NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police officer injured, Huntly

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A Police officer has been injured in an incident at 8pm last night in Huntly.

    The officer, who was conducting enquiries at an address in Huntly on an unrelated matter, had stepped out of their patrol car when another vehicle drove toward them, colliding with the patrol vehicle and the officer.

    The offending driver fled but was located and arrested.

    The officer was transported to Waikato Hospital, assessed and treated for a moderate injury and discharged. They are expected to make a full recovery and are being provided with support through the process.

    The offender, a 47-year-old man, was taken into custody and is due to appear to Hamilton District Court today facing charges in relation to this incident.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $200M Boost Energy Efficiency at SUNY Old Westbury

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $100.2 million New York State investment for the first major phase of a deep energy retrofit at SUNY Old Westbury. The investment, plus approximately $100 million more for the final phases, will transform the college’s Natural Science Building, which was originally opened in 1985.

    “Once again, people will be looking at New York State as a leader in developing sustainable, green energy solutions that will not only enhance the academic experience for our students and faculty, but also contribute to a healthier environment for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “With this state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility, we are one step closer to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste across the SUNY system while also providing new opportunities for green workforce development and resilience in the face of climate change.”

    The project is part of SUNY’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan to achieve net-zero SUNY-wide greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste. Full details about the plan can be found on the SUNY website.

    The plan not only aims to achieve net-zero SUNY-wide greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste in line with Governor Kathy Hochul’s climate goals, but also addresses increasing academic and research opportunities, expands green workforce development, and defines actions related to campus and building operations and capital project development to design for resiliency.

    SUNY Old Westbury Renovation and Deep Energy Retrofit

    The renovated Natural Sciences Building is expected to be 50% more energy efficient and will boast a geothermal system for heating and cooling, as well as energy efficient glazing on the facility’s windows. It will also feature modernized teaching laboratories, a new campus greenhouse, and collaboration spaces for teaching and co-curricular activities. The final future phase is expected to include a green roof.

    The Natural Sciences Building at SUNY Old Westbury has served as the academic home for the Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, and Public Health programs. Biology is the second highest program by enrollment at Old Westbury.

    The project will be constructed in three phases. The first phase, moving forward this week with a groundbreaking with SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. and SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy Sams, focuses on the replacement of outdated laboratory spaces, the relocation of the specialized research equipment and support space, and the creation of surge space. This initial step lays the groundwork for the comprehensive modernization and expansion of the building. The second phase will construct a new addition to the building to house additional space for the departments. The third phase will include the renovation of the balance of interior as well as the exterior rehabilitation of the facility.

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Thanks to the substantial state investment secured by Governor Hochul, this project represents a significant transformation for the Natural Sciences Building, which was built over four decades ago. With 40% of state-owned buildings, SUNY has the ability to help achieve Governor Hochul’s ambitious climate goals through exciting projects like this one. Future generations who come to learn on SUNY Old Westbury’s campus and in the Natural Sciences Building will have a brighter, more sustainable future.”

    SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy E. Sams said, “We are proud that this building, once complete, will exceed the goals SUNY has set for us when it comes to energy and carbon reduction. As our campus mission demands of us, we will focus on environmental sustainability throughout the course of this work and in the years ahead as we create a facility that will prepare students for work in hospitals, laboratories, wind and chip manufacturing, public health, and more that are so vital to their own and New York’s success.”

    State Senator Jack Martins said, “I applaud SUNY Old Westbury and Governor Hochul in prioritizing student education at our SUNY Old Westbury campus. This refurbished facility will provide better opportunities for generations of students and have a significant impact as they pursue careers thereafter.”

    Assemblymember Charles Lavine said, “This investment right here in my district will transform existing infrastructure to provide SUNY Old Westbury with the latest technology to help increase sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also help students, faculty, and researchers meet the demands of modern science education and research. I am so proud of Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to fighting the very real problem of climate change and this institution which is setting the standard for the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in higher education.”

    Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, “As a proud advocate for sustainability and education, I’m thrilled to see this investment in SUNY Old Westbury. This isn’t just about upgrading a building—it’s about creating opportunities. By modernizing the Natural Sciences Building with energy-efficient technology, we’re not only taking real steps toward a greener future, but we’re also equipping students with the skills they need to lead in the growing green economy. New York is once again leading the way, proving that when we invest in education and sustainability, we invest in our future.”

    When all phases are completed, the project will transform the Natural Sciences Building into a state-of-the-art facility, providing students, faculty, and researchers with the resources and space needed to meet the demands of modern science education and research.

    About SUNY Old Westbury
    SUNY Old Westbury is a selective public liberal arts college with 4,700 students studying in more than 40 undergraduate degree opportunities in its liberal arts and professional programs and 16 graduate programs in business, education, liberal studies and mental health counseling. On the University’s 604-acre campus, students are challenged to take ownership of their futures through an environment that demands academic excellence, fosters intercultural understanding, and endeavors to stimulate a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable world. For more information on SUNY Old Westbury, visit the university’s website.

    About The State University of New York

    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit their website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and from the WHO – 05-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    On the first day in office of his second term, US President Donald Trump signed a number of executive orders (EOs), including EOs withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Council and the Commission will make statements on the withdrawals during Parliament’s February plenary session.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Tackling old and new types of drugs in the EU – E-002176/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. While the Commission recognises the growing concern among population and the sense of insecurity near schools and other community settings[1], the EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025[2] and its related Action Plan clarify that a comprehensive approach is needed. In particular, the EU drugs action plan encourages Member States to develop effective intervention programmes for young people in multiple settings, including schools, families and community and recreational settings, including comprehensive evidence-based strategies in neighbourhoods that experience high levels of drug availability and drug-related crime while creating a protective environment for communities affected by the consumption and sale of drugs or drug-related crime.

    2. The EU Roadmap to fight against drug trafficking and organised crime[3] puts special emphasis on strengthening international cooperation to counter the borderless aspect of criminal networks operating in drug trafficking, which includes law enforcement and judicial cooperation. It further includes strengthened customs and law enforcement action in major logistical hubs, with the launch of an EU Ports Alliance.

    3. The EU seeks to complement Member States’ actions in all aspects of drugs policy. As part of its new mandate, the EU Drugs Agency promotes evidence-based interventions to raise awareness on the adverse effects of drugs[4]. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control provides guidance to Member States on prevention and control of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, among people who inject drugs[5].

    • [1] Flash Eurobarometer 552, Impact of drugs on local communities.
    • [2] EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025, OJ C 102I, 24.3.2021, p. 1.
    • [3] COM(2023) 641 final.
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2023/1322 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2023 on the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1920/2006, OJ L 166, 30.6.2023, Art.16.
    • [5] https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/prevention-and-control-infectious-diseases-among-people-who-inject-drugs-2023, https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/guidance-brief-prevention-and-control-infectious-diseases-among-people-who-inject
    Last updated: 5 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 8:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Respected Chairman,

    I am present here to express my gratitude to the address of the honourable President. Yesterday and today till late at night, all the honourable MPs enriched this motion of thanks with their views. Many honourable experienced MPs also expressed their views, and naturally, as is the tradition of democracy, where there was need, there was praise, where there was a problem, there were some negative things, but this is very natural! Mr. Speaker, it is a great fortune for me that the people of the country have given me the opportunity to sit at this place for the 14th time and express my gratitude to the address of the President, and therefore, today I want to express my gratitude to the people with great respect, and I also express my gratitude to all those who participated in the discussion in the House and enriched the discussion.

    Respected Chairman,

    We are in 2025, in a way 25% of the 21st century has already passed. Time will decide what happened in the 20th century after independence and in the first 25 years of the 21st century, and how it happened, but if we study this President’s address closely, it is clearly visible that the President has told the country about the next 25 years and a new confidence-building speech for a developed India. In a way, this speech of the respected President is going to strengthen the resolve for a developed India, create new confidence and inspire the general public.

    Respected Chairman,

    All the studies have repeatedly said that in the last 10 years, the people of the country have given us a chance to serve them. 25 crore countrymen have come out of poverty by defeating the poverty.

    Respected Chairman,

    For five decades you have heard slogans of eradicating poverty and now 25 crore poor people have come out after defeating poverty. It does not happen just like that. It happens when one spend one’s life for the poor in a planned manner with full sensitivity and dedication.

    Respected Chairman,

    When people connected to the land spend their lives on the land while knowing the truth about the land, then change on the land is certain.

    Respected Chairman,

    We have not given false slogans to the poor, we have given them true development. The pain of the poor, the suffering of the common man, the dreams of the middle class are not understood just like that. Respected Chairman, this requires passion and I have to say with sadness that some people do not have it.

    Respected Chairman,

    How difficult it is to live under a thatched roof with plastic sheets during the rainy season. There are moments when dreams are crushed every moment. Not everyone can understand this.

    Respected Chairman,

    Till now the poor have got 4 crore houses. Those who have lived that life do not understand what it means to get a house with a concrete roof.

    Respected Chairman,

    When a woman is forced to defecate in the open, she can either go out before sunrise or after sunset after facing a lot of difficulties to do this small daily ritual, such people cannot understand what trouble she has to go through, respected chairman.

    Respected Chairman,

    We have solved the problems of our sisters and daughters by building more than 12 crore toilets. Respected Chairman, these days there is a lot of discussion in the media. It is happening more on social media. Some leaders are focusing on Jacuzzi and stylish showers in homes, but our focus is on providing water to every home. After 75 years of independence, 70-75% of the country’s population, i.e. more than 16 crore households, did not have tap water connection. Our government has provided tap water to 12 crore families in 5 years and that work is progressing rapidly.

    Respected Chairman,

    We have done so much work for the poor and because of this, the honourable President has described it in detail in his speech. Those who keep themselves entertained by having photo sessions in the huts of the poor will find it boring to talk about the poor in the Parliament.

    Respected Chairman,

    I can understand their anger. Respected Chairman, identifying the problem is one thing but if there is a responsibility then you cannot leave it after identifying the problem, you have to make dedicated efforts to solve it. We have seen, and you must have seen our work of the last 10 years and also in the President’s address, our effort is to solve the problem and we make dedicated efforts.

    Respected Chairman,

    There used to be a Prime Minister in our country, it had become a fashion to call him Mr. Clean. It had become fashionable to call the Prime Minister Mr. Clean. He had identified a problem and he had said that if 1 rupee comes out from Delhi, then only 15 paise reaches the village. Now at that time, from the Panchayat to the Parliament, there was rule of one party, from the Panchayat to the Parliament, there was rule of one party and at that time he had publicly said that 1 rupee comes out and 15 paise reaches. It was an amazing kind of sleight of hand. Even a common man of the country can easily understand to whom the 15 paise used to go.

    Respected Chairman,

    The country gave us an opportunity, we tried to find solutions. Our model is savings as well as development, public money for the public. We created the Gem Trinity of Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile and started giving direct benefit, direct benefit transfer through DBT.

    Respected Chairman,

    During our tenure, we deposited Rs 40 lakh crore directly into the accounts of the people.

    Respected Chairman,

    Look at the misfortune of this country, how the governments were run and for whom they were run.

    Respected Chairman,

    When the fever rises, people say anything, but when along with it, frustration and despair spreads, even then they say a lot.

    Respected Chairman,

    10 crore such fake people who were not born, who had not appeared on this land of India, were taking benefit of various schemes from the government treasury.

    Respected Chairman,

    So that the right does not face injustice, without worrying about political gain or loss, we removed these 10 crore fake names and launched a campaign to find the real beneficiaries and provide help to them.

    Respected Chairman,

    When these 10 crore fake people are removed and the accounts of various schemes are calculated, then almost 3 lakh crore rupees were saved from going into wrong hands. I am not saying whose hands were involved, it was from the wrong hands.

    Respected Chairman,

    We have also made full use of technology in government procurement, brought transparency and today even state governments are using the Gem portal. The purchases made through the Gem portal cost less than what is usually made and the government has saved Rs 1,15,000 crore.

    Respected Chairman,

    Our Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was ridiculed a lot, as if we had committed a sin, a mistake. I don’t know what all was said, but today I can say with satisfaction that due to this cleanliness drive, the government has earned 2300 crore rupees in recent years from the junk sold from government offices alone. Mahatma Gandhi used to talk about the principle of trusteeship. He used to say that we are trustees, this property belongs to the people and therefore we try to save every penny on the basis of this principle of trusteeship and use it at the right place and only then 2300 crore rupees are coming into the government treasury by selling junk from the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

    Respected Chairman,

    We made an important decision of ethanol blending. We know that we are not energy independent and we have to import it from outside. When ethanol blending was done and our income from petrol and diesel decreased, that one decision made a difference of Rs 100000 crore and this money of almost Rs 100000 crore has gone into the pockets of farmers.

    Respected Chairman,

    I am talking about saving, but earlier the headlines of newspapers used to be, scams worth so many lakhs. Scams worth so many lakhs, scams worth so many lakhs, it has been 10 years since these scams were not committed. By not having scams, lakhs and crores of rupees of the country have been saved, which are being used in the service of the people.

    Respected Chairman,

    The various steps we have taken have saved lakhs of crores of rupees, but we have not used that money to build a palace for mirrors. We have used it to build the country. The infrastructure budget was Rs 180000 crore 10 years ago, before we came. Respected Chairman, today the infrastructure budget is Rs 11 lakh crore and that is why the President has described how the foundation of India is getting stronger. Be it roads, highways, railways or village roads, a strong foundation of development has been laid for all these works.

    Respected Chairman,

    Savings in the government treasury is one thing and that should be done as I said about trusteeship, but we have also kept in mind that the general public should also get the benefit of these savings. The schemes should be such that the public also saves and you must have seen the expenses incurred by the common man due to illness under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. On the basis of the people who have taken its benefit till now, I would say that due to taking benefit of Ayushman Yojana, the expenses that the countrymen would have to bear from their own pockets, like this, Rs 120000 crore has been saved for the public. It is necessary that now like Jan Aushadhi Kendra, today in the middle class families, all the gentlemen are of 60-70 years of age, so it is natural that some disease or the other comes, there is also the cost of medicines, medicines are also expensive, since we have opened Jan Aushadhi Kendras, there is 80% discount and because of that, the families who have taken medicines from these Jan Aushadhi Kendras have saved nearly Rs 30000 crore on the cost of medicines.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    UNICEF also estimates that they have done a big survey of the families whose homes have sanitation and toilets, that family has saved about Rs. 70,000 in a year. Be it the Swachhata Abhiyan, the work of building toilets, the work of providing pure water, our common families are getting  huge benefits.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    I mentioned tap water in the beginning. There is a report from WHO, WHO says that because of getting pure tap water, the average family has saved Rs. 40000 on expenses incurred on other diseases. I am not counting much, but there are many such schemes which have saved the expenses of the common man.

    Respected Chairman,

    Free food grains are given to crores of countrymen, and the family saves thousands of rupees. PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme: Wherever this scheme has been implemented, those families are saving on an average 25 to 30 thousand rupees on electricity every year, there is saving in expenses and if there is more electricity, then they are earning money by selling it. That is, there is also saving for the common man. We had run a campaign for LED bulbs. You know that before we came, LED bulbs were sold for Rs. 400 each. We ran such a campaign that its price came down to ₹40 and because of LED bulbs there was saving of electricity and more light was also available and about 20,000 crore rupees of the countrymen were saved in this.

    Respected Chairman,

    Farmers who have used Soil Health Cards scientifically have benefited greatly and such farmers have saved Rs 30,000 per acre.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    In the last 10 years, by reducing the income tax, we have also worked to increase the savings of the middle class.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Before 2014, such bombs were hurled, such bullets were fired that the lives of the countrymen were shattered. We gradually moved ahead by filling up those wounds. 200000 rupees, in 2013-14, ₹200000, only ₹200000, there was income tax exemption on that and today 12 lakh rupees are completely exempted from income tax and in the intervening period also in 2014, in 2017, in 2019, in 2023, we have been doing this continuously, healing the wounds and today the bandage that was left has also been done. If we add 75000 standard deduction to it, then after 1st April, the salaried class of the country will not have to pay any income tax up to 12.75 lakh rupees.

    Respected Chairman,

    When you were working in Yuva Morcha, you must have heard and read about a Prime Minister who used to say 21st century, 21st century almost every day. In a way, it had become a memorized phrase, it had become a catchphrase. He used to say 21st century, 21st century. When it was said so often, R K Laxman had made a great cartoon in Times of India. That cartoon was very interesting. In that cartoon, there is an airplane and a pilot. I don’t know why he liked the pilot. Some passengers were sitting and the airplane was placed on a cart and workers were pushing the cart and 21st century was written on it. That cartoon seemed like a joke at that time, but later on it proved to be true.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    This was a sarcasm; it was a cartoon that demonstrated how disconnected from ground reality the then Prime Minister was that he was engaged in baseless talk.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Those who then talked about the 21st century were not even able to fulfill the needs of the 20th century.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Today when I see that I have got the opportunity to look closely at all the things that happened in the last 10 years, I feel very sad. We are 40-50 years late, the work which should have been done 40-50 years ago, and hence this year when the people of the country gave us the opportunity to serve from 2014, we focused more and more on the youth. We emphasized on the aspirations of the youth, we created more opportunities for the youth, we opened many sectors and due to which we are seeing that the youth of the country are waving the flag of their capabilities. We opened the space sector in the country, opened the defense sector, brought the semiconductor mission, we gave shape to many new schemes to promote innovation, completely developed the Startup India ecosystem and in this budget also, respected Chairman ji, a very important decision has been taken. Income tax exemption on income of Rs 12 lakh, this news became so big that many important things have still not been noticed by some people. That important decision has been taken; we have opened up the nuclear energy sector and the country is going to see its far-reaching positive impacts and results.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    We are also among those who are making efforts to discuss AI, 3D printing, robotics, virtual reality and what is the significance of gaming. I have told the youth of the country that why should India not become the gaming capital of the world and the creativity capital of the world and I see that our people are working very fast. Some people use this word when it is in fashion, but for me there is no single AI, there is double AI, India has double strength, one AI is Artificial Intelligence and the other is AI Aspirational India. We started 10000 tinkering labs in schools and today the children coming out of those tinkering labs are surprising people by making robotics and in this budget, provision has been made for 50000 new tinkering labs. India is a country about whose India AI mission the whole world is very optimistic and India’s presence has gained an important place in the world’s AI platform.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    In this year’s budget, we have talked about investment in the domain of deep tech and I believe that in order to move ahead at a fast pace in deep tech and the 21st century being a completely technology driven century, it is necessary for us that India moves ahead very fast in the field of deep tech.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    We are constantly working keeping the youth’s future in mind, but there are some parties that are constantly cheating the youth. These parties will give this allowance or that allowance during elections, they make promises but do not fulfill them.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    These parties have become a disaster for the future of the youth. 

    Respected Chairman,

    The country has just seen in Haryana how we work. We had promised jobs without any expenditure and without any slips. As soon as the government was formed, the youth got jobs. This is the result of what we say.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Grand victory for the third time in Haryana and victory for the third time in the history of Haryana, this is a historic event in itself.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Historical result in Maharashtra too, blessings of the people, for the first time in the history of Maharashtra the ruling party has so many seats, we have achieved this with the blessings of the people.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    In his address, the Honourable President has also discussed in detail the completion of 75 years of our Constitution.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Apart from the clauses in the constitution, there is also a spirit of the constitution and to strengthen the constitution, the spirit of the constitution has to be lived and today I want to explain this with examples. We are the people who live the constitution.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    It is true that in our country, when the President addresses the House, he gives details of the government’s tenure for that year. Similarly, in the state, when the Governor addresses the House, he gives details of the activities of that state. What is the spirit of the Constitution and democracy? When Gujarat completed 50 years, we were celebrating its Golden Jubilee Year and luckily I was serving as the Chief Minister at that time, we took an important decision. We decided that in this Golden Jubilee Year, all the speeches of the Governors in the House in the last 50 years, that is, the governments of that time are praised in it. We said that all the speeches of the Governors in those 50 years should be prepared in the form of a book, a treatise should be made and today that treatise is available in all the libraries. I was from BJP, in Gujarat, there were mostly Congress governments. There were speeches of the governors of those governments, but the job of making them famous was being done by the BJP, this Chief Minister from the BJP, why? We know how to live the Constitution. We are dedicated to the Constitution. We understand the spirit of the Constitution.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    You know that when we came in 2014, there was no honourable opposition. There was no Recognised Opposition Party. No one had come with even that many marks. There were many laws in India that had complete freedom to work according to those laws, there were many committees in which it was written that the Leader of the Opposition would be in them. But there was no opposition, there was no Recognised Opposition. This was our nature of living the Constitution, this was the spirit of our Constitution, this was our intention to follow the limits of democracy, we decided that even though there would not be an honourable opposition, there would not be a Recognised Opposition, but the leader of the largest party would be called in the meetings. This is the spirit of democracy, it happens then. Committees of the Election Commission, respected Mr Chairman,earlier the Prime Minister used to file it and issue it, it is we who have included the Leader of Opposition in it and we have also made a law for it and today when the Election Commission will be formally formed, the Opposition Leader will also be a part of its decision making process, we do this work. And I have already done this, we do it because we live the Constitution.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    You will find many places in Delhi where some families have built their own museums. The work is being done with the money of the people, what is the spirit of democracy, what is it called living the Constitution, we built the PM Museum and the life and work of all the Prime Ministers of the country from the first to my predecessors have been made in that PM Museum and I would like that the families of the great men who are in this PM Museum should take out time to see that museum and if they feel like adding something to it, then they should draw the attention of the government so that the museum is enriched and inspires the new children of the country, this is the spirit of the Constitution! Everyone does everything for themselves, the group of people who live for themselves is not very small, people who live for the Constitution are sitting here.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    When power becomes service, nation building happens. When power is made a legacy, democracy ends.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    We follow the spirit of the Constitution. We don’t do politics of poison. We give utmost importance to the unity of the country and that is why we build the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and we remember the great man who worked to unite the country with the Statue of Unity and he was not from the BJP, he was not from the Jan Sangh. We live the Constitution, that is why we move forward with this thinking.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    It is the misfortune of the country that these days some people are openly speaking the language of urban Naxals and the things that urban Naxals say, like taking on the Indian State, these people who speak the language of urban Naxals and declare war against the Indian State can neither understand the Constitution nor the unity of the country.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    For seven decades, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were deprived of the rights of the Constitution. This was injustice to the Constitution and also injustice to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. We broke the wall of Article 370, now the citizens of those states of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are getting the rights that the countrymen have and we know the importance of the Constitution, we live by the spirit of the Constitution, that is why we take such strong decisions.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Our Constitution does not give us the right to discriminate. Those who live with the Constitution in their pockets do not know what kind of problems you forced Muslim women to live in. We have worked to give rights to Muslim daughters in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution by abolishing triple talaq, and have given them the right to equality. Whenever there has been an NDA government in the country, we have worked with a long vision. I don’t know what kind of language is being used to divide the country, I don’t know how far frustration and disappointment will take them, but what is our thinking, in which direction do the NDA partners think, for us, we pay more attention to what is behind, what is last and what Mahatma Gandhi had said and the result of that is that even if we create ministries, then which ministry do we create, we create a separate ministry for the North-East. We have been in the country for so many years, till Atal ji came, no one understood, he kept giving speeches, NDA created a separate ministry for the tribals.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Our southern states are connected to the sea coast. Many states in our east are connected to the sea coast. Fisheries work and fishermen are a very large part of the society there. They should also be taken care of and in the areas where there is a small amount of water inside the land, there are fishermen from the last section of the society too. It is our government which has created a separate ministry for fisheries.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    The downtrodden and deprived people of the society have a potential within them, if emphasis is laid on skill development, new opportunities can be created for them. Their hopes and aspirations can create a new life and hence we created a separate Skill Ministry.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    The first duty of democracy in the country is that we should give power to the common man and keeping this in mind, there is an opportunity to connect crores of people of the country to make the cooperative sector of India more prosperous and healthy. The cooperative movement can be increased in many areas and keeping this in mind, we have created a separate cooperative ministry. What is the vision is known here.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Talking about caste has become a fashion for some people. For the last 30 years, the MPs from the OBC community who have been coming to the House for the last 30 years, have been demanding for the last 30-35 years that the OBC Commission be given constitutional status by rising above party differences. Those who see profit in casteism today, did not remember the OBC community at that time, it is us who gave constitutional status to the OBC community. The Backward Classes Commission is included in the constitutional system today.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    We have worked very strongly in the direction of providing maximum opportunities to SC, ST and OBC in every sector. Today, through this House, I want to put forth an important question before the countrymen and Mr. Speaker, the countrymen will surely ponder over this question of mine and will also discuss it at crossroads. Someone please tell me, has there ever been three SC MPs from the same family in the Parliament at the same time? Have there ever been three SC MPs from the same family? I want to ask another question, can someone please tell me whether there have ever been three ST MPs from the same family in the Parliament at the same time and in the same period?

