improve your strength, endurance and fitness – here’s the evidence

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nicola Robinson, Lecturer, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University

People all over the world compete in this increasingly popular fitness race. Sandra Sev Jarocka/ Shutterstock

Whether you’re an avid runner or frequently go to the gym, many fitness enthusiasts find they eventually get stuck in a routine – logging the same miles or doing the same workout over and over again.

What if there were a way to challenge both endurance and strength at once with an effective, varied training routine?

Welcome to Hyrox – the increasingly popular fitness race that blends endurance running and strength. Designed for everyday athletes and elite competitors alike, Hyrox offers an accessible yet competitive race format.

By focusing on functional fitness, this workout provides a structured way for people to push their limits while training for a clear goal. It also comes with many physiological benefits regardless of your skill level – including strength, endurance and power.

Hyrox is a fitness competition that started in Germany in 2017. They currently organise races worldwide.

Athletes run 8km in total, but after each kilometre they must complete a functional fitness exercise. In a Hyrox race, the first exercise is 1,000m on a ski ergometer, followed by a 50m sled push, a 50m sled pull, 80m of burpee broad jumps, a 1,000m row, a 200m farmer’s carry, 100m walking sandbag lunges – finishing with 100 wall balls.

A Hyrox race can be competed individually, in pairs, or in a team of four done in a relay-format. The difficulty of the race depends on your skill level. Athletes in the pro division work with heavier weights than the open division. Those competing as a pair split the stations but run together – adding teamwork to the race.

The average finish time of a Hyrox race is 90 minutes – though this can vary depending on a person’s age, gender and fitness level. Elite racers will aim for a sub-60 time – with current world records set at around 50 minutes.

A race of this duration and intensity puts serious physiological stress on the body – which requires a good level of overall fitness.

Transitioning between runs and exercises causes the body to shift between different energy systems during Hyrox. The aerobic system uses oxygen to steadily fuel the muscles over a period of time. This is essential for the running segments. The anaerobic system, on the other hand, provides short bursts of energy without needing oxygen. This is crucial for the high-intensity exercise portions.

Hyrox is extremely demanding on the body.
Sandra Sev Jarocka/ Shutterstock

The adrenaline and intensity of the race also means your endurance, explosive power and strength are put to the test simultaneously. Without adequate training and a race plan, this could leave you feeling fatigued towards the end of the race, which can affect your coordination and power.

Hyrox training

Because Hyrox is a new competition format, research on its training benefits is limited. But some early findings suggest that a successful race performance is linked to the amount of training a person puts in ahead of competition and their overall fitness levels. This aligns with what we know about endurance and strength-based training.

The combination of running and intense exercises over a long duration challenges the body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently. Training for Hyrox can lead to improvements in the aerobic capacity or maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), a measure of aerobic fitness.

An improvement in VO₂max means your body can use oxygen more efficiently, allowing you to sustain higher intensities of exercise for longer periods of time. This improves endurance, helps you maintain speed throughout the race and contributes to overall cardiovascular health.

Training for Hyrox requires a balanced approach of running, strength training and Hyrox-specific workouts. This training strategy is known as concurrent training. Research shows concurrent training has benefits for strength, muscular health and cardio-respiratory fitness in people of all ages.

Regular long runs of 40-60 minutes at a low intensity help improve aerobic capacity as well. This allows your body to use oxygen more efficiently for sustained effort. Meanwhile, high-intensity interval runs – such as repeatedly running 400m to 1km with short rest periods of 30-60 seconds – improves your body’s anaerobic threshold. This means you can sustain higher intensities of exercise for longer before fatigue sets in.

The functional stations require full-body strength and muscular endurance, which will be built up gradually as you train for a race. Once you’re more familiar with these exercises, you can begin practising them under fatigue. This is essential for both performance during a race and for preventing injuries.

To maximise performance, a typical weekly training plan should prioritise endurance training over strength training to ensure you are well-prepared to finish a Hyrox race. For the best results, this structured approach should be followed for at least six weeks.

Even without signing up for a race, Hyrox training can give you fitness benefits. You can modify the exercises and how much you run depending on your fitness level.

An all-round Hyrox programme does not just improve functional fitness – it pushes athletes to new limits with a clear, goal-oriented training approach. Whether you’re an elite racer or just looking for a new fitness challenge, Hyrox offers a unique test of endurance and strength.

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

– ref. Hyrox: this challenging race could improve your strength, endurance and fitness – here’s the evidence – https://theconversation.com/hyrox-this-challenging-race-could-improve-your-strength-endurance-and-fitness-heres-the-evidence-249088

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Maximize productivity and ROI with Windows 365: New innovations now generally available
Source: Microsoft

Headline: Maximize productivity and ROI with Windows 365: New innovations now generally available

In today’s dynamic work environment, businesses need robust solutions that support resilience and maximize return on investment (ROI). As organizations modernize their IT environments, they increasingly turn to cloud solutions like Windows 365 to enhance security and productivity, streamline IT management and ensure seamless connectivity.

We are thrilled to announce the general availability of our latest innovations, designed to help businesses seamlessly adapt to modern work environments. Among these announcements is Windows 365 Link, the first purpose-built Cloud PC device that connects securely to Windows 365 in seconds, enabling organizations to boost productivity and improve IT efficiency; the new shared mode for Windows 365 Frontline expanding Cloud PC access to more users; and much more.

We are pleased to also share the findings from a Forrester Consulting study highlighting the economic impact of such innovations in New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, a 2025 study conducted by Forrester Consulting and commissioned by Microsoft to assess the benefits organizations can achieve with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.

Forrester Consulting projects economic gains with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop

The New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop study projects a substantial ROI ranging from 94% to 217%, with a net present value (NPV) between $3.2 million and $7.4 million over three years for a composite organization with 2,000 employees. These significant figures underscore the value of adopting Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop for businesses looking to optimize their operations and enhance their digital workplace strategy. Key benefits for the composite organization include:
1. Enhanced productivity: Employees and contractors using Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop save 6 to 12 minutes per day from avoided outages and improved latency compared to their previous environments.
2. Cost savings: Organizations can reduce PC lifecycle management costs by implementing a bring-your-own-PC (BYOPC) program, avoiding the need to purchase, provision and maintain physical laptops. This approach was projected to save organizations between $1.1 million and $1.2 million over three years.
3. Reduced IT infrastructure costs: By migrating to Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, organizations can reduce costs associated with on-premises operations. The study found a projected saving ranging from $722,000 to $1.5 million over three years.
4. Improved security: The study found that organizations relying on Microsoft-managed services can reduce the need for extensive on-premises security infrastructure and personnel, resulting in projected savings of $60,000 to $122,000 over three years.
These findings demonstrate the transformative impact of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop on businesses, providing a clear path to enhanced productivity, cost savings and improved security. To explore more insights, read the Total Economic Impact study conducted by Forrester Consulting at aka.ms/WCTEI2025info.

Windows 365 Link: The first Cloud PC device for Windows 365

At Microsoft Ignite 2024, we announced the preview of Windows 365 Link, the first Cloud PC device purpose-built by Microsoft to connect securely to Windows 365 in seconds. Over 100 organizations participated in the preview program and helped refine the experience. We’ve heard valuable feedback on how Windows 365 Link devices can help save both IT and end users valuable time. The devices can be set up in minutes, require minimal configuration and are familiar for IT to manage using Microsoft Intune. End users – particularly desk-based or frontline workers in shared workspaces – can efficiently sign in to access their Windows 365 Cloud PCs, work securely with responsive, high-fidelity experiences and leave no data on the local devices when they sign out.

“We needed a purpose-built device on the shop floor that could fit our new, collaborative approach. Windows 365 Link devices were exactly the solution we envisioned to enable our workers to access their assets in the cloud.”

– Roman Kleyn, Head of Workplace Design, Krones. Read the customer story.

Windows 365 Link is now generally available for purchase with an MSRP of AUD639 in Australia, CAD519.99 in Canada, EUR419 in Germany, JPY56,800 in Japan, NZD739 in New Zealand, GBP349 in the United Kingdom and USD349.99 in the United States.

To purchase Windows 365 Link, reach out to your Microsoft account team or select resellers:
- In Australia: ASI Solutions, Data^#3, SHI International Corp.
- In Canada: Insight Canada Inc., SHI International Corp.
- In Germany: Bechtle AG.
- In Japan: Japan Business Systems, Inc.
- In New Zealand: ASI Solutions.
- In the United Kingdom: Ballicom, Bechtle Ltd., Phoenix Software, Ricoh UK, SHI International Corp.
- In the United States: Insight Enterprises, SHI International Corp.
For more information on getting started with Windows 365 Link, read the technical documentation.

Windows 365 Frontline’s new shared mode: Expand Cloud PC access to a greater number of users

Windows 365 Frontline helps organizations optimize costs and expand Cloud PC access by allowing one license to be shared by multiple users. Organizations can expand access to corporate data and applications to a greater number of employees, contractors or vendors with Windows 365 Frontline’s shared mode, now generally available. With shared mode, businesses can purchase Cloud PCs based on the number of active users needing access at any given time: one Windows 365 Frontline license provides access to one shared Cloud PC, which can be accessed by any number of users, one at a time.

This new shared mode is designed for users needing occasional Cloud PC access, such as entering inventory information, sending or updating data in a line-of-business application, or using productivity tools. Users can sign in to complete tasks, access data and use applications from a familiar Windows desktop experience. When the user is finished with their session, their profile data is automatically deleted and the Cloud PC is made ready for the next user, enabling privacy and security. With Windows 365 Frontline, organizations can choose to provision Cloud PCs in shared mode or in dedicated mode, based on their needs. For more details, visit our Learn page or check out the new Quickstart guide.

“Windows 365, and Windows 365 Frontline’s shared mode capabilities have been a great addition to our setup. In the past, we gave external users VPN access, but this frequently caused problems as they couldn’t install the software, or used non-compliant devices to access our environment. Now, we can deliver projects much faster, without the complexity of traditional setups or VPNs, and without compromising on quality or security. It’s especially helpful to provide users with temporary access, as needed. Both our teams and external users like the full experience and integration with Windows. It has definitely improved the way we collaborate. It’s a highly scalable solution, while keeping access secure.”

– Dieter Kempeneers, Cloud Solutions Architect, Arxus

To help simplify image management and enhance efficiency for Windows 365 Frontline shared mode, Windows Autopilot device preparation is now in public preview. This new capability empowers organizations to streamline their operational processes by allowing IT admins to easily define and install essential Microsoft Intune applications and scripts during provisioning.

Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus: Supporting business continuity

Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus, an advanced disaster recovery solution designed for users who require high disaster recovery performance in case of a regional outage, is now generally available. Similar to the recently announced Cross Region Disaster Recovery service, Disaster Recovery Plus replicates Cloud PC disk snapshots to an alternate, fully reserved region allowing businesses to maintain compliance and minimize downtime with ease. However, this new optional service offers enhanced features including shorter recovery point objective (RPO) within 60 minutes and recovery time objective (RTO) within 30 minutes*. With Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus, organizations get advanced disaster recovery capabilities while benefiting from the simplicity and control of Microsoft Intune. Find more details.

*The time estimates reflect a performance goal but not a guaranteed time frame.

Windows 365 migration API: Simplified migration

To further support our customers in realizing the full value of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, we are excited to introduce the new Windows 365 migration API, making it easier than ever for organizations to transition to Windows 365. To enable businesses to transition to Windows 365 more confidently and effortlessly, customers and partners will be able to use this API to create migration tools that take a snapshot of an existing virtual machine and easily import it into Windows 365 as a new Cloud PC. Stay tuned for updates on the migration API that will provide a more seamless and efficient migration experience.

Windows App for Android: Expanded access across platforms

Organizations can offer their employees more flexibility with Windows App – a simple, secured and user-friendly single access point to all Windows virtualization solutions, including Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Services. Windows App is now generally available on Android, making it accessible across all major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS and web. Windows App makes it simple for users to connect to Windows on the device of their choice and has reached over 425 million usage hours across all platforms.

This update brings new features to enhance the seamless and consistent experience that Windows App provides, including UX improvements to the Home screen, access to Government clouds and full support for Chrome OS. As organizations move towards passwordless authentication, we are excited to announce Windows App also fully supports passkeys, offering better security and user experience. Organizations can also expect new features coming soon that are exclusive to Windows App, like Teams Optimization on iOS and Android. Download Windows App in the Google Play Store or learn more by watching this video or visiting aka.ms/WindowsApp.

Windows App will also be compatible and run seamlessly on Zebra mobile computers and tablets, giving workers access to a full Windows desktop when Zebra devices are on the go or docked in Workstation Connect cradles. This collaboration with Zebra Technologies furthers the expansion of Windows 365 Cloud PCs to enterprise Android users, providing flexibility and enhancing productivity. Read more about Windows App and Zebra.

MAM Security updates: Boosted protection

Mobile Application Management (MAM) support for Windows App on Android, including when using Microsoft Edge for Business on Windows, is now available. MAM allows organizations to manage and protect their data within an application without enrolling in device management, helping ensure that an employee’s personal data on the device is not accessed. With MAM integration, different redirection settings can now be applied based on user security group, operating system of the device, or whether the device is Intune managed or not. For organizations that have bring-your-own-device options, MAM support in Edge for Business on Windows offers tailored data protection to meet specific needs.

Hotpatch updates for Windows clients help ensure your endpoints are protected

Organizations using Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise can take advantage of hotpatch updates to safeguard against the ever-evolving landscape of cyberattacks without disrupting the flow of work. Now generally available for Windows endpoints, these updates provide rapid protection against vulnerabilities consistent with the level of security of the monthly standard security updates; unlike the standard monthly updates, hotpatch updates do not require a computer restart so employees are able to work without interruption.

To learn how to activate hotpatch updates and control how it works for you, visit https://aka.ms/HotpatchForWindows11Enterprise.

Discover more in our new Microsoft Mechanics video: Windows 365 Essentials

Our latest Microsoft Mechanics video, How to set up Windows 365 – the 2025 tutorial, is now live! Join Jeremy Chapman and Scott Manchester as they discuss Windows 365, including Cloud PC deployment guidance and a look at recently released security and management features.

These updates reflect the ongoing Microsoft commitment to deliver a seamless and secure Windows experience across all platforms. As Windows 365 continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to empowering users to be productive and secure on any device, no matter where they are.

Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for being a part of the journey to embrace the future of Windows at work.
MIL OSI Economics –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s video message at the Opening of the Global Disability Summit

Source: United Nations secretary general

His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,

H.E. Mr. Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany,

Mr. Nawaf Kabbara, Chair and President, International Disability Alliance,

Excellencies, Dear friends,

I am truly sorry that I could not join you in person today but it is a true honor to open this third Global Disability Summit.

More than that, I want to thank you for your leadership and commitment to shape a more just world.

Expanding hope and opportunities for people with disabilities is close to my heart – and that of the Secretary-General.

It is a matter of dignity… of humanity… of human rights.

It is a test of our common values.

And it is also plain common sense.

When persons with disabilities can fully participate in society, societies are stronger.

When we unlock potential and recognize talents, economies and communities thrive.

When we advance human rights, all of humanity moves forward.

Disability rights are human rights – and everyone one wins when we make them real.

And so I thank the International Disability Alliance and the Governments of Germany and Jordan for bringing us together.

You are meeting at a crucial time – with the 5-year clock ticking on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

I was involved in the shaping of that agenda – and saw firsthand how so many of you helped put the rights and hopes of persons with disabilities front and center.

In doing so, you gave deeper meaning to the promise of leaving no one behind – and laid the foundation for the progress we strive to advance today.

The Pact for the Future, adopted last year, reinforces that call for a more peaceful, inclusive, accessible and equitable world – with persons with disabilities a full and equal part of our shared effort to advance sustainable development, climate action and digital transformation.

Yet today, we face a sobering truth.

Progress is not just slow – in some cases, we are moving backward.

The UN Disability and Development Report found that about 98 per cent of the SDG indicators for persons with disabilities are off track.

This is far more than a statistic – it is a wake-up call.

Persons with disabilities are being left behind.

The world is failing them.

We are seeing growing and stark inequalities across the board – with higher poverty, greater unemployment, deeper food and health insecurity and more limited access to digital technologies.

Women, Indigenous Peoples, rural residents with disabilities, and persons with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities face even greater exclusion.

Not to mention those in humanitarian and emergency situations.

In Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere, countless civilians have sustained permanent injuries and deep psychological trauma.

Children with disabilities are especially vulnerable.

