NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI: Interfield Global Software Inc. Announces Completion of Funding for Implementation of Proposed Joint Venture With Abhi

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Interfield Global Software Inc. (CBOE CA: IFSS) (the “Company”) announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Interfield Software Solutions LLC (“Interfield Solutions” or “Borrower”) has secured the financing necessary to implement its previously announced joint venture with Abhi (the “Abhi JV”) and to restructure the business of the Company in preparation for the Abhi JV.

    The financing comprises an unsecured one year term (“Term”) loan of US$500,000 (“Loan”) from an arms-length private investor (“Lender”), with non-compounded interest payable at 5% per year. Repayment of the Loan together with accrued interest is due upon expiry of the Term and may be in cash (“Cash Payment”), or at the option of the Borrower, by the issuance and transfer to the Lender, or its nominee, of a six percent (6%) equity interest in the Borrower (“Equity Payment”).

    At any time during the Term, the Lender has the option to increase the loan amount by a further US$500,000 upon the same terms and conditions. Should the Lender exercise its right to do so, the amount of interest payable will be adjusted accordingly and the Equity Payment will be increased from 6% to 13%.

    In further preparation for the implementation of the Abhi JV, the board of directors of the Company is evaluating further strategic alternatives, which may involve a migration of its current listing to a growth equity market, subject to the Company receiving necessary approvals. No definitive decisions have been reached regarding strategic alternatives and there is no assurance if or when such alternatives may be implemented. The Company will provide further updates, as necessary, at the appropriate time.

    About Abhi

    Abhi is a prominent fintech company, earning recognition as one of the Future 100 companies in the UAE. It was also the first to receive the Technology Pioneer 2023 Award by the World Economic Forum, making fintech history in the MENAP region. Abhi offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, including EWA, payroll solutions, and SME financing.

    About Interfield Global Software Inc.

    The Company is a publicly listed company, with its common shares listed on Cboe Canada. (Cboe CA: IFSS) and operates out of Dubai, U.A.E through its wholly owned subsidiary, Interfield Solutions.

    Interfield Solutions is a software company that services numerous industrial segments worldwide including oil and gas, mining and renewables. Interfield Solutions has two operating divisions, E-commerce and Software as a Service. Equipment Hound, the company’s flagship product of its E-commerce division, is an industrial equipment marketplace that connects buyers and suppliers around the globe. Equipment Hound manages a catalogue of equipment from various suppliers and provides procurement solutions for buyers. It includes features such as requests for quotes, logistics support and third-party verification. ToolSuite, the company’s flagship product of its Software as a Service division, is a cloud based data collection and management platform that digitizes industrial processes and provides real-time auditable data for clients.

    For more information about the Company, please refer to the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    “Harold Hemmerich”

    Harold Hemmerich, Chief Executive Officer & Director
    Phone: +971 50 558 8349

    Bruce Nurse, Investor Relations
    Phone: +1 303 919 2913

    Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer and Reader Advisory

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance often using phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends”, or variations of such words and phrases, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved, are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this release include: (i) the anticipated implementation of Abhi JV and restructuring in preparation for the Abhi JV; (ii) the anticipated use of the proceeds from the Loan; and (iii) the anticipated strategic alternatives involving a migration to a growth equity market.

    Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive any necessary board, shareholder or regulatory approvals, including the approval of any applicable regulatory authority; and that factors may occur which impede or prevent the Company’s future business plans. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements, whether they change as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Neither Cboe Canada Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of Cboe Canada Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Pro Life Legislation for March for Life

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    Bills would ban federal tax dollars from subsidizing abortion at home and abroad, repeal law used to target Pro Life activists
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced a trio of bills to prevent federal tax dollars from funding or subsidizing abortions in the United States and across the world, in honor of the 2025 March for Life in Washington, DC and state capitals around the country: the Abortion is not Health Care Act, the Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts Act, the Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act, and a repeal of the FACE Act.
    “In our quest to build a society where every precious human life is protected, we cannot allow the tax dollars of American families to be used against the most vulnerable people in our country and across the word: the unborn.” said Senator Lee. “I am also introducing legislation to repeal the FACE Act, which was used by Joe Biden to imprison Pro Life activists, now officially pardoned by President Trump.”
    The Abortion is not Health Care Act would end the tax deductibility of abortions and clarify that this gruesome practice is not health care. Currently, the IRS categorizes an abortion as “medical care” and allows tax benefits to flow to this practice, subsidizing the killing of hundreds of thousands of unborn children each year. This bill would amend Section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit elective abortion expenses from being considered eligible for a medical expense deduction.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Hagerty (R-TN), Daines (R-MT), Cramer (R-ND), Blackburn (R-TN), Hawley (R-MO), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS).
    Supporting groups include Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum, Heritage Action
    For a one-pager, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.
    The Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts would end the preferential tax treatment of abortion in health savings accounts. Current law allows individuals to use tax-advantaged funds from health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible savings accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), Archer medical savings accounts (MSAs), and retiree health accounts for the “medical expense” of abortion. This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to explicitly prevent abortions from getting a special tax advantage through the use of these accounts.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Hagerty (R-TN), Daines (R-MT), Cramer (R-ND), Blackburn (R-TN), Hawley (R-MO), and Hyde-Smith (R-MS).
    Supporting groups include Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum
    For a one-pager, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.
    The Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act would ensure that our foreign aid is not funding or promoting abortions overseas. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan first instituted the Mexico City Policy, prohibiting the availability of family planning foreign assistance funds to organizations that provide or promote abortions or advocate to change abortion laws in a foreign country. Since then, the policy has been alternately rescinded and reinstated with changing administrations.
    The Trump Administration rebranded this policy as the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA) policy and applied it to all global health assistance, foreign nonprofits, and NGOs. This bill would permanently codify an expanded version of the PLGHA policy into law, capturing all assistance provided to foreign or domestic nonprofits, NGOs, and multilateral organizations. With President Biden having rescinded the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy in 2021, American citizens may be complicit in overseas abortions under the guise of “foreign assistance.” Congress must ensure this cannot be the case now or ever again. Doing so would affirm the dignity of unborn human lives everywhere and save countless lives across the globe.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Blackburn (R-TN), Tim Scott (R-SC), Budd (R-NC), Cramer (R-ND), Kennedy (R-LA), Johnson (R-WI), Young (R-IN), Fischer (R-NE), Ricketts (R-NE), Cornyn (R-TX), Banks (R-IN), and Tuberville (R-AL).
    Supporting groups include CatholicVote and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
    For a one-pager, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.
    The FACE ACT is a federal law designed to protect access to abortion facilities. While FACE also includes protections for churches, these are duplicative of other federal and state laws and have never been enforced. President Biden’s weaponized Department of Justice used the FACE Act to legally harass peaceful pro-life activists while simultaneously stonewalling good faith efforts by members of Congress to conduct even elementary oversight of the law. While President Trump has pardoned activists imprisoned by the Biden administration, a full repeal of the FACE Act will prevent future administrations from unjustly using this law for the purpose of political persecution.
    Cosponsors include Sens. Hawley (R-MO) & Wicker (R-MS)
    Supporting organizations include Thomas More Society, Family Research Council, Students for Life Action, Catholic Vote, Susan B. Anthony List, Live Action, and Citizens for Renewing America.
    For one-pager, bill text, click HERE.For bill text, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Feeding our Future Defendant Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison For His Role in $250 Million Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – A Bloomington man has been sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $47,920,514.

    “The defendant committed a brazen fraud that shamelessly stole taxpayer money intended to feed children during a global pandemic. He lined his pockets, here and abroad, with millions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kirkpatrick. “As the Court found, he doubled down on his crimes by obstructing justice. This significant sentence should serve as a clear warning to anyone who would seek to exploit and defraud government programs. You will be held accountable.”

    As proven at trial, Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, 34, and his co-defendants devised and carried out a multi-million fraud scheme to defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program. As the chief executive officer of Afrique Hospitality Group, Shariff obtained, misappropriated, and laundered millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children. Their scheme was accomplished by exploiting changes in the nutrition program intended to ensure underserved children received adequate nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shariff and his co-defendants created and submitted fraudulent meal count sheets purporting to document the number of children and meals served at each site and false invoices purporting to document the purchase of food to be served to children at the sites. The conspirators also submitted fake attendance rosters purporting to list the names and ages of the children receiving meals at the sites each day. These rosters were fabricated and created using fake names. 

    The Federal Child Nutrition Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is a federally funded program designed to provide free meals to children in need. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers the program throughout the nation by distributing federal funds to state governments. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) administers and oversees the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Meals funded by the Federal Child Nutrition Program are served by “sites.” Each site participating in the program must be sponsored by an authorized sponsoring organization. Sponsors must submit an application to MDE for each site. Sponsors are also responsible for monitoring each of their sites and preparing reimbursement claims for their sites. The USDA then provides MDE federal reimbursement funds on a per-meal basis. MDE provides those funds to the sponsoring agency who, in turn, pays the reimbursements to the sites under its sponsorship. The sponsoring agency retains 10 to 15 percent of the funds as an administrative fee.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA waived some of the standard requirements for participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Among other things, the USDA allowed for-profit restaurants to participate in the program, and it allowed for off-site food distribution to children outside of educational programs.

    Following a seven-week trial in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in June 2024, Shariff was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of money laundering. In handing down the sentence today, Judge Brasel commented that Shariff’s conduct showed a “staggering lack of respect for the law,” and that taxpayers were “outraged by the brazenness of the crime.”

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, and Daniel W. Bobier prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Urges Stockholders of NARI, DFS, LBRDA, CCRN to Act Now

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Inari Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: NARI), relating to the proposed merger with Stryker. Under the terms of the agreement, Stryker will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Inari Medical for $80 per share in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Tender Offer expires on February 18, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/inari-medical-inc-nari/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS), relating to its proposed merger with Capital One Financial Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, DFS shareholders are expected to receive 1.0192 shares of Capital One per share they own.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 18, 2025.

    Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/discover-financial-services. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Liberty Broadband Corporation (NASDAQ: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP), relating to the proposed merger with Charter Communications, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Liberty Broadband common stockholders will receive 0.236 of a share of Charter common stock per share of Liberty Broadband common stock they own.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 26, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/liberty-broadband-corporation-lbrda-lbrdk-lbrdp/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCRN), relating to the proposed merger with Aya Healthcare. Under the terms of the agreement, shares of Cross Country will be converted into the right to receive $18.61 in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 28, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/cross-country-healthcare-inc-ccrn/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (http://www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Urges Stockholders of NARI, DFS, LBRDA, CCRN to Act Now

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Inari Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: NARI), relating to the proposed merger with Stryker. Under the terms of the agreement, Stryker will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Inari Medical for $80 per share in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Tender Offer expires on February 18, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/inari-medical-inc-nari/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS), relating to its proposed merger with Capital One Financial Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, DFS shareholders are expected to receive 1.0192 shares of Capital One per share they own.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 18, 2025.

    Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/discover-financial-services. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Liberty Broadband Corporation (NASDAQ: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP), relating to the proposed merger with Charter Communications, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Liberty Broadband common stockholders will receive 0.236 of a share of Charter common stock per share of Liberty Broadband common stock they own.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 26, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/liberty-broadband-corporation-lbrda-lbrdk-lbrdp/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCRN), relating to the proposed merger with Aya Healthcare. Under the terms of the agreement, shares of Cross Country will be converted into the right to receive $18.61 in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 28, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/cross-country-healthcare-inc-ccrn/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (http://www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Is Investigating the Merger – RSLS, TURN, RDW, NEUE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • ReShape Lifesciences Inc. (Nasdaq: RSLS), relating to the proposed merger with Vyome Therapeutics, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, ReShape and Vyome will combine in an all-stock transaction, with ReShape stockholders owning approximately 11.1% of the combined company.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/reshape-lifesciences-inc-rsls/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • 180 Degree Capital Corp. (Nasdaq: TURN), relating to the proposed merger with Mount Logan Capital Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, the estimated post-merger shareholder ownership would be approximately 40% for current 180 Degree Capital shareholders.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/180-degree-capital-corp-turn/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), relating to the proposed merger with Edge Autonomy Ultimate Holdings, LP. Under the terms of the agreement, Redwire will acquire Edge Autonomy using $150M in cash and $775M in shares of Redwire common stock.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/redwire-corporation-rdw/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • NeueHealth, Inc. (NYSE: NEUE), relating to the proposed merger with New Enterprise Associates. Under the terms of the agreement, holders of NeueHealth common stock will receive $7.33 per share in cash.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/neuehealth-inc-neue/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (http://www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Is Investigating the Merger – RSLS, TURN, RDW, NEUE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • ReShape Lifesciences Inc. (Nasdaq: RSLS), relating to the proposed merger with Vyome Therapeutics, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, ReShape and Vyome will combine in an all-stock transaction, with ReShape stockholders owning approximately 11.1% of the combined company.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/reshape-lifesciences-inc-rsls/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • 180 Degree Capital Corp. (Nasdaq: TURN), relating to the proposed merger with Mount Logan Capital Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, the estimated post-merger shareholder ownership would be approximately 40% for current 180 Degree Capital shareholders.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/180-degree-capital-corp-turn/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), relating to the proposed merger with Edge Autonomy Ultimate Holdings, LP. Under the terms of the agreement, Redwire will acquire Edge Autonomy using $150M in cash and $775M in shares of Redwire common stock.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/redwire-corporation-rdw/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • NeueHealth, Inc. (NYSE: NEUE), relating to the proposed merger with New Enterprise Associates. Under the terms of the agreement, holders of NeueHealth common stock will receive $7.33 per share in cash.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/neuehealth-inc-neue/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (http://www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows how local heroes are crucial to disaster response

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tricia Wachtendorf, Professor of Sociology and Director, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware

    Neighbors fill and pass a bucket of pool water to help extinguish a spot fire in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2025. Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Image

    As wildfires swept through neighborhoods on the outskirts of Los Angeles in January 2025, stories about residents there helping their neighbors and total strangers began trickling out on social media.

    Accounts of Hollywood stars clearing streets for emergency vehicles to get through and raising money for fire victims were widely circulated. But there were many other examples of less-famous people helping older neighbors to safety, and even showing up with trailers to evacuate horses.

    Businesses, including fitness centers, opened their facilities so evacuees could shower or charge their phones. Organizations that routinely work with homeless populations quickly mobilized their members to help ensure people living on the streets and in camps could get to secure, safe locations away from the fires and hazardous air quality.

    Disasters, by definition, overwhelm local resources, making civilian responders like these essential. Sixty years of research at the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center and by others examining the social aspects of disaster has repeatedly shown effective disaster management requires mobilizing community resources far beyond official channels.

    Often the response happens through local groups that form in response to a clear need in the community and with shared skills and interests. And this is exactly what we are witnessing in Los Angeles.

    Civilians helping often number in the thousands

    The number of those who step up to help during disasters varies by event, but it can be tremendous.

    Following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, over 6,800 volunteers worked with the Red Cross on the response. That same year, volunteers responding to the Kobe earthquake in Japan logged more than 1 million person-days of activity, a measure of the number of people times the hours they contributed.

    People use garden hoses to try to prevent homes from catching fire in Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2025. Neighbors rushed to help neighbors as the wind blew burning embers into neighborhoods.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    In an in-depth study of the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks, we interviewed local residents who used their retired fireboat to pump water for the firefighters at ground zero. Operators of tug, ferry and tour boats in and around New York City immediately responded to quickly evacuate 500,000 people in the area from danger. In fact, the majority of the boats involved belonged to private companies. Other volunteers queued evacuees and organized supplies and rides to get people home.

    Over 900 people, most acting in unofficial capacities, were awarded medals or ribbons for their efforts in just the marine response after the World Trade Center attack.

    A survey of residents after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake found that nearly 10% of local residents volunteered in the first three weeks of the response. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, in California, a survey of residents in Santa Cruz and San Francisco counties found that two-thirds of the public were involved in response activities.

    Local businesses are often quick to help in disasters. Greg Dulan, center, who runs a soul food restaurant and food truck, hands out hot meals to wildfire evacuees at a church in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2025.
    Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    However, much of the work local residents contribute during and after disasters goes unaccounted for in official reports.