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    I got the answer to one of my questions about the difference between the speech and behavior of some people. The difference is like the difference between the earth and the sky, the difference is like the difference between night and day.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    How are we empowering SC ST society? Respected Chairman, I will give you an example of how the welfare of the deprived society is done while maintaining the spirit of unity without creating tension in the society. Before 2014, the number of medical colleges in our country was 387. Today there are 780 medical colleges. Now that the number of medical colleges has increased, the seats have also increased. This is a very important angle, Respected Chairman, and hence the colleges have increased and the seats have also increased. Before 2014, the MBBS seats for SC students in our country were 7700. Before we came, there was a possibility of 7700 youth from Dalit society becoming doctors. We worked for 10 years, today the number has increased and arrangements have been made for 17000 MBBS doctors of SC society. Where is 7700 and where is 17000, if there is any welfare of Dalit society and if there is no tension in the society while increasing the respect of each other.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Before 2014, there were 3800 MBBS seats for ST students. Today this number has increased to around 9000. Before 2014, there were less than 14000 MBBS seats for OBC students. Today their number has increased to around 32000. 32000 MBBS doctors will be made from OBC community.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    In the last 10 years a new university has been established every week, a new ITI has been built every day, a new college has opened every 2 days, just imagine how much growth has taken place for our SC, ST, OBC young men and women.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    We are behind every scheme- 100% saturation, implement it 100%, the beneficiaries should not be left out, we are working in that direction. First of all, we want that the one who is entitled to it should get it, if there is a scheme, then it should reach him, the game of 1 rupee 15 paise cannot work. But what some people did is that they made a model that gave to only a few people and torment others and did the politics of appeasement. To make the country a developed India, we will have to get rid of appeasement. We have chosen the path of satisfaction, not appeasement, and we are walking on that path. Every society, every class of people should get what is their right without any discrimination, this is satisfaction and according to me when I talk about 100% saturation, it means that it is actually social justice. This is actually secularism and in fact it is respect for the constitution.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    The spirit of the Constitution is that everyone should get better health and today is also Cancer Day. Today, a lot of discussions are going on about health in the country and the world. But there are some people who are creating obstacles in providing health services to the poor and the elderly and that too due to their political interests. Today, 30,000 hospitals in the country and good specialized private hospitals are associated with Ayushman. Where Ayushman card holders get free treatment. But some political parties, due to their narrow mindset, due to bad policies, have kept the doors of these hospitals closed for the poor and cancer patients have suffered the loss. Recently, a study by the public health journal Lancet has come out, which says that cancer treatment is starting on time with the Ayushman scheme. The government is very serious about cancer detection. Because the sooner the detection is done, the sooner the treatment starts, we can save the cancer patient and Lancet has given credit to the Ayushman scheme and said that a lot of work has been done in this direction in India.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    In this budget too, we have taken a very important step towards making cancer medicines cheaper. Not only this, an important decision has been taken in the coming days and since today is Cancer Day, I would definitely like to say that all the honourable MPs can take advantage of this for such patients in their area, and that is the patients, you know that due to lack of enough hospitals, patients coming from outside face a lot of problems, a decision has been taken in this budget to build 200 day care centers. These day care centers will provide great relief to the patient as well as his family.

    Respected Mr President,

    While discussing the speech of the President, foreign policy was also discussed and some people feel that unless they talk about foreign policy, they do not look mature, so they feel that foreign policy should be talked about even if it causes loss to the country. I want to tell such people, if they are really interested in foreign policy subject and want to understand foreign policy and want to do something in future, I am not saying this for Shashi ji, so I would tell such people to definitely read a book, maybe they will understand what to say where, the name of that book is JFK’s forgotten crisis. It is about JF Kennedy. It is a book named JFK’s forgotten crisis. This book has been written by a famous foreign policy scholar and important events are mentioned in it. This book also mentions the first Prime Minister of India and he also led the foreign policy. This book also describes in detail the discussions and decisions taken between Pandit Nehru and the then President of America, John F. Kane. When the country was facing a lot of challenges, what game was going on in the name of foreign policy then, is now coming to light through that book and so now I would say that please read this book.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    After the President’s speech, it is your wish if a woman President, daughter of a poor family, could not be respected, but she is being insulted by all sorts of things being said. I can understand political frustration and disappointment, but what is the reason against a President, what is the reason.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Today India is moving ahead by leaving this kind of distorted mentality and thinking behind and following the mantra of women led development. If half of the population gets full opportunity, then India can progress at twice the speed and this is my belief, after working in this field for 25 years my belief has become stronger.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    In the last 10 years, 10 crore new women have joined Self Help Groups (SHGs), and these women are from underprivileged families, from rural backgrounds. The strength of these women sitting at the bottom of the society has increased, their social status has also improved and the government has increased their assistance to Rs 20 lakh, so that they can take this work forward. We are making efforts in this direction to increase their work capacity, increase its scale and today it is having a very positive impact on the rural economy.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    The President has discussed the Lakhpati Didi Abhiyan in his speech. According to the information registered so far after the formation of our new government for the third time, we have received information about more than 50 lakh Lakhpati Didis and since I have taken this scheme forward, till now about 1.25 crore women have become Lakhpati Didis and our target is to make three crore women Lakhpati Didis and for this, emphasis will be laid on economic programs.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Today, Drone Didi is being discussed in many villages of the country, a psychological change has come in the village, seeing a woman flying a drone in her hand, the villagers’ view of women is changing and today Namo Drone Didi has started earning lakhs of rupees by working in the fields. Mudra Yojana is also playing a very important role in the empowerment of women. Crores of women have stepped into the industry for the first time with the help of Mudra Yojana and have come into the role of industrialists.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Out of the houses given to 4 crore families, approximately 75 percent of the houses are owned by women.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    This change is laying the foundation of a strong India of the 21st century. Respected Speaker, the goal of developed India is the rural economy, without strengthening it we cannot build a developed India and therefore we have tried to touch every sector of the rural economy and we know that agriculture is very important in the rural economy. Our farmers are a strong pillar among the four pillars of developed India. In the last decade, the budget for agriculture has been increased 10 times. Let me tell you about the period after 2014 and this is a very big jump.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Those who talk about farmers here today, before 2014, they used to be beaten up for asking for urea. They had to stand in queues all night and that was the time when fertilizers were issued in the name of farmers, but did not reach the fields, somewhere else in black millet and the game of sleight of hand of 1 rupee and 15 paise was going on. Today farmers are getting enough fertilizers. The great crisis of Covid came, the entire supply chain got disturbed, the prices in the world increased unreasonably and the result was that because we are dependent on urea, we have to import it from outside, today for the Indian government  a bag of urea costs ₹ 3000, the government has borne the burden and has given it to the farmer at a price less than 300, less than 300 rupees. We are continuously working to ensure that the farmer gets maximum benefit.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    In the last 10 years, 12 lakh crore rupees have been spent to ensure that farmers get cheap fertilizers. Around 3.5 lakh crore rupees have been transferred directly to farmers’ accounts through PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. We have also increased the MSP on a record basis and have procured three times more in the last decade than before. Farmers should get loans, easy loans, cheap loans, and that too has increased three times. Earlier, farmers were left to fend for themselves during natural calamities. During our tenure, farmers have received 2 lakh crore rupees under PM Fasal Bima.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Unprecedented steps have been taken for irrigation in the last decade and it is unfortunate that those who talk about the Constitution do not have much knowledge. Very few people would know that in our country, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision regarding water schemes was so clear, so comprehensive and so inclusive that it inspires us even today. We launched a campaign to complete more than 100 irrigation projects that were pending for decades, so that water reaches the farmers’ fields. Babasaheb’s vision was to link rivers, Babasaheb Ambedkar advocated linking of rivers. But for years, decades passed, nothing happened. Today we have started work on the Ken-Betwa Link Project and the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project and I have also had a successful experience of working to revive extinct rivers by linking many rivers in Gujarat in this way.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    This should be the dream of every citizen of the country. It should be the dream of all of us that there should be Made in India food packets on every dining table in the world. Today I feel happy when along with Indian tea, our coffee is also spreading its fragrance in the world. It is making a splash in the markets. Even our turmeric has seen the highest demand after Covid.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    You will definitely see that in the coming times, our processed seafood and the Makhana of Bihar, which some people are worried about and don’t know when and why, is going to reach the world. Our coarse grain i.e. Shri Anna, will also increase the prestige of India in the world markets.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Future Ready cities are also very important for a developed India. Our country is rapidly moving towards urbanisation and this should not be considered a challenge or a crisis. It should be considered an opportunity and we should work in that direction. Expansion of infrastructure leads to expansion of opportunities. Where connectivity increases, possibilities also increase. The first Namo Rail connecting Delhi-UP was inaugurated and I also got the opportunity to travel in it. Such connectivity, such infrastructure should reach all the major cities of India, this is our need in the coming days and our direction.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    Delhi’s network has doubled and today the metro network is reaching tier-2 and tier-3 cities as well. Today we can all be proud that India’s metro network has crossed 1000 km and not only this, work is currently underway on another 1000 km. That means we are progressing so fast.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    The Government of India has taken many initiatives to reduce pollution. We have started running 12 thousand electric buses in the country and have also done a great service to Delhi. We have given this to Delhi as well.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    A new economy has always been expanding from time to time in our country. Today, the Gig Economy is developing as an important area in big cities. Lakhs of youth are joining it. We have said in this budget that labour! Such Gig workers should register themselves on the e-Shram portal and after verification, how can we help them in this new age service economy and they should get an ID card after coming on the e-Shram portal and we have said that these Gig workers will also be given the benefit of Ayushman Yojana so that Gig workers will  move in the right direction and it is estimated that today there are about one crore Gig workers in the country and we are also working in that direction.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    The MSME sector brings a huge number of job opportunities and this is a sector that has immense employment potential. These small industries are a symbol of self-reliant India. Our MSME sector is making a huge contribution to the country’s economy. Our policy is clear, simplicity, convenience and support to MSMEs is a sector that has employment potential and this time we have emphasized on Mission Manufacturing and in a Mission Mode, we are moving forward by giving emphasis to the entire ecosystem of manufacturing sector i.e. giving strength to MSMEs and giving employment to many youth through MSMEs and preparing youth for employment through skill development. We have started working on many aspects to improve the MSMEs sector. The criteria for MSMEs was made in 2006, it was not updated. In the last 10 years, we have tried to upgrade this criteria twice and this time we have taken a very big jump. For the first time in 2020, for the second time in this budget, we have tried to promote MSMEs. They are being given financial assistance everywhere.

    The challenge before MSMEs has been the lack of formal financial resources. During the Covid crisis, MSMEs were given a special emphasis. We have given special emphasis to the toy industry. We gave special emphasis to the textile industry, did not let them face cash-flow shortage and gave loans without any guarantee. Possibilities of lakhs of jobs were created in thousands of industries and jobs were also secured. 

    For small industries, we took steps in the direction of Customised Credit Card, Credit Guarantee Coverage, due to which their Ease of Doing Business also got a boost and by reducing unnecessary rules, their administrative burden, they had to pay one or two people for work, that too was stopped. You will be happy to know that we have made new policies to promote MSMEs, there was a time before 2014, we used to import things like toys, today I can proudly say that the small toy-making industries of my country are exporting toys to the world today and there has been a huge decline in imports. There has been an increase of about 239 percent in exports. There are many sectors run by MSMEs that are making their mark across the world. Made in India clothes, electronics, electrical scouts’ goods are today becoming a part of the lives of other countries.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    The country is moving ahead to fulfill the dream of a developed India and is moving ahead with great confidence. The dream of a developed India is not a government dream. It is the dream of 140 crore countrymen and now everyone has to give as much energy as they can to this dream and there are examples in the world, in a period of 20-25 years many countries of the world have shown that they have become developed, so India has immense potential. We have demography, democracy, demand, why can’t we do it? We have to move ahead with this confidence and we are also moving ahead with the dream that by 2047, when the country will become independent, it will be 100 years of independence and by then we will become a developed India.

    And Honorable Chairman,

    I say with confidence that we have to achieve bigger goals and we will achieve them and Honorable Speaker, this is only our third term. As per the requirement of the country, we are going to remain dedicated for many years to come to build a modern India, a capable India and to realize the resolution of a developed India.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    I appeal to all the parties, I appeal to all the leaders, I appeal to the countrymen, everyone has their own political ideologies, their own political programs, but nothing can be bigger than the country. The country is paramount for all of us and together we will fulfill the dream of a developed India, the dream of 140 crore countrymen is also our dream where every sitting MP is working to fulfill the dream of a developed India.

    Respected Mr Chairman,

    While expressing my gratitude for the President’s speech, I also express my gratitude to you and the House. Thank you!

     

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses distribution program of over 2800 appointment letters in Tripura Govt through Video Conference

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses distribution program of over 2800 appointment letters in Tripura Govt through Video Conference

    Earlier, only the cadres of one party used to get jobs in Tripura, today, the Tripura government is providing jobs with complete transparency, without any discrimination, recommendation, or corruption

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the entire Northeast is now on the path of development

    Tripura has moved ahead on the path of participation instead of distraction, speed instead of obstruction, and welfare instead of delay

    The policies of the Modi government have transformed Tripura from a landlocked state to a land-linked state

    In last 10 years, Modi Govt. has made three agreements in Tripura to bring peace to the state

    Armed groups in Tripura have been eliminated, surrendered and joined the mainstream
    The Modi government has brought a positive change in the lives of the Bru-Reang brothers and sisters by providing them with permanent residency, education, healthcare, and job opportunities

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 7:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the distribution program of over 2800 appointment letters in Tripura Govt through Video Conference.

    In his address, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said, earlier, only the cadres of one party used to get jobs in Tripura, today, the Tripura government is providing jobs with complete transparency, without any discrimination, recommendation, or corruption. He said that the present Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha has provided a new beginning in the lives of 2807 youths of the state by offering them government jobs today, without any discrimination, favoritism, or corruption, and with full transparency. This opportunity has connected them to the development of Tripura. Shri Shah mentioned that today, with the appointments to 2437 Multi-Tasking Staff positions and 370 positions in the Health Department, these individuals have started a new chapter in their lives. He further mentioned that with the receipt of their appointment letters, these 2807 individuals have now become a part of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s campaign for a developed Tripura and a developed India.

    Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the entire Northeast is now on the path of development. He mentioned that in the last 10 years, Union ministers’ have visited the Northeast over 700 times, and many positive initiatives have been taken for the region’s development. Shri Shah noted that Northeast which was once known for insurgency, infiltration, blockades, drugs, arms smuggling, corruption, and ethnic tensions is now known for development, connectivity, infrastructure, education, investment, and the growth of agricultural activities, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the Modi government has made three agreements in the last 10 years to bring permanent peace to Tripura. He highlighted the Modi government has brought a positive change in the lives of the Bru-Reang brothers and sisters by providing them with permanent residency, education, healthcare, and job opportunities. He added that all the insurgent groups in Tripura have been eliminated, surrendered and joined the mainstream. Shri Shah said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha today Tripura has moved ahead on the path of participation instead of distraction, speed instead of obstruction, and welfare instead of delay.

    Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, former Chief Minister Biplab Deb and now Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha have worked extensively for the all-around development of Tripura. He said that in these seven years of his party’s government, there has been more development than in the seven years of previous governments. He pointed out that policies of the Modi government have transformed Tripura from a landlocked state to a land-linked state. He said that many works like airport, roads, water harvesting and irrigation have been done by the Government of India and Tripura for the all-round development of the state. Union Home Minister added that the biggest achievement of their government has been freeing Tripura from corruption and unrest. He emphasized that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Government of India are fully dedicated to the development of Tripura.

    *****

    Raj Kumar/ Vivek/ Ashutosh/ Pankaj  

    (Release ID: 2100120) Visitor Counter : 48

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches a national level mass outreach campaign “Watershed Yatra”

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches a national level mass outreach campaign “Watershed Yatra”

    Shri Chouhan emphasizes the importance of soil and water conservation for the present & future needs of the people and community participation in the effective & successful implementation of WDC PMKSY Projects

    Union Minister Shri Chouhan urges the people to participate in the yatra whole heartedly and ensure success of WDC-PMKSY

    Shri Chouhan announces ‘Watershed – Janbhagidari Pratiyogita’ under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 for the years 2025 & 2026

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 6:50PM by PIB Delhi

     Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has today launched a national level mass outreach campaign “Watershed Yatra”, in Hybrid mode to generate people’s participation and create awareness about the Watershed Development activities carried out under Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in project areas. Union  Ministers of State,  Rural Development,  Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and Shri Kamlesh Paswan were also present and addressed the gathering in the launch event of Watershed Yatra. Concerned Ministers of State/UT Governments, senior officials and officials associated with implementation of WDC-PMKSY participated in physical mode in their respective States and launched the Yatra simultaneously in their States/UTs. A total of about 800 Gram Panchayats and more than one lakh people participated in the Watershed Yatra launch program.

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the importance of soil and water conservation for the present & future needs of the people and community participation in the effective & successful implementation of WDC PMKSY Projects across the country. Accordingly, he urged the people to participate in the yatra whole heartedly and ensure success of WDC-PMKSY. He also opined that the Yatra will provide a platform for achieving “Community Driven Approach”, galvanise the implementation machinery at field level and highlights the importance of sustainable management of natural resources for improving agriculture productivity, livelihoods, and the environment. He also mentioned that the activities to be undertaken during the Watershed Yatra like Bhoomi Poojan of New Works, Lokarpan of Completed works, Watershed Mahotsav, Watershed ki Panchayat, Awards and recognitions to the Watershed Margdarshaks in project areas, Bhumi-Jal Pitch and Shramdan  etc., will drive the message of sustainable resource management to the common people.

    On this occasion of launch of the Yatra, Shri Chouhan also announced ‘Watershed – Janbhagidari Pratiyogita’ under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 for the years 2025 & 2026. He also stated that it is a unique model based on the principles of community-led watershed management, incorporating ‘Public-Private-People Partnership (4Ps)’. Under this, the works done in the project areas through government funding and public participation will be evaluated at the state level and the projects doing excellent and remarkable work will be given an additional reward of Rs. 20 lakh per project. A total provision of Rs 70.80 crore has been made for this, which will benefit 177 projects every year. The evaluation of projects for this year’s competition will be done in the month of April.

    Union Minister also mentioned that the competition will not only speed up the departmental work but the general public will also contribute to the construction and maintenance of water harvesting structures by through Shramdaan etc. as per their capacity. The main objective of this competition is to create Healthy competition, public awareness, public participation and a sense of belongingness among the general public for soil and water conservation, so that in future also the villagers take care of these structures and manage them properly.

    The Watershed Yatra will consist of Van movement for around 60-90 days across 805  projects, which cover 6673 GPs (13587 villages) in 26 States and 2 UTs. Under the activity of Watershed ki Panchayat, talk by experts about sustainable soil and water management practices will be organized and around 8,000 individuals having contributed in implementation of WDC-PMKSY works in different Project Areas will be honoured, which will further motivate watershed communities.

    The Department has developed a Learning Management System (LMS) on Watershed Development and hosted  on DoLR’s website, which has also been linked to MY Bharat portal for further engagement of youth. A certificate will be issued to participating youths, which will motivate them to participate in Shramdaan activities.

    A mega event for “Watershed Yatra” has been created on ‘MY Bharat portal’ to connect with and involve Youths across the country. This will help in mobilizing youth volunteers for activities like Shramdan, strengthening community participation in watershed projects and will help in better implementation of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 scheme. This will also help in creating a community cadre of watershed workers and leaders.

     

    *******

    MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2100092) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is sexsomnia? And how can it be used as a defence in court?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Rudge, Law lecturer, University of Sydney

    Canvan-Images/Shutterstock

    Over the past decade, “sexsomnia” has been used as a defence in a number of Australian sexual assault trials.

    This sleep disorder – sometimes known as “sleep sex” – causes people to engage in sexual behaviour while asleep.

    Last week, a Sydney man with sexsomnia was acquitted of rape charges. The dispute was not whether he had sex with the woman, nor whether she consented.

    The question was whether the man’s actions were voluntary. This turned on whether he was asleep or awake when he performed the acts.

    The apparent increase in the use of the sexsomnia defence has raised concerns, both in Australia and overseas. Some claim the defence may be a way for people accused of sex crimes to evade justice.

    In this latest case, the trial judge explained a well-established rule of criminal law to the jury. The rule is that a person cannot be held criminally responsible for involuntary acts. After deliberating, the jury found the man not guilty.

    But how can sexsomnia be proved in court? Here’s what we know about this rare condition, and how it is used as a criminal defence.

    What is sexsomnia?

    Sexsomnia is not the same as having sex dreams. It is a parasomnia, or sleep disorder. It can cause the person to engage in sexual behaviour while unconscious, including sexual touching, intercourse or masturbation.

    Sexsomnia was only added to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013. It sits alongside sleepwalking and night terrors.

    People may not be aware they have sexsomnia. There are some potential triggers, including alcohol and stress. But there are also effective treatments, including the drug clonazepam, which has sedative affects, as well as some antidepressants.

    It’s unclear how common sexsomnia is, but it’s thought to be rare. A 2020 study found only 116 clinical cases had been recorded in the medical literature.

    But it may also be underreported due to embarrassment and a lack of awareness.

    How is it used in court?

    Sexsomnia is a recent version of an older legal defence known as automatism, which can be traced to the 1840s.

    Automatism describes actions without conscious volition (meaning without using your will). Those with automatism have no memory or knowledge of their acts.

    The law has recognised automatism in sleep walking, in reflexes, spasms, or convulsions, and in acts of those with hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and epilepsy.

    But an important debate in the legal cases, as well as among psychiatrists and sleep experts, is about how to classify the condition.

    Essentially, is sexsomnia a mental health impairment caused by an underlying mental illness? Or is it a temporary “malfunction” that occurs in an otherwise “healthy mind”?

    Australian law has recognised sexsomnia as the latter (a kind of “sane automatism”) meaning it is characterised by episodes that don’t necessarily recur.

    Sexsomnia may be underreported due to shame and lack of knowledge about the condition.
    NoemiEscribano/Shutterstock

    How can sexsomnia be proved?

    Detailed medical evidence is usually required for this defence. However, the defendant only needs to prove there was a “reasonable possibility” their acts were involuntary.

    By contrast, the prosecution must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the sexual acts were voluntary or “willed” – a higher standard of proof.

    This means it can be challenging to rule out sexsomnia once the defendant has presented evidence of the condition.

    Is sexsomnia a mental illness?

    Some important Australian cases have considered whether the law should treat sexsomnia as an ongoing mental disorder instead of a transitory “malfunction of the mind”.

    In a 2022 case, prosecutors accepted that a New South Wales man accused of sexual offences against his daughter had sexsomnia. What they contested was that his condition arose from a “sound mind”.

    They argued sexsomnia should now be considered a mental illness. This argument capitalised on new laws that had commenced that year in NSW.

    In defining mental health impairments, the new laws included a disturbance of volition.

    Why is this significant?

    The 2022 case was understood to have legal implications – not only for NSW but for all state jurisdictions in Australia.

    If the prosecution could establish sexsomnia was a mental health impairment, then an outright acquittal would be unlikely.

    Instead, the court would be required to reach a “special verdict” and might then refer the defendant to a mental health tribunal. As a result, the defendant could be detained in a secure psychiatric facility, such as the Long Bay Hospital.

    However, the prosecution in the 2022 case failed to establish sexsomnia was the result of a mental health impairment under the new laws. A two-judge majority said sexsomnia was not a “disturbance of volition” because no one has volition when they are asleep.

    The dissenting judge found that sexsomnia was a mental health impairment under the new definition. Her reasons highlighted that one purpose of the new laws was to “protect the safety of members of the public”.

    Why are these definitions controversial?

    As long ago as 1966, legal scholars criticised how the law treats different kinds of automatism.

    While sleepwalkers and sexsomniacs are viewed as “perfectly harmless,” those with other conditions, such as schizophrenia, are viewed as “criminally demented” and detained in facilities under law.

    Whether sexsomnia is a sleep disorder with non-recurring episodes or a more permanent mental disorder continues to be debated.

    However the way it is addressed clinically may reinforce its status as a sleep disorder. As there are no formal practice guidelines for treatments, it has tended to be sleep clinics, rather than psychiatrists, who respond to the condition.

    The increasing use of this rare condition as a defence in serious, violent cases of sexual assault is concerning and warrants further research and attention.

    Christopher Rudge was a research officer at the Medical Council of NSW in 2018.