Gaza alone has the highest number of child amputees in modern history.

Too often, persons with disabilities also face inaccessible evacuation routes, shelters, and services – an assault on their human rights and dignity.

Many are deprived of the assistive devices critical to their survival.

When I think of people with disabilities in conflict, I think of people like Mai.

Mai was a young Palestinian, and a proud employee of the United Nations, living and working in Gaza.

Mai did not let her muscular dystrophy or her wheelchair confine her dreams.

She was a top student, became a software developer and devoted her skills to working on information technology for the United Nations.

When given the opportunity, she excelled – bringing skill and determination to all she did.

Unfortunately, she was killed along with her family in November 2023.

Her story still weighs heavily on our hearts.

I share it not only to honour her memory, but because it reminds us both of what is possible when barriers are removed – and of the terrible truth that persons with disabilities are often among the first casualties in conflict.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Despite the challenges, we have much to build upon.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has led to significant legislative progress worldwide.

Yet, implementation is lagging.

The problem is not always a lack of will, but a lack of resources.

Nearly 90 per cent of developing countries have laws or policies protecting education for persons with disabilities – yet only about one-third of those countries have accessible schools.

Meanwhile, almost half of all persons with disabilities in these countries face inaccessible transportation.

Behind these figures are people.

Children shut out of classrooms.

Adults who cannot get to work.

Families denied essential services.

This must change.

And we must all be part of it.

The United Nations is committed to leading by example.

Our UN Disability Inclusion Strategy is striving to drive action across the system.

We are working to strengthen institutional capacities, mainstream disability inclusion across our work, and expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

At the country level, we are working to ensure that our cooperation frameworks with governments are fully inclusive of the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.

And we are committed to supporting Member States turn global commitments into local progress – for and with persons with disabilities.

This Summit presents opportunities to strengthen cooperation with all partners – and reaffirm the leadership of organizations of persons with disabilities.

Development assistance for disability inclusion has been growing – but it is still far from enough.

And in today’s troubling context, it is under increasing threat.

So too, perversely, is the very concept of accessibility.

Developed countries, in particular, have a responsibility to step up support.

Now is the time to recommit to the 2030 Agenda by:

Securing decent work and dignified livelihoods;

Fostering inclusive education and career opportunities;

Building accessible and affordable housing;

Promoting equitable health systems;

And harnessing technologies that enable autonomous living for all.

That means investing in inclusive public institutions;

Empowering representative organizations as full partners in policy and implementation;

And integrating disability inclusion into national development plans – backed by clear targets and real funding.

Dear friends,

I know so many of you have spent years, even decades, breaking down barriers, and opening doors – for all of us.

Let this Summit help drive that action forward.

As we look ahead to the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar and beyond, let’s together send a clear message:

Inclusion is not optional.

Rights are not negotiable.

Accessibility is essential.

Promises made must be promises kept.

Let’s keep fighting for the inclusive, just, sustainable future for all that our world needs.

Thank you.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI: Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Orrön Energy AB
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The shareholders of Orrön Energy AB (publ), 556610-8055 (“Orrön Energy” or the “Company”), are hereby given notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held on 5 May 2025 at 11.00 (CEST). The meeting will be held digitally.

Shareholders may choose to exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting by attending the digital meeting in person, through a proxy or by postal voting.

Vote at the Annual General Meeting

Those who wish to exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting must:
- be entered as a shareholder in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB on 24 April 2025 or, if the shares are registered in the name of a nominee, request that the nominee registers the shares in their own name for voting purposes in such time that the registration is completed by 28 April 2025; and
- give notice of attendance at the Annual General Meeting to the Company in accordance with the instructions set out in the section “Online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting” or submit a postal vote in accordance with the instructions set out in the section “Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting” no later than 28 April 2025.
Important information regarding participation and voting

The Board of Directors has decided to hold the Annual General Meeting as a digital meeting combined with an option to vote by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association.

For terms and instructions for online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting, please refer to the section “Online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting” below.

For terms and instructions for voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting, please refer to the section “Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting” below.

Please note that despite thorough preparations, it cannot be ruled out that online participation or voting at the Annual General Meeting do not work as intended due to technical complications attributable to shareholders. The Annual General Meeting will be held regardless of any such complications and there is a risk that votes submitted online at the Annual General Meeting are not registered. Consequently, those who want to be certain of being able to exercise their voting rights should vote by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting.

Please also note that it will not be possible to vote both by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting and online at the Annual General Meeting. If a postal vote has been submitted in accordance with the terms and instructions for voting by post and such postal vote has not been withdrawn by the shareholder no later than 28 April 2025, the Company will consider the postal vote at the Annual General Meeting.

It is possible to vote by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting and still follow the Annual General Meeting without exercising any voting rights online, please see the section “Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting” below for more information.

Online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting
Those who wish to participate at the digital Annual General Meeting in person or through proxy shall give notice of attendance to the Company no later than 28 April 2025 either:
- electronically through the Company’s website, www.orron.com (only applicable to individuals);
- by post to Computershare AB, Box 5267, SE-102 46 Stockholm (Att. “Orrön Energy’s AGM”);
- by telephone to +46 (0)8 518 01 554 on weekdays between 09.00 and 16.00 (CEST); or
- by email to info@computershare.se.
The notice of attendance shall state name, personal identification number or corporate registration number, address, telephone number and, where relevant, the number of accompanying advisors (not more than two).

To participate and vote online, a stable network connection must be maintained throughout the Annual General Meeting. Online participation is possible via a computer, a smartphone or a tablet, provided the device is equipped with an up-to-date operating system and the latest software version. Access to the meeting will be facilitated via a web browser, ensuring a seamless and secure connection to the digital platform.

Those who give notice of attendance at the Annual General Meeting will receive login instructions on the admission card which will be sent to the address stated in the notice of attendance. On the day of the Annual General Meeting, the digital platform will open for login from 10.00 (CEST), and participants must log in no later than 11.00 (CEST) to attend.

In connection with each voting item, shareholders will be able to choose between the alternatives “Yes”, “No” and “Abstain”. Engagement and questions during the meeting will be facilitated through a dedicated written Q&A function.

Those who do not wish to participate or vote online in person may exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting through a proxy in possession of a written, signed and dated proxy form. In order for the proxy to obtain login instructions to the digital platform, the proxy’s name, personal identification number or corporate registration number and address must be included in the notice of attendance. A proxy form issued by a legal entity must be accompanied by a copy of a certificate of registration or a corresponding document of authority for the legal entity. Template proxy forms in Swedish and English are available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com. Proxy forms, certificates of registration and other documents of authority shall be appended to the notice of attendance. Please note that notice of attendance must be given even if a shareholder wishes to exercise its rights at the meeting through a proxy. A submitted proxy form does not count as a notice of attendance.

Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting
Those who wish to exercise their voting rights by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting shall use the voting form and follow the instructions available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com. The postal vote must be received by the Company no later than 28 April 2025. The postal vote shall be sent either:
- electronically in accordance with the instructions available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com;
- by email to info@computershare.se; or
- by post to Computershare AB, Box 5267, SE-102 46 Stockholm (Att. “Orrön Energy AGM”).
If a shareholder’s voting rights are exercised by proxy, a power of attorney and other authorisation documents must be enclosed with the voting form. A proxy form is available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com, and will be sent to shareholders upon request.

Shareholders who wish to exercise their voting rights by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting may still follow the Annual General Meeting online (without also exercising voting rights online). In order to receive login instructions, please elect for this option in the voting form.

Proposed agenda
1.   Opening of the Annual General Meeting.
2.   Election of Chair of the Annual General Meeting.
3.   Preparation and approval of the voting register.
4.   Approval of the agenda.
5.   Election of one or two persons to approve the minutes.
6.   Determination as to whether the Annual General Meeting has been duly convened.
7.   Presentation by the Chief Executive Officer.
8.   Presentation of the annual and sustainability report and the auditor’s report, the consolidated financial statements and the auditor’s Group report as well as the remuneration report prepared by the Board of Directors and the auditor’s statement on compliance with the policy on remuneration.
9.   Resolution in respect of adoption of the income statement and the balance sheet and the consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet.
10.   Resolution in respect of disposition of the Company’s result according to the adopted balance sheet.
11.   Resolution in respect of discharge from liability of members of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer.
12.   Resolution in respect of the remuneration report prepared by the Board of Directors.
13.   Nomination Committee proposals:
- Proposal for the number of members of the Board of Directors.
- Proposal for remuneration of the Chair of the Board of Directors and other members of the Board of Directors.
- Proposal for election of Chair and other members of the Board of Directors.
- Proposal for remuneration of the auditor.
- Proposal for election of auditor.
14.   Resolution in respect of the number of members of the Board of Directors.
15.   Resolution in respect of remuneration of the Chair of the Board of Directors and other members of the Board of Directors.
16.   Resolutions in respect of Board members:
a)   re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen as a Board member;
b)   re-election of Jakob Thomasen as a Board member;
c)   re-election of Peggy Bruzelius as a Board member;
d)   re-election of William Lundin as a Board member;
e)   re-election of Mike Nicholson as a Board member;
f)   election of Richard Ollerhead as a Board member; and
g)   re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
17.   Resolution in respect of remuneration of the auditor.
18.   Election of auditor.
19.   Resolution for the 2025 Long-term, Performance-based Incentive Plan (LTIP 2025).
20.   Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through:
a)   an issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1; or
b)   an equity swap arrangement with a third party.
21.   Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on new issue of shares and convertible debentures.
22.   Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on repurchase and sale of shares.
23.   Closing of the Annual General Meeting.

Proposals for resolutions to be presented at the Annual General Meeting of Orrön Energy on 5 May 2025

Items 2 and 14–18: Resolutions in respect of Chair of the Annual General Meeting, number of members of the Board of Directors, remuneration of the Chair of the Board of Directors and other members of the Board of Directors, election of Chair of the Board of Directors and of other members of the Board of Directors, and remuneration of the auditor and election of the auditor
Orrön Energy’s Nomination Committee for the 2025 Annual General Meeting consists of Aksel Azrac (Chair, Nemesia S.à.r.l.), Sussi Kvart (Handelsbanken Fonder) and Richard Ollerhead (JNE Partners LLP). The Nomination Committee for the 2025 Annual General Meeting, appointed by shareholders jointly holding approximately 46 per cent of the shares and voting rights in Orrön Energy as per 1 August 2024, proposes the following:
- Advokat Klaes Edhall to be appointed as Chair of the Annual General Meeting or, if he is absent, any other person appointed by the Nomination Committee.
- Six members of the Board of Directors to be appointed without deputy members.
- Remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and the Chair of the Board of Directors, including in respect of Committee membership, to be as follows: (i) annual fees for the members of the Board of Directors of EUR 60,000 (excluding the Chair of the Board of Directors); (ii) annual fees for the Chair of the Board of Directors of EUR 120,000; (iii) annual fees for Committee members of EUR 5,000 per Committee assignment (other than Committee Chairs); and (iv) annual fees for Committee Chairs of EUR 10,000; with the total fees for Committee work (including fees for Chairs of Committees) not to exceed EUR 50,000.
- Re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen, Jakob Thomasen, Peggy Bruzelius, Mike Nicholson and William Lundin as members of the Board of Directors and election of Richard Ollerhead as a member of the Board of Directors for a period until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting. Mr. Ollerhead is a British national born in 1986. Mr. Ollerhead graduated from Balliol College at the University of Oxford, where he obtained a degree in Physics and Philosophy. Mr. Ollerhead worked between 2008 and 2014 at Taconic Capital Advisors in London. From 2015 to 2018 he was part of the European investment team at MSD Partners, which spun out at the end of 2018 as JNE Partners LLP. Mr Ollerhead is a partner at JNE Partners LLP, responsible for a range of equity investments. JNE Partners LLP is the Investment Manager of JNE Master Fund LP, a subsidiary of which (JNE Partners Luxembourg S.à r.l.) is a major shareholder in the Company. Mr. Ollerhead currently holds no Board memberships.
- Re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen as Chair of the Board of Directors for a period until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
- The auditor’s fees shall be payable upon approval of their invoice.
- Re-election of the registered accounting firm Ernst & Young AB as the auditor of the Company, which intends to appoint authorised public accountant Anders Kriström as the auditor in charge, for a period until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
Item 3: Preparation and approval of the voting register
The Board of Directors proposes that the register prepared by Computershare AB (on behalf of the Company) based on the Company’s share register, shareholders attending in person or through proxy and postal votes received by the Company is approved as voting register for the Annual General Meeting.

Item 10: Resolution in respect of disposition of the Company’s result according to the adopted balance sheet
The Board of Directors proposes that no dividend is distributed and that all distributable funds are brought forward.

Item 19: Resolution for the 2025 Long-term, Performance-based Incentive Plan (LTIP 2025)
The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to establish a long-term, performance-based incentive plan in respect of Group Management and a number of key employees of Orrön Energy on the terms and conditions set out below (“LTIP 2025”).

Background and purpose
The reason for establishing LTIP 2025 is to align the interests of Group Management and other key employees with the interests of the shareholders, and to provide market appropriate reward reflecting continuity, performance and commitment. The Board of Directors believes that the proposed LTIP 2025 will provide Orrön Energy with a crucial component to a competitive total compensation package to attract and retain executives who are critical to Orrön Energy’s future success.

The performance-based LTIP 2025 has been designed by the Compensation Committee based on market practice and through engagement with the Company’s shareholders, other stakeholders and a remuneration consultant. The plan introduces performance conditions related to total shareholder return and strategic targets which determine the final award for the long-term incentive plan.

It is considered that the LTIP 2025, as the share option plans in the past, is best financed through delivery of shares allowing the Company to continue to allocate all available capital towards growth.

The Board of Directors intends to propose to future Annual General Meetings to establish long-term incentive (“LTI”) plans based on principles corresponding to the currently proposed LTIP 2025. In order to be eligible to participate in such future LTI plans, each participant needs to build towards a meaningful shareholding in Orrön Energy, meaning that a certain portion of any allotted shares pursuant to LTIP 2025 (and any future LTI plans) shall be retained until the required level of shareholding has been met.

Implementation of LTIP 2025
The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting 2025 resolves on the implementation of the LTIP 2025 in accordance with the terms and conditions set out below.

Terms and conditions

(a)   Awards under LTIP 2025 are proposed to be made to approximately 9 permanent employees of the Orrön Energy Group (the “Participants”), comprising the CEO and other members of Group Management, as well as certain other key employees. The Board of Directors may, within the total number of shares available under LTIP 2025, invite a limited number of additional Participants in LTIP 2025 following recruitment to the Orrön Energy Group.

(b)   LTIP 2025 gives the Participants the possibility to receive shares in Orrön Energy subject to uninterrupted employment and the fulfilment of performance conditions over a three-year performance period commencing on 1 June 2025 and expiring on 31 May 2028 (the “Performance Period”). The performance condition is two-fold, where the two conditions have a 75 per cent and 25 per cent weighting in determining the vesting of awards under LTIP 2025 (the “Performance Conditions”). The first Performance Condition is based on the share price growth and dividends (“Total Shareholder Return”) of the Orrön Energy share compared to the Total Shareholder Return of a peer group of companies (the “Peer Group”) (the “Total Shareholder Return Performance Condition”), with a 75 per cent weighting. The second Performance Condition is based on the achievement of strategic performance targets (the “Strategic Performance Condition”), with a 25 per cent weighting. At the beginning of the Performance Period, the Participants will, free of charge, be granted awards (“LTIP Awards”) which, to the extent that i.a. one or both Performance Conditions are partially or fully met, entitle the Participant to be allotted, also free of charge, shares in Orrön Energy (“Performance Shares”) as soon as reasonably practicable following the end of the Performance Period.

(c)   The LTIP Awards (i.e. the number of Performance Shares that a Participant may be allotted following the expiration of the Performance Period, provided that i.a. one or both of the Performance Conditions are partially or fully met) to be awarded to each Participant shall be calculated as follows:

                 LTIP Award = A multiplied by B divided by C multiplied by D, where

                 A = the Participant’s monthly gross base salary applicable as at the date of grant of the LTIP Award;

B = a number of months as determined by the Board of Directors in respect of each Participant, taking into account such factors as industry benchmarking and the Participant’s position within the Orrön Energy Group (but in any case, subject to a maximum cap of 36 months);

                 C = the volume weighted average price of the Orrön Energy share on Nasdaq Stockholm for the period between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025; and

                 D = the product of the factors representing the proportional increases in the number of Performance Shares under award for each dividend (if any) until allotment, calculated by dividing the value of the Orrön Energy share at closing on the ex-dividend date plus the declared dividend by the value of the share at closing on the ex-dividend date.