    There is no mechanism to quantify the full extent to which a neighbor or a complete stranger helps someone flee from peril. Yet when people are trapped and minutes count, research shows it is family, friends and neighbors who are already on the scene and are most likely to save lives. It’s often everyday citizens who also take on immediate tasks such as debris removal. Providing a phone, a car, a place to do laundry, or a little bit of elbow grease can fill a gap and let firefighters and other formal responders focus on critical operations.

    Getting the right help to where it’s needed

    Every study of a large-scale disaster conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed some level of emergent, informal helping behavior.

    The lack of public understanding about the large number of local residents already involved, often including disaster victims themselves, can lead to an influx of outsiders eager to help. Their arrival can actually pose challenges for the disaster response.

    When too many people show up, or when people try to operate outside their areas of expertise, they can put themselves and others at further risk. Communities often need supplies, but unsolicited goods of the wrong kind or at the wrong time can create more problems than they solve.

    Local groups such as the Pasadena Community Job Center organize volunteers to send them where help is requested. This group is removing debris from streets in Pasadena, Calif., in the wake of the Eaton Fire on Jan. 14, 2025.
    Zoë Meyers/AFP via Getty Images

    So, what can you do to best support these local efforts?

    Making a financial contribution to a trusted disaster response or local organization can go a long way to providing the support communities actually need. Organizations such as the American Red Cross or Feeding America, or local community-based groups that routinely work in the area, are often best suited to help where it’s needed the most.

    Skilled help will be needed for the long term

    Also, remember that disasters don’t end when the emergency is over. Survivors of the Los Angeles-area fires face years of confusing and frustrating recovery tasks ahead.

    Offering help after the immediate threat has passed – particularly skilled help, such as experience in construction or expertise in managing insurance and FEMA paperwork – is just as important.

    For example, after fires in 1970 destroyed hundreds of homes in the San Diego area, local architects, engineers and contractors donated their time and skills to help people rebuild. Their work was coordinated by a local architect and member of the Chamber of Commerce to ensure projects were assigned to reputable volunteers.

    As we recognize the important ways that neighbors and strangers helped those around them, the broader community can support wildfire victims by responding to offering the right help as recovery needs emerge. Just about every skill that is useful in calm times will be needed in these difficult months and years ahead.

    Tricia Wachtendorf receives funding from the National Science Foundation and Arnold Ventures Foundation.

    James Kendra receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    – ref. Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows how local heroes are crucial to disaster response – https://theconversation.com/amid-la-fires-neighbors-helped-each-other-survive-60-years-of-research-shows-how-local-heroes-are-crucial-to-disaster-response-247660

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens Marshall, Welch, McCormick, Fetterman and Reps. Thompson, and Schrier Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Whole Milk Access To All Schools

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., Peter Welch (D-VT), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and John Fetterman (D-PA), as well as U.S. Representatives G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) introduced bipartisan legislation that amends the Richard Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools participating in the program to serve whole and reduced milk as part of the National School Lunch Program. 
    The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations, and includes Calcium and Vitamin D as nutrients of public health concern, which milk is an excellent source of. This legislation expands healthy milk options in schools to improve our students’ nutrition intake and will be a critical step in improving child nutrition health outcomes.
    “Whole and reduced fat milk should never have been excluded from the National School Lunch Program. Now, 13 years after its removal, nearly 75% of children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake. I believe in a healthier future for America, and by increasing kids’ access to milk in school cafeterias, we will help prevent diet- related diseases down the road, as well as encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come. Whole milk is an excellent source of 13 essential nutrients for students and adults alike in building strong bones. Plus, it tastes good,” said Senator Marshall.
    “Milk provides growing kids with key nutrients they need. Dairy is also an important part of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers. This bill helps provide our next generation grow stronger and helps dairy farmers do what they love–feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Marshall and Representative Thompson on this legislation, which will allow our schools to provide students with the healthy, high-quality, and locally-produced whole milk Vermont’s dairy farms have produced for generations.”
    “The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts milk back in schools that our growing kids actually want to drink,” said Senator McCormick. “Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers supply this country with an abundant source of milk year-round. Allowing schools to serve whole milk and reduced-fat milk, in addition to low-fat and fat-free milk, in the lunchroom is just commonsense. I’m proud to support our dairy farmers and our students by supplying them with the essential nutrients found in milk to learn and grow.”
    “Kids need wholesome, nourishing food to grow strong and stay healthy, and whole milk is packed with the nutrients they need. Let’s give them the option to enjoy it again in schools—it’s good for them, they’ll actually drink it, and it supports our farmers. This bill is a simple solution that benefits everyone,” said Senator Fetterman.
    “Federal policy, based on flawed, outdated science has kept whole milk out of school cafeterias for more than a decade,” said Rep. Thompson. “Milk provides 13 essential nutrients that supplement growth and health, two key factors contributing to academic success. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 provides schools the flexibility they need to offer a variety of options, while supporting students and America’s hard-working dairy farmers.”  
    “As a pediatrician, I know how important a balanced and nutritious diet is for children’s health, well-being, and development,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “A healthy diet early in life leads to proper physical growth and improved academic performance, and can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Milk is a significant part of many children’s diets and contains essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. This bill simply gives schools the option of providing the types of milk most kids prefer to drink. ”
    “IDFA thanks Reps. G.T. Thompson (R-PA-15) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-8), Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA) and David McCormick (R-PA) and scores of other co-sponsors for their bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to provide the nutritious milk options that children prefer. Whole milk provides them with milk’s 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. A wide majority of parents and medical and nutrition professionals know that offering whole milk increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and provides nutritionally valuable school meals for children and adolescents.” Michael Dykes, CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association said. 
    “NMPF commends Reps. Thompson and Schrier, and Senators Marshall, Welch, McCormick, and Fetterman for their leadership in boosting students’ access to crucial nutrition with their Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Just last month, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reaffirmed that most Americans under-consume nutrient-dense dairy.  This much-needed bill lets schools offer students the healthful milk options that they are most likely to drink by permitting the serving of nutritious reduced fat and whole milk varieties, critically addressing kids’ under-consumption of milk’s essential nutrients. NMPF is ready to work with the bill’s bipartisan sponsors to move this commonsense, widely supported solution across the finish line this year,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
    Background: 
    In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act which amended nutrition standards in the School Lunch Program. Among the changes, the law mandated that flavored milk must be fat-free within the program.
    In May of 2017, the USDA announced a rule that allowed schools to receive waivers for low-fat (1%) flavored milk, rather than only fat-free.
    Last Congress, the Whole MIlk for Healthy Kids Act passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support (330-99). 
    Leading nutritionists have found that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce risk of heart disease.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Introduce Legislation to Support First Responders Diagnosed with Occupationally-Connected Cancers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress established the Department of Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program in 1976 to provide monetary benefits to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders who become permanently disabled or pass away due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. While the program recognizes those who made the ultimate sacrifice due to 9/11-related cancers, it does not cover first responders who lose their lives due to other service-related cancers. 
    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced legislation to ensure all first responders who die or become disabled due to service-related cancers are covered under the PSOB program. 
    The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is built on data indicating elevated cancer risks faced by first responders. A 2011 study by the State University of Buffalo and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health revealed significantly higher rates of brain cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma among law enforcement officers as compared to the general population. The bill aims to recognize these occupational risks as inherent to service, thereby categorizing cancer-related fatalities as line-of-duty deaths under the PSOB program.
    “Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty and lingering health risks associated with their service,” said Cramer. “The exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not bear these burdens alone.”  
    “As we are seeing in California and throughout the country, our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often exposing themselves to carcinogens that can have lethal long-term effects. It’s unacceptable that firefighters who succumb to cancer from work-related exposure or become permanently and totally disabled don’t receive the same treatment as others who die in the line of duty,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why I’m working with Senator Cramer to ensure that firefighters get the support they deserve. Our bipartisan legislation will honor the memory and sacrifice of St. Paul Fire Department Captain Mike Paidar and so many others who risk their lives in service of their communities.”
    “As Fire Chief of the Fargo Fire Department, I wholeheartedly support the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, reintroduced by Senators Kevin Cramer and Amy Klobuchar,” said Fargo Fire Chief Steven Dirksen. “This crucial legislation extends benefits for service-related cancers to first responders nationwide, recognizing the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.”
    “Firefighters face danger every time they leave the fire station and face a significantly greater risk of being diagnosed with this devastating illness,” said Bismarck Rural Fire Chief Dustin Theurer. “This key legislation is crucial to support the men and women in the fire service and their families.”  
    The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act was reported unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last Congress.
    This legislation has garnered the endorsement of leading public safety organizations, including the International Association of Fire Fighters, Fraternal Order of Police, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Congressional Fire Services Institute, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, National Fire Protection Association, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
    Additional cosponsors include U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
    Click here for bill text. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TS Food Packaging is Recalling its “Rural King” and “Wabash Valley Farms” Bacon Seasoning Due to the Presence of an Undeclared Soy Ingredient

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Allergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Potential or Undeclared Allergen – soy

    Company Name:
    TS FOOD PACKAGING
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Wabash Valley Farms, Rural King

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Bacon flavor popcorn seasoning

    Company Announcement

    TS Food Packaging is recalling its “Rural King” and “Wabash Valley Farms” Bacon Seasoning due to the presence of an undeclared soy ingredient. People who have allergies to products containing soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.

    The recalled “Bacon Seasonings” were distributed nationwide via E-commerce and retail stores.

    The product is packaged in 4.2 oz plastic jars with lot numbers 17324s,27824s, and 30324s, along with 1oz sample gift packets marked with lot numbers 16524SP, 16624SP, 23424SP, 26324SP, 26424SP, 26724SP, 20624S, 20724S.

    No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

    The recall was initiated after it was discovered via a manufacturing quality verification that the soy containing ingredient was a substitute provided by a supplier without notification of the presence of Soy. Subsequent investigation indicated the problem was caused by a substitution review process gap between the supplier and their customer base, corrective actions are in place to prevent recurrence.

    Consumers who have purchased Rural King or Wabash Valley Farms Bacon Seasonings packages are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 262-763-9434 between the hours of 8 am to 4 pm (central) or via email at mail@tsfoodpackaging.com.

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years in Prison for Shooting at Louisville Mayor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY — A Louisville man was sentenced today to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for firing shots at current Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg during Greenberg’s 2022 mayoral campaign.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.

    According to court documents, on February 14, 2022, Quintez Brown, 24, walked into Greenberg’s campaign office and fired multiple shots at Greenberg while he was meeting with four staffers. The staffers were able to close and barricade the door, and Brown was apprehended several blocks from the shooting, carrying the firearm he used in a backpack. As part of his guilty plea, Brown admitted that he acted because Greenberg was running for mayor.

    In July 2024, Brown pleaded guilty to interfering with a federally protected activity and using and discharging a firearm in relation with a crime of violence. Brown’s term of imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The FBI, ATF, and Louisville Metro Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Alexander Gottfried of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Barry Disney of the Criminal Division’s Mental Health Litigation Unit and Trial Attorney Jolee Porter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section provided substantial assistance to the prosecution.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s WASH Innovations Lead Global Discourse at World Economic Forum 2025

    Source: Government of India

    India’s WASH Innovations Lead Global Discourse at World Economic Forum 2025

    Union Cabinet minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil delivers keynote address

    Posted On: 24 JAN 2025 3:29PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Pavilion at World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos hosted a global discussion titled “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability.” The high-profile session organised at the backdrop of showcasing best practices adopted by the mission, highlighted India’s transformative achievements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), emphasizing their critical role in global climate resilience and sustainable development.

    Shri C. R. Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, delivered the keynote address, presenting India’s journey in implementing the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). These initiatives have been pivotal in improving sanitation coverage and providing safe drinking water to millions of rural households.

    Shri C. R. Patil, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister of Jal Shakti stated, “This marks a significant milestone, demonstrating to the world that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India is not only deeply committed to water conservation but is also driving a transformative revolution in this critical sector. Through large-scale efforts, the nation has significantly strengthened its water resources, setting a global benchmark for sustainable water management. Addressing water scarcity as a universal challenge, further aggravated by climate change, overpopulation, and overuse, calls for strengthened international cooperation and collective action.”

    The Hon’ble Minister further added, “Over the years, we have made remarkable progress in ensuring access to safe drinking water for rural India. In 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) only 17% of rural households had functional tap water connections. However, today, a staggering 79.66% of rural households under the Jal Jeevan Mission have access to safe drinking water. This transformation is not just about providing water but also about changing lives—rural India is now saving 55 million hours per day on fetching water, enabling increased workforce participation and productivity, especially from women.”

    The World Economic Forum provides a platform for the ministry to showcase India’s groundbreaking initiatives in WASH innovation and climate resilience, emphasizing efforts to promote equitable and inclusive access to WASH services.

    The Swachh Bharat Mission and JJM demonstrate the effectiveness of large-scale, government-led initiatives in improving sanitation and water access. During the keynote address the Hon’ble Minister highlighted, “Through the focus on sanitation, the scheme has not only empowered women but also ensured their safety. According to WHO, the efforts made in the last decade towards improving sanitation have averted the deaths of 3 lakh children under the age of five.” Moreover, India’s focus on community engagement, behaviour change, and leveraging technology provides a model for other countries facing similar challenges.

    The keynote address was followed by two insightful panel discussions. The Water Panel, on the topic “Bringing Global Impact in Water Sustainability,” featured distinguished global experts, including from the NMCG, UNICEF and WaterAid, and shared innovative approaches and strategies for advancing global water sustainability.

    The Sanitation Panel, centred on the topic “Innovation in Global Health Through Sanitation,” brought together esteemed panelists from the Gates Foundation, Riseberg Ventures, BCHAR, Capgemini and actor and policy advocate Shri Vivek Oberoi who discussed the theme, highlighting groundbreaking innovations in sanitation and their impact on global health.

    The panel discussion at the India Pavilion spotlighted India’s WASH innovations and their significance in addressing global sustainability challenges, aiming to promote dialogue on public-private partnerships, technology-driven solutions, and strategies for scaling successful models globally.

    Discussions focused on India’s scalable models for sustainable water management, climate-resilient practices, and public-private collaborations. Key achievements, such as the elimination of open defecation, construction of over 95 million toilets under SBM, and widespread household tap water connections under JJM, have established India as a global leader in WASH initiatives.

    These efforts have transformed lives by improving health, education access, and economic opportunities through enhanced hygiene, sanitation, and reduced time spent fetching water. These achievements align with the broader goals of the World Economic Forum to foster collaborative solutions for climate action and water sustainability. The WEF emphasized the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly those focused on water and sanitation. Tackling the global water crisis, which threatens health, food security, economic growth, and biodiversity, requires collaborative action. India’s experience provides insightful lessons to inform and strengthen global WASH strategies.

    The session concluded with actionable insights and participant commitments, reaffirming India’s key role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and Climate Action (SDG 13).

    ***

    Dhanya Sanal K

    (Release ID: 2095791) Visitor Counter : 45

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Thursday, 23 January 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-01-23

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Thursday, 23 January 2025 – Strasbourg

     Abbreviations and symbols

    + adopted
    – rejected
    ↓ lapsed
    W withdrawn
    RCV roll-call votes
    EV electronic vote
    SEC secret ballot
    split split vote
    sep separate vote
    am amendment
    CA compromise amendment
    CP corresponding part
    D deleting amendment
    = identical amendments
    § paragraph

    IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:01.


    2. Combating Desertification: 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention (debate)

    Commission statement: Combating Desertification: 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention (2025/3018(RSP))

    Jessika Roswall (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Carmen Crespo Díaz, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marta Temido, on behalf of the S&D Group, Julien Leonardelli, on behalf of the PfE Group, Francesco Ventola, on behalf of the ECR Group, Martin Hojsík, on behalf of the Renew Group, Pär Holmgren, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Catarina Martins, on behalf of The Left Group, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, on behalf of the ESN Group, Christine Schneider, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Laurence Trochu, Billy Kelleher, Kai Tegethoff, João Oliveira, Daniel Buda, Maria Grapini, Mathilde Androuët, Marie Toussaint, Valentina Palmisano, Salvatore De Meo, Thomas Bajada, France Jamet, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Sebastian Everding, who also answered a blue-card question from Sander Smit, Gabriella Gerzsenyi, César Luena, who also answered a blue-card question from Carmen Crespo Díaz, Jutta Paulus, who also answered a blue-card question from Maria Grapini, Nikolas Farantouris, Borja Giménez Larraz, Camilla Laureti, Marco Falcone, who also answered a blue-card question from Kai Tegethoff, Leire Pajín, Manuela Ripa, Jean-Marc Germain, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Stefano Bonaccini and Ştefan Muşoiu.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Grzegorz Braun, Hélder Sousa Silva and Seán Kelly.