    – ref. What is sexsomnia? And how can it be used as a defence in court? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-sexsomnia-and-how-can-it-be-used-as-a-defence-in-court-248756

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland celebrates Gold Infant Feeding Award from Unicef BFI

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Highland Council and NHS Highland are celebrating their joint achievement in attaining the Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative Gold accreditation.

    Image of Unicef BFI Gold logo

    Chair of Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr David Fraser said: “The Baby Friendly standards provide a roadmap for transforming care for all babies, their mothers and families.

    “The Gold Award is awarded to services that have embedded the Unicef Baby Friendly Achieving Sustainability standards. This means that future generations of babies, their mothers and families will continue to experience Baby Friendly standards of care. The Award recognises that the service is not only implementing the Baby Friendly Initiative standards, but that they also have the leadership, culture and systems to maintain this over the long term.”

    He added: “I would like to express my congratulations and thanks to the Health Visiting Teams, the Family Nurse Partnership and family support staff who have been accredited as a Gold Baby Friendly service. Achieving Gold in the Baby Friendly Initiative reflects a high level of dedication to supporting breastfeeding and the very many benefits that this brings.

    “It is a truly impressive achievement and demonstrates our longstanding commitment to supporting the wellbeing of families in Highland through approaches that achieve real, practical and lasting impact.”

    Karen MacKay, Senior Health Improvement Specialist (Infant Feeding Lead) for NHS Highland said: “This is a fantastic achievement for all involved in this award.  Gold status requires a whole system approach and the use of testing quality improvement initiatives to support families with feeding and early infant behaviour.  The annual reporting mechanism that is now required will further embed the great work that has been taking place in Highland.”

    Gold status specifically indicates sustainability of practice meaning the service has embedded Baby Friendly standards into its leadership, culture and daily practice. It is a significant accomplishment that reflects a services’ commitment to embedding practice that benefit infant health, parental wellbeing, and long-term public health outcomes for both parent and infant.

    Both the Council and NHS Highland first achieved full Baby Friendly accreditation from Unicef in 2013.

    Photo of Highland Council and NHS Highland celebrating their joint achievement in attaining the Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative Gold accreditation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland’s first draft Promise Plan welcomed.

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A draft plan which sets out Highland’s commitment to achieve the aspirations of “The Promise” for care experienced children and families across the region has been scrutinised by Members of the Health Social Care and Wellbeing Committee.

    Chair of the Committee, Cllr David Fraser said: “As corporate parents – along with local partners and service providers – we have a duty to prepare, keep under review, and publish a corporate parenting plan.

    “I am therefore very pleased that Members have welcomed our first Promise Plan and have agreed that an annual report of the progress of the Plan will be submitted to committee for future scrutiny and assurance of Highland’s progress in achieving the aspirations of The Promise.”

    The Promise is that Scotland’s children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected. #KeepThePromise is a Scottish Government commitment that received support of all political parties in 2020. Organisations, institutions, bodies, communities, and groups across Scotland pledged to #KeepThePromise, including The Highland Council.

    The Highland Promise Plan (2025-2028) was commissioned by the Promise Board, which is a multi-agency partnership of corporate parenting leaders.

    The draft Promise Plan will also be presented to the Integrated Children’s Services Board (which is the key statutory partnership for Children’s Services across Highland) on 28 February.

    Feedback from the Health Social Care and Wellbeing Committee and the Integrated Children’s Services Board will be incorporated into the final version of the Promise Plan.

    Once agreed, the final version of the Promise Plan will be implemented through corporate parenting partner delivery groups which will be monitored and evaluate by The Promise Board.

    The draft Promise Plan can be viewed on the Council’s website at this link.

    5 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand Answers and Actions from Feds as Many Head Start Programs in Oregon and Nationwide Still Face Funding Disruptions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 05, 2025
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they are joining colleagues to demand answers and action from the Trump administration about the acute financial impacts and lingering uncertainty faced by Head Start programs in Oregon and nationwide following the Office of Management and Budget’s memo that froze funding government-wide, and as many Head Start programs continue to be locked out of their funding.
    The letter signed by Wyden, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Merkley, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, went to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Dorothy A. Fink, M.D. and Acting Director of the Office of Head Start Captain Tala Hooban.
    “Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards,” wrote the senators. “This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the child care options.”
    While the White House later clarified that Head Start would not be targeted by the funding freeze and the OMB later rescinded its memo, Head Start programs temporarily could not access the Payment Management System to use their allocated federal funds, with many still facing disruptions. As a result, Head Start programs nationwide have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner – imperiling their ability to pay staff and keep educational and child care programs up and running.
    “Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds,” the senators continued.
    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., led lawmakers in the letter, which was signed by U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Mark R. Warner, D-Va., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Catherine Cortez Masto D-Nev., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Peter Welch, D-V.t., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i., Angela Alsobrooks, D-M.d., and Andy Kim, D-N.J.
    The letter text is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ms. Bjørg Sandkjær of Norway – Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    nited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Bjørg Sandkjær of Norway as Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).  She will succeed Maria-Francesca Spatolisano of Italy, to whom the Secretary-General and the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs are grateful for her commitment and dedicated service to the Organization.

    Ms. Sandkjær has over 26 years of experience in policymaking and international development.  She served as Deputy Minister for International Development at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2021, having been responsible for the development of Norway’s strategic vision and engagement in international development cooperation issues and played a key role in the negotiations on Norway’s budgetary allocations for official development assistance while also leading her country’s engagement in key sustainable development processes and fora, including the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

    Ms. Sandkjær also served as the deputy leader of the Standing Committee on Health and Welfare of the Oslo City Council and held several positions at the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the Church of Norway.

    Ms. Sandkjær holds a master’s degree in Demography from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), United Kingdom and an undergraduate degree from the University of Oslo, Norway.  She is fluent in English and Norwegian.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Applauds POTUS’ Push to Hold FEMA Accountable, Advocates for Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

    WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump to applaud his recent Executive Order to hold the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accountable for their failed responses to disasters and to advocate for robust reforms.

    “I write to commend your recent Executive Order establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council. The current federal framework for responding to disasters is insufficient, and major reforms are necessary to ensure Americans are best supported in times of need,” Lankford wrote in the letter.

    Lankford also introduced four bills to continue to build on President Trump’s work to address FEMA’s failures and inadequacies. The Expediting Hazard Mitigation Assistance Projects Act gives the FEMA Administrator the authority to cut red tape on unnecessary environmental and historic preservation review requirements. The Direct Property Acquisitions Act creates a pilot program for communities to avoid lengthy delays by applying directly for property acquisitions. The Investing in Community Resilience Act with Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) incentivizes communities to create readiness and resilience measures before a disaster. The Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act will prohibit discrimination based on political affiliation in federal disaster relief. This bill is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

    View the letter here or below. 

    Dear President Trump:

    I write to commend your recent Executive Order establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council. The current federal framework for responding to disasters is insufficient, and major reforms are necessary to ensure Americans are best supported in times of need. As the Council engages with leaders to discuss potential reforms, I respectfully request that the Council consider the following:

    1. Reforming FEMA’s responsibilities and/or consolidating the federal disaster framework more generally. FEMA has two core responsibilities: managing security grants and serving as the leading agency for federal disaster relief. While both roles can be vested in a single agency, I am concerned that FEMA’s dual responsibilities are hampering its emergency response capabilities. At the same time, the current federal disaster framework involves too many agencies with a variety of other, non-emergency response duties, including the US Department of Commerce, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Department of Agriculture, the Small Business Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among several others. I ask that your Council consider whether more federal emergency response capabilities should be consolidated under FEMA, which would reduce the number of agencies constituents need to work through when seeking federal disaster assistance, and whether other, current responsibilities should be placed elsewhere.
    1. Reassessing the federal government’s role in disasters. Under current law, the default federal assistance for major disasters is 75%, with opportunities to increase the federal cost share. The federal cost share is often increased to 100%. It is paramount that all levels of government involved in emergency response and recovery have skin in the game. I urge the Council to consider the benefits and drawbacks of a sliding cost share that begins at a lower percentage for federal support but can be increased based on the needs and capacity of the community in question. I also urge the Council to consider recommending how to limit ad hoc federal cost share increases and eliminate the possibility of a 100% federal cost share as it relates to FEMA’s disaster aid.
    1. Conducting an in-depth review of all federally funded disaster activities conducted by FEMA. The federal government’s labyrinthine disaster response and recovery programs have not been subject to the scrutiny needed to assess whether it is achieving its goals or whether its funding would be better spent with limited strings attached at the state and local levels. I ask that the Council provide a comprehensive analysis of these programs and make a formal, performance-based recommendation on how the funding for these programs should be spent.
    1. Exploring ways to speed up FEMA-led disaster projects. Federal funding for disaster relief comes with countless conditions, many of which unnecessarily prolong the duration of projects. I urge the Council to assess whether conditions on federal disaster aid, including conditions such as Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) reviews, harm the disaster recovery process for communities. 

    Lastly, it is essential that the Council solicit feedback from leaders with substantial knowledge of disaster recovery efforts. Oklahoma is no stranger to natural disasters, and we are often forced to grapple with the ensuing wreckage and trauma. Despite these challenges, Oklahomans have consistently risen above the fray to help one another in recovery. Given our experience with natural disasters, I respectfully request that the Council solicit feedback from emergency management leaders in Oklahoma.

    In God We Trust,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Grassley, Welch Work to Provide Hospitals with Financial Stability and Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Rural Hospital Support Act to prevent rural hospital closures by extending and modernizing critical Medicare programs. 

    “Hospitals are one of the last community pillars still standing in rural America. They not only offer accessible, vital health care but also provide key economic benefits that cannot be replicated. As these institutions continue to face headwinds threatening their viability, we can help sustain them by supporting fair and adequate reimbursement for their services,” Boozman said. 

    “As a lifelong resident of rural Iowa, I know the importance of having access to health care services close to home. In addition to providing life-saving care, rural hospitals are a source of economic security for many rural communities,” Grassley said. “Our bipartisan bill will ensure the continuity of these vital programs and help keep rural hospitals’ doors open.”

    “Rural hospitals provide essential care to patients in rural communities, including to folks who rely on Medicare and Medicaid. In Vermont, rural hospitals are also job creators and economic drivers. But across the country, rural hospitals are struggling to stay open, and they need a lifeline,” Welch said. “Our bipartisan legislation will help ensure rural hospitals are reimbursed for resources they need to continue delivering vital care in our rural communities.”

    Specifically, the Rural Hospital Support Act would:

    • Permanently extend the Medicare-Dependent Hospital (MDH) program to ensure eligible rural hospitals are reimbursed for their costs;
    • Permanently extend the Low-Volume Hospital (LVH) program to level the playing field for rural hospitals whose operating costs often outpace their revenue; and
    • Update the rebasing year for Sole Community Hospitals (SCH) and MDHs to allow hospitals to tie reimbursement estimates to more recent trends in costs.

    The bipartisan legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and Gary Peters (D-MI). 

    The Rural Hospital Support Act has garnered support from stakeholders including the Alliance for Rural Hospital Access, the American Hospital Association and the National Rural Health Association.

    Background

    Rural hospitals provide critical care for patients, many of whom rely on Medicare and Medicaid. These hospitals also serve as economic anchors – accounting for around 14 percent of total employment in rural areas.

    The MDH and LVH programs have supported rural communities for decades. The programs were last extended as part of the Continuing Resolution on December 20, 2024, and would expire on March 31, 2025, without congressional action. The Rural Hospital Support Act does not change other rural hospital Medicare programs including critical access hospitals (CAH), rural referral centers (RRC), Rural Community Hospital Demonstration or the new voluntary rural emergency hospitals (REH). Each of these rural programs offer unique flexibilities to ensure health care services are accessible in rural America.

    Find bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Clock ticking on South Sudan’s transition, Security Council hears

    Source: United Nations 4

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Peace and Security

    As South Sudan enters a so-called “extended transitional period” this month, the UN’s top envoy to the country has warned that the clock is ticking to accomplish the commitments under a key 2018 peace accord, ahead of a new deadline set for February 2027.

    Signed in 2018 to end years of conflict, the Revitalized Peace Agreement, initially set a three-year timeline for elections and the formation of a democratic government. The transition has been extended four times, with key political, security, and governance benchmarks remaining unfulfilled.

    Under the latest extension, announced by the authorities in September last year, general elections are scheduled to take place in December 2026.

    Waiting for progress

    Briefing ambassadors at the Security Council on Wednesday, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan Nicolas Haysom stressed that while the country’s citizens have been patient, they expect progress.

    “There is a strong desire for the leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement – without further delay.”

    With progress stalling in several critical areas, Mr. Haysom urged South Sudan’s leaders to accelerate security sector reform, electoral preparations, and reform of the constitution and judicial processes.

    “The clock is already ticking on the extended transitional period. Decision-makers need to tackle several issues simultaneously and immediately,” he emphasised.

    Significant gaps remain

    Despite some achievements, major gaps persist – especially oncerning elections scheduled for December 2026.

    While a framework for security sector management and a national community violence reduction strategy have been adopted, critical conditions remain unmet – including the full deployment of unified security forces, voter education, and a code of conduct between political parties and other stakeholders.

    “We have not yet seen the previously promised harmonized workplan with an operational timetable for elections,” Mr. Haysom said, adding that delays in government funding and decision-making are further impeding progress.

    Escalating security concerns

    Communal violence remains a major driver of insecurity, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including women and children.

    Recent clashes between armed groups in Western Equatoria, along with widespread reports of illegal checkpoints, highlight the fragility of the security environment, Mr. Haysom noted.

    At the same time, the war between rival militaries in in neighbouring Sudan is having spillover effects in South Sudan, including violent unrest in Juba following reports of South Sudanese nationals being executed in Sudan’s Wad Madani region.

    UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

    Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General briefing the Security Council on the situation in South Sudan.

    Humanitarian crisis

    More than one million Sudanese refugees have fled into South Sudan during the reporting period, joining an already staggering 9.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

    The country’s economic crisis is also worsening, with inflation soaring to 107 percent and food prices doubling, while government employees have not been paid for 10 months.

    Health conditions are also deteriorating, with over 23,000 reported cholera cases exacerbated by last year’s floods. The disease continues to spread, particularly in remote areas with limited healthcare access.

    The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan aims to reach 5.4 million people with life-saving assistance and protection, but funding remains a critical challenge. The UN is appealing for $1.7 billion to meet urgent needs this year.

    UNMISS operational constraints

    Mr. Haysom, who also leads the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, UNMISS, briefed on logistical challenges faced after the Government requested the mission vacate part of its headquarters within 45 days.

    He described the demand as imposing “significant costs” and logistical hurdles that UNMISS is not currently equipped to manage.

    Restrictions on peacekeeper movement in some areas also continue to limit the mission’s ability to provide security and humanitarian support.

    Steadfast support

    Concluding his briefing, Mr. Haysom reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to standing “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the people of South Sudan on their path to stabilisation and democratisation.

    Special Representative Haysom briefing the Security Council on the situation in South Sudan.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: ESFI Releases Updated Workplace Safety Statistics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In 2025, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) collected information on fatal and non-fatal occupational electrical injuries from every available source. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) provide raw data that ESFI reviews and analyzes as it is released to identify electrical safety trends. ESFI quantifies, synthesizes, and publishes the information from these reports in visual form to its website. The most recent data set covers the 13 years from 2011 through 2023.

    “As the leading authority on electrical safety, ESFI’s compilation and analysis of this data illustrates the occupations most at-risk from electrical injury and death as well as identifies the main causes,” said ESFI Executive Director, Jennifer LeFevre. “Our attention to the qualitative data, including detailed incident narratives for over one thousand workplace fatalities, helps guide ESFI’s work in targeting those who would most benefit from electrical safety education. Using this research to shape our programs allows us to create messaging that assists employees in making safe choices and provide guidance for creating a safer work environment. We encourage everyone to utilize ESFI’s free-to-share resources to elevate the safety of your workplace and prevent avoidable workplace injuries and fatalities.”

    Contact with or exposure to electricity continues to be one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States. Between 2011 and 2023, there was a total of 1,940 workplace fatalities involving electricity, according to the BLS. During this period, 74% of fatalities occurred in non-electrically related occupations. The key data points are as follows:

    Workplace Fatalities and Injuries: 2011 – 2023 (OSHA)

    • 74% of workplace electrical fatalities occurred in non-electrical occupations.
    • 26% percent of workplace electrical fatalities occurred in electrical occupations.
    • 5.6% of all fatalities were caused by contact with electricity.
    • Electrical fatalities continue to stay consistent year over year, with a slight downward trend since 2011.
    • The construction industry had the highest number of electrical fatalities.

    Occupations with the Most Electrical Fatalities (OSHA)

    • Electricians: 212 fatalities
    • Laborers, except construction: 142 fatalities
    • Construction laborers: 131 fatalities
    • Electrical power installers and repairers: 122 fatalities
    • Tree trimming occupations: 64 fatalities
    • Electricians’ apprentices: 45 fatalities
    • HVAC and refrigeration mechanics: 43 fatalities
    • Roofers: 38 fatalities
    • Truck drivers, heavy: 35 fatalities
    • Painters, construction and maintenance: 32 fatalities

    Electrical Fatality Rates per 100,000 Workers (BLS)

    • Electrical fatality rates per 100,000 workers have remained consistent while overall fatality rates have increased.
    • Hispanic or Latino workers have a disproportionately high rate of electrical fatalities, and that rate is increasing.
    • Construction and extraction occupations, installation, maintenance, and repair occupations, and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations have the highest rate of electrical fatalities.

    ESFI partners with industry leaders, including those comprising its Board of Directors, to develop key resources and consistent electrical safety messages. By addressing evolving and emerging electrical safety needs in the workplace and then deploying effective electrical safety materials and programs based on those needs, electrical injuries and fatalities can decrease through proper education of the workforce.

    “Most of the electrical fatalities that occurred in the workplace were from accidental contact with electricity,” said Daniel Majano, ESFI Program Director who compiled the data. “It is important to always be aware of your surroundings when at a job site. Whether it’s to always look up to spot overhead power lines or knowing what might be energized around your job site, it is imperative to know all the possible contact points of electricity around you.” Majano added, “Also always know when to say when and make sure you’re trained and aware of any electrical hazards. Over 74% of the workplace electrical fatalities that occurred between 2011 and 2023 were in non-electrical occupations that may have not received electrical safety training.”

    ABOUT ESFI
    The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is the trusted voice for electrical safety. The mission of ESFI is to prevent electrically related injuries, deaths, and fires. ESFI’s work saves lives and property through public education and outreach. For free safety materials that you can share throughout your community, visit esfi.org.

    Contact:
    Evan Jones
    Electrical Safety Foundation International
    703.841.3247
    evan.jones@esfi.org

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0abbc325-661e-4266-869b-fa5a79ef428a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Reminds Hospitals and Clinics of Anti-Discrimination Laws Amid Executive Order on Gender Affirming Care

    Source: US State of California

    Warns Children’s Hospital Los Angeles of potential violations of state anti-discrimination laws 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today reminded California hospitals and federally-funded healthcare providers of their ongoing obligation under California anti-discrimination law to provide gender affirming care amid confusion resulting from President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive on freezing or pausing federal funding and his executive order on gender affirming care. Attorney General Bonta also issued a letter putting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on notice of its obligations under state anti-discrimination law, following reports that the hospital is pausing the initiation of hormonal therapies for all gender affirming care patients under the age of 19 and gender-affirming surgeries on minors. 

    “California supports the rights of transgender youth to live their lives as their authentic selves,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We will not let the President turn back the clock or deter us from upholding California values. I understand that the President’s executive order on gender affirming care has created some confusion. Let me be clear: California law has not changed, and hospitals and clinics have a legal obligation to provide equal access to healthcare services.”

    The California Department of Justice is aware of concerns about gender-affirming care being impacted by recent federal government actions attempting to restrict federal funds to recipients of federal grants, including the availability of federal financial assistance regarding the provision of gender affirming care to minors.

    On January 28, 2025, Attorney General Bonta, along with 22 other state attorneys general, filed suit in federal district court to halt the federal government’s illegal efforts to freeze such federal funding. The court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on January 31, 2025, prohibiting federal agencies from taking any action that would “pause, freeze, block, cancel or terminate” such funding. As a result of the TRO won by Attorney General Bonta and 22 other state attorneys general, federal agencies must continue to comply with existing grants, awards, and obligations, except as authorized by law.

    In a notice sent to federal agencies and filed with the court on Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) indicated its intent to comply with the court order and affirmed that the TRO blocking the illegal funding freeze applied to all federal funding awards or obligations, including those made to recipients such as hospitals, and federally funded healthcare providers. The U.S. DOJ stated that federal agencies “cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” As such, the recent executive order pertaining to gender-affirming care for minors does not provide federal agencies with any basis to threaten or revoke federal funding from hospitals and federally funded healthcare providers. 

    Furthermore, California law, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act, Civil Code section 51 and Government Code section 11135, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Electing to refuse services to a class of individuals based on their protected status, such as withholding services from transgender individuals based on their gender identity or their diagnosis of gender dysphoria, while offering such services to cisgender individuals, is discrimination. California families seeking gender-affirming care, and the doctors and staff who provide it, are protected under state laws.  

    RESOURCES 

    California has a number of resources for transgender youth and the broader LGBTQ+ community: 

    If you believe your rights are being violated as part of the enforcement of the President’s executive order, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office here or with the California Civil Rights Department here. 

    A copy of the letter to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Collins, Bipartisan Group Introduce Legislation to Expand Rural Access to Maternal Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislation to support rural health care facilities in providing urgent obstetric care. Their bipartisan Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act would help prepare rural hospitals and practitioners to handle the obstetric emergencies that come through their doors as more delivery units, particularly those in rural areas, are being forced into closing.

    Between 2011 and 2021, more than 260 rural hospitals in the U.S. shut down their obstetrics services, representing one in four of the nation’s rural obstetric units. Ten of Maine’s 25 rural hospitals do not have obstetric services. Nationally, this trend has left more than 2 million women in a maternity care desert, meaning that they live in a county without a provider offering obstetric care such as labor and delivery. This can lead to longer driving times for care and increased health risks.

    “The closure of labor and delivery units in rural Maine and throughout the nation is an urgent issue that threatens the health and safety of mothers and babies,” said Senator Collins. “By creating new opportunities to improve obstetric readiness in rural communities through skills training, workforce development, and telehealth partnerships, this bipartisan legislation would help reduce care gaps and better ensure that more rural Maine communities have access to the maternal care they need.”

    The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act would help rural hospitals and doctors prepare to handle the obstetric emergencies that come through their doors by:

    • Creating training programs to help non-specialists respond to emergencies like labor and delivery;
    • Providing federal grants for rural facilities to buy better equipment to train for and handle these emergencies; and
    • Developing a pilot program for teleconsultation services, so that a doctor at a rural facility helping an expecting or postpartum mother facing an emergency can quickly consult with maternal health care experts.

    Improving access to health care in rural areas has been a focus of Senator Collins’ efforts throughout her Senate service. Last year, Senator Collins secured $2,397,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for projects that will help to improve access to health care throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. 

    The complete text of the bill can be read here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses Surge In North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses Surge In North Carolina

    Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses Surge In North Carolina
    hejones1

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today updated its weekly Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, which shows an increase in flu activity and flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths this season to 117.

    “While fewer flu-related deaths have been reported so far this season compared to last season, we are at the height of seasonal respiratory illnesses and this is a reminder that influenza can be very serious,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “Taking preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting vaccinated, regularly washing hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick are important to help protect you and your family.”

    Influenza is spreading widely throughout the state and is likely to peak in the coming weeks. Fifty-one new flu deaths were added to the statewide dashboard on Wednesday, but the newly added deaths occurred over the last few weeks as there are often delays in reporting. COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also continuing to spread, although RSV levels have been decreasing in recent weeks.

    Early testing and treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent respiratory infections from becoming more serious. Treatments work best if started soon after symptoms begin. If you begin to feel sick, contact your doctor right away to see if you need treatment with a prescription antiviral drug. Treatment for flu and COVID-19 is especially important for people with severe illness and those who are at high risk of serious complications based on their age or medical conditions.

    It is not too late to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as vaccinations are the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from these infections. Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, including people 65 years and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Vaccines and treatments to protect against RSV are also available for older adults, pregnant women, and infants.