        Fractions of allotted Performance Shares shall be rounded-off to the immediate lower whole number.

        Considering the volume weighted average share price of the Orrön Energy share between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 of SEK 5.9, the total number of Performance Shares that may be allotted under LTIP 2025 as at the date of award of the LTIP Awards (assuming 100 per cent vesting) is 4,450,000, corresponding to approximately 1.6 per cent of the current total number of shares and votes in Orrön Energy. In addition, considering additional Participants (if any) following recruitment and increased awards due to dividends (if any), and the expected social charges linked to award, it is proposed that the total number of Performance Shares under LTIP 2025 shall not exceed 5,450,000.

(d)   Allotment of Performance Shares will be determined by the Board of Directors after the expiration of the Performance Period on the basis of LTIP Awards made and is conditional on (i) the Participant retaining his or her uninterrupted employment in the Orrön Energy Group until the expiry of the Performance Period and (ii) the extent to which (if any) one or both of the Performance Conditions have been met. The LTIP Award will compensate for dividends distributed (if any), and to ensure further alignment with shareholders’ interests, LTIP 2025 will do so by increasing the number of Performance Shares under award proportionally during the award period through the formula described in (c) above, entailing also a reinvestment of dividends received during the award period. The Board of Directors may reduce (including reduce to zero) allotment of Performance Shares at its discretion, should it consider the underlying performance not to be reflected in the outcome of the Performance Conditions.

(e)   Minimum and a maximum levels for the Performance Conditions to be fulfilled have been established by the Board of Directors. In order for the LTIP Awards to give Participants entitlement to the maximum number of Performance Shares, the maximum level for both Performance Conditions must have been fulfilled.
1. In respect of the Total Shareholder Return Performance Condition, the fulfilment of which shall result in an entitlement of a maximum of 75 per cent of the maximum number of Performance Shares, the Performance Condition calculation will be made based on a comparison of Total Shareholder Return of the Orrön Energy share to the Peer Group, comparing the three month period of January to March 2025 prior to the commencement of the Performance Period, with the three month period of January to March 2028 prior to the end of the Performance Period. The LTIP Awards will vest based on the comparative Total Shareholder Return of the Orrön Energy share from no vesting below the 38^th percentile performance and with vesting at or above the 38^th percentile performance on a straight line basis to 100 per cent vesting of this performance condition at the 75^th percentile performance or above. The Performance Condition calculation will be performed by the Board of Directors.
2. In respect of the Strategic Performance Condition, the fulfilment of which shall result in an entitlement of a maximum of 25 per cent of the maximum number of Performance Shares, the measurement of the Performance Condition will be based on an assessment at the end of the Performance Period, relative to the commencement of the Performance Period, of the fulfilment of strategic performance criteria set by the Board of Directors, reflecting key performance targets such as power generation, investments, financial, sustainability and growth through brownfield and greenfield projects, M&A transactions, geographical or technological expansions and other value accretive events. The Performance Condition fulfilment assessment will be performed by the Board of Directors.
3. The Performance Conditions described in point 1 and 2 above may each individually lead to a 75 and 25 per cent vesting of the LTIP Awards, respectively, and may also vest partially, leading to a partial vesting of the LTIP Awards. Should both Performance Conditions be fully met, 100 per cent of the LTIP Awards will vest. Orrön Energy intends to present the level of fulfilment of the LTIP 2025 Performance Conditions in the 2028 Annual Report.
(f)   The Participants will not be entitled to transfer, pledge or dispose of the LTIP Award or any rights or obligations under LTIP 2025, or exercise any shareholders’ rights regarding the LTIP Awards during the Performance Period.

(g)   Shares allotted under LTIP 2025 (or any future LTI plans) shall be subject to certain disposition restrictions, meaning that the Participants shall be building towards a meaningful shareholding in Orrön Energy. The required level of shareholding will be either 50 per cent or 100 per cent (200 per cent for the CEO) of the Participant’s annual gross base salary based on the Participant’s position within the Orrön Energy Group. Notwithstanding this requirement, the Company may pay part or whole of the allotment of Performance Shares in cash in order to facilitate the payment of the Participant’s tax liabilities, or as otherwise may be determined by the Board of Directors. However, a minimum of 50 per cent of the allotted Performance Shares (after taxes and social security charges) under LTIP 2025 will be required to be retained until the required level of shareholding has been met.

(h)   Recalculation of the Performance Conditions and the LTIP Awards, including the number of Performance Shares allotted, shall take place in the event of an intervening dividend in kind, bonus issue, split, preferential rights issue and/or other similar corporate events.

Structure and administration

The Board of Directors of Orrön Energy will be responsible for the structure and administration of LTIP 2025, as well as for the detailed terms and conditions applicable between Orrön Energy and the Participants. The detailed terms and conditions will be adopted within the scope of the terms and conditions and guidelines stated herein. In connection therewith, the Board of Directors will be entitled to adopt different terms and conditions for LTIP 2025 regarding, among other things, the Performance Period and allotment of Performance Shares in the event of commencement or termination of employment during the Performance Period, e.g. due to new recruitments, illness, disability, death, redundancy, contractual retirement and other exceptional circumstances determined by the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors will be entitled to make adjustments in order to comply with special rules or market conditions abroad. In the event that delivery of Performance Shares to Participants cannot take place under applicable law or at a reasonable cost and employing reasonable administrative measures, the Board of Directors will be entitled to decide that Participants may, instead, be offered a cash settlement. In the event of a change of control, all LTIP Awards under LTIP 2025 will vest in full.

Peer Group

The Board of Directors has reviewed the Peer Group and determined that it shall consist of the following companies for LTIP 2025: ABO Energy, Arise, Cloudberry, Energiekontor, Eolus Vind, Fortum, Magnora, Ørsted, PNE, Scatec, Solaria and TRIG. The Board of Directors shall have the power to amend the Peer Group in order to maintain a representative and relevant group of companies during the Performance Period.

Delivery of shares, costs etc.

In order to secure the delivery of shares to the Participants and cover potential costs (including taxes and social security charges) under the LTIP 2025, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to issue up to 5,450,000 warrants of series 2025:1 (see item 20 a) of the proposed agenda)

In the event the nine-tenth (9/10) majority requirement applicable to the Board of Directors’ proposal to issue and transfer warrants of series 2025:1 under item 20 a) of the proposed agenda is not satisfied, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve that the Company may hedge its obligations under the LTIP 2025 by entering into (or maintaining) an equity swap arrangement with a third party, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer shares (including to the Participants) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the LTIP 2025 (see item 20 b) of the proposed agenda).

The LTIP 2025 will be accounted for in accordance with the accounting standard IFRS 2 and the costs will be charged to the income statement over the Performance Period. The maximum cost for granting LTIP Awards under LTIP 2025, excluding costs related to delivery of the Performance Shares, is approximately 0.25 MEUR, assuming 100 per cent vesting.

Effects on key figures
Under the assumptions set out in item (c) above and upon full allotment of Performance Shares, the number of shares under LTIP 2025 amounts to 4,450,000 shares in Orrön Energy (subject to recruitments and adjustments for dividends), corresponding to approximately 1.6 per cent of the current total number of shares and votes in the Company. If the total number of Performance Shares under LTIP 2025 reaches the cap of 5,450,000 shares in Orrön Energy, it will correspond to approximately 1.9 per cent of the current total number of shares and votes in the Company.

Preparation of the proposal
The proposal for LTIP 2025 has been prepared by the Compensation Committee and resolved on by the Board of Directors.

Other incentive schemes in Orrön Energy
For a description of the Company’s other LTIP’s, reference is made to the Company’s Annual and Sustainability Report for 2024, note 21, and the Company’s website, www.orron.com.

Majority requirement
The proposal to implement LTIP 2025 requires support from shareholders representing more than half (1/2) of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting.

A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal regarding the issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1 under item 20 a) of the proposed agenda requires support from shareholders representing not less than nine-tenth (9/10) of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting. A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal regarding the equity swap arrangement under item 20 b) of the proposed agenda requires support from shareholders representing more than half (1/2) of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting.

Item 20: Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through (a) an issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1 or (b) an equity swap arrangement with a third party

Background
Under the LTIP 2025 proposed by the Board of Directors under item 19 of the proposed agenda, the Company has an obligation, subject to certain conditions, to deliver shares in the Company to the Participants in the LTIP 2025.

In order to secure the Company’s obligation to deliver shares and to cover a portion of the costs (including taxes and social security charges), the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to issue and transfer up to 5,450,000 warrants of series 2025:1 on the terms and conditions set out in item 20 a) below. In the event the nine-tenth (9/10) majority requirement applicable to the proposed warrant settlement method is not satisfied, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve that the Company hedges its obligations under the LTIP 2025 by entering into an equity swap arrangement with a third party, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer shares (including to the participants) on the terms and conditions set out in item 20 b) below.

The Board of Directors considers the warrant settlement method to be the preferred alternative since the costs for an equity swap arrangement are significantly higher than the costs for issuing and transferring warrants. If the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve the proposed warrant settlement method under item 20 a) below with the requisite majority, the Board of Directors intends to withdraw its equity swap arrangement proposal under item 20 b) below.

Item 20 a): Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through an issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1
In order to secure the Company’s obligation to deliver shares under the LTIP 2025, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meetings resolves to issue and transfer warrants of series 2025:1 in the Company on the following terms and conditions:
1. A maximum of 5,450,000 warrants shall be issued.
2. The right to subscribe for warrants shall, with deviation of the shareholders’ preferential rights, rest with the Company itself.
3. The reason for deviating from the shareholders’ preferential rights is to secure the Company’s obligations to deliver shares and to cover any costs (including taxes and social security charges) under the LTIP 2025.
4. Subscription for the warrants shall take place on a separate subscription list not later than 1 November 2025.
5. The warrants shall be issued free of charge.
6. Each warrant shall entitle the holder to subscribe for one new share in the Company. The subscription price for each new share shall be equal to the quotient value of the Company’s share.
7. The warrants may be exercised during the period from and including 1 June 2025 up to and including 1 June 2029.
8. The new shares shall carry rights to dividends for the first time on the record date for dividends that occurs after subscription has been effected.
9. The subscription price and the number of shares for which each warrant entitles subscription may be re-calculated under certain circumstances as set forth in the complete terms and conditions for the warrants.
10. Upon exercise of all 5,450,000 warrants, the Company’s share capital will increase by SEK 66,312.15 (based on a quotient value of approximately SEK 0.01). If the subscription price exceeds the quotient value of the shares, the excess amount shall be allotted to the non-restricted statutory reserve (Sw. den fria överkursfonden).
11. The Company may transfer up to 5,450,000 warrants (a) free of charge to Participants (and/or a designated third party) for the purpose of enabling the delivery of shares in the Company under the LTIP 2025 and (b) at a price equal to the fair market value of the warrants as determined using a customary valuation method to a designated third party for the purpose of covering any costs (including taxes and social security charges) under the LTIP 2025.
The complete terms and conditions for the warrants of series 2025:1 will be available at the Company and on the Company’ website, www.orron.com, not later than three weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.

The resolution shall be conditional upon that the Annual General Meeting resolves to establish the LTIP 2025 in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal under item 19 of the proposed agenda.

A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires support from shareholders representing not less than nine-tenth (9/10) of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

Item 20 b): Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through an equity swap arrangement with a third party
The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve that the Company may hedge its obligations under the LTIP 2025 by entering into (or maintaining) an equity swap arrangement with a third party, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer shares (including to the participants) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the LTIP 2025.

The resolution shall be conditional upon that the Annual General Meeting resolves to establish the LTIP 2025 in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal under item 19 of the proposed agenda.

A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires support from shareholders representing more than half (1/2) of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting.

Item 21: Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on new issue of shares and convertible debentures
The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to authorise the Board of Directors to decide, at one or more occasions until the next Annual General Meeting:

(i) to issue no more than 28,500,000 new shares with consideration in cash or in kind or by set-off; and

(ii) to issue convertible debentures with consideration in cash or in kind or by set-off, where the number of shares that may be issued after conversion shall not exceed 28,500,000.

The Board of Directors may resolve to deviate from the shareholders’ preferential rights. If the Board of Directors resolves to deviate from the shareholders’ preferential rights, the reason shall be to enable or facilitate acquisitions of companies or businesses or other major investments.

The total number of shares that can be issued based on the proposed authorisations under (i) and (ii) may not together exceed 28,500,000. If the authorisation is exercised in full for issues with deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, the dilution effect is approximately ten per cent.

A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires the support of shareholders representing at least two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast and of the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

Item 22: Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on repurchase and sale of shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Board of Directors is authorised, during the period until the next Annual General Meeting, to decide on repurchases and sales of the Company’s shares on the following terms and conditions:
1. The maximum number of shares repurchased shall be such that shares held in treasury from time to time do not exceed ten per cent of all shares of the Company.
2. The maximum number of shares that may be sold is the number of shares that the Company at such time holds in treasury.
3. Repurchase of shares may be made (a) on Nasdaq Stockholm or (b) in accordance with an offer directed to all shareholders.
4. Repurchase and sale of shares on Nasdaq Stockholm may take place only at a price within the spread between the highest bid price and lowest ask price prevailing and disseminated by Nasdaq Stockholm from time to time. Repurchases of shares in accordance with an offer directed to all shareholders may also take place at a market premium in relation to the price prevailing and disseminated by Nasdaq Stockholm from time to time.
5. The repurchases and sales shall be made in accordance with the provisions concerning the purchase and sale of a company’s own shares under applicable stock exchange rules and other applicable rules and regulations.
The purpose of the authorisation is to provide the Board of Directors with an instrument to optimise the Company’s capital structure and to enable the use of own shares as consideration for or as financing of acquisitions of companies or businesses, to secure obligations under incentive plans and to cover costs, including social security charges, that may arise as a result of incentive plans.

The Board of Directors’ reasoned statement pursuant to pursuant to Chapter 19, Section 22 of the Swedish Companies Act will be available at the Company and on the Company’s website, www.orron.com, not later than three weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.

A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires the support of shareholders representing at least two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast and of the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

Number of shares and votes in the Company
Orrön Energy’s share capital amounts to SEK 3,478,713.38, represented by 285,905,187 shares. Each share carries one vote. Orrön Energy holds, as of the date of this notice, no treasury shares.

Shareholders’ right to request information

The Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer shall, if a shareholder so requests and the Board of Directors considers that it may do so without significant damage to the Company, give information at the Annual General Meeting regarding circumstances that could affect the assessment of an item on the agenda and circumstances that could affect the assessment of the Company’s or a subsidiary’s financial situation. The duty to give information also applies to the Company’s relationship with another Group company and the consolidated financial statements.

Additional documentation
Complete proposals and other documents that shall be made available prior to the Annual General Meeting pursuant to the Swedish Companies Act and the Swedish Corporate Governance Code are available at Orrön Energy’s office (Hovslagargatan 5 in Stockholm) and on www.orron.com. The documents will be sent to shareholders free of charge upon request if their postal address is provided.

Handling of personal data and external participants
For information on how personal data is processed in connection with the Annual General Meeting, see the privacy notices of Euroclear Sweden AB and Computershare AB available at their respective websites, www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf. and
www.computershare.com/se/gm-gdpr.

It will not be possible for the Company to verify if any external persons are following the Annual General Meeting online. Consequently, the Board of Directors has resolved to allow persons who are not shareholders to follow the Annual General Meeting online.

Stockholm in April 2025
ORRÖN ENERGY AB (PUBL)
The Board of Directors

For further information, please contact:

Robert Eriksson
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 significant 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
- PR – Notice AGM 2025 02042025en
The MIL Network –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI: Cerence AI Honored with 2025 ECARX Best Contribution Award

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SHANGHAI and BURLINGTON, Mass., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) (“Cerence AI”), a global leader pioneering conversational AI-powered user experiences, today announced that it has received a Best Contribution Award at the 2025 ECARX Partnership Conference, held on March 11, 2025, in Hangzhou, China. ECARX, a global automotive technology provider partnering with OEMs to accelerate the future of software-defined vehicles, presented the award in recognition of Cerence AI’s extensive contributions as a trusted, long-term partner delivering cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions to ECARX and its OEM customers. This is the second consecutive year that Cerence AI has been recognized with this award.