    The following spoke: Jessika Roswall.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    3. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 10:29.


    4. Cryptocurrencies – need for global standards (debate)

    Commission statement: Cryptocurrencies – need for global standards (2025/2514(RSP))

    Magnus Brunner (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Markus Ferber, on behalf of the PPE Group, Jonás Fernández, on behalf of the S&D Group, Pierre Pimpie, on behalf of the PfE Group, Marlena Maląg, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Rasmus Andresen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group (the President reminded the speaker of the rules on conduct), Pasquale Tridico, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Regina Doherty, Eero Heinäluoma, Aleksandar Nikolic, Guillaume Peltier, Gilles Boyer, Damian Boeselager, Catarina Martins, Stanislav Stoyanov, Kateřina Konečná, Kinga Kollár, Aurore Lalucq, Mathilde Androuët, Adrian-George Axinia, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Giuseppe Antoci, Marcin Sypniewski, Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus, Lídia Pereira (the President provided some clarifications on the blue-card procedure), Nikos Papandreou, who also answered a blue-card question from Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Angéline Furet, Ondřej Krutílek, Michalis Hadjipantela, Adnan Dibrani, Diego Solier, Andrey Kovatchev, Waldemar Buda, Caterina Chinnici and Seán Kelly.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Niels Geuking, Maria Grapini, Alexander Jungbluth, Grzegorz Braun, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă.

    The following spoke: Magnus Brunner.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended at 11:48.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Sabine VERHEYEN
    Vice-President

    5. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 11:59.


    6. Composition of new committees

    Following the creation of the standing committees on security and defence and on public health, and the creation of the special committees on the European Democracy Shield and on the housing crisis in the European Union, the President had received nominations for membership of these new standing and special committees from the political groups and the non-attached Members, in accordance with Rules 212 and 213.

    The decisions took effect as of that day.

    The lists of Members nominated to form these committees are annexed to these minutes (minutes of 23.1.2025 Annex 1).


    7. Composition of committees and delegations

    The Renew Group and non-attached Members had notified the President of the following decisions changing the composition of committees:

    – ITRE Committee: Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez to replace Barry Andrews, Elena Yoncheva

    – REGI Committee: Elsi Katainen

    – LIBE Committee: Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle

    – PETI Committee: Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Eugen Tomac were no longer members, Taner Kabilov

    The decisions took effect as of that day.

    ⁂

    The following spoke: Jordan Bardella, Carlo Fidanza and Patryk Jaki on points of order (the President cut off the speakers as their remarks did not constitute points of order).


    8. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.




    8.2. Systematic repression of human rights in Iran, notably the cases of Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, and the taking of EU citizens as hostages (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0066/2025 (minutes of 23.1.2025, item I), B10-0063/2025, B10-0066/2025, B10-0067/2025, B10-0073/2025, B10-0082/2025, B10-0085/2025 and B10-0086/2025 (minutes of 22.1.2025, item 1) (2025/2511(RSP))

    The debate had taken place on 22 January 2025 (minutes of 22.1.2025, item 16.2).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0004)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0063/2025 and B10-0067/2025 fell.)

    Detailed voting results








    9. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 15:00.


    10. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    11. Major interpellations (debate)

    Major interpellation for written answer with debate (G-001002/2024) submitted by Charlie Weimers, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Kristoffer Storm, Jaak Madison, Carlo Fidanza, Adam Bielan, Alexandr Vondra, Patryk Jaki, Johan Van Overtveldt, Roberts Zīle, Emmanouil Fragkos, Georgiana Teodorescu, Geadis Geadi, Marion Maréchal, Ivaylo Valchev, Kosma Złotowski, Mariusz Kamiński, Maciej Wąsik, Dick Erixon, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Beatrice Timgren, Nicolas Bay, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Guillaume Peltier, Michał Dworczyk, Laurence Trochu, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Tobiasz Bocheński, Gheorghe Piperea, on behalf of the ECR Group, to the Commission: EU funding of physical border protection structures such as walls, fences or other barriers at the external border (B10-0001/2025)

    Jaak Madison moved the major interpellation.

    Magnus Brunner (Member of the Commission) answered the major interpellation.

    The following spoke: Lena Düpont, on behalf of the PPE Group, Ana Catarina Mendes, on behalf of the S&D Group, András László, on behalf of the PfE Group, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, on behalf of the ECR Group, Fabienne Keller, on behalf of the Renew Group, Mélissa Camara, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Christine Anderson, on behalf of the ESN Group, Fredis Beleris, Murielle Laurent, France Jamet and Riho Terras.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Kinga Kollár, Bogdan Rzońca and Siegbert Frank Droese.

    The following spoke: Magnus Brunner.

    The debate closed.


    12. Explanations of vote

    Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    13. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the sitting on Monday, 10 February 2025.

    With Parliament’s agreement, the texts adopted during the part-session would be forwarded to their respective addressees without delay.


    14. Dates of forthcoming sittings

    The next sitting would be held on 29 January 2025.


    15. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 15:41.


    16. Adjournment of the session

    The session of the European Parliament was adjourned.

    Alessandro Chiocchetti

    Roberta Metsola

    Secretary-General

    President


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Case of Jean-Jacques Wondo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the case of Jean-Jacques Wondo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2510(RSP)) (RC-B10-0069/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0069/2025, B10-0072/2025, B10-0078/2025, B10-0081/2025 and B10-0084/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michael Gahler, Luděk Niedermayer, Christophe Gomart, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Danuše Nerudová, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Jessica Polfjärd, Tomáš Zdechovský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Elio Di Rupo
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Waldemar Tomaszewski, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Sebastian Tynkkynen
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bernard Guetta, Petras Auštrevičius, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Catarina Vieira
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Systematic repression of human rights in Iran, notably the cases of Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, and the taking of EU citizens as hostages

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the systematic repression of human rights in Iran, notably the cases of Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, and the taking of EU citizens as hostages (2025/2511(RSP)) (RC-B10-0066/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0066/2025, B10-0073/2025, B10-0082/2025, B10-0085/2025 and B10-0086/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Tomáš Zdechovský, Loucas Fourlas, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, David McAllister, Michael Gahler, Željana Zovko, Christophe Gomart, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Javier Zarzalejos, Luděk Niedermayer, Wouter Beke, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Jessica Polfjärd, Danuše Nerudová, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Evin Incir, Chloé Ridel, Daniel Attard, Alessandra Moretti
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Rihards Kols, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Carlo Fidanza, Reinis Pozņaks, Aurelijus Veryga, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alberico Gambino, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Dick Erixon, Beatrice Timgren, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Marion Maréchal, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Carlo Ciccioli, Charlie Weimers
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Petras Auštrevičius, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bart Groothuis, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Hannah Neumann
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Per Clausen, Hanna Gedin, Jonas Sjöstedt

    Case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria (2025/2512(RSP)) (RC-B10-0087/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0087/2025, B10-0089/2025, B10-0091/2025, B10-0092/2025 and B10-0093/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Christophe Gomart, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michael Gahler, Luděk Niedermayer, Wouter Beke, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Jessica Polfjärd, Tomáš Zdechovský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Marta Temido
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Marion Maréchal, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Małgorzata Gosiewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Helmut Brandstätter, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Bernard Guetta, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Urmas Paet, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Leoluca Orlando
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0074/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Thijs Reuten, Raphaël Glucksmann
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0075/2025)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Siegfried Mureşan, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Mika Aaltola, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Sandra Kalniete, Seán Kelly, Ondřej Kolář, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Ana Miguel Pedro, Paulius Saudargas, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Pekka Toveri, Inese Vaidere, Milan Zver
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0076/2025)
    Sergey Lagodinsky, Hannah Neumann, Markéta Gregorová, Mārtiņš Staķis, Maria Ohisalo, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Villy Søvndal, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0077/2025)
    Bernard Guetta, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Olivier Chastel, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Michał Kobosko, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0079/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Rihards Kols, Ondřej Krutílek, Jaak Madison, Ivaylo Valchev, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Roberts Zīle, Aurelijus Veryga, Maciej Wąsik, Michał Dworczyk, Cristian Terheş, Reinis Pozņaks, Alexandr Vondra
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (RC-B10-0074/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0074/2025, B10-0075/2025, B10-0076/2025, B10-0077/2025 and B10-0079/2025)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Siegfried Mureşan, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Mika Aaltola, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Sandra Kalniete, Seán Kelly, Ondřej Kolář, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Ana Miguel Pedro, Paulius Saudargas, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Pekka Toveri, Inese Vaidere, Milan Zver
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Thijs Reuten, Raphaël Glucksmann
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Rihards Kols, Reinis Pozņaks, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Roberts Zīle, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Jaak Madison, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Cristian Terheş, Maciej Wąsik, Ivaylo Valchev, Aurelijus Veryga, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bernard Guetta, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Karin Karlsbro, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Michał Kobosko, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sergey Lagodinsky
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0064/2025)
    Gabriel Mato, Sebastião Bugalho, Davor Ivo Stier
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0068/2025)
    Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Silvia Sardone, Nikola Bartůšek, Susanna Ceccardi, Roberto Vannacci, António Tânger Corrêa, Enikő Győri
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0071/2025)
    Leire Pajín
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Catarina Vieira, Ville Niinistö, Nicolae Ştefănuță
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0080/2025)
    Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Valérie Devaux, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Ana Vasconcelos, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0083/2025)
    Carlo Fidanza, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Alberico Gambino, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Diego Solier, Rihards Kols, Ondřej Krutílek, Jaak Madison, Nora Junco García, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Alexandr Vondra
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (RC-B10-0064/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0064/2025, B10-0080/2025 and B10-0083/2025)
    Gabriel Mato, Sebastião Bugalho, Davor Ivo Stier, Francisco José Millán Mon
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Carlo Fidanza, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Ivaylo Valchev, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Rihards Kols, Alexandr Vondra, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Alberico Gambino, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Ana Vasconcelos, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group


    II. Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports

    Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports (Rule 55)

    (Following the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 15 January 2025)

    AFCO Committee

    – Reform of the European Electoral Act – hurdles to ratification and implementation in the Member States (2025/2028(INI))

    – Institutional aspects of the Report on the future of European Competitiveness (Draghi Report) (2025/2013(INI))

    – Stock-taking of the European elections 2024 (2025/2012(INI))

    AFET Committee

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Ukraine (2025/2026(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Moldova (2025/2025(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Georgia (2025/2024(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye (2025/2023(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Serbia (2025/2022(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on North Macedonia (2025/2021(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Montenegro (2025/2020(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Kosovo (2025/2019(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina (2025/2018(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Albania (2025/2017(INI))

    DEVE Committee

    – Financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville (2025/2004(INI))

    – Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (2025/2014(INI))
    (opinion: FEMM)

    IMCO Committee

    – Implementation and streamlining of EU internal market rules to strengthen the single market (2025/2009(INI))

    ITRE Committee

    – Future of the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector: leveraging research, boosting innovation and enhancing competitiveness (2025/2008(INI))

    – European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure (2025/2007(INI))

    – Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system (2025/2006(INI))

    JURI Committee

    – Monitoring the application of European Union law in 2023 and 2024 (2025/2016(INI))
    (opinion: PETI)

    – European Union regulatory fitness and subsidiarity and proportionality – report on Better Law-Making covering 2023 and 2024 (2025/2015(INI))

    PECH Committee

    – Fisheries management approaches for safeguarding sensitive species, tackling invasive species and benefiting local economies (2025/2011(INI))

    – The role of social, economic and environmental standards in safeguarding fair competition for all aquatic food products and improving food security (2025/2010(INI))

    PETI Committee

    – Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 (2025/2027(INI))

    (Following the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 19 December 2024)

    – The multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea and ways forward (2024/2127(INI))

    – The impact of the implementation of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 2014/89/EU on fisheries in selected fishing areas and sea basins (2024/2126(INI))

    – Decarbonisation and modernisation of EU fisheries, and the development and deployment of fishing gear (2024/2123(INI))

    AGRI Committee

    – The position of farmers in the agri-food value chain (2024/2122(INI))

    ECON Committee

    – The role of simple tax rules and tax fragmentation in European competitiveness (2024/2118(INI))

    – A coherent tax framework for the EU’s financial sector (2024/2117(INI))

    – Facilitating the financing of investments and reforms to boost European competitiveness and creating a Capital Markets Union (Draghi Report) (2024/2116(INI))
    (opinion: BUDG)

    FEMM Committee

    – Gender Equality Strategy 2025 (2024/2125(INI))
    (opinion: LIBE)

    – Women’s entrepreneurship in rural and island areas and outermost regions (2024/2124(INI))
    (opinion: AGRI)

    IMCO Committee

    – A new legislative framework for products that is fit for the digital and sustainable transition (2024/2119(INI))

    REGI Committee

    – The role of cohesion policy in supporting the just transition (2024/2121(INI))
    (opinion: EMPL)

    – The role of cohesion policy investment in resolving the current housing crisis (2024/2120(INI))
    (opinion: EMPL)


    III. Consent procedure

    Reports with a motion for a non-legislative resolution (consent procedure) (Rule 107(5))

    (Following notification by the Conference of Committee Chairs on 15 January 2025)

    AFET Committee

    – Interim report in view of the consent procedure on the Agreement establishing an association between the EU and the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of San Marino (2024/0101R(NLE) – 2024/0101(NLE))
    (opinion: ECON, IMCO)


    IV. Petitions

    Petitions Nos 1427-24 to 1518-24 had been entered in the register on 17 January 2025 and had been forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(9) and (10).

    The President had, on 17 January 2025, forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(15), petitions addressed to the European Parliament by natural or legal persons who were not citizens of the European Union and who did not reside, or have their registered office, in a Member State.