    In addition to vaccination, the following precautions should be taken to protect against the spread of respiratory viruses:

    • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water. Alcohol-based cleaner or sanitizer can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses to others but does not work for some other common viruses like norovirus.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly
    • Stay home when sick, except to seek medical care or testing, and take steps to avoid spreading infection to others in your home, including:
      • Staying in a separate room from other household members, if possible
      • Using a separate bathroom, if possible
      • Avoiding contact with other members of the household and pets
      • Not sharing personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils
      • Wearing a mask when around other people

    For more information on respiratory viruses, including how to access vaccines, testing and treatment in your community, visit www.vaccines.gov/en, flu.ncdhhs.gov or covid19.ncdhhs.gov.

    A respiratory virus surveillance summary that includes information on flu, COVID-19 and RSV-related activity across North Carolina is updated weekly at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte actualizó hoy su  tablero de resumen del virus respiratorio semanal, que muestra un aumento en la actividad de la influenza (gripe) y las muertes relacionadas con la misma, lo que eleva el número total de muertes esta temporada a 117.

    “Aunque se han reportado menos muertes relacionadas con la influeza (gripe) en lo que va esta temporada en comparación con la temporada pasada, nos encontramos en el punto más alto de las enfermedades respiratorias estacionales y esto es un recordatorio de que la gripe puede ser muy grave”, dijo el epidemiólogo estatal Zack Moore, MD, MPH. “Tomar medidas preventivas contra la gripe y otras enfermedades respiratorias, como vacunarse, lavarse las manos con regularidad, cubrirse la tos y quedarse en casa cuando está enfermo, es importante para ayudar a protegerlo a usted y a su familia”.

    La influenza se está extendiendo por todo el estado y es probable que alcance su punto máximo en las próximas semanas. El miércoles se añadieron al tablero de control de todo el estado cincuenta y uno nuevas muertes debido a la influenza, pero las muertes recién añadidas ocurrieron en las últimas semanas, ya que a menudo hay retrasos en la presentación de informes. El COVID-19 y el virus respiratorio sincitial (VSR) también continúan propagándose, aunque los niveles de VSR han ido disminuyendo en las últimas semanas.

    Las pruebas y el tratamiento temprano con un medicamento antiviral pueden ayudar a prevenir que las infecciones respiratorias se vuelvan más graves. Los tratamientos funcionan mejor si se inician poco después de que comiencen los síntomas. Si comienza a sentirse enfermo, comuníquese con su médico de inmediato para ver si necesita tratamiento con un medicamento antiviral recetado. El tratamiento para la influenza y el COVID-19 es especialmente importante para las personas con enfermedades graves y aquellas que tienen un alto riesgo de complicaciones graves en función de su edad o afecciones médicas.

    No es demasiado tarde para vacunarse contra la influenza y el COVID-19, ya que las vacunas son la mejor manera de prevenir enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y muertes por estas infecciones. Las vacunas son especialmente importantes para las personas con mayor riesgo de enfermedad respiratoria viral grave, incluidas las personas de 65 años o más, los niños menores de 5 años, las mujeres embarazadas, las personas con un sistema inmunitario debilitado y las personas con ciertas afecciones médicas como el asma, la diabetes, las enfermedades cardíacas y la obesidad. Las vacunas y los tratamientos para protegerse contra el VSR también están disponibles para adultos mayores, mujeres embarazadas y bebés.

    Además de la vacunación, se deben tomar las siguientes precauciones para protegerse contra la propagación de virus respiratorios:

    • Lávese las manos con agua y jabón; el limpiador o desinfectante a base de alcohol puede ayudar a prevenir la propagación de virus respiratorios a otros, pero no funciona para algunos otros virus comunes como el norovirus.
    • Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca
    • Limpie y desinfecte las superficies y los objetos que podrían estar contaminados
    • Cubra la tos y los estornudos con un pañuelo de papel y luego deseche el pañuelo de papel rápidamente
    • Quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo, excepto para buscar atención médica o pruebas, y tome medidas para evitar transmitir la infección a otras personas en su hogar, como:
      • Alojarse en una habitación separada de otros miembros del hogar, si es posible
      • Usar un baño separado, si es posible
      • Evitar el contacto con otros miembros del hogar y mascotas
      • No compartir artículos personales de uso doméstico, como tazas, toallas y utensilios
      • Usar una mascarilla cuando esté cerca de otras personas

    Para obtener más información sobre los virus respiratorios, incluido cómo acceder a las vacunas, las pruebas y el tratamiento en su comunidad, visite  www.vaccines.gov/en, flu.ncdhhs.gov o covid19.ncdhhs.gov.

    Un resumen de la vigilancia del virus respiratorio que incluye información sobre la gripe, el COVID-19 y la actividad relacionada con el VSR en Carolina del Norte se actualiza semanalmente en  covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.

    Feb 5, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Limerence: why some people experience intense infatuation that feels like love, and how it affects them

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca Ellis, Assistant Researcher in Public Health, Swansea University

    LightField Studios/Shutterstock

    Limerence is a term you may not be familiar with. It describes an involuntary, uncontrollable and obsessive desire for another person. This fixation can lead to significant distress, disrupting daily life, and may have negative impacts on other people too.

    Limerence can affect anyone, but is more likely to occur in people with anxiety or depression. It is thought to affect 4%-5% of the general population, although this is very hard to measure.

    The term was coined by behavioural psychologist Dorothy Tennov in her 1979 book, Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love. She described it as a unique psychological phenomenon, different from falling in love, which is driven by an uncontrollable desire for another person – the “limerent object”.

    Anyone can become a limerent object to someone with the condition – whether they are a friend, colleague or total stranger. These feelings are almost always unrequited because a core feature of limerence is the uncertainty of another’s feelings.

    The time in which a person is experiencing these feelings is referred to as a “limerent episode”. The length of a limerent episode differs from person to person.

    For some people, such as those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it can be particularly intense as infatuation combines with traits such as hyperfocus – an intense fixation on an interest or activity for an extended period of time, which will be familiar to many neurodiverse people.

    There is still some academic discussion as to whether limerence is “natural”, as originally suggested by Tennov in her book. Others scholars point to its negative impact on daily life, including a person’s mental health, and potentially to the other person. It’s also important to note that limerence is not a formal diagnosis.

    How is limerence characterised?

    A person in a state of limerence idolises their limerent object, fixating on their positive traits while denying any flaws. Their emotions become dependent on perceived signs of interest or rejection, leading to extreme highs and lows.

    They will think about their limerent object continually – which can feel exciting and fun, especially if their feelings are reciprocated. In such cases, it may be difficult to recognise the limerent attachment type in a relationship, mistaking these feelings for the early stages of romantic love.

    However, the intensity of limerence has negative consequences. A person in a state of limerence can experience intrusive thoughts, physical discomfort, intense and one-sided feelings, as well as obsessive-compulsive thoughts in relation to their limerent object. These characteristics distinguish limerence from crushes and similar conventional romantic feelings.

    There are typically three stages of limerence. First, infatuation involving the initial attraction in which the person starts idealising someone.

    Second, crystallisation, which is the fully limerent phase, where obsessive thoughts, emotional dependency and euphoria, or despair, dominate. And third, deterioration, when the attachment eventually fades.


    AnnGaysorn/Shutterstock

    Though limerence remains an under-researched topic, some studies suggest links with anxious attachment styles, when a person fears rejection and craves constant reassurance.

    People with this attachment style often experience heightened emotional sensitivity and intense preoccupation with their partner’s responses. These traits can make them more vulnerable to experiencing limerence, as they struggle to regulate emotions and detach from the object of their infatuation.

    It may also affect a person’s ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships, whether these are loving or platonic.

    What kind of help is available?

    There is little psychological literature on how people experiencing limerence can regulate their emotions or break the cycle. In terms of external support, therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may help.

    ACT works by changing a person’s relationship with their thoughts and feelings. Using a process known as “cognitive diffusion”, a person learns to notice their intrusive thoughts and detach from them. For those who experience limerence, this can make it easier for them to develop and maintain healthy relationships.

    But while limerence can be overwhelming, recognising it for what it is, and not judging oneself for feeling this way, can be an important first step.

    Second, practicing self-awareness is vital: understanding the triggers and patterns of limerent behaviour, and using this knowledge to build healthier foundations for future relationships.

    Third, setting boundaries such as limiting exposure to the limerent object can help break the cycle of reinforcement. And fourth, practising self-compassion and patience, accepting these emotions without judgment while focusing on personal growth, may help to ease distress.

    The internet has allowed more people to share their experiences of limerence, find community support and better understand themselves. But greater awareness and more research are needed to support people struggling with its effects – and to offer healthier ways of navigating attraction and attachment.

    Rebecca Ellis 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. Limerence: why some people experience intense infatuation that feels like love, and how it affects them – https://theconversation.com/limerence-why-some-people-experience-intense-infatuation-that-feels-like-love-and-how-it-affects-them-248204

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, King Reintroduce Legislation to Help America’s Working Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Angus King (I-Maine) reintroduced the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will make the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Employer Tax Credit permanent, helping companies of all sizes offer PFML plans to their employees. 

    Senators Fischer and King established the country’s first-ever nationwide PFML policy, which wasincluded in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and implemented in 2018. The Senators’ legislationbuilds on the 2017 law to better serve working families and hourly workers. It also provides additional ways for businesses to qualify for the paid leave tax credit, such as paying for PFML insurance products, and requires greater outreach efforts to raise awareness about the credit. 

    U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) will introduce identical companion legislation in the House.

    “America’s working families drive our economy forward and strengthen our communities. They shouldn’t have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their loved ones. That’s why Senator King and I passed the first-ever nationwide paid family leave law. Now, we need to make our legislation permanent and expand access to ensure that even more businesses can provide paid family leave to the workers who keep them running. I’m determined to get this key legislation included in whatever tax package Congress considers this year,” said Senator Fischer.

    “I have often said that Maine is one big town with long roads and when a member of our community is hurting, we drop everything to take care of our own. However, no one should have to choose between caring for our families or receiving the next paycheck to put food on the table,” said Senator King. “That’s why I’ve been working with my Republican colleague, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, to introduce the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act which makes the PFML tax credit permanent. When families have access to care, they are able to succeed both at home and in their professional careers. Child care is more than a household priority; child care means business!”

    “Paid family and medical leave (PFML) is a lifeline for workers when facing a medical condition or welcoming a newborn into the world. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act recognized the importance of PFML by helping American small businesses offer these benefits to their employees through the creation of a targeted tax credit specifically for small businesses. However, along with many other policies, this provision expires at the end of the year without action from Congress,” said Congressman Feenstra. “That’s why I introduced legislation to extend and improve this tax credit for our small businesses so that they can provide their workers with up to 12 weeks of PFML without missing a paycheck. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I believe that, by making this policy permanent, we can deliver certainty for our small businesses, keep our workers healthy and employed, and grow our economy and rural communities.”

    “The 45S tax credit, first implemented under the Trump administration, has been instrumental in helping many employers expand paid family leave benefits for their workers. However, awareness and uptake of this credit have been lower than we’d like. This legislation, which I’m pleased to introduce alongside my colleagues, will improve the credit, make it more flexible, increase employer awareness, and make the tax credit permanent,” said Congresswoman Bice.  

    “Taking care of your health, newborn, or family when they’re most in need shouldn’t come at the cost of paying the bills. Strong families mean strong communities and local economies,” said Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. “With the paid family and medical leave tax credit due to expire, our bipartisan legislation will make this successful credit permanent and expand access for Washington-based businesses and newer employees, so more families can feel the benefits.”

    Nebraska Stakeholder Support: 

    “The Nebraska Chamber is committed to making Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business, and this bill brings us one step closer to achieving that. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit represents Nebraska business owners’ desire to strengthen the state’s overall workforce. The NE Chamber and businesses across the state appreciate Senator Fischer’s continued leadership on this issue,” said President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Bryan Sloane. 

    “The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce appreciates Senator Fischer’s leadership in her efforts to empower small businesses to provide paid family and medical leave. Senator Fischer’s continued efforts by way of introducing her Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act is a continuation of her commitment to employers, employees, families, and communities. We view this crucial policy initiative as something that should be included in any larger pro-growth tax policy package that might be considered,” said Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Jason Ball.

    “The Greater Omaha Chamber is grateful to Senators Fischer and King for introducing this important legislation. While a broad representation of our membership offers various types of paid leave, incentives will matter to companies and businesses who have greater barriers to offering paid leave, especially our smallest members. This proposed legislation allows us greater opportunities to care holistically for employees the way we strive to, and aligns with the Chamber’s mission,” said Greater Omaha Chamber President and CEO Heath Mello. 

    “The Nebraska Grocers and all our affiliates thank Senator Fischer for her commitment to businesses, families, and communities. By embracing incentives, rather than imposing burdensome and impractical mandates, this Act recognizes that business owners want to provide flexibility to their most valuable resource – their dedicated employees. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act is genuinely helpful, responsible policymaking which empowers both employers and employees,” said Nebraska Grocery Industry Association Executive Director Ansley Fellers. 

    Full List of Nebraska Endorsements:

    Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Mutual of Omaha, Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, Nebraska Hospitality Association, and Nebraska Retail Federation.

    National Stakeholder Support:

    “AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans age 50 and older, is pleased to endorse the bipartisan Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. This legislation will provide consistency and certainty to businesses by making tax credit 45S permanent. In addition, the proposed enhancements to the credit will encourage more employers to provide this important benefit to support working family caregivers with low to moderate incomes,” said AARP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Bill Sweeney.

    “Too many people today face the difficult choice between earning a paycheck and caring for themselves or family member. Senators Fischer and King are offering a bipartisan solution that will go a long way toward helping working families facing this dilemma. The enhanced tax credit will enable more employers—especially small employers— to offer their workers a paid family and medical leave benefit. It also will help more people access this benefit by making it easier for employers to qualify for the credit. Most important, the legislation gives people peace of mind knowing they’ll be protected from economic loss when taking time off from work to care for themselves or a loved one. We applaud Senators Fischer and King for advancing this legislation that offers working Americans the help they want and need,” said American Council of Life Insurers President & CEO David Chavern.

    “Over the last year, the AICPA has worked closely with staff from both Senator Fischer and Senator King‘s offices on important legislation that would help families and middle income households by allowing more employers to offer the benefit of paid family and medical leave to their employees by making the tax credit permanent. We applaud Senators Fischer and King for their thoughtful and consistent leadership on this bill and offer our strong support,” said American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Vice President of Tax Policy & Advocacy Melanie Lauridsen.

    “Benefits like paid family leave help restaurant operators recruit skilled hospitality professionals. Making the Paid Family, Medical Leave tax credit program pilot permanent would support the growth of the small business operators who are considering or offering PFML. In the current economy, we appreciate Sens. Fisher and King’s efforts to support small business restaurant owners and their employees by continuing this program,” said National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Sean Kennedy. 

    “NFIB thanks Senator Fischer and Senator King for introducing the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. Incentivizing small business owners to offer paid family and medical leave rather than penalizing them for failing to provide a benefit that they cannot afford is a wise policy for the small business owners,” said National Federation of Independent Businesses Vice President Federal Government Relations Jeff Brabant.

    “BPC Action is proud to endorse the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act to make permanent and expand the employer tax credit for paid family and medical leave, known as 45S, and applauds Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Angus King (I-ME) for their bipartisan leadership on this bill. As BPC has found, ‘In an ever-changing economy and tight labor market, paid family and medical leave can importantly encourage workers to stay in the labor force, support household finances, and help businesses compete for workers.’ This bill is critical to helping businesses provide paid leave benefits to more hardworking American families. We urge Congress to take up this proposal, originally enacted as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” said Bipartisan Policy Center President Michele Stockwell. 

    “We the People send Americans into the halls of government with the opportunity to do the Will of the People, to do good. As such, it is perpetually our hope that our elected officials will execute such Will and enact laws that will serve the People, especially in cases where it is feasible in order to ease the burdens that life sometimes thrusts upon us where loved ones, families and businesses are most affected. The PFML Tax Credit Bill provides a judicious antidote for a malaise that has existed for far too long for so many Americans and businesses. More specifically, the PFML Bill effectively eliminates the decision of having to choose between family and a paycheck. In short, it gives individuals, families and employers the relief and peace of mind that they desperately need. On behalf of the American Caregiver Association, I encourage all those who are willing, to support U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Senator Angus King and their continuing efforts to make the PFML Tax Credit Bill permanent,” said American Caregiver Association President Vincent S. Pettis. 

    “At SHRM, we are committed to advancing smart, practical policies that strengthen workplaces, empower HR professionals, and maximize human potential. As employers innovate to provide leave options that support well-being and family care, public policy must keep pace—offering incentives that encourage organizations to expand access to leave while maintaining the flexibility needed to design and sustain these programs. A balanced approach ensures that more workers can benefit from this critical support. At SHRM, we prioritize policy over politics and view this effort as a strong example of bipartisan collaboration and constructive policymaking in Congress,” said Society for Human Resource Management Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs Emily M. Dickens, J.D.

    “On behalf of our nation’s 2.95 million Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) business owners and entrepreneurs, National ACE applauds Senators Fischer and King for their leadership in reintroducing the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. Access to paid family and medical leave is vital for small business owners and their employees, particularly within the AAPI community, where caregiving responsibilities often extend across generations. This bipartisan effort provides much-needed support for entrepreneurs striving to balance business success with the well-being of their workforce. We are proud to support this legislation and look forward to working together to ensure small businesses have the resources they need to thrive,” said National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship President and CEO Chiling Tong.

    “The Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act is essential to help ensure that more small business owners can offer paid family medical leave to their employees. Policies that include support for business owners and working families through programs like paid family leave help address the economic needs of our small businesses and workforce while at the same time making sure small business owners can compete against their larger counterparts. We thank Senators Fischer and King for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important legislation and applaud the efforts to both expand access to this credit and ensure that the tax credit is permanent,” said National Association of Women Business Owners Board Chair Dr. Janis Shinkawa.

    “We are pleased to see the reintroduction of this legislation by Senators Fischer and King and thank them for their leadership on this critical issue. This legislation will encourage employers around the country to offer paid leave to their employees, increasing the number of Americans with paid leave coverage. Paid leave strengthens families and the economy by enabling workers to keep their jobs when they need to care for themselves or a loved one, while helping businesses retain valued employees,” said Sun Life U.S. President Dan Fishbein, M.D. 

    Full List of National Endorsements:

    AARP, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM), American Council of Life Insurers, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), National Restaurant Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), American Caregiver Association, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, National Association of Women Business Owners, and Sun Life U.S.

    Background: 

    The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) created a two-year general business tax credit for employers that voluntarily offer up to 12 weeks of PFML to employees. Congress has extended the credit through 2025. The credit also includes an income cap for eligible employees to ensure that it remains targeted to those who need it the most. 

    Under current law, an employer must meet the following criteria to claim the credit: offer all qualifying employees at least two weeks of PFML, have a written PFML policy in effect, and pay at least 50 percent of an employee’s normal wages while the employee is on PFML. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), only 19 percent of those working for employers with less than 50 employees have access to PFML.

    Senators Fischer and King’s legislation builds on the existing credit by making the following changes:

    Making the Credit Permanent:

    • Provides certainty to businesses taking the leap to offer paid family and medical leave.

    Updating the Treatment of Paid Leave Required by State or Local Mandates:

    • Allows eligible employers to receive the credit for leave provided in states without PFML mandates or for leave offered in excess of any state or local mandate. 
      • Currently, employers providing PFML under state or local government mandates are ineligible for the credit, meaning that some employers with operations in both non-mandate and mandate states are ineligible for the credit.

    Supporting Coverage of PFL Insurance Premiums:

    • Allows employers to claim the credit for premiums paid for PFML insurance products that cover qualifying employees. The structure mirrors the current credit, enabling employers to receive up to a 25 percent credit towards yearly premiums, depending on the percentage of wages the insurance plan replaces.

    Reducing the Minimum Employment Period Requirement:

    • Provides employers the option to offer PFML to employees at six months and better target the credit towards younger workers.

    Requiring Greater Outreach and Awareness:

    • Requires the Small Business Administration and Internal Revenue Service to conduct targeted outreach, education, and technical assistance to assist in increasing awareness of the credit.

    Click here to read a summary of the bill.
     

    Click here to read the text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: AFTER TRUMP’S FUNDING FREEZE FIASCO, HEAD START PROGRAMS ACROSS UPSTATE NY & U.S. STILL MISSING MILLIONS IN VITAL FUNDING TO KEEP CHILDCARE RUNNING — EVEN LEADING TO CLOSURES,…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Last Week Amid Trump’s Illegal Funding Freeze The Head Start Online Payment System Shut Down Across The Country, Despite The Admin Saying It Was Exempt From The Freeze And Has Provided No Explanation Why This Occurred

    Now A Week Later, Head Start Providers In NY And Across America Have Been Missing Payments They Rely On From Feds, Forcing Some Upstate Childcare Providers To Even Layoff Staff And Temporarily Shut Down Services Impacting Hundreds Of Families; Schumer Says This Cannot Continue And Is Demanding Immediate Action And Oversight

    Schumer: We Can’t Let NY’s Head Start Providers Be Left In Limbo, We Need This System Fixed & Answers NOW

    After Head Start providers in New York and across America were locked out of federal funding amid Trump’s federal funding freeze, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed that a week later Head Start providers are now missing payments, facing delays and enduring severe technical issues with no end or clarity in sight. Schumer said after the payment management shutdown, despite the White House saying Head Start programs should be exempt, there have been continued reports of childcare programs in NY and across the country missing payments from the feds creating a growing problem, and even leading to some Head Start programs in NY temporarily closing or laying off staff, impacting hundreds of families in need of childcare.

    Schumer is now demanding HHS immediately address this problem, fix the payment system, and provide answers to give Head Start programs the assurances and funding they need to continue their essential childcare in rural and underserved communities. 

    “Trump’s illegal funding freeze created chaos for childcare programs across the country, and we still have no answer on why the payment system shut down. Now a week later Head Start programs still are missing federal payments, forcing some to shutter or even lay off staff, impacting hundreds of families here in Upstate NY. Enough is enough. Head Start providers cannot pay their teachers, staff or provide childcare without the assurances of payment,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m calling on HHS to take immediate action to ensure Head Start providers receive the funds and clarity they deserve. Right now Head Start providers and parents are worried sick this funding will continue to be delayed and they can be left high and dry when it comes to childcare. We can’t leave our children and families in limbo due to a chaotic and incompetent policy decision by this new administration. We need answers and this problem fixed now. Our parents, teachers, and children who rely on Head Start deserve nothing less.”

    Schumer explained after the Head Start programs across the country – including in Michigan, Connecticut, and Wisconsin – are still unable to access funding leading to major issues, and New York is now seeing these impacts as well. Head Start programs across Upstate NY and NYC have reported trouble getting paid, putting their cash flow at further risk and jeopardizing their ability to make payroll consistently for staff. For example, the Cattaraugus & Wyoming Counties Project Head Start, which serves 200+ children and employs 80+ staff across both counties, has said they are still unable to access funds. Without federal funding, the program has been unable to reopen and was forced to temporarily lay off all staff until this problem can be addressed.

    “As of Tuesday, January 28, 2025, all Head Start employees were sent home and program was closed due to the Executive Order to pause all federal grants and loans. Though this EO was rescinded, the pause has caused a back log of draw downs through the federal payment system. As of Tuesday, February 4, 2025, we still do not have answers. It seems the Department of HHS and the federal payment system are unable to agree where the problem is originating. We have almost 200 families without services and 84 employees without a job. To say it’s frustrating is an understatement,” said Cattaraugus & Wyoming Counties Project Head Start Board of Directors Chairperson, Andrea Aldinger. “I thank Senator Schumer for recognizing the importance of Head Start programs in local communities and for taking action to support affected families, children, and employees.” 

    “The New York State Head Start Association (NYSHSA) Board of Directors is concerned that the recent pause in funding had significant consequences for the thousands of children and families attending Head Start preschools and Early Head Start in NY,” said NYSHSA President Carolyn Wiggins. “We have heard from Head Start programs from across the state, from Western New York, to the Southern Tier and New York City, have experienced funding delays that rendered them unable to make payroll and, in some cases, temporarily close. We thank Senator Schumer for fighting to get answers and address this problem so we can continue our essential work to help children and families across NY.”

    Schumer is now leading Senate Democrats in demanding immediate action from the Trump administration and said HHS must fix this problem now and promptly disburse delayed funds to Head Start programs. The senators said programs and families deserve an explanation for why the funding freeze has continued and what the feds plan to do to ensure it never happens again. The lawmakers said families across America depend on this federal funding for childcare and their peace of mind.

    Schumer said Head Start programs cannot afford to continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and that the feds must deliver the funding needed to resume operations and Head Start programs in New York and across the country need immediate answers about why this happening.

