Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI: Tesonet invests in Lithuanian SportsTech startup FPRO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tesonet is investing €2 million in the Lithuanian SportsTech startup FPRO. This is FPRO’s first round of outside investment, marking a new phase in its development. The funds will help the startup to leverage smart tech solutions to expand professional training opportunities in youth football worldwide.

    A made-in-Lithuania solution for the global football market

    FPRO is a SportsTech startup that is developing innovative football training solutions for children. Working in collaboration with UEFA-certified coaches and experts in sports science, FPRO has devised a unique interactive app for children ages 6 through 12. The app is designed to improve their technique, coordination and ball control skills.

    Having founded the Football Pro Academy back in 2018, founders Ernestas Pilypas, Darius Jankauskas, and Vilius Petkevičius were forced to move operations online during the pandemic. This was the impetus behind the development of their digital product, which was released in 2022. The platform’s user base currently consists of 140,000+ children from the UK, Germany, the US, and other countries. Most of the company’s revenue comes from sales outside of their home market.

    “Football is the most popular sport in the world, but the market is currently short on qualified coaches. We wanted to create a solution that would be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means or location. FPRO fills this gap by offering young athletes an accessible, tech-driven method geared towards raising their physical fitness and developing their personalities in a comprehensive way. It helps to build their self-confidence, discipline, and passion for football through a focused and personalised coaching process. We see Tesonet’s investment as confirmation that we’re on the right track,” said Vilius Petkevičius, co-founder of FPRO.

    Ambitious partnership for innovation in children’s sports

    “The sports technology market has enormous potential, and football unites billions of people worldwide. Given our substantial experience with SportsTech, the latest investment reflects our strategy to expand the sports innovation ecosystem while strengthening the community both in Lithuania and globally. This is a profitable and growing startup with a broad user base, an unstoppable team, and founders who are experts in their field. It’s a perfect combination, and one that mirrors our own values,” commented Tomas Okmanas, co-founder of Tesonet.

    Tesonet co-founder Eimantas Sabaliauskas added: “When making a decision to invest, we consider not only market potential, but also a given team’s vision and ability to solve real problems on a global scale. FPRO has created a strong product, and our goal as investors is to help them not just financially but also in terms of strategy. We see clear synergies where our contribution could help them optimise business processes, develop new revenue streams, expand their user base, and further accelerate growth internationally.”

    Another SportsTech investment in Tesonet’s portfolio

    This is not our first venture in the sports vertical. In 2022, we acquired shares in BC Žalgiris Kaunas, helping the basketball club with its digital transformation and commercial expansion. Then in 2024, we invested in basketball club BC London Lions, aiming to promote the development of young talent and bolster the club’s competitiveness internationally.

    ABOUT TESONET:

    Tesonet is one of the largest venture builders and investors in the Baltic States. It houses globally recognized companies such as joint cybersecurity powerhouse Nord Security and Surfshark, a market-leading web intelligence collection platform Oxylabs, the fastest-growing brand among hosting providers Hostinger, nexos.ai – an AI orchestration platform, and others.

    With over 3,500 in-house talents and a fully developed infrastructure, Tesonet supports, funds, and scales businesses globally. Since 2018, Tesonet has extended its reach by investing in successful ventures like Hostinger, Cast AI, Eneba, BC Žalgiris, London Lions, Artea, Zapp, Turing College, and others.

    Tesonet is known for its innovative ecosystem and strong infrastructure, which support product development, testing, and global growth. The company is dedicated to advancing technological innovation and helping grow the broader ecosystem.

    ABOUT FPRO:

    FPRO is a sports technology startup dedicated to developing innovative training solutions for children’s football. Collaborating with UEFA-certified coaches and sports university experts, FPRO has created a unique interactive mobile app designed to help children aged 6–12 improve their technique, coordination, and ball control skills.Currently, the platform is being used by over 140,000 children across the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and other countries.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pilot restocking project boosts rare glass eels in the Kennet

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Pilot restocking project boosts rare glass eels in the Kennet

    Innovative project sees nearly 23,000 protected glass eels transferred to the River Kennet.

    Environment Agency officers releasing the eels.

    A new Environment Agency research project has seen 22,914 rare and protected glass eels swap the River Severn for a new home in the Berkshire this month.

    The eels were transferred in late April to nine locations on the Kennet chalk stream by Environment Agency fisheries specialists, initiating a research project that will monitor their development.

    Peter Gray, Environment Agency fisheries team leader, said:

    We are working hard to address the many struggles that eels face and are taking action to safeguard this critically endangered species.

    Over the coming months and years, we will closely monitor the released eels to see how they are surviving and growing. Eventually we want to discover whether this type of management produces more eels going out to sea to breed.

    Eels are born in the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean. From there, they float in their larval form on ocean currents towards Europe – journeying more than 3,000 miles for up to 2 years. Once they reach the coast, they turn into transparent glass eels up to 8cm long and then elvers, up to 12cm in length, swimming upstream into rivers. Here they live for around 6-10 years as juveniles/sub-adult yellow eels, before swimming downstream and eventually returning to the Sargasso Sea as mature adults to breed -silver eels.

    In the 1980s, populations of the once-common eel started to decline all around Europe; the reasons for this are unclear but may be due to over-fishing, habitat loss and fragmentation, parasites or climate change. The numbers of new, young eels arriving at our shores are now a tiny percentage of those that arrived in the 1960s and 1970s.

    Through the Environment Agency’s fisheries management programs, fish stocks are increasing to provide even more opportunities for South East anglers. Without the income from rod licences this vital work would not be possible.

    Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence to fish. A one-day licence costs from just £7.10, and an annual licence currently costs from just £35.80. Concessions available. Junior licences are free for 13 – 16-year-olds.

    Licences are available from www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

    The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all-year-round and is supported by partners, including the police and the Angling Trust. Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot-spots and where illegal fishing is reported.

    The close season for coarse fishing came into effect on 15 March and runs until 15 June inclusive to prevent fishing for coarse fish in rivers and streams across England, helping to protect fish when they are spawning and supporting vulnerable stocks.

    Throughout the close season, Environment Agency officers conduct patrols to ensure anglers respect the no fishing period. Notices have been displayed in key fishing areas across the South East reminding anglers of the law.

    Anyone with information about suspected illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Contact us:

    Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New build council homes in Bilston delivered in less than 9 months

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Developer Morro Partnerships Limited started construction on the City of Wolverhampton Council development of 7, 2 bedroom houses, 2, 3 bedroom houses and 2, 4 bedroom houses on Ettingshall Road, in September.

    The homes – built using sustainable building methods and modern timber frame construction – have this week been handed over to Wolverhampton Homes ready for the first tenants to move in.

    Each of the ‘A’ Rated, gas free homes come with solar panels and bring back into use land that had been blighted by fly-tipping in recent years.

    The houses are part of the latest phase of new council homes coming forward across the city, with development works underway or set to start in the coming months on 81 properties across 6 sites.

    The development has been supported by a £715,000 grant from Homes England.

    Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “This is a great example of how we are delivering good quality homes at pace and bringing small disused sites back into use for the benefit of our residents and communities.

    “There is an increasing demand for housing and this forms part of our pipeline of new council properties we are developing sustainably to deliver more good homes in well connected neighbourhoods across the city.

    “This development also builds substantially on the investment already made in Bilston in recent years that is seeing the town flourish and the homes will be allocated to local people in line with the council’s official housing allocations policy.”

    The carbon footprint of a timber frame is less than traditional structures, and this modern method of construction also helps to reduce energy consumption, helping to keep residents’ bills to a minimum.

    This is consistent with Morro’s pipeline of affordable homes across the Midlands, as part of their commitment to being better environment and better community makers.

    The Ettingshall Road development also included a dedicated segregation zone, with all materials being recycled on site. This reduces the amount being sent to landfill, whilst enabling materials to be recycled back into the environment quickly and efficiently.

    Tom Broadway, Managing Director at Morro Partnerships, said: “Having worked with Wolverhampton Council for some time now, it’s great to continue this relationship and help establish more sustainable communities. Transforming land such as this site in Bilston is so important to boost local pride, as well as providing places where people want to live.

    “These 11 homes have been designed with energy efficiency in mind, reducing bills and making life more comfortable for residents now and into the future. We look forward to continuing our pipeline of work in Wolverhampton, making a positive impact on neighbourhoods across the city.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister Smyth address to Medicine 2025 conference

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Speech

    Minister Smyth address to Medicine 2025 conference

    Minister Smyth addressed the annual conference of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

    Since 1948, this organisation has been one of the greatest allies advocating for universal access to healthcare, high standards in clinical practice and evidence-based medicine.

    And today, I really want to thank our members for everything that you have done over the past 14 years to hold our NHS together.

    Through no fault of your own, you’ve been through the worst crisis in the history of the NHS, with waiting lists at historic highs, patient satisfaction at record lows, people struggling to see a GP, ambulances not turning up on time. Any department is full to bursting. That founding promise, that the NHS will always be there for us when we need it, broken.

    But as someone who had my own career 30 years ago in the health service, I completely understand how demoralising this has been for so many staff, how powerless people have felt desperately trying to stop standards slipping or holding a broken system together.

    That’s how I felt as an NHS leader locally, watching the disastrous 2012 reorganisation imposed from the top down, despite all the warnings from frontline leaders and staff. And since then we’ve also had to deal with underinvestment and the global pandemic.

    But while those blows may have left the NHS broken, it’s not beaten. Every day there are amazing people delivering outstanding and compassionate care. Despite all of those challenges, day in, day out, you show up for work and you fight to deliver the very best care possible for your patients.

    Since coming into office, this government has done everything we can to support you. To restore that basic founding principle that the NHS should always be there for us when we need it. With our Plan for Change, we have hit the ground running.

    As our first step, we promised 2 million more appointments in our first year. Promise made, promise kept: we delivered our promise 7 months early and we’ve reached our target, delivering not 2 but 3 million more appointments since July, and counting.

    We’ve got waiting lists down by over 200,000 people.

    We ended the strike within 3 weeks and have now delivered 2 above-inflation pay rises for NHS staff.

    We’ve invested an extra £26 billion in health and care.

    We’ve recruited 1,500 more GPs, and agreed a GP contract for the first time since the pandemic.

    We’ve delivered the biggest investment to hospitals in a generation.

    The biggest expansion of carer’s allowance since the 1970s.

    A boost for older and disabled people through the Disabled Facilities Grant.

    The biggest real-terms increase to the Public Health Grant in nearly a decade.

    We’ve given pharmacies the biggest funding uplift in a generation.

    For patients, we’ve frozen prescription charges.

    We’ve struck a new deal that will mean women will be able to get the morning-after pill from pharmacies across the country, absolutely free of charge.

    A lot done but, we know, a hell of a lot more left to do.

    But from day one we have been clear that investment must come with reform.

    Our job is twofold.

    First, to get the NHS back on its feet, treating patients on time again; and second, to reform the service for the long term, so it is fit for the future.

    This summer we will publish our 10 Year Plan for health. Shifting the focus of healthcare out of hospital and into the community with more investment in primary and community care.

    Bringing our analogue health service into the digital age, arming staff with modern equipment and cutting-edge technology.

    And thirdly, turning our sickness service into a preventative health service to help people live well for longer and tackle the biggest killers.

    We’re supporting the effort of prevention through our smoking and vapes bill, to protect children and the most vulnerable to make this generation of kids the first smoke-free generation, and to save untold billions spent on their future care.

    The ban on junk food advertising targeted at children will be a first step in addressing the growing problem of childhood obesity, and those same kids are benefiting from breakfast clubs, so they start school with hungry minds and not hungry bellies.

    Our Mental Health Bill will stop the disgraceful incarceration of learning-disabled adults.

    We’re working with health unions, councils and employers to deliver the first ever Fair Pay Agreement for social care staff.

    And Louise Casey is leading the commission on social care, which will finally get a grip on a system that is broken for too many families.

    Because, as you all know so well, the pressures facing hospitals don’t start in hospitals, just as the problems facing the NHS don’t necessarily start in the NHS. They are a reflection of wider society.

    Fixing broken Britain will require more than fixing a broken NHS.

    After this speech, I’m going to add my own Post-it note to your interactive map.

    When my team asked me to think about the most pressing issue in my constituency of Bristol South, I was very quick to answer. Poverty.

    The health service can fix people when they’re broken, but we don’t want people broken.

    The factors that make my constituents unwell are wide-ranging, socioeconomic and environmental.

    In other words, the conditions in which we are born, grow, live and work. Secure jobs. Fair pay. Decent housing. Safe streets. Clean air. Accessible transport. The time and affordable facilities to exercise, and nutritious food.

    These are the essential building blocks of a healthy life.

    And that’s why this government is focused on economic growth and improving healthy life expectancy for all, while halving the gap in healthy life expectancy between different regions of England.

    And it’s why reform of the health service is so important, because every pound we spend on the health service is a pound that can’t be spent on what you and I call the social determinants of ill health, but what everyone else calls feeding hungry children, building warm homes and cleaning up our water and the air that we breathe.

    The NHS has often been compared to an oil tanker that has immense capacity but is slow to change direction. Shifting the focus of our health service will be an immense task and one that we can only accomplish with your help.

    We’ve already been clear that we’re embarking on a decade of national renewal and that’s why we’re launching a 10 Year Plan.

    Since coming into office, we’ve sought to reset the relationship with medics to improve working lives and restore value.

    This government was never going to be able to completely reverse a decade and a half of decline in only 10 months, but this year’s pay awards, the second above inflation pay rise in a row, demonstrates our commitment to rebuilding the NHS and rebuilding the pay conditions and morale of all NHS staff.

    When I joined the NHS 30 years ago, I saw the NHS at what I thought was the worst.