    V. Documents received

    The following documents had been received from Members:

    – Mathilde Androuët, Gerolf Annemans, Jordan Bardella, Nikola Bartůšek, Rachel Blom, Barbara Bonte, Paolo Borchia, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Irmhild Boßdorf, Jaroslav Bžoch, Klara Dostalova, Marieke Ehlers, Dick Erixon, Tomasz Froelich, Petras Gražulis, Branko Grims, Catherine Griset, Enikő Győri, Roman Haider, Fernand Kartheiser, Ondřej Knotek, Vilis Krištopans, Julien Leonardelli, Jorge Martín Frías, Milan Mazurek, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Jana Nagyová, Hans Neuhoff, Julie Rechagneux, Dominik Tarczyński, Hermann Tertsch, Isabella Tovaglieri, António Tânger Corrêa, Milan Uhrík, Tom Vandendriessche, Harald Vilimsky, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik and Auke Zijlstra. Motion for a resolution on Dismantling Overregulation and Government Encroachment: reclaiming competitiveness and innovation in the European Union (B10-0214/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: JURI
    opinion: ITRE

    – Pekka Toveri and Sebastian Tynkkynen. Motion for a resolution on restricting the ability of passenger and cargo traffic to enter European Union airspace from Russia (B10-0220/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: TRAN
    opinion: AFET

    – Matthieu Valet. Motion for a resolution on EU policy on Syrian refugees following the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime (B10-0237/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE

    – Christine Anderson, Anja Arndt, René Aust, Arno Bausemer, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Markus Buchheit, Petr Bystron, Elisabeth Dieringer, Siegbert Frank Droese, Marc Jongen, Mary Khan, Sarah Knafo, Maximilian Krah and Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová. Motion for a resolution on financial and organisational support for Member States to repatriate Syrian nationals (B10-0238/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barley Katarina, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Adrian-Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berg Sibylle, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Cunha Paulo, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hassan Rima, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Hazekamp Anja, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovatchev Andrey, Krah Maximilian, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Millán Mon Francisco José, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Stier Davor Ivo, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarquinio Marco, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomašič Zala, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verheyen Sabine, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Zacharia Maria, Zajączkowska-Hernik Ewa, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Sidl Günther


    ANNEX 1 – Composition of new committees

    C01A SEDE

    [ 20/01/2025 – ]

    Комисия по сигурност и отбрана

    Comisión de Seguridad y Defensa

    Výbor pro bezpečnost a obranu

    Udvalget om Sikkerhed og Forsvar

    Ausschuss für Sicherheit und Verteidigung

    Julgeoleku- ja kaitsekomisjon

    Επιτροπή Ασφάλειας και Άμυνας

    Committee on Security and Defence

    Commission de la sécurité et de la défense

    An Coiste um Shlándáil agus Cosaint

    Odbor za sigurnost i obranu

    Commissione per la sicurezza e la difesa

    Drošības un aizsardzības komiteja

    Saugumo ir gynybos komitetas

    ssBiztonság- és Védelempolitikai Bizottság

    Kumitat għas-Sigurtà u d-Difiża

    Commissie veiligheid en defensie

    Komisja Bezpieczeństwa i Obrony

    Comissão da Segurança e da Defesa

    Comisia pentru securitate și apărare

    Výbor pre bezpečnosť a obranu

    Odbor za varnost in obrambo

    Turvallisuus- ja puolustuspolitiikan valiokunta

    Utskottet för säkerhet och försvar

    (43 members)

    PPE (11)

    BEKE Wouter

    DE MEO Salvatore

    GOMART Christophe

    HERBST Niclas

    MEIMARAKIS Vangelis

    NOVAKOV Andrey

    PASCUAL DE LA PARTE Nicolás

    SZCZERBA Michał

    TEODORESCU MÅWE Alice

    TERRAS Riho

    TOVERI Pekka

    S&D (8)

    CREMER Tobias

    DI RUPO Elio

    GLUCKSMANN Raphaël

    LÓPEZ Javi

    MAVRIDES Costas

    MENDES Ana Catarina

    MIKSER Sven

    TUDOSE Mihai

    PfE (5)

    HÖLVÉNYI György

    POKORNÁ JERMANOVÁ Jaroslava

    STÖTELER Sebastiaan

    THIONNET Pierre-Romain

    VANNACCI Roberto

    ECR (5)

    DONAZZAN Elena

    DWORCZYK Michał

    GAMBINO Alberico

    POZŅAKS Reinis

    VONDRA Alexandr

    Renew (5)

    AUŠTREVIČIUS Petras

    LOISEAU Nathalie

    ŠAREC Marjan

    STRACK-ZIMMERMANN Marie-Agnes

    YAR Lucia

    Verts/ALE (3)

    NEUMANN Hannah

    STAĶIS Mārtiņš

    VAN LANSCHOT Reinier

    The Left (3)

    BOTENGA Marc

    DEMIREL Özlem

    KYLLÖNEN Merja

    ESN (1)

    NEUHOFF Hans

    NI (2)

    PAPADAKIS Kostas

    VON DER SCHULENBURG Michael

    C08A SANT

    [ 20/01/2025 – ]

    Комисия по обществено здраве

    Comisión de Salud Pública

    Výbor pro veřejné zdraví

    Udvalget om Folkesundhed

    Ausschuss für öffentliche Gesundheit

    Rahvatervishoiu komisjon

    Επιτροπή Δημόσιας Υγείας

    Committee on Public Health

    Commission de la santé publique

    An Coiste um Shláinte Phoiblí

    Odbor za javno zdravlje

    Commissione per la sanità pubblica

    Sabiedrības veselības komiteja

    Visuomenės sveikatos komitetas

    Közegészségügyi Bizottság

    Kumitat għas-Saħħa Pubblika

    Commissie volksgezondheid

    Komisja Zdrowia Publicznego

    Comissão da Saúde Pública

    Comisia pentru sănătate publică

    Výbor pre verejné zdravie

    Odbor za javno zdravje

    Kansanterveyden valiokunta

    Utskottet för folkhälsa

    (43 members)

    PPE (11)

    ARŁUKOWICZ Bartosz

    CASTILLO Laurent

    HADJIPANTELA Michalis

    JARUBAS Adam

    KULJA András Tivadar

    LIESE Peter

    MORATTI Letizia

    NEVADO DEL CAMPO Elena

    POLFJÄRD Jessica

    SCHENK Oliver

    SOKOL Tomislav

    S&D (8)

    ANDRIUKAITIS Vytenis Povilas

    CLERGEAU Christophe

    GONZÁLEZ CASARES Nicolás

    JERKOVIĆ Romana

    MORETTI Alessandra

    NEGRESCU Victor

    PAPANDREOU Nikos

    WÖLKEN Tiemo

    PfE (5)

    BRASIER-CLAIN Marie-Luce

    DE LA PISA CARRIÓN Margarita

    FERENC Viktória

    HAUSER Gerald

    KNOTEK Ondřej

    ECR (5)

    BUDA Waldemar

    FRAGKOS Emmanouil

    PICARO Michele

    RAZZA Ruggero

    TROCHU Laurence

    Renew (5)

    BOSSE Stine

    CANFIN Pascal

    CHASTEL Olivier

    CIFROVÁ OSTRIHOŇOVÁ Veronika

    VASILE-VOICULESCU Vlad

    Verts/ALE (3)

    HÄUSLING Martin

    MARINO Ignazio Roberto

    METZ Tilly

    The Left (3)

    MARTINS Catarina

    PALMISANO Valentina

    TAMBURRANO Dario

    ESN (1)

    ANDERSON Christine

    NI (2)

    BEŇOVÁ Monika

    DOSTÁL Ondřej

    CS01 EUDS

    [ 20/01/2025 – ]

    Специална комисия относно европейския щит за демокрацията

    Comisión Especial sobre el Escudo Europeo de la Democracia

    Zvláštní výbor pro Evropský štít pro demokracii

    Det Særlige Udvalg om Det Europæiske Demokratiskjold

    Sonderausschuss für den Europäischen Schutzschild für die Demokratie

    Euroopa demokraatia kaitse erikomisjon

    Ειδική Επιτροπή για την Ευρωπαϊκή Ασπίδα Δημοκρατίας

    Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

    Commission spéciale sur le bouclier européen de la démocratie

    An Coiste Speisialta um an Sciath Eorpach don Daonlathas

    Posebni odbor za europski štit za zaštitu demokracije

    Commissione speciale sullo scudo europeo per la democrazia

    Īpašā komiteja attiecībā uz Eiropas demokrātijas vairogu

    Specialusis komitetas Europos demokratijos skydo klausimais

    Az európai demokráciapajzzsal foglalkozó különbizottság

    Kumitat Speċjali dwar it-Tarka Ewropea għad-Demokrazija

    Bijzondere Commissie inzake een schild voor de Europese democratie

    Komisja Specjalna ds. Europejskiej Tarczy Demokracji

    Comissão Especial sobre o Escudo Europeu da Democracia

    Comisia specială pentru Scutul democrației europene

    Osobitný výbor pre európsky štít na obranu demokracie

    Posebni odbor za evropski ščit za demokracijo

    Eurooppalaista demokratian kilpeä käsittelevä erityisvaliokunta

    Särskilda utskottet för det europeiska demokratiförsvaret

    (33 members)

    PPE (9)

    AALTOLA Mika

    BOGDAN Ioan-Rareş

    DÜPONT Lena

    KALNIETE Sandra

    MARTUSCIELLO Fulvio

    SIENKIEWICZ Bartłomiej

    TOBÉ Tomas

    ZDECHOVSKÝ Tomáš

    ZOIDO ÁLVAREZ Juan Ignacio

    S&D (6)

    DÎNCU Vasile

    MENDES Ana Catarina

    MOLNÁR Csaba

    PICIERNO Pina

    SCHALDEMOSE Christel

    VAN BREMPT Kathleen

    PfE (4)

    BŽOCH Jaroslav

    LEGGERI Fabrice

    SCHALLER-BAROSS Ernő

    TÂNGER CORRÊA António

    ECR (4)

    CAVEDAGNA Stefano

    KANKO Assita

    SZYDŁO Beata

    TERHEŞ Cristian

    Renew (4)

    BRANDSTÄTTER Helmut

    GROOTHUIS Bart

    LOISEAU Nathalie

    WILMÈS Sophie

    Verts/ALE (2)

    GEESE Alexandra

    VAN SPARRENTAK Kim

    The Left (2)

    ARVANITIS Konstantinos

    DELLA VALLE Danilo

    ESN (1)

    ANDERSON Christine

    NI (1)

    PANAYIOTOU Fidias

    CS02 HOUS

    [ 20/01/2025 – ]

    Специална комисия относно жилищната криза в Европейския съюз

    Comisión Especial sobre la Crisis de la Vivienda en la Unión Europea

    Zvláštní výbor pro krizi v oblasti bydlení v Evropské unii

    Det Særlige Udvalg om Boligkrisen i Den Europæiske Union

    Sonderausschuss zur Wohnraumkrise in der Europäischen Union

    Euroopa Liidu eluasemekriisi erikomisjon

    Ειδική Επιτροπή για τη στεγαστική κρίση στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση

    Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

    Commission spéciale sur la crise du logement dans l’Union européenne

    An Coiste Speisialta um an nGéarchéim Tithíochta san Aontas Eorpach

    Posebni odbor za stambenu krizu u Europskoj uniji

    Commissione speciale sulla crisi degli alloggi nell’Unione europea

    Īpašā komiteja mājokļu krīzes risināšanai Eiropas Savienībā

    Specialusis komitetas būsto krizės Europos Sąjungoje klausimais

    Az Európai Unióban tapasztalható lakhatási válsággal foglalkozó különbizottság

    Kumitat Speċjali dwar il-Kriżi tal-Akkomodazzjoni fl-Unjoni Ewropea

    Bijzondere Commissie inzake de huisvestingscrisis in de Europese Unie

    Komisja Specjalna ds. Kryzysu Mieszkaniowego w Unii Europejskiej

    Comissão Especial sobre a Crise de Habitação na União Europeia

    Comisia specială pentru criza locuințelor în Uniunea Europeană

    Osobitný výbor pre krízu bývania v Európskej únii

    Posebni odbor za stanovanjsko krizo v Evropski uniji

    Asuntokriisiä Euroopan unionissa käsittelevä erityisvaliokunta

    Särskilda utskottet för bostadskrisen i Europeiska unionen

    (33 members)

    PPE (9)

    BUGALHO Sebastião

    CASA David

    DOHERTY Regina

    EZCURRA ALMANSA Alma

    FALCONE Marco

    FERBER Markus

    GOTINK Dirk

    LE CALLENNEC Isabelle

    MARCZUŁAJTIS-WALCZAK Jagna

    S&D (6)

    BISCHOFF Gabriele

    GOMES Isilda

    HOMS GINEL Alicia

    MEBAREK Nora

    SCHIEDER Andreas

    TINAGLI Irene

    PfE (4)

    BLOM Rachel

    DOSTALOVA Klara

    HÖLVÉNYI György

    RECHAGNEUX Julie

    ECR (4)

    JUNCO GARCÍA Nora

    MAGONI Lara

    SBERNA Antonella

    TEODORESCU Georgiana

    Renew (4)

    HOJSÍK Martin

    MULLOOLY Ciaran

    TOOM Jana

    VAN DEN BERG Brigitte

    Verts/ALE (2)

    MARZÀ IBÁÑEZ Vicent

    OHISALO Maria

    The Left (2)

    CHAIBI Leila

    MONTERO Irene

    ESN (1)

    BOSSDORF Irmhild

    NI (1)

    ZACHARIA Maria

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Haiti & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (23 January 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations
    Syria
    Security Council
    Haiti
    Sudan
    Holocaust
    Guest Tomorrow
    Honour Roll

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that large volumes of humanitarian aid continue to enter Gaza through the Erez and Zikim crossings in the north and Kerem Shalom crossing in the south.
    Inside Gaza, OCHA says that aid cargo and humanitarian personnel are moving into areas that were previously hard to reach. Our humanitarian partners on the ground say the operating environment has improved significantly. The surge in supplies entering Gaza each day and the return of law and order has allowed aid organizations to scale up the delivery of life-saving assistance and services.
    In central and southern Gaza, partners have resumed monthly food distributions with full rations. Yesterday, humanitarian organizations on the ground in Gaza transported 118 trucks of food parcels and flour from UNRWA warehouses to more than 60 distribution points in the south.
    Across southern Gaza, UNICEF continues dispatching high-energy biscuits and ready-to-use food – enough for thousands of infants.
    While food items currently account for the bulk of supplies that have entered the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire took effect, more medicines, shelter materials, and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies are expected over the coming days.
    Yesterday, partners in southern Gaza distributed medical disposables and trauma management kits to 14 hospitals, as well as sexual and reproductive health kits to 28 health facilities – enough for 58,000 people.
    Meanwhile, fuel deliveries in central and southern Gaza are keeping functional water wells, desalination plants and sewage pumps running.
    And yesterday, our humanitarian partners delivered seven trucks of fuel to northern Gaza. This is the first such shipment since the ceasefire began.
    The supplies will help power the back-up generators that are sustaining critical humanitarian services provided by UNRWA, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization and other partners.
    Also, in Gaza City yesterday, two of UNRWA’s primary health service points reopened – the Beach health centre and Daraj medical point.
    Across the Strip, OCHA reports that most Palestinians remain at displacement sites – either because their homes are in ruins or contaminated by explosive ordnance, or because movement back to northern Gaza has not yet been allowed.
    And turning to the situation in the West Bank, OCHA reports that the Jenin Government Hospital remains disconnected from water and electricity, and access is extremely difficult due to road damage. The facility is relying on dwindling water reserves from emergency tanks installed just weeks ago through an allocation by the Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund, which is managed by OCHA.

    UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR PEACE OPERATIONS
    Starting this Saturday, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, will travel to the Middle East.
    He will visit two UN peacekeeping missions and travel to Damascus to meet with caretaker authorities and Israeli authorities in Jerusalem.
    Mr. Lacroix will first travel to Syria, where he will spend time at the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) before visiting the headquarters of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in Jerusalem.
    Mr. Lacroix’s priorities are to express his solidarity with and support for UN peacekeepers and to highlight the importance of mine action and removal of explosive remnants of war.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=23%20January%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt2pGiYdMwg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The digital platform CML-Bench of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is certified for working with commercial secrets

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The digital platform for the development and application of digital twins CML-Bench®, developed by Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, has received a certificate of compliance with the software security requirements of the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEC of Russia) at the sixth level of trust. CML-Bench® is the first digital platform developed by SPbPU to receive a certificate allowing the processing of information with the confidentiality modes “Commercial Secret” and “For Official Use Only”.

    The sixth level of trust allows the platform to be used at significant critical information infrastructure facilities of the third category, in government information systems and as part of automated production and technological process control systems of the third class* of information security, and personal data information systems of the third level** of security.

    *In state information systems, there are three classes of information security, which are determined depending on the level of significance of the information processed in the information system and its scale (federal, regional, facility-based). The first class requires the greatest protection, the third class – the least protection. **When protecting personal data, the third level is the average level of security, which is used for personal data, the leakage of which may harm the data subject, but will not lead to significant risks.

    Thus, in the context of changing legislation in the field of import substitution of software and increasing requirements for software security, the FSTEC of Russia certificate allows using the CML-Bench® digital platform for working with government agencies; government institutions and enterprises; Russian legal entities that own information systems, information and telecommunications networks, automated control systems operating in the field of healthcare, science, transport, communications, energy, as well as state registration of rights to real estate and transactions with it, banking and other areas of the financial market, fuel and energy complex, in the field of nuclear energy, defense, rocket and space, mining, metallurgy and chemical industries.

    To ensure that the CML-Bench® digital platform meets the requirements of the sixth level of trust, specialists from the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” have developed and implemented a number of microservices in the software that provide protection against unauthorized access to information, implement identification and authentication functions, access control and registration of security events, in accordance with the requirements specified in the document “Information security requirements establishing levels of trust in technical information protection tools and information technology security tools”.

    In particular, authentication services, user rights management, and an LDAP (LDAP) interaction service were implemented. CML-Bench® was also integrated with Keycloak (a program that helps users log into different sites and applications under one account and allows you to manage who has access to what) with CML-Bench®. At the same time, identifiers and object types were output to the log by security event types with the ability to customize the volume of recorded information. Event logging was implemented for all account types. The Circuit Breaker template was successfully implemented and support for CSRF tokens (a security tool in web applications) was added. Healthcheck checks were also added to the new services.