ECARX and Cerence AI are long-term partners, having collaborated since ECARX’s founding in 2017 on automotive programs across a range of Geely brands, including innovative Audio AI solutions and multilingual support in vehicle infotainment systems – all contributing to Geely’s global expansion. This joint effort has also delivered advanced AI-powered voice assistants to enhance the driving experience in Geely’s Proton-, smart-, and Lotus-brand vehicles, as well as equip the entire Lynk & Co lineup with AI capabilities to appeal to the European market.

Most recently, the companies expanded their partnership to enable ECARX to deploy Cerence’s generative AI-powered solutions to create a more intuitive and integrated experience for smart drivers. In addition, leveraging Cerence AI’s extensive global language capabilities, the ECARX Antora 1000 platform – deployed in the Hongqi 007/009 models – featured enhanced voice functionalities, including English language speech recognition and text-to-speech capabilities in 17 languages, supporting Hongqi’s expansion into global markets.

“It’s an honor to be acknowledged for the second year in a row by our long-term partners at ECARX for our continuous effort and innovation,” said Christian Mentz, Chief Revenue Officer, Cerence AI. “Cerence’s AI-powered, intuitive solutions are a core component of ECARX’s innovative computing platforms. Together, we aim to consistently deliver unparalleled value to automakers, fostering the evolution of AI-driven user experiences across China and in global markets.”

To learn more about Cerence AI, visit www.cerence.ai, and follow the company on LinkedIn.

About Cerence Inc.
Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 500 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. For more information, visit www.cerence.ai.

About ECARX
ECARX (Nasdaq: ECX) is a global automotive technology provider with capabilities to deliver turnkey solutions for next-generation smart vehicles, from the system on a chip (SoC), to central computing platforms, and software. As automakers develop new electric vehicle architectures from the ground up, ECARX is developing full-stack solutions to enhance the user experience, while reducing complexity and cost.

Founded in 2017 and listed on the Nasdaq in 2022, ECARX now has over 1,800 employees based in 12 major locations in China, UK, USA, Sweden, Germany and Malaysia. To date, ECARX products can be found in over 7.3 million vehicles worldwide.

The MIL Network –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: The Ukraine Defence Contact Group to meet at NATO Headquarters

Source: NATO

On 11 April the United Kingdom and Germany will convene the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO HQ.

Media representatives with an annual accreditation to NATO for 2025 do not need to request accreditation for this event. All other media representatives wishing to cover the meeting should accredit via the NATO accreditation portal by 3 April 1300 CEST.

Media opportunities will be set out in due course.
For more details please contact:

MIL Security OSI –

April 3, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of Rare Earth Metals

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 2:19PM by PIB Delhi

The details on the quantum of rare earth metals imported and the countries from which it has been imported during the last five years is given at Annexure-I.

Government is aware of the occurrence of neodymium in the country. The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, is actively engaged in carrying out mineral exploration across the country following guidelines of United Nations Framework Classification [UNFC stage viz. reconnaissance surveys (G4), preliminary exploration (G3) and general exploration (G2)] and the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) (MEMC) Rules, 2015 with an aim to augment resource for various mineral commodities including critical minerals specified in Part D of the First Schedule of the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2023. During Field Season (FS) 2021-22 and 2022-23, GSI had taken up three reconnaissance stage projects for Rare Earth Elements including neodymium in Sirohi and Bhilwara districts of Rajasthan as per the approved field season programme. The details are given at Annexure-II.

The Department of Atomic Energy has explored 1,11,845 tonne in-situ Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) in hard rock terrains in parts of Balotra (erstwhile Barmer) district, Rajasthan. As policy framework for utilizing critical minerals, including rare earth metals, the National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched, which is India’s strategic initiative to secure critical mineral supply chain by increasing domestic critical minerals production and foreign supply sources.

Under the Mission, GSI has prioritized and intensified its exploration activities for critical and strategic minerals across the country including Rajasthan, with an aim to find out potential mineralized locales as well as to establish more resources for these minerals. During the current FS 2024-25, GSI has taken up 195 exploration projects including 35 projects in Rajasthan, to assess the mineral potential of strategic and critical minerals. The detailed list of mineral exploration projects taken up by GSI in Rajasthan exclusively for REE/RM and associated minerals from FS 2021-22 to 2024-25 is given at Annexure-III. Since MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, GSI has established resource of REE in Barmer and Sikar districts of Rajasthan. GSI has handed over one resource bearing geological report (GR) on REE, one Geological Memorandums (GM) on REE and one GM on tungsten for auctioning.

ANNEXURE-I

Annexure-I referred to in reply to part (a) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5253 answered on 02.04.2025 regarding ‘Import of Rare Earth Metals’

Table: Country wise quantum of rare earth metals imported by India during last 5 years

Quantity in Tonnes

#	HS Code- Description	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
#	HS Code- Description	Country	Qty	Country	Qty	Country	Qty	Country	Qty	Country	Qty
1.	28053000– Alkali or alkaline earth metals: Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or inter alloyed	China	437	China	445	China	714.5	China	709	China	699
		Hong Kong	34	Japan	11	Japan	34	Japan	42	Hong Kong	234
		Japan	2	Sweden	10	USA	6.6	Singapore	20	Japan	192
		USA	0.57	USA	4.69	Hong Kong	5	Hong Kong	20	Mongolia	60
		UK	0.08	Hong Kong	0.05	Russia	1	USA	1.09	UK	0.11
		Others	0.00	Others	0.07	Others	0.06	Others	0.18	Others	0.02
		Total	473.65	Total	470.61	Total	761	Total	792	Total	1,185
2.	2846- Compounds, inorganic or organic, of rare earth metals	Russia	452	China	695	China	745	China	796	China	780
		China	434	Russia	156	Japan	196	Korea	150	Japan	148
		Japan	255	Japan	133	Korea	93	Japan	148	Korea	90
		Germany	59	Korea	91	Austria	41	USA	20	USA	24
		Austria	31	Austria	46	Russia	40	France	14	France	19
		Others	144	Others	129	Others	69	Others	24	Others	24
		Total	1,375	Total	1,250	Total	1,183	Total	1,153	Total	1,086
	REE Total		1,848		1,721		1,944		1,945		2,270

Note:REE has 17 elements. HS codes 280530 and 2846 pertain to REE as a whole and not to a particular element.

ANNEXURE-II

Annexure-II referred to in reply to part (b) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5253 answered on 02.04.2025 regarding ‘Import of Rare Earth Metals’

Table: G4 stage projects taken up for Rare Earth Elements including neodymium in Rajasthan during FS 2021-22 and FS 2022-23

Sl. No	State	District	Name of Mineral Block / Area/ Belt	UNFC Stage	Mineral Commodity
FS: 2021-22
1	Rajasthan	Sirohi	Jirawal-Sanpur	G4	Neodymium and Dysprosium
2	Rajasthan	Bhilwara	Mahendragarh-Gundli-Bawri	G4	Neodymium and associated REE
FS: 2022-23
3	Rajasthan	Bhilwara	Kodukota-Raser-Lulas-Kallyakhera	G4	REE and associated Neodymium

ANNEXURE-III

Annexure-III referred to in reply to part (c) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5253 answered on 02.04.2025 regarding ‘Import of Rare Earth Metals’

Table: List of projects taken up by GSI on REE/RM and associated minerals from FS 2021-22 to FS 2024-25

Sl. No.	State	District	Name of Mineral Block / Area / Belt	UNFC Stage	Mineral Commodity
FS: 2021-22
1	Rajasthan	Jaipur	Asalpur, Boraj, Bichun	G4	REE & RM, basemetal
2	Rajasthan	Sikar	South East of Nanagwas	G3	REE & RM, basemetal
3	Rajasthan	Sirohi	Jirawal-Sanpur	G4	Neodymium, Dysprosium (REE)
4	Rajasthan	Bhilwara	Mahendragarh-Gundli-Bawri	G4	Neodymium, REE
5	Rajasthan	Barmer	Sainji Ki Beri-Meli	G4	REE
6	Rajasthan	Barmer	Indrana-Siwana	G4	REE
7	Rajasthan	Barmer	WNW of Sukleswar Ka Mandir	G3	REE & RM
8	Rajasthan	Barmer	Nimale Ki Pahari-Dantala	G4	REE & RM
9	Rajasthan	Barmer	Kundal-Dhiran	G4	REE & RM
10	Rajasthan	Jaisalmer	Jaisalmer-Pokran	G4	REE, RM
FS: 2022-23
1	Rajasthan	Barmer	SE of Mawri	G3	REE
2	Rajasthan	Barmer	north of Kalaur Ka Danta	G3	REE, RM
3	Rajasthan	Barmer	Kalaur Ka Danta	G3	REE, RM
4	Rajasthan	Barmer	Kaluri-Tapra-Buriwara	G4	REE
5	Rajasthan	Bhilwara	Kodukota-Raser-Lulas-Kallyakhera	G4	Neodymium and associated REE
6	Rajasthan	Barmer	Bachharau-Dhorimana	G4	REE
7	Rajasthan	Barmer	south of Gura Nal	G3	REE
8	Rajasthan	Sikar	Ladi Ka Was	G3	REE, RM, Basemetal
9	Rajasthan	Sikar	Kalakhera	G3	REE, RM, Basemetal
10	Rajasthan	Barmer	SE of Gugrot	G3	REE
11	Rajasthan	Jalore	Ahor-Beria-Ajitpura	G4	REE, RM
12	Rajasthan	Barmer	WNW of Sukleswar Ka Mandir	G3	REE, RM
13	Rajasthan	Barmer	Relon Ki Dhani – Telwara	G4	REE
FS: 2023-24
1	Rajasthan	Alwar	Dadikar, Harsora and Khairthal	G4	REE, RM, Tungsten, Tin, Niobium, Beryllium, Tantalum, Hafnium
2	Rajasthan	Udaipur	Semari	G4	REE, Gold, Basemetal
3	Rajasthan	Udaipur	Seriya	G4	REE, Gold, Basemetal
4	Rajasthan	Sirohi	Wan-Mochhal-Bhev	G4	REE, RM
5	Rajasthan	Udaipur	Padrara-Sayra	G4	REE
6	Rajasthan	Ajmer	Piloda Nagola	G4	REE
7	Rajasthan	Banswara	Bhongra-Bargun	G4	Graphite, RM
8	Rajasthan	Barmer	East of Gugrot	G3	REE
9	Rajasthan	Jalore&Sirohi	Jastwantpura	G4	REE
10	Rajasthan	Sirohi	Punawa-Ranela-Kooma	G4	REE
11	Rajasthan	Dungarpur	Barwasa -Lodowal	G4	REE, RM
12	Rajasthan	Barmer	Nakoda	G4	REE, RM
FS: 2024-25
1	Rajasthan	Sikar	Ladi ka Bas	G2	REE, RM
2	Rajasthan	Dungarpur	Gara Sialia	G4	REE, RM
3	Rajasthan	Jalore	Dorda-Ambatri	G4	REE, RM
4	Rajasthan	Tonk	Kalyanpura-Kakor	G4	REE
5	Rajasthan	Ajmer and Pali	Ratangarh-Jetgarh	G4	RM
6	Rajasthan	Sirohi	Malawa-Nagani	G4	REE, RM
7	Rajasthan	Pali and Sirohi	Chhotila-Badla-Raghunathpura	G4	REE, RM
8	Rajasthan	Alwar	Sibagaon North	G3	Tin, Lithium, RM
9	Rajasthan	Nagaur and Ajmer	Chinwali-Bhutas	G4	REE, Basemetal
10	Rajasthan	Barmer	Jhak and Khimpar	G4	REE
11	Rajasthan	Barmer	Kitpala-Sinli	G4	REE
12	Rajasthan	Pali	Thandi Beri	G4	RM
13	Rajasthan	Barmer and Jodhpur	Patodi-Thob	G4	REE
14	Rajasthan	Sirohi	Rewakakri-Moras-UparlaSavela	G4	RM
15	Rajasthan	Sirohi and Pali	Malnu-Velar-Chotila ki Bhagli	G4	RM
16	Rajasthan	Sirohi	Isra Darbar Khera Chhota-Dhanta	G4	RM

This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

****

Sunil Kumar Tiwari

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 3, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Finalists for WAVES Comics Creator Championship & WAVES Awards of Excellence Announced

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 7:37PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai/Bhopal, 1 April 2025

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, in collaboration with Indian Comics Association (ICA) and ASIFA India, has announced the finalists for two prestigious competitions under the WAVES Create in India Challenge—the WAVES Comics Creator Championship and the WAVES Awards of Excellence.

The competitions have attracted participation from across India and internationally, highlighting the country’s potential as a global hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. The winners will be announced at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), scheduled to be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025.

Additional Director General, PIB, Bhopal, Shri Prashant Pathrabe said that, WAVES is an important event that provides a global platform for professional entrepreneurs, investors, producers and innovators to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute in the entertainment sector.

Photo caption : Shri Prashant Pathrabe, Additional Director General, PIB Bhopal addressing the ceremony of announcement of finalists of Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence

WAVES Comics Creator Championship:

Indian Comics Association (ICA) President Ajitesh Sharma stated that ICA has selected 10 teams for the final round and that the candidates for the final round were selected based on their creative story, artistic skills and overall impact.

Photo caption: Shri Ajitesh Sharma, President, Indian Comics Association addressing the Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence finalists announcement ceremony.

The finalists for the Comics Creator Championship are as follows:

Finalists – Professional Category:

1. Mohit Sharma (Meerut) – Ayush Kumar (Delhi)

2. Aparna Chaurasia (Chhatarpur)

3. Bijoy Raveendran (Delhi) – Tadam Gyadu (Delhi)

4. Puneet Shukla (Gorakhpur) – Piyush Kumar (Ranchi)

5. Tejas Janardhan Kamble (Mumbai)

Finalists – Amateur Category:

1. Suvojit Pal (Howrah) – Vivek Pradhan (Raipur)

2. Vindhyarsh Mishra (Bareilly)

3. Rohit Shukla (Chennai) – Shivangi Shaily (Indore)

4. Ritesh Patra (Kolkata)

5. Randeep Singh (Kendrapara)

Jury Panel for Comics Creator Championship

The five-member jury to evaluate the competition entries included: Dilip Kadam – Renowned comic artist and illustrator; Nikhil Pran – Acclaimed comic creator and son of Pran Kumar Sharma; Jajil Homaveer – Creator of the web manga The Beast Legion; Sanjay Gupta – Founder of Raj Comics; Preeti Vyas – President & CEO of Amar Chitra Katha. The jury panel will now select the winners by evaluating the Semi-Finalists’ entries. The selected 10 Finalists will then compete at the Mumbai Waves Event from 1-4 May 2025.The final competition will take place at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, where the best talents in Indian comics will be recognized on an international stage.

ASIFA announces Waves’ Awards of Excellence

The WAVES Awards of Excellence, organized by ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) India under the Create in India Challenge, has received 1,331 entries from 28 Indian states and 13 countries.

Shri Sanjay Khimesara, President, ASIFA India addressing the Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence finalists announcement ceremony.

Jury for WAVES Awards of Excellence

The evaluation process for the WAVES Awards of Excellence was led by an esteemed five-member international jury, ensuring global standards in selection: Dr. Anastasia Dimitra (Greece) – VP, ASIFA International & Animation Educator; Briana Yarhouse (USA) – Director, Awards of Excellence & Professor; Pramita Mukherjee (USA) – Sr. Creature FX Developer, DreamWorks; Dhimant Vyas (India) – Professor of Practice, IDC School of Design; B.N. Vichar (India) – Art Director, Technicolor Games

The winning entries will receive mentorship, global exposure, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

Final Nominations-Professionals

1	Patrick	Smith	ASIFA24102	Onward Ye Costumed Souls	USA
2	Fabian	Driehorst	ASIFA24142	Little Fan	Germany
3	Yingyan Chen	Linxiao Zhou, Zehao Chen	ASIFA24205	Online interview	China
4	Long Qin	CHINA	ASIFA24207	IN BEWTEEN	China
5	Suresh	Eriyat	ASIFA24298	The Seed	Mumbai, India
6	Adithi	Krishnadas	ASIFA24299	The Legend of Arana	Mumbai, India
7	Suresh	Eriyat	ASIFA24302	Pune Design Festival Versus Ident Film	Mumbai, India
8	Swati	Agarwal	ASIFA24654	Chalisa’	Mumbai, India
9	Swathy	Pushpalochanan	ASIFA24678	Anpu	Kollam, Kerala
10	Bimal	Poddar	ASIFA24693	IPL opening graphics	Mumbai, India
11	Bimal	Poddar	ASIFA24694	Home season opening graphics/Legend	Mumbai, India
12	Bimal	Poddar	ASIFA24696	RADHA	Mumbai, India
13	Bimal	Poddar	ASIFA24697	13th Portal	Mumbai, India
14	Bimal	Poddar	ASIFA24698	More kaka	Mumbai, India
15	Prateek	Sethi	ASIFA24726	Informa Markets In India – Milan	Mumbai, India
16	Ujwal	Nair	ASIFA24740	Lucky Dog	Chennai, India
17	Gary	Schwartz	ASIFA2492	FLINTMATION ll	USA
18	David	Ehrlich	ASIFA2494	A New World	USA
19	Suresh	Eriyat	ASIFA251377	Desi Oon	Mumbai, India
20	Amit	Sonawane	ASIFA251402	What’s Your Story	Mumbai, India

Top 26 Nominated works includes Showreels/Shorts from students from across India including states/UT’s of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Chandigarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Gujarat, New Delhi.