    “Despite reports of an end to a federal funding freeze, settlement house Head Start providers have still reported challenges and delays with payment since last week. Disrupting payments on contracted programs is devastating for child care providers who want to carry out their mission of caring for children and helping working parents get through their day to day. An interruption in cash flow, even for a few weeks, can have devastating consequences and puts providers in serious financial jeopardy to continue their operations. The Office of Head Start and the Department of Health and Human Services must prioritize the immediate payment of these vital child care services. Jeopardizing child care is no way to help working families,” said Susan Stamler, Executive Director of United Neighborhood Houses.

    A copy of Schumer’s letter he is leading with Senator Kaine and 27 of their colleagues in the Senate to Acting U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dorothy Fink and Acting Director of the Office of Head Start Captain Tala Hooban can be found below:

    Dear Acting Secretary Dr. Fink and Acting Director Captain Hooban:

    We are writing today to raise ongoing, urgent concerns experienced by Head Start programs in our states and across the country. These concerns include (1) a lack of clarity on the status of renewals and notice of awards in the February 1st grant cycle, (2) delays in processing reimbursements through the Payment Management System (PMS), and (3) a lack of clear communication with grantees throughout this confusing time.

    We request your immediate action and assurance on the following:

    1. All requests for disbursements of funds submitted through PMS to be promptly processed to allow all Head Start programs to draw down federal funds;
    2. Programs on the February 1st grant cycle will be notified of their renewal or notice of award before the deadline to ensure no lapse in funding or program operations; and
    3. Transparent and consistent communication with Head Start programs to address the ongoing challenges.

    Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has provided critical early childhood education and comprehensive services to nearly 40 million low-income young children and their families in communities across the nation. Today, Head Start programs are supported by 250,000 staff to serve nearly 800,000 children across the nation. Head Start’s comprehensive services ensure children receive age-appropriate health care, dental care, immunizations, and health insurance, and they provide referrals to other critical services for parents, such as job training, adult education, nutrition services, and housing support. For the last several years, Congress has worked in a bipartisan manner to recognize this longstanding federal program’s important work by providing increased appropriations.

    Since the morning of Tuesday, January 28th, the Head Start community has faced immense uncertainty and disruptions by the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memo (M-2513), directing federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance.” While the Trump Administration later clarified that Head Start would not be the target of the funding freeze, many Head Start programs across the country were unable to access the PMS to draw down federal funds. PMS was reinstated, but programs across the country have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner.

    Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards. This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the childcare options.

    Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds.

    Once these issues are resolved, we request you provide responses to the following questions:

    1. What factors contributed to delayed disbursements to Head Start programs through the Payment Management System? What steps will be taken to ensure such delays will not occur in the future?
    2. How many Head Start programs were impacted by this delay and what were the immediate consequences on operations and services for children and families?
    3. What factors led to the lack of communication about grant renewals and awards for the February 1st cycle? What steps will be taken to ensure timely notices in the future?

    We thank you for your quick attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Owner of Santa Cruz Residential Care Home Arrested for Elder Abuse

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, February 5, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    SANTA CRUZ – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrest and charges against the owner of Rose Garden Residential Care Home and her employee for felony elder abuse that caused the death of a dependent adult in their care. Both defendants have been taken into custody and will face prosecution by the California Department of Justice Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, for a single count of felony elder abuse each.
     
    “Elders deserve care, respect, and protection,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Those who are responsible for the care of elderly and dependent adults carry a profound duty to ensure their safety and well-being. At the California Department of Justice, we are committed to standing against any form of elder abuse or neglect, and we will take immediate action to hold accountable those who exploit or harm these vulnerable individuals.”
     
    The victim, an 88-year-old dementia patient, was discovered deceased after departing from Rose Garden. The investigation revealed that the staff member responsible for his care fell asleep and was unaware of his absence. Dressed only in a t-shirt and diaper, the victim wandered .4 miles away from Rose Garden and died due to cold exposure. 
     
    It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    DMFEA works to protect Californians by investigating and prosecuting those responsible for abuse, neglect, and fraud committed against elderly and dependent adults in the state, and those who perpetrate fraud on the Medi-Cal program.
     
    The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of California. FY 2025 is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
     
    A copy of the complaint can be found here.
     

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bpce: Groupe BPCE Results Q4-24 & 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, February 5, 2025

    STRONG PERFORMANCES IN 2024

    • Excellent performance in Q4-24 •
    • Net income (Group share) of €3.5bn in 2024, strong growth of +26% •
    • VISION 2030: dynamic implementation of the strategic project •

    Q4-24: net banking income at €6bn, up +11% YoY; very good performance achieved by retail banking and the global businesses; net income of €913m, +140% YoY
    2024: net banking income of €23.3bn, 5% growth YoY driven by all the business lines; gross operating income up by a strong 18% notably thanks to good cost control; reported net income2of €3.5bn, up by 26% YoY

    Very high levels of solvency and liquidity with a CET1 ratio of 15.6%3 and a LCR of 142%4 at end-2024

    RETAIL BANKING & INSURANCE    Sharp 14% growth in revenues in Q4-24 and 4% in 2024 driven in particular by the confirmed rebound in net interest margins and commissions. The Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne retail banking networks enjoyed sustained growth in their customer bases with the addition of 846,000 new clients6in 2024

    • Local & regional financing: €84bn of funding for our clients of individual, professional, corporate, and institutional clients; 1% year-on-year growth in loan outstandings, rising to a total of €724bn at end-December 2024
    • Deposits & savings7up by €5bn year-on-year, reaching a total of €681bn at end-December 2024
    • Insurance: gross inflows8 of €14.9bn in life insurance in 2024. Premiums up 15% in 2024 YoY. The equipment rate9for P&C and Personal Protection insurance stood at ~35% at end-December 2024
    • Financial Solutions & Expertise: net banking income remained stable in Q4-24 and rose by 2% in full-year 2024 vs. a high basis of comparison in 2023. Good performance reported by the Leasing and Consumer Credit activities
    • Digital & Payments: +5% growth in the number of card transactions at end-December 2024 YoY. Oney net banking income up 8% in full-year 2024

    GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES Strong revenue growth, +8% in Q4-24 and full-year 2024; very dynamic business development in Corporate & Investment Banking, net banking income up 5% in Q4-24 year-on-year; very good performance achieved by Asset Management with net banking income up 11% in Q4-24 year-on-year

    • Corporate & Investment Banking: net banking income of €1.1bn in Q4-24; +19% growth in revenues in Q4-24 YoY for Global Markets, driven by the Fixed-income and Equity segments; net banking income up 2% for Global Finance, driven in particular by Trade Finance activities, and up by 6% for Investment Banking activities in Q4-24
    • Asset & Wealth Management: Natixis IM’s assets under management up 13% YtD, reaching an all-time high of €1,317bn at end-December 2024; very high net fund inflows of €40bn in full-year 2024, particularly from Fixed-Income expertise; net banking income of €968m in Q4-24, reflecting strong growth of 11% YoY.

    Expenses remained stable year-on-year in 2024 and good improvement in the cost/income by 3.5pp

    Prudent provisioning policy: cost of risk of €2.1bn in 2024, i.e. 24bps, standing below the announced guidance level; €596 million in Q4-24, down 20% year-on-year

    Financial strength: CET1 ratio of 15.6%3at end-December 2024; liquidity reserves of €302bn

    VISION 2030 strategic project: fast-paced and dynamic implementation  

    • April 2024: announcement of the project to acquire SGEF, making Groupe BPCE the European leader in equipment leasing; completion of the transaction scheduled for Q1-25.
    • June 2024: plan to create France’s No. 1 payment processor in partnership with BNP Paribas with a view to becoming one of the top 3 players in Europe.
    • June 2024: commercial partnerships with two leaders in their respective markets: Leroy Merlin and Verisure
    • January 2025: announcement of plan to create Europe’s leading asset manager in a joint venture with Generali.
    • Plans to create a shared technology platform for retail banking activities

    1 See the notes on methodology annexed to this press release 2Group share 3 Ratio estimated at end-December 2024 integrating pro forma the coming impact of SGEF and Nagelmackers acquisitions 4Average end-of month LCRs in Q4-24 5 Estimated at end-December 2024 6 196,100 new active clients over the year 7 On-balance sheet savings & deposits within the scope of the Retail Banking & Insurance business unit 8 Excluding reinsurance treaty with CNP Assurance 9 Scope of the individual clients in the BP and CE retail banking networks

    Nicolas Namias, Chairman of the Management Board of BPCE, said: “2024 marked the return of strong performance across all our business lines. Groupe BPCE saw its earnings grow by 26% over the year as a whole and by a total of 140% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Banques Populaires and Caisses d’Epargne benefited from the confirmed rebound in their net interest margin along with an extremely buoyant level of commercial activity, illustrated by the arrival of 846,000 new clients in 2024. All the business lines serving the retail banking networks – Insurance, Payments, Financial Solutions & Expertise – generated growth both in full-year 2024 and in the 4thquarter of the year. It also proved to be a remarkable quarter and full-year period for the global business lines managed by Natixis CIB and Natixis IM with, in particular, 19% revenue growth in our capital markets activities in the fourth quarter, and a record-breaking 40 billion euros in net inflows for our asset management activities in the course of the year.

    These results testify to the dynamic implementation of our VISION 2030 strategic project. In the space of a year, we announced the planned acquisition of SGEF, making the Group the front-ranking European equipment leasing specialist, an initiative due to be completed early this year; the creation, with BNP Paribas, of the French leader in payment processing, with a view to becoming one of the top 3 players in Europe; plans to create a champion in asset management with Generali that would be No.1 in Europe in terms of revenues and one of the top 10 asset management specialists worldwide. Today, we announce our ambition to create a common technological platform for the Banques Populaires and Caisses d’Epargne by setting up a joint information system. Designed to further enhance the Group’s performance, this project sets out to optimize the service offered to our 35 million clients and to improve the day-to-day lives of our employees and, in the process, support the development of retail banking in France. These projects give concrete expression to our determination to pursue well-balanced development across our three priority growth areas: France, Europe, and the rest of the world.

    These extremely exciting prospects for the months ahead will be driven by our staff of employees, who this year demonstrated their tremendous mobilization and enthusiasm during the Olympic & Paralympic Games Paris 2024. We gave expression to our promise to share the Games with as many people as possible in every territorial region of France. This event enabled us to strengthen our ties with our clients both in regional France and around the world, and we will continue to foster these relationships by contributing to the sustainable development of the economies in which we do business, in line with our cooperative values.”

    The quarterly financial statements of Groupe BPCE for the period ended December 31, 2024, approved by the Management Board on February 3, 2025, were verified and reviewed by the Supervisory Board, at a meeting chaired by Eric Fougère on February 5, 2025.

    In this document, 2023 figures have been restated on a pro-forma basis (see annex for the reconciliation of reported data to pro-forma data).

    Groupe BPCE

    €m1 Q4-24 Q4-23 % Change 2024 2023 % Change
    Net banking income 6,046 5,462 11% 23,317 22,198 5%
    Operating expenses (4,184) (4,129) 1% (16,384) (16,328) 0%
    Gross operating income 1,862 1,332 40% 6,933 5,870 18%
    Cost of risk (596) (744) (20)% (2,061) (1,731) 19%
    Income before tax 1,262 537 135% 4,956 4,182 19%
    Income tax (326) (159) 106% (1,357) (1,340) 1%
    Net income – Group share 913 381 140% 3,520 2,804 26%
    Exceptional items (64) (100) (35)% (155) (122) 28%
    Underlying2net income – Group share  977 481 103% 3,675 2,925 26%
    Underlying cost to income ratio3 67.8% 74.6% (6.8)pp 69.4% 72.9% (3.5)pp

    1 Reported figures as far as “Net income (Group share)” 2 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 3 The underlying cost/income ratio of Groupe BPCE is calculated on the basis of net banking income and operating expenses excluding exceptional items. The calculations are detailed in the annex on pages 18 and 24.  

    1.     Groupe BPCE

    Unless specified to the contrary, the financial data and related comments refer to the reported results of the Group and
    business lines; changes express differences between Q4-24 and Q4-23 and between full-year 2024 and full-year 2023.

    Groupe BPCE’s net banking income rose by 11% to reach 6,046 million euros in Q4-24 thanks to strong commercial activity in all business lines. At the end of December 2024, it stood at 23,317 million euros, up 5%.

    Revenues from the Retail Banking & Insurance business unit (RB&I) rose 14% in Q4-24 to 4,064 million euros and stood at 15,397 million euros in full-year 2024, representing growth of 4%. Banques Populaires and Caisses d’Epargne put up a strong commercial performance, attracting more than 846,000 new clients1 across all markets since the beginning of the year.

    Revenues in the Financial Solutions & Expertise business unit, stable in Q4-24 and up 2% in full-year 2024, were driven in particular by the leasing and consumer credit businesses. The Insurance business unit benefited from strong business momentum in life insurance with gross new inflows2 of 14.9 billion euros. Business was buoyant for the Digital & Payments business unit with renewed momentum for Oney.

    Revenues from the Global Financial Services (GFS) business unit were up 8% in Q4-24 and full-year 2024, reaching a total of 2,055 million euros and 7,947 million euros respectively. Corporate & Investment Banking revenues, buoyed up by strong commercial performance across all its business lines, came to 1,087 million euros in Q4-24, up 5%, and to 4,440 million euros in full-year 2024, up 7%. The net banking income generated by Asset & Wealth Management stood at 968 million euros in Q4-24, up 11%, and reached a total of 3,507 million euros in full-year 2024, up 10%. Assets under management, which rose to their highest level ever thanks to record-breaking fund inflows and positive market and currency effects, rose by 13% in the course of the year to reach 1,317 billion euros.

    The net interest margin stood at 7.6 billion euros, up 4% year-on-year, while commission income, which reached 11 billion euros in full-year 2024, was up 7% year-on-year.

    In full-year 2024, operating expenses remained stable at 16,384 million euros, rising 1% to 4,184 million euros in Q4-24, benefitting from positive jaws effects over the 2 periods.

    The underlying cost/income ratio3 improved by 6.8pp in Q4-24 to 67.8%, and by 3.5pp in full-year 2024 to 69.4%

    Gross operating income rose by 40% to 1,862 million euros in Q4-24, and by 18% to 6,933 million euros in full-year 2024.

    Groupe BPCE’s cost of risk, which came to -2,061 million euros in 2024, increased by a total of 19% vs. a low basis of comparison in 2023. In Q4-24, it stood at -596 million euros, down 20%.

    Performing loans are deemed to be rated ‘Stage 1’ or ‘Stage 2,’ while loans with proven risk are rated ‘Stage 3.’

    1    196,100 new active clients in full-year 2024 ² Excluding the reinsurance treaty with CNP Assurances3 The underlying cost/income ratio of Groupe BPCE is calculated on the basis of net banking income and operating expenses excluding exceptional items. The calculations are detailed in the annex on page 24

    For Groupe BPCE, the amount of provisions for performing loans rated ‘Stage 1’ or ‘Stage 2’ corresponds:

    • For the quarter, to a reversal of 31 million euros in Q4-24 vs. an allocation of 34 million euros in Q3-24 and vs. an allocation of 145 million euros in Q4-23,
    • For the 12-month period, a reversal of 177 million euros in 2024 vs. a reversal of 112 million euros in 2023.

    Provisions for loan outstandings with proven risk, rated ‘Stage 3,’ correspond:

    • For the quarter, to an allocation of 627 million euros in Q4-24 vs. an allocation of 488 million euros in Q3-24 and vs. an allocation of 598 million euros in Q4-23,
    • For the 12-month period, an allocation of 2,238 million euros in 2024 vs. an allocation of 1,843 million euros in 2023.

    In Q4-24, the cost of risk for Groupe BPCE stood at 28bps in terms of gross customer outstandings, down 7bps. This figure includes a reversal of 1bp on performing loans (vs. an allocation of 7bps in Q4-23) and an allocation on loan outstandings with proven risk of 29bps vs. an allocation of 28bps in Q4-23.
    In Q4-24, the cost of risk remained stable for the Retail Banking & Insurance business unit at 30bps, including a 1bp provision for performing loans (vs. a 5bps allocation to provisions in Q4-23) and a 30bps allocation on loan outstandings with proven risk, as in Q4-23.
    The cost of risk for the Corporate & Investment Banking business unit came to 55bps (vs. 37bps in Q4-23), including a 13bps reversal on performing loans (vs. a 16bps provision in Q4-23) and a 67bps provision on loans with proven risk (vs. a 21bps provision in Q4-23).

    In 2024, Groupe BPCE’s cost of risk stood at 24bps of gross customer loan outstandings. This figure includes a 2bps reversal of provisions on performing loans (vs. a 1bp reversal in 2023) and a 26bps provision on loans with proven risk (vs. a 22bps provision in 2023).
    The cost of risk was 24bps for the Retail Banking & Insurance business unit (21bps in 2023), including a 2bps reversal on performing loans (as in 2023) and a 26bps provision on loans with proven risk (vs. a 23bps provision in 2023).
    The cost of risk for the Corporate & Investment Banking business unit came to 40bps (24bps in 2023), including a 6bps reversal on performing loans (vs. a 4bps reversal in 2023) and a 46bps provision on loans with proven risk (vs. a 28bps provision in 2023).

    The ratio of non-performing loans to gross loan outstandings stood at 2.5% at December 31, 2024, up 0.1pp compared with end-December 2023.

    Reported net income (Group share) came to 913 million euros in Q4-24, up 140%. In full-year 2024, it stood at 3,520 million euros, up 26%.

    The impact of exceptional items on net income (Group share) was -64 million euros in Q4-24 vs. -100 million euros in Q4-23 and -155 million euros in full-year 2024 vs. -122 million euros in full-year 2023.

    Underlying net income (Group share)1 rose by 103% to stand at 977 million euros in Q4-24, and grew by 26% to 3,675 million euros in full-year 2024.

    1 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items

    2.   A Group mobilized to decarbonize the economy and committed to making impact accessible to all

    Strong commitments in 2024

    • Climate commitments:

    The Group has published new decarbonization ambitions for the 111 most highly emissive industrial sectors: Aluminum, Aviation, Commercial real estate, Residential real estate, Agriculture, Automotive, Steel and Cement, and has strengthened its ambitions in the Power Generation and Oil & Gas sectors.

    • Environmental commitments:

    Groupe BPCE has strengthened its commitment by joining act4nature international.

    • Social commitments by providing financing for players in the social & solidarity-based economy, in social housing and the Public Sector.

    Innovative and concrete actions for our clients

    • The Banques Populaires and Caisses d’Epargne retail banking networks have launched innovations to facilitate home ownership and offer all individual customers energy-efficient renovation solutions to preserve the value of their real-estate assets: for example, by the end of November 2024, over 640 million euros in financing had been granted for energy-efficient home renovation, and the Advice and Sustainable Solutions digital module had received over 5 million unique visitors.
    • The Group serves the SME and ISE clients of the Banques Populaires and Caisses d’Epargne, as well as local communities by providing locally-based advice and by financing the transition of their business models. It has also strengthened its partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the innovation and energy transition with over one billion euros in transition and decarbonization financing.
    • Green revenues in the CIB rose by +14% in 2024 YoY, driven by sustainable finance and renewable energy & new energy activities including tailored-made solutions and dedicated expertise provided by the Green Hub.

    Groupe BPCE, a pioneer in sustainable finance, launched 5 green and social bond issues in the course of 2024 for an aggregate value of more than 3.6 billion euros, including the 1st Social Bond with a profit-sharing coupon for the benefit of the Institut Robert-Debré du Cerveau de l’Enfant (Children’s Brain Development Institute), supported by APHP (Paris Public Hospitals).

    1 Given the insignificant amount of Natixis CIB’s financing dedicated to freight and passenger ships, Groupe BPCE has not published its action plan for this industrial sector

    3.   Capital, loss-absorbing capacity, liquidity, and funding

    3.1        CET11ratio

    Groupe BPCE’s CET1 ratio at end-December 2024 stood at an estimated 16.2%, unchanged from the previous quarter. It includes the following impacts:

    • Retained earnings: +21bps,
    • Net issuance of cooperative shares: +3bps,
    • Change in risk-weighted assets: – 33bps,
    • Other changes, including variations in the prudential backstop provision, items included under Other Comprehensive Income, and other adjustments: +4bps.

    The Group’s CET1 ratio – presented on a pro-forma basis to reflect the inclusion of the future impacts of the SGEF and Nagelmackers acquisitions (-54bps) – stands at 15.6%,

    At end-December 2024, Groupe BPCE held an equity buffer estimated at 18.6 billion euros above the threshold for triggering the maximum distributable amount (MDA) for equity capital, taking account of the prudential requirements laid down by the ECB applicable on January 2, 2025.

    3.2         TLAC ratio1

    The Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity (TLAC) stood at an estimated 122.1 billion euros at the end of December 2024. The TLAC ratio, expressed as a percentage of risk-weighted assets, stood at an estimated 26.7%2 at the end of December 2024 (without taking account of preferred senior debt for the calculation of this ratio), well above the standard requirements of the Financial Stability Board that were equal to 22.4% at January 2, 2025.

    3.3        MREL ratio1

    Expressed as a percentage of risk-weighted assets at December 31, 2024, Groupe BPCE’s subordinated MREL ratio (without taking account of preferred senior debt for the calculation of this ratio) and the total MREL ratio stood at 26.7%2 and 34.6%, well above the minimum requirements laid down by the SRB at January 2, 2025 of 22.4%3 and 27.3%3 respectively.

    3.4        Leverage ratio1

    At December 31, 2024, the estimated leverage ratio stood at 5.1%, well above the requirement.

    3.5        Liquidity reserves at a high level

    The LCR (Liquidity Coverage Ratio) for Groupe BPCE is well above the regulatory requirement of 100%, at an average of 142% of month-end LCRs for the 4th quarter 2024.
    Liquidity reserves stood at 302 billion euros at December 2024, representing a coverage ratio of 177% of short-term financial debt (including short-term maturities of medium- to long-term financial debt).

    3.6        MLT funding plan: 32% of the 2025 objectives completed as at January 31, 2025

    The size of the MLT funding plan, excluding structured private placements and Asset Backed Securities (ABS), has been set at 23 billion euros for 2025. The breakdown per type of debt is as follows:

    • 10 billion euros in TLAC funding: 2.0 billion euros in Tier 2 funding and 8 billion euros in senior non-preferred debt,
    • 3 billion euros senior preferred debt,
    • 10 billion euros in covered bonds.

    The target for ABS is 8 billion euros.

    At January 31, 2025, Groupe BPCE had raised 7.3 billion euros, excluding structured private placements and ABS (32% of the 23 billion euro funding plan):

    • 5.6 billion euros in TLAC funding: 1.7 billion euros in Tier 2 funding (87% of requirements) and 3.9 billion euros in senior non-preferred debt (49% of requirements),
    • 1.7 billion euros in covered bonds (17% of requirements).

    At January 31, 2025, the amount of ABS raised came to a total of 0.7 billion euros, i.e. 8% of the target.

    Capital adequacy, Total loss-absorbing capacity – see the note on methodology
    1 Estimated at December 31, 2024 2 Groupe BPCE has chosen to waive the possibility provided by Article 72 Ter (3) of the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) to use senior preferred debt to ensure compliance with its TLAC/subordinated MREL requirements. 3 Following reception of MREL’s annual letter for 2024

    4.   Results of the business lines

    Unless specified to the contrary, the financial data and related comments refer to the reported results of the Group and
    business lines; changes express differences between Q4-24 and Q4-23 and between full-year 2024 and full-year 2023.

    4.1        Retail Banking & Insurance

    €m1 Q4-24 % Change 2024 % Change
    Net banking income 4,064 14% 15,397 4%
    Operating expenses (2,497) (0)% (9,902) 1%
    Gross operating income 1,567 45% 5,495 10%
    Cost of risk (556) (13)% (1,751) 16%
    Income before tax 998 142% 3,807 8%
    Exceptional items (45) (60)% (115) 3%
    Underlying2income before tax 1,044 98% 3,922 8%
    Underlying cost/income ratio3 60.4% (8.5)pp 63.6% (2.2)pp

    At end-December 2024, loan outstandings rose by 1% to 724 billion euros. Outstanding home loans remained stables at 400 billion euros, while equipment loans rose by 3% during the year to 199 billion euros.

    At end-December 2024, on-balance sheet customer deposits & savings totaled 681 billion euros, representing an increase of 5 billion euros year-on-year, with a 5% rise in term accounts and a 3% year-on-year increase in both regulated and unregulated passbook savings accounts.

    Net banking income for the Retail Banking & Insurance business unit rose by 14% in Q4-24 to 4,064 million euros, and by 4% in full-year 2024 to 15,397 million euros. In Q4-24, these changes reflect the good level of business activities: in the networks, revenues rose by 17% for the Banque Populaire retail banking network and by 14% for the Caisse d’Épargne network. Net banking income for both networks also recorded growth in full-year 2024, by 4% for the Banque Populaire network and by 3% for the Caisse d’Épargne network.

    The Financial Solutions & Expertise business lines continued to benefit from strong sales momentum, particularly in the leasing segment. Revenues remained stable in Q4-24 but saw 2% growth in full-year 2024. In Insurance, premiums4 rose by 15% in 2024, driven by both Non-Life Insurance and Life & Personal Protection Insurance. The Digital & Payments business unit reported a 14% increase in revenues in Q4-24 and 7% growth in full-year 2024, driven by card transactions and instant payment operations.

    Operating expenses remained tightly managed, stable in Q4-24 at 2,497 million euros, and up by just 1% in full-year 2024 to 9,902 million euros.

    The underlying cost/income ratio3 improved by 8.5pp in Q4-24 to 60.4%, and by 2.2pp in full-year 2024 to 63.6%.

    The business unit’s gross operating income benefited from a strong positive jaws effect, rising by 45% in Q4-24 to
    1,567 million euros and by 10% in full-year 2024 to 5,495 million euros.

    The cost of risk amounted to -556 million euros in Q4-24, down 13%, and stood at -1,751 million euros in 2024, up 16%.

    For the business unit as a whole, income before tax amounted to 998 million euros in Q4-24, up 142%, and stood at 3,807 million in full-year 2024, up 8%.

    Underlying income before tax2 amounted to 1,044 million euros in Q4-24, up 98%, and came to 3,922 million euros in full-year 2024, up 8%.

    1 Reported figures until “Income before tax” 2 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 3 The business line cost/income ratios have been calculated on the basis of net banking income and underlying operating expenses 4Excluding reinsurance treaty with CNP Assurance

    4.1.1         Banque Populaire network
    The Banque Populaire retail banking network is comprised of 14 cooperative banks (12 regional Banques Populaires along
    with CASDEN Banque Populaire and Crédit Coopératif) and their subsidiaries, Crédit Maritime Mutuel, and the Mutual
    Guarantee Companies.

    €m1 Q4-24 % Change 2024 % Change
    Net banking income 1,614 17% 6,098 4%
    Operating expenses (980) 1% (4,047) 2%
    Gross operating income 634 56% 2,051 8%
    Cost of risk (266) (6)% (814) 25%
    Income before tax 352 137% 1,285 (2)%
    Exceptional items (17) 77% (51) ns
    Underlying2income before tax 369 133% 1,336 2%
    Underlying cost/income ratio3 59.7% (10.2)pp 65.5% (1.9)pp

    Loan outstandings remained stable year-on-year, standing at 301 billion euros at the end of December 2024.
    On-balance sheet customer deposits & savings decreased by 2 billion euros year-on-year at the end of December 2024, with term accounts remaining stable during the 12-month period, while both regulated and unregulated passbook savings accounts saw 2% year-on-year growth.

    Net banking income came to 6,098 million euros in full-year 2024, up 4% year-on-year. This included 3.2 billion euros in net interest margin4,5 up 5% year-on-year, and 2.9 billion euros in commissions5 (up 3% year-on-year).
    In Q4-24, net banking income came to a total of 1,614 million euros, up 17% year-on-year.

    Operating expenses rose by a limited 1% in Q4-24 to 980 million euros, and increased by 2% in full-year 2024, to 4,047 million euros.
    The underlying cost/income ratio3 consequently saw a 10.2pp improvement in Q4-24, to 59.7%, and a 1.9pp improvement in full-year 2024, to 65.5%.

    Gross operating income benefited from positive jaws effects, rising by 56% to 634 million euros in Q4-24 and by 8% to 2,051 million euros in full-year 2024.

    The cost of risk stood at -266 million euros in Q4-24, down 6%, and -814 million euros in 2024, up 25%.

    Income before tax came to 352 million euros in Q4-24 (+137%) and 1,285 million euros in 2024 (-2%).

    Underlying income before tax2 amounted to 369 million euros in Q4-24 (+133%) and 1,336 million euros in full-year 2024
    (+2%).

    1 Reported figures until “Income before tax” 2 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 3 The business line cost/income ratios have been calculated on the basis of net banking income and underlying operating expenses 4 Excluding provisions for home-purchase savings schemes 5 Income on regulated savings has been restated to account for the net interest margin and included under commissions

    4.1.2        Caisse d’Epargne network
    The Caisse d’Epargne retail banking network comprises 15 individual Caisses d’Epargne along with their subsidiaries

    €m1 Q4-24 % Change 2024 % Change
    Net banking income 1,616 14% 6,054 3%
    Operating expenses (1,084) 0% (4,216) 1%
    Gross operating income 531 55% 1,838 10%
    Cost of risk (205) (6)% (640) 16%
    Income before tax 328 161% 1,200 7%
    Exceptional items (27) 171% (60) ns
    Underlying2income before tax 355 162% 1,260 13%
    Underlying cost/income ratio3 65.4% (9.8)pp 68.7% (2.7)pp

    Loan outstandings rose by 1% year-on-year to 376 billion euros at the end of December 2024.
    On-balance sheet customer deposits & savings increased by 5 billion euros year-on-year, with growth in term accounts (+12%) and an increase in regulated and unregulated passbook savings accounts (+3%).

    Net banking income rose by 3% to reach 6,054 million euros in full-year 2024, including:

    • 2.6 billion euros in net interest margin4,5, down 3% year-on-year,
    • 3.4 billion euros in commissions5 up 7% year-on-year.

    Net banking income came to a total of 1,616 million euros, up 14% year-on-year, in Q4-24 and stood at 6,054 million euros, up 3% year-on-year in full-year 2024.

    Operating expenses remained stable at 1,084 million euros in Q4-24, and rose by 1% in full-year 2024 to 4,216 million euros.

    The underlying cost/income ratio3 improved by 9.8pp to 65.4% in Q4-24 and by 2.7pp to 68.7% in full-year 2024.

    Gross operating income benefited from positive jaws effects in Q4-24 (+55%), rising to 531 million euros, and enjoyed 10% growth in full-year 2024, rising to 1,838 million euros.

    The cost of risk came to -205 million euros in Q4-24, down 6%, and to -640 million euros in 2024, up 16%.

    Income before tax rose by 161% to 328 million euros in Q4-24, and came to 1,200 million euros in 2024.
    (+7%).

    Underlying income before tax2 amounted to 355 million euros in Q4-24 (+162%) and 1,260 million euros in full-year 2024
    (+13%).

    1 Reported figures until “Income before tax” 2 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 3 The business line cost/income ratios have been calculated on the basis of net banking income and underlying operating expenses 4 Excluding provisions for home-purchase savings schemes 5 Income on regulated savings has been restated to account for the net interest margin and included under commissions

    4.1.3        Financial Solutions & Expertise

    €m1 Q4-24 %

    Change

    		 2024 %

    Change
    Net banking income 334 (0)% 1,303 2%
    Operating expenses (169) 1% (636) 1%
    Gross operating income 165 (2)% 667 3%
    Cost of risk (38) (30)% (108) 11%
    Income before tax 125 11% 555 2%
    Exceptional items 0 ns 0 ns
    Underlying2income before tax 125 11% 555 1%
    Underlying cost/income ratio3 50.7% 1.0pp 48.8% (0.3)pp

    Sales momentum remained strong in services designed for individual customers, particularly in consumer credit, with average loan outstandings (personal loans and revolving credit) up 7% year-on-year, consolidating the Group’s position as France’s leading bank for consumer credit.

    The Leasing activity continued to provide robust support to companies with growth in average outstandings (+10% year-on-year) chiefly driven by equipment leasing (+17%). Energéco, a player committed to the renewable energies sector, had an exceptional year with production exceeding, for the first time, one billion transactions arranged.

    Despite the unfavorable business environment, the business lines working in the housing and real estate sector demonstrated their resilience with confirmation in Q4-2024 of the positive upturn of activity in personal loan guarantees, leading to an increase in gross written premiums (+2% in Q4-24 year-on-year vs. -40% in the first 9 months of 2024).

    Net banking income for the Financial Solutions & Expertise business unit remained stable at 334 million euros in Q4-24, but rose 2% to 1,303 million euros in full-year 2024.

    Operating expenses, which stood at 169 million euros in Q4-24 and 636 million euros in full-year 2024, remained tightly managed.

    The underlying cost/income ratio3 increased by 1.0pp in Q4-24 to 50.7% and improved by 0.3pp in full-year 2024 to 48.8%.

    Gross operating income, which came to 165 million euros in Q4-24, was down 2%; it stood at 667 million euros in full-year 2024, up 3%.

    The cost of risk stood at -38 million euros in Q4-24, down 30%, and at -108 million euros in full-year 2024 (+11%).

    Income before tax rose by 11% to 125 million euros in Q4-24 and increased by 2% to 555 million euros in full-year 2024.

    Underlying income before tax2 rose by 11% in Q4-24 and by 1% in full-year 2024, to 125 million euros and 555 million euros respectively.

    1 Reported figures until “Income before tax” 2 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 3 The business line cost/income ratios have been calculated on the basis of net banking income and underlying operating expenses

    4.1.4        Insurance1
    The results presented below concern the Insurance business unit held directly by BPCE since March 1, 2022.

    €m2 Q4-24 % Change 2024 % Change
    Net banking income 171 17% 694 10%
    Operating expenses3 (36) (10)%4 (143) (12)%4
    Gross operating income 135 28% 550 17%
    Income before tax 141 32% 566 19%
    Exceptional items 0 ns 0 ns
    Underlying5income before tax 141 30% 566 17%
    Underlying cost/income ratio6 21.3% (5.3)pp 20.7% (4.1)pp

    In Q4-24, premiums7 reached 4.8 billion euros, up 12% thanks to the considerable dynamism demonstrated by Life Insurance and Life & Personal Protection insurance. In full-year 2024, premiums7 rose by 15% to 18.6 billion euros, with a 16% increase for Life & Personal Protection insurance and a 9% increase for Property & Casualty insurance.

    Life insurance assets under management7 reached 103 billion euros at the end of December 2024 thanks to record-breaking net inflows in both euro funds and unit-linked products. Since the end of December 2023, life insurance assets have risen by 12%, driven by significant positive inflows in both euro funds and unit-linked products. Gross inflows7 in life insurance stood at 14.9 billion euros in 2024. Unit-linked products accounted for 53% of inflows7 at the end of December 2024.

    In the Property & Casualty segment, the client equipment rate for both networks was approximately 35%8 at the end of December 2024, up 0.5pp since the end of December 2023.

    Net banking income rose by 17% in Q4-24 to 171 million euros, and rose by 10% to 694 million euros in full-year 2024.

    Operating expenses3 fell by 10%4 year-on-year in Q4-24 to 36 million euros, and by 12%4 in full-year 2024 to 143 million euros.

    The underlying cost/income ratio6 improved by 5.3pp to stand at 21.3% in Q4-24, and improved by 4.1pp to reach 20.7% in full-year 2024.

    Thanks to positive jaws effects in Q4-24 and full-year 2024, EBITDA rose by 28% and 17% respectively.

    Income before tax also improved, rising by 32% to 141 million euros in Q4-24 and by 19% to 566 million euros in full-year 2024.

    Underlying5income before tax came to 141 million euros in Q4-24 (+30%) and to 566 million euros in full-year 2024 (+17%).

    1 BPCE Assurances 2 Reported figures until “Income before tax” 3 “Operating expenses” corresponds to “non-attributable expenses” under IFRS 17, i.e. all costs that are not directly attributable to insurance contracts 4 At constant method: +7% in Q4-24 YoY and +4% in 2024 YoY 5 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 6 The business line cost/income ratios have been calculated on the basis of net banking income and underlying operating expenses 7 Excluding reinsurance treaty with CNP Assurance
    8 Scope: combined individual clients of the BP and CE networks

    4.1.5         Digital & Payments

    €m1 Q4-24 % Change 2024 % Change
    Net banking income 227 14% 873 7%
    o/w Payments 128 10% 491 6%
    o/w Oney 99 19% 382 8%
    Operating expenses (173) 1% (646) (1)%
    o/w Payments (108) 9% (394) 3%
    o/w Oney (65) (10)% (252) (7)%
    Gross operating income 54 96% 227 39%
    Cost of risk (33) (52)% (126) (26)%
    Income before tax 20 ns 97 ns
    Exceptional items (1) (99)% (5) (96)%
    Underlying2income before tax 21 ns 102 125%
    Underlying cost/income ratio3 76.2% (3.5)pp 73.9% (2.1)pp

    Digital & AI

    At the end of December 2024, 11.8 million customers were active on Banques Populaires and Caisses d’Epargne mobile applications (up 3% vs. end-December 2023).

    The “AI for all” in-house generative AI solution was being used by over 26,000 employees at the end of December 2024 (i.e. 25% of all Group employees.)

    Thanks to transformative AI, 10 million documents had been verified automatically (+71%) by end-December 2024.

    Payments

    Net banking income enjoyed 10% growth in Q4-24 and 6% growth in full-year 2024, while operating expenses rose 9% in Q4-24 and 3% in full-year 2024.

    The widespread use of Wero (European Payments Initiative) enables all customers to send and receive money via instant account-to-account payments in less than 10 seconds. Wero handles 2 million transactions per month and serves over 2 million active customers.

    In the Payment Solutions business, the number of card transactions rose by 5% year-on-year, with continued growth in mobile and instant payments (+54% and +49% year-on-year respectively) and the ongoing rollout of Android POS terminals (multiplied by a factor of 2). The launch of Google Pay has strengthened our range of mobile products.

    Oney Bank

    Net banking income rose by 8% in 2024 thanks to improved margin rates and the asset repricing effect. Oney maintained its leadership position in the BNPL4 segment in France while business was robust in Europe outside France (+19% in volumes year-on-year).

    Management expenses remained well under control, falling by 7% in full-year 2024.

    The sharp drop in the cost of risk in 2024 (-26% YoY) confirms the positive impact of our action plans.
    Net banking income for the Digital & Payments business unit rose by 14% in Q4-24 and by 7% in full-year 2024, to reach 227 million euros and 873 million euros respectively.

    The business unit’s operating expenses were up 1% in Q4-24 and down 1% in full-year 2024, to reach 173 million euros and 646 million euros respectively.

    This led to a 3.5pp improvement in the underlying cost/income ratio3 to 76.2% in Q4-24 and a 2.1pp improvement to 73.9% in full-year 2024.

    Gross operating income, which benefitted from positive jaws effects, rose by 96% in Q4-24 to 54 million euros, and by 39% to 227 million euros in full-year 2024.

    The cost of risk fell by 52% in Q4-24 to -33 million euros, and by 26% in full-year 2024 to -126 million euros.

    Income before tax amounted to 20 million euros in Q4-24 and 97 million euros full-year 2024.

    Underlying2income before tax came to 21 million euros in Q4-24 and 102 million euros in full-year 2024, equal to a sharp rise of 125%.

    1 Reported figures until “Income before tax” 2 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 3 The business line cost/income ratios have been calculated on the basis of net banking income and underlying operating expenses 4 Buy Now Pay Later

    4.2 Global Financial Services
    The GFS business unit includes the Asset & Wealth Management activities and the Corporate & Investment Banking activities of
    Natixis.

    €m1   Q4-24 % Change Constant Fx % change 2024 % Change Constant Fx % change
    Net banking income   2,055 8% 7% 7,947 8% 8%
    o/w CIB   1,087 5% 5% 4,440 7% 7%
    o/w AWM   968 11% 10% 3,507 10% 10%
    Operating expenses   (1,501) 8% 7% (5,651) 7% 7%
    o/w CIB   (738) 5% 5% (2,889) 8% 8%
    o/w AWM   (763) 11% 10% (2,763) 6% 6%
    Gross operating income   553 8% 7% 2,296 10% 10%
    Cost of risk   (86) 18%   (268) 73%  
    Income before tax   479 14%   2,051 4%  
    Exceptional items   0 ns   0 ns  
    Underlying2income before tax   479 10%   2,051 3%  
    Underlying cost/income ratio3   73.1% 0.7pp   71.1% (0.1)pp  

    GFS revenues rose by 8% in both Q4-24 and full-year 2024 to respectively 2,055 million euros (+7% at constant exchange rates) and 7,947 million euros (+8% at constant exchange rates). These trends are the result of the robust performance of our global business lines.

    In Q4-24, revenues generated by the Corporate & Investment Banking business rose by 5% to 1,087 million euros thanks, in particular, to the strong performance achieved by the Global Markets (+19%) and Global Finance (+2%) activities in full-year 2024. Net banking income for the CIB business in full-year 2024 rose by 7% to 4,440 million euros.

    In Q4-24, Asset & Wealth Management revenues rose 10% at constant exchange rates to 968 million euros, chiefly thanks to higher management fees year-on-year. Assets under management rose by 13% since the begging of the year to reach a historic high of 1,317 billion euros, with record inflows and a strong positive market and change effects.

    GFS operating expenses increased by 8% in Q4-24 and by 7% in 2024, to respectively 1,501 million euros (+7% at constant exchange rates) and 5,651 million euros (+7% at constant exchange rates). This rise in expenses is in line with revenue growth, leading to positive jaws effects in full-year 2024.

    In Q4-24, Corporate & Investment Banking operating expenses rose by 5% in line with revenue growth. Asset & Wealth Management expenses rose by 10% at constant exchange rates in Q4-24.

    The underlying cost/income ratio3 was 73.1% in Q4-24 and 71.1% in full-year 2024, up 0.7pp and down 0.1pp respectively.

    Gross operating income rose 8% in Q4-24 to 553 million euros (+7% at constant exchange rates); it rose 10% in full-year 2024 to 2,296 million euros (+10% at constant exchange rates).

    The cost of risk increased by 18% in Q4-24 and by 73% in full-year 2024, to -86 million euros and -268 million euros respectively.

    Income before tax rose by 14% in Q4-24 to 479 million euros, and by 4% in full-year 2024 to 2,051 million euros.

    Underlying2income before tax for Q4-24 was 479 million euros, up 10%, and stood at 2,051 million euros in full-year 2024, up 3%.

    1 Reported figures until “Income before tax” 2 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 3 The business line cost/income ratios have been calculated on the basis of net banking income and underlying operating expenses

    4.2.1        Corporate & Investment Banking
    The Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) business unit includes the Global markets, Global finance, Investment banking and
    M&A activities of Natixis.

    €m1 Q4-24 % Change 2024 % Change
    Net banking income 1,087 5% 4,440 7%
    Operating expenses (738) 5% (2,889) 8%
    Gross operating income 349 5% 1,551 3%
    Cost of risk (98) 60% (282) 78%
    Income before tax 262 3% 1,293 (3)%
    Exceptional items 0 ns 0 ns
    Underlying2income before tax 262 1% 1,293 (4)%
    Underlying cost/income ratio3 67.9% 0.2pp 65.1% 1.2pp

    Global Markets revenues rose by 19% to 452 million euros in full-year 2024. Revenues generated by the Equity business rose 53% to 96 million euros in Q4-24, driven by a strong performance in the Global Securities Financing activity. FIC-T revenues rose by 14% to 354 million euros in Q4-24, driven by a strong performance in the Credit and Foreign Exchange segments.

    Global Finance revenues were up 2%, rising to 466 million euros in Q4-24 thanks to the sustained momentum of Trade Finance activities.

    Investment Banking revenues were up 6% to 50 million euros in Q4-24, driven by the Acquisition & Strategic Finance and SECM business lines.
    The M&A business lines recorded revenues of 361 million euros in full-year 2024, up 11% year-on-year.
    Natixis Partners has acquired a stake in Financière de Courcelles in order to strengthen its position in the French M&A market within the small, mid, and upper mid-cap segments.

    Net banking income generated by the Corporate & Investment Banking business unit rose by 5% in Q4-24 and by 7% in full-year 2024, to 1,087 million euros and 4,440 million euros respectively.

    Operating expenses, which stood at 738 million euros in Q4-24, reflect 5% growth; expenses rose 8% in full-year 2024 to 2,889 million euros, in line with revenue growth.

    The underlying cost/income ratio3 increased by 0.2pp to 67.9% in Q4-24, and by 1.2pp to 65.1% in full-year 2024.

    Gross operating income rose by 5% in Q4-24 to 349 million euros, and by 3% in full-year 2024 to 1,551 million euros.

    The cost of risk stood at -98 million euros, up 60%, in Q4-24, and at -282 million euros, up 78%, in full-year 2024.

    Income before tax was up 3% to 262 million euros in Q4-24, and down 3% to 1,293 million euros in full-year 2024.

    Underlying2income before tax was up 1% to 262 million euros in Q4-24, and down 4% to 1,293 million euros in full-year 2024.

    1 Reported figures until “Income before tax” 2 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 3 The business line cost/income ratios have been calculated on the basis of net banking income and underlying operating expenses

    4.2.2        Asset & Wealth Management
    The business unit includes the Asset & Wealth Management activities of Natixis.

    €m1 Q4-24 % Change 2024 % Change
    Net banking income 968 11% 3,507 10%
    Operating expenses (763) 11% (2,763) 6%
    Gross operating income 205 12% 744 27%
    Income before tax 217 32% 759 21%
    Exceptional items 0 ns 0 ns
    Underlying2income before tax 217 24% 759 16%
    Underlying cost/income ratio3 78.8% 1.0pp 78.8% (2.0)pp

    In Asset Management, assets under management4 reached an all-time high of 1,317 billion euros at the end of December 2024, up 13% since the beginning of the year, with record net inflows and strong positive market and currency effects.

    Net inflows into Asset Management4 reached 40 billion euros in full-year 2024, chiefly thanks to fixed-income products from Loomis Sayles and DNCA, and to life insurance products. Private asset inflows remained positive on an annual basis.

    ESG assets accounted for 40.3% of assets under management at the end of December 2024.

    Asset management revenues grew at constant exchange rates by 10% in full-year 2024 but also in Q4-2024, driven by a higher level of average assets under management (+10% in Q4-2024).

    In Asset Management4 in full-year 2024, the total fee rate (excluding performance fees) stood at 25.2bps (stable) and at 36.8bps excluding insurance asset management (-1.1bp).

    Net banking income for the Asset & Wealth Management business unit rose by 11% in Q4-24 to 968 million euros, and by 10% in full-year 2024 to 3,507 million euros.

    Operating expenses came to 763 million euros, up 11% in Q4-24, and to 2,763 million euros, up 6% in full-year 2024.

    The underlying cost/income ratio3increased by 1.0pp in Q4-24 to 78.8%, and improved by 2.0pp in full-year 2024 to 78.8%.

    Gross operating income rose by 12% to 205 million euros in Q4-24, and by 27% to 744 million euros in full-year 2024.

    Income before tax came to 217 million euros in Q4-24 (+32%), and to 759 million euros in full-year 2024 (+21%).

    Underlying2income before tax rose by 24% to 217 million euros in Q4-24, and by 16% to 759 million euros in full-year 2024.
            

    1 Reported figures until “Income before tax” 2 “Underlying” means exclusive of exceptional items 3 The business line cost/income ratios have been calculated on the basis of net banking income and underlying operating expenses 4 Asset management: Europe includes Dynamic Solutions and Vega IM; North America includes WCM IM; excluding Wealth Management

    ANNEXES

    Notes on methodology

    Presentation on the pro-forma quarterly results

    The 2023 quarterly series are presented pro forma with changes in standards and organization:
    The sectoral reallocation of the results of the private equity activities of the entities BP Développement & CE Développement from Corporate center to RB&I and GFS divisions.
    The new management standards adopted by Natixis (including the normative allocation of capital to the business lines) within the GFS division.
    The main evolutions impact RB&I, GFS and the Corporate center.
    The data for 2023 has been recalculated to obtain a like-for-like basis of comparison.
    The quarterly series of Groupe BPCE remain unchanged.
    The tables showing the transition from reported 2023 to pro-forma 2023 are presented on annexes.

    Exceptional items

    Exceptional items and the reconciliation of the reported income statement to the underlying income statement of Groupe BPCE are detailed in the annexes.

    Net banking income

    Customer net interest income, excluding regulated home savings schemes, is computed on the basis of interest earned from transactions with customers, excluding net interest on centralized savings products (Livret A, Livret Développement Durable, Livret Épargne Logement passbook savings accounts) in addition to changes in provisions for regulated home purchase savings schemes. Net interest on centralized savings is assimilated to commissions.

    Operating expenses

    Operating expenses correspond to the aggregate total of the “Operating Expenses” (as presented in the second amendment of Group’s universal registration document, note 4.7 appended to the consolidated financial statements of Groupe BPCE) and “Depreciation, amortization and impairment for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.”

