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  • MIL-OSI Global: After 100 years, The Great Gatsby still reminds us of the ability of literature to transform everyday life

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alice Kelly, Assistant Professor of Literature and History, University of Warwick

    Canva, CC BY

    Last November, I flew to New York to see a play: Gatz, an eight-hour reading of the entire text of The Great Gatsby by the experimental theatre ensemble the Elevator Repair Service.

    As a Fitzgerald enthusiast, I couldn’t miss it. My journey to the US felt like a gesture of such luxurious excess that it seems to belong in the book itself. But I was surprised to find that the production was only in part about the novel. It was simultaneously a commentary on the ability of literature to take us beyond our everyday lives – and the upcoming centenary of The Great Gatsby will be the same.

    With its fantastical, romantic subject matter, luxurious excess and its beloved language – not to mention the nostalgia many feel from studying it in school – The Great Gatsby reminds us of the ability of literature to transform everyday life.

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    Gatz opens with an office worker discovering his computer doesn’t work and idly beginning to read aloud a copy of the novel on his desk. As his coworkers enter the office, they gradually become the characters of Fitzgerald’s novel. A brawny security guard becomes Tom Buchanan, an androgynous postal worker turns into Jordan Baker. The ageing boss becomes Jay Gatsby himself.

    Gradually the first-person narration of the novel turns our unnamed office worker into the novel’s narrator, Nick Carraway. We remain in the harshly lit, dingy, unwelcoming office, which is transformed through inventive staging. The drunken party at Tom and Myrtle’s apartment is seen through office paper being thrown in the air and Gatsby pulls his shirts out of office filing cabinets.

    Towards the end of the play, Nick starts flipping through the pages of the novel, while still reciting the words – his, and our, immersion in the novel is complete.

    The trailer for Gatz.

    The joy of being read to

    I saw the play on the Friday of election week in the US. In that context, the final entrancing passage of the novel had the effect of a secular incantation in a troubled world.

    Carraway imagines the Dutch sailors (or colonisers) who first set sight on the Americas and how “for a transitory enchanted moment man must have held his breath in the presence of this continent […] face to face for the last time in history with something commensurate to his capacity for wonder”.

    The play is a reminder of the joy of communal reading, an activity lost in our private silos of individualised content. Can the other characters hear Nick as he reads the novel aloud? It is unclear.

    Adults love being read aloud to as much as children, as the increasing popularity of audiobooks demonstrates.

    Reviewers of the original London production of Gatz in 2012 picked up on this, saying “a usually private activity, reading, has been turned into a collective one and it is intensely, surprisingly moving”.

    Or are we meant to think that as the office worker becomes increasingly immersed in the book, the reality around him gradually disappears – as happens when we become lost in the pages of a book?

    Actor Jeff Goldblum describes his enjoyment of reading The Great Gatsby aloud.

    The clock on stage in the office doesn’t change time throughout the play, suggesting that we are outside of time when we read. Some reviewers argued that the play is about the private experience of reading: “What goes on in your head is, in a way, the real subject of Gatz, which is not, strictly speaking, a staged reading of The Great Gatsby … It’s more a dramatisation of the act of reading itself – of what happens when you immerse yourself in a book.”

    Gatsby is a good choice for a play about the transformative role that reading and literature can play in life. It’s a representative text for what literature can do and achieve.

    Gatsby wasn’t always great

    Largely ignored on first publication, the novel didn’t achieve critical or commercial success until being sent by the Council on Books in Wartime to American soldiers serving overseas during the second world war, after Fitzgerald’s death.

    F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1929.
    Wiki Commons

    Fitzgerald himself was torn between knowing he had written a masterpiece to doubting the success of the book. “Gatsby was far from perfect in many ways but all in all it contains such prose as has never been written in America before,” he wrote in a letter to a friend in May 1925. In autumn that year, he wrote to another friend about the novel’s cold reception: “At first, you know, I thought Gatsby must be a terrible failure.”

    The novel now is arguably over-canonised – frequently set on British and American school syllabus, regularly hailed as the “greatest” American novel, with the idolisation of the text at the expense of Fitzgerald’s other work. Don’t get me wrong: I love the book, but I’m not sure even Fitzgerald himself held it in such high esteem as his dedicated readers do.

    As the novel reaches its centenary this month – preceded by its passing out of copyright and into the public domain – the Gatsby industry has gone into overdrive. The enduring fascination with this story has already been seen in numerous film adaptations (the first, now lost, was released in 1926, a year after the novel was published). These have been complemented by biographies of the novel, graphic adaptations, a thriving tourist industry (The Great Gatsby Boat Tour, anyone?) and two new musicals.

    The endless controversies over the novel continue. Who was the inspiration for Gatsby? Is Gatsby black? Is Gatsby’s love for Daisy romantic or delusional? Was Fitzgerald inspired by Great Neck and the contours of the north shore of Long Island for the geography of the novel? Or, in fact, his earlier home in Connecticut, as a recent documentary claims?

    Gatsby has become more than just a novel, but instead a site for what literature can mean, and its endless capacity for interpretation and reinterpretation.

    At the end of Gatz, there’s no return to the office setting of the play’s opening, no final framing narrative, just the lights going down after those final hypnotic words of the novel. Is this ending pure escapism – knowing the audience will shortly leave the space of the theatre and return to their everyday lives? Or does literature ultimately take us out of our mundane, harshly lit everyday existence, into other realms? If any novel can transport us, it’s The Great Gatsby.

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

    – ref. After 100 years, The Great Gatsby still reminds us of the ability of literature to transform everyday life – https://theconversation.com/after-100-years-the-great-gatsby-still-reminds-us-of-the-ability-of-literature-to-transform-everyday-life-253664

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Sudan: Stories of violence and forced displacement from South Kordofan

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    “The morning of the attack I was at home and my mother was sick. We ran to escape with my children. I carried my mother on a donkey cart as she could not walk,” says a displaced woman living in Sudan’s Nuba mountains. “When we were near the mountains, we stopped to bury her. My two brothers were shot and killed during the escape.”

    A displaced woman living in Sudan’s Nuba mountains The morning of the attack I was at home and my mother was sick. We ran to escape with my children. I carried my mother on a donkey cart as she could not walk. When we were near the mountains, we stopped to bury her.

    Illustrations to depict the testimonies of people who have fled to Sudan’s Nuba mountains in search of safety from the ongoing conflict, March 2025.

    Since the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces started in April 2023 and spread across Sudan, it is estimated that 11 million people have been internally displaced. In the southern state of South Kordofan, where the Nuba mountains area is located, hundreds of thousands of displaced people are seeking refuge, according to the Sudanese Relief and Rehabilitation Agency.

    Before the war started, the region already experienced waves of displacement during the decades of conflict between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and the Sudanese government. Many people have been displaced multiple times. Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) currently provides medical care and essential everyday items to the displaced people who arrive daily. Testimonies collected from displaced people in five camps where MSF works show the harrowing situation they have lived through and the challenges they continue to face.

    “They attacked early morning. We took what we could and fled. We lost two of my children on the way. Up to now I don’t know where they are, there is no phone,” explains a woman who walked five days without food until she and her family were able to reach Al Hadra, South Kordofan. An airplane bombed and killed her 15-year-old daughter there. “It was the first time I saw bombings. I was in the bush collecting wood for shelter. My daughter had gone to the borehole to fetch water for us. I rushed to my tent and later they [the villagers] brought my daughter’s body to me.”

    Another woman explains how they managed to survive in Dilling district, South Kordofan.

    “We went to the forest every night to sleep and use the river as protection. We leaned on the riverbank so that the bullets would not hit us,” she says. “When the shootings stopped, we would rush to the house to get food and water for the children. During an attack I saw a mother who was breastfeeding. They took her boy and threw him away. If you tried to confront them, they could hit you, even shoot the child. For them the boy would grow up and fight back.” 

    The area of the Nuba mountains is largely controlled by the SPLM-N. The influx of people arriving in the region, which is considered safer than other parts of the country, has had an impact on local communities as well. The poor harvest in 2023 combined with difficulties in accessing basic services and a lack of humanitarian assistance led to widespread hunger during the lean season both inside and outside the camps where displaced people are living. MSF teams working on the ground report many people in need of healthcare, food and water.

    “When the war broke out, we lost everything. When I arrived at the camp, I did not have milk to breastfeed. My child was sick and kept on crying. I gave him herbs and prayed to God,” says another woman.

    One man explained that soldiers entered Habila, North Kordofan, to kill all the “black people”.

    “The moment they entered Habila they captured a big part of my family: 13 people, all men. The militia gathered them in one house and shot them all. I ran away,” he says. He fled to Tungul, South Kordofan where he received some food but where no health service was available, so he fled again. “From Tungul I went to Korgul displaced camp. Here things are calm. I feel safe. We want to stay here. But we suffered during the rainy season when there is no food – my children got malnourished but none of them died.”

    A displaced man The moment they entered Habila they captured a big part of my family: 13 people, all men. The militia gathered them in one house and shot them all. I ran away.

    Illustrations to depict the testimonies of people who have fled to Sudan’s Nuba mountains in search of safety from the ongoing conflict, March 2025.

    For women fleeing violence, access to healthcare is challenging as explained by one woman.

    “I was in the market when they came. I tried to defend myself, but they abused me, and beat my chest,” she says. “I still feel the pain today. After the torture I tried to get treatment, but I did not have money to do an x-ray.”

    “I have spent two days without eating anything. I was collecting leaves to cook them. I had to sneak out in the bushes to avoid checkpoints to get medical care in Hajar Jawad,” says another woman. “During the rainy season, my child and I had malaria, we received treatment in the clinic in Hajar Jawad [an MSF clinic] for malaria and malnutrition.”

    A displaced woman I was in the market when they came. I tried to defend myself, but they abused me, and beat my chest. I still feel the pain today.

    Illustrations to depict the testimonies of people who have fled to Sudan’s Nuba mountains in search of safety from the ongoing conflict, March 2025.

    MSF runs activities in Dalami locality and Western Jebel. In Dalami locality, our teams support Tujur hospital with emergency room and maternity services, malnutrition care, and male and female in-patient wards. In the hospital in January 2025, MSF conducted 20,185 outpatient consultations and admitted over 450 patients, 30 per cent of them for malaria. The teams have assisted with 119 births and carried out 215 sexual and reproductive health consultations. In Um Heitan, another location where we work, MSF has carried out 6,493 outpatient consultations.

    We have also been supporting health centres, conducting mobile clinics in camps for internally displaced people, and distributing essential items in Western Jabel, but the unstable security situation has made the  delivery of medical services challenging.

    Our teams in the Nuba mountains observe an extremely inconsistent and insufficient coverage of basic and specialised healthcare. Where care is available, it is often inaccessible due to distance and insecurity. Moreover, there is an almost complete lack of protection services which is particularly concerning given the levels of violence people have experienced or witnessed, the separation of families, and the lack of shelter many people face.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Your guide to Tuggeranong’s best public art

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Moth Ascending the Capital is one of Tuggeranong’s most iconic public artworks.

    Canberra is lucky enough to be home to many art galleries and museums. However, there are pockets of amazing outdoor art sprinkled all over the city.

    Tuggeranong is no exception. Here are some of the amazing artworks you can see right in your own neighbourhood:

    Tuggeranong Pumphouse

    Artist: Dai Cameron and AJ
    Location: Cowlishaw Street, Greenway 

    The artists taught aerosol painting skills to Tuggeranong College students while completing this artwork. It features freshwater cray from the nearby lake and inspiration from nature in the area.

    The piece is also inspired by graffiti styles from the legal graffiti wall scene that started in the late 1990s to early 2000s in Canberra. The style is a mashup of a style of fast graffiti called future funk.

    Find out more about Dai Cameron.

    Unnamed mural

    Artist: David Cragg
    Location: Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club, 101 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway

    This mural is one of three painted at the Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club. Artist David Cragg mentored a group of ‘silver sprayers’ (older artists), from the Seniors Centre to paint the walls. The artwork depicts eye-catching local wildlife with mountain ranges in the distance.

    To see more of David’s work, check out his Instagram .

    Platypus Story toilet block

    Artist: Kristie Peters
    Location: Mortimer Lewis Drive, Greenway

    Local Wiradjuri artist Kristie Peters digitally designed this mural.