Final Nominations- Students

S.No	First Name	Last Name	Tracking Number	Project Title	Location
1	Varun	Choudhry	ASIFA24942	Varun Choudhry \| Modeling Reel 2024	Mumbai
2	Hussain	Bohra	ASIFA24744	IRAN 600 BC	Udaipur
3	Shavikant	Chauhan	ASIFA24474	texturing showreel	Surat
4	Karan	Meghlan	ASIFA24930	Karan_Malghan_Modeling_Texturing_Reel_Wave	Pune
5	Rajat	Aingh	ASIFA241036	CG Lighting Showreel_Rajat Singh	Chandigarh
6	Ajit Tanaji	Kinare	ASIFA24881	CG Lighting	Mumbai
7	Ankan	Samanta	ASIFA24850	Rigging Showreel By Ankan Samanta	Hooghly, WB
8	Sumedha	Paul	ASIFA24814	Rigging Showreel	Kolkata
9	Arjun	kumar	ASIFA24157	Animation Showreel	Chandigarh
10	Arpit	Thakur	ASIFA24948	Animation Showreel By ARPIT THAKUR	Chandigarh
11	Kumkum	Gupta	ASIFA24966	Digital_Painting_Kumkum Gupta	Mumbai
12	Ishwari	Tarkar	ASIFA24969	Digital_Painting_Ishwari_Tarkar	Mumbai
13	Tarun	None	ASIFA24800	Digital Matte Painting	Bengaluru
14	Arena	Andheri	ASIFA241073	Matte Paint-Sameer Parab	Mumbai
15	ElangoM	Elango	ASIFA241306	Digital matte painting	Bengaluru
16	Prajval	Nanote	ASIFA241005	Motion graphic	sausar Chhindwara,MP
17	Sk	Nur Islam	ASIFA241121	Motion Graphics Showreel	Malda, WB
18	Sourav	Bishwakarma	ASIFA241202	Compositing Showreel	Kanchrapara,WB
19	Varun	Sapkal	ASIFA24565	Showreel Varun Sapkal VFX	Mumbai
20	Vijay	Bangar	ASIFA24922	Kothrud_Vijay_Bangar	Kothrud, Pune
21	Shaikh	Sahil	ASIFA241176	Avengers: Infinity War movie Shots	Mankhurd, Mumbai
22	Aditi	Dixit	ASIFA251357	Showreel	Delhi
23	Rutvik	Dhole	ASIFA24736	Arwick 2d Animated explainer Video Ad	Not specified
24	Debopom	Chakraborty	ASIFA24661	Rasmalai	Gurgaon, Haryana
25	Kartik	Mahajan	ASIFA24731	Phool Dei	Dehradun, Utta
26	Harshita	Nehlani	ASIFA251352	Adhoori Pehchaan [Incomplete Identity]	GLS, A’bad

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

Have questions? Find answers here

Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

* * *

PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Prashant/ Ajay/ Samir/ Prem/ Dhanalakshmi/ Darshana | 84

(Release ID: 2117473) Visitor Counter : 63

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 3, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 – E-001232/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001232/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christophe Clergeau (S&D)

Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 establishes common rules to protect the social security rights of people moving within the European Union, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It recognises that EU Member States decide aspects such as the beneficiaries of social security systems, the level of allowances and eligibility.

1.Are there any plans for this regulation to be revised?

2.Does the regulation still apply to cross-border workers in the Moselle department of France who worked in Germany and receive unemployment benefits in France?

Submitted: 25.3.2025
Last updated: 2 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Unknown chemical status – E-000558/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD)[1], intercalibration pertains to ecological status. Denmark, Sweden and Germany use chlorophyll-a to assess phytoplankton biomass, a mandatory status parameter.

The Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) has produced specific guidance[2] on how to submit for approval a new or updated assessment method for items for which the intercalibration exercise has already been completed.

The assessment method submitted to the intercalibration procedure does not need to already be in use in the current River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs)[3].

Nutrient conditions are a parameter for ecological status[4]. Scientific literature has demonstrated a consistently strong link between chlorophyll-a and nutrient levels in water, suggesting the possibility of the intercalibration of chlorophyll-a based on nitrogen concentrations only, but its approval requires the scrutiny and approval by the relevant Commission experts.

To be able to demonstrate good ecological status as required under the WFD, a Member State needs to define the reference conditions of the underlying quality elements, set up a monitoring programme, and use the resulting data to carry out the appropriate assessments.

The ecological status and chemical status assessment are independent. The CIS provides guidance documents for applying the WFD.

As regards chemical status, the Commission analysis of Denmark’s third RBMPs[5] notes with concern that o nly a tiny fraction of surface waters, namely 1.7%, is in good chemical status, whereas 5.6% is in poor status and for 92.7% the chemical status is classified as unknown.

For almost all coastal waters, the status is known: 93% of them are in poor chemical status[6].
- [1] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73, as amended by Commission Directive 2014/101/EU of 30 October 2014, OJ L 311, 31.10.2014, p. 32-35.
- [2] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/43c0f50e-5df6-4c1a-bdba-4a3b7d249799
- [3] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/water-framework-directive_en#state-of-play-of-3rd-rbmp-adoption-in-eu-27
- [4] While not the case for surface water bodies, nitrates are a parameter for the chemical status of groundwater.
- [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD%3A2025%3A34%3AFIN&qid=1738746144581
- [6] Only two coastal waters (1.8%) are reported with chemical status ‘unknown’.
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech – The world spent $8.5 trillion on IT devices in a decade, more than Germany and the UK’s economies combined

Source: Techgaged.com

Every year, consumers and businesses pour staggering amounts of money into IT devices- desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and printers. While annual spending has fluctuated since 2021, the past three years have seen steady growth, pushing the market toward a record-breaking $810 billion in 2025. This massive figure will push the total spending over the past decade to shocking highs.

According to data presented by Techgaged.com, the world has spent a jaw-dropping $8.5 trillion on IT devices in a decade, surpassing the combined economies of Germany and the United Kingdom.

If IT device spending were a country, it would be the third-largest economy in the world

The surging popularity of AI applications, IoT devices, and hybrid work models has fueled the need for high-performance devices, and this trend will only speed up in 2025. According to the new survey, global spending on IT devices hit $735 billion in 2024, or 6% more than the year before that. However, 2025 is set to witness an even bigger growth, with the annual spending surging by 10.3% to a record $810.2 billion. Moreover, this means 2025 will see the second-largest spending increase in a decade, trailing only the COVID-19-driven boom in 2021, when it soared by 15%.

Even the world’s wealthiest billionaires wouldn’t have enough to cover this bill, as $810 billion is more than the combined net worth of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg. But this shocking figure is just a fraction of the total amount the world spent on IT devices over the past decade. With a record $810 billion in spending in 2025, the cumulative 10-year figure will hit a jaw-dropping $8.5 trillion.

To put this into perspective, If IT device spending were a country, it would be the world’s third-largest economy, following China and the United States. Also, the ten-year spending of $8.5 trillion outpaces three years’ worth of global defense budgets, and it is enough money to fund NASA for 85 years, with its annual budget being around $100 billion.

The world spends 25% more on IT devices annually than a decade ago

The data also revealed how much annual spending on IT devices has increased over the past ten years. Back in 2014, consumers and companies spent $646 billion on IT devices. The next three years saw similar annual spending before it hit over $700 billion for the first time in 2017. The next major leap came in 2021 when the pandemic fueled a massive surge in tech purchases, reaching over $808 billion that year.

According to the latest forecast, with a projected $810 billion in 2025, the world is now spending 25% or $164 billion more on PCs, tablets, and smartphones per year than a decade ago. For context, that $164 billion increase is more than the entire GDP of a country like Kuwait and close to that of Ukraine. In other words, in just ten years, global IT device spending has grown larger than the entire GDP of a mid-sized economy.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Meeting of the Weimar+ – ministers back just and lasting peace in Ukraine

Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

Published on April 1, 2025

Joint statement by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (March 31, 2025)

Three days after the anniversary of the Bucha massacre, we reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, building on our Warsaw Declaration of 19 November, our Berlin Declaration of 12 December and our Paris Declaration of 12 February.

Ukraine has shown its strong commitment to peace, also by agreeing to a full ceasefire without preconditions. However, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has not ceased. Instead of imposing new conditions and launching continued attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure that cause more and more victims, Russia must now show it is serious about ending its war. We call on Russia to stop its delaying tactics and reciprocate by agreeing without delay, as Ukraine has done, to an immediate, unconditional ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We need to see progress within a clear timeframe.

Building on the recent meetings in Paris and London, we took forward the discussion on how best to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which is vital for Ukraine, for Europe and for the whole international community.

We remain committed to further political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, together with our international partners. To this end, we will strengthen Ukraine through significant short- and long-term military support, also in the framework of Capability Coalitions and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which will hold its next meeting on 11 April. Many European partners, including the members of this group, have made substantive additional pledges to support Ukraine militarily and are planning similar commitments in the future.

We also stand ready to apply further pressure on Russia using all tools available, including by adopting new sanctions, to hinder its ability to wage its war of aggression and to ensure Ukraine is placed in the best position possible to secure a just and lasting peace. We reiterate that Russia’s assets should remain immobilized until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused.

We are also strongly committed to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The progress made on establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, within the framework of the Council of Europe, is an important step.

A credible pathway to peace must include humanitarian relief efforts, notably the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilians and the return of all Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully deported and transferred to Russia and Belarus.

We support efforts for a ceasefire that can lead to the establishment of a just and lasting peace. We welcome recent progress to define the essential elements for a viable and sustainable ceasefire, including a clear framework of monitoring and verification.

Peace must be sustainable, backed by effective guarantees to prevent further acts of aggression. Real, robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine are an indispensable element of a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraine’s sovereign right to determine its security relationships with its partners, and on the duty of the international community to prevent future Russian aggression. We stand ready to play a leading role in this regard.

Peace must be just, and Russia’s war of aggression cannot end with a reward to the aggressor. There can be no agreement that compromises on Euro-Atlantic security and the independence, sovereignty territorial integrity of Ukraine. We will not accept any agreement that restricts Ukraine’s military and defence industry or the military presence of partner countries in Ukraine.

We stand ready to do our share in order to achieve this peace. Europe now provides almost two-thirds of all support to Ukraine, and 60% of military aid. We reiterate our ironclad commitment to NATO as the bedrock of Euro-Atlantic security and commit to take on greater responsibility for the future of the security and defence of the European continent, aiming at a significant result at the summit in The Hague.

We reiterate the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny and to defend its democracy. Ukraine’s future is in Europe and in the European Union, and Ukraine’s future is crucial for the security of Europe. Europe must be fully involved in the negotiations and will make its own decisions.

We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners.

We reaffirm our commitment to our democratic values, and to further engage with our global partners in order to promote together a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the universal principles of the United Nations Charter.

We reaffirm that Europe must assume more responsibility for its own security and become better equipped and deal with immediate and future challenges. (…)./.

MIL OSI Europe News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Investigators roll up mafia-style organisation in Italy and Germany
Source: Eurojust

An extensive five-year investigation into an ‘Ndrangheta mafia-style organisation active in Germany and Italy has led to the arrest of 29 suspects during a joint operation by Italian and German authorities, supported by Eurojust. The mafia-style group was responsible for a number of crimes in the Stuttgart area, and Calabria and Emilia-Romagna, including fraudulent trade in food products, attempted manslaughter, drug trafficking, tax evasion and money laundering.
The joint operation was coordinated from the Eurojust premises in The Hague. Authorities worked together to carry out around 40 searches in Germany and Italy. Ten of the suspects were arrested in Germany and 19 in Italy. Among those arrested in Germany is a police officer, who is suspected of supporting the criminal organisation.

During the joint actions in both countries, carried out today, over 350 law enforcement officers were deployed. German officers were involved in the operations on the ground in Italy and vice versa.

To carry out the investigation, a joint investigation team (JIT) was set up via Eurojust, which assisted the rapid and efficient collaboration between the authorities involved. The authorities worked together to investigate a number of crimes linked to the ‘Ndrangheta-related organisation, agreeing on a coordinated prosecution strategy.

The organised crime group (OCG) is suspected to have carried out several crimes throughout Italy and Germany, but mostly around the Stuttgart area. The crimes they are being investigated for include the formation and support of a foreign criminal organisation, arson, disclosure of confidential information, drug trafficking, money laundering and attempted manslaughter.

Specific investigations especially brought to light an elaborate fraud with high-value food products, such as expensive cheeses and olive oil, as well as kitchen equipment for pizza production. These products were ordered via a fake company, which didn’t pay any invoices, and the goods were later sold on via another enterprise to Italian restaurants in and around Stuttgart, who were put under pressure by the OCG to buy the products from them.

The following authorities carried out the operations:
- Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Catanzaro – District Anti-Mafia Directorate: Investigative Section of the Central Operational Service (SISCO) of Catanzaro and Mobile Squad of Police Headquarters of Catanzaro, with the coordination of the Central Operational Service of the Central Anti-Crime Directorate of the State Police, supported in the executive phase by Mobile Squads of Cosenza, Modena, Parma, Ferrara and Grosseto and SISCO of Bologna and Florence, from the Crime Prevention Departments ‘Northern – Southern and Central Calabria’, including anti-drug dog units
- Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Stuttgart; Aalen Police Headquarters; Waiblingen Criminal Investigation Department
MIL Security OSI –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DECARBONIZATION IN THE STEEL SECTOR
Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

The steps including adoption of green technologies, carbon capture and recycling initiatives taken by Government to decarbonize the steel sector in India areas under:-
1. Ministry has released the Taxonomy for Green Steel to provide standards for defining and categorizing the low emission steel.
2. Ministry of Steel has released a report titled “Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan” in alignment with the recommendations of the 14 Task Forces constituted by this Ministry for this purpose which provides the future roadmap for green steel and sustainability, towards net-zero target by 2070. The report is available on Ministry of Steel’s website.
- III. Ministry of Steel has awarded 07 pilot projects for implementation of pilot projects for use of hydrogen in steel sector under National Green Hydrogen Mission launched by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
- IV. National Solar Mission launched by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in January, 2010 promotes the use of solar energy and also helps to reduce the emission of steel industry.
1. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has formulated the Vehicle Scrapping Policy that includes a system of incentives/disincentives for creation of an ecosystem to phase out older, unfit polluting vehicles. Under the policy, MoRTH has issued rules for Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF), which provides the procedures and infrastructure facilities required for de-pollution and dismantling of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) for further recovery of metal and other materials under environmental regulations.
- VI. Ministry of Mines has brought out ‘National Non-ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework, 2020’ to promote a formal and well-organized recycling ecosystem. The Framework lays down standard procedures for recycling and processing of scrap and developing a mechanism for facilitating the Metal scrap recycling activities.
1. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has introduced the Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025, which establishes a framework for managing End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in an environmentally sound manner and mandates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring vehicle producers to meet annual scrapping targets based on the type of vehicle and materials recovered.
2. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) has been notified by the Government (Ministry of Power) on 28^thJune,2023, which provides an overall framework for the functioning of the Indian Carbon Market.
CPSEs of Ministry of Steel are collaborating with eminent technology providers such as M/s BHP from Australia, M/s SMS from Germany, M/s Primetal Technologies from United Kingdom, M/s John Cockerill India Limited from Belgium, M/s Ram Charan Company Pvt. Ltd., Madras, National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCoE-CCU) of IIT, Bombay and Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd. to promote low carbon steel production.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

*****

TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117302) Visitor Counter : 150

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Christine Lagarde: The transformative power of AI

Source: European Central Bank

Welcome address by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the ECB conference on “The transformative power of AI: economic implications and challenges” in Frankfurt, Germany.