    Cost/income ratio

    Groupe BPCE’s cost/income ratio is calculated on the basis of net banking income and operating expenses excluding exceptional items. The calculations are detailed in the annexes.
    Business line cost/income ratios are calculated on the basis of underlying net banking income and operating expenses.

    Cost of risk

    The cost of risk is expressed in basis points and measures the level of risk per business line as a percentage of the volume of loan outstandings; it is calculated by comparing net provisions booked with respect to credit risks of the period to gross customer loan outstandings at the beginning of the period.

    Loan oustandings and deposits & savings

    Restatements regarding transitions from book outstandings to outstandings under management are as follows:
    Loan outstandings: the scope of outstandings under management does not include securities classified as customer loans and receivables and other securities classified as financial operations,
    Deposits & savings: the scope of outstandings under management does not include debt securities (certificates of deposit and savings bonds).

    Capital Adequacy

    Common Equity Tier 1 is determined in accordance with the applicable CRR II/CRD IV rules, after deductions.
    Additional Tier-1 capital takes account of subordinated debt issues that have become non-eligible and subject to ceilings at the phase-out rate in force.
    The leverage ratio is calculated in accordance with the applicable CRR II/CRD V rules. Centralized outstandings of regulated savings are excluded from the leverage exposures as are Central Bank exposures for a limited period of time (pursuant to ECB decision 2021/27 of June 18, 2021).

    Total loss-absorbing capacity

    The amount of liabilities eligible for inclusion in the numerator used to calculate the Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity (TLAC) ratio is determined by article 92a of CRR. Please note that a quantum of Senior Preferred securities has not been included in our calculation of TLAC.
    This amount is consequently comprised of the 4 following items:

    • Common Equity Tier 1 in accordance with the applicable CRR II/CRD IV rules,
    • Additional Tier-1 capital in accordance with the applicable CRR II/CRD IV rules,
    • Tier-2 capital in accordance with the applicable CRR II/CRD IV rules,
    • Subordinated liabilities not recognized in the capital mentioned above and whose residual maturity is greater than 1 year, namely:
      • The share of additional Tier-1 capital instruments not recognized in common equity (i.e. included in the phase-out),
      • The share of the prudential discount on Tier-2 capital instruments whose residual maturity is greater than 1 year,
      • The nominal amount of Senior Non-Preferred securities maturing in more than 1 year.

    Liquidity

    Total liquidity reserves comprise the following:

    • Central bank-eligible assets include: ECB-eligible securities not eligible for the LCR, taken for their ECB valuation (after ECB haircut), securities retained (securitization and covered bonds) that are available and ECB-eligible taken for their ECB valuation (after ECB haircut) and private receivables available and eligible for central bank funding (ECB and the Federal Reserve), net of central bank funding,
    • LCR eligible assets comprising the Group’s LCR reserve taken for their LCR valuation,
    • Liquid assets placed with central banks (ECB and the Federal Reserve), net of US Money Market Funds deposits and to which fiduciary money is added.

    Short-term funding corresponds to funding with an initial maturity of less than, or equal to, 1 year and the short-term maturities of medium-/long-term debt correspond to debt with an initial maturity date of more than 1 year maturing within the next 12 months.
    Customer deposits are subject to the following adjustments:

    • Addition of security issues placed by the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne retail banking networks with their customers, and certain operations carried out with counterparties comparable to customer deposits
    • Withdrawal of short-term deposits held by certain financial customers collected by Natixis in pursuit of its intermediation activities.

    Business line indicators – BP & CE networks

    Average rate (%) for residential mortgages: the average client rate for residential mortgages corresponds to the weighted average of actuarial rates for committed residential mortgages, excluding ancillary items (application fees, guarantees, creditor insurance). The rates are weighted by the amounts committed (offers made, net of cancellations) over the period under review. The calculation is based on aggregate residential mortgages, excluding zero interest rate loans.

    Average rate (%) for consumer loans: the average client rate for consumer loans corresponds to the weighted average of the actuarial rates for committed consumer loans, excluding ancillary items (application fees, guarantees, creditor insurance). The rates are weighted by the amounts committed (offers made net of cancellations) over the period under review. The calculation is based on the scope of amortizable consumer loans, excluding overdraft and revolving loans.

    Average rate (%) for equipment loans: the average customer rate for equipment loans is the average of the actuarial rates for equipment loans in each volume-weighted market.

    Digital indicators

    The number of active customers using mobile apps corresponds to the number of customers who have made at least one visit via one mobile apps over one month.
    The number of documents checked automatically corresponds to the number of documents transmitted by customers through their digital spaces or in a physical branch and checked automatically: eligibility for the LEP popular passbook savings account and customer intelligence documents (KYC) for consumer loans, mortgages (digital) and new business relationships (digital and physical branches).

    Impact indicators

    Financing for energy-efficient home renovation for individual clients: this indicator calculates the aggregate annual production of loans granted to individual customers (natural persons) to finance energy renovation work, expressed in €m:

    – Rénovation Energétique (Energy Renovation): consumer credit for environmentally-friendly properties,
    – ECO PTZ MPR: consumer credit designed for renovation work eligible for the MaPrimeRenov program (government scheme to support energy-efficient home renovation work) for up to a total of €30,000,
    – ECO PTZ: interest-free regulated home improvement loan for up to a total of €50,000

    Number of unique visitors to the ‘Advice and Sustainable Solutions’ digital module: this indicator calculates the aggregate annual number of unique visitors who consult the ‘Advice and sustainable solutions’ page on BP and CE mobile applications.

    Financing BtoB clients in their transition and decarbonization efforts: this indicator calculates the aggregate annual amount of loans granted to businesses to help finance their transition and decarbonization efforts, expressed in €m. This aggregate total is derived from the sum of BtoB loan amounts (Green loans + Impact loans + Vehicle Leasing + Green Lease with Purchase Option/Long-Term Rental agreements (LOA/LDD Green).

    Within the scope of CIB activities, Green revenues are comprised of:

    • Sustainable Finance (GSH scope)
    • Renewable & new energies franchises
    • Activities with clients/assets rated Dark & Medium Green (Green Weighting Factor).

    (restated for scope reconciliations).

    Reconciliation of 2023 data to pro forma data

    Retail banking and Insurance Q1-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 3,891 (2,496) 1,107 (269) 840
    Sectoral reallocation 12 (1) 11 0 11
    Pro forma figures 3,903 (2,497) 1,118 (269) 851
    Global Financial Services Q1-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 1,822 (1,303) 590 (146) 432
    Sectoral reallocation 0 0 0 0 0
    New rules 32 (2) 30 (4) 26
    Pro forma figures 1,854 (1,305) 621 (151) 458
    Corporate center Q1-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 102 (788) (729) (10) (739)
    Sectoral reallocation (12) 1 (11) 0 (11)
    New rules (32) 2 (30) 4 (26)
    Pro forma figures 57 (785) (771) (5) (776)
    Retail banking and Insurance Q2-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 3,655 (2,459) 952 (224) 729
    Sectoral reallocation (15) (1) (15) (0) (15)
    Pro forma figures 3,640 (2,460) 936 (224) 713
    Global Financial Services Q2-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 1,798 (1,282) 429 (115) 300
    Sectoral reallocation (0) (0) (0) (0) (0)
    New rules 31 (5) 26 (3) 22
    Pro forma figures 1,829 (1,287) 455 (118) 322
    Corporate center Q2-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 13 (58) (44) (14) (56)
    Sectoral reallocation 15 1 16 0 16
    New rules (31) 5 (26) 3 (22)
    Pro forma figures (3) (52) (54) (10) (63)
    Retail banking and Insurance Q3-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 3,721 (2,358) 1,072 (268) 799
    Sectoral reallocation (13) (1) (14) 0 (14)
    Pro forma figures 3,709 (2,359) 1,058 (268) 785
    Global Financial Services Q3-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 1,736 (1,279) 444 (114) 319
    Sectoral reallocation (0) (0) (0) 0 (0)
    New rules 31 (4) 27 (4) 23
    Pro forma figures 1,767 (1,283) 470 (118) 341
    Corporate center Q3-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures (3) (175) (176) (23) (200)
    Sectoral reallocation 13 1 14 0 14
    New rules (31) 4 (27) 4 (23)
    Pro forma figures (21) (170) (189) (19) (210)
    Retail banking and Insurance Q4-23      
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income    		      
    Reported figures 3,557 (2,497) 395 (122) 294      
    Sectoral reallocation 19 (1) 18 (0) 18      
    Pro forma figures 3,576 (2,499) 413 (122) 312      
                 
    Global Financial Services Q4-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 1,874 (1,389) 391 (118) 255
    Sectoral reallocation 0 (1) (0) (0) (0)
    New rules 33 (4) 29 (3) 26
    Pro forma figures 1,908 (1,394) 420 (121) 280
    Corporate center Q4-23
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Income before tax Income
    tax    		 Net
    income
    Reported figures 31 (243) (249) 81 (168)
    Sectoral reallocation (20) 2 (18) 0 (18)
    New rules (33) 4 (29) 3 (26)
    Pro forma figures (22) (237) (296) 84 (211)

    Q4-24 & Q4-23 results : reconcialiation of reported data to alternative performance measures

    €m   Net banking income Operating expenses Cost of
    risk    		 Gains or
    losses on
    other assets    		 Income
    before tax    		 Net income
    – Group share
    Reported Q4-24 results   6,046 (4,184) (596) (35) 1,262 913
    Transformation and reorganization costs Business lines/Corporate center 0 (86)   (1) (87) (64)
    Disposals Corporate center       (1) (1) (1)
    Q4-24 results excluding exceptional items   6,045 (4,098) (596) (34) 1,349 977
    €m   Net banking income Operating expenses Cost of
    risk    		 Gains or
    losses on
    other assets    		 Income
    before tax    		 Net income
    – Group share
    Pro forma reported Q4-23 results   5,462 (4,129) (744) (43) 537 381
    Transformation and reorganization costs Business lines/Corporate center (5) (54) (34)   (93) (57)
    Disposals Corporate center       (43) (43) (43)
    Pro forma Q4-23 results excluding exceptional items   5,467 (4,076) (710) (0) 672 481

    2024 & 2023 results : reconcialiation of reported data to alternative performance measures

    €m   Net banking income Operating expenses Cost of
    risk    		 Gains or
    losses on
    other assets    		 Income
    before tax    		 Net income
    – Group share
    Reported 2024 results   23,317 (16,384) (2,061) 28 4,956 3,520
    Transformation and reorganization costs Business lines/Corporate center 3 (208)   (1) (206) (153)
    Disposals Corporate center 0     (3) (3) (3)
    2024 results excluding exceptional items   23,314 (16,176) (2,061) 32 5,165 3,675
    €m   Net banking income Operating expenses Cost of
    risk    		 Gains or
    losses on
    other assets    		 Income
    before tax    		 Net income
    – Group share
    Pro forma reported 2023 results   22,198 (16,328) (1,731) 8 4,182 2,804
    Transformation and reorganization costs Business lines/Corporate center 2 (213) (32)   (242) (164)
    Disposals  Corporate center       (45) (45) (44)
    Litigations Business lines/Corporate center 87       87 87
    Pro forma 2023 results excluding exceptional items   22,108 (16,115) (1,699) 53 4,381 2,925

    Groupe BPCE : underying cost to income ratio

    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Underlying
    cost income ratio
    Q4-24 reported figures 6,046 (4,184)  
    Impact of exceptional items 0 (86)  
    Q4-24 underlying figures 6,045 (4,098) 67.8%
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Underlying
    cost income ratio
    Q4-23 Pro forma reported figures 5,462 (4,129)  
    Impact of exceptional items (5) (54)  
    Q4-23 Pro forma underlying figures 5,467 (4,076) 74.6%

    Groupe BPCE : underying cost to income ratio

    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Underlying
    cost income ratio
    2024 reported figures 23,317 (16,384)  
    Impact of exceptional items 3 (208)  
    2024 underlying figures 23,314 (16,176) 69.4%
    €m Net banking income Operating expenses Underlying
    cost income ratio
    2023 Pro forma reported figures 22,198 (16,328)  
    Impact of exceptional items 89 (213)  
    2023 Pro forma underlying figures 22,108 (16,115) 72.9%

    Groupe BPCE : quarterly income statement per business line

      RETAIL BANKING
    & INSURANCE    		 GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATE CENTER GROUPE
    BPCE
    €m Q4-24 Q4-23 Q4-24 Q4-23 Q4-24 Q4-23 Q4-24 Q4-23 %
    Net banking income 4,064 3,576 2,055 1,908 (73) (22) 6,046 5,462 11%
    Operating expenses (2,497) (2,499) (1,501) (1,394) (186) (237) (4,184) (4,129) 1%
    Gross operating income 1,567 1,077 553 514 (259) (259) 1,862 1,332 40%
    Cost of risk (556) (643) (86) (73) 46 (28) (596) (744) (20)%
    Income before tax 998 413 479 420 (215) (296) 1,262 537 x 2
    Income tax (222) (122) (124) (121) 19 84 (326) (159) x 2
    Non-controlling interests (5) 21 (18) (19) 0 1 (23) 3 ns
    Net income – Group share 772 312 337 280 (196) (211) 913 381 x 2

    Groupe BPCE : 2024 income statement per business line

      RETAIL BANKING
    & INSURANCE    		 GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATE CENTER GROUPE
    BPCE
    €m 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 %
    Net banking income 15,397 14,828 7,947 7,358 (27) 12 23,317 22,198 5%
    Operating expenses (9,902) (9,815) (5,651) (5,269) (831) (1,244) (16,384) (16,328) 0%
    Gross operating income 5,495 5,013 2,296 2,088 (858) (1,232) 6,933 5,870 18%
    Cost of risk (1,751) (1,505) (268) (154) (43) (72) (2,061) (1,731) 19%
    Income before tax 3,807 3,526 2,051 1,966 (902) (1,310) 4,956 4,182 19%
    Income tax (891) (882) (534) (507) 67 49 (1,357) (1,340) 1%
    Non-controlling interests (14) 18 (66) (56) 1 1 (79) (38) x 2
    Net income – Group share 2,902 2,661 1,452 1,402 (834) (1,260) 3,520 2,804 26%

    Groupe BPCE : quarterly series

    GROUPE BPCE
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24
    Net banking income 5,815 5,467 5,455 5,462 5,753 5,626 5,892 6,046
    Operating expenses (4,587) (3,799) (3,812) (4,129) (4,151) (4,008) (4,041) (4,184)
    Gross operating income 1,228 1,667 1,642 1,332 1,602 1,618 1,851 1,862
    Cost of risk (326) (342) (319) (744) (382) (560) (523) (596)
    Income before tax 968 1,337 1,339 537 1,233 1,124 1,336 1,262
    Net income – Group share 533 973 917 381 875 806 925 913

    Groupe BPCE : Consolidated balance sheet

    ASSETS
    €m    		 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
    Cash and amounts due from central banks 133,186 152,669
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 230,521 214,582
    Hedging derivatives 7,624 8,855
    Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 57,166 48,073
    Securities at amortized cost 27,021 26,373
    Loans and advances to banks and similar at amortized cost 115,862 108,631
    Loans and receivables due from customers at amortized cost 851,843 839,457
    Revaluation difference on interest rate risk-hedged portfolios (856) (2,626)
    Financial investments of insurance activities 115,631 103,615
    Insurance contracts issued – Assets 1,134 1,124
    Reinsurance contracts held – Assets 9,320 9,564
    Current tax assets 640 829
    Deferred tax assets 4,160 4,575
    Accrued income and other assets 16,444 14,611
    Non-current assets held for sale 438 –
    Investments in accounted for using equity method 2,146 1,616
    Investment property 733 717
    Property, plant and equipment 6,085 6,023
    Intangible assets 1,147 1,110
    Goodwill 4,312 4,224
    TOTAL ASSETS 1,584,558 1,544,022
    LIABILITIES
    €m    		 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
    Amounts due to central banks 1 2
    Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 218,963 204,023
    Hedging derivatives 14,260 14,973
    Debt securities 304,957 292,598
    Amounts due to banks and similar 69,953 79,634
    Amounts due to customers 723,090 711,658
    Revaluation difference on interest rate risk-hedged portfolios, liabilities 14 159
    Insurance contracts issued – Liabilities 117,551 106,137
    Reinsurance contracts held – Liabilities 119 149
    Current tax liabilities 2,206 2,026
    Deferred tax liabilities 1,323 1,640
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities 20,892 22,492
    Liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale 312 –
    Provisions 4,748 4,825
    Subordinated debt 18,401 18,801
    Shareholders’ equity 87,768 84,905
    Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 87,137 84,351
    Non-controlling interests 630 553
    TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,584,558 1,544,022

    Groupe BPCE : Goodwill

    €m Dec. 31, 2023 Acquisitions IRFS5 reclassifications Translation adjustments Dec. 31, 2024
    Retail Banking & Insurance 822 58     879
    Asset & Wealth Management 3,257 1 (72) 95 3,280
    Corporate & Investment Banking 144     7 151
    Total 4,224 58 (72) 102 4,312

    Groupe BPCE: Statement of changes in shareholders’ equity

    €m Equity attributable to shareholders’ equity
    December 31, 2023 84,407
    Restatements1 (56)
    December 31, 2023 restated 84,351
    Distributions (833)
    Change in capital (cooperative shares) 90
    Impact of acquisitions and disposals on non-controlling interests (minority interests) (48)
    Income 3,520
    Changes in gains & losses directly recognized in equity 144
    Capital gains and losses reclassified as reserves (31)
    Others (56)
    December 31, 2024 87,137

    1 Opening shareholders’ equity has been adjusted for Funding Valuation Adjustments whose non-material impact on income has not given rise to a change in the latter in the 2024 consolidated financial statements

    Retail Banking & Insurance: quarterly income statement

      BANQUE POPULAIRE NETWORK CAISSE D’EPARGNE NETWORK FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS & EXPERTISE INSURANCE DIGITAL & PAYMENTS OTHER NETWORK RETAIL BANKING & INSURANCE
    €m Q4-24 Q4-23 % Q4-24 Q4-23 % Q4-24 Q4-23 % Q4-24 Q4-23 % Q4-24 Q4-23 % Q4-24 Q4-23 % Q4-24 Q4-23 %  
    Net banking income 1,614 1,382 17% 1,616 1,423 14% 334 335 (0)% 171 146 17% 227 199 14% 101 91 12% 4,064 3,576 14%  
    Operating expenses (980) (975) 1% (1,084) (1,081) 0% (169) (167) 1% (36) (41) (10)% (173) (171) 1% (53) (63) (16)% (2,497) (2,499) (0)%  
    Gross operating income 634 407 56% 531 343 55% 165 168 (2)% 135 105 28% 54 27 96% 48 28 75% 1,567 1,077 45%  
    Cost of risk (266) (282) (6)% (205) (218) (6)% (38) (54) (31)%       (33) (69) (52)% (15) (19) (23)% (556) (643) (13)%  
    Income before tax 352 149 x2 328 126 x3 125 112 12% 141 107 32% 20 (89) ns 33 9 x4 998 413 x2  
    Income tax (73) (45) 62% (78) (20) x4 (33) (27) 22% (29) (25) 16% 0 (2) ns (8) (2) x4 (222) (122) 82%  
    Non-controlling interests (0) (6) (94)% (1) (3) (66)% 0 (0) ns 0 (1) ns (3) 30 ns       (5) 21 ns  
    Net income – Group share 278 98 x3 248 103 x2 92 85 8% 112 81 39% 16 (61) ns 25 7 x4 772 312 x2  
      BANQUE POPULAIRE NETWORK CAISSE D’EPARGNE NETWORK FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS & EXPERTISE INSURANCE DIGITAL & PAYMENTS OTHER NETWORK RETAIL BANKING & INSURANCE
    €m 2024 2023 % 2024 2023 % 2024 2023 % 2024 2023 % 2024 2023 % 2024 2023 % 2024 2023 %  
    Net banking income 6,098 5,862 4% 6,054 5,858 3% 1,303 1,274 2% 694 633 10% 873 816 7% 375 384 (2)% 15,397 14,828 4,%  
    Operating expenses (4,047) (3,970) 2% (4,216) (4,181) 1% (636) (630) 1% (143) (163) (12)% (646) (652) (1)% (213) (218) (2)% (9,902) (9,815) 1%  
    Gross operating income 2,051 1,892 8% 1,838 1,677 10% 667 644 3% 550 470 17% 227 164 39% 162 166 (2)% 5,495 5,013 10%  
    Cost of risk (814) (651) 25% (640) (553) 16% (108) (98) 11%       (126) (171) (26)% (62) (33) 89% (1,751) (1,505) 16%  
    Income before tax 1,285 1,308 (2)% 1,200 1,125 7% 555 545 2% 566 475 19% 97 (68) ns 103 140 (26)% 3,807 3,526 8%  
    Income tax (307) (329) (7)% (264) (254) 4% (146) (140) 4% (123) (99) 24% (27) (25) 9% (24) (35) (30)% (891) (882) 1%  
    Non-controlling interests (9) (24) (64)% (5) (7) (24)% 0 (0) ns 0 (0) ns (0) 49 ns       (14) 18 ns  
    Net income – Group share 970 954 2% 931 864 8% 409 405 1% 443 376 18% 70 (43) ns 79 106 (25)% 2,902 2,661 9%  

    Retail Banking & Insurance: 2024 income statement

    Retail banking & insurance: quarterly series

    RETAIL BANKING & INSURANCE
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24
    Net banking income 3,903 3,640 3,709 3,576 3,763 3,701 3,869 4,064
    Operating expenses (2,497) (2,460) (2,359) (2,499) (2,547) (2,456) (2,403) (2,497)
    Gross operating income 1,406 1,180 1,350 1,077 1,217 1,245 1,467 1,567
    Cost of risk (308) (252) (302) (643) (296) (475) (423) (556)
    Income before tax 1,118 936 1,058 413 934 831 1,044 998
    Net income – Group share 851 713 785 312 709 637 785 772

    Retail Banking & Insurance: Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne networks quarterly series

    BANQUE POPULAIRE NETWORK
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24
    Net banking income 1,569 1,442 1,469 1,382 1,489 1,489 1,506 1,614
    Operating expenses (1,018) (1,015) (961) (975) (1,043) (1,025) (999) (980)
    Gross operating income 551 427 508 407 445 464 508 634
    Cost of risk (132) (110) (127) (282) (125) (228) (195) (266)
    Income before tax 434 328 398 149 329 290 315 352
    Net income – Group share 332 240 284 98 252 210 230 278
                     
    CAISSE D’EPARGNE NETWORK
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24
    Net banking income 1,537 1,465 1,432 1,423 1,454 1,467 1,517 1,616
    Operating expenses (1,066) (1,041) (993) (1,081) (1,085) (1,038) (1,008) (1,084)
    Gross operating income 470 424 440 343 368 429 509 531
    Cost of risk (136) (84) (115) (218) (100) (176) (159) (205)
    Income before tax 334 340 325 126 270 252 350 328
    Net income – Group share 253 256 253 103 208 194 281 248

    Retail Banking & Insurance: FSE quarterly series

    FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS & EXPERTISE
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24
    Net banking income 315 306 318 335 327 320 322 334
    Operating expenses (157) (151) (154) (167) (162) (154) (151) (169)
    Gross operating income 158 155 164 168 166 166 171 165
    Cost of risk (6) (19) (18) (54) (24) (22) (24) (38)
    Income before tax 151 136 146 112 141 143 146 125
    Net income – Group share 112 102 107 85 104 106 108 92

    Retail Banking & Insurance: Insurance quarterly series

    INSURANCE
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24
    Net banking income 180 126 181 146 188 118 217 171
    Operating expenses (43) (37) (42) (41) (42) (25) (40) (36)
    Gross operating income 137 89 139 105 146 93 177 135
    Income before tax 139 93 137 107 149 99 177 141
    Net income – Group share 109 83 103 81 113 92 126 112

    Retail Banking & Insurance: Digital & Payments quarterly series

    DIGITAL & PAYMENTS
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24
    Net banking income 205 203 209 199 215 214 218 227
    Operating expenses (161) (163) (157) (171) (160) (159) (154) (173)
    Gross operating income 44 40 52 27 55 55 64 54
    Cost of risk (32) (41) (29) (69) (31) (32) (30) (33)
    Income before tax 8 (6) 19 (89) 24 22 32 20
    Net income – Group share 7 (3) 13 (61) 17 16 21 16

    Retail Banking & Insurance: Other network quarterly series

    OTHER NETWORK
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24
    Net banking income 97 97 99 91 91 93 90 101
    Operating expenses (51) (52) (52) (63) (55) (55) (51) (53)
    Gross operating income 46 45 47 28 37 38 39 48
    Cost of risk (2) 2 (14) (19) (16) (17) (14) (15)
    Income before tax 52 47 33 9 20 25 25 33
    Net income – Group share 39 36 25 7 16 19 20 25