    The vinyl wrap mural depicts our native platypus. Kristie says, the platypus represents individuality and encourages our community to be unique.

    See more of Kristie’s work here.

    Unnamed mural

    Artist: Geoff Filmer
    Location: Kambah ACT Government depot, Chirnside Circuit, Kambah

    Artist Geoff Filmer depicts a blend of fauna and flora painted at the Kambah depot. The work incorporates earthy colours which invites viewers to appreciate the detailed fauna and flora, like the cockatoo.

    To see more of David’s work, check out his Instagram.

    Firestorm Story Tree

    Artist: Bryan Carrick and Mount Taylor Estate community
    Location: Between Ammonn and Bolden Places, off Sulwood Drive, Kambah

    This artwork was carved on one of the trees that was left standing after the 18 January 2003 firestorm. It’s a symbol of the community’s spirit and resilience.

    Find out more.

    Kambah Sheep

    Artist: Matthew Harding
    Location: Kambah Village Shopping Centre, corner of Drakeford Drive and Marconi Crescent, Kambah

    This work includes not only sheep, but also:

    • Christmas beetles
    • a sheep dog
    • hardwood poles inlaid and marked with found farmyard objects.

    Artist Matthew Harding was inspired by the rural history of the area.

    Find out more.

    Moth Ascending the Capital

    Artist: Alexander Knox
    Location: Drakeford Drive median at Summerland and O’Halloran Circuits, Kambah

    Alexander Knox designed this sculpture to represent a bogong moth bursting into flight.

    Find out more.

    Gathering Place

    Artist: Wellspring with Brian Carrick
    Location: Mortimer Lewis Drive, East Tuggeranong Lake

    Gathering Place is part of a recreational and ceremonial place. The creators intended the space to encourage reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in the region.

    Find out more.

    We Are Fishes

    Artist: Andrew Townsend
    Location: Corner of Reed and Cowlishaw Streets, Tuggeranong

    This is a pair of fishes that swim in the air between Tuggeranong Arts Centre and Lake Tuggeranong. The sculpture is made from a pair of wind vanes.

    Find out more.

    Decollete

    Artist: Michael Le Grand
    Location: Manning Clark Offices, Tuggeranong

    This is another nautical-themed work reflecting the design of Tuggeranong Arts Centre. This sculpture was intended to be at entrance to the Centre. Following changes to the entryway, Decollete moved to its current location.

    Find out more.

    Angel Wings

    Artist: Phil Price
    Location: Corner of Soward Way and Drakeford Drive, Tuggeranong

    This 10-metre-tall sculpture features aerodynamic wings that move in response to the wind. The sculptor described it as a celebration of being alive.

    Find out more.

    Discover more public art in Canberra or find street art and graffiti in your area .

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister visit to see mine water heat in action

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Minister visit to see mine water heat in action

    Baroness Taylor visits Dawdon mine water treatment scheme to see how mine water heat will power 750 low-carbon homes, a pioneering step for sustainable heat.

    Baroness Taylor at Seaham Garden Village. Image credit: Karbon Homes. Pictured, from left to right: Chris Hale, pre-construction director at Esh Construction; Andrew Simpson, head of innovation business development at the Mining Remediation Authority; Karma Harvey, acting innovation and services director at The Mining Remediation Authority; Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, parliamentary under-secretary of state for housing and local government; Sarah Robson, executive director of development and asset management at Karbon Homes; and Paul Fiddaman, chief executive at Karbon Homes

    Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, Baroness Sharon Taylor of Stevenage, praised a ground-breaking mine water heat initiative during her visit to Seaham Garden Village in County Durham.

    The Mining Remediation Authority was delighted to welcome Baroness Taylor to our Dawdon mine water treatment scheme, where she saw first-hand how warm mine water will provide low-carbon heating for 750 homes at the nearby development.

    Baroness Taylor inside the Dawdon mine water treatment scheme.

    The House of Lords spokesperson for both housing delivery and net zero and energy efficiency also viewed the first of the homes which will be connected to the system.

    Baroness Taylor said:

    It’s fantastic to see the level of innovation here at Seaham, using natural resources in the area to create more energy efficient homes.

    Paired with the level of cooperation between multiple public and private organisations makes this an exciting project to visit.

    The mine water heat network is a collaborative effort between the Mining Remediation Authority, Karbon Homes, Esh Group, Vital Energi, and Durham County Council. It demonstrates how Great Britain’s former coalfields can be repurposed to deliver clean, sustainable energy, supporting affordable housing and net zero goals.

    Karma Harvey, acting innovation and services director at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

    It was great to showcase our Dawdon mine water treatment scheme and how the site will now serve a dual purpose, continuing to treat mine water while also providing sustainable heat to affordable homes.

    Seaham Garden Village is a pioneering example of how we can repurpose Great Britain’s mining legacy to deliver real benefits for communities today. By harnessing geothermal energy from disused mines, we’re creating a low-carbon heating solution that could be replicated nationwide. This project highlights the power of collaboration and innovation in unlocking new sources of clean, affordable heat.

    Image credit: Karbon Homes

    Paul Fiddaman, chief executive at Karbon Homes, said:

    We were delighted to have Baroness Taylor visit Seaham Garden Village and see what can be achieved when parties work together to deliver innovative projects which bring significant environmental benefits.

    Making use of the currently untapped heat from the disused mines under our feet to keep houses warm, is something we’re really proud to be involved with, and paired with boasting a range of energy efficiency technologies, like solar PV panels, the new homes we’re delivering at Seaham Garden Village will be well on the way to net zero.

    Granted garden village status by the UK Government in 2019, Seaham Garden Village will be built over the next ten years, delivering 1,500 homes, a village centre, a primary school, and a health and wellbeing hub, all set against Durham’s heritage coastline.

    This landmark project proves how mine water heat networks can provide affordable, sustainable heat for homes across the Great Britain. We look forward to scaling this game-changing technology to more locations.

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first metro station will appear in the Lomonosovsky district of Moscow

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On the border of the Gagarinsky and Lomonosovsky districts, the construction of the Vavilovskaya station of the Troitskaya metro line is underway. It will be located along Leninsky Prospekt, at the intersection with Stroiteley and Panferova streets. The exits from the southern vestibule will lead to the territory of the Lomonosovsky district, where there are currently no metro stations. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The station will be located in the northern part of the Lomonosov district. The construction of the main monolithic reinforced concrete structures is nearing completion at the site, and backfilling of the pit is in the final stage. Specialists have begun bricklaying the internal walls and partitions, and finishing the utility rooms. The station is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The Vavilovskaya station will be part of the Troitskaya Line section from ZIL to Novatorskaya. The ZIL, Krymskaya and Akademicheskaya stations are being built together with it.

    “ZIL” is being built at the intersection of Likhachev Avenue and Lisitsky Street, next to the Tyufeleva Roshcha Park and the Moscow Central Circle (MCC) platform of the same name. “Krymskaya” will be located between the MCC railway tracks and a residential area of the Donskoy District, and “Akademicheskaya” – near the intersection of Dmitry Ulyanov Street and Profsoyuznaya Street.

    “The Troitskaya Line became the 16th in the Moscow Metro. Last year, a section from Novatorskaya to Novomoskovskaya with seven stations was opened. The construction of each of them had its own peculiarities related to the location and architectural solutions. This year, work will be completed on the section from ZIL to Novatorskaya,” said the head of the Department of Construction of Transport and Engineering Infrastructure of Moscow

    Vasily Desyatkov.

    Interior finishing has begun at the Vavilovskaya station on the Troitskaya metro line under construction

    On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, the city is paying special attention to the quality and safety of construction of technically complex metro facilities.

    As added by the Chairman of Mosgosstroynadzor Anton Slobodchikov, each stage of work at the Vavilovskaya station is carried out under the control of the department. In February and March of this year, according to the approved program, regular inspections were held with the involvement of specialists from the subordinate Center for Expertise, Research and Testing in Construction. Inspectors assessed the compliance of the constructed structures and the building materials used with the requirements of the design documentation. The next visit to the site is planned for May.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin told what it would look like Vavilovskaya metro station.

    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/152359073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on SMCY (102.27%), MSTY (101.29%), ULTY (78.88%), AIYY (70.96%), LFGY (69.83%), and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Weekly Payers and Group D ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker    1    		 ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency    		 Distribution
    per Share    		 Distribution
    Rate    2,4    		 30-Day
    SEC Yield3    		 ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record Date    		 Payment
    Date
    CHPY* YieldMax™ Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly – – – – – –
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2360 35.40% 0.00% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4170 69.83% 0.00% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2199 29.87% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3590 45.69% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2270 29.60% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0822 78.88% 2.21% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.0973 38.00% 69.89% 53.05% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1289 57.35% 96.57% 64.98% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.2301 70.96% 4.89% 93.15% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4877 43.54% 4.40% 89.31% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3023 33.00% 3.44% 44.35% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3254 35.32% 4.03% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.3356 101.29% 0.50% 0.48% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    SMCY YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.5012 102.27% 3.01% 67.02% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    WNTR** YieldMax™ Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks – – – – – –
    XYZY YieldMax™ XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4412 59.61% 6.32% 89.82% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4437 30.86% 3.08% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    Weekly Payers & Group A ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY UTLY YMAG YMAX CRSH FEAT FIVY GOOY OARK SNOY TSLY TSMY XOMO YBIT


    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling     (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. 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. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

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

    *The inception date for CHPY is April 2, 2025.

    **The inception date for WNTR is March 26, 2025.

    1 All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, YMAG and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026.
    2 The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on April 8, 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.
    3 The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended March 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.
    4 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 is the portion of the distribution that represents an investor’s original investment.


    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.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For XYZY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here. For BIGY, click here. For SOXY, click here. For MARO, click here. For FEAT, click here. For FIVY, click here. For LFGY, click here. For GPTY, click here. For CVNY, click here. For SDTY, click here. For QDTY, click here. For WNTR, click here. For CHPY, click here

    Important Information

    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 (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    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.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    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.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

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

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    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 reference asset, 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.

    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 put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    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.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    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 Australia: Sustainable Household Scheme saves Canberrans millions

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) has generated over $46.9 million in savings for Canberrans.

    The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) has generated over $46.9 million in savings for Canberrans.

    The SHS provides zero-interest loans to help with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades.

    Since it began in July 2021, savings have been achieved through products including:

    • rooftop solar systems
    • batteries
    • ceiling insulation
    • replacement of gas or inefficient electric appliances with efficient electric appliances.

    The SHS has also supported Canberrans to buy electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

    The upgrades are resulting in energy bill and fuel cost savings.

    The Sustainable Household Scheme

    Through the SHS, eligible Canberrans have access to up to $15,000 in zero-interest loans.

    Loans can be used on a range of energy-efficient upgrades, such as:

    • efficient heating and cooling
    • cooktops and hot water systems
    • solar panels
    • battery storage
    • electric vehicles
    • ceiling insulation.

    Savings across Canberra

    New data shows the approximate spread of these savings across the ACT.

    Tuggeranong leads the way with $12.3 million saved on bills so far.

    • Tuggeranong: $12.3m
    • Belconnen: $12.2m
    • Gungahlin: $10.1m
    • Canberra Central: $3.4m
    • Weston Creek: $3.1m
    • Woden: $3.1m
    • Molonglo: $2.3m
    • Rest of ACT: $0.3m

    Rooftop solar is particularly popular. Approximately 58 per cent of solar installations in the ACT since the start of the SHS used an SHS loan.

    Reducing costs and emissions

    The SHS has approved over $225 million in loans and supported the installation of over 19,000 sustainable upgrades since it began.

    This not only saves households money on energy bills, but it also helps reduce the territory’s emissions.

    The SHS contributes to the ACT achieving a sustainable, resilient future, with a target of net zero emissions by 2045.

    It is a key part of the Government’s strategy to lower emissions and tackle climate change, while supporting ACT homes to reduce power bills and growing jobs in the region’s renewable energy industry.

    Find out more about the SHS at climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Coalition’s rubbery gas numbers can’t conceal disastrous energy plan

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Wednesday 9 April 2025 – In response to the Coalition’s newly released gas policy modelling, Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: 

    “Peter Dutton’s policy to supposedly achieve meagre changes to gas prices is a distraction from the fact that we don’t need gas and the seismic blasting, methane leaks or fracking it involves, because we already have the technology available to build affordable clean energy to power homes and businesses for the long term.