    I remember later on working with the team at the Bristol Royal Infirmary on urgent care, discussing those awful trolley waits, coming into work every day, people trying to find a space or somewhere to discharge people from A&E, conversations that, sadly, are all too familiar again today.

    But I also saw, especially in the years leading up to 2010, the pride people have when they’re working in an improving, well-run system.

    When you’re able to go home at the end of the day, knowing that your patients received the best possible care, and the pride, you know that you’re working at the top of your license as part of a team rebuilding a healthier Britain.

    The NHS cannot be saved by one person sitting behind a desk in Whitehall.

    We will only succeed if this is a team effort. From the Prime Minister to the 1.5 million people who work in the service, and the millions of us who use it to take decisions needed to lead healthier, more active lives.

    Turning the NHS around will take time.

    It really won’t be easy, but the prize, the prize available to us is huge and if we get this right, we will be able to say that we were the generation that took the NHS from the worst crisis in its history, got it back on its feet and made it fit for future generations.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • More than 4 million refugees have fled Sudan civil war, UN says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The number of people who have fled Sudan since the beginning of its civil war in 2023 has surpassed four million, U.N. refugee agency officials said on Tuesday, adding that many survivors faced inadequate shelter due to funding shortages.

    “Now in its third year, the 4 million people is a devastating milestone in what is the world’s most damaging displacement crisis at the moment,” U.N. refugee agency spokesperson Eujin Byun told a Geneva press briefing.

    “If the conflict continues in Sudan, thousands more people, we expect thousands more people will continue to flee, putting regional and global stability at stake,” she said.

    Sudan, which erupted in violence in April 2023, shares borders with seven countries: Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Central African Republic and Libya.

    More than 800,000 of the refugees have arrived in Chad, where their shelter conditions are dire due to funding shortages, with only 14% of funding appeals met, UNHCR’s Dossou Patrice Ahouansou told the same briefing.

    “This is an unprecedented crisis that we are facing. This is a crisis of humanity. This is a crisis of … protection based on the violence that refugees are reporting,” he said.

    Many of those fleeing reported surviving terror and violence, he added, describing meeting a seven-year-old girl in Chad who was hurt in an attack on her home in Sudan’s Zamzam displacement camp that killed her father and two brothers and had to have her leg amputated during her escape. Her mother had been killed in an earlier attack, he said.

    Other refugees told stories of armed groups taking their horses and donkeys and forcing adults to draw their own family members by cart as they fled, he said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hinkley Point B power station: Have your say on permit changes

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Hinkley Point B power station: Have your say on permit changes

    EDF Energy wants to change its existing radioactive substances environmental permit for the Hinkley Point B power station in Bridgwater, Somerset.

    EDF Energy wants to change its permit now that certain radioisotopes are no longer produced.

    • EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd has applied to the Environment Agency to make changes to parts of its radioactive substances environmental permit.
    • Proposed permit changes would more accurately reflect the reducing radiological hazard and risks from Hinkley Point B.
    • The consultation will close on 1 July 2025.

    The Environment Agency is consulting on these specific permit application changes to give people the opportunity to understand the proposed changes and have their say on future decision making.

    The permit controls the receipt and disposal of radioactive waste and imposes conditions and limits on radioactive discharges to the environment. 

    Hinkley Point B’s advanced gas cooled reactors stopped generating power after 46 years in August 2022. It is currently in the defueling stage and working towards ‘Fuel Free Status’ before entering decommissioning. 

    Sally Coble, the Environment Agency’s Nuclear Regulation Group south manager, said:

    We have been working with EDF Energy on its application to vary parts of the environmental permit.

    The company is proposing to remove some radionuclide limits in its permit because certain radioisotopes are no longer produced. The proposed changes would more accurately reflect the reducing radiological hazard and risks from Hinkley Point B

    Our consultation is now open. We are encouraging people to learn more about the proposed changes and provide us with any information that they think is relevant to decision making.

    How to have your say

    The Environment Agency will carefully consider all the relevant feedback received during the consultation, together with existing information. Our decision will be available on the public register by September 2025. 

    Our engagement with the community around the Hinkley site will continue through our own ‘Meet the Regulator’ meeting, the site stakeholder group and Hinkley C’s community forum.  

    The application and other supporting documents are available for you to view on Citizen Space

    The consultation starts on Tuesday 3 June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1 July 2025. 

    Read about regulating Hinkley.

    Background

    • Hinkley Point B power station began generating power in 1976 using two Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors (AGR). During its lifetime it provided enough electricity to meet the need of every home in the UK for almost 3 years.
    • One of the reactors (Reactor 4) was declared Fuel Free in September 2024 and it is anticipated that the remaining reactor (Reactor 3) will be declared fuel free by the end of 2025.
    • Now the reactors are no longer operational and following defueling, certain radioisotopes are no longer produced. To reflect the current activities, EDF has applied to remove some radionuclide limits in its environmental permit.
    • The proposed changes to the environmental permit would more accurately reflect the reducing radiological hazard and risks from Hinkley Point B and align with the current lifecycle stage.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Inspecting Homes Affected by March Storms

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>AUSTIN – After Texas residents apply for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary to verify damage from the March 26-28 severe storms and flooding.
    Homeowners and renters in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties can apply for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance for the March storms.
    Within 10 days after applying, a FEMA inspector may contact applicants to schedule an appointment. The call or text to schedule an inspection will probably come from an out-of-state phone number.
    Information gathered during the inspection is one of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are approved for federal assistance. If survivors have already made repairs or replaced damaged items, although not required, it may be helpful to have pictures of the damage and receipts for repair or replacement. Applicants should also have their insurance policy available.
    The housing inspector will consider:

    The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside.
    Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order.
    Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.

    All FEMA representatives carry photo identification. Inspectors will never ask for or accept money. Their service is free. 
    A home inspection may take up to 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. For questions about the status of an application, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
    For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4871. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s video message at the Ninth Austrian World Summit

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+21+May+25/3399096_MSG+SG+AUSTRIAN+WORLD+SUMMIT+21+MAY+25.mp4

    Excellencies, friends,

    President Van der Bellen, thank you for your leadership.

    And my thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

    It is fitting that the world’s one and only Terminator is focussing our attention on terminating pollution – continuing his history of political leadership and action.

    Unfortunately, our world looks less like an action hero movie and increasingly more like a horror show.

    We face a triple-whammy of woe:

    Pollution clogging rivers, contaminating land, and poisoning our ocean;

    Biodiversity destroyed at record pace; 

    And record levels of greenhouse gases catastrophically disrupting our climate. 

    We salute the real-life heroes on the front-lines when these crises strike:

    The firefighters taking-on infernos…

    The rescuers saving lives as floods sweep communities…

    And the United Nations staff providing food, shelter, and care when crops fail, hurricanes hit, or people are forced from their homes.

    No country – whether rich or poor – can escape these crises.

    And no country can solve them alone. 

    But together, we can reap the rewards of action – from cheap, secure power, to better health.

    The science is on our side. The economics are behind us.

    Almost everywhere, solar and wind are the cheapest source of new electricity.

    The world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels.

    An energy revolution is underway across the globe. 

    We must unite for action to accelerate it, and drive down global emissions:

    With new national climate plans from countries this year and new transition plans from business.

    These must align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius – to avoid the worst of climate change.

    We must unite in action to drive finance to developing countries so they can make the leap to renewables, adapt to our changing climate, and respond to disasters.

    And we must unite in action to end biodiversity loss and pollution.

    Particularly, countries must agree a new global treaty this year to end plastic pollution. 

    Friends,

    United in action we can terminate pollution and protect people and planet.

    Let’s come together and make that a reality.

    Thank you.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Security: Upper Clyde River — Shelburne County District RCMP charges woman with drug trafficking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Shelburne County District RCMP has charged a woman with drug trafficking after responding to a single motor vehicle crash.

    On May 26, at approximately 1:07 p.m., Shelburne County District RCMP responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on Upper Clyde Rd. RCMP officers learned that a Jeep Grand Cherokee was travelling along Clyde Rd. when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The Jeep then left the roadway and struck a house.

    The sole occupant of the home, a 41-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by EHS. The driver of the vehicle, Tamera Paige Smith of Amirault Hills, and the passenger, a 68-year-old woman of Clark’s Harbour, were uninjured.

    During a search of the vehicle and a bag the driver was carrying at the scene, officers located a quantity of cocaine, cash, and drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

    Smith was safely arrested and has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine). She appeared in Yarmouth Provincial Court on May 27 and was released on conditions pending future court appearances.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    File # 2025-718599

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Northern Ireland journalists working in ‘climate of fear’ amid paramilitary threats

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Journalists tell of rape and death threats 

    Paramilitary groups are responsible for most threats – yet no prosecutions  

    Official state failure to provide protection 

    ‘Journalists in Northern Ireland are facing a sustained campaign of threats and violence’ – Patrick Corrigan 

    Journalists in Northern Ireland face regular deaths threats and attacks while living and working in the most dangerous place in the UK to do their job. 

    A new 106-page report by Amnesty International features interviews with reporters who have been told they will be shot or stabbed, threatened with bombs under their car and given 48-hour ultimatums to leave the country – all because of their journalism. 

    Some journalists have been physically attacked. Equipment has been damaged. Their cars have been battered with poles laced with nails. Two journalists have been killed. 

    For those most at risk, their homes are protected by bulletproof windows and doors with alarms linked up to police stations. 

    Amnesty’s research for the report – Occupational Hazard? Threats and violence against journalists in Northern Ireland – uncovered more than 70 incidents of threats or attacks on journalists in Northern Ireland since the start of 2019.  

    Most threats come from a range of proscribed paramilitary groups, loyalist and republican, as well as from armed organised crime groups, some with links to paramilitaries.  

    Most threats against journalists go unpunished. There have been no prosecutions for any threats from paramilitary groups.  

    For decades, some have felt that dealing with threats was just part of their job; an ‘occupational hazard’ they have been forced to accept.  

    But now, by coming together and sharing their stories, journalists in Northern Ireland are saying ‘enough is enough’.   

    Lack of police protection  

    Journalists report having little expectation of people being held account for making threats. Many reporters interviewed by Amnesty said that they feel the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has failed to effectively investigate attacks and threats against them. Since June 2022, there have been only two successful prosecutions for threats against journalists. There have been no prosecutions for threats from paramilitary groups, the single most significant source of such threats. 

    With journalists excluded from the government’s home protection scheme, which funds the installation of security measures, many have been left feeling at risk. 

    Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland Director, said:  

    “Journalists in Northern Ireland are facing a sustained campaign of threats, intimidation and violence from armed groups, which makes it the most dangerous place in the UK to be a reporter.  

    “They are being threatened, attacked and even killed for shining a light on paramilitary groups and others who seek to exert control through violence. This creates a climate of fear that many assumed was consigned to history when the Good Friday Agreement was signed. 

    “Yet there has not been a single prosecution for threats against journalists from paramilitary groups. This sense of impunity only emboldens those behind the threats.   

    “When journalists are under attack, press freedom is under attack. The state must create a safe environment where journalists can work freely and report without fear of reprisals. It is currently failing to do so.” 

    Living in fear 

    The police visited Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris’ house nine times between December 2023 and October 2024 to deliver threats from paramilitary or criminal groups. On one occasion, she received a threat and 24 hours later a pipe bomb was found near her home. 

    She said: “I’m convinced someone’s going to kill me at some point. I always think I’ll never die of natural causes. Most of the time, I pretend that the threats don’t annoy me, but clearly, they do. This is not a normal way to live.” 

    Sunday World northern editor Richard Sullivan said: “I’ve had threats to kill me, to use a bomb on my car and on my house. I’ve been given 24 hours to leave the country.” 

    Sunday Life journalist Ciaran Barnes said: “I’ve got bulletproof windows front and back. I’ve got a bulletproof door. I’ve got cameras all around the house. I’ve got sensor activated lights and panic alarms.”  

    The home security measures are paid for by his employer, as journalists are ineligible for access to the government’s Home Protection Scheme.  

    National Union of Journalists assistant general secretary Séamus Dooley said: “In what is supposed to be normalised society, post the peace process, journalists are living in fear and behind high security measures. That really is not the sign of a normal functioning democracy.” 

    Amnesty has made a series of recommendations for the police and various government departments, including: 

    • Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA should establish and chair a new Media Safety Group, with representatives from the PSNI, Public Prosecution Service (PPS), media organisations and the NUJ, to deliver a new journalist safety strategy 

    Note: The report is based on research carried out by Amnesty between November 2024 and May 2025, including 26 interviews conducted by Patrick Corrigan and Kathryn Torney with 22 journalists about their experiences living with the threat of armed violence, NUJ representatives, the PSNI and a relative and lawyer of Martin O’Hagan.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Niger: Six month-long arbitrary detention of human rights defender Moussa Tchangari must end

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Niger’s authorities should immediately release civil society activist and human rights defender Moussa Tchangari and stop using terrorism-related charges to silence dissent, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in the framework of the Observatory for the protection of human rights defenders, said today.

    On 3 December 2024, men claiming to be policemen arrested Moussa Tchangari at his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital. On 3 January 2025, the Niamey High Court charged him with several serious offences, including “criminal conspiracy in connection with a terrorist enterprise,” “undermining national defence,” and “plotting against the authority of the state through intelligence with enemy powers.” If convicted of plotting with enemy powers, he could face the death penalty.

    We urge the authorities to immediately release Moussa Tchangari and drop all charges.

    Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa

    On the same day, Tchangari was remanded to Filingué prison, 170 kilometres from Niamey, where he remains arbitrarily held in pre-trial detention. Since then, he has not been interviewed on the merits of the charges against him before a judge.