    In March 2023, for the first time in the history of SPbPU, a license was received from the FSTEC of Russia for the development and production of means of protecting confidential information, including software tools for information protection; secure software (software and hardware) means of information processing and software (software and hardware) means of monitoring information security. After that, active work began on the allocation and refinement of the “security module” as part of the Digital Platform for the Development and Application of Digital Twins CML-Bench®. And a year and a half later, an FSTEC certificate was received confirming the compliance of the platform’s security level with the sixth trust level. For us, this is a very important result, since the structural divisions of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” implement projects with high-tech companies from various industries that are subjects of critical information infrastructure, – commented Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation of SPbPU, Head of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov.

    The refinement of the “security module” as part of the Digital Platform for the Development and Application of Digital Twins CML-Bench® was accompanied by updating the technical documentation and testing.

    Certification tests on a special stand were carried out by the Scientific, Technical and Certification Center for Comprehensive Information Security (JSC Center Atomzashchitainform). As a result of the preparation of the research stand, along with the creation of conditions for testing, the absence of configuration vulnerabilities and signs of malware in the object of assessment, as well as potentially dangerous functional capabilities that appear during the installation and configuration of the object of assessment were checked. As a result, the CML-Bench® digital platform, based on the test results, confirmed the absence of current vulnerabilities and protection against the threat of unauthorized access to information contained in the product; against the threat of unauthorized transfer of information to information and telecommunication networks and other information systems; against the threat of unauthorized receipt of information about the product, as well as its nodes; the threat of denial of service.

    The assessment of the certification test materials for compliance with information security requirements was carried out by the expert commission of the certification body FSTEC of Russia. Based on the expert opinion on the results of comprehensive certification tests of the digital platform for the development and use of digital twins CML-Bench®, a certificate of compliance with information security requirements was issued.

    The certification was carried out on an initiative basis during the implementation of a project to design and create an automated digital engineering system jointly with Greenatom JSC in a subsidiary of TVEL JSC — CentroTech-Engineering LLC for further replication in the structures of TVEL JSC and Rosatom State Corporation.

    For reference:

    The CML-Bench® digital platform is a digital platform for the development and application of digital twins of both high-tech industrial products and goods, as well as technological and production processes for their manufacture, a system for managing activities in the field of system digital engineering. Since 2006, the CML-Bench® digital platform has been developed by employees of the Engineering Center (CompMechLab®) “Computer Engineering Center” of SPbPU and employees of the Computational Mechanics Laboratory LLC (CompMechLab®).

    The CML-Bench® Digital Platform is used to develop projects for high-tech industries: engine building, power engineering, nuclear, oil and gas, special and railway engineering, aircraft and helicopter engineering, including unmanned aerial vehicles, automotive engineering, including electric transport, shipbuilding and shipbuilding, as well as marine engineering, nuclear energy, fuel and energy complex, medicine, high-performance sports, etc.

    At the end of 2022, the CML-Bench® platform was deployed on the servers of Centrotech-Engineering LLC (part of the control circuit of the TVEL fuel company of the Rosatom State Corporation) as part of the project to create an automated digital engineering system. And in 2023, specialists from the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” of SPbPU developed a software module that allows for the seamless transfer of engineering data from one of the most popular PLM systems (engineering data and production process management systems) Teamcenter by Siemens to the CML-Bench® digital platform. The CML-Bench® digital platform formed the basis for the URANIA data and process management system for computational and experimental scientific research, used at the enterprises of the Rosatom State Corporation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements during Lunar New Year

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    　　Police will implement special traffic arrangements in various districts to facilitate the public to celebrate the festive season.

    Hong Kong Island
    —————-

         The following arrangements will be implemented by phases on January 28, until the roads are safe for re-opening:

    A.    Road closure

         The following roads will be closed:

    From 4pm to 7am of the following day:

    – Sugar Street; and
    – Northbound Gloucester Road between Causeway Road and Great George Street.

    From 7.30pm to 7am of the following day:

    – Great George Street between Paterson Street and Gloucester Road;
    – Kingston Street;
    – Paterson Street; and
    – Cleveland Street.

         Depending on traffic and crowd conditions, the road closure area may be extended from 8pm to the following roads:

    – Southbound Gloucester Road between Cleveland Street and Causeway Road;
    – Northbound Gloucester Road between Gloucester Road Flyover and Victoria Park Road;
    – Hing Fat Street between Causeway Road and Lau Li Street, except for franchised buses and green minibuses (GMB);
    – Electric Road between Yacht Street and Hing Fat Street;
    – Eastbound Hennessy Road between Percival Street and Yee Wo Street, eastbound Yee Wo Street between Hennessy Road and Causeway Road, eastbound Causeway Road between Yee Wo Street and Tung Lo Wan Road, and westbound Causeway Road between Tung Lo Wan Road and Moreton Terrace, except for franchised buses, GMB and trams.

    B.    Pedestrian precincts

         The following road sections will be designated as pedestrian precinct from noon on January 28 to 7am of the following day:

    – Lockhart Road between Cannon Street and East Point Road;
    – East Point Road; and
    – Great George Street between East Point Road and Paterson Street.

    C.    Prohibition to learner drivers
     
         Learner drivers cannot use the following roads from 4pm on January 28 to 8am of the following day:

    – Leighton Road;
    – Tin Lok Lane;
    – Caroline Hill Road;
    – Eastern Hospital Road;
    – Tai Hang Road north of Lai Tak Tsuen Road;
    – Tung Lo Wan Road;
    – Electric Road south of Gordon Road;
    – Morrison Hill Road north of Queen’s Road East;
    – Hennessy Road;
    – Yee Wo Street;
    – Causeway Road;
    – King’s Road;
    – Gloucester Road Service Road;
    – Hing Fat Street;
    – Westbound Tin Hau Temple Road west of Cloud View Road; and
    – Eastbound Wan Chai Road.

    D.    Suspension of parking spaces and car parks

    – All on-street parking spaces on Lau Li Street between Hing Fat Street and Ngan Mok Street and disabled parking spaces on northbound Gloucester Road near Sugar Street will be suspended from 8am on January 28 to 7am of the following day;
    – All on-street parking spaces on Tung Lo Wan Road will be suspended from 8pm on January 28 to 7am of the following day; and
    – All parking spaces at Hing Fat Street Public Car Park will be suspended from 8am on January 28 to 7am of the following day.

         All car parks within the above closed road areas will be suspended and vehicles will not be allowed to enter or exit the car parks, until the roads are safe for re-opening.

    E.    Suspension of public transport interchange

         Tin Hau Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 6pm on January 28.

    Kowloon
    ——–

    (1)    Wong Tai Sin Temple

         The following arrangements will be implemented from 6pm on January 28 to 7pm on January 29, from 7am to 7pm daily from January 30 to February 3, and from February 8 to February 9 to facilitate traffic and crowd control at Wong Tai Sin Temple during Lunar New Year:

    A.    Road closure

         The following roads will be closed:

    – Shatin Pass Road between Lung Cheung Road and Fung Tak Road, except for GMBs and designated vehicles; and
    – The unnamed road connecting Wong Tai Sin Temple and Wong Tai Sin Road, except for designated vehicles.

    B.    Traffic control

         All vehicles will be prohibited from parking or waiting at Wong Tai Sin Road (both directions) between Shatin Pass Road and Nga Chuk Street.

    (2)    Cheung Sha Wan

         All metered parking spaces in Hang Cheung Street will be suspended from 8am on January 26 to 7am on January 29.

         All vehicles will be prohibited from parking or waiting on Fortune Street, Hang Cheung Street and Fat Tseung Street from 10am on January 26 to 7am on January 29, except for picking up/setting off passengers and loading/unloading goods.

    (3)    Sham Shui Po Kwan Tai Temple

         Depending on traffic and crowd conditions, the following arrangements will be implemented from 11am to noon on January 30:

    A.    Road closure

         The following roads will be intermittently closed:

    – Wong Chuk Street between Yu Chau Street and Cheung Sha Wan Road;
    – Apliu Street between Nam Cheong Street and Wong Chuk Street;
    – Southbound Nam Cheong Street between Cheung Sha Wan Road and Hai Tan Street;
    – Hai Tan Street between Nam Cheong Street and Boundary Street;
    – Yee Kuk Street between Boundary Street and Shek Kip Mei Street; and
    – Shek Kip Mei Street between Yee Kuk Street and Apliu Street.

    B.    Traffic diversions

         Vehicles heading for southbound Nam Cheong Street and southbound Shek Kip Mei Street will be diverted via southbound Yen Chow Street and eastbound Lai Chi Kok Road.

    (4)    Mong Kok Fa Hui Park

    A.    Road closure

         The third lane of southbound Tai Hang Tung Road between Tat Chee Avenue and Boundary Street will be closed from 9am on January 23 to 8am on January 29.

    B.    Suspension of parking spaces

         The following parking spaces will be suspended from 8am on January 26 to 8am on January 29:

    – Metered parking spaces on Tong Yam Street (meter no. 9607 and 9608);
    – All metered and motorcycle parking spaces on Duke Street between Embankment Road and Knight Street;
    – All motorcycle parking spaces on Knight Street near its junction with Duke Street;
    – Metered parking space on Belfran Road (meter no. 13413); and
    – All metered parking spaces on Lincoln Road between Cumberland Road and Waterloo Road.

    (5)    Kwun Tong Recreation Ground

    A.    Road closure

         Kai Lim Road will be closed from 8pm on January 26 to 2am of the following day, from 3pm on January 27 to 2am of the following day, and from 3pm on January 28 to 4am of the following day.

         Fuk Ning Road and Fuk Tong Road will be closed from 3pm on January 27 to 2am of the following day, and from 3pm on January 28 to 4am of the following day.

    B.    Suspension of parking spaces

         The metered parking spaces, motorcycle parking spaces and disabled parking space on Kai Lim Road will be suspended from 8am on January 26 to 4am on January 29.

    (6)    Kwun Tong Hoi Bun Road

         The following parking spaces will be suspended from noon on January 30 to 1am of the following day:

    – All metered parking spaces on Hoi Bun Road;
    – Two disabled parking spaces on eastbound Hoi Bun Road near Hoi Bun Road Park; and
    – Ten motorcycle parking spaces on westbound Hoi Bun Road near Kwun Tong Promenade.

    New Territories
    —————

    (1)    Tsuen Wan

    A.    Road closure

         The following roads will be closed daily from 3pm to 5am of the following day on January 27 and January 28:

    – Kai Hong Close;
    – Kai Chi Close;
    – Hoi Pa Street between its junction with Lo Tak Court and Tai Ho Road.

    B.    Suspension of parking spaces

         The motorcycle parking spaces at Kai Hong Close will be suspended daily from 3pm to 5am of the following day on January 27 and January 28.

    (2)    Sheung Shui

    A.    Pedestrian precincts

        The following road sections will be designated as pedestrian precincts from 11am to 7pm daily on January 27 and January 28, during which all vehicles will be prohibited, except for vehicles with permit:

    – San Kung Street; and
    – San Hong Street between Tsun Fu Street and Fu Hing Street.

    B.    Road closure

        To facilitate the Lunar New Year Fair at Shek Wu Hui in Sheung Shui, the following roads will be closed from 6pm on January 28 to 4am of the following day, except for vehicles with permit:

    – San Lok Street, except for access to Pearl Vista;
    – San Tsoi Street; and
    – Fu Hing Street between San Hong Street and San Tsoi Street.

    C.    Suspension of parking spaces

    – The metered parking spaces (meter no. 25343A/B, 25342 A/B, 25341A and 25344B) at San Hong Street will be suspended from 11am to 7pm daily on January 27 and January 28; and
    – The motorcycle parking spaces on San Lok Street will be suspended from 6pm on January 28 to 4am of the following day.

    (3)    Tuen Mun

    A.    Road closure

         The following roads will be intermittently closed from 6pm to 2am of the following day on January 27, and 6pm to 7am of the following day on January 28, except for vehicles with permit:

    – Tin Hau Road;
    – San Hop Lane;
    – Hung Cheung Road from its junction with Tin Hau Road to its southern junction with San Ping Circuit;
    – Southbound Hung Cheung Road between its northern and southern junction with San Ping Circuit;
    – San On Street from its southern junction with Hung Cheung Road to a point about 50 metres north of the same junction; and
    – Hing Wong Street from its junction with Hung Cheung Road to a point about 50 metres north of the same junction.

    B.    Cycle track closure

         The cycle track along the western riverside of Tuen Mun River Channel between Pui To Road and Yau Oi Bridge will be closed from 6pm to 2am of the following day on January 27, and 6pm to 7am of the following day on January 28.

    C.    Traffic diversions

         The following traffic diversions will be intermittently implemented from 6pm to 2am of the following day on January 27, and 6pm to 7am of the following day on January 28, except for vehicles with permit:

    – Traffic along Yip Wong Road cannot turn to northbound Tin Hau Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Tin Hau Road cannot turn to Hung Cheung Road; and
    – Hung Cheung Road between its northern and southern junction with San Ping Circuit will be re-routed one-way northbound.

    D.    Suspension of parking spaces

         The overnight on-street parking spaces on the following roads will be suspended from 6pm to 2am of the following day on January 27, and 6pm to 7am of the
    following day on January 28, except for vehicles with permit:

    – Tin Hau Road; and
    – Hung Cheung Road from its junction with Tin Hau Road to its southern junction with San Ping Circuit.

    (4) Kwai Tsing

         The metered parking spaces and disabled parking spaces on Ko Fong Street will be suspended from 2pm on January 28 to 8am on January 29.

    (5)    Tai Po

         The cycle track on Ting Kok Road between Ting Tai Road and On Chee Road will be closed from 6pm on January 28 to 6am on January 29.

    (6)    Sha Tin

         The following traffic diversions will be implemented daily from 5pm to 1am of the following day on January 27 and January 28, except for vehicles with permit:

    – Fung Shun Street between Wo Che Street and Tak Hau Street will be re-routed one-way northbound. Vehicles will be diverted via eastbound Tak Hau Street, southbound Yuen Wo Road and westbound Wo Che Street; and
    – Traffic along Tak Hau Street cannot go straight to Sha Tin Sports Ground Car Park.

    (7) Tseung Kwan O

         The parking spaces on Wan Lung Road will be suspended from 7am on January 28 to 7am on January 29.

         A temporary vehicle pick-up and drop-off point will be set up at Hok Lam Lane from 7am on January 28 to 7am on January 29.

         Police will continue to enforce traffic regulations during the Lunar New Year period. All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.  

         Police will implement the above arrangements depending on the traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Members of the public are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Galaxy Tech Forum ① Sustainability: Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forum on January 23 in San Jose, California. The panels provided an in-depth exploration of Samsung’s AI innovations and the challenges they address across four key areas — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI. During the Sustainability session, experts explored how Samsung’s forward-thinking technology and strategic collaborations are building a more sustainable future.
     
     
    Following Galaxy Unpacked 2025, Samsung Electronics held its Galaxy Tech Forum event on January 23 in San Jose, California. Tech leaders and experts from around the world discussed the future of AI at Blanco, an Urban Venue, a three-story space located in the heart of Silicon Valley that blends historic architecture with a modern white design.
     
    ▲ Blanco, an Urban Venue
     
    The forum was organized into four sessions — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI — each addressing the transformative changes and challenges innovation will bring to these areas. With around 100 media representatives and industry professionals in attendance, the panels centered on the disruptive potential of AI and offered blueprints for future technologies across various sectors.
     
    Samsung Newsroom visited the first Galaxy Tech Forum session, titled “How Mobile Technology Can Accelerate a Sustainable Future,” to learn about Samsung’s mobile innovations and partnerships that are contributing to a brighter tomorrow.
     
     
    Driving Mobile Innovation and Sustainability
    Samsung is committed to accelerating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.
     
    ▲ (From left to right) Tamara Gondo, Michael Stewart, Dr. Stuart Sandin, Daniel Araujo and Cassie Smith
     
    Despite the numerous benefits offered to modern society, the rapid growth of the mobile industry has also brought significant environmental challenges. To address those challenges, Samsung has made the actualization of a sustainable future a cornerstone of the company’s vision for mobile devices.
     