    “Gas is a dangerous fossil fuel that drives worsening floods, bushfires, cyclones and droughts. The Coalition wants to greenlight gas expansion like Woodside’s Browse project and fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, which threaten our environment and the climate. 

    “The Coalition’s energy policy and its ‘modelling’ on electricity prices simply don’t pass the sniff test. A future-proof policy is one that accelerates the transition to clean, affordable renewable energy, helps Australian businesses electrify and get off gas, and quickly phases out fossil fuels. 

    “Renewable energy is already the cheapest form of energy, and is reducing or even eliminating electricity bills for millions of Australian homes and businesses today. When it comes to reducing bills, gas simply cannot compete with renewables.

    “Australians can’t afford worsening gas-fuelled climate disasters like the Black Summer bushfires, Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and the Queensland floods that have racked up clean-up costs in the billions of dollars. 

    “The Coalition has also refused to dump its nuclear plans despite criticism from fellow Liberals, and estimates by experts which show that the cost of building nuclear reactors alone will cost taxpayers up to $600 billion. Peter Dutton has provided no plan for how the additional costs of nuclear waste management, insurance, and safety will be funded either. 

    “The enormous costs of the Coalition’s plan to expand climate-wrecking gas and build risky nuclear reactors in Australia overshadow any paltry gas savings released in its questionable modelling today.” 

    —ENDS—

    For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 / [email protected]. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: AI: economic game changer or job taker?

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Will AI take our jobs? Does AI boost economic productivity? Is it a choice of going green or going digital?

    Our host Paul Gordon talks to ECB colleagues António Dias da Silva, Guzmán González-Torres Fernández and Miles Parker to find out what AI means for the economy, especially for productivity, job prospects and energy supply.
    The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank.

    Published on 9 April 2025 and recorded on 3 April 2025.

    In this episode:
    00:55 Is AI replacing jobs?
    Can AI ever replace jobs in journalism or film-making? Will AI be our next podcast host?

    02:14 Is AI a job changer?
    How are new technologies changing our jobs?

    04:00 Age, education and gender
    Who uses AI and how do people feel about it? Does AI usage differ based on age, education and gender?

    06:57 Sectors with the highest AI usage
    Which sectors use AI the most? What’s behind the different attitudes towards AI in different areas of the economy?

    09:00 Corporate usage of AI
    What do companies need to effectively use AI?

    11:02 How does AI affect productivity?
    How can AI be put to good use? To what extent can Europe’s economy grow with current AI usage? Is the world ready for AI?

    13:29 The role of policymakers
    How can policymakers make it easier for companies to use AI?

    15:10 AI and energy consumption
    How much energy does AI need? How much energy does ChatGPT use for one search? Will energy demand go up or down?

    17:15 Go green or go digital?
    Do we need to choose or does AI allow both? How could AI help the green transition?

    19:10 Obstacles
    What are the roadblocks to the green and digital transitions? What investment is needed to make these transitions a success? What else needs to be done?

    21:50 Our guests’ hot tips
    António, Guzmán and Miles share their hot tips with our listeners.

    Further reading:
    The ECB Blog: AI adoption and employment prospects
    https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/blog/date/2025/html/ecb.blog20250321~6af1337b6b.en.html

    The ECB Blog: AI versus green: clash of the transitions?
    https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/blog/date/2025/html/ecb.blog20250325~ed12b0ff35.en.html

    The ECB Blog: AI can boost productivity – if firms use it
    https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/blog/date/2025/html/ecb.blog20250328~60c0a587f7.en.html

    Hot tip from António: Tech-focused podcast Babbage by The Economist https://www.economist.com/audio/podcasts/babbage

    Hot tip from Guzmán: The ECB recent conference on “The transformative power of AI: economic implications and challenges”
    https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/html/20250401_transformative_power_of_ai.en.html

    Hot tip from Miles: International Energy Agency website
    https://www.iea.org/

    ECB Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank/

    European Central Bank
    www.ecb.europa.eu

    ECB Banking Supervision
    https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN2xAURtlw8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Market returns to city centre following winter break

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Market returns to city centre following winter break

    Canterbury City Market returns to St George’s Street today (9 April) after taking a short break over the winter months to allow for the city’s Christmas market.

    The historic 700-year-old market will begin trading again every Wednesday between 9am and 5pm up until late autumn.

    Shoppers will be able to get their hands on a range of excellent local products including bread, pastries, homewares and collectibles as well as jewellery, vinyl records and clothing.

    The market made its official comeback in July last year after 18 months away and has established itself as a brilliant addition to Canterbury’s vibrant market offering.

    Director of Place, Bill Hicks, said: “I’m so pleased to see the market returning after a short break over the festive period and can’t wait to sample some goods from the latest line-up of street traders bringing their fantastic products to the stalls.

    “What better way to enjoy the warmer weather than by shopping from some of Kent’s best makers and traders at a sunny open-air market!”

    The 11 traders lined up for this week are:

    • Valentin’s Artisan Bakery
    • Viking records, offering new and second-hand vinyl records
    • A Little Bit of Pixie Dust, offering nostalgic Disney goods
    • Si The Poke Guy, offering collectible Pokémon cards
    • Joie de Vivre Creations, offering homewares
    • Marzena, offering ouds and perfumes
    • Nomad Jewellery
    • Nomad Wares, offering clothing
    • Mythos Crystals
    • Konger Krafts, offering clothing, crochet and accessories
    • Becky’s Crafty Creations, offering homewares

    If you are interested in having a stall, please contact Market Development Officer Sharlaie Dunstan by emailing markets@canterbury.gov.uk.

    Published: 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Robert Foster artwork finds new home at Kingston Arts Precinct

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Journey contains 37 individual plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

    An award-winning Robert Foster artwork is the first confirmed for display in the future Kingston Arts Precinct.

    The artwork, titled The Journey, was gifted to the ACT Government.

    The work

    Many Canberrans will know The Journey. It had pride of place in the foyer of ActewAGL’s Bunda Street premises for over ten years.

    The artwork spans around 300 square metres. It contains 37 plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

    These glow different colours according to the time of day. Inbuilt motion sensors also interact with viewers’ movement.

    ActewAGL commissioned The Journey in 2010, to mark its 10th anniversary.

    The company offered the work to the ACT Government following the sale of the Bunda Street building.

    It will now be refurbished and incorporated into the new Kingston Arts Precinct design.

    Although The Journey is a gift to the ACT Government, the artist’s estate will receive a voluntary royalty.

    This acknowledges the change in ownership and the artist’s continuing interest in the work.

    Under the Artist’s Resale Royalty Scheme, artists and their estates are entitled to a 5 per cent royalty whenever an eligible artwork resells in Australia.

    The artist

    The late Robert Foster was a renowned local artist, best known for the iconic F!NK water jug.

    His works are held in major public collections. These include the National Gallery of Australia, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

    Robert died following a car accident in 2016.

    He established F!NK + Co, a design and manufacturing company, with his wife, Gretel Harrison. It has employed many artists who have gone on to productive careers as designers and makers in the region.

    “I am super appreciative of artsACT for finding a new home for Robert’s sculpture The Journey so that once again people will be able to walk through his mesmerising forest of lights,” Gretel said.

    F!NK + Co will work with the Kingston Arts Precinct design team to integrate The Journey into its new home.

    The Kingston Arts Precinct

    The Kingston Arts Precinct will be a hub for arts organisations in Canberra.

    It will house:

    • Canberra Contemporary Art Space
    • Canberra Glassworks
    • Craft ACT
    • M16 Artspace
    • Megalo Print Studio
    • PhotoAccess
    • a new space for Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

    The precinct will be a fitting new home for The Journey where it will captivate a new audience and further honour the artist’s legacy.

    Find out more about the Kingston Arts Precinct at BuiltforCBR.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Milestone for Big Canberra Battery

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Williamsdale battery will deliver 250MW of storage.

    The ACT Government has reached a major milestone in its work to future-proof Canberra’s energy supply.

    The development application has been approved to deliver Stream 1 of the project – a grid-scale battery in Williamsdale.

    This ACT Government has partnered with Eku Energy on this project. Construction will begin later this year.

    The Big Canberra Battery will be capable of delivering 250 MW of power – more than a third of Canberra’s peak electricity demand. It will be able to deliver this power for two hours.

    The Big Canberra Battery will have 500 MWh of capacity, which on a single charge could supply 23,400 households with their daily energy use.

    Approximately 180–200 jobs will also be created through the project.

    More batteries for Canberra

    The Government has also finalised the installation of batteries at nine government sites in the ACT as part of its work on Stream 2 of the project.

    The sites include:

    • Belconnen Parks Depot
    • Gungahlin Family and Child Centre
    • Allara Depot
    • Kambah Depot
    • Ron Reynolds Centre
    • Chifley Community Hub
    • Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm
    • Cotter Depot
    • Greenway Ambulance Station.

    The batteries capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels. This will help power the sites and will reduce government spend on electricity, benefitting the broader network during peak electricity consumption times.

    Two further batteries will be installed at Mount Stromlo High School and 255 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick in early 2025.

    The ACT Government has also partnered with the Commonwealth Government and Evoenergy through the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program.

    Through this, three medium-sized neighbourhood-scale batteries will be installed in Casey, Dickson and Fadden.

    A battery operator will be selected in late 2024 following a procurement process.

    The Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid.

    It will help grow the ACT’s renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the territory.

    Building a cleaner future

    Battery storage technology is a critical component of the ACT’s net-zero emissions future.

    The ACT has delivered 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2020.

    Initiatives like this build on that achievement and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy in supporting a robust, affordable and sustainable energy grid.

    Find out more about the Big Canberra Battery Project and other ways Canberra is leading the way on climate action by visiting climatechoices.act.gov.au

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The ultimate Canberra markets guide

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    From flowers and fresh produce to homewares and more.

    Local markets are more than just a place to grab a quick bite or pick up a few veggies.

    A visit to a local market is an opportunity to:

    • taste produce from local producers
    • browse wares from local artists
    • enjoy a delicious meal
    • listen to live music
    • support your community.

    No matter what side of the lake you live on, Canberra has some excellent markets.

    Some are weekly, some only come a few times a year – but all of them offer a unique Canberra experience.

    Here’s your guide to Canberra’s markets:

    The Capital Region Farmers Market

    For 20 years, the Capital Region Farmers Market has been connecting local producers with hungry Canberrans.

    You can find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and poultry. But there is also:

    • baked goods
    • nuts and seeds
    • dairy products
    • and plenty more.

    Plus, there is freshly prepared food and coffee. Take a seat and refuel with plenty of cuisines on offer.

    Southside Farmers Market

    Frequency: Every Sunday from 7am until 11pm

    A similar feel to the Capital Region Farmers Market, but on a smaller scale. It has a strong community feel, with smiling stallholders eager to have a chat.

    Don’t forget to pick up a coffee and something delicious to eat.

    Old Bus Depot Markets

    Frequency: every Sunday from 9:30am to 2:30pm

    These markets are held at the Old Bus Depot, a beautiful industrial building. There is a large range of vendors stocking a huge range of wares.

    Enjoy a variety of different cuisines, baked goods and coffee. The Old Bus Depot Markets have an especially strong arts, crafts and collectibles presence. Homewares, fashion and accessories are also popular.

    Haig Park Village Markets

    Frequency: every Sunday from 8am to 2pm

    This weekly market has a lovely community atmosphere. Dogs are welcome and it’s family friendly. The food options are particularly good, so be sure to arrive with an empty stomach.

    Hartley Hall Markets

    Frequency: The first Sunday of every month (except January) from 10:30am to 2pm

    These markets have a small-town country theme. There’s a very rural feel, with down-to-earth local suppliers.

    There’s produce, arts, crafts, gifts, and more. While you’re there, fuel up on fresh food at one of the many vendors, and enjoy some live music.

    The markets are dog-friendly and families are welcome. There is also plenty of parking, and the showgrounds and all facilities are accessible.

    Entry is a gold coin donation, which supports local disability service charity Hartley Lifecare.

    Little Burley Markets

    Frequency: every Saturday from 9am until 2pm

    This might just be Canberra’s most scenic markets. Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, there are beautiful views year-round.