    “Moussa Tchangari is being detained solely for the exercise of his human rights. We urge the authorities to immediately release him and drop all charges. We are deeply concerned about the use of charges like these to silence critics of the government,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

    Three weeks before his arrest, on 12 November 2024, Tchangari criticized on social media the decision of Niger’s interior minister to revoke the licenses of two humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. He also criticized the establishment of a terrorism database, a move that further undermines the human rights of the people of Niger. Moussa Tchangari risks being stripped of his Nigerien nationality on terrorism charges, based on an August 2024 ordinance establishing a database for individuals and groups associated with terrorism and national defence offences.

    Under Niger’s penal code, terrorism-related charges can result in up to four years’ non-renewable preventive detention. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, FIDH and OMCT have examined the charges and can confirm that none of them relate to internationally recognisable offences as each relates to the legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression.

    “Tchangari’s arrest is part of a wider trend of repression by the Nigerien authorities, who target and subject to constant judicial harassment all those who publicly criticize them, with the aim of silencing them,” said Drissa Traoré, Secretary general of FIDH.

    “His arrest and subsequent detention send a chilling message to anyone who may dare to criticize Niger’s regime slide towards autocracy,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch.

    “Tchangari’s arrest is a grave mistake and counterproductive. For decades, he has embodied the Nigerien people’s call for democracy, security, resource sovereignty, and independence. Any government that respects the peoples’ will must release him”, said Isidore Ngueuleu, Head of the Africa Regional Desk at OMCT.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Premier of the State Council of China calls on SCO member states to strengthen financial cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday called for strengthening financial cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to give strong impetus to the development of countries in the region.

    He made this statement during a collective meeting with foreign representatives present at the meeting of finance ministers and heads of central banks of SCO member states.

    Ding Xuexiang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a series of important proposals and measures to build a more beautiful common home for the SCO at the SCO Plus meeting in Astana in 2024.

    China is willing to seize the opportunity of its SCO presidency and work with other member states to prioritize development, strengthen financial cooperation, increase the share of settlements in their national currencies, promote the development of digital and inclusive finance, and actively work on the establishment of the SCO Development Bank, Ding Xuexiang said.

    Speaking on behalf of the foreign guests, SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev praised the work carried out by China as the country chairing the organization. He expressed readiness to work with the Chinese side, adhering to the “Shanghai Spirit”, to promote prosperity and development in the region. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Egypt sign agreement to operate CBD in Egypt’s new administrative capital

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    CAIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) — Egypt’s New Urban Communities Authority and a Chinese-Egyptian joint venture have signed an agreement on the comprehensive operation and maintenance of the Central Business District (CBD) in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.

    Under the agreement, Horizon Operations Management /Egypt/ will be responsible for the implementation of the project in the CBD, initially focusing on property management and municipal administration.

    According to a statement from the Egyptian cabinet, during preliminary talks on the signing, Egyptian Housing Minister Sherif El-Sherbini said the agreement covers the maintenance and management of important facilities, as well as the provision of comprehensive urban services to residents, tourists and businesses in the CBD.

    Sh. El-Sherbini stressed that this step represents a significant change in Egypt’s approach to managing public facilities – from traditional models to results-oriented management based on quality and sustainability.

    Also present at the signing ceremony on Sunday were Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, China’s Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Dong Jianguo and representatives of China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which oversaw the construction of the Central Business District.

    Situated in the heart of the desert, about 50 km east of the capital Cairo, the Central Business District is one of the key projects jointly built by China and Egypt under the Belt and Road Initiative. The project includes 20 commercial and residential skyscrapers, as well as supporting municipal infrastructure, including the 385.8 m Iconic Tower, the tallest building in Africa. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP in Jordan to provide school meals to 30,000 students in camps starting September, with China’s support

    Source: World Food Programme

    JORDAN—The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to support the National School Feeding Programme in Jordan by providing healthy school meals for 30,000 students in the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps.

    The contribution will enable WFP to distribute nearly 2.7 million healthy meals over two semesters during the coming scholastic year beginning in September 2025. As much as supporting schoolchildren’s daily nutritional needs, the project will create employment opportunities for 90 refugee women who will prepare the meals in three dedicated kitchens within the camps. The programme also supports local farmers, bakers, and food producers in Jordan.

    “We are deeply grateful for this timely and impactful contribution from China,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Jordan Alberto Correia Mendes. “This generous funding enables us to feed vulnerable refugee children, providing healthy school meals that support their well-being and development, while also contributing to addressing food insecurity at the camp level.”

    The homegrown meals, which consist of a freshly baked pastry, a fruit, and a vegetable help meet children’s immediate food needs while enhancing dietary diversity and encouraging healthier eating habits. 

    The Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to Jordan, H.E. Chen Chuandong, praised Jordan for its pivotal role in hosting Syrian refugees and maintaining regional peace and stability. He also acknowledged the World Food Programme’s efforts in supporting Syrian refugees in Jordan. Ambassador Chen highlighted China’s active participation in international humanitarian efforts, driven by the goal of fostering global cooperation and sustainable development.

    “This assistance demonstrates China’s tangible commitment to advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while serving as a strong example of South-South cooperation,” said Ambassador Chen. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with the international community to enhance refugees living conditions and promote food security, urging all parties to continue supporting Syrian refugees.

    Under the National School Feeding Strategy, WFP and the Government of Jordan are working to scale up the homegrown healthy meals model to reach 500,000 vulnerable students by 2030.

    #            # #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @wfp_jordan. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: GPDRR 2025 highlights: Monday 2 June 2025

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The 8th Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GPDRR2025) began with preparatory events on Monday, 2 June, ahead of the upcoming official programme with highlevel meetings from 4-6 June in Geneva, Switzerland. GPDRR 2025 is organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and hosted by the Government of Switzerland. Two parallel events took place on Monday: the Third Stakeholder Forum and the Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) MultiStakeholder Forum.

    Third Stakeholder Forum

    Opening

    The Third Stakeholder Forum opened with statements by the Governments of Switzerland and Indonesia and senior UN leaders under the theme “United for Resilience.” Speakers highlighted progress on the Bali Agenda for Resilience, an outcome of the 7th Global Platform in 2022, and the opportunities for inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).

    Mirjam Macchi, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, appreciated stakeholders’ solidarity around the evacuation and assistance to the historic village of Blatten, destroyed last week by a glacial landslide 200 km from Geneva. She noted that even livestock were cared for-a powerful reminder that “resilience begins with local people” and inclusive solutions are more effective when those directly affected by disasters bring vital knowledge to action.

    Achsanul Habib, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to risk-informed policies and inclusive approaches. He encouraged all participants to use the Stakeholder Forum as “not only a platform to listen and share, but a platform to act together.”

    The event also showcased the Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments online platform (SFVC), where stakeholders can register their commitments, and users can identify areas of activity as well as gaps. Yuki Matsuoka, Head, UNDRR Office in Japan, noted that 729 individual organizations so far have registered their commitments.

    Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organisation

    Whole-of-society approach for the Sendai Framework on DRR: A collective responsibility

    Sarah Wade-Apicella, UNDRR, moderated the session. On effective methods to implement inclusive DRR, Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, underscored the need for people with disabilities to be involved early in co-development of disaster risk strategies, and for foresight processes to incorporate diverse voices. Major Hamad Sabah Al-Sawar, Director of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bahrain, described Bahrain’s communication platform providing diverse modes of information sharing in multiple languages, the use of a phone application, and a common hashtag used to mobilize public action.

    On intersectional and intergenerational knowledge sharing, Tom Colley, HelpAge International, drew attention to the wide network of older people associations worldwide as opportunities to engage this age group in DRR. He noted these associations can also harness and serve as channels for bringing Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge into DRR strategies. Barrise Griffin, Disaster Risk Management Authority, The Bahamas, emphasized moving away from one-off, extractive approaches to information gathering, and instead facilitating ongoing dialogue. Josefina Miculax Sincal, Huairou Commission, called for frameworks and trainings to strengthen good practices at the community level.

    A slide showing the numbers of internal displacement by hazard for 2015- 2024.

    Participants then heard comments and questions from the floor on the role of national DRR platforms in community-level participation, engagement, and school programs for children; managing conflicts of interest; looking beyond immediate impacts of DRR; measuring the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement; shifting risk ownership to local communities to handle disasters; and securing resources.

    Data and financing for disaster displacement as loss and damage

    Steven Goldfinch, Asian Development Bank (ADB), moderated this session.

    Christelle Cazabat, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, explained that research into Hurricane Milton’s impacts in the US shows how people’s aspirations change when displacement stretches into the long term. She noted 2024 saw the highest number of people displaced in a single year globally (45.8 million), as well as the highest number of people continuing to live in displacement (9.8 million).

    Noralene Uy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, noted that her country ensures children have access to child-friendly spaces during displacement, and that national protocols guide national and local assessments and reporting. Isoa Talemaibua, Ministry for Maritime and Rural Development, Fiji, highlighted Fiji’s risk assessment activities and stressed the value of financial tools such as green and blue bonds, and parametric insurance that enables rapid payouts based on environmental triggers.

    Hoang Phuong Thao, ActionAid Vietnam, highlighted the organization’s work with marginalized and remote communities to use smartphones for receiving early warnings, as well as for reporting on local conditions, thereby informing the government’s trend analysis. Catalina Díaz Escobar, Corporación Antioquia Presente, emphasized that data collection itself is a political process and should be conducted in an ethical and respectful manner.

    From Paris to Sendai: the fundamental connection of climate and DRR

    Jamie Cummings, Sendai Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, moderated the session. Animesh Kumar, UNDRR, underlined that risk is a common denominator across the Sendai Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that all these global frameworks share the goal of resilience. He encouraged the institutionalization of the agreements at the national level and highlighted the need to localize them. On technical assistance, he stressed that funding applications under the Santiago Network -a mechanism to support countries recovering from loss and damage due to climate change -should be designed to catalyze downstream impacts. Hisan Hassan, National Disaster Management Authority, Maldives, described his country’s focus on EW4All and slow-onset losses. Manon Robin, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed integration of national adaptation plans and DRR strategies and emphasized, supported by Le-Anne Roper, UNDRR, the need to focus on coordinating actors on different aspects of climate resilience. Amber Fletcher, University of Regina, emphasized that slow-onset disaster management and funding are crucial for food producers, and stressed the significance of non-economic loss and damage.

    View of the panel during the “From Paris to Sendai: the Fundamental Connection of Climate and DRR” event.

    Innovative financing and private sector leadership in DRR

    Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Manisha Gulati, ODI Global, noted that most funding goes toward emergency response after disasters occur. She highlighted that when the private sector invests in critical services, DRR becomes an outcome, not only a target.

    Yezid Niño, Private Sector Liaison, UNDRR Americas, emphasized the relevance of understanding that DRR is part of the development of the countries and pointed toward the role of regulatory frameworks in involving the private sector in financing DRR. Terry Kinyua, Co-Chair of the ARISE Global Board, stressed that the resilience of communities amounts to the resilience of a country.

    Through digital interaction, attendees identified cost-benefit analysis, data gaps, and trust as the major barriers to private sector investment in DRR. Among the actions leaders can take to accelerate investment in resilience, attendees mentioned political incentives, regulatory alignment, resilience as a national priority, and the involvement of local leaders.

    View of the panel during the “Innovative Financing and Private Sector Leadership in DRR” event.

    Implementation of climate and DRR gender action plans at the national level-Synergies and strategies

    Mwanahamisi Singano, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), moderated this panel discussion unpacking synergies between the different Gender Action Plans (GAPs) under multiple conventions and frameworks, including the Sendai GAP. She noted the need to avoid duplication and ensure cost effectiveness.

    Mary Picard, Humanitarian and Development Consulting, gave a keynote address describing the actions leading to the launch of the Sendai GAP in 2024. Panelists mentioned key lessons from their experiences with governments in implementing the GAPs, including the challenge of competing priorities and political preferences among different ministries when attempting to coordinate the different GAPs. Other interventions focused on holding governments and agencies accountable for implementing GAPs and enhancing communication among women’s networks, particularly those involved in DRR. Following interventions on regional mapping tools and GAP observatories that monitor implementation progress, Singano invited participants to provide inputs towards developing a universal DRR gender equality observatory.

    Community-led action for resilience, building partnerships for inclusive action

    Maité Rodríguez, Fundación Guatemala, moderated this session. The panel featured grassroot women leaders and related international organizations. Godavari Dange, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, a women-led organization of farmer-producers, highlighted women farmers’ work in drought preparedness to cultivate and stockpile animal fodder. She also highlighted technology training conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic for women to use online platforms. Norma Choc Botzoc, Community Practitioners’ Platform for Resilience in Guatemala, described grassroot women’s own development of risk and vulnerability assessments, which, she noted, are being used as tools for advocacy to local authorities to direct resources appropriately. Speakers from ADB and the Centre for Coordination of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC) affirmed the central importance of cooperation and co-design of programs for climate resilience and recovery after disasters.

    Disaster preparedness and risk reduction in urban areas—Building back better

    Ladeene Freimuth, The Freimuth Group, moderated the session. Guilherme Simões, National Secretary for Peripheries, Ministry of Cities, Brazil, outlined the Live Peripheries program, which provides access to better urban infrastructure, social services, and opportunities; and the Peripheries Without Risk strategy, a community-based risk reduction and climate adaptation plan.

    Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, highlighted EWS as one of the best-proven and cost-effective methods for reducing disaster deaths and losses. She drew attention to “Infinite Access,” a communication platform designed to deliver emergency alerts in multiple accessible formats.

    Mario Flores, Habitat for Humanity International, discussed the challenges and opportunities of urban environments, stressing the need to build better in the first place; to have risk-informed development; and to consider housing as a platform for a peoplecentered resilience approach.

    Debbra Johnson, ARISE-US Network, addressed the report “Navigating the sustainability-resilience nexus,” which brings together the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the DRR Sendai Framework.