Frankfurt, 1 April 2025

It is a pleasure to welcome you to our conference on the transformative power of AI.

In the early stages of a new technological breakthrough, it is often hard to discern fact from fiction. We struggle to imagine the ways in which the new technology will be used. And even if we predict the direction of technological change correctly, we rarely get the timeline or the size of the impacts right.

Today, we sometimes hear claims that AI is improving so fast that we are only a few years away from the nature of work being radically reformed. But we also hear arguments that the same barriers that slowed down the adoption of all past technologies will also delay AI adoption.

I cannot claim to know which vision will prove to be correct. But the early evidence is promising and, in my view, we must act on the basis that we are facing an economic revolution. This attitude will be particularly important here in Europe.

On this side of the Atlantic, we are still paying the price for having been too slow to capitalise on the last major digital revolution, the internet. The tech sector explains around two-thirds of the productivity gap between the EU and the United States since the turn of the century.

And now we are faced with a technology that can improve its own performance through self-learning mechanisms and feedback loops, enabling even more rapid advances and innovations. The risks of underestimating the potential of AI, and falling behind again, are simply too great to be ignored.

What’s more, we are facing a new geopolitical environment in which we can no longer be sure that we will have frictionless access to new technologies developed overseas. This new reality strengthens the case for Europe to establish itself at the technological frontier.

There are two main areas where we should expect, and prepare for, major changes in the economy.

The first is productivity.

We can already see the productivity effects of AI in sectors like the US tech sector, where output is expanding while employment is falling.^[1] But we are still in the early phase of the “productivity J-curve”, where new technologies diffuse to the wider economy and are reflected in GDP.

As such, estimates about the productivity gains of AI vary widely – but even at the lower end they would be a game changer for Europe.

One widely accepted methodology estimates that the euro area could see a boost to total factor productivity (TFP) of around 0.3 percentage points per year over the next ten years.^[2] Compare that with the past decade, when annual TFP growth averaged just 0.5%.

Other estimates point to much larger gains, with productivity expected to grow 1.5 percentage points faster annually if AI is widely adopted over the next decade.^[3]

Whether Europe can achieve such productivity gains will depend on whether we can improve the environment for AI innovation and diffusion.

This comes down to funding, regulation and energy.

As I have been arguing for some time, Europe’s relatively small venture capital ecosystem is a major hindrance to building foundational models in the EU.^[4] Between 2018 and 2023, around €33 billion was invested in AI companies in the EU, compared with more than €120 billion in their US peers.^[5]

Building and developing this technology also requires considerable investment in data centres, and the EU currently has around 4 times fewer dedicated sites than the US.^[6]

At the same time, ECB research finds that regulation and a lack of institutional quality are particularly detrimental to the expansion of high-tech sectors relative to more mature technologies. Investing in radical technologies is highly risky and needs a different set of framework conditions.^[7]

The adoption of AI, for example, depends on access to data pools to train models, which requires smart regulation to avoid data fragmentation while ensuring data protection. It also requires good institutions as, for instance, effective legal systems are needed to defend a non-patentable asset like a set of AI prompts.

Our research shows that if the EU’s average institutional delivery were raised to the level of best practice, AI-intensive sectors would see their share in investment rise by more than 10 percentage points.^[8]

Finally, unless we see major breakthroughs in efficiency, Europe’s energy supply constraints could pose a challenge to the diffusion of AI through the economy in the future.

The power consumption of data centres is expected to triple in Europe by the end of the decade.^[9] AI training and inference is extremely energy-intensive.^[10] And this surge in demand comes at a time when the green transition is also increasing the demand for electricity, for example for charging battery electric vehicles.

There is now a clear policy agenda in Europe to address these barriers. It is widely recognised that we need to build a savings and investment union to jump-start European venture capital, that we must simplify complex digital regulations and improve permitting speeds, and that we have to massively increase investment in data centres, fibre-optic networks and electricity grids.

But for Europe to make the most of the AI revolution, how the productivity gains from AI are harnessed also matters. Labour productivity can be increased either by reducing labour inputs relative to outputs, or by raising outputs relative to inputs. The employment implications of each route are vastly different.

This brings me to the second area of major change: the effect of AI on labour markets.

According to ECB research, between 23% and 29% of workers in Europe are highly exposed to AI.^[11] This does not necessarily herald a “job apocalypse”. It is reasonable to expect that AI will follow historical patterns by displacing some jobs while creating new one.^[12]

But there are two new questions that this technology poses.

First, will the pace of technological change be faster than in previous transitions? This question is critical for Europe, as our social model and traditionally high levels of job protection make it hard to see how a transition that leads to massive job reallocations could avoid a major backlash.

The key factor will be whether AI leans more towards job displacement via its “automation potential”, or towards changes in the nature of work via its “augmentation potential”. In the augmentation scenario, workers will still need to adapt to changing roles and tasks, but the transition will likely be easier.

Recent research by the ILO finds that only a small share of jobs – around 5% in advanced economies – meet the criteria for high automation. But a much larger share – over 13% – meet the criteria for high augmentation.^[13]

The second question is about the distribution of gains.

Early studies suggested that AI could increase the productivity of lower-skilled workers the most.^[14] But newer studies looking at more complex tasks – like scientific research^[15], running a business^[16]and investing^[17]– tell a different story. High performers benefit disproportionately and, in some cases, less productive workers see no improvements at all.

So even if AI augments more than it automates, we are likely to see an increase in labour market inequality. Demand for higher-skilled workers who can use AI most effectively will rise, while those less able to learn new skills could suffer.

All told, I do see a path for Europe to adopt AI without fracturing its social model. But it will require massive complementary investments in skills to prevent a rise in inequality.

Crucially, this will not require everyone to become coders, which would probably set the bar too high. According to the OECD, most workers who will be exposed to AI will not need specialised AI skills to get ahead in their careers.

In fact, the most sought-after skills in highly exposed jobs will be linked to management and business – skills that many people have the capacity to learn.^[18]

The CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, has described the potential capabilities of AI as being like “a country of geniuses in a data centre”.^[19] If this proves to be correct, it is both an awesome prospect for humanity and a daunting one for individual workers.

I believe we must act today, and especially in Europe, with the mindset that this future will likely come to pass. We must remove all the barriers that will prevent us from being at the forefront of this revolution.

But we must also prepare for the human and climate impacts of this transition, and we need to start now.

I trust that this conference will generate the ideas we need to move forwards.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementation of safe and secure parking areas – E-001308/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001308/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomas Tobé (PPE)

In 2022, the Transported Asset Protection Association estimated that 26 000 cases of attacks against trucks occur every year in Germany alone. This equates to one attack every 20 minutes. Not only does this cost businesses more than EUR 2 billion annually, but it also creates an unsafe work environment for truck drivers across Europe.[1] Moreover, there is no indication that the situation has improved since 2022 – quite the opposite.

The Trans-European Transport Network Regulation demands safe and secure parking areas for trucks every 150 km along the network, with an implementation deadline of 2040.[2] In the confirmation hearing, Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated that these parking areas would be delivered even earlier than the 2040 deadline.

In the light of this:

1.How does the Commission plan to ensure sufficient safe and secure parking areas before the 2040 deadline?

2.What advantages does the Commission see in public-private partnerships to speed up the implementation of these parking areas?

3.Since taking office, what measures has the Commission taken to increase the number of safe and secure parking areas?

Submitted: 28.3.2025

[1] https://tapaemea.org/intelligence/germany-spotlight/.

[2] Article 31(4) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 Jun 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013, OJ L, 2024/1679, 28.6.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj.
Last updated: 1 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Green Deal undermining the operational efficiency of police forces – E-001286/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001286/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

The obsessive promotion of the Green Deal has led to the imposition of electric transport even in critical areas such as public safety, without any serious assessment of the operational efficiency of the new technologies. In Germany, according to the Police Trade Union (DPolG), patrol vehicles are being forced to abandon missions because they run out of battery power, while police officers are left stranded at charging stations instead of responding to incidents. Similar problems are also reported in the United Kingdom.

Nevertheless, the use of electric vehicles is already expanding to police forces in other Member States, such as Greece, the Netherlands, Italy and many others, without any unified European framework for assessing the risks involved in their use in emergency responses.

In light of this:

1.Does the Commission consider it acceptable to put citizens’ safety at risk in order to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal?

2.Has any study been carried out on the operational consequences of imposing electric vehicles on Member States’ security forces? If not, why not?

3.Does the Commission recognise that the generalised and unconsidered application of ‘green’ policies in key areas such as policing may undermine the effectiveness of the rule of law?

Submitted: 27.3.2025
Last updated: 1 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Import of certain products from Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany suspended01 April 2025 The States Veterinary Officer has suspended the import of certain products from Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and parts of Germany, following outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease. Fresh meat, dairy… Read more
Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

01 April 2025

The States Veterinary Officer has suspended the import of certain products from Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and parts of Germany, following outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Fresh meat, dairy products, animal-by products, and live susceptible animals from Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, or the ‘Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) restricted zones’ in Germany must not be imported into Jersey.

Reminder ahead of the Easter Holidays:

Individuals can only bring certain products of susceptible animals from the EU (excluding Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and parts of Germany), EFTA states, the Faroe Islands and Greenland into Jersey for personal consumption.

Products* brought in from these countries must:
- have been produced and packaged to EU commercial standards and weigh no more than 2kg per person
- bear an identification or health mark, or commercial labelling if it is an animal by-product, to evidence it is commercially produced.
*This applies to fresh meat, meat products, milk, milk products, and animal by products of susceptible species.

Individuals must not bring any of the listed products from Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia into Jersey for personal consumption, including commercially produced and packaged.

For more info, visit: Gov.je

The States Veterinary Officer, Susana Ramos, said: “The suspension aims to protect the Island’s livestock, following the reported outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in livestock in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. There are no known cases in Jersey. “Islanders are to be reassured that Foot and Mouth Disease is not a risk to humans. However, it is a severe contagious viral disease in livestock including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs -those with a cloven-hoof.

“The Animal Health and Welfare team continue to monitor the situation to determine whether any further restrictions will be necessary.”
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Christine Lagarde: The transformative power of AI

Source: European Central Bank

Welcome address by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the ECB conference on “The transformative power of AI: economic implications and challenges” in Frankfurt, Germany.

Frankfurt, 1 April 2025

It is a pleasure to welcome you to our conference on the transformative power of AI.

In the early stages of a new technological breakthrough, it is often hard to discern fact from fiction. We struggle to imagine the ways in which the new technology will be used. And even if we predict the direction of technological change correctly, we rarely get the timeline or the size of the impacts right.

Today, we sometimes hear claims that AI is improving so fast that we are only a few years away from the nature of work being radically reformed. But we also hear arguments that the same barriers that slowed down the adoption of all past technologies will also delay AI adoption.

I cannot claim to know which vision will prove to be correct. But the early evidence is promising and, in my view, we must act on the basis that we are facing an economic revolution. This attitude will be particularly important here in Europe.

On this side of the Atlantic, we are still paying the price for having been too slow to capitalise on the last major digital revolution, the internet. The tech sector explains around two-thirds of the productivity gap between the EU and the United States since the turn of the century.

And now we are faced with a technology that can improve its own performance through self-learning mechanisms and feedback loops, enabling even more rapid advances and innovations. The risks of underestimating the potential of AI, and falling behind again, are simply too great to be ignored.

What’s more, we are facing a new geopolitical environment in which we can no longer be sure that we will have frictionless access to new technologies developed overseas. This new reality strengthens the case for Europe to establish itself at the technological frontier.

There are two main areas where we should expect, and prepare for, major changes in the economy.

The first is productivity.

We can already see the productivity effects of AI in sectors like the US tech sector, where output is expanding while employment is falling.^[1] But we are still in the early phase of the “productivity J-curve”, where new technologies diffuse to the wider economy and are reflected in GDP.

As such, estimates about the productivity gains of AI vary widely – but even at the lower end they would be a game changer for Europe.

One widely accepted methodology estimates that the euro area could see a boost to total factor productivity (TFP) of around 0.3 percentage points per year over the next ten years.^[2] Compare that with the past decade, when annual TFP growth averaged just 0.5%.

Other estimates point to much larger gains, with productivity expected to grow 1.5 percentage points faster annually if AI is widely adopted over the next decade.^[3]

Whether Europe can achieve such productivity gains will depend on whether we can improve the environment for AI innovation and diffusion.

This comes down to funding, regulation and energy.

As I have been arguing for some time, Europe’s relatively small venture capital ecosystem is a major hindrance to building foundational models in the EU.^[4] Between 2018 and 2023, around €33 billion was invested in AI companies in the EU, compared with more than €120 billion in their US peers.^[5]

Building and developing this technology also requires considerable investment in data centres, and the EU currently has around 4 times fewer dedicated sites than the US.^[6]

At the same time, ECB research finds that regulation and a lack of institutional quality are particularly detrimental to the expansion of high-tech sectors relative to more mature technologies. Investing in radical technologies is highly risky and needs a different set of framework conditions.^[7]

The adoption of AI, for example, depends on access to data pools to train models, which requires smart regulation to avoid data fragmentation while ensuring data protection. It also requires good institutions as, for instance, effective legal systems are needed to defend a non-patentable asset like a set of AI prompts.

Our research shows that if the EU’s average institutional delivery were raised to the level of best practice, AI-intensive sectors would see their share in investment rise by more than 10 percentage points.^[8]

Finally, unless we see major breakthroughs in efficiency, Europe’s energy supply constraints could pose a challenge to the diffusion of AI through the economy in the future.

The power consumption of data centres is expected to triple in Europe by the end of the decade.^[9] AI training and inference is extremely energy-intensive.^[10] And this surge in demand comes at a time when the green transition is also increasing the demand for electricity, for example for charging battery electric vehicles.

There is now a clear policy agenda in Europe to address these barriers. It is widely recognised that we need to build a savings and investment union to jump-start European venture capital, that we must simplify complex digital regulations and improve permitting speeds, and that we have to massively increase investment in data centres, fibre-optic networks and electricity grids.

But for Europe to make the most of the AI revolution, how the productivity gains from AI are harnessed also matters. Labour productivity can be increased either by reducing labour inputs relative to outputs, or by raising outputs relative to inputs. The employment implications of each route are vastly different.

This brings me to the second area of major change: the effect of AI on labour markets.

According to ECB research, between 23% and 29% of workers in Europe are highly exposed to AI.^[11] This does not necessarily herald a “job apocalypse”. It is reasonable to expect that AI will follow historical patterns by displacing some jobs while creating new one.^[12]

But there are two new questions that this technology poses.

First, will the pace of technological change be faster than in previous transitions? This question is critical for Europe, as our social model and traditionally high levels of job protection make it hard to see how a transition that leads to massive job reallocations could avoid a major backlash.

The key factor will be whether AI leans more towards job displacement via its “automation potential”, or towards changes in the nature of work via its “augmentation potential”. In the augmentation scenario, workers will still need to adapt to changing roles and tasks, but the transition will likely be easier.

Recent research by the ILO finds that only a small share of jobs – around 5% in advanced economies – meet the criteria for high automation. But a much larger share – over 13% – meet the criteria for high augmentation.^[13]

The second question is about the distribution of gains.

Early studies suggested that AI could increase the productivity of lower-skilled workers the most.^[14] But newer studies looking at more complex tasks – like scientific research^[15], running a business^[16]and investing^[17]– tell a different story. High performers benefit disproportionately and, in some cases, less productive workers see no improvements at all.

So even if AI augments more than it automates, we are likely to see an increase in labour market inequality. Demand for higher-skilled workers who can use AI most effectively will rise, while those less able to learn new skills could suffer.

All told, I do see a path for Europe to adopt AI without fracturing its social model. But it will require massive complementary investments in skills to prevent a rise in inequality.

Crucially, this will not require everyone to become coders, which would probably set the bar too high. According to the OECD, most workers who will be exposed to AI will not need specialised AI skills to get ahead in their careers.

In fact, the most sought-after skills in highly exposed jobs will be linked to management and business – skills that many people have the capacity to learn.^[18]

The CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, has described the potential capabilities of AI as being like “a country of geniuses in a data centre”.^[19] If this proves to be correct, it is both an awesome prospect for humanity and a daunting one for individual workers.