    Dogs are welcome and there are even dog treats for sale.

    There are plenty of food and coffee options, as well as homewares, accessories, flowers and more.

    Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

    Frequency: every Thursday to Sunday from 7am to 5:30pm

    This was Canberra’s first farmers market, beginning more than 50 years ago.

    These days, you can find just about everything you need for your weekly shop. There’s delis, bakeries, cafes, produce shops and so much more. Niche Markets is a subsection of the markets where you’ll find specialty stores, fresh food options galore and Book Lovers Lane.

    Capital Food Market

    Frequency: every Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 8pm

    This market first opened in 1976 as the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets. It’s recently had a revamp and houses a wide variety of different retailers.

    In addition to produce, delices and bakeries there are a range of dining options including:

    • Florence Gelato
    • Le Cheeserie
    • What The Pho.

    There are more dining options arriving throughout the year.

    The Forage

    Location: various

    Frequency: a few times a year

    Canberra foodies await the announcement of the next Forage with bated breath. It’s a food lover’s dream, with dozens of local food and beverage businesses to choose from.

    There are often entertainment options including live music and performances.

    Handmade Market

    Frequency: Quarterly

    Each Handmade Market sees over 260 small businesses gather at EPIC. Each market presents a different array of stallholders. You can expect Australian designers and makers selling homewares, fashion, artworks and everything in-between.

    There is also a dedicated gourmet food hall.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Top 25 global insurers market value up 17% YoY in Q1 2025, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Top 25 global insurers market value up 17% YoY in Q1 2025, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    • PICC Property and Casualty and Assicurazioni Generali shares surge 40%
    • Elevance Health and Cigna Group lose over 15%
    • Berkshire Hathaway retains top spot

    The aggregate market capitalization (MCap) of the top 25 global insurers grew 17% to $3.5 trillion year-on-year (YoY) during the first quarter (Q1) ended on 31 March 2025. Most of the stocks recorded a sharp growth in Q1, benefiting from the higher premium pricing amid inflationary trends, improved investment income driven by elevated interest rates, and favorable underwriting performance due to fewer large-scale catastrophic events in the period, according to GlobalData, a leading data analytics and research company.

    Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The global insurance industry showed signs of recovery in early 2024, with property and casualty insurers implementing premium increases to counter inflation and rising natural disaster claims, while life insurers continued adapting to shifting interest rate environments. The sector accelerated digital transformation efforts through AI and automation investments, expanded parametric insurance offerings for climate risks, and focused on customer experience improvements.”

    PICC Property and Casualty

    PICC P&C, the largest non-life insurance company in mainland China, shares registered a remarkable 40.5% growth in market value during the period, driven by strong FY2024 results on the back of strategic optimization of its motor vehicle insurance business structure with 38.8% market share in household motor vehicle insurance, coupled with accelerated growth in non-motor vehicle insurance segments and enhanced operational efficiency through technology-enabled expense management.

    Assicurazioni Generali

    Generali’s excellent 2024 results exceeded financial targets and completed the “Lifetime Partner 24” strategic plan through consistent organic growth and successful business integrations, positioning the company to pursue its new “Lifetime Partner 27” plan focusing on earnings growth, cash generation, and increased shareholder returns while leveraging AI capabilities to address evolving customer needs. Consequently, the company’s market valuation also rose by 39.5%, reaching $55.1 billion by the end of Q1 2025.

    Grandhi continues: “Berkshire Hathaway witnessed a 25.7% increase in market value attributed to its strong investment portfolio performance, particularly in energy and infrastructure assets, and resilient insurance underwriting results across GEICO and Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group. Furthermore, strategic investment decisions by Warren Buffett, and investor confidence in the company’s substantial cash reserves perpetuated the stock’s upward trajectory, affirming Berkshire Hathaway’s status as a coveted asset.”

    Elevance Health and The Cigna Group saw sharp YoY declines of -18.6% and -17.0%, respectively. This downturn was largely influenced by declining enrolment in individual and group health plans, elevated medical loss ratios, and ongoing antitrust scrutiny affecting sentiment. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) also fell 15.4% due to underwhelming policy growth, weak equity market returns in India and limited foreign institutional investment.

    Grandhi concludes: “Looking ahead to Q2 2025, the global insurance industry faces a nuanced outlook. The US Federal Reserve has signalled a potential pause in interest rate hikes, which could stabilize fixed-income yields and benefit life insurers’ investment portfolios. However, geopolitical developments—such as recent tariff escalations between the US and China—may pressure global trade insurance demand and raise claims risk, particularly in marine and credit insurance lines.

    “Moreover, inflationary pressures in Europe and selective tightening in Asian economies could compress margins, though they also prompt upward repricing, supporting premium growth. On the positive side, increased awareness of climate and cyber risks are expected to drive further growth in specialty insurance lines.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: March 2025 quarter

    Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: March 2025 quarter – information release

    9 April 2025

    The household labour force survey estimated working-age population table shows the population benchmarks used to produce household labour force survey estimates for the upcoming labour market statistics release.

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China revises regulations to facilitate marriage registration

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

    BEIJING, April 9 — China on Wednesday unveiled the newly revised marriage registration regulations, which will take effect on May 10.

    Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to promulgate the revised regulations, which consist of six chapters and 28 articles and include major revisions to improve marriage services and ease registration.

    One main revision is that couples will no longer need to register marriages in the location of their hukou, which is permanent household registration.

    The Ministry of Civil Affairs will be in charge of running a national marriage information database and will establish an information sharing system with other departments to ensure marriage information accurate, timely-updated, and secure.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves doubling of Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi single railway line Section (104 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with total cost of Rs.1332 crore

    Source: Government of India

    Cabinet approves doubling of Tirupati-Pakala-Katpadi single railway line Section (104 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with total cost of Rs.1332 crore

    Initiative will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations

    Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx.400 villages and about 14 lakh population

    The project aims to enhance connectivity to Tirupati which is home to the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The temple receives about 75,000 pilgrims daily, and during auspicious occasions, footfall reaches 1.5 lakh per day

    The project will also generate direct employment for about 35 lakh human-days during construction

    Posted On: 09 APR 2025 3:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the doubling of Tirupati – Pakala – Katpadi single railway line Section (104 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with total cost of Rs.1332 crore (approx.).

    The enhanced line capacity will improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The multi-tracking proposal will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways. The project is in line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

    The project is result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.

    The project covering three Districts in two States i.e., Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 113 Kms.

    Along with connectivity to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, project section also provides rail connectivity to other prominent destinations such as Sri Kalahasti Shiva Temple, Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Chandragiri Fort, etc. attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country.

    Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx. 400 villages and about 14 lakh population.

    This is an essential route for transportation of commodities such as coal, agricultural commodities, cement and other minerals etc. The capacity augmentation work will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 4 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, reduce oil import (4 Crore Litres) and lower CO2 emissions (20 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of one Crore trees.

    ***

    MJPS/SKS

    (Release ID: 2120355) Visitor Counter : 138

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the Navkar Mahamantra Divas

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the Navkar Mahamantra Divas

    Navkar Mahamantra is not just a mantra, it is the core of our faith: PM

    Navkar Mahamantra embodies humility, peace and universal harmony: PM

    Navkar Mahamantra along with the worship of Panch Parmeshthi symbolises the right knowledge, perception and conduct, and the path leading to salvation: PM

    Jain literature has been the backbone of the intellectual glory of India: PM

    Climate change is today’s biggest crisis and its solution is a sustainable lifestyle, which the Jain community has practiced for centuries and aligns perfectly with India’s Mission LiFE: PM

    PM proposes 9 resolutions on Navkar Mahamantra Divas

    Posted On: 09 APR 2025 11:06AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and participated in Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the profound spiritual experience of the Navkar Mantra, emphasizing its ability to bring peace and stability to the mind. He remarked on the extraordinary feeling of tranquility, which transcends words and thoughts, resonating deeply within the mind and consciousness. Shri Modi underscored the significance of the Navkar Mantra, reciting its sacred verses and described the mantra as a unified flow of energy, embodying stability, equanimity, and a harmonious rhythm of consciousness and inner light. Reflecting on his personal experience, he shared how he continues to feel the spiritual power of the Navkar Mantra within himself. He recalled witnessing a similar collective chanting event in Bengaluru years ago, which left a lasting impression on him. The Prime Minister highlighted the unparalleled experience of millions of virtuous souls across the nation and abroad coming together in a unified consciousness. He remarked on the collective energy and synchronized words, describing it as truly extraordinary and unprecedented.

    Remarking on his roots in Gujarat, where the influence of Jainism is evident in every street, the Prime Minister highlighted how, from a young age, he had the privilege of being in the company of Jain Acharyas. “Navkar Mantra is not just a mantra but the core of faith and the essence of life”, he emphasised. He underlined its significance, which extends beyond spirituality, guiding individuals and society alike. He highlighted that every verse and even every syllable of the Navkar Mantra holds profound meaning. He added that when reciting the mantra, one bows to the Panch Parmeshthi and elaborated on the same. Shri Modi said Arihants, who have attained “Keval Gyan” and guide “Bhavya Jeevas,” embody 12 divine qualities while the Siddhas, who have eradicated eight karmas, attained Moksha, and possess eight pure qualities. He added that Acharyas follow Mahavrat and serve as pathfinders, embodying 36 virtues while Upadhyayas impart knowledge of the Moksha path, enriched with 25 qualities. He further added that Sadhus refine themselves through penance and progress toward Moksha, possessing 27 great qualities. He highlighted the spiritual depth and virtues associated with each of these revered beings.

    “One bows to the 108 divine qualities and remembers the welfare of humanity when reciting the Navkar Mantra”, said Shri Modi highlighting that the mantra reminds us that knowledge and action are the true directions of life, with the Guru as the guiding light, and the path emerging from within. He emphasized the teachings of the Navkar Mantra, which inspire self-belief and the initiation of one’s own journey. He stated that the true enemy lies within—negative thoughts, distrust, hostility, and selfishness—and conquering these is the real victory. He underlined that Jainism motivates individuals to conquer themselves rather than the external world. “Self-conquest leads one to become an Arihant”, he added, stating that the Navkar Mantra is not a demand but a path—a path that purifies individuals from within and guides them toward harmony and goodwill.

    “Navkar Mantra is truly a mantra of human meditation, practice, and self-purification”, exclaimed the Prime Minister highlighting its global perspective and its timeless nature, which, like other Indian oral and scriptural traditions, has been passed down through generations—first orally, then through inscriptions, and finally through Prakrit manuscripts—continuing to guide humanity even today. “The Navkar Mantra, along with venerating the Panch Parmeshthi, embodies right knowledge, right perception, and right conduct, serving as a path to liberation”, he emphasised. Underlining the importance of the nine elements of life, which lead to completeness, Shri Modi noted the special significance of the number nine in Indian culture. He elaborated on the prominence of the number nine in Jainism, mentioning the Navkar Mantra, nine elements, and nine virtues, as well as its presence in other traditions, such as the nine treasures, nine gates, nine planets, nine forms of Durga, and Navadha Bhakti. He highlighted that the repetition of chants—whether nine times or in multiples of nine like 27, 54, or 108—symbolizes the completeness represented by the number nine. The Prime Minister explained that the number nine is not just mathematics but a philosophy, as it represents completeness. He remarked that after achieving completeness, the mind and intellect stabilize and ascend, free from the desire for new things. Even after progress, one remains rooted in their essence and this is the essence of the Navkar Mantra, he stated.

    Underlining that the philosophy of the Navkar Mantra aligns with the vision of a developed India, the Prime Minister reiterated his statement from the Red Fort, emphasizing that a developed India signifies both progress and heritage—a nation that will neither stop nor falter, will reach new heights, yet remain rooted in its traditions. He highlighted that a developed India will take pride in its culture. He emphasized the preservation of the teachings of the Tirthankaras. Recalling the nationwide celebration of the 2550th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir, Shri Modi noted the return of ancient idols, including those of the Tirthankaras, from abroad.  He proudly shared that over 20 Tirthankara idols have been brought back to India in recent years. He highlighted the unparalleled role of Jainism in shaping India’s identity and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving this legacy. Referring to the new Parliament building in New Delhi, describing it as the temple of democracy, he pointed out the visible influence of Jainism. He mentioned the depiction of Sammed Shikhar in the architectural gallery at the Shardul Gate entrance, the Tirthankara idol at the entrance of the Lok Sabha, which was returned from Australia, the magnificent painting of Lord Mahavir on the ceiling of the Constitution Gallery and the depiction of all 24 Tirthankaras together on the wall of the South Building. The Prime Minister remarked that these philosophies guide India’s democracy and provide the right path. He highlighted the profound definitions of Jainism, encapsulated in ancient Agama scriptures, such as “Vatthu Sahavo Dhammo,” “Charittam Khalu Dhammo,” and “Jivana Rakkhanam Dhammo.” He reaffirmed that the government is advancing with the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” inspired by these values.