    Global Financial Services: quarterly income statement per business line

      ASSET AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT CORPORATE & INVESTMENT
    BANKING    		 GLOBAL FINANCIAL
    SERVICES
    €m Q4-24 Q4-23 Q4-24 Q4-23 Q4-24 Q4-23 %
    Net banking income 968 874 1,087 1,034 2,055 1,908 8%
    Operating expenses (763) (691) (738) (703) (1,501) (1,394) 8%
    Gross operating income 205 183 349 331 553 514 8%
    Cost of risk 12 (12) (98) (62) (86) (73) 18%
    Share in net income of associates 0 0 12 4 12 4 x3
    Gains or losses on other assets 0 (7) 0 (17) 0 (24) ns
    Income before tax 217 165 262 255 479 420 14%
    Net income – Group share 143 105 194 176 337 280 20%

    Global Financial Services: 2024 income statement per business line

      ASSET AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT CORPORATE & INVESTMENT
    BANKING    		 GLOBAL FINANCIAL
    SERVICES
    €m 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 %
    Net banking income 3,507 3,192 4,440 4,166 7,947 7,358 8%
    Operating expenses (2,763) (2,604) (2,889) (2,666) (5,651) (5,269) 7%
    Gross operating income 744 588 1,551 1,500 2,296 2,088 10%
    Cost of risk 14 4 (282) (158) (268) (154) 73%
    Share in net income of associates 0 0 23 13 23 14 67%
    Gains or losses on other assets 0 35 0 (17) 0 18 ns
    Income before tax 759 627 1,293 1,338 2,051 1,966 4%
    Net income – Group share 500 425 952 977 1,452 1,402 4%

    Global Financial Services: quarterly series

    GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24  
    Net banking income 1,854 1,829 1,767 1,908 1,933 1,983 1,976 2,055  
    Operating expenses (1,305) (1,287) (1,283) (1,394) (1,368) (1,366) (1,415) (1,501)  
    Gross operating income 549 542 483 514 564 617 561 553  
    Cost of risk 27 (91) (17) (73) (58) (82) (41) (86)  
    Income before tax 621 455 470 420 510 539 525 479  
    Net income – Group share 458 322 341 280 364 384 366 337  

    Corporate & Investment Banking: quarterly series

    CORPORATE & INVESTMENT BANKING
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24  
    Net banking income 1,074 1,056 1,002 1,034 1,102 1,133 1,118 1,087  
    Operating expenses (661) (651) (650) (703) (706) (694) (751) (738)  
    Gross operating income 412 405 352 331 396 439 367 349  
    Cost of risk 21 (90) (28) (62) (54) (91) (39) (98)  
    Income before tax 437 318 328 255 346 352 333 262  
    Net income – Group share 321 233 247 176 255 261 242 194  

    Asset & Wealth Management: quarterly series

    ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24  
    Net banking income 781 773 764 874 830 850 858 968  
    Operating expenses (644) (636) (633) (691) (662) (673) (664) (763)  
    Gross operating income 137 137 131 183 168 178 194 205  
    Cost of risk 6 (1) 11 (12) (5) 9 (2) 12  
    Income before tax 184 136 143 165 163 187 192 217  
    Net income – Group share 137 89 94 105 109 123 124 143  

    Corporate center: quarterly series

    CORPORATE CENTER
    €m Q1-23 Q2-23 Q3-23 Q4-23 Q1-24 Q2-24 Q3-24 Q4-24
    Net banking income 57 (3) (21) (22) 57 (58) 46 (73)
    Operating expenses (785) (52) (170) (237) (236) (186) (223) (186)
    Gross operating income (728) (55) (191) (259) (179) (244) (176) (259)
    Cost of risk (46) 1 0 (28) (28) (2) (59) 46
    Share in income of associates 2 0 1 (9) 3 0 1 5
    Gains or losses on other assets (0) 0 (0) (0) (6) 1 3 (8)
    Income before tax (771) (54) (189) (296) (210) (245) (232) (215)
    Net income – Group share (776) (63) (210) (211) (198) (215) (226) (196)

    DISCLAIMER

    This document may contain forward-looking statements and comments relating to the objectives and strategy of Groupe BPCE. By their very nature, these forward-looking statements inherently depend on assumptions, project considerations, objectives and expectations linked to future events, transactions, products and services as well as on suppositions regarding future performance and synergies.

    No guarantee can be given that such objectives will be realized; they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions relating to the Group, its subsidiaries and associates and the business development thereof; trends in the sector; future acquisitions and investments; macroeconomic conditions and conditions in the Group’s principal local markets; competition and regulation. Occurrence of such events is not certain, and outcomes may prove different from current expectations, significantly affecting expected results. Actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated or implied by the forward-looking statements. Groupe BPCE shall in no event have any obligation to publish modifications or updates of such objectives.

    Information in this presentation relating to parties other than Groupe BPCE or taken from external sources has not been subject to independent verification; the Group makes no statement or commitment with respect to this third-party information and makes no warranty as to the accuracy, fairness, precision or completeness of the information or opinions contained in this press release. Neither Groupe BPCE nor its representatives shall be held liable for any errors or omissions or for any harm that may result from the use of this presentation or of its contents or any related material, or of any document or information referred to in this presentation.

    The financial information presented in this document relating to the fiscal period ended December 31, 2024 has been drawn up in compliance with IFRS standards, as adopted in the European Union.
    This financial information is not the equivalent of summary financial statements for an interim period as defined by IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting”.

    Preparation of the financial information requires Management to make estimates and assumptions in certain areas regarding uncertain future events.

    These estimates are based on the judgment of the individuals preparing this financial information and the information available at the date of the balance sheet. Actual future results may differ from these estimates. For further information, see chapter 5, part 5.1, note 2.3 “Use of estimates and judgments” of the Universal Registration Document 2023 filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, the French financial markets authority.
    With respect to the financial information of Groupe BPCE for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and in view of the context mentioned above, attention should be drawn to the fact that the estimated increase in credit risk and the calculation of expected credit losses (IFRS 9 provisions) are largely based on assumptions that depend on the macroeconomic context.

    Significant factors liable to cause actual results to differ from those anticipated in the projections are related to the banking and financial environment in which Groupe BPCE operates, which exposes it to a multitude of risks. These potential risks liable to affect Groupe BPCE’s financial results are detailed in the “Risk factors & risk management” chapter of the latest amendment to the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers.

    Investors are advised to consider the uncertainties and risk factors liable to affect the Group’s operations when examining the information contained in the projection elements.

    The financial results contained in this presentation have not been reviewed by the statutory auditors. The quarterly financial information of Groupe BPCE for the period ended December 31, 2024, approved by the Management Board at a meeting convened on February 3, 2025, were verified and reviewed by the Supervisory Board at a meeting convened on February 5, 2025.

    The sum of the values shown in the tables and analyses may differ slightly from the total reported owing to rounding effects.

    About Groupe BPCE
    Groupe BPCE is the second-largest banking group in France. Through its 100,000 staff, the group serves 35 million customers – individuals, professionals, companies, investors and local government bodies – around the world. It operates in the retail banking and insurance fields in France via its two major networks, Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, along with Banque Palatine and Oney. It also pursues its activities worldwide with the wholesale banking expertise of Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking and with the asset & wealth management services provided by Natixis Investment Managers.
    The Group’s financial strength is recognized by four financial rating agencies: Moody’s (A1, stable outlook), Standard & Poor’s (A+, stable outlook), Fitch (A+, stable outlook) and R&I (A+, stable outlook).

             groupebpce.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Help make Salford pharmacies better

    Source: City of Salford

    The Salford Health and Wellbeing Board is working on a new Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for local Salford pharmacies.

    Residents across Salford are being asked to share their experiences. What services do you currently use at local pharmacies, and what services do you need? Are some of the questions being asked.

    The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) examines the current provision of pharmaceutical services in Salford and whether this meets the population’s needs.

    The assessment helps identify any potential gaps in pharmaceutical service delivery. For example, NHS England will use the PNA to help decide whether to approve applications for new pharmacies in Salford.

    Salford Health and Wellbeing Board is conducting a new Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for Salford, which involves gathering feedback from the public regarding pharmacy services.

    The PNA is a legal requirement for the Salford Health and Wellbeing Board. However, residents sharing opinions can help ensure that pharmacy services in Salford are tailored to residents’ needs.

    Responses will assist in identifying any gaps in services and could influence future decisions regarding changes in pharmacy provision.

    Councillor Mishal Saeed, Executive Support Member for Social Care and Mental Health, said: “Our local pharmacies are essential pillars of our community, providing invaluable care and support through services like NHS Pharmacy First and the NHS Minor Ailment Scheme. With many pharmacies offering weekend access and free consultations for common illnesses, we are making healthcare more accessible than ever.

    Pharmacists are on hand to address medication concerns, promote healthy living, and offer vital services such as contraception and smoking cessation support. By collaborating and promoting initiatives within our networks, we can enhance the support for local pharmacy services in Salford and ensure that every member of our community has access to the care they need.

    We would greatly appreciate your support in promoting the survey within your networks, community groups and digital channels to encourage as many responses as possible. Your contribution will be invaluable to local pharmacy services in Salford.”

    Residents looking to share their feedback and have their say should visit, www.salford.gov.uk/pharmacysurvey.

    Share this

    Date published
    Wednesday 5 February 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Alerts Patients to Regularly Check Diabetes-Related Smartphone Device Alert Settings, Especially Following Phone Hardware or Software Changes

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Date Issued: February 5, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting patients who use diabetes devices and their caregivers of reports where users of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, automated insulin dosing systems, and other diabetes devices did not receive or did not hear alerts from their smartphones. A missed alert for a diabetes-related safety issue may lead to serious harm, including severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), severe hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), diabetic ketoacidosis (when the body does not have enough insulin to use blood sugar for energy), and death.

    Apps for diabetes devices allow users to configure alert settings, such as which alerts to receive, how often and how the alerts are delivered (audible, vibration, or text only). If a user’s smartphone is not configured correctly, critical safety alerts that the user expects to receive may be missed. They might not be delivered, or the volume might be too low to notice audible alerts. 

    The FDA has identified the following hardware and software configurations, changes, and updates that may lead to critical alerts not being received as expected, including:

    • Software configuration issues, such as app notification permissions, using “do not disturb” or “focus mode,” or the app entering “deep sleep” after a period of not being used.
    • Connecting new hardware, such as wireless earphones or car audio, that can change default volume of alerts or prevent delivery of alerts.
    • Operating system (OS) updates that are not supported by the medical device app.

    Recommendations for Patients and Caregivers

    • Carefully follow the instructions provided by diabetes device manufacturers when installing, setting up, or updating mobile medical apps on your smartphone.
    • Turn off automatic OS updates and do not update your phone’s OS until you check your diabetes device manufacturer’s website to verify that the medical apps you use are compatible with the new OS version. Turn off automatic OS updates by navigating to your system settings, usually accessible through a gear icon, and find the “software update” option; within this section, look for a toggle switch labeled “automatic updates” or similar, and disable it.
    • After updating your OS or adding a new accessory such as wireless headphones, confirm alert settings and then carefully monitor your medical device app to make sure you can receive and hear alerts as expected. 
    • At least once a month, check that your smartphone alerts are configured as expected. Ensure your volume, vibration, notifications, and other relevant settings still work.
    • If you are not receiving alerts as expected from your mobile medical app, or you cannot hear them, call the technical support number for your medical device for assistance.
    • Report any problems with your diabetes device to the FDA.

    Recommendations for Health Care Providers

    Inform patients and their caregivers that people who rely on smartphone-compatible diabetes devices that connect to their smartphones should:

    • Periodically check smartphone settings to ensure that they can receive critical alerts.
    • Confirm that diabetes devices still provide alerts as expected through their smartphones after making any hardware or software updates or connecting external hardware.

    Device Description

    Many diabetes-related devices use mobile medical apps as part of the medical device system. These mobile medical apps run on smartphones and manage or provide information from diabetes-related devices. 

    Many types of diabetes devices can use a mobile medical app installed on a smartphone to deliver safety alerts, including CGMs, insulin pumps, automated insulin dosing systems, and others. The settings within the mobile medical app, as well as the settings in the smartphone itself, must be configured correctly for alerts to be delivered as users expect. Users may be able to choose how some alerts are delivered, such as by push notifications, vibration alerts, or audible alerts. 

    Medical device manufacturers provide instructions on how to configure these apps and smartphones so users can receive the alerts they want according to their preferred delivery method. For example, medical device manufacturers may instruct users to disable smartphone features like “Focus mode,” which includes such options as “Do Not Disturb” and “Sleep Focus.” They may also suggest disabling “Low Power Mode,” “Adaptive Battery,” “Standby mode,” “Assistive Access,” or others to ensure that the mobile medical app can deliver alerts. Users may also be instructed to grant certain permissions to mobile medical apps such as Bluetooth, location, notifications, background usage, or others. 

    During normal use of a smartphone, many things can happen that could change how alerts are delivered. For example: 

    • Updates to smartphone operating systems may introduce new features or change existing settings in the diabetes mobile medical app. 
    • OS updates for cybersecurity issues may change existing alert settings.
    • When new audio devices are connected to a smartphone — such as wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, or car audio — the volume settings for notifications including critical alerts may change. 
    • Users may enable smartphone features such as battery saver, focus mode, or others and later forget to disable these features.

    FDA Actions

    The FDA is working with diabetes-related medical device manufacturers to ensure that smartphone alert configurations of their devices are carefully evaluated before use by patients. 

    The FDA is also working with manufacturers to ensure that settings in smartphones and mobile medical apps that may impact safety alerts are continuously tested, and any updates to recommended configurations are communicated quickly and clearly to users.

    The FDA will keep the public informed if significant new information becomes available.

    Reporting Problems with Your Device

    If you think you had a problem with your diabetes-related device, the FDA encourages you to report the problem through the MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

    Health care personnel employed by facilities that are subject to the FDA’s user facility reporting requirements should follow the reporting procedures established by their facilities.

    Questions?

    If you have questions, contact CDRH’s Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $17 Million Medicare Hospice Fraud and Home Health Care Fraud Schemes

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    A California man pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company.

    According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 43, of Granada Hills, engaged in a scheme with others to operate a series of sham hospice companies. Fichidzhyan, along with co-schemers, impersonated the identities of foreign nationals to use as the purported owners of the hospices — including using the identities to open bank accounts and sign property leases — and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and not provided. In submitting the false claims, Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers also misappropriated the identifying information of doctors, claiming to Medicare that the doctors had determined hospice services were necessary, when in fact the purported recipients of these hospice services were not terminally ill and had never requested nor received care from the sham hospices. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan personally received nearly $7 million of the proceeds from the fraud scheme, including more than $5.3 million in transfers to his personal and business bank accounts, which were laundered through a dozen shell and third-party bank accounts. Fichidzhyan additionally admitted to wrongfully obtaining more than $1 million for his home health care agency through the fraudulent use of a doctor’s name and identifying information in certifying Medicare beneficiaries for home health care, which he attempted to cover up by paying the doctor $11,000.

    Fichidzhyan pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14 and faces a mandatory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Today’s guilty plea is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Diane N. Vu of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Eric C. Schmale and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officers tackle drug supply in Kingston

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Local and specialist Met officers were involved in raids at six properties early on Wednesday, 5 February as part of an investigation into drug dealing on the Cambridge Road Estate and more widely across Merton.

    Six arrests were made as part of the Met’s Clear, Hold, Build strategy, which is designed to reclaim and rebuild neighbourhoods affected by serious and organised crime, focusing on what matters most to locals.

    Superintendent Josh Laughton, the Met’s neighbourhood policing lead for Kingston, said: “Today’s operation followed months of planning by local officers, who have been listening to people on the Cambridge Road Estate to understand their concerns.

    “We know drug dealing is often linked to other offences such as violent crime and anti-social behaviour. By taking targeted action, we aim to reduce offending across the board.

    “The service we provide to Londoners is at the heart of everything we do. Across the Met, we remain focused on tackling the crimes that matter most to communities to reduce offending and improve neighbourhoods.”

    One of the raids was carried out at a fast-food restaurant in Surbiton Crescent. The other six addresses were residential properties. Officers seized drugs, including heroin and cocaine.

    The three men, one woman and two teenage boys, who were arrested during the operation, remain in custody.

    Clear, Hold, Build involves the Met working with partner agencies and communities to make areas safer, and is proven to drive down crime.

    It focuses on taking out the criminal gangs that make the lives of some Londoners a misery by fuelling violent and organised crime.

    Kingston Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, including community safety, Councillor Sabah Hamed said: “Kingston is one of London’s safest boroughs, and this work reflects our continued commitment to working with the police and our partners to make it even safer for everyone.

    “We are committed to working with the local communities most impacted by crime to address their concerns, improve confidence in reporting issues and safeguard those who are vulnerable.”

    Targeted neighbourhood policing delivered through Clear, Hold, Build has already been proven to have a positive impact on communities across London.

    The framework comprises of three parts: Clear, which sees police pursue gang members; Hold, where police maintain a grip on the area to prevent other criminal groups from taking control; and Build, which works to help the community become less susceptible to the draw of organised crime groups.

    In Northumberland Park and Edmonton, an intensification resulted in 424 arrests and recent data shows violent crime in the area has fallen to its lowest level in three years.

    Improved neighbourhood policing was one of the reasons the Met was removed from special measures in January. His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services also praised improvements to call handling, child exploitation, and public protection.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Gov. Strinden testifies in support of bills designed to support recovery and reentry, reduce recidivism

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden testified today before a legislative committee in support of three bills designed to support recovery and reentry of incarcerated individuals and reduce recidivism rates.

    Strinden testified before the House Judiciary Committee in support of House Bills 1425, 1417 and 1549. During the 2023-2025 interim, Strinden participated in a Reentry Study Work Group with legislators, leaders from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Department of Health and Human Services, court system officials, county jail experts and community reentry partners. The group examined data from the state’s criminal justice system to lay the groundwork for the legislation.

    Strinden noted the study followed years of progress North Dakota has made in criminal justice reform, becoming a national leader in recovery and reentry to ensure people leave the criminal justice system better than when they arrived. The work group’s report found that drug and alcohol offenses and revocations are the primary drivers in an increase in prison admissions in North Dakota.

    “The recommendations across these three bills support local law enforcement and prosecutors in using deflection and diversion practices – effectively interrupting misconduct early and intervening with treatment resources in cases where addiction and mental illness are the root cause,” Strinden said. “Provisions in these bills will also reduce barriers to reentry faced by people on community supervision; promote culturally responsive programming for people moving through the justice system; and support cross-agency collaboration to help justice-involved people secure medical coverage and state identification. The bottom line is we want to prepare those leaving the justice system to be ready to join our workforce, become our neighbors, attend our churches, and make our state better.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: US health funding cuts: what Nigeria stands to lose

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Oyewale Tomori, Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Science

    US president Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization is threatening funding for critical health programmes like HIV/Aids and tuberculosis in different parts of the world, including Nigeria.

    The Conversation Africa’s Adejuwon Soyinka asked professor of virology and former WHO Africa regional virologist Oyewale Tomori why Nigeria is heavily dependent on US funding for some of its health programmes, what’s at risk and how to mitigate the impact.

    How dependent is Nigeria on US funding for health?

    Sadly, Nigeria and many African countries are too dependent on US funding and other donor funding for basic health activities and interventions. These activities are the normal function of a good and responsive government which is committed to the welfare of citizens.

    According to a US embassy publication, since 2021, the US has committed to providing nearly US$20 billion in health programmes in Africa. The report says in 2023 alone, the US invested over US$600 million in health assistance in Nigeria. That is about 21% of Nigeria’s 2023 annual health budget.

    Nigeria has, over the years, allocated on the average about 5% of the national budget to health. Three quarters of that covers recurrent expenditure like salaries.

    Nigeria’s proposed 2025 budget is ₦49.74 trillion (US$33 billion), of which ₦2.4 trillion (US$1.6 billion) (4.8%) is allocated to health. This is lower than the 5.15% allocated to health in the 2024 budget.

    The private sector plays a significant role in the Nigeria’s healthcare system, providing close to 60% of healthcare services.

    In recent years, traditional medicine is increasingly offering complementary and alternative medicine in support of the services provided by the federal, state and local government areas levels.

    What health programmes does the US fund in Nigeria?

    The US support is focused on preventing malaria, under the US President’s Malaria Initiative; ending HIV, through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief; and delivering vaccines (COVID, polio, rotavirus, IPV2 and HPV).

    Malaria is a major public health concern in Nigeria. In 2021, there were an estimated 68 million cases of malaria and 194,000 deaths. Nigeria has the highest burden of malaria globally, nearly 27% of the global malaria burden.

    Nigeria has a high burden of HIV – fourth in the world. A large number of Nigerians live with the virus. The national agency responsible for AIDS control reported a rate of 1,400 new HIV cases per week in 2023.

    Nigeria has experienced outbreaks of yellow fever, meningitis, cholera, Lassa fever and COVID-19.

    In addition to helping with managing these major diseases, the US government also provided funds to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent, detect, respond to and recover from emerging public health threats.

    With these funds, a Public Health Emergency Management Programme was established and national disease surveillance systems were upgraded. Nigeria’s laboratory diagnostics were enhanced to test for Ebola, mpox, yellow fever, measles, Lassa fever, cholera and cerebrospinal meningitis.

    Other countries (Japan, Germany, Canada, the UK) also provided support through building and equipping laboratories and training health workers.

    What’s most at risk?

    Interventions most at risk are those of which the Nigerian government has abdicated its responsibilities to the donors. They include provision of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria, insecticide-treated bed nets, malaria preventive treatments in pregnancy, provision of fast acting malaria medicines and insecticide for home spraying.

    The following HIV interventions are likely to be adversely affected: HIV counselling and testing services, especially for pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and the care of people living with HIV with TB/HIV services, as well as care and support for orphans and vulnerable children.

    Sustaining laboratory capacity for rapid disease diagnosis will suffer a major setback with reduced or lack of reagents and consumables.

    A huge amount of laboratory equipment is provided by donors. Servicing and replacement of equipment will be affected.

    The Nigerian health sector’s challenges include inadequate funding, shortage of healthcare professionals, poor access to healthcare due to cost, poor infrastructure, and high prevalence of preventable diseases.

    Cutting off US money is not likely to affect the shortage of healthcare professionals, as the major reason for the shortage is their deteriorating work environment and unsafe social environment. This environment was created by years of economic downturn and social insecurity in Nigeria.

    Why is Nigeria still so reliant on US funding?

    I think Nigeria lacks national pride as it begs for assistance to provide what it already has the resources for. The government seems to place the well-being of the citizens on a secondary status.

    Many African governments assume the world owes Africa compensation for colonial activities. But to me, the danger to Nigeria’s freedom from dependency is not truly knowing what we are, who we are, and how endowed we are.

    The world describes Nigeria as “resource limited” and, without thinking, Nigerians accept such name calling. Nigeria is not resource-limited, it is resource wasteful. Nigeria is not resource constrained; it is corruption constrained. Until Nigerians know who and what we are, we will never find the solution to our problems.

    Nigeria’s acceptance of the tag “resource-limited” drives it to beg for assistance even in areas of its highest capability, capacity and competence and where it has highly trained people. Like disease prevention and control.

    Africa has since the 1960s experienced numerous outbreaks of diseases and has acquired significant expertise in disease prevention and control. An example is the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, which was brought under control within three months with only 20 cases and eight deaths.

    This was a disease that raged for three years and ravaged three countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It was reported in seven others with 28,600 cases and 11,326 deaths.

    In Nigeria, the country coordinated response activities which were anchored on the participation of the community. The community was part of disease investigation, contact tracing, isolation of cases and adoption of infection, prevention and control interventions.

    How can Nigeria mitigate the impact?

    Nigeria must immediately provide emergency funds to cover the shortfall arising from the action of the US government. What Trump has done should have been anticipated, because he did the same things during his first term of office.

    Nigeria must re-order its priorities, and provide funds to create and sustain an enabling environment for talented human resources to function effectively for disease control and prevention.

    The country must prioritise disease prevention and control (in that order) through adequate and sustained funding of disease surveillance activities at all levels of governance.

    Nigeria needs to decentralise disease surveillance, prevention and control by enabling states and local government areas to take responsibility. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention should coordinate state and local government areas activities, instead of acting as the controller of diseases in Nigeria.

    – US health funding cuts: what Nigeria stands to lose
    – https://theconversation.com/us-health-funding-cuts-what-nigeria-stands-to-lose-248921

    MIL OSI Africa –