I believe we must act today, and especially in Europe, with the mindset that this future will likely come to pass. We must remove all the barriers that will prevent us from being at the forefront of this revolution.

But we must also prepare for the human and climate impacts of this transition, and we need to start now.

I trust that this conference will generate the ideas we need to move forwards.

MIL OSI Europe News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Cannabis retail expansion in Canada came with only a small uptick in the number of consumers

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Michael J. Armstrong, Associate Professor, Operations Research, Brock University

Ever since recreational cannabis was legalized across Canada in 2018, researchers have been studying what that decision changed for Canadians.

We’ve learned, for example, that some patients immediately left the medical cannabis system, presumably to use recreational products instead. Conversely, legalization appeared to have no effect on Canadian alcohol sales.

We’ve similarly seen how cannabis retailing has evolved since it became legal.

Retailers suffered from product shortages during legalization’s first six months, but steadily expanded soon after. Canada went from having some 210 stores in April 2019 to 3,500 in April 2023. The ensuing competition pushed prices down 28 per cent during that period.

Meanwhile, provincial governments have tried various regulatory approaches. Some initially restricted the number of stores to avoid tempting non-users. Québec still has 10 times fewer stores per capita than Ontario does as a result. Other provinces have set minimum prices to discourage people from overindulging. For example, Ontario won’t let wholesale prices drop below $2.28 per gram.

These developments in business and government policy prompted my latest research. I wanted to understand what effect retail expansion had on cannabis use. To do this, I analyzed consumer responses on government surveys collected between 2019 to 2023. I then compared these responses to the recreational cannabis consumer price index and the numbers of licensed stores in each province.

Did Canadians consume cannabis more widely, more frequently and at younger ages as it became more accessible and affordable? The answer was mostly no.

More women and older adult consumers

The percentage of men who used cannabis stayed around 28 per cent between 2019 and 2023 — despite retailers’ massive store growth and notable price cuts.

But usage did grow slightly among women — rising from 21 per cent in 2019 to 23 per cent in 2023. My analysis suggests this was related to the increasing affordability of cannabis, not its retail convenience. More women consumed cannabis when prices fell, not when more shops opened.

A similar contrast appeared between younger and older adults. Cannabis use among Canadians aged 25 and over crept upward from 21 to 23 per cent. That increase again seemed related to falling prices rather than expanding stores. Meanwhile, usage among those aged 16 to 24 varied year-to-year, but remained around 46 per cent.

The average age of first-time use consequently rose from 19.2 in 2019 to 20.8 years old in 2023. This finding also seemed correlated with both falling prices and expanding stores.

Same frequency, more edibles

One thing that didn’t change much was frequency of use. About one-quarter of cannabis consumers used it five or more days per week in both 2019 and 2023.

However, their product preferences shifted. The percentage who smoked dried cannabis decreased while the percentage of consumers who consumed edibles increased. Some consumers used both types of products, or used other products entirely — such as vapes. Both changes seemed related to prices rather than the number of retail stores. Consumers seemingly traded-up from basic dried cannabis to processed edibles as prices fell.

So overall, Canada’s substantial retail developments came with only modest usage growth.

The apparent relationships between usage and price might partly be coincidental. Product selection and quality also improved, so they likely contributed too. But falling prices do seem to be a plausible explanation for the increased cannabis consumption that was seen.

The lack of relationship between stores and usage might seem surprising. After all, Canada experienced a 16-fold explosion in stores between 2019 and 2023. But this finding correlates with what my previous research found; it showed that between 2018 and 2020, there was a similar non-relationship between retail expansion of cannabis stores and usage.

Read more:
Cannabis store openings in Canada only slightly affected the number of users

So, perhaps the main effect of retail stores was to draw existing users away from illegal dealers, rather than to tempt new ones.

I suspect retailers probably influenced usage somewhat in their local neighbourhoods. For example, someone who walked by a new store daily on their way to work might have decided to try cannabis. But this effect would have been too small to appear in province-level measurements.

Price restriction

The findings from my study suggests some tentative lessons for regulators.

If opening more stores has minimal impact on usage, there’s little need to limit their numbers. Provinces don’t need to ration store licenses, and municipalities (like Markham and Oakville in Ontario) don’t need to ban them.

But since price declines tempt more consumers, it’s important for policymakers to prevent prices from getting too low.

Other countries who are considering legalizing cannabis may want to consider these points, too.

For example, medical cannabis use is surging in Australia, much like it was in Canada a decade ago. And Australia’s Green Party is campaigning for recreational legalization in the upcoming federal election. If that election produces a coalition government, legalization might be on its agenda. They could look at our policies and hopefully improve on them.

Meanwhile in Germany, the previous government legalized recreational use, but not sales. So, Germans must grow their own plants or join a club that does. Commercial products are sold only through the country’s medical cannabis system. Unsurprisingly, medical use is soaring there. Based on what my research suggests, Germany will likely see similar usage growth, whether it allows stores or not. But allowing stores would mean consumers could buy products from licensed sources instead of illicit dealers.

Canada’s cannabis legalization was controversial at the time. But some Canadians say it has become a memorable part of Justin Trudeau’s complicated legacy. Now that he’s no longer prime minister, that’s something he and his biographers can contemplate.

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

– ref. Cannabis retail expansion in Canada came with only a small uptick in the number of consumers – https://theconversation.com/cannabis-retail-expansion-in-canada-came-with-only-a-small-uptick-in-the-number-of-consumers-252008

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: BaFin warns of the Brahams & Goldbach Group

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) is warning of offers made by the Brahams & Goldbach Group. According to its findings, the company offers, in particular, the alleged brokerage of fixed-term and overnight deposits with European banks.

The website brahams-goldbach-group.com also presents further capital investment opportunities. The operator also appears there under the name ‘MA BV Brahams & Goldbach Group’. Addresses in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Brussels, Belgium, are given on the website as business addresses. In forms used by the Brahams & Goldbach Group, a further address in Pijnacker, the Netherlands, is also given.

Anyone offering banking transactions or financial and investment services in Germany requires a licence from BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without having the required licence. You can find information on whether a particular company is authorised by BaFin in the company database.

The information provided by BaFin is based on Section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz).

You should know this!

BaFin issues warnings about dubious fixed-term deposit offers.

In the ‘Recognising financial fraud’ section, you will find current warnings from BaFin about unauthorised companies and learn how you can protect yourself from further fraud on the financial market.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Germany: NORD/LB and EIB announce EUR 165 Million Partnership to back Renewable Energy investment across Europe

Source: European Investment Bank

EIB

NORD/LB Norddeutsche Landesbank (NORD/LB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have today announced a significant partnership aimed at accelerating the transition to clean energy across the European Union.

The new financing will back new small and medium-sized renewable energy projects throughout Europe.

Bernhard Kluttig, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, said, “Accelerating investment in renewable energy is not just a crucial step in tackling climate change, it’s also a tremendous opportunity for German and European businesses. This partnership between NORD/LB and the EIB, supporting vital projects like photovoltaics, onshore wind, and battery storage, will strengthen our energy independence and drive innovation and growth in the clean tech sector. Initiatives like these are essential to realizing our climate goals while simultaneously fostering a competitive and sustainable economy.”

The financing agreement was formally signed at the Hannover Messe by European Investment Bank Vice President Nicola Beer and NORD/LB CEO Jörg Frischholz, in the presence of Bernhard Kluttig State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Action at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Jörg Frischholz, Chief Executive Officer of NORD/LB, said, “As a long-standing partner of the EIB, NORD/LB is pleased to strengthen our partnership to support the green transition and enable our clients to invest in a range of new renewable energy projects. Today’s agreement builds on the success of our cooperation and our shared commitment to support clean energy investment and innovation “.

Nicola Beer, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, commented, “Backing investment to harness renewable energy across the EU is crucial for delivering the energy transition, improving energy security and as we see here at the Hannover Messe, building on Europe’s clean tech strengths. Together the EIB and NordLB are ensuring that renewable energy can be scaled up across Europe, so that energy prices can come down”.

Under the initiative, the EIB will provide EUR 125 million and NORD/LB will provide further financing, to strengthen access to finance essential to accelerate deployment of crucial renewable energy infrastructure. The financing will specifically target projects in key areas such as photovoltaic systems, onshore wind farms, and battery storage within European Union countries.

This builds on the successful deployment of the first part of the initiative over the last year that has supported large-scale wind and solar projects in Germany and France.

Background information

About NORD/LB

The NORD/LB Norddeutsche Landesbank is a leading German commercial bank and part of the S-Finance Group. Its core business areas include corporate clients, special financing in the energy and infrastructure sectors as well as commercial real estate financing via Deutsche Hypo, capital market business, association business with savings banks, and private and commercial clients including private banking. The bank has its headquarters in Hannover, Braunschweig, and Magdeburg, with branches in other German cities and international locations including Luxembourg, London, New York, and Singapore.

About the EIB

As the EU’s climate bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB) finances projects in four priority areas: climate and environment, development, innovation and skills, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), infrastructure. The EIB works closely with EU institutions to implement the European Green Deal.

NORD/LB
Germany: NORD/LB and EIB announce EUR 165 Million Partnership to back Renewable Energy investment across Europe
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NORD/LB and EIB announce EUR 165 Million Partnership to back Renewable Energy investment across Europe
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Germany: NORD/LB and EIB announce EUR 165 Million Partnership to back Renewable Energy investment across Europe
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MIL OSI Europe News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: CORRECTION – XCharge’s GridLink Achieves Landmark Certification in the US, Setting New Standards for Safety and Efficiency

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HAMBURG, Germany, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XCHG Limited (“XCharge” or the “Company”), (NASDAQ: XCH), a global leader in integrated EV charging solutions, today announced that its innovative GridLink system has received prestigious certifications in the United States, including UL 1973 and UL 9540A. These certifications represent the benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and grid compliance, reinforcing GridLink’s position in the energy storage market.

Advanced Fire Safety Measures and Compliance

GridLink’s certification under UL 1973 and UL 9540A underscores its exceptional safety standards. The system incorporates advanced fire safety measures, including built-in fire suppression water tanks in each battery cabinet, to prevent thermal runaway and protect individual battery packs. Additionally, the system’s IP65-rated sealing and UL 9540A certification provide robust protection against environmental factors.

To meet U.S. grid interconnection standards, GridLink’s bidirectional converter complies with UL 1741, ensuring seamless integration with the nation’s energy infrastructure. These certifications collectively highlight the Company’s commitment to delivering safe and reliable solutions for the evolving energy landscape.

DC High-Voltage Air Conditioning: A Breakthrough in Efficiency

GridLink introduces a DC high-voltage air conditioning system that achieves 2% greater efficiency than conventional AC-based systems while adapting to various voltage ranges across the United States. This innovative approach not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances overall system performance, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions.

Comprehensive Safety Monitoring and Dual Electrical Protection

GridLink’s four-dimensional safety monitoring system provides unparalleled oversight, detecting potential risks, including electricity, infrared light, heat, and gases such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The system’s dual electrical protection—combining active and passive measures—ensures rapid automatic disconnection of the main circuit under critical conditions, safeguarding both users and infrastructure.

Modular and Flexible Design for Long-Term Reliability

GridLink’s modular design allows for the seamless replacement of individual battery packs, reducing maintenance costs and extending the system’s lifecycle. With certified battery cells, GridLink delivers enhanced safety and reliability, further solidifying its position as a cutting-edge energy storage solution.

“Achieving these certifications is a testament to GridLink’s quality and innovation,” commented Aatish Patel, President of XCharge. “The rigorous standards validate our commitment to safety, efficiency, and grid compliance, setting a new benchmark for the industry. GridLink’s proprietary technologies and modular design reflect our dedication to pioneering solutions that meet the dynamic needs of the energy market.”

GridLink’s certification marks a significant milestone for XCharge’s expansion in the U.S. market. By ensuring superior safety, grid compliance, and operational efficiency, GridLink represents a leap forward in energy storage and grid integration, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future. As always, XCharge remains committed to leading and fostering growth through innovation and leveraging technology to enhance safety while building a global green future.

About XCharge

XCharge, founded in 2015, is a global leader in integrated EV charging solutions. The Company offers comprehensive EV charging solutions which primarily include the DC fast chargers, the advanced battery-integrated DC fast chargers, as well as its accompanying services. Through the combination of XCharge’s proprietary charging technology, energy storage system technology, and accompanying services, the Company enhances EV charging efficiency and unlocks the value of energy storage and management. Committed to providing innovative and efficient EV charging solutions, XCharge is actively working towards establishing a global green future that is critical to long-term growth and development.

For more information, please visit: https://investors.xcharge.com/

Safe harbor statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

XCharge
IR Department
Email: ir@xcharge.com

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677
Email: XCharge@tpg-ir.com

The MIL Network –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Leading the Way in Medical Readiness

Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

—————
@usarmy solders assigned to @landstuhlregionalmedicalce4025 from the Medical Readiness Command participated in 2025 Best Leader Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Bavaria, Germany.

For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
—————
Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SVKwWH0oAs

MIL OSI Video –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Payslip boost for millions as new minimum wage rates take effect
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Payslip boost for millions as new minimum wage rates take effect

Over 3 million eligible workers set for a pay rise of up to £1,400 a year as new National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates take effect.
Pay rise worth an extra £1,400 per year for an eligible full-time worker delivered from today.

New rates put more money back into the pockets of working people, boosting productivity and ending low pay.

More money to be spent in Britain’s high streets, kickstarting growth as part of the Plan for Change.

Eligible full-time workers are set for a pay boost of up to £117 from this month thanks to the Government’s increase in the National Living Wage, which comes into effect today.

The move – which delivers the Government’s pledge to increase living standards in the Plan for Change – will put more money straight into working people’s pockets.

Thanks to the decision made in the Autumn Budget, the uplift means more money can be spent on the high street to boost the local economy and help kickstart economic growth – the Government’s central mission in its Plan for Change.

The changes will also see a pay boost for Britain’s young people – with the National Minimum Wage for younger workers and apprentices seeing a record cash increase.

This is the first step towards removing the unfair minimum wage age-bands that see a 21-year-old getting paid more than a 20-year-old for doing the same job.

Already, the UK is second in the G7 in terms of the minimum wage relative to average wages for a full-time worker – ahead of the US, Germany and Japan. This makes it one of the most financially secure countries in the world for workers.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

This pay rise for over 3 million of the lowest paid workers was a priority for this government and means we’re already giving hard working people more money in their pockets and a proper wage increase worth over twice the rate of inflation.

These changes are part of our Plan for Change – to raise living standards for people across the county, including apprentices and young people, giving them more job security and the huge pay boost they deserve too.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

In the last Parliament, living standards were the worst on record and sky-high inflation was crushing working people’s finances.

Today we have raised the national minimum and living wages, meaning the lowest paid will receive an annual pay boost of up to £2,500 – something that wouldn’t have happened without my Budget last year.

Making work pay is good for workers, will strengthen businesses’ workforces, and will grow our economy for years to come. It’s a key milestone on my number one mission to get more money in people’s pockets as we deliver our Plan for Change.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

We promised to make low pay a thing of the past. Now, as part of our Plan for Change and the biggest upgrade to worker’s rights in a generation, we are delivering that.

Low pay is not only bad for workers, it prevents them from spending on our high streets and allowing local businesses to achieve their full potential.

By ensuring that everyone gets a fair wage for the hours they work, we’re delivering the financial stability needed to kick-start economic growth and ensure our country is fit for the future.

The Government is spending billions to support people suffering with the cost of living pressure that were inherited by the previous administration. This includes:

£7.8 billion on State Pension spending, in line with the Triple Lock commitment so pensioners don’t get left behind

£3 billion to freeze the fuel duty – to help Britain’s drivers

£1 billion, including Barnett impact, to extend the Household Support Fund in England and Discretionary Housing Payments in England and Wales in 2025-2026

£460 million on Warm Homes – to help the poorest households heath their homes

£25 million boost for the carers allowance to better support people caring for a loved one.

This is on top of the additional £7.8bn that the government is spending in 25/26 to protect the value of the state pension and to reflect changes in the population.

The Government is clear that the mission to grow the economy and raise living standards is a top priority and a strong economy can only be built when people have financial security whilst in work.

Recent research from ReWAGE and the University of Warwick shows that low pay can lead to mental health issues including depression, meaning more lost days and crippling productivity, leaving employers carrying the cost burden as well increasing costs to public services such as the NHS.