    “Jain literature has been the backbone of India’s intellectual heritage, and preserving this knowledge is a duty”, said Shri Modi, highlighting the government’s decision to grant classical language status to Prakrit and Pali, enabling further research on Jain literature. He emphasized that preserving language ensures the survival of knowledge, and expanding language leads to the growth of wisdom. The Prime Minister noted the existence of centuries-old Jain manuscripts in India, describing each page as a mirror of history and an ocean of knowledge, quoting profound Jain teachings. He expressed concern over the gradual disappearance of many significant texts and mentioned the launch of the “Gyan Bharatam Mission”, announced in this year’s Budget. He shared plans to survey millions of manuscripts across the country and digitize ancient heritage, connecting antiquity with modernity. He described this initiative as an ‘Amrit Sankalp’. “New India will explore possibilities through AI while guiding the world with spirituality”, he stressed.

    Highlighting that Jainism is both scientific and sensitive, offering solutions to global challenges such as war, terrorism, and environmental issues through its core principles, the Prime Minister said the Jain tradition’s emblem, which states “Parasparopagraho Jivanam,” emphasises the interdependence of all living beings. He underscored Jainism’s commitment to non-violence, even at the most subtle levels, as a profound message of environmental conservation, mutual harmony, and peace. He acknowledged the five major principles of Jainism and emphasized the relevance of the philosophy of Anekantavada in today’s era. He stated that belief in Anekantavada prevents situations of war and conflict, fostering understanding of others’ emotions and perspectives. He emphasized the need for the world to embrace the philosophy of Anekantavada.

    Underscoring that the world’s trust in India is deepening, with India’s efforts and results becoming a source of inspiration, Shri Modi highlighted that global institutions are now looking towards India because of its progress, which opens pathways for others. He connected this to the Jain philosophy of “Parasparopagraho Jivanam,” emphasizing that life thrives on mutual cooperation. He noted that this perspective has raised global expectations from India, and the nation has intensified its efforts. Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, he identified sustainable lifestyles as the solution and highlighted India’s launch of Mission LiFE. He remarked that the Jain community has been living the principles of simplicity, restraint, and sustainability for centuries. Referring to the Jain principle of Aparigraha, he emphasized the need to spread these values widely. He urged everyone, regardless of their location, to become flag bearers of Mission LiFE.

    Prime Minister remarked that in today’s world of information, knowledge is abundant, but without wisdom, it lacks depth. He emphasized that Jainism teaches the balance of knowledge and wisdom to find the right path. He highlighted the importance of this balance for the youth, where technology must be complemented by human touch, and skills must be accompanied by the soul. He stated that the Navkar Mahamantra can serve as a source of wisdom and direction for the new generation. 

    Shri Modi urged everyone to take nine resolutions after the collective chanting of the Navkar Mantra. The first resolution being ‘Water Conservation’, he recalled the words of Buddhi Sagar Maharaj Ji, who predicted 100 years ago that water would be sold in shops. He emphasized the need to value and save every drop of water. The second resolution is to ‘plant a tree in Mother’s Name’. He highlighted the planting of over 100 crore trees in recent months and urged everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and nurture it like her blessings. He also recollected his efforts in Gujarat in this regard to plant 24 trees related to 24 Tirthankaras which could not be completed due to non-availability of few trees. Stressing the importance of cleanliness in every street, neighborhood, and city, urging everyone to contribute to this mission, Shri Modi mentioned ‘cleanliness mission’ as the third resolution. ‘Vocal for Local’ being the fourth resolution, he encouraged the promotion of locally made products, turning them global, and supporting items that carry the essence of Indian soil and the sweat of Indian workers. The fifth resolution is to ‘explore India’ and he urged people to explore India’s diverse states, cultures, and regions before traveling abroad, emphasizing the uniqueness and value of every corner of the country. ‘Adopting Natural Farming’ being the sixth resolution, the Prime Minister referred to the Jain principle of One living being should not harm another and called for freeing Mother Earth from chemicals, supporting farmers, and promoting natural farming. He proposed ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ as the seventh resolution and advocated for a return to Indian dietary traditions, including millets (Shri Anna), reducing oil consumption by 10%, and maintaining health through moderation and restraint. He proposed ‘Incorporating Yoga and Sports’ as the eighth resolution and emphasized making yoga and sports a part of daily life, whether at home, work, school, or parks, to ensure physical health and mental peace. Highlighting the importance of assisting the underprivileged, whether by holding a hand or filling a plate, as the true essence of service, he proposed ‘Helping the Poor’ as the ninth and final resolution. He emphasised that these resolutions align with the principles of Jainism and the vision of a sustainable and harmonious future. “These nine resolutions will infuse new energy into individuals and provide a fresh direction to the younger generation. Their implementation will foster peace, harmony, and compassion within society”, he added.

    Noting that the principles of Jainism, including Ratnatraya, Daslakshan, Solah Karan, and the festivals like Paryushan, pave the way for self-welfare, Shri Modi expressed confidence that the World Navkar Mantra Day will continuously enhance happiness, peace, and prosperity globally. He expressed satisfaction at the unity displayed by all four sects coming together for this event, describing it as a symbol of unity, emphasising the importance of spreading the message of unity across the nation. He stated that anyone who chants “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” should be embraced and connected, as this energy strengthens the foundation of a developed India.

    Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the blessings of Guru Bhagwants being received at various locations across the country. He extended his respects to the entire Jain community for organizing this global event. He offered his salutations to Acharya Bhagwants, Muni Maharajs, Shravak-Shravikas, and all those participating in the event from across India and abroad. He congratulated JITO for their efforts in organizing this historic event and acknowledged the presence of Home Minister of Gujarat, Shri Harsh Sanghavi, JITO Apex Chairman Shri Prithviraj Kothari, President Shri Vijay Bhandari, other JITO officials, and dignitaries from around the world, extending his best wishes for the success of this remarkable event. 

    Background

    Navkar Mahamantra Divas is a momentous celebration of spiritual harmony and ethical consciousness that seeks to unite people through the collective chanting of the Navkar Mahamantra—the most revered and universal chant in Jainism. Rooted in the principles of non-violence, humility, and spiritual elevation, the mantra pays homage to the virtues of enlightened beings and inspires inner transformation. The Divas encourages all individuals to reflect on the values of self-purification, tolerance, and collective well-being. 

    People from more than 108 countries joined the global chant for peace and togetherness. They participated to foster peace, spiritual awakening, and universal harmony through the sacred Jain chant.

     

     

    ***

     

    MJPS/SR

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Release and Special Screening of Two Significant Documentaries on Indian Buddhist Heritage at National Museum

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 09 APR 2025 10:37AM by PIB Delhi

    The National Museum, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM), Nalanda, and the Light of the Buddhadharma Foundation International, India (LBDFI), hosted the release and screening of two important documentary films at the National Museum Auditorium, New Delhi, on April 8th or 9th, 2025.

    In the opening address, Professor Siddharth Singh, Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, mentioned that their university is working to raise awareness about the footsteps of the Buddha. These documentary films are part of this initiative. He added that the current ‘in the footsteps of the Buddha’ pilgrimage is limited to a few popular sites, whereas there exists an extensive Buddhacarika (footsteps of the Buddha) that the world is unaware of. Their effort is to increase the scope and span of the Buddhist Pilgrimage.

    During the event, Prof. Buddha Rashmi Mani, Director General of the National Museum, delivered the Presidential address. In his speech, Prof. Mani highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting India’s Buddhist heritage. He emphasized the important role these documentaries play in showcasing the rich history of Buddhism and its cultural legacy. Prof. Mani further remarked on the importance of such initiatives for both academic and public awareness.

    Ms. Wangmo Dixey, the Executive Director of LBDFI, also spoke at the event, offering her insights on the occasion. She emphasized the significance of the event, highlighting how it represents a crucial step in the nation’s collective effort to preserve and promote the teachings of Buddhism, ensuring that the legacy of this ancient tradition continues to inspire generations to come.

    About the Films

    Nalanda: A Journey through Time

    The documentary Nalanda: A Journey through Time is a groundbreaking film that showcases the unparalleled contributions of Sri Nalanda Mahavihara (Ancient Nalanda University) to the development of Buddhist literature, philosophy, art, and architecture. From the Sth to the 13th centuries, Nalanda played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia. It was a hub fora global exchange of ideas, influencing Buddhist thought, art, and iconography across countries such as China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet.

    The film aims to document the critical role Nalanda played in shaping Buddhist traditions and philosophies. It features insightful interviews with Dr. BR Mani, Director General of the National Museum and a renowned Indian archaeologist, along with other subject matter experts, including the former Vice Chancellor of NNM and Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director of Tibet House, New Delhi. This film was previously showcased at the first edition of The Bodhipath Film Festival, held on March 11, 2025, at the India International Centre in New Delhi.

    Gurpã: The Last Footsteps of Mahakasyapa

    Gurpã: the Last Footsteps of Mahakasyapa traces the pilgrimage of 25 international monks from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and India as they retrace the final journey of Mahakasyapa from Veluvana (Rajgir) to Gurpã Mountain. The film combines documentary storytelling with cinematic techniques to present the sacred walk of the Venerable Mahasangha of the ITCC and the profound significance of Mahäkasyapa’s last journey.

    The documentary highlights the historical, prophetic, and spiritual aspects of Mahakasyapa’s life, and the sacredness of Gurpā Mountain, one of the most significant locations in Buddhism. The film underscores the connection between the Buddha’s teachings and the Buddhacarika, the geographical entity encompassing the areas of the Buddha’s sublime wanderings and those of his principal disciples.

    Director, Shri Surinder M. Talwar is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker with over 40 years of experience in the audio-visual industry. He has directed a wide range of films, including research-based documentaries, short features, docu-dramas, corporate films, and award-winning music videos. His films have been showcased at various forums, including the United Nations. In recent years, Talwar has focused solely on projects related to Buddhismand Indian Buddhist heritage. His film Buddhism: A Spiritual Journey has won numerous awards both in India and internationally.

    This project, conceived by the Light of the Buddha Dhamma Foundation International – India (LBDFI) and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM), seeks to revive the 70 km trail that Mahakãsyapa took over 26 centuries ago to reach his final resting place at Gurpã Mountain. The film aims to raise awareness of Mahakasyapa’s contributions to Buddhism and promote the revival of the ancient Cetiya Carikã tradition. This significant documentary will also be showcased at the upcoming United Nations Vesak Celebration 2025.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2120275) Visitor Counter : 84

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SLW’s speaking notes on welfare, poverty alleviation and children policy areas tabled at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the speaking notes of the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on welfare, poverty alleviation and children policy areas tabled at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 9):

    Chairman and Honourable Members,

         In 2025-26, government recurrent spending on social welfare is estimated to be $130.4 billion, accounting for 22.2 per cent of the total recurrent government expenditure of the year, first amongst all policy area groups. Compared with the revised estimate for 2024-25 of $118.7 billion, there is an increase of about $11.7 billion in recurrent spending on social welfare. The increase is about 9.8 per cent. Now, let me highlight how the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) will make use of these resources.

    Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities ($2 Scheme)

         The Financial Secretary has announced in the 2025-26 Budget the adjustments of the $2 Scheme. On the basis that the targeted beneficiaries remain unchanged, the Government will change the concessionary fare to “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount”, which means that beneficiaries will continue to pay $2 for trips with full adult fare below or equal to $10. For trips with full adult fare above $10, the beneficiaries will have to pay the amount after 80 per cent discount of the full fare. Furthermore, the number of concessionary trips will also be limited to 240 per month. This fine-tuned proposal preserves our policy intent while striking a balance between enhancing the sustainability of the scheme and minimising the impacts to the beneficiaries. Our preliminary estimate at the time of the Budget announcement was that the “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount” proposal would be implemented no later than September 2026. Upon liaison with the Octopus Cards Limited and public transport operators, the “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount” proposal can be implemented in April 2026, which is around five months earlier than the original estimate. The amount of additional savings is about $260 million. As for the “concessionary trips limit” proposal, we expect that it will be implemented about one year after the implementation of the “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount” proposal.