    Breaking the DRR financing silos: A systematic shift in DRR financing for localization of inclusive resilience

    Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Noting that financial capital existed but is not reaching local levels, Tanjir Hossain, Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, called for breaking down silos so funding is not sitting around while millions of people suffer. Steve Goldfinch, ADB, described the National Disaster Management Fund of Pakistan that finances projects with high economic benefits using a 70% – 30% funding model from provincial governments. He also highlighted the National Disaster Risk Management Fund of the Philippines that encourage local governments to invest in disaster response, relief, preparedness and risk reduction measures. Emma Haight, UNDRR Investor Advisory Board, described the adoption of a green sewer design, first developed in Washington DC, which proved so successful that the design was replicated in London, UK, Cape Town, South Africa, and Quito, Ecuador, highlighting its environmental and financial risk reduction, and over USD 200 million in cost savings. Michelle Chivunga, Global Policy House, discussed using artificial intelligence to shift DRR responses, optimize data utilization in local governments, track and mobilize funding, and to use digital capital during humanitarian crisis to make up for funding shortfalls. Sara Hoeflich, United Cities and Local Government, recommended investment in basic services such as water supply, street cleaning, and sewer solutions to ensure clean cities as an investment and risk mitigation measure. Marcos Concepción Raba, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction, discussed effective localization.

    Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) Multistakeholder Forum

    Opening

    Julien Thöni, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Switzerland, said timely early warning action should provide critical time to act and respond, and noted that innovation better predicts and reaches people faster. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), suggested key criteria for improving early warning systems (EWS), including that science must connect people; and systems and partnerships must include actors “outside the DRR tent,” especially those most at risk. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of UNDRR, said EWS should not be regarded as a once-off intervention. He said national ownership must be strengthened, and the concept of leaving no one behind should be embedded into all efforts. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, via video, suggested EWS is the most basic tool for saving and protecting lives, and called for high-level political support, a boost in technology access, and public and private finance at scale.

    Fireside chat: The state of EWS

    Johan Stander, WMO, drew attention to national ownership, stakeholder engagement, and the involvement of funding partners when investing in EW4All. Sujit Kumar Mohanty, Chief of Branch, UNDRR, emphasized co-design and co-ownership approaches to meaningfully engage stakeholders for successful EW4All.

    Good practices: Stakeholder perspectives on EWS

    Interventions during this panel session included: calls to integrate women and youth in all decisions focused on EWS; investing in women’s leadership, particularly those with disabilities; ensuring young people are equitably involved; reaching those living in remote rural areas and conflict zones; and leveraging the communication power of mobile networks through private-public partnerships.

    UNDRR Disability Leaders gather at the end of the day.

    Perspectives from across regions on EWS

    Panelists in this session focused on: successful collaboration and EWS progress in Zimbabwe after the 2019 Cyclone Idai; institutionalization of the community-based approach to EWS in Barbados; main challenges to integrate scientific tools and remote sensing into EWS in Lebanon; integration of the private sector in EWS decision-making process in Makati, the Philippines; and the role of cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and educating people for effective EWS in Poland.

    Thematic Sessions 

    Four thematic sessions took place during the day. These were:

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax® ETFs Announces Distributions on BIGY, RNTY and SOXY

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® today announced distributions for the YieldMax® Target 12™ ETFs listed in the table below. The Fund seeks to generate income with a 12% target annual income level.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Distribution Frequency Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution
    Rate
    2
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC4 Ex-Date & Record Date Payment
    Date
    BIGY YieldMax®Target 12™ Big 50 Option Income ETF Monthly $0.4803 12.00% 0.20% 94.52% 6/4/25 6/5/25
    RNTY YieldMax®Target 12™ Real Estate Option Income ETF Monthly $0.5209 12.00% 2.21% 93.65% 6/4/25 6/5/25
    SOXY YieldMax®Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF Monthly $0.4720 12.00% 0.17% 100.00% 6/4/25 6/5/25


    Standardized Performance and Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at
    www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1Each ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    2The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on June 2, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

    3The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended May 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

    4ROC Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    5 ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information
    Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about each Fund, visit our website at www.YieldMaxETFs.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

    There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax® ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Greenbacker delivers first quarter results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announces year-over-year increases in IPP revenue, power production, and generation capacity in its operating fleet, as well as construction milestones on largest solar project in New York

    Key Takeaways

    • Against a backdrop of trade policy driven volatility, Greenbacker’s proactive approach to tariff risk management delivered $19 million cost savings on 1 GW solar module order.
    • Company continued construction on largest solar project in New York State to date; the 674 MW Cider solar farm—also GREC’s largest to date—is expected to reach commercial operation in late 2026, generating 1 billion kWh of power in first year of operation.
    • Wind and solar PPA revenue increased 17% year-over-year to $39 million, driving total first-quarter operating revenue of $48 million.
    • Power production increased 14% across combined wind and solar fleets, year-over-year, generating 676 million kWh of power in the first quarter.
    • Operating fleet expanded 3% year-over-year, representing 41 MW of additional total generation capacity, as Company brought online over a dozen new assets.
    • Greenbacker’s assets contributed to a more resilient U.S. clean energy system, delivering homegrown power, driving decarbonization, and supporting the domestic economy.

    NEW YORK, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC (“Greenbacker,” “GREC,” or the “Company”), an energy transition-focused investment manager and independent power producer (“IPP”), has announced financial results for the first quarter of 2025, including year-over-year increases in revenue, operating capacity, and clean energy generation.1

    Greenbacker’s proactive approach to tariff risk management delivered $19 million cost savings

    Greenbacker’s proactive approach to managing exposure to tariff risk continued to deliver measurable results for investors. In late 2024, the Company’s procurement team secured a 1 gigawatt (“GW”) order with one of the world’s largest suppliers of solar modules for use in the construction of assets across its sustainable infrastructure portfolio—including the 674 MW Cider solar farm, Greenbacker’s largest clean energy project to date. As part of the agreement, Greenbacker was able to lock in its access to 1 GW of panels while limiting or eliminating risk on future tariff exposure.

    This forward-looking contract structure when procuring over 960,000 solar modules proved its value through the first quarter of 2025, as financial markets and the energy transition asset class experienced increased volatility driven by uncertainty around the Trump administration’s tariff regime.2

    As of March 31, 2025, the contract generated approximately $19 million in cost savings for Greenbacker, helping to protect returns by ensuring predictable pricing for a substantial volume of critical solar equipment.

    “Greenbacker and other clean energy industry participants have been successfully navigating the evolving trade landscape for over a decade,” said Dan de Boer, Greenbacker’s interim CEO. “The steps we’ve taken to mitigate tariff-related risk across our portfolio deliver results, protect returns, and add stability to our investment platform. This disciplined approach is a core part of how we create long-term value for our investors.”

    Company continued construction on 674 MW Cider solar project, projected to be largest solar farm in New York State when completed in 2026

    After breaking ground on early construction activity late last year, Greenbacker’s utility-scale Cider project continued major construction activities in Genesee County, NY. When complete, Cider is expected to be the largest solar energy project in New York State, where Greenbacker is headquartered.

    This phase of construction centers on key civil and mechanical activities, such as beginning installation of steel pilings and solar module racking systems. Additional phases of construction are expected to ramp up by mid-summer, including installation of electrical wiring and high-voltage utility interconnection infrastructure.

    Over its operational lifespan, Cider is expected to generate approximately $100 million in revenue for local communities through property taxes, host community agreements, and tax benefits—funds that can be used to support critical services and infrastructure, including first responders, area roadways, and local schools. Cider’s construction is expected to support hundreds of clean energy jobs, driving both immediate and long-term economic impact across the region.

    Cider is slated to enter commercial operation in late 2026 and is expected to generate approximately 1 billion kWh of power in its first full year of operation. The project plans to utilize agrivoltaics (dual land use combining photovoltaic production with agricultural practices) as part of a more cost-effective, nature-based approach to vegetation management. Cider will initially host rotational sheep grazing on over 300 acres, with the potential to increase grazing acreage across the project’s operational lifetime.

    Wind and solar PPA revenue increased 17% year-over-year to $39 million, driving total operating revenue of $48 million; wind and solar power production increased 14%

    Greenbacker generated total operating revenue of $47.5 million within its IPP segment during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting strong performance from the Company’s core operating fleet. This was driven by an increase in revenue from Greenbacker’s long-term power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) across both its wind and solar fleets, which together generated $38.8 million—a 17% increase compared to the same period last year, or an additional $5.8 million of revenue.

    First-quarter net loss attributable to Greenbacker in 2025 was $(15.6) million and Adjusted EBTIDA3 was $14.4 million, representing year-over-year changes of 84% and 56%, respectively. The net loss reflected impairment charges resulting from deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, as well as depreciation and amortization, partially offset by a decrease in other operating expenses.

    While total operating revenue represented a 3% year-over-year decline—primarily due to the timing of Renewable Energy Credit (“REC”) revenue recognition in the first quarter of 2024 and the divestment of a non-core asset in April 2024—the underlying power production of Greenbacker’s core fleet remained strong. Notably, the non-core divestiture was a key driver of the Company’s year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA.

    On a year-over-year basis, GREC increased its operating fleet size by 3%, as of the end of the first quarter of 2025, resulting in a 41 MW increase in total operating power production capacity.4 This included placing over a dozen new solar energy assets into commercial operation. In total, GREC’s operating solar and wind portfolios delivered a combined year-over-year power production increase of 14%,5 generating over 676 million kWh of clean energy in the quarter—enough to power approximately 63,000 average U.S. homes for one year.6

             
    GREC Operating Fleet 1Q25 1Q24 YoY
    Increase
    (total)
    YoY
    Increase
    (%)
    Clean power produced by solar assets (MWh) 307,154 266,339 40,815 15%
    PPA revenue generated by solar assets ($M) $ 18.0 $15.3 $2.6 17%
    Clean power produced by wind assets (MWh) 368,957 325,406 43,551 13%
    PPA revenue generated by wind assets ($M) $ 20.8 $17.7 $3.1 18%
    Total clean power generated by wind and solar assets (MWh) 676,111 591,745 84,366 14%
    Total PPA operating revenue generated by wind and solar assets ($M) $ 38.8 $33.0 $5.8 17%
             

    Some figures may not add to stated totals due to rounding. Total clean power generated does not include power generated from the non-core biomass facility during first quarter of 2024, which GREC divested in April 2024, nor does it include assets in which the Company holds a preferred equity position.

    Long-term contracted cash flows with investment-grade counterparties

    As of March 31, 2025, approximately 93% of Greenbacker’s portfolio of assets7 were contracted to sell power to investment-grade counterparties across the most resilient parts of the U.S. economy—including utilities, municipalities, and corporations—under long-term PPAs. The portfolio had approximately 17.3 years of contracted, highly visible cash flows associated with these PPAs, providing a solid foundation to build additional future revenue streams.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Greenbacker operating fleet represented approximately 1.6 gigawatts of total clean power generation and storage capacity, spanning over 30 states, territories, districts and provinces.

    Building a more resilient clean energy future by delivering homegrown power, driving decarbonization, and supporting the domestic economy

    As of March 31, 2025, Greenbacker’s portfolio of energy assets had cumulatively produced more than 12 million MWh of power.8 This clean energy has abated over 8 million metric tons of carbon9 and conserved more than 8 billion gallons of water.10

    Greenbacker’s business operations have driven more than $170 million in spending with U.S.-based manufacturers and suppliers in that period, directly supporting American industry and strengthening domestic supply chains, while advancing homegrown energy deployment.

    To date, Greenbacker’s fleet of operating and pre-operating projects currently support, or are expected to support, thousands of green energy jobs.11

    Additional information regarding the Company’s impact can also be found in Greenbacker’s impact report.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.

    Private placements are speculative.
    For financial professionals and their accredited investors only. Not for inspection by, distribution to, or quotation to the general public. There are material risks associated with investing in alternative investments including financing risks, general economic risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. Potential cash flow, returns, and appreciation are not guaranteed. The shares offered are illiquid assets for which there is not expected to be any secondary market, nor is it expected that any will develop in the future. The ability to transfer shares is limited. Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, GREC has the discretion under certain circumstances to prohibit transfers of shares, or to refuse to consent to the admission of a transferee as a member. Securities offered through WealthForge Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Greenbacker Capital Management LLC and WealthForge Securities, LLC are separate entities.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    In addition to evaluating the Company’s performance on a U.S. GAAP basis, the Company utilizes certain non-GAAP financial measures to analyze the operating performance of our segments as well as our consolidated business. Each of these measures should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for other financial measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, such as net income (loss) or operating income (loss). The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to supplement its U.S. GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting its operations.

    Adjusted EBITDA
    Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure, as well as for internal planning purposes. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in providing a measure of core financial performance adjusted to allow for comparisons of results of operations across reporting periods on a consistent basis, as it includes adjustments relating to items that are not indicative on the ongoing operating performance of the business.

    Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure used by management that is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Additionally, our calculations of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    Funds From Operations (FFO)
    FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure to analyze net earnings from operations without the effects of certain non-recurring items that are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the business. FFO is calculated using Adjusted EBITDA less the impact of interest expense (excluding the non-cash component) and distributions to tax equity investors under the financing facilities associated with our IPP segment. 

    The Company believes that the analysis and presentation of FFO will enhance our investor’s understanding of the ongoing performance of our operating business. The Company considers FFO, in addition to other GAAP and non-GAAP measures, in assessing operating performance and as a proxy for growth in distribution coverage over the long term.

    FFO should not be considered in isolation from or as a superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    General Disclosure
    This information has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, or to participate in any trading or investment strategy. The information presented herein may involve Greenbacker’s views, estimates, assumptions, facts, and information from other sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable and are, as of the date this information is presented, subject to change without notice.