By putting more money into the pockets of the lowest paid, this increases workers’ financial security instead offering stability to help increase staff retention and lowering recruitment costs for businesses in the long run.

This uplift is an essential part of the Government’s plan for long-term national renewal and growth.

To ensure workers get the fairest deal, this rise is also the first that has taken into account the cost of living and inflation.

The uplift sits alongside the Employment Rights Bill, the most significant upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, and commitments to improve economic stability, get Britain building again, kickstart a skills revolution and bring forward a modern industrial strategy, and a plan to tackle inactivity.

The Government recognises that businesses will need more support next year. Ahead of permanently lowering tax rates for high street retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) from 2026/27, we have prevented the current RHL relief from ending this April, extending it for one year to ensure that over 250,000 RHL properties see a full 40 per cent reduction on their liability, and we have frozen the small business multiplier.

Julian Richer, founder of both retailer Richer Sounds and the Good Business Charter said:

One of the best ways to increase living standards and productivity in the UK is to put more money straight into people’s pockets with a National Minimum Wage increase that can be spent in shops and the economy to boost growth.

From this increase we can expect to see employee morale, productivity and retention all going up and hopefully will benefit millions of workers.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said:

This increase in the national minimum wage will make a real difference to the lowest paid in this country and setting out a path to end the outdated and unfair youth rates will give young workers a boost up and down the country.

More money in working people’s pockets means more spend on our high streets – that’s good for workers and good for local economies.

Debbie Crosbie, CEO, Nationwide said:

The Government’s Plan for Change is a welcome and clear plan for growing the economy, strengthening businesses and supporting employees.

Eliminating low pay will make sure that everyone shares in the progress the country makes.

Nationwide has long championed the national minimum and living wage and we welcome this focus on improving living standards and boosting productivity.

Peter Jelkelby, Chief Executive and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA UK and Ireland said:

People are at the heart of IKEA’s success, and we recognise the challenges they face from inflationary pressures and rises in the cost of living.

Businesses rely on a skilled, engaged and committed workforce, so ensuring that wages reflect the cost of living is the right route to providing that.

Centrica Group Chief Executive, Chris O’Shea, said:

A strong, sustainable economy needs wages that rise in line with productivity and needs to ensure people can live well.

As a Real Living Wage employer, we applaud this uplift in the National Minimum Wage for the millions of workers who will power the country’s economic growth. Government and business need to work together to drive prosperity to ensure workers get their fair share and to reduce inequality and raising living standards.

With the right policy choices—particularly in our energy sector—we have a vital opportunity to unlock billions of pounds of investment, boost growth and productivity, while creating thousands more well-paid jobs across the UK.

Danielle Harmer, Chief People Officer, Aviva said:

We’re proud to be a real Living Wage Employer in the UK, including for our contractors and suppliers who work on our sites.

Supporting our colleagues to thrive is good for them, our business, and our customers.

Nicola Ryan, Director of Colleague Support at One+All in Greater Manchester, said:

“We are very pleased with the increase to the National Minimum and Living Wage.

“This is great news for the millions of lower paid workers, as we know far too many working parents and their children are in poverty.

“We know that employees who have less financial stress do a much better job which leads to higher productivity and customer satisfaction.”

Notes to editors:

The changes from 1 April mean:

The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over will rise from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 per hour.

The National Minimum Wage for 18- to 20-year-olds rises from £8.60 to £10.00 per hour.

The apprenticeship rate, and for 16- to 17-year-olds rises from £6.40 per hour to £7.55 per hour.

If someone is concerned that they’re not being paid the correct wage, they should speak to their employer. If the problem is not resolved, they can contact Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) by phoning 0300 123 1122, or complain to HMRC in confidence using the link www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. HMRC looks into every single complaint.

You can report possible underpayment of the National Minimum Wage to the ACAS Helpline and also online to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC):

https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints

Workers and employers in Northern Ireland can contact the Labour Relations Agency helpline on 03300 555 300 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or their website: www.lra.org.uk.

As of 2023, the UK had the second highest minimum wage bite of the G7 countries, that is the ratio of the minimum wage relative to median wages for a full-time worker. The OECD estimate that the bite of the minimum wage in the UK was around 60%, behind France (62%), and ahead of Germany (52%), Canada (50%), Japan (46%) and the USA (26%).

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Published 1 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Leads GOP in Demanding UN Reject Francesca Albanese’s Reappointment

Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Media Contact 202-226-8467

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast led several members of the panel in demanding that UN Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber reject Francesca Albanese’s reappointment to another three-year term as special rapporteur for the “occupied palestinian territories.”

Mast and his fellow Republicans specifically outlined that Albanese has repeatedly failed to uphold the UNHCR code of conduct and made inflammatory and offensive comments about Israel in the wake of the October 7th attacks.

“[Albanese] has consistently aligned herself with Hamas terrorists, accused Israel of genocide, likened the Government of Israel to the ‘Third Reich,’ and compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Lauber. “The Council has allowed antisemitism and anti-Americanism to thrive within, with a seeming unwillingness to hold the most egregious violators of human rights to account.”

In addition to Chairman Mast, the letter was co-signed Reps. Young Kim (R-CA), Michael Lawler (R-NY), Keith Self (R-TX), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).

Read the full letter here and below.

Dear Mr. President,

We are writing to strongly object to the renewal of UN Special Rapporteur for the “occupied Palestinian territories,” Francesca Albanese, for a second three-year term. As you are well aware, UN Special Rapporteurs have a duty to uphold the code of conduct as written in Council Resolution 5/2. The code of conduct expressly asserts that Special Rapporteurs must act in an independent capacity with a professional, impartial assessment, and maintain the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity through impartiality, equity and honesty. Based on the following, Special Rapporteur Albanese has failed to uphold the code. Consequently, her term must not be renewed.

Ms. Albanese has repeatedly violated the code of conduct since she took the position on May 1, 2022. She has consistently aligned herself with Hamas terrorists, accused Israel of genocide, likened the Government of Israel to the “Third Reich,” and compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. Ms. Albanese unapologetically uses her position as a UN Special Rapporteur to purvey and attempt to legitimize antisemitic tropes, while serving as a Hamas apologist. Moreover, she has erroneously accused the United States Congress and our Executive of being bought and paid for by the Israel lobby. In her malicious fixation, she has even called for Israel to be removed from the United Nations while likening Israel to apartheid South Africa.

Since the abhorrent and cowardly October 7th attacks, Ms. Albanese’s inflammatory rhetoric has only increased in atrociousness. For example, following Hamas’ murder of over 1,200 people, 250 hostages taken – 59 of whom are still held by Hamas terrorists – and irreversibly changed the lives of countless others, Ms. Albanese wrote that the “violence must be put in context,” and that the attack occurred in response to Israeli “aggression.” In a statement that was rightfully condemned by the United States, France, and Germany, Ms. Albanese attempted to justify that the October 7th massacre was “in response to Israel’s oppression.” Such comments alone violate several provisions within the code of conduct.

Regrettably, Ms. Albanese’s rhetoric has perverted the very institution and its foundational principles in which she was appointed to serve. Her comments above, and many others she has made, are case in point as to why President Trump rightfully withdrew the United States from the Human Rights Council (Council). The Council has allowed antisemitism and anti-Americanism to thrive within, with a seeming unwillingness to hold the most egregious violators of human rights to account. Notably, in January 2023, I, along with many of my colleagues, sent a letter to the United Nations Secretary General and High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for Ms. Albanese’s removal. We were not alone in our requests for her admonishment. Several governments, including France, Germany, Canada and the Netherlands, have all condemned her statements as antisemitic, as well. To this day, no action has been taken.

Francesca Albanese’s service as a UN Special Rapporteur must end at the conclusion of her first term. Given the numerous instances provided above, but certainly not limited to, her behavior is not only reprehensible, but most unbecoming of a UN Special Rapporteur. As such, it is the view of the undersigned that Ms. Albanese must face serious consequences. As the new President of the Human Rights Council, it is your sworn duty to utilize your authority as stated in Presidential Statement 8/2 (PRST/8/2) to “convey to the Council any information brought to [your] attention of concerning cases of persistent non-compliance by a mandate-holder with the provisions of Council Resolution 5/2, especially prior to the renewal of mandate holders in office.” By rejecting the renewal of Ms. Albanese’s term, the Council would bring much needed credibility, integrity, and accountability back to the institution – attributes of which it has been severely lacking in recent years.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 1, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Hungary: Arrest and surrender Netanyahu to the International Criminal Court

Source: Amnesty International –

Victor Orbán to host Benjamin Netanyahu in Hungary on Wednesday

Following an investigation of war crimes and crimes against humanity, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant

‘Powerful leaders, like Netanyahu, accused by the ICC of war crimes and crimes against humanity, must no longer enjoy the prospect of perpetual impunity’ – Erika Guevara-Rosas

Responding to reports that Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán plans to host Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Hungary on Wednesday, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International’s Head of Global Research, Advocacy and Policy, said:

“Prime Minister Netanyahu is an alleged war criminal, who is accused of using starvation as a method of warfare, intentionally attacking civilians and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

“As a member state of the ICC, Hungary must arrest Netanyahu if he travels to the country and hand him over to the Court. Any trip he takes to an ICC member state that does not end in his arrest would embolden Israel to commit further crimes against Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“Netanyahu’s reported visit should be seen as a cynical effort to undermine the ICC and its work and is an insult to the victims of these crimes who are looking to the Court for justice. Hungary’s invitation shows contempt for international law and confirms that alleged war criminals wanted by the ICC are welcome on the streets of a European Union member state.

“Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary must not become a bellwether for the future of human rights in Europe. European and global leaders must end their shameful silence and inaction, and call on Hungary to arrest Netanyahu during a visit which would make a mockery of the suffering of Palestinian victims of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, its war crimes in other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and its entrenched system of apartheid against all Palestinians whose rights it controls.

“Amnesty International calls on the ICC Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute all Israel’s crimes. Hungary should equally do so by applying universal jurisdiction principles. Powerful leaders, like Netanyahu, accused by the ICC of war crimes and crimes against humanity, must no longer enjoy the prospect of perpetual impunity.

“The ICC was established to ensure accountability for victims of genocide and other crimes under international law, and so that crimes which shock the human conscience would ‘never again’ be accompanied by impunity. In ‘bringing power to justice’, the ICC is now facing a global backlash from powerful leaders seeking to undermine the international rule of law and stamp out the prospect of accountability for the most powerful.”

ICC arrest warrants

In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as al-Qassam brigades commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Since then, leaders from ICC member states France, Germany, Italy, Hungary and Poland have stated or implied that they would not arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he travelled to their respective countries. The United States has also enacted sanctions against the ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan.

A cornerstone principle of the ICC’s founding Rome Statute is that all individuals subject to ICC arrest warrants must be arrested and surrendered to the Court without recourse to immunity when they are within the jurisdiction of ICC member states, including on their territory.

MIL OSI NGO –

April 1, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Flawed medical studies can end up in doctors’ advice. We developed a tool to stop it
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aya Mousa, Senior Research Fellow in Women’s Cardiometabolic Health, Monash University

Maksym Dykha/Shutterstock

Good health care depends on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. They translate the best available research into recommendations that shape diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

But what happens when the studies underpinning these guidelines are flawed?

Evidence suggests scientific misconduct – from fabricated or manipulated data to methodological errors and ethical concerns – is a growing problem. In some disciplines, estimates suggest as many as 40% of studies included in systematic reviews may have issues with their integrity.

This is not just an academic issue. When flawed studies are used to guide real-world health care, the consequences for health-care providers and ultimately patients can be serious. They include unnecessary or even harmful treatments, delay or denial of other effective treatments, wasted resources and a loss of public trust in science and health care itself.

Yet until recently, there has been no formal method to identify and manage flawed studies, before they make their way into clinical recommendations. We recently helped develop a framework that addresses this crucial gap. Published in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine, this framework provides a step-by-step process for evaluating the integrity of studies used in clinical guidelines and systematic reviews.

In an era of increasing concern about research misconduct, it’s a timely and much-needed advance.

Clinical care relies on research integrity

Randomised controlled trials are considered the gold standard in medical research.

Their results often underpin clinical guidelines that shape day-to-day decisions in health care. But what if a randomised controlled trial contains fabricated data? Or is conducted without ethics approval? Or is retracted after being used in a previous guideline?

A 2020 study found 44% of randomised controlled trials submitted to a major medical journal between 2017 and 2020 contained problematic or false data.

Compounding the problem is the fact that journal editors and publishers can be very slow to respond to concerns about research integrity.

For example, between November 2017 and April 2024, a group of researchers wrote to editors and publishers of 891 potentially untrustworthy papers published in 206 different journals. At the time their study was published earlier this year, only 30% of the papers they flagged had received an outcome – 58% of which were retracted.

Notably, it took a median time of 38 months for editors and publishers to make a decision. In only 13% of the flagged cases was a decision made within 12 months.

The ripple effects of this can be enormous. A review by the independent Cochrane Collaboration of nutrition interventions in pregnancy found that removing studies with integrity concerns changed the conclusions of 72% of reviews. One third (33%) needed to be updated because their guidance was no longer reliable.

Integrity concerns vary across fields. But some, such as complementary therapies or supplements, can be particularly prone to these concerns.

Despite this, most guideline development tools — including those from the World Health Organization — assess methodological quality, not the trustworthiness or integrity of the studies that are included.

When flawed studies are used to guide real-world medical advice, the consequences for doctors and ultimately patients can be serious.
Yuri A/Shutterstock

A practical framework for safeguarding integrity

Our framework features a six-step process for safeguarding research integrity:
- Review: conduct a standard systematic review to identify eligible studies
- Exclude: remove studies that have been formally retracted or are flagged with serious concerns
- Assess: use available tools and checklists to assess the integrity of the remaining studies
- Discuss: convene an independent integrity committee to review ratings and vote on each study
- Establish contact: reach out to authors of high-risk studies to clarify issues or provide missing information
- Reassess: based on responses (or lack thereof), determine whether a study should be included, excluded, or held in limbo.
The integrity committee is central to this approach. It is a multidisciplinary group responsible for assessing studies objectively, without preconceived judgements or biases around which studies to exclude.

Applying the framework to the real world

Our framework was developed alongside the international evidence-based guideline for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal, reproductive and metabolic condition affecting 8–13% of women of reproductive age, depending on the diagnostic criteria used. It can cause irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and an increased number of small follicles in the ovaries, visible on ultrasound. It is a leading cause of infertility.

The guideline was developed with input from diverse professional and consumer groups. It was endorsed by 39 organisations across six continents.

In making recommendations on infertility treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome, 101 studies were initially identified. After applying our framework, 45 studies were not included due to concerns about integrity. Only three authors responded to clarification requests. This illustrates the problem with transparency after publication.

Without our framework, these problematic studies may have directly shaped recommendations and health care for women with polycystic ovary syndrome around the world.

Our framework was incorporated into the National Health and Medical Research Council review process that approved the guidelines. It has since been applied to other guidelines in women’s health. Further scale up is planned.

A 2020 study found 44% of randomised controlled trials submitted to a major medical journal between 2017 and 2020 contained false data.
T.Schneider/Shutterstock

Some drawbacks

While our framework offers a much-needed solution, it’s not without drawbacks.

First, the tools it relies on — such as a checklist for measuring trustworthiness in randomised controlled trials and the research integrity assessment tool — are still being refined. They also need to be validated across different research contexts.

Second, older studies (conducted before trial registries were common) or those from countries with different ethics standards, may be unfairly penalised.

There is also a risk that valid research could be excluded simply because authors do not respond to integrity enquiries.

Implementing the framework can also take time. In resource-limited settings, this may be a barrier.

But failing to assess integrity will likely cost more in the long run. It could lead to flawed recommendations, misplaced public confidence and patient harm.

Aya Mousa receives funding from NHMRC.

Ben W. Mol receives funding from NHMRC, MRFF as well as international competitive grants.

Helena Teede receives funding from NHMRC and MRFF as well as international competitive grants. She is President of International Endocrine Society.

– ref. Flawed medical studies can end up in doctors’ advice. We developed a tool to stop it – https://theconversation.com/flawed-medical-studies-can-end-up-in-doctors-advice-we-developed-a-tool-to-stop-it-253213
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
April 1, 2025

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01 April 2025

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Clinical care relies on research integrity

A practical framework for safeguarding integrity

Applying the framework to the real world

Some drawbacks