    Elderly services

         The recurrent government expenditure on elderly services this year is estimated to reach about $17 billion, representing an increase of about 50 per cent over about $11 billion five years ago (i.e. 2020-21).

         The Government will continue to strengthen residential and community care services for the elderly. We will add 1 000 Residential Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly (RCSV) and 1 000 Community Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly (CCSV) starting from the second quarter this year, so that the numbers of RCSV and CCSV will reach 6 000 and 12 000 respectively.  The annual expenditure involved is about $1,710 million and $900 million respectively.

    Cash assistance 

         This year’s Budget proposes to provide a one-off extra half-month allowance to eligible recipients of social security payments, which will incur an expenditure of about $2,988 million and is expected to benefit about 1.71 million persons. Similar arrangements will apply to recipients of the Working Family Allowance Scheme. It is expected that around 56 000 households will benefit from this initiative, incurring an expenditure of about $96 million.

    Enhance support for persons with disabilities

         Starting from the third quarter of this year, the Government will regularise the Pilot Project on Enhancing Vocational Rehabilitation Services to enhance services and training models in Sheltered Workshops and Integrated Vocational Rehabilitation Services Centres to build a better vocational rehabilitation and training ladder for persons with disabilities. This initiative involves an annual expenditure of about $100 million, and it is expected to benefit about 10 000 people.

         The Government will set up 14 Integrated Community Rehabilitation Centres across the territory in phases to provide persons with disabilities who require medium to high-level care with flexible and integrated community support services through a case management approach. Moreover, 1 280 additional day community rehabilitation and home care service places will be provided for persons with severe disabilities. Additional annual expenditure involved is around $160 million.

         In addition, in view of the remarkable effectiveness of peer support services for persons in mental recovery, the Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that peer support services will be expanded to other types of disabilities, with 90 additional peer supporter posts added in District Support Centres for Persons with Disabilities and Parents/Relatives Resource Centres. Annual expenditure involved is around $21 million.

    Online youth emotional support platform

         The Government will enhance the services of the five existing Cyber Youth Support Teams in the second quarter of 2025 by providing an online youth emotional support platform. Total additional expenditure involved is around $150 million.

    District Services and Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly and Carers

         The Government launched the District Services and Community Care Teams – Pilot Scheme on Supporting for Elderly and Carers in Tsuen Wan and Southern Districts in March last year. Care Teams were engaged to help identify households of singleton/doubleton elderly persons and carers of elderly persons/persons with disabilities in need, providing them with caring and support services. In light of the satisfactory results of the Pilot Scheme, the Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the Scheme will be extended to across the territory in the second quarter of 2025, supporting elderly persons and carers in all 18 districts. This initiative involves an annual expenditure of about $111.9 million.

    Rehabilitation services places

         The Government is committed to building an inclusive society and supporting persons with disabilities in developing their physical, mental social capabilities to the fullest possible extent, and to promote their integration into the community. To this end, the Government is committed to increasing the number of rehabilitation (including day, residential and respite care) service places from about 37 300 in 2023-24 to about 39 900 by 2028-29 and providing about 1 040 additional day care, residential care and pre-school rehabilitation service places in 2025-26. These involve an annual expenditure of about $186 million.

    Assist working families in childbearing

         Over the three years starting from 2024, the Government is setting up 11 more aided standalone Child Care Centres (CCCs) in phases, increasing the number of CCCs from 15 to 26, and increasing the service places from about 1 000 to about 2 000. Four of the new CCCs have commenced service in 2024, providing a total of 344 service places. The Social Welfare Department (SWD) will also further enhance the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project by further increasing the number of service places from 2 000 to 2 500, with the estimated number of beneficiaries to be increased from 20 000 to 25 000.  

    Child protection 

         The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will come into effect on January 20, 2026, creating a wider and more effective protection web for children. In this connection, the Government will provide an additional annual provision of $186 million to increase the number of emergency places for residential childcare service and strengthen professional support for child abuse victims and their families.

         To strengthen the prevention of child abuse at its source, the Government will allocate an additional provision of $96.9 million from 2025-26 to 2029-30 for setting up four Community Parents and Children Centres on a pilot basis. The Centres will promote parent-child interaction through play-based services and instil positive parenting skills in parents, and render support for families with parenting needs. The four Community Parents and Children Centres will commence operation progressively starting from 2026.

    Implementation of Productivity Enhancement Programme (PEP) 
      
         The Financial Secretary has announced in the 2025-26 Budget that the Government would step up the PEP. On the premise that the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and Social Security Allowance will not be affected, the rate of reduction of recurrent government expenditure will be increased from the original 1 per cent to 2 per cent in 2025-26. This arrangement will be extended for two more years to 2027-28. Taking into account the 1 per cent cut in 2024-25, the cumulative rate of reduction will be 7 per cent in total. After considering various factors and trying the best to redeploy internal resources, the LWB and the SWD rolled out four support measures to assist non-governmental organisations operating subvented welfare services (subvented NGOs) in implementing the PEP, including 
    (i) shouldering part of the financial impact on subvented NGOs and exempting multiple items that are subject to reduction in expenditure; 
    (ii) increasing subvented NGOs’ flexibility and certainty in utilising the reserves of Lump Sum Grant subvention; 
    (iii) reducing the workload of handling cost apportionment; and 
    (iv) enhancing Funding and Service Agreements.

         I have met with heads of subvented NGOs immediately after the announcement of the Budget to explain the support measures. I would like to thank the senior management of the subvented NGOs for leading their staff to rise to the challenges, and for working with the Government in a concerted manner to make the best use of public resources to implement the PEP together and continue to provide quality services to the needy.

         Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. Members are welcome to raise questions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4505-4506: Up, up and onto the Devil’s Gate 

    Source: NASA

    Written by Catherine O’Connell-Cooper, Planetary Geologist at University of New Brunswick
    Earth planning date: Monday, April 7, 2025
    Over the weekend, we completed our drive up the steep side of a canyon, up onto “Devil’s Gate,” a small butte which forms part of the ridge along the top of the canyon and now we can see down into the next canyon. It is always true that we are going somewhere no one has been before – that’s the idea of an exploratory mission after all, and everyone kind of gets used to it, we don’t stop to think about it. But today, coming over the top of a hill like this and fully looking for the first time into an area that we have only had glimpses of before, it really brings it home that the mission is doing something extraordinary, something out of this world …. and brings that feeling of awe back into focus. 
    We did not pass SRAP (Slip Risk Assessment Process) a couple of times as we climbed up the side of this canyon, meaning that the contact science instruments (APXS and MAHLI) had to stand down for that day’s planning. However, this morning, in addition to a brand new vista, we saw that all six wheels are firmly on the ground and we passed SRAP quickly this morning, which must have been a relief to the rover planner in charge of assessing it today! (no one wants to be the bearer of bad news, day after day!) 
    Bedrock here has both flat bedrock and amazing large nodular features, which appear to have “wind tails” caused by winds consistently blowing in the same direction. This is a Touch and Go plan, so APXS and MAHLI are focusing on a single target, the brushed “Coronado” target on the flat bedrock in front of us. ChemCam will use LIBS to investigate the nodular features at “La Cumbre Peak.”  
    Near the rover, Mastcam will image some small diagenetic features at “Boulder Oaks” and the LIBS target. The 3×2 (2 rows of 3 images) “La Jolla Valley” mosaic focuses on a very nodular patch, just outside of the workspace reachable by the arm. Further from the rover, the 6×2 mosaic (2 rows of 6 images) “Los Penasquitos” looks at an amazing almost vertical vein. This discontinuous vein stretches for about 6 meters (about 18 feet), with vein fins sticking above the surface at various points, like a series of shark fins breaking the bedrock surface. Much further afield, ChemCam will acquire a long distance image on “Condor Peak,” which appears to have large scale vein networks, known as “boxwork structures” and may be an early example of the boxworks we are hoping to reach in Fall 2025.  
    The ENV (Environmental and Atmospheric group) planned a Mastcam “tau” measurement, to look at dust in the atmosphere. There is a paired Navcam activity, looking at dust devils towards the north of the crater on the first sol and towards the south on the second sol. A suprahorizon movie and our usual DAN and REMS measurements round out this plan.  
    Let’s see what the next drive will reveal to us! 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Flooding Along the Mississippi

    Source: NASA

    After unleashing dozens of destructive tornadoes, a slow-moving storm system dumped heavy rain across the U.S. Midwest and Southeast in early April 2025. In some areas, 10-15 inches (25-38 centimeters) fell between April 1 and 6. According to hydrograph data from the National Weather Service, the rain fueled major floods on several tributaries of the Mississippi River, particularly within the Ohio River watershed in Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana, and along the Black River and White River in Arkansas.
    A break in the clouds on April 7, 2025, revealed to satellites the widespread flooding that spanned several states. The image above (right) was acquired by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-21 satellite. The other image, also acquired by VIIRS, shows the same area before the deluge.
    Both images were assembled from false-color data using a combination of infrared and visible light (VIIRS bands M11-I2-I1). Floodwater appears navy or black; vegetation is bright green; and bare ground is brown. This band combination makes it easier to spot changes in river dimensions.
    Western Kentucky was particularly hard hit, according to news reports. In Frankfort, floodwater destroyed dozens of homes as the Kentucky River rose to 48.27 feet (14.71 meters) on April 7, the second-highest level on record. Floods swamped many buildings downtown, as well as America’s oldest continuously operating distillery and part of a water treatment plant.
    Though rain in the region has stopped and flooding on some rivers has crested, forecasts from the National Weather Service show that water levels on the Mississippi River will continue to rise in the coming days as water works its way downstream through networks of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers in the region.
    While scientists and water managers use many types of data to anticipate flooding, they have a relatively new source of information from the SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite. Since early 2023, this NASA-CNES satellite has been measuring the height of nearly all water on Earth’s surface at least once every 21 days, including in the Ohio River Basin.
    With this information, researchers are developing new ways to incorporate SWOT data into the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Water Model, which predicts the potential for flooding and its timing along U.S. rivers. SWOT data can help fill in spatial gaps in observations from ground-based water gauges, improve estimates of streamflow, and help quantify how much water lakes and reservoirs can store in ways that will help scientists build better flood models.
    NASA’s Disasters Response Coordination System has been activated to support federal partners in the identification of damage, flooding, and landslide risks following the severe weather in the southern U.S. The team will be posting maps and data products on its open-access mapping portal as new information becomes available.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – Measles Case Confirmed in Child on Oʻahu – DOH Notifies Public of Measles Exposure Locations

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – Measles Case Confirmed in Child on Oʻahu – DOH Notifies Public of Measles Exposure Locations

    Posted on Apr 8, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, M.D., MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    MEASLES CASE CONFIRMED IN CHILD ON OʻAHU — DOH NOTIFIES PUBLIC OF MEASLES EXPOSURE LOCATIONS    

         

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    April 8, 2025                                                                                                    25-033

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division last night confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child under 5 years of age on Oʻahu. The DOH is investigating the case to identify those who might have been exposed and is working with them to prevent the spread of disease.

    The child had recently returned from international travel with its parents. The child developed a fever, runny nose and cough shortly after returning to Hawaiʻi, sought medical care after breaking out in a rash, and is now recovering at home. A household member with similar symptoms is also being evaluated for possible measles infection.

    Members of the public may have been exposed to measles if they visited the following locations during the specified times:

     

    • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
      • C gates, customs and baggage claim area on March 30 between 10:50 a.m. and 2 p.m.
      • Terminal 2 departures, TSA checkpoints and gate area for Delta flight 309 to Atlanta, Georgia, on April 4 between 1 and 7 p.m.
    • Mānoa Valley District Park art class on April 1, between 9 to 10 a.m.
    • Queen’s Island Urgent Care Kapahulu on April 4, between 8 a.m. to noon

    Flight notifications have been issued for the airlines and airports through which the confirmed and suspected cases traveled. The DOH is also reaching out directly to individuals who had known contact with the confirmed or suspected case.