    ▲ Daniel Araujo from Samsung Electronics
     
    “We’ve made significant progress in fostering sustainable practices throughout our product lifecycle and this is only possible through open collaboration with like-minded partners. And there is even more to come,” said Daniel Araujo, Head of Sustainability Management Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.
     
    “Each device of the S25 series will include at least 50% recycled cobalt, and for the first time in Galaxy history, the battery of the S25 model will be made with recycled cobalt sourced from previously used Galaxy smartphones,” he continued, highlighting Samsung’s advancements in product circularity.
     
     
    Leveraging Galaxy Camera Technology To Restore Vital Marine Ecosystems
    Since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, Samsung has incorporated over 150 tonnes of discarded fishing nets — equivalent to the weight of 15 million plastic water bottles — into Galaxy products. Along the way, the company has recognized the critical threat ocean-bound plastic poses to coral reefs and has taken a leading role in restoration efforts through strategic partnerships.
     
    Dr. Stuart Sandin, a professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego said coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine life, and over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income and protection from storms and erosion. He added that with more than 50% of the world’s coral reefs already lost and ocean-bound plastic threatening the remaining marine ecosystems, new restoration methods using mobile technology are gaining traction.
     
    ▲ Dr. Stuart Sandin from the University of California San Diego, Scripps Institute of Oceanography
     
    “We partnered with Samsung because of our shared commitment to innovation and collaboration. Our optimistic and technology-forward approach is contributing to new solutions for coral reef restoration,” said Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees — a nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems. His announcement of the organization’s partnership with Samsung was followed by a trailer for an upcoming documentary about the collaborative efforts between the companies.
     
    ▲ Michael Stewart from Seatrees
     

    ▲ Trailer for the documentary ‘Coral in Focus’
     
    Araujo explained that to support Seatrees’ efforts, Samsung developed Ocean Mode1 — a new camera setting that optimizes underwater photography on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. He discussed how the feature will provide valuable visual data that can be used to 3D map coral reefs to aid efforts for their restoration. The panelists acknowledged that mobile technology is making environmental conservation more accessible since high-quality data can now be collected with lightweight, user-friendly smartphones.
     
     
    Empowering Young Leaders Through Technology
    “Beyond environmental efforts, Samsung has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower future generations in achieving the Global Goals,” explained moderator Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics America. The success of Samsung’s five-year partnership with the UNDP led to the launch of the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17 initiative.
     
    ▲ Cassie Smith from Samsung Electronics America
     
    “Being part of Generation17 gave me confidence, access to resources and a global platform, which opened up a world of possibilities that inspired me to grow my business, Liberty Society, and its impact,” said Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society — a social enterprise that funds upskilling for marginalized women. “Participating in global events such as Mobile World Congress and the United Nations General Assembly gave me a seat at the decision-making table.”
     
    ▲ Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society and a Generation17 Young Leader
     
    Araujo underscored Tamara’s remarks and stressed the importance of young leaders in achieving the Global Goals, encouraging ongoing efforts and inviting attendees to look forward to the new group of Young Leaders later this year.
     
    The Sustainability session provided an in-depth exploration of how mobile technology can address environmental and social challenges. Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability is paving the way for meaningful change on a global scale.
     
     
    1 Exclusively developed for this project and only available to Seatrees and its partners.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Garadacimab (andembry) approved to prevent angioedema attacks

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 24th January 2025, approved garadacimab (brand name Andembry) for patients aged 12 years and older with hereditary angioedema (HAE) to prevent angioedema attacks.

    This national approval has been granted through an ACCESS work-sharing procedure. The ACCESS consortium is a medium-sized coalition of regulatory authorities that work together to promote greater regulatory collaboration and alignment of regulatory requirements.

    HAE is a rare condition that causes fluid to build up throughout the body, triggering sudden and repeated serious swelling. HAE is a condition that often runs in families, but some people may not have a family history.

    Garadacimab is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    Patient safety is our top priority, which is why I am pleased to confirm approval of garadacimab for patients with hereditary angioedema to prevent angioedema attacks.

    We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and efficacy for the approval of this new medicine have been met.

    As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.

    A study was undertaken with patients involving 64 adult and paediatric patients with HAE, who experienced at least who experienced at least 2 attacks during the run-in period, which lasted up to 2 months.

    The study showed that over six months of treatment, patients taking garadacimab had a lower monthly rate of HAE attacks compared with patients given placebo.

    Additionally, more patients taking garadacimab were attack-free during the first 3 months of treatment compared to placebo.

    For the full list of all side effects reported with this medicine, see Section 4 of the Patient Information leaflet or the Summary of Product Characteristics available on the MHRA website.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.   

    ENDS   

    Notes to editors   

    1. The new marketing authorisation was granted on January 24th 2025 to CSL Behring GmbH

    2. This product was submitted and approved via a national procedure and ACCESS. 

    3. More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval. 

    4. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 

    5. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 

    6. For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Announces Expansion of Its Yield Shares Suite with the Filling of the Preliminary Prospectus for 8 New ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose Investments”) is pleased to announce that it has filed and received a preliminary prospectus with the Canadian securities regulators for the proposed launch of eight new yield-focused single-stock ETFs, expanding its acclaimed Yield Shares suite. These ETFs are designed to provide investors with monthly income while maintaining exposure to leading global companies.

    The new Yield Shares ETFs include:

    Yield Shares ETF Ticker Underlying Company
    Costco (COST) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YCOS Costco
    Palantir (PLTR) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YPLT Palantir
    UnitedHealth (UNH) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YUNH UnitedHealth Group
    JPMorgan (JPM) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YJPM JPMorgan
    Coinbase (COIN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YCON Coinbase
    Netflix (NFLX) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YNET Netflix
    Broadcom (AVGO) Yield Shares Purpose ETF YAVG Broadcom
    Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF YMAG Broadcom, Amazon, Tesla, Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet, Apple, and Nvidia

    “Since launching in 2022, Purpose Yield Shares has become a leading choice for investors seeking monthly income while maintaining growth exposure to the world’s top companies. In response to strong client demand, we are excited to expand our lineup to include high-growth technology and innovation leaders while also diversifying into market pioneers within the consumer staples, financial, and healthcare sectors. These new ETFs enhance the breadth of the Yield Shares suite, offering investors a wider range of opportunities to generate monthly income from industry giants while participating in their long-term growth,” said Yuan Gao, Vice President of Product. “The Yield Shares lineup remains dedicated to providing investors with access to high-quality companies with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. These new ETFs enable investors to continue benefiting from exposure to market leaders driving innovation and economic progress while earning monthly income. Whether in technology, consumer staples, financial services, or healthcare, our Yield Shares suite delivers a compelling mix of income and capital appreciation potential, allowing investors to share in the success of industry leaders.”

    Each ETF seeks to provide shareholders with (i) long-term capital appreciation through purchasing and holding common stock of the underlying companies, including by using leverage through cash borrowing to purchase common stock of the underlying companies and (ii) distributions by writing covered call options and/or cash covered put options on a portion of the fund’s portfolio.

    The Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF (Ticker: YMAG) intends to provide investors with exposure to a basket of leading global technology and innovation-driven companies while generating income by writing covered call options and/or cash-covered put options on a portion of the portfolio.

    YMAG provides investors with a one-ticket solution to gain exposure to the Nasdaq trillion-dollar market cap club while generating monthly income. Known as “BATMMAAN,” this select group of industry leaders—Broadcom, Amazon, Tesla, Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet, Apple, and Nvidia—is driving technological innovation across artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital services, and next-generation infrastructure, positioning themselves as key players in the future of technology and economic growth.

    Building on the success of the Yield Shares lineup, these new ETFs will aim to offer investors monthly cash distributions alongside exposure to the long-term growth potential of industry-leading companies.

    About Purpose Investments Inc.
    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with more than $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information, please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    A preliminary long-form prospectus relating to the ETFs (the “Preliminary Prospectus”) has been filed with the Canadian securities commissions or similar authorities. You cannot buy securities of the ETFs until the relevant securities commissions or similar authorities issue receipts for the final prospectus of the ETFs. Important information about the ETFs is contained in the Preliminary Prospectus. Copies of the Preliminary Prospectus may be obtained from Purpose, or at http://www.purposeinvest.com.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Fund distribution levels and frequencies are not guaranteed and may vary at the manager’s sole discretion.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Extension’s Mental Health First Aid Training Offers Hope and Support

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Mental health conversations were virtually nonexistent for many in Generation X and the Baby Boom generation. Today, however, policies, non-governmental organizations, and advocacy efforts have shifted mental health from a taboo topic to an open and ongoing dialogue. This progress has been instrumental in reducing stigma and promoting awareness about mental health challenges.

    One key initiative in this effort is the Mental Health First Aid Training, offered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The program equips participants to assist individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, much like traditional first aid prepares someone to respond to a physical health emergency.

    Maryann Fusco-Rollins, an assistant extension educator with UConn Extension in Tolland County (Kara Bonsack/UConn Photo)

    Maryann Fusco-Rollins, an assistant extension educator with UConn Extension in Tolland County, brings this transformative training to adults through the UConn 4-H program. Supported by the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) Strategic Vision Implementation grant, her mission is both professional and deeply personal.

    Growing up in the 1980s, Fusco-Rollins witnessed a family member struggle with mental health challenges. “There wasn’t as much information available then as there is now, but I was already seeking services and connecting people to get help,” she recalls. This early exposure to mental health advocacy left a lasting impression, inspiring her to pursue work in this field.

    After serving in the Peace Corps in Guatemala, Fusco-Rollins took a job at a crisis hotline, balancing patient intakes by day and hotline calls by night.

    “I took as many professional training and certification classes as I could,” she says. Her drive to learn and help others led to a role as a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills trainer, working with individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. She also served as an on-site supervisor at a residential program supporting individuals with schizophrenia.

    “The DBT skills training opened my eyes to the importance of mental wellness practice for everyone,” Fusco-Rollins shares. “What resonated most with me was the comprehensive nature of DBT. It’s not just about helping the client—it’s about equipping the entire care team with mindfulness tools. It’s like putting your own oxygen mask on first.”

    Fusco-Rollins emphasizes that mental health is about recognizing challenges and taking action when needed. “It’s about getting to know yourself and being honest about when you’re not okay,” she says. Yet, she acknowledges, asking for help can be one of the hardest steps.

    The Mental Health First Aid Training she now teaches is designed to address this hesitation. Participants learn to support someone in crisis or non-crisis situations until professional help is available. The course provides practical, real-world skills, including how to listen non-judgmentally and connect individuals to appropriate resources. Pre-work ensures participants are prepared, while follow-up materials offer continued support.

    “This training is for everyone—whether you have experience or not,” Fusco-Rollins explains. “Like traditional first aid, it doesn’t teach you to diagnose or treat conditions. Instead, it empowers you to act as a bridge, offering crucial assistance during a mental health crisis or emerging concern.”

    Just as wearing a seatbelt or eating healthfully supports physical well-being, prioritizing mental health is essential for overall health.

    Amy Harder, Ph.D., associate dean for extension, is excited to see UConn Extension increasing its efforts in this area.

    “Addressing mental health was reported as a leading priority when we surveyed Connecticut residents last year about their needs, and it’s important that we work on topics that are meaningful to local communities,” shares Harder.

    Participants in the training also learn to care for themselves. The course emphasizes the importance of self-care routines to manage stress and maintain long-term wellness. “The MHFA course trains people to help others in a supportive, non-judgmental way,” says Fusco-Rollins. “By the end, participants feel confident they can help someone in a concerning situation or crisis. They know how to access additional resources, and they leave with a sense of hope. We are not struggling alone—there are people who can help, recovery is possible, and there is hope.”

    This work is supported by CAHNR’s Health and Wellbeing Strategic Vision Implementation Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Science of Music’s Healing Power

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Music can be so omnipresent in daily life – blasting out of tinny Bluetooth speakers at the beach, wafting through the aisles at the grocery store, filling the background of an ad on TV – that many of us give it little thought. But for neuroscientist Ed Large, director of the Music Dynamics Laboratory at UConn, music and thought are inseparable.

    In November, Large was recognized at the Music Has Power Symposium in New York City, organized by The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), for his work in understanding the power of music to boost brain function. The symposium, which brought together scientists and musicians alike, was the perfect forum for Large, who went from playing bluegrass to being recognized for his groundbreaking work regarding the ability of musical rhythms to synchronize and train brain rhythms.

    Large’s primary contribution to the field of music cognition is neural synchronization. The neuroscientist – who is also a professor in the departments of Psychological Science and Physics – derived equations that describe how the brain works when it synchronizes to rhythms, and soon enough, experiments began to support his hypotheses.

    In one of those experiments, Large and Psyche Loui, a professor at Northeastern University, based their hypotheses in part on research from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that directly stimulated the hippocampus of mice with genetically engineered Alzheimer’s disease. Loui asked whether adding light to Large’s models of synchronization to musical rhythms could create an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s. After four years and $4.5 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), their work has improved memory in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease.  

    The type of music that best activates the brain is music that people pick themselves, Large says. Even compared to music that patients are very familiar with, Large observes, “If they chose the music themselves, it actives certain areas of the brain, more than any other kind of music.”

    Large discovered his passion for the scientific field of music cognition while in graduate school. Large started his undergraduate studies as a math major, but, choosing to follow his dream of being a professional musician, switched to studying classical guitar performance. After earning his degree from Southern Methodist University and performing for a few years, he went to graduate school at Ohio State University to study artificial intelligence and cognitive science. While there, he learned about the field of music cognition and immediately knew it was what he was supposed to be doing.

    “I wasn’t meant to be a performer; I was born to do this,” Large says.  

    The IMNF, which recognized Large’s work in New York this year, was founded by Concetta (Connie) Tomaino, a music therapist, and Oliver Sacks, a neurologist and best-selling author. Large became involved with the IMNF while he was teaching in Florida, and Tomaino asked if he would join their Scientific Advisory Board. Although hesitant at first, he went to New York to learn about the work she had been doing.

    Tomaino had been treating patients with debilitating brain damage, causing aphasia, a disorder that makes it difficult to speak, read, and understand language. Large observed two main types of patients: older adults who had strokes, and younger adults who had survived gunshot wounds to the head. And it was a drum circle among these patients that was a turning point in Large’s thinking about music therapy. An atmosphere of depression and negativity, he recalls, was replaced by a sense of happiness and satisfaction following vigorous participation in the 30-minute drum circle.

    “If that is all music therapy does for patients, that is enough,” Large says. “But it turns out, it can do a lot more.”

    Next for his research is Phase 2 Clinical Trials. In these next trials, Large will expand his research by testing a greater number of Alzheimer’s patients. And Large continues to do basic research in the lab, looking at the synchronization of brain rhythms to musical rhythms. He aims to be able to target specific areas of the brain with specific frequencies of stimulation using music and possibly synchronized light. 

    “If we can do this much with what we know now, there is so much more we can do,” he says. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wood burning stoves are a serious problem for your health – and the environment

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Asit Kumar Mishra, Research Fellow in School of Public of Health, University College Cork

    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    There is something cosy and appealing about settling down next to a roaring fire in winter but, every year, nearly 61,000 premature deaths in Europe are caused by air pollution as a result of people burning wood or coal to heat their homes.

    Wood-burning stoves are often considered safer, cleaner and more attractive than open fires. This may, in part, explain why from 2021 to 2022, sales of wood-burning stoves increased by 40% in the UK.

    However, burning wood is not necessarily a healthier or greener alternative to coal or gas for home heating.

    Wood burning produces a complex chemical mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gases, which can be breathed deep into the lungs. The specific contents vary based on the type of stove and the type of fuel, but chemicals can include carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and a range of volatile organic compounds, such as cancer-causing formaldehyde and benzene.

    Exposure to wood smoke affects the heart, blood vessels and the respiratory system – and PM2.5 is considered to be the biggest threat. Wood smoke increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes and can exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Exposure to PM2.5 from wood burning can also cause premature death.

    Exposure to this pollution also leads to loss of work days, reduced productivity, higher expenses on healthcare and increased hospital admissions.