               
    GREENBACKER RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands, except per share data)
     
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
      (unaudited)      
    Assets          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 103,237     $ 120,057  
    Restricted cash, current 31,949     38,403  
    Accounts receivable, net 28,033     27,103  
    Derivative assets, current 16,064     17,632  
    Other current assets 26,418     28,586  
    Total current assets 205,701     231,781  
    Noncurrent assets:          
    Restricted cash 2,131     3,128  
    Property, plant and equipment, net 2,280,196     2,232,486  
    Intangible assets, net 351,065     362,352  
    Investments, at fair value 75,196     74,136  
    Derivative assets 80,953     98,495  
    Other noncurrent assets 240,587     242,667  
    Total noncurrent assets 3,030,128     3,013,264  
    Total assets $ 3,235,829     $ 3,245,045  
    Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity          
    Current liabilities:          
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 107,394     $ 69,464  
    Contingent consideration, current 14,675     15,293  
    Current portion of long-term debt 85,969     88,901  
    Current portion of failed sale-leaseback financing and deferred ITC gain 45,868     45,868  
    Other current liabilities 8,034     8,767  
    Total current liabilities 261,940     228,293  
    Noncurrent liabilities:          
    Long-term debt, net of current portion 1,025,804     1,001,654  
    Failed sale-leaseback financing and deferred ITC gain, net of current portion 195,933     201,601  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net 24,495     35,316  
    Operating lease liabilities 195,090     196,911  
    Out-of-market contracts, net 170,749     180,640  
    Other noncurrent liabilities 62,005     59,561  
    Total noncurrent liabilities 1,674,076     1,675,683  
    Total liabilities $ 1,936,016     $ 1,903,976  
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies)          
    Redeemable noncontrolling interests $ 1,851     $ 1,851  
    Equity:          
    Preferred shares, par value, $0.001 per share, 50,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding      
    Common shares, par value, $0.001 per share, 350,000 authorized, 199,176 and 199,326 outstanding as of 2025 and 2024, respectively 199     199  
    Additional paid-in capital 1,774,330     1,773,758  
    Accumulated deficit (600,317 )   (584,733 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income 33,690     34,937  
    Noncontrolling interests 90,060     115,057  
    Total equity 1,297,962     1,339,218  
    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 3,235,829     $ 3,245,045  
               
    GREENBACKER RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands, except per share data)
     
      Three months ended March 31,
      2025   2024
    Revenue          
    Energy revenue $ 43,980     $ 44,569  
    Investment Management revenue 3,260     3,931  
    Other revenue 301     668  
    Contract amortization, net 2,921     (2,615 )
    Total net revenue $ 50,462     $ 46,553  
               
    Operating expenses          
    Direct operating costs 23,911     26,990  
    General and administrative 17,046     18,855  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     493  
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion 21,628     20,485  
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net and project termination costs 13,665     6,328  
    Total operating expenses 76,250     73,151  
               
    Operating loss (25,788 )   (26,598 )
               
    Interest expense, net (36,566 )   (4,250 )
    Change in fair value of investments, net 990     (566 )
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits 10,188      
    Other expense, net 148     125  
               
    Loss before income taxes (51,028 )   (31,289 )
    Benefit (expense) from income taxes 10,374     (3,064 )
    Net loss $ (40,654 )   $ (34,353 )
    Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests (25,068 )   (25,874 )
    Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC $ (15,586 )   $ (8,479 )
               
    Earnings per share          
    Basic $ (0.08 )   $ (0.04 )
    Diluted $ (0.08 )   $ (0.04 )
               
    Weighted average shares outstanding          
    Basic 199,333     198,856  
    Diluted 199,333     198,856  
               
    GREENBACKER RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (unaudited)
    (in thousands)
         
      Three months ended March 31,
      2025   2024
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities          
    Net loss $ (40,654 )   $ (34,353 )
    Adjustments to reconcile Net loss to Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:          
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion 18,707     23,100  
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net 12,665     6,328  
    Share-based compensation expense 3,469     4,806  
    Changes in fair value of contingent consideration     493  
    Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts 2,963     1,661  
    Amortization of interest rate swap contracts (1,693 )   4  
    Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net 21,741     (9,944 )
    Gain on interest rate swaps, net     (1,410 )
    Change in fair value of investments (990 )   566  
    Deferred income taxes (10,374 )   3,064  
    Interest expense on failed sale-leaseback financing and deferred ITC gain 4,519     4,269  
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits (10,188 )    
    Other 1,235     980  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
    Accounts receivable (930 )   (826 )
    Current and noncurrent derivative assets     51,269  
    Other current and noncurrent assets 1,085     2,988  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses (8,875 )   (8,227 )
    Operating lease liabilities (1,771 )   (714 )
    Other current and noncurrent liabilities (541 )   (243 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (9,632 )   43,811  
    Cash Flows from Investing Activities          
    Purchases of property, plant and equipment (28,564 )   (55,294 )
    Net deposits returned (paid) for property, plant and equipment (390 )   1,314  
    Other investing activities (70 )   (45 )
    Net cash used in investing activities (29,024 )   (54,025 )
    Cash Flows from Financing Activities          
    Shareholder distributions     (22,361 )
    Repurchases of common shares (341 )   (390 )
    Deferred shareholder servicing fees (739 )   (795 )
    Contributions from noncontrolling interests 2,132     1,005  
    Distributions to noncontrolling interests (5,071 )   (3,240 )
    Proceeds from borrowings 58,731     50,920  
    Payments on borrowings (40,054 )   (84,381 )
    Proceeds from failed sale-leaseback     111,453  
    Payments on failed sale-leaseback     (25,080 )
    Payments for loan origination costs (273 )   (1,257 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities 14,385     25,874  
    Net (decrease) increase in Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash (24,271 )   15,660  
    Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash at beginning of period 161,588     187,675  
    Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash at end of period  $ 137,317     $ 203,335  
               

    Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure as well as for internal planning purposes. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in providing a measure of core financial performance adjusted to allow for comparisons of results of operations across reporting periods on a consistent basis as it includes adjustments relating to items that are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the business.

    The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before: (i) interest expense; (ii) income taxes; (iii) depreciation expense; (iv) amortization expense (including contract amortization); (v) accretion; (vi) impairment of long-lived assets; (vii) amounts attributable to our redeemable and non-redeemable noncontrolling interests; (viii) unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments; (ix) gains and losses for asset dispositions; (x) other income (loss); and (xi) foreign currency gain (loss). Additionally, the Company further adjusts for the following items described below:

    • Share-based compensation is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA as it is different from other forms of compensation as it is a non-cash expense and is highly variable. For example, a cash salary generally has a fixed and unvarying cash cost. In contrast, the expense associated with an equity-based award is generally unrelated to the amount of cash ultimately received by the employee, and the cost to the Company is based on a share-based compensation valuation methodology and underlying assumptions that may vary over time;
    • The change in fair value of contingent consideration, which is related to the Acquisition, is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, if any such change occurs during the period. The non-cash, mark-to-market adjustments are based on the expected achievement of revenue targets that are difficult to forecast and can be variable, making comparisons across historical and future quarters difficult to evaluate;
    • Start-up costs associated with new investment strategies is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. The Company evaluates new investment strategies on a regular basis and excludes start-up cost from Adjusted EBITDA until such time as a new strategy is determined to form part of the Company’s core investment management business.
    • Placement fees, including internal sales commissions, related to fundraising efforts based on the capital raised, are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. By excluding these fundraising-related fees from Adjusted EBITDA, we focus on core operational performance, separate from capital raising efforts, which might vary significantly from period to period.
    • Other costs that are not consistently occurring, not reflective of expected future operating expense and provide no insight into the fundamentals of current or past operations of our business are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. This includes costs such as professional services and legal fees, and other non-recurring costs unrelated to the ongoing operations of the Company.

    Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure used by management that is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Additionally, our calculations of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    FFO

    FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure to analyze net earnings from operations without the effects of certain non-recurring items that are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the business.

    FFO is calculated using Adjusted EBITDA less the impact of interest expense (excluding the non-cash component) and distributions to Tax Equity Investors under the financing facilities associated with our IPP segment. The Company excludes these distributions as these are not recorded within Adjusted EBITDA and is therefore not a component of our earnings from operations.

    The Company believes that the analysis and presentation of FFO will enhance our investors’ understanding of the ongoing performance of our operating business. The Company considers FFO, in addition to other GAAP and non-GAAP measures, in assessing operating performance and as a proxy for growth in distribution coverage over the long-term.

    Adjusted EBITDA and FFO should not be considered in isolation from or as a superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    The following table reconciles Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC to Adjusted EBITDA and FFO:

         
      Three months ended
    March 31,
    (in thousands) 2025   2024
    Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC $ (15,586 )   $ (8,479 )
    Add back or deduct the following:          
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests (25,068 )   (25,874 )
    Benefit (expense) from income taxes (10,374 )   3,064  
    Interest expense, net 36,566     4,250  
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion(1) 18,804     23,235  
    EBITDA $ 4,342     $ (3,804 )
    Share-based compensation expense 3,469     4,806  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     493  
    Change in fair value of investments, net (990 )   566  
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits (10,188 )    
    Other expense, net (148 )   (125 )
    Loss on asset disposition 13      
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net and project termination costs 13,665     6,328  
    Non-recurring professional services and legal fees 1,689     578  
    Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses(2) 2,596     393  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 14,448     $ 9,235  
    Cash portion of interest expense (9,408 )   (8,349 )
    Distributions to tax equity investors (3,811 )   (3,277 )
    FFO $ 1,229     $ (2,391 )
               
    (1) Includes contract amortization, net in the amount of $2.9 million and $(2.6) million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which are included in Contract amortization, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations; also includes certain other amortization costs included in Direct operating costs and General and administrative on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
               
    (2) Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses include start-up costs which primarily include salaries and personnel related expenses of incremental employees hired in advance to launch new investment strategy initiatives. Given the nature and scale of the related costs and activities, management does not view these as normal, recurring operating expenses, but rather as non-recurring investments to initially develop our new funds. Therefore, we believe it is useful and necessary for investors to understand our core operating performance in current and future periods by excluding the impact of these start-up costs as incurred. Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses also include placement fees, including internal sales commission.
               

    The following table reconciles total Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC:

         
      For the three months ended March 31,
    (in thousands) 2025   2024
    Segment Adjusted EBITDA:          
    IPP Adjusted EBITDA $ 22,515     $ 17,291  
    IM Adjusted EBITDA (689 )   (1,160 )
    Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA $ 21,826     $ 16,131  
               
    Reconciliation:          
    Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA $ 21,826     $ 16,131  
    Unallocated corporate expenses (7,378 )   (6,896 )
    Total Adjusted EBITDA $ 14,448     $ 9,235  
               
    Less:          
    Share-based compensation expense 3,469     4,806  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     493  
    Loss on asset disposition 13      
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net and project termination costs 13,665     6,328  
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion(1) 18,804     23,235  
    Non-recurring professional services and legal fees 1,689     578  
    Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses(2) 2,596     393  
    Operating loss $ (25,788 )   $ (26,598 )
               
    Interest expense, net (36,566 )   (4,250 )
    Change in fair value of investments, net 990     (566 )
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits 10,188      
    Other expense, net 148     125  
    Loss before income taxes $ (51,028 )   $ (31,289 )
               
    Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 10,374     (3,064 )
    Net loss $ (40,654 )   $ (34,353 )
               
    Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests (25,068 )   (25,874 )
    Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC $ (15,586 )   $ (8,479 )
               
    (1) Includes contract amortization, net in the amount of $2.9 million and $(2.6) million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which are included in Contract amortization, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations; also includes certain other amortization costs included in Direct operating costs and General and administrative on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
               
    (2) Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses include start-up costs which primarily include salaries and personnel related expenses of incremental employees hired in advance to launch new investment strategy initiatives. Given the nature and scale of the related costs and activities, management does not view these as normal, recurring operating expenses, but rather as non-recurring investments to initially develop our new funds. Therefore, we believe it is useful and necessary for investors to understand our core operating performance in current and future periods by excluding the impact of these start-up costs as incurred. Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses also include placement fees, including internal sales commission.
               

    About Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company
    Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly reporting, non-traded limited liability sustainable infrastructure company that both acquires and manages income-producing renewable energy and other energy-related businesses, including solar and wind farms, and provides investment management services to other renewable energy investment vehicles. We seek to acquire and operate high-quality projects that sell clean power under long-term contracts to high-creditworthy counterparties such as utilities, municipalities, and corporations. We are long-term owner-operators, who strive to be good stewards of the land and responsible members of the communities in which we operate. Greenbacker conducts its investment management business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. We believe our focus on power production and asset management creates value that we can then pass on to our shareholders—while facilitating the transition toward a clean energy future. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

    About Greenbacker Capital Management
    Greenbacker Capital Management LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser that provides advisory and oversight services related to project development, acquisition, and operations in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability industries. For more information, please visit www.greenbackercapital.com.