    If you were at one of the above locations on the day and time specified:

    • Not vaccinated? If you have never received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who was exposed and considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Vaccine or immune globulin can be given to prevent measles if received shortly after exposure.
    • Be vigilant. Watch for symptoms until three weeks after your last exposure. If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
    • Immunocompromised? Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
    • Already vaccinated? If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
    • Another dose? If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve complete immunity, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

    A medical advisory will be issued to healthcare providers statewide.

    Highly contagious

    Measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses in the world. It spreads by direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An infected person can spread measles to others from four days before developing the rash through four days afterward. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

    Symptoms of measles

    Measles symptoms typically include fever of greater than 101 F, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to 14 days after being exposed. Three to five days after symptoms start, a rash begins to appear on the face and spread to the rest of the body.

    How to protect yourself

    The best protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. All children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is given at age 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. If you are planning travel, consult your healthcare provider to determine whether an additional or earlier dose of MMR is recommended.

    All adults born during or after 1957 should also have documentation of at least one MMR vaccination, unless they have had a blood test showing they are immune to measles or have had the disease. Certain adults at higher risk of exposure to measles (e.g., post-secondary school students, international travelers and healthcare personnel) need a second dose of MMR vaccine, at least four weeks after the first dose.

    If you are exposed and not protected

    If you are not protected against measles and are exposed to someone with the disease, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

    • The MMR vaccine may prevent or lessen the severity of measles if given with 72 hours of exposure
    • Immune globulin (a blood product containing antibodies to the measles virus) may prevent or lessen the severity of measles if given within six days of exposure.

    If you are not protected against measles, believe you have been exposed and cannot reach your healthcare provider promptly, please call the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586, or call the Disease Investigation Branch at 808-586-8362.

    There is no specific treatment for measles. Care of patients with measles consists mainly of ensuring adequate intake of fluids, bed rest and fever control. Patients with complications may need treatment specific to their problem.

    Contact your healthcare provider to get the MMR vaccine, or locate a vaccine provider at https://www.vaccines.gov/en/

    For more information about measles, visit:

    DOH measles information website

    CDC measles website

    MMR vaccine factsheet

    #  # #

    Media Contact:

    Stephen J. Downes

    Director of Communications

    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

    Landline: 808-586-4417

    Email: [email protected]

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – First Hawaiʻi Measles Case of 2025 Confirmed; Gov. Green, Health Leaders Urge Vaccination Amid National Crisis

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor – News Release – First Hawaiʻi Measles Case of 2025 Confirmed; Gov. Green, Health Leaders Urge Vaccination Amid National Crisis

    Posted on Apr 8, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 
     

    GOVERNOR GREEN AND HEALTH LEADERS URGE VACCINATION AMID NATIONAL MEASLES CRISIS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 8, 2025

    HONOLULU — In response to Hawai‘i’s first confirmed case of measles in years, Governor Josh Green, M.D., joined Department of Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink and The Queen’s Health Systems Clinical Chair of Pediatrics Dr. Nadine Tenn Salle, to issue an urgent call to action: protect Hawai‘i’s communities through vaccination.

    The confirmed case involves an unvaccinated child under age 5 who recently returned to O‘ahu from international travel. The child is recovering at home. A household member with similar symptoms is under evaluation. The Department of Health is actively investigating, issuing flight notifications, contacting those who may have been exposed and alerting healthcare providers statewide.

    Today, Governor Green signed emergency rules to help prevent a measles outbreak in Hawai‘i. The rules allow children with religious exemptions to receive the MMR vaccine while still retaining their exemption to other vaccines and staying in school.

    “There’s no need to panic — but there is a need to act,” said Governor Green. “Measles isn’t just a rash and a fever — it’s one of the most contagious viruses known. We’ve already seen what happens when vaccination rates drop: more cases, more outbreaks, more lives at risk. The best thing you can do to protect your family, your community and our keiki is to get vaccinated. It’s simple, it’s safe and it saves lives.”

    Measles, declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, is resurging. In 2025, more than 600 cases have already been reported across 22 states. Globally, cases have surged, with the World Health Organization estimating 10.3 million cases in 2023.

    “We have a new confirmed case of measles in Hawai‘i,” said Dr. Kenneth Fink, Director of the Hawai‘i Department of Health. “The last confirmed case occurred in 2023, and additional travel-related cases are not unexpected. Our goal is to prevent cases from becoming outbreaks. The best way to prevent an outbreak is to have at least a 95% community vaccination rate. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. If you or a family member are not up to date, please talk with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against measles to protect your ʻohana and our community.”

    Statewide, Hawai‘i’s MMR vaccination rate stands at 89.8% — below the 95% threshold needed for community (or herd) immunity. Some schools have dangerously low coverage, especially on the Neighbor Islands.

    “Hospitals and clinics across Hawai‘i are on high alert,” said Dr. Nadine Tenn Salle, Clinical Chair of Pediatrics at The Queen’s Health Systems. “We’re ready to identify and isolate cases, but our best defense is prevention. That means vaccination — not just for your child, but to protect newborns, the immunocompromised, and others who cannot be vaccinated. This is a community effort, and the medical community is here to help every step of the way.”

    The best protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. All children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is given at age 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. If you are planning travel, consult your healthcare provider to determine whether an additional or earlier dose of MMR is recommended.

    All adults born during or after 1957 should also have documentation of at least one MMR vaccination, unless they have had a blood test showing they are immune to measles or have had the disease. Certain adults at higher risk of exposure to measles (e.g., post-secondary school students, international travelers, and healthcare personnel) need a second dose of MMR vaccine, at least four weeks after the first dose.

    Contact your health care provider to get the MMR vaccine, or locate a vaccine provider at https://www.vaccines.gov/en/.

    For more information about measles, visit:

    DOH measles information website

    CDC measles website

    MMR vaccine factsheet

    Photos from today’s news conference can be found here.

    Video from today’s news conference can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    Stephen J. Downes
    Director of Communications
    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health
    Office: 808-586-4417
    Email: s[email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Needles gets safe drinking water, thanks to state investment

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 8, 2025

    What you need to know: A state grant of $14 million has secured safe drinking water for the severely disadvantaged community of Needles.

    NEEDLES – After years of struggling with poor water quality and aging facilities, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the completion of a new water system for the City of Needles in eastern San Bernardino County. This system will ensure reliable access to safe drinking water for Needles’ 5,000 residents.

    Today’s announcement of the new clean water system in Needles furthers the state’s goal to provide all Californians with clean and safe drinking water. Since 2019, thanks to state efforts, the number of Californians without safe drinking water has been reduced by half, from 1.6 million to about 800,000 people.

    “I’m proud of the state’s work to expand clean water access to more Californians than ever before. With today’s announcement, the City of Needles now joins the 98% of Californians served by clean drinking water systems – and we won’t stop until we achieve safe water for all.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The state fully funded the planning and construction of Needles’ new water system through a $14 million grant from its Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) drinking water program. The project is part of Governor Newsom’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating thousands of jobs across the state. Find projects building your community at build.ca.gov. 

    The program was launched after Governor Newsom signed SB 200 in 2019, establishing funding for drinking water projects through the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. The city of Needles sought help from the State Water Board after a burst pipe and lightning strike caused its 80-year-old water system, already contending with contamination issues, to fail completely in 2020.

    Needles’ experience illustrates the challenges that small, rural disadvantaged communities often face in providing safe drinking water. With a median household income of $40,000, the city was reluctant to raise water rates to pay for improvements to its prior water system, which fell into disrepair over time.

    “This project represents more than a milestone — it’s a generational investment in the future of Needles,” said Patrick Martinez, Needles City Manager. “The $14.3 million SAFER grant provided a critical opportunity to turn long-standing infrastructure challenges into a model of resilience and sustainability. In strong partnership with the State Water Resources Control Board, we are restoring public confidence, strengthening regional capacity, and positioning our community for long-term economic growth. This is the kind of forward-looking, outcomes-driven investment California needs, and the City Council is proud to help secure a stable, reliable water future for the residents of Needles.”

    California’s SAFER drinking water program

    Today, 98% of Californians are served by water systems that consistently meet state and federal drinking water standards. Through the SAFER program, the state works to establish access to safe drinking water for the remaining 2% of Californians who predominantly reside in disadvantaged communities and communities of color with drinking water contamination and aging infrastructure. 

    SAFER leverages the State Water Resources Control Board’s regulatory authorities and funding from the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund, Propositions 1, 68, and 84, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and other sources to support strategies to develop and implement sustainable solutions for these disadvantaged communities and communities at risk of lacking access to safe drinking water. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Apr 7, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis today issued a proclamation declaring April 6 to April 12, 2025 as California Library Week. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATION During National Library Week, we…

    Apr 7, 2025

    News What you need to know: CAL FIRE is launching a new campaign supporting Californians to take steps now – including home hardening and defensible space – to prepare for peak fire season. SACRAMENTO – “Prepare your home and property! Start at the house and work your…

    Apr 7, 2025

    News What you need to know: As National Library Week begins, California is suing the Trump administration after millions of dollars in grants to the state’s libraries were terminated abruptly when the federal administration illegally dismantled a federal agency….

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bilibili Publishes 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today announced that it has published its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Report, available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.bilibili.com. The initiatives and achievements outlined in the report demonstrate Bilibili’s long-standing dedication to creating social value and sustainable development that benefits its users, content creators, employees, partners and other stakeholders.

    “Bilibili strives for more than just commercial success. We are also deeply committed to creating lasting social value,” said Mr. Rui Chen, chairman and CEO of Bilibili. “We uphold high ESG standards in every aspect of our work, from corporate governance to daily operations. Collaborating closely with our content creators, employees, suppliers and partners, we will continue fostering an engaging ecosystem with quality content, driving industry progress through tech and content innovation, spreading positive energy and making a meaningful social impact.”

    Bilibili’s 2024 ESG report provides the Company’s stakeholders with a transparent view of its operations and governance structure, as well as its initiatives supporting positive social change. The report covers content ecosystem enhancement, tech innovation, community engagement, minors’ protection, cybersecurity and privacy protection, content creator and supplier empowerment, talent development, environmental protection, charitable activities, positivity advocacy, corporate governance and more.

    Bilibili’s 2024 ESG Highlights:

    1. Content Ecosystem & User Community

    Bilibili consistently expands its vibrant content ecosystem and refines its cybersecurity measures, offering users a reliable space to explore the content they love. To keep its ecosystem thriving, the Company continuously enhances its product offerings and explores AI applications to optimize user experience, empower content creators and create community value. In 2024:

    • Daily active users approached 104 million, each averaging 102 minutes of daily time spent on the platform.
    • More than 5.1 billion average daily video views were generated, up 19% year over year, with an average of over 40 million users watching consumption-related content each day.
    • Over 90% of Bilibili businesses had received ISO Information Security Management System Certifications.

    2. Content Creator Empowerment

    Supporting content creators is at the heart of Bilibili’s mission. The Company offers content creators a suite of creative tools, strong operational support and diverse monetization opportunities, empowering them to bring their ideas to life, engage with their fans and turn their passion into sustainable success. In 2024, Bilibili:

    • Was home to approximately 4 million monthly active content creators, and nearly 3.1 million content creators earned income via various commercial channels on Bilibili.
    • Helped content creators increase their income through advertising and value-added services by 21% year over year.
    • Curated “Bilibili 2024 UP100” to celebrate the Top 100 Content Creators, nearly 90% of whom have generated content on Bilibili for over five years.

    3. Talent Nurturing and Governance

    Bilibili deeply appreciates its employees’ dedication and is committed to fostering a workplace where talent thrives by investing in employees’ career growth and development. The Company is also committed to business integrity, continuously refining internal governance and risk control under a solid management framework. In 2024, Bilibili:

    • Covered 100% of full-time employees with its comprehensive employee benefits system.
    • Provided multiple training programs to employees, with an average training duration of 35 hours per person.
    • Had no monopoly, extortion, unfair competition or money laundering incidents occur in the Company.