    The risks are higher for people over 65, children, pregnant women and people with existing heart or lung conditions. Chronic wood smoke inhalation has been associated with systemic inflammation, which can make the lungs more vulnerable to infections, such as flu and COVID.

    In the UK and Ireland, solid fuel heating is the main source of outdoor PM2.5 during wintertime. While wood is the dominant solid fuel in the UK, peat burning is regularly found to make the largest contribution to PM2.5 in Ireland.

    Under cold, stagnant weather conditions, air pollution, even in small rural towns, can be as high as that found in very polluted parts of north India.

    Exposure to outdoor air pollution caused by wood burning is an obvious health risk. But the pollution also finds its way into homes, worsening indoor air quality. Also, when lighting or refuelling a wood stove, large quantities of PM2.5 escape into the indoor air. Depending on how effective the home ventilation is, the PM2.5 levels can take hours to reduce.

    Looks aren’t everything

    In surveys carried out in Ireland and the UK, it was found that most people using solid fuel stoves did it for the aesthetics and the “homely feel”. The desire to save money or necessity came next.

    Most people who use indoor wood burning in London are in wealthier neighbourhoods, while those most affected by the consequent air pollution are in poorer areas.

    Educational campaigns regarding the effect of wood-burning stoves on health and the environment can be an important tool to reduce their usage. New initiatives, such as the Clean Air Night held in the UK and Ireland, are valuable in raising awareness and possibly changing long-term heating habits.

    Encouraging users to move to more efficient and renewable heating technologies like heat pumps can reduce emissions and harm to health. This move even works out to be cheaper, except for people who source their own wood.

    Communities can also be provided with information on their local air quality, allowing them to visualise real-time effects of their actions. For example, the PM2.5 sensor network map for Cork is freely accessible to the community and identifies locations and times when PM2.5 pollution is unhealthy.

    If you have a wood burner, you could check that the pollution levels aren’t too high before you fire it up.

    How to reduce emissions

    People who rely on solid fuel stoves as their only source of home heating can adopt the following measures to reduce emissions. Use low-emission labelled stoves that reduce pollution. When burning, have small hot fires, with enough air supply and do not let the fire smoulder.

    Choose carefully what is burnt, in compliance with relevant regulations. Do not burn garbage, plastics, cardboard, treated or painted wood in your stoves. These items increase exposure to toxic pollutants.

    Ensure that stoves are installed and maintained annually by professionals. And, when lighting up or refuelling, make sure that the room the stove is in is well ventilated. This means open windows, no blocked vents, and exhaust fans or kitchen hoods can be used for additional ventilation.

    People who use solid fuel stoves as a secondary source of heating could consider using the stove less or even stopping using it altogether. That really would be a breath of fresh air.

    Asit Kumar Mishra is a DOROTHY co-fund Fellow and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow and receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101034345.

    John Wenger has previously received funding from several governmental organisations in Ireland for research into solid fuel burning, including the EPA and Irish Research Council.

    – ref. Wood burning stoves are a serious problem for your health – and the environment – https://theconversation.com/wood-burning-stoves-are-a-serious-problem-for-your-health-and-the-environment-245737

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Proud and safe – a new action plan for equal rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ people

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Government is announcing a new action plan for an inclusive and equal society. The action plan aims to further strengthen efforts to support rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ people by consolidating, supplementing and mobilising these efforts.

    “LGBTIQ people must be able to live lives in which their rights and identities are fully respected. Although progress has been made, sadly we see that challenges such as discrimination, threats, hatred and violence remain. These are things we will never accept,” says Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg.

    ”All LGBTIQ people have the right to safety and security. It is especially important that we ensure that young LGBTIQ people have the right to a safe and secure upbringing, free from discrimination, violence and other violations. This action plan is an extraordinarily important tool in our continued efforts to gaurantee equal rights and opportunities for all,” says Minsiter for Social Services Camilla Waltersson Grönvall.

    “The Government is continuing its long-term, systematic and strategic work for LGBTIQ rights and freedoms. With the new action plan, we are taking the next steps in our efforts to ensure that everyone can be who they are and love who they want,” says Minister for Public Administration Erik Slottner.

    The new action plan complements the existing strategy for equal rights and opportunities regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, and the efforts will be stepped up with concrete measures until 2027 . 

    Eight focus areas and new strategic agencies

    The following focus areas are considered to be of continued vital importance in efforts to support rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ people: violence, discrimination and other violations; health, health care and social services; working life; young LGBTIQ people; older LGBTIQ people; private and family life; civil society; and cultural life.  

    The new action plan includes goals for each focus area based on various policy areas. To ensure a consolidated, structured and long-term approach to measures within the focus areas, a number of government agencies have been designated as strategic LGBTIQ agencies. These are the Ombudsman for Children in Sweden, the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the Forum for Living History, the Swedish Gender Equality Agency, the Swedish Migration Agency, the Family Law and Parenthood Support Authority, the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society, the Swedish Police Authority, the National Board of Health and Welfare, the Swedish Arts Council, and the Swedish National Agency for Education. 

    The Government has also designated the Swedish Work Environment Authority and the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise as strategic agencies for the working life focus area, which had previously lacked strategic agencies. 

    The Government will also task the Swedish Defence Research Agency with surveying the prevalence of LGBTIQ hostility in digital environments and spreading knowledge compiled within the framework of the assignment. 

    The Public Health Agency of Sweden will be given an expanded assignment to coordinate, support and follow up the work of the LGBTIQ strategic agencies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Fo Tan today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Fo Tan today
    Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Fo Tan today
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Fo Tan this afternoon (January 24), in which a male worker, while dismantling a metal I-beam on an elevating work platform, was struck by the suspended dismantled portion of the I-beam and fell from the work platform to the ground. He was certified dead at the scene. The LD is saddened by death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.     The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the dismantling work of I-beams at the construction site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”     The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”                     To protect workers’ safety, the LD reminds contractors that substantive support shall be provided to the structures being dismantled to prevent them from accidental displacement or sudden collapse during dismantling work.      The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.     In regard to today’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.     The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.     For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

     
    Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025Issued at HKT 21:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows local heroes are crucial to disaster response

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tricia Wachtendorf, Professor of Sociology and Director, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware

    Neighbors fill and pass a bucket of pool water to help extinguish a spot fire in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2025. Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Image

    As wildfires swept through neighborhoods on the outskirts of Los Angeles in January 2025, stories about residents there helping their neighbors and total strangers began trickling out on social media.

    Accounts of Hollywood stars clearing streets for emergency vehicles to get through and raising money for fire victims were widely circulated. But there were many other examples of less-famous people helping older neighbors to safety, and even showing up with trailers to evacuate horses.

    Businesses, including fitness centers, opened their facilities so evacuees could shower or charge their phones. Organizations that routinely work with homeless populations quickly mobilized their members to help ensure people living on the streets and in camps could get to secure, safe locations away from the fires and hazardous air quality.

    Disasters, by definition, overwhelm local resources, making civilian responders like these essential. Sixty years of research at the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center and by others examining the social aspects of disaster has repeatedly shown effective disaster management requires mobilizing community resources far beyond official channels.

    Often the response happens through local groups that form in response to a clear need in the community and with shared skills and interests. And this is exactly what we are witnessing in Los Angeles.

    Civilians helping often number in the thousands

    The number of those who step up to help during disasters varies by event, but it can be tremendous.

    Following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, over 6,800 volunteers worked with the Red Cross on the response. That same year, volunteers responding to the Kobe earthquake in Japan logged more than 1 million person-days of activity, a measure of the number of people times the hours they contributed.

    People use garden hoses to try to prevent homes from catching fire in Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2025. Neighbors rushed to help neighbors as the wind blew burning embers into neighborhoods.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    In an in-depth study of the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks, we interviewed local residents who used their retired fireboat to pump water for the firefighters at ground zero. Operators of tug, ferry and tour boats in and around New York City immediately responded to quickly evacuate 500,000 people in the area from danger. In fact, the majority of the boats involved belonged to private companies. Other volunteers queued evacuees and organized supplies and rides to get people home.

    Over 900 people, most acting in unofficial capacities, were awarded medals or ribbons for their efforts in just the marine response after the World Trade Center attack.

    A survey of residents after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake found that nearly 10% of local residents volunteered in the first three weeks of the response. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, in California, a survey of residents in Santa Cruz and San Francisco counties found that two-thirds of the public were involved in response activities.

    Local businesses are often quick to help in disasters. Greg Dulan, center, who runs a soul food restaurant and food truck, hands out hot meals to wildfire evacuees at a church in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2025.
    Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    However, much of the work local residents contribute during and after disasters goes unaccounted for in official reports.

    There is no mechanism to quantify the full extent to which a neighbor or a complete stranger helps someone flee from peril. Yet when people are trapped and minutes count, research shows it is family, friends and neighbors who are already on the scene and are most likely to save lives. It’s often everyday citizens who also take on immediate tasks such as debris removal. Providing a phone, a car, a place to do laundry, or a little bit of elbow grease can fill a gap and let firefighters and other formal responders focus on critical operations.

    Getting the right help to where it’s needed

    Every study of a large-scale disaster conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed some level of emergent, informal helping behavior.

    The lack of public understanding about the large number of local residents already involved, often including disaster victims themselves, can lead to an influx of outsiders eager to help. Their arrival can actually pose challenges for the disaster response.

    When too many people show up, or when people try to operate outside their areas of expertise, they can put themselves and others at further risk. Communities often need supplies, but unsolicited goods of the wrong kind or at the wrong time can create more problems than they solve.

    Local groups such as the Pasadena Community Job Center organize volunteers to send them where help is requested. This group is removing debris from streets in Pasadena, Calif., in the wake of the Eaton Fire on Jan. 14, 2025.
    Zoë Meyers/AFP via Getty Images

    So, what can you do to best support these local efforts?

    Making a financial contribution to a trusted disaster response or local organization can go a long way to providing the support communities actually need. Organizations such as the American Red Cross or Feeding America, or local community-based groups that routinely work in the area, are often best suited to help where it’s needed the most.

    Skilled help will be needed for the long term

    Also, remember that disasters don’t end when the emergency is over. Survivors of the Los Angeles-area fires face years of confusing and frustrating recovery tasks ahead.

    Offering help after the immediate threat has passed – particularly skilled help, such as experience in construction or expertise in managing insurance and FEMA paperwork – is just as important.

    For example, after fires in 1970 destroyed hundreds of homes in the San Diego area, local architects, engineers and contractors donated their time and skills to help people rebuild. Their work was coordinated by a local architect and member of the Chamber of Commerce to ensure projects were assigned to reputable volunteers.

    As we recognize the important ways that neighbors and strangers helped those around them, the broader community can support wildfire victims by responding to offering the right help as recovery needs emerge. Just about every skill that is useful in calm times will be needed in these difficult months and years ahead.

    Tricia Wachtendorf receives funding from the National Science Foundation and Arnold Ventures Foundation.

    James Kendra receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    – ref. Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows local heroes are crucial to disaster response – https://theconversation.com/amid-la-fires-neighbors-helped-each-other-survive-60-years-of-research-shows-local-heroes-are-crucial-to-disaster-response-247660

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: China Medical System（00867）Obtained Class 1 Innovative Drug Long-acting Anti-IL-4Rα Monoclonal Antibody MG-K10

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, CHINA, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — China Medical System Holdings Limited (the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group” or “CMS”) is pleased to announce that on 24 January 2025, the Group through subsidiaries of the Company entered into a Collaboration Agreement with Hunan Mabgeek Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Mabgeek Biotechnology”) and its subsidiary for Class 1 innovative drug anti-IL-4Rα humanized monoclonal antibody injection MG-K10 (“MG-K10” or the “Product”). The Group has obtained the co-development right as specifically agreed upon in the Agreement and exclusive commercialization right to the Product in Mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, Taiwan Region and Singapore (the “Territory”); Mabgeek Biotechnology will support the commercialization activities and is responsible for the sale and supply of the Product. The collaboration term is perpetual.

    IL-4Rα is considered a key target for the treatment of type 2 inflammatory diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, prurigo nodularis, etc. Anti-IL-4Rα monoclonal antibodies are among the best-selling biologics in this field. MG-K10 is an innovative long-acting anti-IL-4Rα humanized monoclonal antibody that simultaneously blocks the signaling of key type 2 inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Following Fc mutation, MG-K10 allows long dosing interval owing to its prolonged half-life, and it is expected to be the first long-acting anti-IL-4Rα monoclonal antibody marketed in China. Currently marketed anti-IL-4Rα drugs require dosing every two weeks, whereas MG-K10 only requires dosing every four weeks, demonstrating good efficacy and safety. MG-K10 has the potential to be the Best-in-Class (BIC).

    This collaboration marks another significant milestone for Dermavon (formerly known as CMS Skinhealth)’s layout in the dermatology field. MG-K10 will enrich the global differentiated innovative pipeline of Dermavon, and will strongly synergize with the existing product portfolio, such as marketed innovative drug ILUMETRI (tildrakizumab injection), marketed exclusive drug Hirudoid (mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream) and dermatology-grade skincare products of Heling soothing product series (developed for AD patients), and innovative pipeline drugs ruxolitinib cream (for the topical treatment of mild to moderate AD and non-segmental vitiligo) and povorcitinib (for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo, hidradenitis suppurativa, prurigo nodularis and chronic spontaneous urticaria), etc. Leveraging its proven clinical development and commercialization capabilities, the Group will fully cooperate with Mabgeek Biotechnology to promote the approval of MG-K10 in China, bringing a new treatment option with lower dosing frequency, good efficacy and safety to patients with type 2 inflammatory diseases in China.

    More information about MG-K10
    MG-K10 is a Class 1 innovative drug anti-IL-4Rα humanized monoclonal antibody injection that used for the treatment of type 2 inflammatory diseases, including AD, asthma, prurigo nodularis, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and so on. It holds substance patents in specific countries/regions within the Territory.

    MG-K10 has entered Phase III clinical trials in China for AD, asthma, and prurigo nodularis. In the completed Phase II clinical trials for adult moderate-to-severe AD and moderate-to-severe asthma, MG-K10 has demonstrated good efficacy and safety[1-2]. Additionally, MG-K10 has obtained IND approval for eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and seasonal allergic rhinitis in China.

    According to Frost & Sullivan, the global market for treatments targeting IL-4Rα is expected to reach US$28.7 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.8% from 2020 to 2030. In China, the market is projected to reach US$4.08 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 76.8% from 2020 to 2030.

    About AD indication
    MG-K10’s first indication, AD, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe itching. It is the most burdensome non-fatal skin disease globally, with at least 230 million people affected worldwide[3]. AD is also a prevalent and high-burden chronic disease in China, with the prevalence showing an upward trend[3]. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, the number of AD patients in China increased by 25.65% from 1990 to 2019[3]. It is estimated that there are approximately 36.09 million AD patients in China[3], with approximately 9.625 million suffering from moderate-to-severe AD[4].

    Current treatment options for AD primarily include topical and systemic treatments. For moderate-to-severe AD, topical medications are often insufficient to achieve disease control, necessitating the initiation of systemic treatments. However, due to the limitations in efficacy and safety of traditional systemic therapies for AD, moderate-to-severe AD patients often experience delays in systemic treatment initiation, poor compliance, and suboptimal disease control, leaving a significant unmet need in clinical practice[3]. MG-K10, with its extended dosing interval of once every four weeks, is expected to improve patient adherence and provide a new, effective, and safe systemic treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

    About Mabgeek Biotechnology
    Mabgeek Biotechnology was founded in 2016 and has always adhered to the research and development concept of “innovation, efficiency and safety”, focusing on the fields of allergic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases. Mabgeek Biotechnology is equipped with a research and development team composed of top industry experts. With excellent research capabilities and deep industry experience, Mabgeek Biotechnology uses its unique TEADA high-throughput antibody screening platform to develop innovative antibody drugs with high biological activity, excellent druggability, and differentiation. Mabgeek Biotechnology is committed to providing safer, more effective and more convenient treatment solutions for patients worldwide. For more information about Mabgeek Biotechnology and its products, please visit: https://www.mabge.com/.

    About CMS
    CMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs.

    CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients.

    CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development of its advantageous specialty fields and expand business boundaries. While strengthening the competitiveness of the cardio-cerebrovascular/gastroenterology business, CMS independently operates its dermatology and medical aesthetics business, and ophthalmology business, aiming to gain leading positions in specialty therapeutic fields, whilst enhancing the scale and efficiency. At the same time, CMS has expanded its business territory to the Southeast Asian market, striving to become a “bridgehead” for global pharmaceutical companies to enter the Southeast Asian market, further escorting the sustainable and healthy development of the Group.

    Reference:

    1. The data of the product’s Phase II clinical trial for AD indication as disclosed by Mabgeek: https://www.mabge.com/en/index.php?c=show&id=23
    2. The interim data of the product’s Phase II clinical trial for asthma indication as disclosed by Mabgeek: https://www.mabge.com/index.php?c=show&id=18
    3. Chinese Society of Dermatology, China Dermatologist Association. Clinical pathway for the diagnosis and treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in China (2023): an expert consensus[J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatology, 2023, 56(11): 1000-1007. DOI: 10.35541/cjd.20230247.
    4. Mao, Dandan et al. Prevalence and risk factors of atopic dermatitis in Chinese adults: a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study. Chinese medical journal vol. 136,5 604-606. 5 Mar. 2023, DOI:10.1097/CM9.0000000000002560

    CMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert.

    This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Reproductive health care faces legal and surveillance challenges post-Roe – new research offers guidance

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nora McDonald, Assistant Professor of Information Technology, George Mason University

    Providers play a central role in reproductive health privacy. FG Trade/iStock via Getty Images

    Long before Roe v. Wade was overturned, reproductive justice advocates had been sounding the alarm about the increasing number of women subjected to criminal investigation for suspected abortion, stillbirth or miscarriage. These cases were often initiated by health care providers and bolstered by state laws used to prosecute women for having abortions.

    Newer laws, however, incentivize people outside of health care, including friends and family members, to report someone they suspect of having an abortion or helping someone else with an abortion. Coupled with the unprecedented access that authorities now have to digital information, these laws create new avenues for prosecution.

    In the post-Roe era, people capable of pregnancy face growing threats. Health care providers, family, friends, information on personal devices and virtually any activity that can be observed or recorded pose privacy risks that can lead to prosecution. I study online privacy. This vast scope for potential surveillance and privacy intrusion is a key focus of the research my colleagues and I conduct.

    In a recent paper, we surveyed reproductive health care providers about their privacy and security practices. We used the results to map the path of a hypothetical “Jane” to illustrate how people can identify privacy risks in their own situations. This choose-your-adventure approach helps readers navigate the potential legal, digital and personal challenges involved in accessing reproductive health care – and reveals the grim stakes.

    Privacy protections

    Historically, health care providers who opposed abortion have been the primary sources for reporting patients suspected of seeking abortions. While they remain a significant threat, additional risks to patient privacy have emerged. For example, state laws increasingly compel providers to hand over medical records.

    This circumvents new Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protections meant to shield protected reproductive health information from use in investigations when people seek abortions in states where the procedure is legal. Authorities might also be able to access records across state lines where abortion is legal – for example, when different electronic health record systems can share data.

    It is also possible that, in the future, electronic health records could be seized across state lines. Last year, in a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 19 state attorneys general protested the new federal data privacy rules. Texas followed up with a lawsuit against the Biden administration over the rule.

    Even so-called shield laws adopted by some states meant to protect people seeking abortions from record seizures have loopholes.

    Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services added a privacy rule to protect reproducitve health data.

    Privacy vulnerabilities

    Despite some protections offered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, additional gaps in safeguarding reproductive health information persist. Data captured outside medical portals, such as from apps or pharmacy transactions, often falls outside the federal law’s scope.

    It’s important to note that apps that capture consumer reproductive health data, like period trackers, do not necessarily pose a greater risk than informants. But the dystopian potential of governments reaching into personal intimate data, and the simplicity of the remedy – deleting an app – draw disproportionate attention.

    While it’s not entirely clear whether period trackers are definitively good or bad from a digital privacy perspective, they do offer potential benefits, such as helping people prevent unwanted pregnancies and thus avoid prosecution.

    Once reported to authorities, activities conducted on personal devices – browsing history, purchases, location data, and messages with friends or family – can become evidence in prosecutions. Authorities have shown a willingness to subpoena records from social media platforms, and they frequently access personal devices.

    Additionally, laws that incentivize family, friends and partners to report suspected abortions create a threat of surveillance from intimate associates. These dynamics are exacerbated by new laws that criminalize “trafficking” minors – transporting them across state lines – for abortion services.

    Providers’ role protecting privacy

    In our research, my colleagues and I found that reproductive health care providers can play a critical role in guiding patients on adopting privacy strategies and helping them navigate an increasingly complex landscape of privacy threats. Clinics are trusted spaces for affordable, progressive care that often shield patients from judgment or harm.

    Based on our interviews with reproductive health care providers, the protocols they use to manage communications, billing and other aspects of patient interactions have proved effective at protecting privacy, especially for vulnerable populations like minors or people with abusive partners. However, people seeking abortions face more nuanced threats. Providers tend to overlook digital risks and threats of prosecution tied to patients’ devices and records.

    This gap in awareness leaves patients without critical guidance for protecting their privacy. Our initial research conducted in the aftermath of the Dobbs decision revealed that people capable of pregnancy express profound concerns about reproductive privacy, yet often feel inadequately prepared to navigate its complexities.

    Findings from our forthcoming research suggest that many patients take extensive precautions, yet it’s not clear how effectively they can prioritize their digital strategies. At the same time, these people place significant trust in their reproductive health care providers, especially because they often deem existing guidance on privacy untrustworthy or insufficient.

    Although providers may currently be less attuned to the newer privacy risks, they could play a crucial role in addressing them. By incorporating digital privacy and threat modeling into their care, providers can help patients navigate a complex landscape of threats in an environment of pervasive surveillance.

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

    – ref. Reproductive health care faces legal and surveillance challenges post-Roe – new research offers guidance – https://theconversation.com/reproductive-health-care-faces-legal-and-surveillance-challenges-post-roe-new-research-offers-guidance-246869

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Microgravity in space may cause cancer − but on Earth, mimicking weightlessness could help researchers develop treatments

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sai Deepika Reddy Yaram, Ph.D. Student in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University

    Cancer cells are more hardy in the low-gravity conditions of space. koto_feja/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    As space travel gains traction and astronauts spend increasing amounts of time in space, studying its effects on health has become increasingly critical.

    Is space travel truly safe? Far from it – research has shown that the effects of space radiation and microgravity on the human body are both detrimental and long-lasting. Creating space conditions on Earth, however, could potentially help researchers treat cancer.

    We are biomedical engineers studying how the body’s cells change under microgravity. Mimicking microgravity conditions on Earth allows researchers to study its effects without the need for space travel.

    Lab research in space

    Microgravity is a condition where gravity is extremely weak and objects are almost weightless. This occurs in space, where Earth’s gravity barely affects astronauts.

    Being in a microgravity environment for an extended period of time can lead to several health issues, including bone loss, muscle weakness, face puffiness and heart changes. Even after astronauts return to Earth, their bodies do not completely go back to normal.

    Studying how cells, organs and tissues respond to microgravity can help scientists better understand how to address any related harmful changes to the body. However, conducting research on lab samples in space faces significant challenges.

    In addition to monitoring lab samples, astronauts have no small number of other tasks to attend to while in space.
    NASA/AP Photo

    It is costly to launch equipment and samples, and experiments need to be planned around weightless conditions and the force of launch. Strict deadlines, limited access to space missions and dependence on astronauts to conduct experiments increase the complexity of these studies, making accuracy and cooperation crucial for success.

    Accessing samples after they have been sent to space can also be difficult. They risk being damaged while in the harsh conditions of space and during transport back to Earth.

    The process of planning and carrying out a lab study in space can be time-consuming, limiting the practicality of frequent experimentation.

    Studying microgravity on Earth

    To address these issues, scientists have developed equipment capable of simulating microgravity conditions on Earth.

    One such device is the clinostat, a machine that continuously spins samples to mimic the effects of low gravity. By constantly rotating, it spreads the effects of gravity evenly so that the sample is “weightless” or close to it. To mimic the effects of microgravity, the clinostat must rotate at just the right speed – fast enough that the sample doesn’t react to gravity, but not so fast that it feels other strong forces.

    Another method called dielectrophoresis places particles such as cells in a nonuniform electric field. Unlike a uniform electric field, which is the same strength and direction everywhere, a nonuniform electric field changes in strength or direction at different points. This uneven field causes cells to move based on differences in their electrical properties compared with the liquid surrounding them, enabling researchers to separate and study them. While this technique has been widely used on Earth, exploring its application in microgravity environments could allow researchers to more precisely manipulate particles and conduct research not feasible under Earth’s gravity.

    Tools such as clinostats and dielectrophoresis provide an easier, cheaper and faster way to study microgravity’s effects on cells compared with space missions. They are cost-effective and portable, requiring less expensive equipment and a smaller volume of samples to quickly generate reliable data.

    This video demonstrates particles separating via dielectrophoresis.

    Microgravity and cancer

    While microgravity can cause cancer, it could also potentially help researchers better understand and treat cancer.

    Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases to treat because it evolves rapidly and often becomes resistant to available treatments. By observing cancer cells in microgravity, researchers can study how they grow, divide and respond to drugs under different conditions. In simple terms, we are taking cancer cells out of their comfort zone to see how they react to an unknown environment.

    For example, researchers have observed that cancer cells have improved survival under microgravity. They also saw changes to their electrical properties. Other studies have shown that microgravity can alter immune cell function and how cells communicate with each other.

    Our team and others hypothesize that cancer cells may respond more effectively to certain drugs when exposed to a weightless environment. We’re looking into whether we can use microgravity to manipulate cancer cells to behave less aggressively and become more vulnerable to treatment.

    This research is still in its infancy. But if successful, these insights could help researchers develop new treatments that are more effective back here on Earth.

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

    – ref. Microgravity in space may cause cancer − but on Earth, mimicking weightlessness could help researchers develop treatments – https://theconversation.com/microgravity-in-space-may-cause-cancer-but-on-earth-mimicking-weightlessness-could-help-researchers-develop-treatments-242895

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mpox in the DRC: residents of the slum at the centre of Kinshasa’s epidemic have little chance of avoiding this major health crisis

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Yap Boum, Professor in the faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology

    Walking through the crowded streets of the Pakadjuma neighbourhood in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I am struck by the vibrant atmosphere around me.

    Children play happily in puddles, surrounded by piles of plastic bags and open ditches of sewage. Shacks patched together from pieces of corrugated iron crowd the settlement. Loud rumba music blasts through the air as young people enjoy themselves in open bars, waiting for grilled pork or chicken to be served. Sex workers sit outside tin shacks in narrow alleyways, calling for customers.

    Nearby a Médecins Sans Frontières triage centre is the only reminder that this slum area is the epicentre of the mpox epidemic in Kinshasa. There are no posters, no pamphlets or banners warning residents of the dangers of this viral disease that was declared a continental and global emergency in August last year.

    At the clinic, patients suspected to have mpox are sent to one of three dedicated mpox centres in the city. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache, chills, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes and lesions. With symptomatic care most patients get better in 7 to 35 days, depending on the severity of the case.

    As an epidemiologist co-leading the response to mpox for Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, I visited Pakadjuma to get a better sense of the situation on the ground.

    Mpox has historically been a rural disease in the DRC. This microcosm of Kinshasa sheds light on the complex challenges of managing the outbreak in a city.

    Fighting on two fronts

    With a population of more than 17 million, Kinshasa is Africa’s biggest megacity. Pakadjuma is one of the city’s many overcrowded areas where people live in extreme poverty.

    Kinshasa, often called “Kin la Belle”, faces a unique crisis in the fight against mpox. Both strains of the virus, clade Ia and clade Ib, are circulating in the city simultaneously. This is first time this has happened.

    Clade Ia, which is primarily transmitted from animal to human and then within households through touch, has been endemic to Africa for decades.

    Clade Ib is a new strain and contracted predominantly through sexual contact. It is the strain that has spread rapidly across 21 African countries during the current epidemic in east and central Africa.

    Grilled meat for customers.

    This dual transmission makes the fight against mpox even more complicated: how does one tackle a public health crisis rooted in both intimate human connections and structural inequities such as living in overcrowded areas?

    Although the strains are treated similarly clinically, their spread and transmission differ.

    Clade Ia is mainly associated with zoonotic transmission (from animals to humans) in rural areas. Animal surveillance and community education are required to control spillovers.

    Clade Ib, with higher human-to-human transmissibility, necessitates intensified contact tracing, vaccination, and preventive measures in urban and peri-urban areas.

    Tailoring strategies to these differences is key to containing the outbreak.

    When condoms don’t work

    Pakadjuma, in the north-east of the city, is known for poverty and high crime rates. For many girls and young women the sex trade is their only option if they want to survive.

    One of the most pressing challenges to combat the virus in the area is curbing sexual transmission.

    Unlike HIV, where condoms can significantly reduce the risk of spread, mpox poses a different challenge: because the virus is spread by touch there is no practical preventive measure for sexual transmission apart from complete abstinence.

    Mpox lesions start in the groin, making any movement excruciating. For these sex workers, though, abstinence is not an option. It would mean losing their livelihood and the ability to feed their children.

    For their clients, who come from all over the city, it would require altering a core aspect of their lives for a disease they perceive as less lethal than Ebola. There are no easy answers to this dilemma.

    Patients are tested for mpox at this Médecins Sans Frontières triage centre

    Tracing the spread

    Contact tracing, a cornerstone of outbreak control, is another hurdle.

    Identifying and tracing the contacts of sex workers is complex. As a result only a fraction of mpox cases are confirmed with laboratory analysis.

    On average, each mpox case has about 20 contacts, yet tracing clients in a highly confidential sexual network is next to impossible.

    Without effective contact tracing, infected individuals remain in the community, often seeking treatment only when their condition worsens. From discussions with Médecins Sans Frontières staff in the triage zone, it emerges that suspected mpox cases usually arrive in advanced stages of the disease, when symptoms are clearly visible. Many patients first attempt other remedies such as traditional healing methods, before seeking medical care.

    Fortunately Kinshasa benefits from a strong laboratory network led by the Institut National de la Recherche Biomédicale and test results are available within 48 to 72 hours. This state-of-the-art institute was pioneered by Dr Jean Jacques Muyembe, the microbiologist who first discovered Ebola.

    In the first week of January 2025 there were 1,155 confirmed cases and 27 deaths in the city, according to the DRC Ministry of Health.

    Even for those who seek care at the dedicated mpox centres, navigating the chaotic, congested roads is a nightmare. Yellow minibuses – ominously known locally as the “Spirit of Death” – are crammed and it can take hours to get to a destination.

    With increasing patient numbers, mpox centres in the city are overwhelmed.

    Pakadjuma, one of the poorest districts in the city.
    A goods train passing through.

    The fight on all fronts

    Addressing the mpox outbreak in Kinshasa requires a multifaceted approach which includes:

    Vaccination: Blanket vaccination drives offer the strongest hope for controlling the outbreak in hotspots such as Pakadjuma where contact tracing is almost impossible. In these cases the whole community needs to be vaccinated.

    This could break transmission chains while allowing individuals at risk, such as sex workers, to continue plying their trades.

    Prevention and control: Home care is essential, particularly in informal settlements like Pakadjuma. Providing food and material support to patients and their families and encouraging the isolation of infected relatives will help to limit the spread of the disease.

    These measures require new thinking, however, when people are trying to survive from day to day.

    Talking to the community: This is difficult because of the stigma around the disease, but it must be at the heart of the response.

    Amplifying the message: The media, local leaders and trusted community members need to be engaged to spread the word loud and clear.

    This all needs to happen immediately or the epidemic will be almost impossible to contain in this vast, sprawling city. The consequences would be dire.

    – Mpox in the DRC: residents of the slum at the centre of Kinshasa’s epidemic have little chance of avoiding this major health crisis
    – https://theconversation.com/mpox-in-the-drc-residents-of-the-slum-at-the-centre-of-kinshasas-epidemic-have-little-chance-of-avoiding-this-major-health-crisis-247809

    MIL OSI Africa –