    Greenbacker media contact
    Chris Larson
    Media Communications
    646.569.9532
    c.larson@greenbackercapital.com

    _______________________________

    1 The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change. Data as of March 31, 2025. Total assets and megawatts statistics include those projects where we have contracted for the acquisition of the project pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (“MIPA”).
    2S&P 500 Suffers Worst Month Since 2022—Despite Monday Recovery, Forbes, March 2025.
    3 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure, as well as for internal planning purposes. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in providing a measure of core financial performance adjusted to allow for comparisons of results of operations across reporting periods on a consistent basis, as it includes adjustments relating to items that are not indicative on the ongoing operating performance of the business. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional discussion. Adjusted EBITDA is unaudited. See the Company’s 10-Q filed with the SEC for additional financial information and important related disclosures.
    4 Data as of March 31, 2025. Total assets and megawatts statistics include those projects where we have contracted for the acquisition of the project pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (“MIPA”). The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change
    5 Does not include power generated from biomass facility during first quarter of 2024, and also does not include assets in which the Company holds a preferred equity position
    6 Based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s estimate that the average annual amount of electricity used by a U.S. residential electric-utility customer is 10,791 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
    7 Includes both operating and pre-operating clean energy projects within the GREC portfolio.
    8 Since January 2016.
    9 Data is as of March 31, 2025. When compared with a similar amount of power generation from fossil fuels. Carbon abatement is calculated using the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator which uses the Avoided Emissions and generation Tool (AVERT) US national weighted average CO2 marginal emission rate to convert reductions of kilowatt-hours into avoided units of carbon dioxide emissions.
    10 Data is as of March 31, 2025. Water saved by Greenbacker’s clean energy projects is compared to the amount of water needed to produce the same amount of power by burning coal. Gallons of water saved are calculated based on Operational water consumption and withdrawal factors for electricity generating technologies: a review of existing literature – IOPscience, J Macknick et al 2012 Environ. Res. Lett. 7 045802.
    11 Data is as of March 31, 2025. Green jobs calculated using The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) State Clean Energy Employment Projection Support, nrel.gov.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launches Second Year of Anti-Scam Month Campaign to Fight Growing Cyber Fraud

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has officially launched the second year of its Anti-Scam Month, a global initiative run to spread crypto security awareness. In a world where scams have become as sophisticated as the technologies meant to prevent them, Bitget is taking a cultural stand: security is no longer just a backend function; it’s a mindset shared between platforms and people.

    Blockchain and Web3 have evolved rapidly, but so have the threats. From phishing links disguised as giveaways to malicious smart contracts concealed behind social media hype, scams have become increasingly creative and less detectable. In 2024 alone, cryptocurrency-related scams resulted in losses exceeding $9.9 billion, representing a 24% annual growth since 2020, according to reports.

    Despite Bitcoin reaching new all-time highs and crypto adoption accelerating, the darker corners of the space remain dangerous for the unprepared. This surge of crypto scams, fueled by AI-generated deception and advanced social engineering tactics, shows the urgent need for heightened security awareness and more proactive defenses across the crypto ecosystem.

    Since 2024, Bitget has marked every June as Anti-Scam Month to raise security awareness and protect users’ digital assets and personal data. Throughout this June, Bitget is flipping the script, from fear to empowerment. Under the theme Smarter Eyes, Stronger Shields, Bitget’s Anti-Scam Month campaign combines gamified education, community storytelling, and high-engagement content to cultivate a culture of vigilance. The campaign features the launch of the Bitget Anti-Scam Hub, a dedicated microsite that houses interactive resources, the “PFP Smarter Glasses” social media movement, a multi-part Security Blog Series, and the “Smarter Eyes Challenge” mini game.

    But this isn’t a solo mission. Bitget has teamed up with a growing network of security experts to amplify the message and build a safer blockchain future. Key collaborators in this initiative include top-tier security firms such as GoPlus, SlowMist, OneKey, BlockSec, and Security Alliance—leaders in identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing on-chain threats, and building protective infrastructure.

    In parallel, the campaign is supported by strategic collaborations with other prominent Web3 players such as Bitget Wallet, Morph, and Tapswap. These platforms represent the wider ecosystem’s commitment to a safer Web3, ensuring that users across wallets, apps, and social experiences are empowered with knowledge and protected by design.

    But this isn’t just about tools—it’s about trust. “Scams may adapt, but so will we,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “We’re building for a Web3 future where security isn’t something users hope for—it’s something they’re part of. Anti-Scam Month aligns with our belief that protecting users isn’t just a technical mandate, it’s a shared mission.”

    In addition to user-focused engagement, Bitget will publish its 2025 Anti-Scam Report with partners, cybersecurity firm Slowmist, and compliance intelligence platform Elliptic, providing a data-driven examination of the evolving fraud landscape, common attack vectors, and how Bitget’s internal systems are being upgraded to address these threats effectively.

    Anti-Scam Month signifies Bitget’s long-term commitment: safety is foundational to the future of cryptocurrency. And in the “dark forest” of Web3, awareness may be the strongest armor we have. The industry is growing, and it’s time our approach to security did too.

    During its inaugural Anti-Scam campaign in 2024, Bitget released a report on how Deepfakes may account for 70% of crypto crimes in two years, in addition to running social campaigns in Vietnam to warn about crypto scams and risks. This year, as the cryptospace hits a new benchmark for scams and adoption at the same time, Bitget pledges to work with the global community and renowned security institutions to spread awareness and education.

    To join the campaign, visit the Bitget Anti-Scam Hub here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.
    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f58f1d39-3bd0-4000-9f97-c9f4f277a78a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Europe’s industrial and mobile heritage – E-001309/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The CO2 emission performance standards regulation only concerns new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles . Heritage vehicles are therefore not affected by this regulation.

    The European Climate Law[1] concerns the overall EU greenhouse gas emissions. Since mobile heritage only represent an extremely small part of the existing stock, the economy-wide emissions reduction objectives are unlikely to affect those.

    The Commission is committed to provide support to European industries, which are currently faced with high energy costs and fierce global competition.

    The Clean Industrial Deal Communication[2] outlines concrete actions to turn decarbonisation into a driver of competitiveness.  Specifically for the European automotive sector, the Commission has recently adopted an industrial plan[3], aimed to tackle the challenges caused by rapid technological changes and increasing competition.

    The automotive industry is a core engine of European prosperity and an essential part of Europe’s identity. The EU is committed to safeguarding and enhancing Europe’s industrial and mobile heritage through a number of policies and programmes.

    • [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1119/oj.
    • [2] COM(2025)85 final.
    • [3] COM(2025)95 final.
    Last updated: 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Energy taxation rules – E-001180/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The green taxation reform is a key element of Cyprus’ recovery and resilience plan[1]. It aims to internalise environmental externalities, encouraging more efficient use of resources and incentivising the adoption of renewable energy.

    This is crucial in Cyprus where carbon prices and municipal waste recycling lag behind the rest of Europe, and water scarcity is a challenge.

    The green taxation reform includes a carbon tax, which constitutes a transition towards the Emissions Trading System applicable from 2027 to buildings and road transport, a levy on water and a charge on landfill waste, both of which will be incrementally increased.

    As regards the taxation of motor and heating fuels, and of electricity, in the recent Action Plan for Affordable Energy and Clean Industrial Deal[2], the Commission has reiterated its call on Member States to complete the revision[3] of the current Energy Taxation Directive.

    This is a recognition of the crucial role that the revision can play in promoting affordable energy and clean industry. As communicated in the action plan for Affordable Energy, the Commission will issue a recommendation to Member States by the end of 2025.

    This will be taken forward in line with the present Directive[4], which allows decreasing taxes for electricity consumed by households and energy intensive industries.

    In addition to structural and cohesion funds, the Social Climate Fund aims to support a fair transition towards climate neutrality. It will provide Member States with dedicated funding so that the most affected vulnerable groups can be directly supported.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/cyprus-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.
    • [2] COM(2025) 79 final and COM(2025) 85 final of 26.02.2025.
    • [3] COM(2021) 563 final of 14.07.2021.
    • [4] Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003.
    Last updated: 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: From Cities to Heartlands: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Sparks Innovation in Bihar and Jharkhand

    Source: Samsung

     
    As Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Season 4 sweeps across the nation, its message is clear – innovation is not confined to metro cities; it belongs to every young dreamer with a problem to solve. After energizing campuses in the North, South, and North-East, the programme has now reached the states of Bihar and Jharkhand, drawing hundreds of students into the fold of purposeful innovation.
     
    At the heart of this new chapter were three prestigious institutions in Ranchi Gossner College, St. Xavier’s College, and Marwari College where design thinking open houses transformed classrooms into idea labs. Meanwhile, students from IIT Patna joined virtually, proving that geography is no barrier when it comes to shaping India’s future.
     
    For Suraj, a student from Marwari College, the workshop was an eye-opener. “It was the first time I saw how structured thinking could turn the problems around me into actual projects. I’ve always been aware of local issues — lack of sanitation, waste management — but now I feel equipped to do something about them,” he said, his notebook filled with early sketches of a waste-segregation solution designed for small towns.
     
    At Gossner College, the energy was electric as students engaged in empathy mapping and rapid prototyping. Neha, who is pursuing her graduation, couldn’t stop smiling as she shared her idea to build a low-cost, solar-powered attendance system for rural schools. “This workshop showed me how ideas can grow when you collaborate and think beyond the obvious,” she said. “It gave me the courage to believe my solution can work — not just in Ranchi but in every village with a chalkboard.”
     
    Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a nationwide contest designed to inspire students to create innovative solutions to address some of society’s most pressing challenges by leveraging technology.
     
    Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ will provide INR 1 crore to the top four winning teams to support the incubation of their projects, along with hands-on prototyping, investor connects, and expert mentorship from Samsung leaders and IIT Delhi faculty.
     
    Prashant, who joined the online session from IIT Patna, was deeply moved by the larger purpose behind Solve for Tomorrow. “It’s not just about tech or startups. It’s about building the India we want to live in. I want to create a platform that helps farmers access real-time data about soil health and crop cycles — something my own family has struggled with,” he shared.
     
    In every city Solve for Tomorrow has touched, it has brought with it not just tools and techniques, but also belief. In St. Xavier’s College, Adnan, a computer science undergraduate, found his mission. “There’s so much talk about AI and automation — but very little about using it for people at the margins. I’m working on a chatbot that can assist elderly people in accessing government healthcare schemes. This programme made me realise that innovation is not just a Silicon Valley word. It belongs to us too.”
     
    A Movement for Nation Building
     
    Since its launch on April 29, Solve for Tomorrow has rapidly grown from a competition to a nation-building movement. With students from metros, towns, and heartland cities like Ranchi and Patna now thinking critically, ideating boldly, and designing empathetically, the next generation of changemakers is rising — from every corner of the country.
     
    Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is not just nurturing ideas — it’s nurturing a mindset. A belief that young Indians, no matter where they come from, have what it takes to solve for India and the world.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Magic Forest, the “Sunny Circle” and Krylov’s Fables: How Creativity Helps People with Mental Disabilities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A young man in a tailcoat and shirt front sits at a table with a goose feather in his hand and watches the Dragonfly flutter across a forest clearing, and the Fox coaxes a piece of cheese from the Crow: this is what the production of Ivan Krylov’s fables looks like at the Special Theatre. All the actors are people with mental disabilities, wards of the daytime employment resource centre “House under the Sun” in Yasenevo. The project was created by the charitable foundation for the promotion of social and cultural initiatives and guardianship “Lifestyle”, helps them develop their thinking, memory and speech, adapt to society, feel busy with something important, write a story about their own life. In 2024, the project of the Special Theatre Foundation won the competition “Moscow is a kind city”, and its authors received financial assistance for its implementation.

    mos.ru correspondents visited the Special Theatre and found out how children learn to transform into fairy tale characters, what talents they display and what they dream about.

    All in leading roles

    The Special Theatre operates in the House Under the Sun resource centre located on Golubinskaya Street (31, building 1), next to the Bitsevsky Forest natural and historical park. The Lifestyle Charity Foundation received this two-storey building free of charge from the Moscow Government, having won a competition for premises in 2020.

    Inside the “House in the Sun” we see painted houses on a bright green forest background, wicker balls similar to nests are hung from the ceiling. There are flowers in pots everywhere, stands with drawings of the wards, shelves with toys. And in one of the rooms, a wall is occupied by a felt glade-carpet “Magic Forest”: you can attach multi-colored oaks, frogs, swallows, squirrels on Velcro to it, creating your own universe. At the same time, visitors to the center try to remember the names of animals and plants.

    In the hall there is a motivational sign “Rules of the House in the Sun”: “Make each other happy. Believe in yourself. Always move forward. Do what you love.” Here all this works out.

    When we came to the Special Theatre, the guys were preparing for a performance based on Ivan Krylov’s fables. 30-year-old Igor Kotelnikov plays a fabulist. According to the plot, he has to observe his characters and then read a moral, for example: “How many times have we told the world that flattery is vile, harmful, but it’s all to no avail…” Despite his mental peculiarities, the young man was able to learn the text by heart.

    “This is not my first production. I used to play the bear in “Teremok”, the king in “The Bremen Town Musicians”, and the cat Basilio in “Buratino”. I also write a column called “Igor’s Chronicles” in our wall newspaper. I tell you what I have achieved here, how I help my mother clean the house, and how I take care of my family. In general, I can do a lot. I graduated from college, learned how to make notebooks, and won prizes in various nominations of the Abilympics competition,” admits Igor Kotelnikov, an actor at the Special Theatre and a protégé of “House Under the Sun”.

    Another young man, 29-year-old Ivan Pronin, has also achieved success. It is difficult for him to speak, but in the role of the host he recites from memory a philosophical text written by the teachers of the House under the Sun: “Each of us chooses which road to walk or drive, what good deeds to do.” These words have meaning: they concern, first of all, the guys from the House under the Sun. Any of them can choose a role in the Special Theater depending on their abilities and interests.

    Thus, 18-year-old Sergey Rogov is interested in zoology and takes excellent photographs of nature, but he has difficulty speaking and avoids people. In the play, he is a silent and serious Ant: he collects plastic fruits in a basket, drags a beanbag along the floor, where, according to the script, provisions for the winter are stored. And his peer Alisa Popova is fluent in written Russian and writes fairy tales, but has difficulty communicating – she is close to the roles of the Crow, Dragonfly and Cuckoo. To play such characters, the girl does not need to pronounce many words. For example, in a dialogue with the Rooster, she says only: “I am ready to listen to you, my godfather, forever.” And Ilya Shragin cannot speak, but he also found a role: he portrays a tree in an excerpt from the fable “The Pig Under the Oak.”

    “The theatrical project allows the wards to feel confident, needed, overcome shyness, learn the text as much as possible. They are very nervous before each performance and are happy when they are applauded,” says Inga Zhgenti, deputy director of the charitable foundation “Lifestyle”.

    Children from the special family centers “Rose of the Winds” and “Sem-Ya” came to the show. They laugh and clap their hands, watching the heroes of Ivan Krylov’s fables replace each other on stage. After the show, which lasts only 20 minutes, so as not to tire the actors and spectators, the guests are invited to a disco, and the little ones, together with the adults, happy and satisfied, dance.

    “We recently went on an excursion to the educational center of the Moscow Art Theater School. On the way back, the guys asked: when will their plays be shown on the big stage? Of course, we cannot promise them this, but we plan to hold such meetings regularly. In addition, we will continue to invite guests to us. We want to show the world that people with mental disabilities are just a little different. They are cheerful and sincere. It is easy with them,” says Olga Stukalova, head of the Dom pod Solntsem center and deputy director for educational programs at the Obraz Zhizni charity foundation.

    Creativity and play as ways to understand the world

    Currently, 55 Muscovites from their teens to 40s are studying at the House Under the Sun. About 20 people come here every day. In addition to rehearsals and performances, the center’s guests learn to draw, make felt dolls, dance, sing, and cook simple dishes at the Special Theater. This is how they develop fine motor skills, learn new words, and learn to take care of themselves.

    “Creativity helps people with mental disabilities to open up and learn to communicate. Most of our wards have poor speech, some can only count to 10, not everyone is able to move around the city independently. But here they have a goal – creation, they feel like real artists, musicians, actors,” says Olga Stukalova.

    A lesson in the creative studio lasts 45 minutes. As Inga Zhgenti explains, to make it easier for participants to understand what lessons they have today, the staff makes a personal visual schedule for each person every day. These are cards with images of what they have to do today (for example, a treble clef and the word “Music”), which are placed under the students’ photos on the board. After the lesson, each participant puts the card in a basket.

    We enter the music classroom. There are green and yellow paper ribbons with red carnations hanging from the ceiling: they set a positive mood. The students at their desks try to answer the teacher’s questions: “What kind of instrument is this? That’s right: spoons! And this? A tambourine! Well done!” Then everyone sings the songs “Sunny Circle, Sky Around” and “Let’s Go to the Garden to Pick Raspberries” in chorus.

    In another class, young people are making pictures out of plasticine; one makes a boat, another a peacock. Each person chooses the theme of the picture themselves. One young man is blind and has almost no memory or speech; he recognizes people by putting their hands to his face. However, he managed to make a pink screwdriver and a capybara out of plasticine.

    One of the favorite activities of the wards of “House under the Sun” is cooking. It is both creativity and acquisition of basic household skills.

    “I’ve been coming here since the center opened. I sculpt, draw, play music, and attend a book club. I love cooking. I’ve already baked a pie, made scrambled eggs, shawarma, salad, pizza, and pancakes in an electric pancake maker,” Ivan Pronin shares.

    According to Inga Zhgenti, the most effective way to teach people with mental disabilities is through play. At the same time, teachers make it clear that they value and respect their students and are happy to communicate with them. “Our main rule is let’s be friends,” the mos.ru interlocutor clarifies.

    You can support “Lifestyle” and other Moscow non-profit organizations (NPOs) with the help of charity service on mos.ru. In category “For people with disabilities” 13 verified NPOs are presented that help children and adults with special needs, including mental disabilities. To make a donation, simply select a program of assistance and indicate the amount of the transfer. You can support one organization, several, or all programs in a category at once: in this case, the amount will be equally distributed between the NPOs of the selected section.

    Quickly find out the main news of the capital inofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Bright life: how a capital NGO helps people with Down syndromeSign language interpreters, Braille and special transport: how VDNKh takes care of guests with disabilitiesDiagnostics of special children in Moscow is now fully available online

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154701073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Trump administration appeals to Supreme Court over mass layoffs of federal employees

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 3 (Xinhua) — The Trump administration on Monday filed an appeal with the Supreme Court seeking to overturn a federal court’s ban on massive staff cuts and reorganization of federal agencies.

    On appeal, U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer argues that “control over federal agency personnel is fundamental” to the president’s powers, and “the Constitution does not create a presumption against presidential control over agency personnel, and the president does not require specific congressional authorization to exercise” his core constitutional powers.

    On May 30, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected the Trump administration’s appeal, upholding a temporary injunction issued earlier by Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The judge’s order prevents federal agencies and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from making sweeping cuts and reorganizations.

    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the massive layoffs and reorganizations would cause serious harm to many areas, including the nation’s food safety system and veterans’ health care, and should therefore be stayed pending litigation.

    On May 9, S. Illston issued a two-week injunction requiring federal agencies to cease enforcing the executive order signed by President Donald Trump in February and a subsequent memorandum issued by OMB. The court ordered agencies to cancel all notices of termination issued pursuant to the order, reinstate employees placed on administrative leave, and compensate them appropriately.

    In her ruling, S. Illston said that D. Trump must get congressional approval to reform federal agencies, which in turn cannot carry out massive reorganizations or layoffs without congressional permission.

    On May 22, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ordered the ban extended indefinitely. The next day, the Justice Department appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 1 June 2025 Donors making a difference: tobacco control

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing over 8 million people a year globally.

    In February 2025, WHO marked the 20th anniversary of its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), providing a legal framework and comprehensive package of tobacco control measures. The WHO FCTC now has 182 Parties covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

    In 2007, WHO introduced a practical, cost-effective initiative to scale up implementation to reduce tobacco use called MPOWER. Today, 5.6 billion people are covered by an MPOWER measure which includes: monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; protect people from tobacco use; offer help to quit tobacco use; warn about the dangers of tobacco; enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and raise taxes on tobacco.

    MPOWER has helped to reduce global deaths from tobacco use and created a global partnership on tobacco control focused on supporting the highest burden countries in the world, with WHO recognized as a global leader.

    Thanks to commitment and powerful action in countries, and with support from key donors, tobacco use is declining across all WHO regions. Here are some stories from across the WHO regions demonstrating the impact of WHO’s work in this area.

    Tobacco free farms in Kenya and Zambia

    Tobacco free farmer from Migori County, Kenya. Photo by: WHO

    A record 349 million people are facing acute food insecurity globally. Food insecurity is further exasperated by tobacco production. Tobacco is grown in over 124 countries, taking up 3.2 million hectares of fertile land that could be used to grow food. Tobacco farmers often lack the confidence to shift away from tobacco due to market variability for alternative crops.

    WHO, in collaboration with partners, launched the Tobacco-Free Farms initiative in 2021 in Kenya and 2023 in Zambia.

    The initiative has supported over 8 600 farmers in Kenya and over 500 farmers in Zambia.

    The initiative seeks to move smallholder farmers away from tobacco growth and into nutritious food crops, by creating an ecosystem which could improve household food security and income generation. It may simultaneously add value to farmers’ land through rehabilitation of climate smart and other good agricultural practices.

    Read more about the initiative

    First ever WHO treaty marks 20 years of saving millions of lives worldwide

    Since the entry into force of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and the MPOWER technical package that supports it, global tobacco use prevalence has dropped by one-third. The WHO FCTC has helped to save millions of lives through strengthened tobacco control measures around the world.

    Up to 5.6 billion people are now covered by at least one tobacco control policy and studies have shown a decline in global smoking rates. 138 countries require large pictorial health warnings on cigarettes packages because of the Convention and dozens more countries have implemented plain packaging rules on cigarette packages. Both measures serve as powerful tools to reduce tobacco consumption and warn users about the dangers of tobacco use.

    Over a quarter of the world’s population is now covered by smoke free policies which require bans in indoor and workspaces, saving millions of lives from the dangers of the second-hand smoke.

    More than 66 countries have implemented bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship which include bans on tobacco advertising in the media and sponsorship deals.

    Read the story

    Uganda’s anti-tobacco initiative yields results

    In 2022, WHO trained 157 law enforcement officers and 15 national trainers from five districts in Uganda to raise awareness and help enforce the smoking ban in public places. Photo by: WHO

    In 2007, Uganda signed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a legally binding treaty that requires countries to implement evidence-based measures to reduce tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. In 2015, the country passed its Tobacco Control Act, which regulates tobacco products and their use, including in public places.

    These dual interventions have delivered notable results. Between 2014 to 2022, Uganda saw a 51% drop in the prevalence of tobacco use.

    WHO played a key role in supporting the Ugandan government’s efforts, building the capacity of tobacco control focal people in government entities since 2015.

    Read the story

    Legal measures drive down rates of tobacco use in Mauritania

    “Quitting smoking is the best decision I’ve ever made for my health and I’m very proud of it,” says Ifrah. “Giving up smoking is difficult, but not impossible. With willpower and determination, it can be done.” Photo by: WHO

    In 2018, Mauritania introduced legislation in line with WHO recommendations stipulating that all tobacco products on sale in Mauritania must carry a health warning covering at least 70% of the surface area of both sides of the packaging.

    These legal steps to introduce graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging are changing the status quo. The 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows that between 2012 and 2021, tobacco use in Mauritania has declined by 8%, from 18% to 10%. Nearly 25% of smokers in Mauritania first noticed health warnings on cigarette packages, while 14% of smokers thought about quitting because of warning labels.

    With WHO support, Mauritania’s Health Ministry has provided tobacco control training to 15 regional governors. Mauritania is also implementing awareness campaigns around the dangers of tobacco consumption, a ban on smoking in public places, and the introduction of tobacco taxes.

    Read the story

    Pan American Health Organization hosts regional workshop to implement effective tobacco tax policies

    Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in Latin America, contributing to high rates of non-communicable diseases. Despite clear evidence that tobacco taxation is one of the most effective public health interventions to reduce consumption, its use is still limited in many Latin American countries.

    PAHO/WHO, with partners brought together policymakers from 15 countries to participate in the 3-day workshop, “Advancing Tobacco Taxes in Latin America”.

    The meeting focused on addressing the ongoing public health and economic challenges posed by tobacco consumption in Latin American countries, emphasizing the potential of tobacco taxes as a cost-effective tool to reduce the burden of tobacco use. Participants included delegates from ministries of health and finance from Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

    Read the story

    Ministry of Health and WHO release Global Adult Tobacco Survey Indonesia Report

    The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Indonesia Report 2021 presents detailed information on tobacco use and key tobacco control indicators, using globally standardized protocols and methodologies. The report found that 34.5% of adults – 70.2 million people – used tobacco. Use of electronic cigarettes increased by 10 times in the last 10 years, from 0.3% in 2011 – when the last GATS was conducted – to 3% in 2021.

    Across Indonesia, WHO continues to advocate for implementation of strong tobacco control measures. This includes increased taxation of tobacco products, expansion of subnational bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and stronger, more effective implementation and enforcement of smoke-free policies.

    WHO encourages policy makers and public health researchers in Indonesia and globally to access and utilize the GATS Indonesia Report 2021, to better control tobacco and achieve a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

    Read the story

    World No Tobacco Day 2024 in Thailand: protecting children from tobacco industry interference

    Every year on 31 May, World No Tobacco Day highlights the dangers of tobacco use, exposes harmful business practices of tobacco companies, and empowers individuals to claim their right to health and protect future generations.

    In Thailand, a troubling trend is rising among the youth: the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping, driven by aggressive marketing and appealing designs. A sharp rise in e-cigarette use was observed amongst Thai school-aged children (13–15 years), with prevalence increasing from 3.35% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2022, despite the sale of e-cigarettes being banned in Thailand. Children and young people are aggressively targeted through marketing that relies heavily on social media and influencers.

    The campaign exposed the tobacco industry’s deceptive practices and the real dangers of e-cigarettes, aiming to empower Thai youth to resist the lure of smoking and vaping. WHO urged all stakeholders – readers, parents, educators, policymakers – to unite in this fight, support anti-smoking campaigns, advocate for strict regulations, and educate communities to protect youth and secure a smoke-free future.

    Read the story

    Towards a tobacco-free Jordan: launch of national strategy to combat tobacco and smoking

    Minister of Health in Jordan delivering speech at the National Strategy to combat tobacco and smoking in all its forms launch. Photo by: WHO

    Jordan’s Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, officially launched the National Strategy to Combat Tobacco and Smoking in All Its Forms 2024–2030 and an accompanying action plan for 2024–2026. The landmark launch event was held on 6 June 2024 under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister of Jordan Dr Bisher Khasawneh.

    A startling 66.1% of males in Jordan are smokers, according to the 2019 Jordan National Stepwise Survey. A further 15.9% of males use electronic cigarettes. According to the WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2030, published in 2023, Jordan is one of just 6 countries globally where tobacco use is still growing.

    The Ministry of Health developed the strategy in collaboration with the WHO Country Office in Jordan and incorporated contributions from various ministries, nongovernmental organizations and international experts. This approach has ensured that the strategy is a comprehensive, evidence-based road map tailored to the Jordanian context.

    Read the story

    WHO Director-General congratulates the Philippines on its progress in tobacco control, 10 years since the signing of the Sin Tax Reform Law

    In January 2023 in Manila, legislators of the Philippine Government, members of the Action for Economic Reforms and the Sin Tax Coalition, and representatives from WHO, development partners and civil society organisations marked the 10th anniversary of the passage of Republic Act 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Law.

    WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the Philippines on putting this tax reform and other measures in place for tobacco control. As a result of the many measures taken, tobacco use has dropped from 30% in 2009 to 20% in 2021.

    “The taxes are having a clear impact. More smokers are trying to quit because of the high price of cigarettes. The Philippines is a great example for other countries of how raising tobacco taxes can save lives, reduce health costs, and raise revenues”, said Dr Tedros.

    Read the story

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Heritage New Zealand – New education resource on Ōtūmoetai Pā released

    Source: Heritage New Zealand
    A new multi-media education resource highlighting the unique heritage features of Tauranga’s Ōtūmoetai Pā has been launched and is now available to check out.
    The learning module can be found on the LEARNZ website (see link below) and features video interviews and a wealth of historical and other information that will be useful for students and those who have an interest in the history of Ōtūmoetai Pā and its surrounding area. It also covers the role of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga with archaeology.
    The series of videos include interviews with kaumatua Koro Des Tata (Ngāi Tamarāwaho), kaitiaki Barry Ngatoko (Ngāi Tamarāwaho) and Dean Flavell, the Pouarahi for the Tauranga Heritage Collection. Together they look after an important archaeological collection including taonga from excavations at Ōtūmoetai and the wider Tauranga Moana district until the new museum is built.
    Tauranga-based archaeologist Ken Phillips is also interviewed along with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga staff based in Tauranga, including archaeologists Dr Rachel Darmody (Ngāi Tahu) and Eleanor Sturrock; and Pouarahi Te Haana Jacob (Te Arawa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui).
    “This is a teaching resource that is perfect for the classroom as well as home research and learning,” says Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Director Regional Services Pam Bain, who coordinated the education initiative.
    “The content relates to different strands of the curriculum including Te Ao Tangata – Social Science; Pūtaio – Science; Ngā Toi – Arts; and Hangarau – Technology, to name a few. The stories are readily accessible and targeted to students, though people who may not have been in a classroom for many years should check out the link for sheer interest value. The material is fascinating.”
    Every year LEARNZ offers a variety of online field trips allowing students to connect with people and places around New Zealand and beyond. The online trips incorporate video, audio and written materials providing interactive experiences for students that aim to spark curiosity, activate prior knowledge and build learning.
    The LEARNZ online field trips have generated a huge amount of interest according to Clive Francis, LEARNZ Project Manager at Tātai Aho Rau Core Education.
    “It shows there is a real appetite for schools and kura to learn about Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories,” he says.
    “We are very grateful to the interviewees, the Ministry of Education and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga for their support to enable the field trip to happen.”
    Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga cares for 46 historic places around the country – many of which are open to the public and tell diverse stories. These range from New Zealand’s oldest building, Kemp House in Kerikeri to Totara Estate near Ōamaru, the farm that sent the first shipment of frozen lamb to Britain in 1882 – and almost everything in between.
    “Ideally students are able to visit these places for themselves, though realistically not everyone can do that,” says Pam.
    “LEARNZ provides wonderful alternative learning epxeriences for students that are the next best thing to being there.”
    The most recent Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga field trip organised through LEARNZ reached about 12,000 students through 98 educators around the country – an amazing result that shows the power of online learning and the widespread interest in heritage.
    “Tapping into this technology can bring our history alive and straight into classrooms around New Zealand – and even the world,” she says.
    Check out the Ōtūmoetai Pā learning experience for yourself: https://www.learnz.org.nz/Otumoetai251

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greenhouse gas emissions statistics for 2023 now published03 June 2025 Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 48% between 1990 and 2023, but there was no reduction between 2022 and 2023. The latest dataset, which estimates emissions from a wide range of activities,… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    03 June 2025

    Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 48% between 1990 and 2023, but there was no reduction between 2022 and 2023. 

    The latest dataset, which estimates emissions from a wide range of activities, found Jersey emitted 357,626 tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2023. 

    Transport and heating buildings continue to be the biggest causes of Jersey’s emissions; with transport accounting for 43% of Jersey’s total emissions, and car fuel journeys specifically accounting for 26%. Heating and cooling homes and businesses account for almost 33% of Jersey’s total emissions. 

    The figures in the inventory are produced by independent organisation, Aether. The inventory provides estimates for historical emissions of greenhouse gases from 1990 until the most recent submission year, minus two. Therefore the 2025 inventory covers the period 1990 to 2023. 

    For more information and to see the full report, visit: Greenhouse gas emissions​.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and India hold high level dialogue in Delhi

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    UK and India hold high level dialogue in Delhi

    Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is in India.

    Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office with India’s Foreign Secretary, Shri Vikram Misri

    Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is in India to review progress across the UK and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He met India’s Foreign Secretary, Shri Vikram Misri, in New Delhi today [3 June] for the annual UK-India Foreign Office Consultations.

    They welcomed the significant breakthroughs achieved across the full breadth of the partnership since consultations in London last year, including the announcement of the historic trade deal. Economic growth is the number one mission of the UK Government. Both agreed to work towards implementing the shared vision of the two prime ministers for an ambitious partnership between the UK and India over the next decade.

    This year’s consultations included the inaugural Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue, aimed at building mutual understanding of systems and agreeing areas for future cooperation on key sectors such as technology and defence.

    Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO, said:

    I’m delighted to be in India to help advance one of the UK’s most vital partnerships in the world. In a more complex world, there is strong ambition from both governments to take this partnership to even greater heights. I’m looking forward to working with Foreign Secretary Misri to make that a reality.

    During the visit, Sir Oliver is also expected to meet a wide range of Indian government partners including on the G20 and home affairs.

    Further information:

    • Sir Oliver Robbins was appointed Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in January 2025. As PUS, he is Head of the UK’s Diplomatic Service and the most senior policy adviser to the Foreign Secretary. The PUS is responsible for the management of the FCDO in the UK and its embassies and high commissions around the world.

    • The UK and India agreed a landmark trade deal on 6 May, which will redefine the partnership for the next generation, strengthening trade links, supporting jobs, and delivering shared prosperity. The deal is expected to increase bilateral trade already worth £43 billion by another £25.5 billion.

    • The UK’s Plan for Change sets out milestones the UK Government aims to reach by the end of this Parliament.

    Media

    For media queries, please contact:

    Chloe Barry, Deputy Head of Communications,
    British High Commission, Chanakyapuri,
    New Delhi 110021. Tel: 24192100

    Media queries: BHCMediaDelhi@fcdo.gov.uk

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    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First schools install Great British Energy solar panels

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    First schools install Great British Energy solar panels

    First 11 schools across England have installed solar panels backed by Great British Energy, saving a total of £175,000 per year.

    • Schools across the country to install new Great British Energy solar panels thanks to government’s £180 million funding to cut bills for schools and hospitals
    • 11 schools have installed solar panels, saving £175,000 per year
    • Savings will be reinvested in schools as part of the government’s Plan for Change to fix public services – while providing clean power for pupils and teachers

    Pupils across the country will benefit from more money for textbooks and teachers, as the first schools are announced in Great British Energy’s rooftop solar rollout to cut energy bills.

    Schools are benefitting from funding for rooftop solar, with the first 11 schools estimated to save £175,000 per year after installing Great British Energy solar panels. The remaining schools set to benefit will be announced this summer, with all schools that are part of the scheme expected to have solar panels installed by the end of the year. 

    It follows the government’s announcement in March to award £180 million of funding for schools and hospitals to install rooftop solar, marking the first major project for Great British Energy – a company owned by the British people, for the British people.

    In England, around £80 million is supporting around 200 schools, alongside £100 million for nearly 200 NHS sites, covering a third of NHS trusts, to install rooftop solar panels that could power classrooms and operations, while giving them the potential to sell leftover energy back to the grid. 

    Great British Energy’s first investment could see millions invested back into frontline services, targeting deprived areas, with lifetime savings for schools and the NHS of up to £400 million over around 30 years.

    Schools and hospitals have been hit with rocketing energy bills in recent years, costing taxpayers millions of pounds, and eating into school budgets. This has been driven by the UK’s dependency on global fossil fuel markets over which government has no control. 

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

    Solar panels on school rooftops mean energy bills are cut and money can be invested directly into improving young people’s education while helping to tackle climate change for the next generation.

    Great British Energy is delivering rooftop solar as part of our Plan for Change that will support communities for generations to come, relieving pressures on our vital public services and ensuring investment is made in the future of our young people.

    Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said:

    Within 2 months we are seeing schools supported by our scheme having solar panels installed so they can start reaping the rewards of clean energy – opening up the opportunity for more money to be spent on our children rather than energy bills.

    By partnering with the public sector as we scale up the company, we will continue to make an immediate impact as we work to roll out clean, homegrown energy projects, crowd in investment and create job opportunities across the country.

    Education Minister Stephen Morgan said:

    Through our Plan for Change, this government is supporting schools to save schools thousands on their bills so they can reinvest money saved into ensuring every child gets the best start in life.

    The installation of solar panels will also help pupils to develop green skills, promoting careers in renewables and supporting growth in the clean energy workforce.

    Currently only about 20% of schools have solar panels installed, but the technology has huge potential to save money on bills.

    Estimates suggest that on average, a typical school could save up to £25,000 per year if they had solar panels with complementary technologies installed such as batteries. 

    The funding will support the government’s clean power mission as well as helping to rebuild the nation’s public services. It forms Great British Energy’s first local investment, kickstarting the Local Power Plan and ensuring the benefits of this national mission are felt at a local level, with energy security, good jobs and economic growth. 

    Notes to editors

    The list of hospitals benefitting was announced in March and installations will start to complete this summer.

    The support will target schools with buildings that are able to accommodate solar panels in areas of England most in need. As part of this, government is selecting the schools which will be primarily clustered in areas of deprivation in the North East, West Midlands and North West, as well as at least 10 schools in each region. Each cluster will include a further education college which will work with the contractors appointed to promote careers in renewables to support growth in the construction and renewables workforce. This could be through work placements, skills bootcamps and workshops.

    Backed by £8.3 billion over this Parliament, Great British Energy will own and invest in clean energy projects across the UK. This will range from supporting local energy, like the solar power schemes announced today, to the £300 million invested to support offshore wind supply chains – unlocking significant investment in major clean energy projects that will revitalise the UK’s industrial heartlands with new jobs, alongside securing Britain’s energy supply.

    11 schools to have installed Great British Energy solar panels

    School name Region KW peak (installed capacity) Yearly energy generation (kWh) Simple payback (years) Yearly school bill savings (£)
    Charles Warren Academy South East 20 15,000 8 £4,500
    Feversham Primary Academy Yorkshire and the Humber 53 46,270 5 £13,000
    Harris Academy Chafford Hundred East of England 256 214,300 6 £44,500
    Harris City Academy Crystal Palace London 149 117,250 5 £24,500
    Notre Dame RC School South West 166 150,280 5 £27,000
    Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe Yorkshire and the Humber 92 101,695 4 £22,500
    St Boniface’s RC College South West 86 84,620 7 £13,500
    St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Poole South West 37 39,880 5 £8,500
    St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Axminster South West 13 12,200 12 £2,000
    Westfield Primary Academy East of England 56 54,050 6 £12,000
    Whiteknights Primary School South East 18 16,170 8 £4,500
    Total   945 851,715   £176,000

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: WorkSafe needs more investment to keep workers safe, not a road cone hot line – PSA

    Source: PSA
    The Government’s latest plan for making workplaces safer won’t work when WorkSafe lacks the resources to be the tough regulator it needs to be.
    “We have an appalling safety record in this country, and this plan fails to invest more in WorkSafe so it can do a better job of ensuring workers come home safe and sound,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    WorkSafe has received no extra Budget funding from this government and almost one in five workers has been shown the door in recent years. Jobs axed include health specialists, advisors, researchers, evaluators and legal kaimahi who support WorkSafe inspectors and whose role is to educate businesses and protect workers from poor health and safety practices.
    “Nothing in this plan today adequately responds to our fatality record which is around double that of Australia.
    “Employers should be fearful about prosecution if they don’t keep worker safe and alive. But the Government is happy to take the pressure off businesses and water down the enforcement activities of WorkSafe.
    “It’s not good enough. WorkSafe is recruiting more inspectors, but not nearly enough. Australia has 11 inspectors for every 100,000 workers, while New Zealand has 6.5 and turnover remains high.
    “Guidance for businesses needs to be updated, so they know how to reduce harm in the workplace, but they can’t do it alone. Only a well resourced WorkSafe can do that working alongside business.
    “The hotline to report road cones, which are a safety tool for motorists and workers, is a red herring. It says everything we need to know about the Government’s priorities.
    “It’s not enough to end pay equity, now the Government is coming after our health and safety protections as well. It’s appalling.”
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Master Builders’ CE Ankit Sharma’s response to Minister Penk’s announcement

    Source: Master Builders – Chief Executive of Master Builders, Ankit Sharma

    Following the Minister’s announcement this morning about building and consent system productivity increases, Master Builders has issued the below statement in response.

    Master Builders welcomes new figures released by the Government today which show we are heading in the right direction when it comes to building consent reform.

    The data, shared by Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk, highlights early improvements in inspection timeframes and progress. We’ve been calling for change to the way consents and inspections are handled for years, and today’s update shows we are now on the right path.

    According to data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 92.7 percent of building consent applications and 96.8 percent of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe in the first quarter of 2025.That’s up from 88 percent and 93.6 percent respectively when reporting began last year. These numbers are an encouraging sign that Government’s focus on lifting performance is starting to make a difference on the ground.

    A recent survey of our members shows 71 percent had experienced delays with consenting that had impacted delivery. The current system is fragmented, with 67 different Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) interpreting the same building code in different ways. It is common for identical plans to be submitted to different BCAs and receive different outcomes. Delays of two or three weeks between inspections are common and that has knock-on effects for homeowners, subcontractors, and project planning. That’s why we’re so supportive of reforms that bring clarity, targets, and a risk-based approach.

    We anticipate that as the Government’s work to solidify inspection timeframes continues, we will continue to see these numbers move in the right direction. As always, we look forward to working alongside the Government as this much needed reform of the consenting system continues.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News