    4. Industry Cultivation

    Bilibili promotes openness and inclusivity, driving sustainable growth across the supply chain, supporting original content creators and their work, and collaboratively building a dynamic open-source community. In 2024, Bilibili:

    • Cumulatively aired more than 640 Chinese anime titles and distributed 98 overseas, expanding the domestic anime industry’s reach.
    • Produced over 170 documentaries and cumulatively aired more than 5,000 documentaries, providing a stage for knowledge-based content to shine.
    • Engaged in more than 60 technology sharing sessions and collaborated with industry partners to build an open-source ecosystem, driving industry-wide progress.

    5. Social Endeavors and Spreading Positive Energy

    Bilibili actively champions social causes and spreads positive energy through quality content, using its platform to raise awareness and drive meaningful change. Bilibili has:

    • Cumulatively launched 101 projects on the Bilibili Charity Platform, inspiring more than 1.07 million users to donate over RMB27 million by the end of February 2025.
    • Helped build 7 rural primary schools, with 7,195 rural students enrolled as of the end of 2024.
    • Granted a total of RMB1.29 million via the Bilibili Happy Scholarship to special enrichment programs by the end of 2024.
    • Engaged a daily average of over 15 million users with science and technology content, fostering a vibrant learning environment.
    • Delighted the platform’s 220 million users with professional knowledge.

    6. Green Philosophy

    Bilibili cares deeply about climate change and embraces its role in protecting the global environment. The Company integrates “green” principles throughout its operations while leveraging its content library to inspire and educate users on environmental protection. In 2024, Bilibili:

    • Further optimized its average actual PUE across all leased data centers.
    • Raised public awareness on environmental protection-related topics, generating 25.3 billion relevant video views, up 100% year over year.
    • Conducted research on employee commuting and business travel to further advance its Scope 3 carbon emissions assessment, examining and analyzing the Company’s carbon footprint.

    The Company’s 2024 ESG report is available in both Chinese and English. To promote environmental conservation, we encourage you to access the electronic version available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.bilibili.com and the HKEX’s website at http://www.hkexnews.hk.

    About Bilibili Inc.

    Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.bilibili.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:

    Bilibili Inc.
    Juliet Yang
    Tel: +86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
    Email: ir@bilibili.com 

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Helen Wu
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com 

    In the United States:

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon & Green Bay Packers Announce Partnership; Plus $3 Million in Vebt Relief

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon & Green Bay Packers Announce Partnership; Plus $3 Million in Vebt Relief

    MILWAUKEE, WI – Verizon and the Green Bay Packers are announcing a new multi-year partnership agreement leading up to the NFL Draft which will enhance the cell service in and around Lambeau Field, drive innovation for the team and their fans and support the community where Verizon employees and Packers fans live, work, and play. Verizon’s partnership with the Green Bay Packers, makes Verizon the official 5G mobile partner of the team, leading to Verizon playing a critical role in the operations and support of the Packers.

    Today’s announcement also includes a $3 million debt relief initiative for Wisconsin veterans over the next two years, with the initial $1 million being administered within weeks.

    Green Bay Packers Partnership

    Verizon and the Green Bay Packers are partnering to continue to deliver the best 5G Network service for fans on game day and during regular operations at Lambeau Field. “We’re proud to announce our partnership with Verizon, which will help us further enhance the fan experience at Lambeau Field,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “By teaming up with Verizon, we can continue prioritizing investments in the stadium’s cellular network to ensure our fans can stay connected on gameday and every day. We are looking forward to having Verizon’s excellent service support our operations at Lambeau Field for years to come.”

    “We’re providing the Packers with the abilities to reach for further innovation, putting this team at the forefront of stadium technology throughout the NFL, all while fans receive great game day service,” said Andrew Brady, Great Lakes Market President.

    One significant change fans will notice is on the stadium’s upper concourse, above the Lambeau Field Atrium. The 6,000 square-foot, climate-controlled gathering space is now named the Verizon Loft. The space includes a full bar and Verizon charging stations so fans can charge their devices. All ticketed guests will have access to the space on gameday, allowing fans to enjoy the game away from the elements with plenty of television screens, tables and chairs. Fans will also notice a greater presence from Verizon on game days and at team events. As the new season kicks off, Verizon will be co-presenting the Packers’ Kickoff Weekend’s game and concert, and the two organizations will partner each season on upcoming community initiatives, reflecting their shared values of giving back to those in need.

    Network Investment for NFL Draft and Beyond

    As Green Bay prepares to welcome an estimated 250,000 visitors over the three-day span of the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field, Verizon is making permanent investments into the area’s network to strengthen the best network service available. Verizon has invested more than $21 million into permanent network upgrades with 5G Ultra Wideband coverage in and around Green Bay and Lambeau Field. At the same time, Verizon teams are installing permanent and temporary infrastructure near Lambeau Field to provide additional capacity at the NFL Draft.

    Veteran Debt Relief

    Many veterans across Wisconsin will soon begin to see more debt forgiveness thanks to Verizon in partnership with ForgiveCo. This debt forgiveness continues Verizon’s investment across Wisconsin after forgiving a previous $1 million last year. “Verizon is proud to expand our commitment to Wisconsin’s veterans, building on our previous $1 million investment,” said Brady. “Forgiving debt is a tangible way to honor their service and sacrifice. We recognize the burdens our veterans carry, and through partnerships like this, we aim to make a life-changing impact. Our dedication to veterans is unwavering, and we are excited to leverage our partnerships to further enhance their wellbeing.”

    Those receiving this debt relief will be contacted by ForgiveCo., a company that identifies and handles the clearing of debt for veterans in need. Veterans across the state will begin receiving outreach from ForgiveCo. in the coming months, with no enrollment process required to benefit. This seamless approach ensures veterans can access relief without additional stress.

    Verizon currently employs more than 8,000 veterans nationwide and is nationally recognized as a Military Friendly company for seven years in a row. Verizon also provides special offers and discounts to veterans and military members across the nation, allowing them to save on mobile or home internet plans. To check for discount eligibility and to get started, visit verizon.com/military or visit a local participating Verizon store for details.

    ForgiveCo is a Public Benefit Corporation that provides business advisory services to corporations, non-profits, and brands for the acquisition, administration, and cancellation of consumer debt, and advisory services in the fields of branding, goodwill creation, and bulk debt management – Transforming debt into goodwill. To learn more about ForgiveCo, please visit forgiveco.com and follow ForgiveCo on all major social media channels.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Find out about our financial support for SME Housebuilders

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Find out about our financial support for SME Housebuilders

    Homes England is helping hundreds of small and medium sized housebuilders to kickstart projects by providing development loans from £250,000 to over £10 million.

    The Home Building Fund is designed for housebuilders based in England that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders. Loans can be tailored to your individual circumstances and can be used to meet the development costs of building homes for sale or rent. Financing is also available to support community-led housing projects, serviced plots for custom and self-builders, off-site manufacturing, new entrants to the market and groups of small firms working in consortia to deliver larger sites.

    Our flexible approach, along with our in-depth knowledge of the housing sector, makes us uniquely placed to support businesses of all sizes to deliver new homes.

    The Home Building Fund can help if you:

    • are a UK-registered corporate entity or limited liability partnership
    • plan to build 5 or more homes on a site in England
    • have a controlling interest in the land, with outline planning permission in place

    More information about the fund can be found in our Home Building Fund guidance, and you can also arrange a call with one of our regional specialists by:

    Find out about some of the schemes we’ve supported by viewing our case studies

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stretch, Breathe, Stay Updated: IDY 2025 Newsletter Goes Live

    Source: Government of India

    Stretch, Breathe, Stay Updated: IDY 2025 Newsletter Goes Live

    IDY Newsletter reflects the spirit of IDY 2025 theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, as envisioned by the Prime Minister: Ayush Minister

    Posted On: 09 APR 2025 1:59PM by PIB Delhi

    In the run-up to the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY), the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush has launched a dedicated newsletter to provide timely updates, foster awareness, and encourage public participation in the global celebration of yoga. With just weeks to go for the event, the newsletter will serve as a vital communication tool to engage stakeholders and audiences worldwide.

    The Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the thought behind the initiative and mentioned that, “This newsletter is a vital step towards ensuring timely and transparent updates for citizens and stakeholders alike. It reflects the spirit of IDY 2025 theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, as envisioned by the Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat. I commend MDNIY for its dedicated efforts in bringing this initiative to life.”

    The Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha mentioned, “The publication of this newsletter is an effort to bring citizens closer to yoga. It encourages widespread participation in IDY 2025 and promotes holistic well-being, aligning with our shared vision of health and harmony for all.

    The Joint Secretary, Ms. Monalisa Dash mentioned, “This newsletter reflects our integrated approach to International Day of Yoga 2025. It brings together voices and efforts from across institutions, helping ensure that the IDY message resonates strongly and inclusively across all sections of society.”

    The Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Dr. Kashinath Samagandi emphasised that “Publication of this newsletter has been a collaborative journey. Timely cooperation from IDY event organisers nationwide is crucial to ensure accurate, comprehensive updates that reflect our collective commitment to promoting yoga and wellness at every level of society.”

    The newsletter aims to disseminate timely information and keep the public informed about the latest developments, including event plans, milestones, and logistical preparations. It will also generate excitement and awareness among citizens, institutions, media houses, and international partners, reinforcing the central message of holistic health and well-being through yoga.

    Designed to promote participation, the newsletter will share details on registration portals, participation guidelines, and community-led initiatives. It will also showcase the country’s preparedness, including ground-level activities, rehearsals, and signature campaigns like Harit Yoga.

    A key objective of the newsletter is to strengthen stakeholder engagement, aligning government bodies, yoga institutions, educational organisations, and global missions under a common vision. The Ministry will also use the platform to highlight innovative campaigns, digital tools like yoga apps, and the special theme ‘Yoga for One Earth One Health’ introduced for the year.

    Functioning as a communication bridge, the newsletter will regularly feature updates on pre-events, curtain raisers, and international collaborations. It will spotlight success stories from previous editions and include expert insights from renowned yoga practitioners and scientists.

    With the Prime Minister’s vision of making yoga a unifying force for humanity, the newsletter will further promote government messaging, celebrating India’s role in leading this global wellness movement.

    This initiative also aims to foster global outreach, highlighting activities of Indian embassies and diaspora communities, ensuring that the spirit of IDY resonates across continents.

    For more updates and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/YAP/IDY-Newsletter/index.php .

    ****

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2120328) Visitor Counter : 112

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £35 million in Cold Weather Payments support paid this winter

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Over £35 million in Cold Weather Payments support paid this winter

    Over 1.4 million Cold Weather Payments – worth around £35 million in total – were paid this past winter to people in England and Wales, according to statistics released today [09 April].

    • Over 1.4 million Cold Weather Payments were made this past winter
    • This represents around £35 million in support, in addition to other benefits
    • Over £9 million of this was issued to those in receipt of Pension Credit

    Cold Weather Payments are issued to vulnerable households when the average temperature in their local area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. 

    Those eligible received £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

    Of those who received a Cold Weather Payment, 385,000 were also in receipt of Pension Credit – equating to around £9 million.

    It comes as the Government’s drive to support low-income pensioners has led to around 50,000 extra Pension Credit awards since the summer – an increase of 64 per cent compared to the same period last year. 

    Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said:

    We supported millions of households this winter through Pension Credit and Cold Weather Payments, alongside extending the Household Support Fund and the Warm Home Discount. 

    For pensioners, this will have come on top of the State Pension which is set to increase by up to £1,900 over this parliament for millions, thanks to our commitment to the Triple Lock.

    Pensioners who receive Pension Credit automatically qualify for Cold Weather Payments. This is alongside extra support available such as the Household Support Fund, which was extended from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, providing support with the cost of essentials such as food, heating and bills.

    Working age people who receive qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance can also receive a Cold Weather Payment if they meet further criteria relating to employment, health conditions and caring responsibilities for young children or a disabled child.

    Additional Information

    • A breakdown of Cold Weather Payments issued can be found on gov.uk: Cold Weather Payment estimates: 2024 to 2025 – GOV.UK
    • There have been an estimated 1,402,000 Cold Weather Payments in the year 2024/25.
    • There have been an estimated 220,000 more Cold Weather Payments 2024/25 compared to the 2023/24 season, including an additional 21,000 to those receiving Pension Credit.
    • Eligibility criteria for Cold Weather Payments can be found on gov.uk: Cold Weather Payment: Eligibility – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –