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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government welcomes agreement on protecting penguin populations

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, March 19, 2025

    The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has welcomed the finalisation of a historic settlement agreement — in the form of a court order — securing critical protections for South Africa’s penguin populations. 

    The landmark agreement — reached between the fishing industry and conservation organisations BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) — establishes island closures to safeguard the critically endangered African Penguin, while supporting sustainable fishing practices.

    “Today marks a triumph for conservation and sustainable development. This court-ordered settlement realises the DFFE’s long-standing commitment to protecting our penguins and biodiversity, while ensuring the fishing industry’s viability. 

    “I am immensely proud of the collaborative spirit that has brought us here, a model for how industry and conservation can work hand in hand for the greater good,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Tuesday.

    The order, issued by the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday, includes the following island closures:

    • Dassen Island: Interim closure as per current permit conditions.
    • Robben Island: A 20km closure, consistent with the Island Closure Experiment.
    • Stony Point: Closure as depicted by the black hatched line in the agreed diagram, applicable to all fishing vessels.
    • Dyer Island: Interim closure as reflected in current permit conditions.
    • St Croix Island: Closure delineated by coordinates (western boundary: 25°45’E; southern boundary: 34°01′ to 25°50’E; southern boundary east: 33°59′ to 25°59’E; eastern boundary to MPA: 25°59’E).
    • Bird Island: A 20km closure radius from the lighthouse, as implemented during the Island Closure Experiment.

    The DFFE said it is committed to overseeing the effective implementation of these closures and will collaborate with stakeholders to monitor their impact on penguin populations. 

    “With this court order, South Africa sets a global standard for environmental stewardship, proving that unity and science-based solutions can secure a thriving future for both nature and livelihoods.

    “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the fishing industry, BirdLife South Africa, SANCCOB, and all involved parties for their dedication to this process,” the department said. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: SpyCloud’s 2025 Identity Exposure Report Reveals Surging Identity-Based Threats as Stolen Identity Records Increase 22% from Last Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SpyCloud, the leader in identity threat protection, today released its 2025 SpyCloud Annual Identity Exposure Report, uncovering the staggering scale of digital identity sprawl, the growing risks organizations face, and actionable insights to combat cyber threats before they escalate.

    SpyCloud has recaptured 53.3 billion distinct identity records, a 22% increase from 2023, underscoring the increasing prevalence of stolen data such as credentials and personally identifiable information (PII) circulating the darknet. These identity records, consisting of harvested employee, consumer, and supply chain data, are the fuel that power cyberattacks like ransomware, account takeover, and fraud – nearly 80% of breaches last year involved the use of stolen credentials. 

    Despite this surge in identity-based threats, many organizations remain unaware of the massive breadth of digital identity data stolen from users, traded among cybercriminals, and leveraged to infiltrate organizations.

    “Traditional security models focus on an isolated exposure data point, like a single stolen password or breached email, without accounting for the full picture of an individual’s digital footprint and other potential exposures,” said Damon Fleury, Chief Product Officer at SpyCloud. “But modern threats are far more complex. At SpyCloud, we’ve pioneered a holistic approach to identity security, mapping exposures across breaches, malware infections, phishing campaigns, and combolists to reveal the true scale of risk from compromised users. This shift is essential for defenders to proactively mitigate threats from stolen identity data before they escalate into full-scale cyberattacks.”

    Key Findings from the 2025 Annual Identity Exposure Report:

    The True Scale of Identity Exposure is Greater Than Previously Estimated

    By applying proprietary holistic identity matching, SpyCloud researchers discovered that the actual scale of exposure is, on average, more than twelve times larger than previously estimated – providing security teams with a clearer, more actionable picture of identity risk:

    • 146 identity records per corporate user → compared to just 11 using traditional methods
    • 141 stolen credential pairs per user → versus just 7 with legacy visibility
    • 74% of recaptured consumer records include location data, increasing risks of fraud and identity theft

    With a holistic approach to identity security, enterprises can move beyond isolated credential leaks and better understand their interconnected exposures – empowering them to act before an attack occurs.

    Infostealer Malware: The Primary Driver of Modern Cybercrime

    Infostealer malware – stealthy, highly efficient tools that extract user information, browser cookies, and system details from infected devices – has emerged as one of the most persistent and dangerous threats to enterprise security. SpyCloud recaptures data from more than 75 different malware families including LummaC2, Redline Stealer, and Vidar. This year’s research into the recaptured data from those families found that:

    • About 1 in 2 of corporate users were exposed through infostealer malware in the past year through a personal or corporate device
    • 7 million stolen credentials for third-party applications were recaptured—a 48% increase from last year. Trending third-party application targets include:
      • 895,802 stolen credentials for enterprise AI tools, exposing sensitive business insights and proprietary data
      • 159,313 stolen credentials from password managers, undermining critical security layers
    • 17 billion stolen cookies were recaptured, enabling attackers to side-step multi-factor authentication (MFA) and hijack active sessions

    Infostealers’ role in identity exposures has real, lasting effects on businesses and individuals. Last year, nearly one-third of companies that suffered a ransomware attack had previously experienced an infostealer infection.

    Phishing: A Growing Threat Fueled by AI and Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS)

    Phishing tactics evolved in 2024, becoming more sophisticated with AI-driven campaigns and turnkey PhaaS platforms. Attackers increasingly targeted high-value data, including personal and corporate credentials, financial accounts, and session cookies. SpyCloud’s 2025 research reveals:

    • 97% of recaptured phished data contains email addresses
    • 64% contains IP addresses
    • 51% contains city or postal codes, increasing risks of location-based fraud

    PII Exposure Surges, Fueling Identity Fraud

    The exposure of PII reached 44.8 billion recaptured records in 2024 – a 39% increase from the previous year – due in large part to breaches such as the Mother of All Breaches (MOAB) and the National Public Data Breach. Both exploding the available PII circulating the criminal underground and still providing cybercriminals with the raw materials to commit identity fraud and financial crimes. Key exposed PII data points include:

    • 3.05 billion Social Security and national ID numbers
    • 4.4 billion full names
    • 2.8 billion phone numbers
    • 42.97 million passport and driver’s license numbers
    • 36.97 million credit card numbers

    Cybercriminals are also capitalizing on sprawling digital identities and expanding their targets to include other forms of credentials. SpyCloud also recaptured 33.1 million exposed API keys and 147,132 compromised cryptowallet addresses, highlighting critical vulnerabilities in modern digital ecosystems.

    Weak Password Practices Continue to Undermine Security

    Despite growing awareness of identity threats, weak password practices remain a constant source of risk, making users easy targets for automated credential stuffing and account takeover attacks:

    • 3.1 billion exposed passwords were recaptured – a 125% increase from last year
    • 70% of users exposed in breaches last year reused previously-exposed passwords across multiple accounts, up from 61% in 2023
    • Most commonly exposed passwords include: “123456,” “Admin,” “Qwerty”
    • Pop culture continues to drive popular password choices. While these passwords are personal to the users, they are predictable and continue to reign as a top entry point for threat actors.
      • Almost 3 billion referenced the fall season
      • 7.5 million referenced major international events in tennis 
      • Over 7 million referenced cats 
      • Passwords influenced by video games surged, including passwords related to The Legend of Zelda (2 million), Super Mario Brothers (almost 1.5 million) and Fortnite (almost 1 million)
      • Passwords influenced by the year’s hottest artists such as Taylor Swift (1.5 million) and Charli XCX (295,000) were also common

    Looking Ahead: Proactive Identity Protection is Critical

    As identity threats continue to evolve, organizations must adopt a proactive, holistic approach to identity security. Defending against cybercrime requires continuous monitoring for dark web identity exposures, rapid and automated remediation of stolen identity data, and enhanced security measures to combat emerging threats.

    “The rise of infostealer malware and ever-evolving phishing attacks created a surge in the theft of sensitive identity data, but the size and scale of breaches like MOAB and NPD demonstrate traditional attack methods continue to be dangerous,” said Trevor Hilligoss, Senior Vice President of Security Research, SpyCloud Labs at SpyCloud. “In an era where identity data is cybercriminals’ most valuable currency, organizations must think beyond traditional security perimeters and leverage intelligence from the criminal underground to disrupt cybercrime before it strikes.”

    Read the full 2025 SpyCloud Identity Exposure Report here.

    About SpyCloud

    SpyCloud transforms recaptured darknet data to disrupt cybercrime. Its automated holistic identity threat protection solutions leverage advanced analytics to proactively prevent ransomware and account takeover, safeguard employee and consumer accounts, and accelerate cybercrime investigations. SpyCloud’s data from breaches, malware-infected devices, and successful phishes also powers many popular dark web monitoring and identity theft protection offerings. Customers include seven of the Fortune 10, along with hundreds of global enterprises, mid-sized companies, and government agencies worldwide. Headquartered in Austin, TX, SpyCloud is home to more than 200 cybersecurity experts whose mission is to protect businesses and consumers from the stolen identity data criminals are using to target them now.

    To learn more and see insights, users can visit spycloud.com.

    Contact:
    Emily Brown
    REQ on behalf of SpyCloud
    spycloud@req.co

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mashatile to lead official World TB Day and National End TB campaign

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will deliver the keynote address at the national World TB Day commemorative event on Monday, 24 March 2025. 

    World TB Day is commemorated annually on the 24th of March to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and highlight efforts to eliminate the disease. 

    The day is also designated to highlight the devastating health, social and economic impact of TB. 

    During the event on Monday, the Deputy President will also launch the National End TB Campaign at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe Township, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal.

    According to the Presidency, South Africa is one of the countries most affected by TB and remains the leading cause of death in the country, claiming approximately 56 000 lives each year, with 54% of these deaths among people living with HIV.

    This year’s official country theme for World TB Day is “Yes! You and I Can End TB – Commit, Invest, Deliver”.

    “This is a clarion call for leaders to champion TB efforts in their respective constituencies and encourage individual action from all South Africans to contribute to the national effort against TB.“

    The Deputy President’s Office said the significance of this year’s commemoration will be marked by the launch of the National End TB campaign designed to substantially reduce TB incidence and mortality in South Africa by 2035. 

    This campaign will be carried out in phases, beginning with a focus on case finding and linking patients to care in the year 2025/26.

    The campaign aims to diagnose 250 000 new TB cases by 2025/26 through targeted testing of five million people. 

    This will be accomplished by implementing Accelerated Targeted Universal TB Testing (TUTT) to reach individuals living with HIV and household contacts with confirmed TB cases.

    The Deputy President will be joined by the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Thamsanqa Ntuli, SANAC Civil Society Chairperson Solly Nduku, Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum Mpumi Zikalala, and SANAC CEO Dr Thembi Xulu. 

    They will also be joined by representatives from development partners inclusive of the United Nations agencies, United States government agencies, research entities, civil society movements and the private sector. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Coop Pank 2024 audited Annual Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Management Board of Coop Pank has compiled 2024 audited Annual Report. There are no differences in the audited accounts as regards the financial results, compared to the unaudited financial results published on 13 February 2025.

    The consolidated annual report 2024 of Coop Pank AS has been enclosed to the announcement and will be made available on the bank’s homepage https://www.cooppank.ee/en/financial-reports

    Annual report will be presented for approval to general meeting of shareholders.

    Coop Pank’s business results for 2024 were positively impacted by solid business volume growth – both the number of customers and the loan portfolio showed strong growth. The overall economic and interest rate environment had a negative impact on business results.

    • By the end of 2024, the number of Coop Pank customers reached 208,000, of which 99,400 were active customers. Over the year, the number of Coop Pank customers increased by 26,000 (+14%) and the number of active customers increased by 17,400 (+21%).
    • By the end of 2024, deposits of Coop Pank reached 1.89 billion euros, increased by 164 million euros (+10%) over the year. The market share of the bank’s deposits increased from 6.0% to 6.1% over the year.
    • By the end of 2024, loan portfolio of Coop Pank reached 1.77 billion euros, increased by 283 million euros (+19%) over the year. The market share of the bank’s loans increased from 6.0% to 6.3% over the year.
    • Net profit of Coop Pank in 2024 was 32.2 million euros, decreased by 18% over the year.
    • Over the year the bank’s cost / income ratio increased from 41% to 50% and the return on equity decreased from the level from 23.5% to 16.2%.

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking reached 211,000. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti, comprising of 320 stores.

    Additional information:
    Paavo Truu
    CFO
    Phone: +372 5160 231
    E-mail: paavo.truu@cooppank.ee

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: CPI remains unchanged in February

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Consumer price inflation has remained at 3.2% in February – unchanged from January.

    According to Statistics South Africa, the main contributors to the annual inflation rate were: 

    • Housing and utilities (4.4% and contributing 1.0 percentage point);
    • Food and non-alcoholic beverages (2.8% and contributing 0.5 of a percentage point), and
    • Restaurants and accommodation service.

    “Recreation, sport and culture, food and non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages and tobacco and communication recorded higher annual inflation rates in February.

    “Inflation cooled for several product categories, most notably, personal care and miscellaneous services, health, restaurants and accommodation, furnishings, household equipment and routine maintenance and transport,” Stats SA Director: CPI Operations, Lekau Ranoto, said.

    The annual rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages accelerated to some 2.8% in February from 2.3% in January.

    “Fruit and nuts, vegetables, hot beverages, seafood, meat and cereals recorded higher rates. On the down side, cold beverages milk, dairy and eggs, oils and fats and sugar confectionary and desserts witnessed slower price increases,” she said.

    Ranoto said inflation in maize meal – a staple in South African households – reached a 17-month high, with samp inflation also reaching a 19-month high in February.

    “The rise in prices is driven by inflationary pressure from the farming and manufacturing of maize according to the latest producer price index data. On average, consumer prices for meat stayed the same in February, compared with January, resulting in a monthly change of 0%. The annual rate was also 0%. 

    “While meat remained subdued, inflation for hot beverages continues to accelerate. The annual change in the price index for hot beverages was 14.6% in February, up from 13.7% in January,” Ranoto said.

    Meanwhile, Stats SA has also recorded a 10.5% increase in medical aid premiums this year and health services rose by 6.1%, compared with a 5% rise last year. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor’s National Wealth Fund to deliver growth and boost security

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Chancellor’s National Wealth Fund to deliver growth and boost security

    Chancellor sets new strategy for National Wealth Fund to reflect our Plan for Change, unlocking billions of pounds of private investment into the UK.

    • New strategic steer will see National Wealth Fund take on higher risk projects as government goes further and faster to kickstart economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower and boost security.
    • Government also launches recruitment for a new National Wealth Fund CEO to build on the £1.8 billion unlocked in private investment since July.

    The National Wealth Fund will unlock over £70 billion in private investment to help deliver economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower, and strengthen the defence sector, the Chancellor has confirmed today [19 March]. 

    The new strategic direction sets clean energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and transport as new priority sectors for the National Wealth Fund. Money will be invested across the United Kingdom in projects like carbon capture, green hydrogen, gigafactories, green steel, and ports.  

    Crucially, the Chancellor’s steer will help direct investment to the industries our defence sector relies on – advanced manufacturing and digital and dual-use technologies – working with industry to keep Britain safe and building on the Government’s commitment to increase spending on defence and national security to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027.   

    The National Wealth Fund’s economic capital limit will also be increased from £4.5 billion to £7 billion, allowing it take on greater risk. This means it has more flexibility over its investments and can support more projects that struggle to access private finance.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, said:

    My number one mission is kickstarting economic growth through our Plan for Change to make Great Britain a stronger, more resilient country and put more money into the pockets of working people.

    I am determined to go further and faster to get our economy growing. By directing tens of billions of pounds into the UK’s industrial strengths, we’ll deliver the high-skilled, high-paid jobs of the future in every corner of the country.

    Since July last year, the National Wealth Fund has unlocked 9,900 jobs and nearly £1.8 billion of private investment in growth-driving industries like green energy and technology. 

    Investment has already started flowing into priority sectors including £55 million for Connected Kerb to increase coverage of EV charging networks and a £28.6 million investment into Cornish Metals. 

    The Chancellor’s strategic steer comes as a new £9.6 million National Wealth Fund investment was announced today for Solihull Council to improve the area’s heating infrastructure and reduce bills, providing low carbon heating, hot water and power to town centre buildings. 

    To lead this new chapter for the UK’s flagship public investor, the Government has also launched a recruitment campaign for the National Wealth Fund’s next CEO. 

    John Flint will step down from the role of CEO in the summer after successfully seeing through the National Wealth Fund’s transition from the UK Infrastructure Bank. 

    The Chancellor will also establish a new UK Strategic Public Investment Forum joining up the UK’s leading policymakers and public financial institutions including the CEOs of the National Wealth Fund, British Business Bank, UK Export Finance, Homes England, Innovate UK, and Great British Energy and The Crown Estate. 

    The forum – the first of its kind – will cooperate on delivering investments to the priority areas set out by the Chancellor and will be tasked with ensuring the Government is getting maximum impact for its investments.  

    Stemming from this, the National Wealth Fund will work closely with Great British Energy to support its quick establishment as a publicly owned clean energy company that will boost Britain’s energy security making it a clean energy superpower, lower bills, create jobs, and grow the economy.

    Investing in homegrown clean energy industries is an essential part of the government’s drive to replace the UK’s dependency on fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators with clean, homegrown power.

    Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, said:

    Clean power is the economic opportunity of the 21st century – and through the National Wealth Fund we will seize this opportunity to invest in British industries and workers.

    We are delivering our clean energy superpower mission to make our country energy secure and deliver the good jobs that the British people deserve.

    More details on Great British Energy’s developer mandate have also been released today.

    The partnership between Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund will see the former bringing project development expertise as well as investment, and the latter providing finance, a model already being deployed in Japan and Denmark. 

    Harnessing private investment via the National Wealth Fund is part of the Government’s wider efforts to kickstart economic growth and deliver a new era of security and renewal through our Plan for Change. 

    Cutting red tape so major infrastructure projects can progress, removing unnecessary hurdles in the planning system so more homes can be built, and progressing new economic partnerships with international partners like Japan and India is part of the work being undertaken to grow the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.

    More information

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NSF Project Evaluates Students’ Attitudes Toward Human Rights in Engineering 

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Every year, more than 2 million tourists flock to the Peruvian Andes town of Cusco, to visit remnants of the Inca Empire and its world-famous citadel, Machu Picchu. Rapid urbanization with this tourism boom however, didn’t develop at the same pace as infrastructure and transportation services. 

    “As a result, low-income residents who live on the outskirts of the city’s center have less access to employment, medical care, education, and social events because they don’t own a private vehicle or their communities lack public transportation,” explains Davis Chacón-Hurtado, an assistant professor jointly appointed in Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute. “This is a key barrier for many people to access opportunities and services, resulting in barriers to participation and disparities in access.”

    By using an engineering for human rights-based approach, Chacón-Hurtado and doctoral student Ashley Benítez Ou developed a metric of transport disadvantage and equal access in Cusco’s outer districts. Their goal is to provide data-driven insights so that rural Cusco residents have equal access to essential services. 

    “We as engineers have the potential to either alleviate or intensify societal challenges. Engineering shapes every facet of human life, and with this level of influence comes a profound responsibility.” — Davis Chacón-Hurtado

    “Having the ability to see a doctor or travel to the inner city to work is a human right,” Chacón-Hurtado says. “We as engineers have the potential to either alleviate or intensify societal challenges. Engineering shapes every facet of human life, and with this level of influence comes a profound responsibility.” 

    Chacón-Hurtado is Principal Investigator on a recently awarded National Science Foundation grant, “Measuring Changes in Attitudes Towards Human Rights in Engineering Students,” that explores ways expand students’ awareness of engineering’s societal impact. He and fellow UConn researchers will use the study’s findings to shape human rights curriculum for engineering students. 

    Other members of the research team include Arash Esmaili Zaghi, professor of civil and environmental engineering; Shareen Hertel, Wiktor Osiatyński Chair of Human Rights and professor of political science; and Betsy McCoach, professor of research methods, measurements, and evaluation from the Neag School of Education. Chacón-Hurtado and Hertel also co-direct UConn’s Engineering for Human Rights Initiative, a collaborative venture between UConn’s College of Engineering and the UConn’s Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute. 

    “As students progress through their undergraduate education, their concern for societal well-being tends to diminish,” Chacón-Hurtado says. “The Measuring Changes project proposes that incorporating human rights—particularly principles like indivisibility of rights, accountability, and participation—into the engineering curricula can bridge this gap, fostering a more socially aware generation of engineers.” 

    The Learning Modules  

    Chacón-Hurtado and his team are developing contextualized training modules that will be deployed within current engineering curriculum. The four main modules are aligned with specific learning objectives. They cover foundational concepts of human rights and related ethical paradigms; historical perspectives and connections between engineering and human rights; human rights-based and ethical approaches to engineering practice; and tools used by engineers to assess the impact of human rights and consideration of human rights impacts. The content is based in part on critical observations gleaned during teaching that Chacón-Hurtado carried out jointly with Sandra Sirota, assistant professor in residence in Human Rights and Experiential Global Learning—in particular, from their course on “Engineering for Human Rights” (ENGR/HRTS 2300). The team has the help of a graduate research assistant, Natalie Goncalves, a Master’s student in Human Rights.  

    During the NSF grant period, the research team will integrate the four modules within a controlled comparative research setting, by applying them selectively to student cohorts across two classes: Transportation Engineering and Planning (CE 2710) and Civil Engineering Projects (CE 4900W). Not every student will receive the extra training modules. As part of this quasi-experimental design structure, one group is considered the “treatment” and the other the “control” group.  

    After deploying the modules, the team will survey both groups to measure the effectiveness of the modules by measuring the change in attitudes towards human rights in engineering. They’ll derive psychometric measures from the survey results and use statistical reports to support the quantitative differences.  

    “Our hypothesis is that tailored engineering modules focused on human rights positively influence the attitudes of engineering students towards human rights and the social impact of engineering in society, when compared to a control group of students who do not receive human rights education using a quasi-experimental design,” Zaghi says.  

    Beyond UConn 

    Assistant Professor Davis Chacón-Hurtado, pictured here at an EWB project in Peru, received an NSF grant to study how engineering students perceive human rights in engineering. Findings from this project are relevant to broader human rights education in STEM (contributed photo)

    Once the study is completed, the outcomes and modules will be available freely to both English and Spanish speakers on the Engineering for Human Rights website. 

    “We hope that these dissemination efforts will reach not only engineering educators but also human rights organizations and community-based groups with experience in engaging communities in New England and abroad,” Chacón-Hurtado says. “We hope this will also facilitate research on the development of practical and cross-culturally appropriate tools for education, training, and mentorship tools from diverse contexts and schools in both the U.S. and Global South.”  

    “Human rights are critical enablers of economic development and shared prosperity, promoting progress within the United States and throughout the world – whether in global regions like Cusco, Peru or rural parts of the US,” Chacón-Hurtado says.  

    Ongoing Efforts in Engineering for Human Rights  

    This innovative approach to engineering education is integral to the broader Engineering for Human Rights Initiative at UConn, which applies a human rights framework to diverse engineering challenges—from sanitation to sustainable transportation, and from environmental risk management to economic resilience research. Several students, faculty, and alumni have already completed projects in the discipline: 

    • Faculty are contributing to the UConn Brownfields Program, supporting the remediation of contaminated sites throughout New England.  
    • And alumnus Kevin Musco ’19 (ENG, Human Rights), H’23 JD is using his degree in human rights to objectively assess risk and opportunities in a more wholistic manner. He uses these skills in his current job as an associate attorney at Cohen and Wolf, P.C. in New York City.  

     “The field of human rights offers something for everyone,” Musco says in this past Engineering News article. “For those who currently study the natural or applied sciences, concepts from human rights can be applied to ‘humanize’ subjects which otherwise lack a prominent social aspect.” 

     Additionally, UConn has already gained national recognition for its novel integrative approach to developing the engineering and human curriculum.  

     In November 2024, Chacón-Hurtado and Hertel collaborated with staff of the National Academy of Engineering’s Cultural, Ethical, Social, and Environmental Responsibility in Engineering (CESER) Program and the National Academies’ Committee on Human Rights (CHR) to develop and host a two-day symposium on “Issues at the Intersection of Engineering and Human Rights.” The workshop engaged academic, industry, government and NGO representatives in considering together how engineering solutions could be aligned with human rights principles to address local and global challenges. Chacón-Hurtado, who was integral to the organizing committee, characterized the symposium as “an inspiring event to understand the many ways in which engineering can not only impact human rights but also be enriched by incorporating them at its core.” 

    Recordings of the symposium are available on YouTube.   

     Zaghi believes attitudes toward human rights in engineering should focus on epistemic justice, which means valuing diverse talent, perspectives, and knowledge without forcing any political agendas or ideologies. 
     “Engineering should serve humanity as a whole,” he says. “Engineers need to ensure fairness by including different voices and avoiding biased designs. The focus must remain on technical evidence and practical solutions rather than virtuous narratives. Human rights in engineering are about creating systems that are fundamentally fair, accessible, and enable economic development and shared prosperity. This approach keeps engineering grounded in universal principles and ensures that it benefits everyone.” 

    Read more about human-rights centered engineering at UConn in this recent UConn Today story.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: New Flexera Report Finds that 84% of Organizations Struggle to Manage Cloud Spend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ITASCA, Ill., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flexera, the global leader in technology spend and risk management, today announced the release of its 2025 State of the Cloud Report. The 14th annual report, which polled more than 750 technical professionals and executive leaders worldwide who were involved in the use of cloud, uncovered that 84% of respondents believe that managing cloud spend is the top cloud challenge for organizations today. With cloud spend expected to increase by 28% in the coming year, the report findings suggest that many respondents are rethinking their existing cloud cost management strategies.

    As organizations continue to invest in artificial intelligence (AI), nearly one-third (33%) of organizations are spending more than $12 million annually on the public cloud alone. With cloud budgets already exceeding limits by 17%, organizations are increasingly turning to managed service providers (60%) and expanding use of their FinOps teams to regain control over spending (59%). In fact, the number of respondents that use, or plan to use, a FinOps team increased by eight percentage points year over year.

    “AI is in its prime with no indication of losing momentum,” said Jay Litkey, Senior Vice President of Cloud and FinOps at Flexera and Governing Board Member at the FinOps Foundation. “I suspect we’ll see further acceleration of AI use as more organizations embrace their own AI investments and technology vendors introduce agentic AI into their existing toolsets. To stay on budget and accurately forecast for future needs, organizations need to fine-tune how to track and manage their cloud spend and use with FinOps now—or risk a significantly wasted investment.”

    While estimated wasted cloud spend is falling, the adoption of AI-related public cloud services is rising. In addition to an increase in the use of data warehouse services (76%), often leveraged to feed AI models, generative AI (GenAI) public cloud services use is booming with 72% of organizations reportedly using the technology either extensively or sparingly, as compared to 47% in 2024.

    “FinOps is taking center stage as many enterprises prepare for the onslaught of AI services to eat away at their cloud resources and budgets,” said Becky Trevino, Chief Product Officer at Flexera. “As we’re witnessing an increase in FinOps adoption, we’re simultaneously seeing estimated wasted cloud spend trending downward. This illustrates the power and promise of FinOps practices, proving it is a winning strategy for organizations worldwide.”

    Additional key findings include:

    • Cloud repatriation is starting to slowly unfold. Today, analysts and experts have indicated that some organizations are moving their workloads back to non-cloud environments (their own data centers and/or co-located/hosted environments). While this is beginning to happen, only a minority (21%) of cloud workloads have been repatriated. However, the ongoing migration to the cloud and net-new cloud workloads outstrip these cloud exits, resulting in continued cloud growth.
    • Cloud sustainability initiatives are becoming top-of-mind. Organizations are highly focused on fine-tuning their sustainability practices. Over half (57%) of respondents reported they have, or plan to have, a defined sustainability initiative in place within twelve months, including carbon footprint tracking of cloud use. Regardless, ​saving money is still top of mind given 57% said cost optimization takes priority over sustainability.
    • Cost efficiency continues to be the shining metric. Eighty-seven percent of respondents indicated that cost efficiency/savings is the number one metric used for assessing progress against cloud goals for the sixth year in a row, a 22-point increase from 2024. Organizations are also focused on the volume of workloads migrated (up from 36% in 2024 to 78% in 2025), and cost avoidance, which saw an uptick from 28% to 64%. This continues to validate the narrative that more workloads are moving to—or being developed in—the cloud, making a case for increased cost optimization tools.
    • Organizations are extending the scope of cloud costs to SaaS and software licensing. Those responsible for managing cloud use and costs are increasingly expanding their world beyond public cloud (IaaS/PaaS) to more effectively balance costs, usage and future spend. Seventy-nine percent of respondents indicated that they are now involved in cloud software decisions, with 69% involved in managing use and/or cost of SaaS applications and 64% are managing the use and/or costs of cloud licenses (or software running in the cloud).
    • Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure competition remains heated. According to those surveyed, AWS and Azure continue to compete for the top spot regarding public cloud adoption. Recent data shows that AWS maintains a lead among SMBs—53% of SMBs reportedly use AWS, compared to 29% leveraging Azure. Google Cloud Platform holds the third spot, with just under half (46%) of all organizations running some or significant workloads on it.

    For more information on the Flexera 2025 State of the Cloud report, please visit: https://info.flexera.com/CM-REPORT-State-of-the-Cloud.

    Follow Flexera

    About Flexera
    Flexera helps organizations understand and maximize the value of their technology, saving billions of dollars in wasted spend. Powered by the Flexera Technology Intelligence Platform, our award-winning IT asset management, FinOps and SaaS management solutions provide comprehensive visibility and actionable insights on an organization’s entire IT ecosystem. This intelligence enables IT, finance, procurement, FinOps and cloud teams to address skyrocketing costs, optimize spend, mitigate risk and identify opportunities to create positive business outcomes. More than 50,000 global organizations rely on Flexera and its Technopedia reference library, the largest repository of technology asset data. Learn more at flexera.com.

    For more information, contact:
    Ciri Haugh
    Flexera
    publicrelations@flexera.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Parking restrictions on busy roads for gully clearance work

    Source: City of Leicester

    TEMPORARY parking restrictions will be in place on some residential streets in Leicester next week as part of a rolling programme of street cleaning and gully clearance.

    The city council will be targeting 30 roads in parts of Belgrave, Rushey Mead, Spinney Hills and Westcotes, where heavy parking makes routine gully – or street drain – clearance difficult.

    Each of the roads will have all parking suspended for up to two days while works are carried out.

    Work will begin on Monday 24 March on Arbour Road, Kings Newton Street and parts of Eggington Street, Harrison Road and Olphin Street.

    The teams will then move on to other busy roads over the next four days.

    The work will be complete, and all temporary parking restrictions lifted, by the end of Friday 28 March.

    Martin Fletcher, Leicester City Council director of highways, said: “This weeklong programme of targeted street cleaning and gully, or street drain clearance will focus on those roads where heavily parked up roads can make it difficult to carry out this work as part of our routine maintenance programme.

    “It’s part of a rolling programme that helps to provide safer and cleaner roads and highways as well as minimising the risk of flooding in the city.

    “We have written to all residents in the roads affected to inform them that parking will be temporarily suspended for up to two days while we undertake this work.”

    Full details of all roads affected are available on the city council’s website at www.leicester.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/temporary-traffic-regulation-notices

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on CRSH (100.59%), ULTY (79.43%), TSLY (76.84%), LFGY (66.79%), SNOY (63.58%) and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Weekly Payers and Group A ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF Ticker1 ETF Name Distribution Frequency Distribution
    per Share    		 Distribution Rate2,4 30-Day 
    SEC Yield3    		 ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record Date    		 Payment
    Date
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2640 33.60% 0.00% 0.00% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4723 66.79% 0.00% 53.27% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3124 – – 47.65% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered
    Call ETF    		 Weekly $0.3193 – – 0.00% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3175 – – 100.00% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0977 79.43% 0.00% 100.00% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.0850 29.28% 61.87% 24.87% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1526 57.05% 85.03% 43.60% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    CRSH  YieldMax™ Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6458 100.59% 3.00% 98.10% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    FEAT YieldMax™ Dorsey Wright Featured 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6925 25.57% 122.88% 0.00% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    FIVY YieldMax™ Dorsey Wright Hybrid 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks $0.7092 25.90% 67.34% 0.00% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    GOOY YieldMax™ GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3284 33.98% 4.12% 0.00% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    OARK YieldMax™ Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3210 51.60% 3.25% 71.26% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    SNOY YieldMax™ SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.8119 63.58% 2.45% 0.00% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    TSLY YieldMax™ TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4638 76.84% 4.69% 94.16% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    TSMY YieldMax™ TSM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5772 47.98% 3.59% 93.02% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    XOMO YieldMax™ XOM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.2950 26.06% 3.38% 77.73% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    YBIT YieldMax™ Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4357 56.11% 1.61% 97.70% 3/20/2025 3/21/2025
    Weekly Payers & Group B ETFs scheduled for next week: GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY ULTY YMAG YMAX BABO DIPS FBY GDXY JPMO MARO MRNY NVDY PLTY
     

    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 and YQQQ 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).

    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 March 18, 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 February 28, 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 SQY, 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 RDTY, 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.

    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), 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 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 NGOs: Mexico: The state must investigate the finding of mass graves in Jalisco and Tamaulipas

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty International expresses deep concern over the discovery of mass graves and cremation ovens in Teuchitlán (Jalisco) and Reynosa (Tamaulipas) on 5 and 11 March, respectively. This discovery, made by search collectives from these states, warrants the immediate opening of an independent and comprehensive investigation by the Mexican state so that the remains found can be identified and returned to the families searching for their disappeared loved ones in a respectful and caring way.

    The Mexican state has a duty to provide the searchers who found the two sites with all the necessary protection measures, given the potential risk to their physical integrity. These measures must be maintained over time so that the searchers are kept safe and can continue their work.

    Amnesty International calls for the prevention of the spread of rumours that stigmatize disappeared persons, who deserve respect and dignity above all.

    “In the face of this tragedy, we urge the Mexican state to establish the facts by providing the necessary resources to do so, and to give appropriate and dignified treatment to those who, after seeing images of the mass graves that have been discovered, have recognized items of clothing worn by disappeared family members,” said Edith Olivares Ferreto, Executive Director at Amnesty International Mexico.

    In the face of this tragedy, we urge the Mexican state to establish the facts by providing the necessary resources to do so, and to give appropriate and dignified treatment to those who, after seeing images of the mass graves that have been discovered, have recognized items of clothing worn by disappeared family members

    -Edith Olivares Ferreto, Executive Director at Amnesty International Mexico.

    “The Mexican state has been the great absentee in the problem of forced disappearances in Mexico. This has given rise to groups of searchers, the vast majority of whom are women, who have helped locate hundreds of bodies of disappeared persons. Their work has generated trust and has led people with disappeared relatives to turn to them for help instead of approaching the authorities. The state cannot ignore its obligation to recognize the searchers as human rights defenders who carry out their work with great dignity, and it must provide them with the guarantees they need to continue their work,” added Edith Olivares Ferreto.

    “In the context of this terrible tragedy, Amnesty International urges the Mexican state to engage in dialogue with the searchers, to listen to their needs and to recognize the experience they have gained through many years of work in the field, in addition to adopting the international standards that guarantee their right to search without fear,” concluded Edith Olivares Ferreto.

    Amnesty International urges the Mexican state to engage in dialogue with the searchers, to listen to their needs and to recognize the experience they have gained through many years of work in the field, in addition to adopting the international standards that guarantee their right to search without fear

    -Edith Olivares Ferreto. Executive Director at Amnesty International Mexico

    The events described take place in an environment of almost total impunity, which creates an idea of permissibility and at the same time revictimizes the victims. It is essential that events of this nature be effectively investigated, including through the hypothesis of enforced disappearances, as it is unlikely that the two mass graves could have operated without the support or acquiescence of the authorities.

    Disappearances in Mexico, an ongoing scourge

    The horrific discovery of the mass graves and crematoriums is further evidence of an ongoing scourge that spares no state in the country.

    Mexico continues to face a serious crisis of disappearances linked to the context of violence and insecurity that has increased in the country in recent decades, as evidenced by the fact that, according to government data, 30 people disappear every day in Mexico.

    Information from the National Registry of Disappeared and Missing Persons shows that between 1 January 1950 and 10 March 2025, the number of disappeared or missing persons reached 122,821. Jalisco is listed as having 15,013 disappeared persons, followed by the state of Mexico with 13,625 disappeared persons and Tamaulipas with 13,307.

    The United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances stated in its 2021 report that the number of disappearances in Mexico increased exponentially between 2006 and 2021. It was precisely in 2006 that the administration of President Felipe Calderón took the decision to deploy the armed forces to enforce public security, a process that was institutionalized in September 2024, the last month of the latest six-year presidential term.

    Amnesty International has denounced that the decision to militarize and institutionalize public security in Mexico is in breach of judgments issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

    Amnesty International has pointed out that the problem of enforced disappearances in Mexico affects men, women, children, Indigenous peoples, migrants, journalists, human rights defenders and the LGBTI community. Disappearances are linked to sexual violence, femicide, recruitment by criminal groups, kidnappings and human trafficking, among other crimes.

    Amnesty International has documented that women searchers in the Americas, and in Mexico in particular, face a high level of risk when searching. From 2011 to date, 24 family members of disappeared persons (14 of them women) have been killed.

    Contextual information:

    Searching Without Fear: International Standards for protecting women searchers in the Americas

    Amnesty International call on behalf of Women Searchers

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Muscovites signed the first contracts for apartments in a new building under the renovation program in Cherepanovykh Drive

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    More than 90 percent of residents of two houses in the Koptevo district being resettled under the renovation program have decided on equivalent apartments in a new building at 54a Cherepanov Proezd. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “Since February 4, about 190 Muscovites from two old buildings – houses 36 on Koptevskaya Street and 52a in Cherepanovykh Drive – began to inspect equivalent apartments in a new building – house 54a in the same drive. As of today, more than 90 percent of them have already decided on the choice of housing for moving, and 26 people have signed the relevant contracts with the department. Those who are just about to start processing the documents can use the super service

    “Moving under the renovation program”. For city residents who have a full account on the mos.ru portal, this digital assistant allows them to choose the date and time online to view the offered housing, as well as the day of signing the contract,” said Maxim Gaman.

    Due to the proximity of the new building to the houses being resettled, the usual schools, kindergartens and other social infrastructure will remain accessible to city residents. In addition, the Likhobory and Koptevo Moscow Central Circle stations are located within a 15-minute walk from the residential complex.

    “The residential complex in Cherepanov Proezd includes 119 apartments with finished, improved finishing. Their total area is almost seven thousand square meters. The entrance hall has rooms for concierges, strollers and bicycles. The first floor is non-residential, and currently houses a resettlement information center. Later, social and household enterprises will be able to open in its place. A recreation area for city residents, as well as children’s and sports grounds, have been equipped in the adjacent territory,” clarified the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Using the service “Uploading documents within the framework of the renovation program” Muscovites can send inDepartment of City Property personal and title documents that will be needed to prepare a draft agreement. The portal also has an option to make an appointment with a notary: a visit to him is necessary if there are minor children, limited legal capacity orincapacitated people. And to get help with moving, you can leave a request for free call movers.

    As noted in the capital Department of Information Technology, a general guide will help you prepare for your planned move instruction, available in super service “Moving under the renovation program” on the mos.ru portal. With its help, you can get information about the documents required to draw up a contract and use links to useful services. If you configure the parameters correctly, the super service will provide the opportunity to read the instructions suitable for a specific life situation.

    Earlier, the Mayor of Moscow spoke aboutapplication of prefab technologies during the construction of houses under the renovation program.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program twice as much.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From March 22, ground transport routes will change in 11 districts of the capital

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From March 22, six bus and electric bus routes will be adjusted in the capital. The changes will take place in the east, northeast and north of Moscow, as well as in TiNAO. Transport will come closer to new buildings, rail frame stations and social facilities. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    “Sergey Sobyanin instructed to provide comfortable ground transportation within walking distance from rail frame stations, residential buildings, and places of attraction. From March 22, we will adjust six routes of electric buses and buses in 11 districts of the capital,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    In particular, the routes will change in the south of Troitsk. This is due to the opening of traffic along Akademika Cherenkova and Akademika Franka streets. Route #168 will be merged with route #C174. After the stop “Ulitsa Akademika Dykhne” instead of Promyshlennaya street, buses will go along Akademika Franka street to Bylov. Buses in both directions will call at the village of Krasnaya Pakhra. Between Tekstilshchikov, Gorodskaya and Tsentralnaya streets, instead of route #C174, passengers will be able to travel on buses #C117, #C187 and #C924. Route #906 after the stop “Troitsky Khram” will go along Fizicheskaya, Akademika Cherenkova and Akademika Franka streets to Promyshlennaya street.

    Buses T75 will go only to Nikolay Starostin Street under the new number 635. Boarding will take place at the stop “3rd microdistrict Novokosina”. On Saltykovskaya Street, passengers will be able to use route No. 674. Buses of route No. 723 will take them to the 2nd Moscow Crematorium.

    In the village of Kozhukhovo, you can use the stops on Lukhmanovskaya Street. Instead of buses of route No. 772, buses C613 will run to the third Moscow Central Diameter (MCD-3) in the village of Ukhtomsky. At the same time, city transport will start running more often.

    Route #643 will cease operating. It is no longer required, as passengers prefer to use MCD-3, where trains run every 10 minutes. The north and east of Moscow are also connected by the MCC and the Nekrasovskaya metro line. From Kozhukhov, you can take buses #726, 773, 787, 808, 821, 849 and 855 to the Nekrasovskaya line and #787 to the Kosino MCD station. From Zapadnoye Degunino, buses #154 go to the Botanichesky Sad metro station and #215 go to the Grachevskaya MCD station.

    In accordance with the objectives of the national project “Infrastructure for life” In Moscow, much attention is paid to the modernization of social and municipal infrastructure, including increasing the number of convenient public transport routes and updating the rolling stock. In addition, within the framework of the national project, the capital has begun developing the Central Transport Hub. It will become a single circuit with regular suburban rail transport for more than 30 million residents of 11 regions of Russia.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How Moscow companies are implementing digital technologies in business

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow companies that have completed the pilot part of the federal project “Labor Productivity” have begun to implement digital technologies to improve the efficiency of business processes. Comprehensive support in this regard is provided to enterprises by the regional Moscow Competence Center and the federal ANO “Digital Technologies of Productivity”, created in 2021 as part of the implementation of the national project “Labor Productivity”. This was reported by Maria Bagreeva, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, head of the capital’s Department of Economic Policy and Development.

    “Companies that participated in pilot projects have already achieved significant results due to lean technologies. The next step is the implementation of digital solutions to improve efficiency. We offer participants in the federal project comprehensive support – from diagnosing bottlenecks to selecting and implementing advanced automation and digitalization solutions. This allows businesses not only to optimize the use of manual labor, but also to abandon it where there are digital services that significantly increase productivity and competitiveness,” emphasized Maria Bagreeva.

    The project offers Moscow companies various services and programs for digitalization and automation. This allows for the optimization of operations and the improvement of business process efficiency. Over 600 digital solutions covering key areas of activity are available to enterprises. For example, they are helped to debug supply chains, improve customer service, implement a video analytics system with artificial intelligence and technological process monitoring programs. In addition, the services facilitate the automation of warehouse logistics and the introduction of biometric identification of employees using a facial recognition algorithm.

    Three participants in the federal project have already begun implementing digital technologies to improve productivity. All enterprises that have completed the first phase of the federal project are expected to join the project.

    For example, the company “GS Cosmetics” is going to increase the efficiency of the brewing shop by introducing digital technologies into the processes of accounting, control and planning. For this purpose, additional functions will be introduced into the 1C system and a special mobile application for operators will be developed. Thanks to the innovations, the speed of operations will increase, the volume of production will increase, the number of defects will be minimized and production losses will be reduced.

    Logistics company LogLab intends to implement neural network video analytics to improve the efficiency of warehouse employees. Artificial intelligence will analyze video from cameras in the warehouse, which will speed up the processing of goods, reduce the time for acceptance and shipment, and reduce the likelihood of errors in counting and identifying products. All this can significantly increase the throughput of the warehouse and improve safety and management efficiency.

    The SV Teips company plans to use the WMS warehouse business process automation system to improve the efficiency of logistics operations and reduce costs. The service will help improve inventory accuracy, reduce product processing time, reduce the likelihood of errors and prevent the risks of shortages and surpluses. In addition, warehouse analytics will improve, personnel and storage costs will decrease, and the quality of customer service will increase.

    The national project “Labor Productivity” was implemented in Moscow in 2022-2024 at the expense of the city budget. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin reported, that all 419 capital participants of the national project have completed the pilot stage and are now independently implementing a culture of continuous improvement.

    As part of the federal project “Labor Productivity”, which is part of the national project “Efficient and competitive economy”, Moscow companies continue to increase labor productivity at enterprises. Applications for participation are accepted on the website of the regional Moscow Competence Center.

    19 residents of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ have completed the pilot stage of the national project “Labor Productivity”

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two gas pipeline lines were laid under the Moscow River during the reconstruction of the Shchukinsky siphon

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Two gas pipeline lines under the Moscow River have been built in the northwest of the capital as part of the reconstruction of the Shchukinsky siphon, said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “Since 2018, the city has been implementing a comprehensive reconstruction program for 12 high- and medium-pressure siphons. Work on 10 structures has already been completed, and the Kropotkinsky and Shchukinsky siphons are currently being upgraded. A set of microtunneling activities has been completed at the second facility, within the framework of which two gas pipeline lines have been built under the Moscow River,” noted Pyotr Biryukov.

    The Shchukinsky gas pipeline-duker appeared in the early 1960s and runs along the bottom at a depth of more than five meters. Its length is 3.5 kilometers, it is located along the territory of the natural and historical park “Moskvoretsky”.

    This siphon is the only underwater high-pressure gas pipeline supplying gas to residential, public utility and industrial facilities in the Western and Central Administrative Districts.

    During the work, specialists used a tunneling shield, which allowed them to lay a reinforced concrete casing with minimal impact on the environment. According to Petr Biryukov, microtunneling of each section was divided into two intervals: the length of the first tunnel was 231 meters, the second – 197 meters. At the final stage of reconstruction, work will be carried out on the installation of vertical sections of the gas pipeline, its connection to the existing gas supply system, as well as landscaping of the territory.

    Specialists from JSC Mosgaz will equip the siphon with automatic shut-off devices, which will allow, if necessary, to remotely shut off the gas supply within two minutes. All materials and pipelines used during the reconstruction are made in Russia and comply with modern safety standards.

    The projects implemented in the capital to modernize and improve the reliability of public utilities infrastructure correspond to the goals and objectives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: OEUK news UK energy supply chain at risk as 90% eye overseas markets 19 March 2025

    Source: Offshore Energy UK

    Headline: OEUK news

    UK energy supply chain at risk as 90% eye overseas markets

    19 March 2025

    Offshore Energies UK’s 2025 Supply Chain report says building on the UK’s unique industrial strengths in energy production is key to unlocking the Government’s ambition to grow the nation’s economy and build the future of the North Sea.   

    Drawing on over 50 years of successful North Sea oil and gas operations, the offshore energy industry’s supply chain has the potential to power the UK’s drive to produce secure, sustainable and ever cleaner energy. But without a pipeline of projects enabled by pragmatic policy to anchor them here in the UK, OEUK’s sentiment survey reveals nine companies out of every 10 see more attractive opportunities to grow their business overseas due to uncertainty and a less positive business environment at home.  

    The report sets out the barriers the industry faces including low revenues from renewables and declining investor confidence while outlining the actions both industry and government can take to ensure a homegrown energy future. It sets out key steps industry and government can take to anchor world class offshore energy companies in the UK. These include industry initiatives aimed at fostering better collaboration across the supply chain plus moves to ensure that government champions the UK energy supply chain capability in offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). 

    Forming an extensive and vital network across the country from Shetland to Southampton and from Morecambe Bay to the Eastern Seaboard of England, the UK’s offshore energy supply chain comprises hundreds of businesses supporting the industry throughout its lifecycle from installing wind turbines, producing oil and gas and decommissioning offshore installations.  

    As an integrated ecosystem, this supply chain delivers products and services to energy producers and includes FTSE 100 companies as well as small to medium enterprises developing new technologies and providing specialist capabilities. It encompasses companies involved in designing mooring systems, manufacturing specialist valves, installing high voltage subsea cables, maintaining pipelines transporting energy and carbon and removing offshore structures from the seabed with many developing global leadership in floating offshore wind and decommissioning.  

    Katy Heidenreich, OEUK’s supply chain and people director, says:   

    “The UK is competing internationally for energy investment so it’s concerning that many offshore energy supply chain firms see more attractive opportunities to grow their business overseas. We’ve set out key steps industry and government can take to position the UK as first choice for the offshore energy supply chain companies.   

    “To grow the whole UK’s economy, we need energy policy that supports continued investment in homegrown oil and gas alongside an acceleration of renewable energy. This must be addressed, and we are working with our members to bring positive solutions to the table.  

    “It’s good to export our expertise but that should never come at a cost to work we need to get done in the UK. Around 60% of companies surveyed for the report are diversifying into offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage but business revenues from renewables and CCS still represent a relatively low proportion as they make up between zero and a fifth of their turnover.   

    “OEUK is currently engaging with critical government consultations on the future of our North Sea from industrial strategy to oil and gas licensing, environmental impact and a new fiscal regime. It’s vital we get this right to create a positive business environment in the UK for our supply chain. 

    “The offshore energies industry supports the sectors Britain needs to build its future. Steel, cement, ship building, glass, car making and many more rely on the energy and technologies we produce, including carbon capture which can offset and futureproof their energy-intensive operations. With between 60-80% of the capabilities required to lead the energy transition to net zero emissions, our companies and highly skilled people are committed partners in delivering secure, and affordable homegrown energy.

    “The UK government is rightly ambitious to develop the clean power capabilities to support its industrial strategy, but this goal must be delivered in a way that builds our supply chain capability. The prize is a homegrown energy future, not one that is imported.”  

    Current challenges highlighted by the OEUK’s report include harnessing oil and gas revenues from the UK’s still significant reserves so supply chain companies can survive and thrive.  

    The report outlines how through initiatives including alliance contracting, shared inventory systems and a drive to promote good procurement practice, are supporting efforts to create an attractive commercial environment. These are helping operators, developers, major contractors and suppliers of all sizes work better together. 

    OEUK’s report comes as decisions made in the coming months will not only shape the North Sea’s future but also its ability to unlock investment in low carbon technologies while continuing to deliver the energy security the UK needs. It highlights there must be collective recognition that a sustainable future is one that enables the supply chain to remain anchored in the UK while adapting and growing as new energy opportunities arise. 

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government engages services of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences to enhance Psycho-Social Support for Distressed Women

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Government engages services of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences to enhance Psycho-Social Support for Distressed Women

    Govt launches ‘Mission Shakti Portal’ to empower women, enhance accessibility to services and to build capacity of functionaries and duty holders under various scheme and legislations

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 3:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The Protection of Women From Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005 has been enacted keeping in view the rights guaranteed under Article 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution of India to provide for a remedy under the civil law which is intended to protect the women from being victims of domestic violence and to prevent the occurrence of domestic violence in the society.

    In India domestic violence is governed by the Protection of Women From Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005 and it is defined under Section 3, which states that any act, omission or commission or conduct of a person harms or injures or endangers the health or safety of a women, whether mentally or physically, it amounts to domestic violence. It further includes any harm, harassment or injury caused to any women or any person related to her to meet any unlawful demand would also amount to domestic violence.

    The said Act covers those women who are or has been in a relationship with any person, where both parties have lived together in a shared household and are related by consanguinity, marriage or through a relationship in the nature of marriage or adoption.

    The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes data on crimes, including crimes against women, in its publication titled “Crime in India,” which is available on the NCRB’s official website (https://ncrb.gov.in). This report is available up to the year 2022. As per the data of NCRB, the number of cases registered under the PWDVA, was 507 in 2021 and 468 in 2022.

    The latest report of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5 ), provides data for the period 2019-2021, which reveals that the percentage of ever-married women aged 18-49 years who have ever experienced spousal violence (physical and/ or sexual violence) has reduced to 29.3% as compared to 31.2% reported in NFHS-4 for the period 2015-2016.

    “Police‟ and “Public Order‟ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibility to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of the citizens including investigation and prosecution in crimes against women and children rests primarily with the respective State Governments and they are competent to deal with it. Section 8 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005 mandates the States/ UTs to appoint such number of Protection Officers in each district as it may consider necessary and also to notify the area or areas within which a Protection Officer shall exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred. It is the duty of the Protection Officer to report the cases of domestic violence to the Magistrate upon receipt of complaints and to assist the Magistrate in the discharge of his functions. However, conviction of an accused person is done by the competent court after careful consideration of factual positions, evidence and all related legal aspects as per the provisions of law. The PWDVA provides to women remedies such as protection order, residence order etc. under it.

    Nevertheless, the Central Government gives highest priority to ensuring safety and security of women and has undertaken various legislative and schematic interventions in this regard. These include legislations such as “Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita“, “Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita“, “The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005‟, “The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961‟ etc. Besides these legal provisions there are multiple schemes and projects implemented by the Government which include One Stop Centres (OSCs); Universalisation of Women Helplines (WHL), Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) which is a pan-India single number (112)/ mobile app based system for emergencies; capacity building in community through awareness programmes, setting up/ strengthening of Women Help Desks (WHDs) at Police Stations etc.

    One Stop Centre (OSC) component of Mission Shakti Umbrella Scheme, which is fully funded by the central government is implemented across the country since 1st April, 2015. It provides integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence and those in distress, both in private and public spaces. It also provides an integrated range of services including medical aid, legal aid and advice, temporary shelter, police assistance, psycho-social counselling to needy women. 802 OSCs are operational across the country and over 10.80 lakh women have been assisted upto 31st January, 2025.

    To ensure that the Police Stations are more women friendly and approachable, as they would be the first and single point of contact for any woman walking into a police station, 14,658 Women Help Desks (WHDs) have been set up, of which 13,743 are headed by women police officers. To provide help and support to needy women and women in distress, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) has been established in all 36 States and UTs for various emergencies, with computer aided dispatch of field/ police resources. Since its launch, over 43 crore calls have been handled so far. In addition to ERSS, a fully functional dedicated Women helpline (WHL-181) is operational in 35 States/ UTs except West Bengal. The WHL has also been integrated with ERSS. So far, Women Helplines have handled over 2.10 crore calls and assisted over 84.43 lakh women.

    A National dashboard has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) for monitoring calls across all States/UTs implementing the Women Helpline. This dashboard enables real-time monitoring of calls received and women assisted. Through this system, the Central Government is able to maintain centralized data on violence faced by women across India, categorized by types of cases, including instances of domestic violence.

    Recognizing the need for psycho-social counseling to women affected by violence and those in distress, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has engaged the services of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) for providing basic and advanced training under the project named “Stree Manoraksha‟ to the staff of One Stop Centres (OSCs) across the country on handling psycho-social and mental health care needs to support to such women. The Ministry also undertakes awareness exercise for safety and security of women and children from time to time. Further, the Government, through institutions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) have been spreading awareness through seminars, workshops, audio- visual, print and electronic media etc. to sensitize the people about the safety and security of women and children and also about various provisions of law. In addition, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Home Affairs have issued advisories to States/ UTs from time to time on various issues pertaining to safety and security of women and children.

    Under Nirbhaya Fund, Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has also undertaken several initiatives, which, inter-alia include training and skill development programs for Investigation Officers, Prosecution Officers and Medical Officers. BPR&D has also prepared Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for “Women Help Desk at Police Stations‟ to ensure their smooth functioning by focusing on four critical components, viz. infrastructure, training, human resource development and response mechanism. A book titled “Women’s Safety and Security- a Handbook for First Responders and Investigators in the Police‟ has also been prepared for the purpose of prevention and investigation of crime against women with specific reference to the crime of sexual assault, which includes investigation, victim compensation and rehabilitation. Emphasis has been laid upon inculcating appropriate behavioural and attitudinal skills in the police force for prevention and detection of crimes against women and children and for proper interaction with the victims of crime. Webinars on women safety with sensitivity, gender sensitization of police personnel etc. have also been organized by BPR&D.

    The Ministry has launched the ‘Mission Shakti Portal’ with all functional features on January 22, 2025. This portal aims to enhance accessibility of various government services for women, establish quality mechanisms for rescue, protection, and rehabilitation, and build the capacity of functionaries and duty holders under various schemes and legislations.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur in Rajya Sabha in reply to a question today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves implementation of revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission with enhanced allocation for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has today approved the Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to boost growth in livestock sector.  Implementation of revised RGM, as Central Sector component of Development Programmes scheme is being done with an additional outlay of Rs.1000 crore that is total outlay of Rs.3400 crore during 15th Finance Commission cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

    Two New activities added are: (i) One-time assistance of 35% of the capital cost for establishment of Heifer Rearing Centres to Implementing Agencies for creation of 30 housing facilities having total 15000 heifers and (ii) To encourage farmers to purchase High genetic merit (HGM) IVF heifers to provide 3% interest subvention on loan taken by the farmer from milk unions / financial institutions/ banks for such purchase.  This will help in systemic induction of high yielding breeds.

    The revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission is approved with an allocation Rs.3400 crore during 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).

    The scheme is for continuation of ongoing activities of Rashtriya Gokul Mission- strengthening of semen stations, Artificial Insemination network, implementation of bull production programme, accelerated breed improvement programme using sex sorted semen, skill development, farmer awareness, support for innovative activities including establishment of Centre of Excellence, strengthening of Central Cattle Breeding Farms and strengthening of Central Cattle Breeding Farms without any change in the pattern of assistance in any of these activities.

    With the implementation of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and other efforts of the Government, milk production has increased by 63.55% in the last ten years, along with the availability of milk per person, which was 307 grams per day in 2013-14, has increased to 471 grams per day in 2023-24. Productivity has also increased by 26.34% in the last ten years.

    The Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) under the RGM provides free of cost Artificial Insemination (AI) at the farmer’s doorstep in 605 districts across the country where the baseline AI coverage was below 50%. Till date, over 8.39 crores animals have been covered and 5.21crores farmers have been benefitted. RGM has also been at the forefront in bringing the latest technological interventions in breeding to the farmer’s doorstep. A total of 22 in vitro fertilization (IVF) labs have been set up across the country under the State Livestock Boards (SLBs) or in Universities and over 2541 HGM calves have been born. Two path breaking steps in Atmanirbhar technology are the Gau Chip and Mahish Chip, genomic chips for indigenous bovines developed by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) and Gau Sort indigenously developed sex sorted semen production technology developed by NDDB.

    The scheme is set to significantly boost milk production and productivity, ultimately increasing farmers’ incomes. It focuses on the protection and preservation of India’s indigenous bovine breeds through systematic and scientific efforts in bull production and the development of indigenous bovine genomic chips. Additionally, in Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has become an established technology, due to the initiatives taken under the scheme. This initiative will not only enhance productivity but also improves livelihoods of 8.5 crores farmers engaged in Dairying.

    *****

    MJPS/BM

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Spend Your FEMA Wildfire Recovery Funds Wisely

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Spend Your FEMA Wildfire Recovery Funds Wisely

    Spend Your FEMA Wildfire Recovery Funds Wisely

    LOS ANGELES – Remember to use your FEMA assistance funds only for approved disaster-related expenses

    FEMA’s notification letter will specify the appropriate uses for your disaster assistance

    Spending the funds for something other than their intended purpose may result in repayment to FEMA

    FEMA sends each applicant a notification letter informing them of the types of assistance they are eligible to receive, and the amounts of aid FEMA is providing for each eligible need

    These may include:Repairs to make a home safe, sanitary, and secure to live in

    Rental assistance to temporarily pay for a place to stay

    Repair or replacement of a disaster-damaged essential vehicle

    Medical care for an injury caused by the disaster

    Replacing clothing, occupational tools and educational materials

    Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster

    Replacing medical equipment

    Federal law prohibits FEMA from duplicating assistance that is available from other sources, such as insurance

    If you do not use your FEMA assistance funds as described above, you may be asked to repay FEMA

     Do not use your assistance funds for vacation, entertainment, or any expenses not related to the disaster

    You should keep receipts for three years to show how you spent FEMA grants and document how your disaster funds were used

    As you start receiving funds for rental assistance, home repairs, or other categories of assistance, be assured federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free and will not affect payments from other federal programs such as Medicare or Social Security

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

    California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process

    Visit CA

    gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance

    alberto

    pillot
    Wed, 03/19/2025 – 00:57

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welcome Home! NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Back on Earth After Science Mission

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 completed the agency’s ninth commercial crew rotation mission to the International Space Station on Tuesday, splashing down safely in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, in the Gulf of America.
    NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth at 5:57 p.m. EDT. Teams aboard SpaceX recovery vessels retrieved the spacecraft and its crew. After returning to shore, the crew will fly to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and reunite with their families.
    “We are thrilled to have Suni, Butch, Nick, and Aleksandr home after their months-long mission conducting vital science, technology demonstrations, and maintenance aboard the International Space Station,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro. “Per President Trump’s direction, NASA and SpaceX worked diligently to pull the schedule a month earlier. This international crew and our teams on the ground embraced the Trump Administration’s challenge of an updated, and somewhat unique, mission plan, to bring our crew home. Through preparation, ingenuity, and dedication, we achieve great things together for the benefit of humanity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible from low Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars.”
    Hague and Gorbunov lifted off at 1:17 p.m. Sept. 28, 2024, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next day, they docked to the forward-facing port of the station’s Harmony module. Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on June 5, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 41 as part of the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. The duo arrived at the space station on June 6. In August, NASA announced the uncrewed return of Starliner to Earth and integrated Wilmore and Williams as part of the space station’s Expedition 71/72 for a return on Crew-9. The crew of four undocked at 1:05 a.m. Tuesday to begin the trip home.
    Williams and Wilmore traveled 121,347,491 miles during their mission, spent 286 days in space, and completed 4,576 orbits around Earth. Hague and Gorbunov traveled 72,553,920 miles during their mission, spent 171 days in space, and completed 2,736 orbits around Earth. The Crew-9 mission was the first spaceflight for Gorbunov. Hague has logged 374 days in space over his two missions, Williams has logged 608 days in space over her three flights, and Wilmore has logged 464 days in space over his three flights.
    Throughout its mission, Crew-9 contributed to a host of science and maintenance activities and technology demonstrations. Williams conducted two spacewalks, joined by Wilmore for one and Hague for another, removing a radio frequency group antenna assembly from the station’s truss, collecting samples from the station’s external surface for analysis, installing patches to cover damaged areas of light filters on an X-ray telescope, and more. Williams now holds the record for total spacewalking time by a female astronaut, with 62 hours and 6 minutes outside of station, and is fourth on the all-time spacewalk duration list.
    The American crew members conducted more than 150 unique scientific experiments and technology demonstrations between them, with over 900 hours of research. This research included investigations on plant growth and quality, as well as the potential of stem cell technology to address blood diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. They also tested lighting systems to help astronauts maintain circadian rhythms, loaded the first wooden satellite for deployment, and took samples from the space station’s exterior to study whether microorganisms can survive in space.
    The Crew-9 mission was the fourth flight of the Dragon spacecraft named Freedom. It also previously supported NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4, Axiom Mission 2, and Axiom Mission 3. The spacecraft will return to Florida for inspection and processing at SpaceX’s refurbishing facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, where teams will inspect the Dragon, analyze data on its performance, and begin processing for its next flight.
    The Crew-9 flight is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, and its return to Earth follows on the heels of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 launch, which docked to the station on March 16, beginning another long-duration science expedition.
    The goal of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the space station and low Earth orbit. The program provides additional research time and has increased opportunities for discovery aboard humanity’s microgravity testbed for exploration, including helping NASA prepare for human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
    Learn more about NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew
    -end-
    Amber Jacobson / Joshua FinchHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100amber.c.jacobson@nasa.gov / joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov
    Kenna Pell / Sandra JonesJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111kenna.m.pell@nasa.gov / sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov
    Steve Siceloff / Stephanie PlucinskyKennedy Space Center, Florida321-867-2468steven.p.siceloff@nasa.gov / stephanie.n.plucinsky@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WELFARE OF CAPFs PERSONNEL

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of the various schemes and the initiatives being taken by the Government for the welfare of Central Armed Police Force personnel are annexed.

    • Ayushman CAPF as an initiative was launched on January 23, 2021 for providing cashless and paperless medical treatment at empaneled private and government hospitals across India to the serving personnel of Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles, National Security Guard & National Disaster Response Force and their dependents.
    • 41,79,361 Ayushman CAPF Cards (ID) have been generated.

    ******

    ANNEXURE

    The Government of India has taken several welfare initiatives for the personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and their families. These initiatives encompass financial assistance, educational support, housing, and rehabilitation services.

    • Ayushman CAPF: It is an initiative launched by the Government of India under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) specifically for personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and their families. It provides cashless and paperless medical treatment at empanelled private and government hospitals across India
    • Ex-Gratia Payments: In the unfortunate event of death due to accidents during duty, CAPF personnel’s next of kin receive ₹25 lakh. For deaths resulting from acts of violence by terrorists or during enemy action, the compensation is ₹35 lakh.
    • Accidental death insurance coverage under CAPF salary package scheme: This policy offers financial support to the families of personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
    • Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS): Launched to encourage higher technical and professional education among the wards and widows of CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel, the scheme offers 2,000 scholarships annually (1,000 for boys and 1,000 for girls). The scholarship amounts are ₹3,000 per month for girls and ₹2,500 per month for boys, disbursed annually as ₹36,000 and ₹30,000, respectively.

    ANNEXURE

    • Contributory Welfare Fund:- Necessary guidelines issued to bring uniformity in payout to the Next of Kins (NoKs) of deceased CAPF personnel from Contributory Welfare Fund.
    • Quota for wards of CAPF:- 26 seats in MBBS & 03 seats in BDS have been reserved for the wards of serving/deceased CAPFs & AR personnel.
    • CAPF e-Awas Portal: A dedicated online platform facilitates the registration and allotment of residential quarters to CAPF personnel. The portal also provides services such as retention and regularization of accommodations.
    • Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB): Established to oversee the welfare and rehabilitation of retired CAPF personnel and their families, including the next of kin of deceased or disabled personnel, WARB operates through State and District Welfare Officers across the country.
    • “CAPF Punarvaas” scheme: – A “CAPF Punarvaas” scheme was launched by linking Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act (PSARA) website with WARB website where the data of retired and willing Ex- CAPF/AR personnel is made available to Private Security Agencies on PSARA website for re-employment in Private Security Agencies.
    • Medical Facilities: Retired personnel and their spouses receive medical facilities from CGHS/CPMF Hospitals or a medical allowance of ₹1000 per month.

    ANNEXURE

    • Risk and Hardship Allowances: Enhancements have been made to the existing risk and hardship allowances for CAPF personnel deployed in Jammu and Kashmir and Left-Wing Extremism affected districts.
    • Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB): Formerly known as the Central Police Canteen, KPKB provides quality products to CAPF personnel at discounted rates through direct negotiations with suppliers.
    • Liberalized Pension Awards (LPA) and Extraordinary Family Pension (EFP): There are special pension schemes designed for the families of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel who suffer death or disability due to operational hazards, ensuring financial security for their dependents.
    • Bharat Ke Veer: It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to support the families of deceased Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. It enables citizens to contribute financially to the families of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘WATAN KO JANO’ PROGRAMME

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme, organized by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir under the funding from Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is aimed at fostering national integration by exposing children of the age less than 18 years from government-run homes to the cultural, historical, and technological advancements of other parts of the country. The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme has been successful in promoting national integration, fostering unity among India’s youth, and helping create a more inclusive, harmonious society. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir is implementing various vocational training and skill development programmes including two flagship programs namely, Mission Youth and Mission Yuva. These missions have been specifically mandated to empower and enhance the skills of the youth in the region, providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to excel in various sectors.

    Further, under ‘Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme (KYEP)’ various activities are being organized for school students/youth of Jammu and Kashmir with the other states/UTs through interactions, seminars, panel discussions, skill development, visit to Industries, exhibition of artefacts and local products of Kashmir valley, food festival, sharing of best practices, culture and customs, career guidance, patriotism and nation building programme, cultural programs, etc. by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS).

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Women’s Military History Week

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 18, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 2025 through March 23, 2025, as Women’s Military History Week.

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    From the Revolutionary War to today, women have played vital roles in our nation’s defense, answering the call to serve and demonstrating courage and dedication in every branch of the military – even before they could officially serve. Women’s Military History Week honors these women, recognizing their resilience, sacrifice, and leadership.

    World War II marked a turning point with the creation of the Women’s Army Corps and the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black and all-woman unit that ensured frontline troops received their mail. These forerunners helped pave the way for the full integration of women into all military roles, including combat positions.

    Breaking down barriers has always made our military – and our country – stronger. This week, we celebrate all the women who have chosen to serve this country, no matter the cost to themselves, and we honor the history they’ve made in doing so. 

    From U.S. Army Sergeant Sagen Maddalena, silver medal winner in the 2024 Summer Olympics, to Captain Sage Fox, the first transgender soldier to openly serve, to our own CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin, California is home to countless women who have selflessly and bravely put their lives on the line – all of them history makers in their own way.

    Each of these servicemembers, whether they’re active-duty or a veteran, those with us today and those who have passed on, deserve recognition and respect. At a moment when important parts and people of military history are being removed, we take this moment to acknowledge women’s military history. Our military is strong because of its many parts – because it draws on the strengths of our people, coming together in unity and in defense of our country.

    Women’s Military History Week is a time to recognize these achievements and reaffirm our commitment to a military where all servicemembers have equal opportunities and recognition. Their stories inspire us and remind us of the strength that diversity brings to our U.S. Armed Forces.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim March 17-23, 2025, as “Women’s Military History Week.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 16th day of March 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Millions of Californians to get average of $137 in credits on their April utility bills thanks to state’s climate program

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 18, 2025

    What you need to know: California will provide a total of $2.4 billion in utility bill credits this year thanks to the state’s Cap-and-Trade program that funds critical climate action.

    SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced millions of Californians will receive an average of $137 in credits on their April gas and electric bills. The California Climate Credit – automatically applied to Californians’ bills every April and October – is a direct result of the state’s nation-leading Cap-and-Trade climate program that requires polluters to pay for climate action.

    Since 2014, California households have already received an average of $1,120 in combined automatic April and October climate credits on their utility bills.

    Every year, our Cap-and-Trade program provides essential funding to California’s efforts to clean the air while also giving residents money back on their utility bills. Millions of California families will benefit from this relief.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Since 2014, the state’s Cap-and-Trade program has delivered $10.9 billion in bill credits back to utility customers. This year, California will provide a total of $2.4 billion in residential credits – $1.4 billion for electric customers, $1 billion for natural gas customers, and an additional $122 million for small businesses.

    How it works

    The credits range from $35 to $259 for electricity bills – with most set to receive $56 to $81 – and approximately $54 to $87 on natural gas bills for residential customers of PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Gas Company, and Southwest Gas. Californians can check how much their credit will be here.

    Californians do not need to do anything to get the credit. The California Climate Credit comes from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program managed by the California Air Resources Board. The credit on utility bills represents the consumer’s share of the payments from the State’s program.

    In addition to utility bill credits, California’s Cap-and-Trade program has funded $28 billion in climate investments delivering more than half a million projects across the state, supporting 30,000 jobs and cutting millions of tons of carbon emissions. The investments include a wide range of solutions such as putting affordable housing near job centers, building the nation’s first high-speed rail, and adding zero-emission transportation options in underserved communities.

    Press Releases, Recent News

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government adopts comprehensive strategy for Women’s Empowerment, focusing on Political Participation and Local Governance

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Government adopts comprehensive strategy for Women’s Empowerment, focusing on Political Participation and Local Governance

    Government launches Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Initiative with an aim to establish at least one Model Gram Panchayat in each District in the country

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India has adopted a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach to address issues on a life-cycle continuum basis for the holistic empowerment of women from all sections of the society, and this includes political empowerment of women. Through various policies, the Government of India is promoting greater participation of women in local governance and political leadership roles.

    In 2023, Parliament of India passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam”, marking a historic milestone in its national journey to foster equitable representation of women in public life at all levels of the federal structure. This landmark legislation rotationally reserves one-third of all seats for women in the Lower House of Parliament, Lok Sabha, and in all federal State Legislative Assemblies, including Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi, thus institutionalizing representation of women in politics at the highest levels of public decision-making.

    This recent landmark is built on the foundation of more than three decades of honing women’s leadership affirmative action at grassroots level by reserving one-third (33 percent) of the seats in in the rural and urban bodies of local governance, i.e., Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Municipal bodies, through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992). Keeping with decentralized federal structure, over two-third states (21 states / and 2 UTs with PRIs) have made provisions of 50% reservation for women in their Panchayati Raj Institutions. As a result, today, out of approximately 31 lakh elected representatives in local governments, nearly half (46 percent), comprising 14.5 lakh, are women – a scale of representation unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

    The Government has launched the “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan”, a comprehensive and targeted capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the nation. It focuses on sharpening their leadership acumen, enhancing their decision-making capabilities, and reinforcing their role in grassroots governance. The Government has prepared specialized training modules designed specifically for capacity building of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions. Recognizing the on-ground challenges faced by women duty bearers and women leaders contesting elections, a comprehensive “Primer on Law Addressing Gender Based Violence and Harmful Practices” for Panchayat Elected Representatives has also been prepared.

    Recently, the Government has launched Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Initiative with an aim to establish at least one Model Gram Panchayat in each District in the country that is both women and girl friendly, reinforcing the commitment to gender equality and sustainable rural development.

    The Government also aims to engage 01 lakh youth, including young women, in politics without political affiliations and provide them a national platform to make their ideas for Viksit Bharat, a reality.

    Further, there are a number of schemes being implemented by various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India for holistic educational, economic, social, political empowerment of women. The Government is moving with a saturation approach through saturation of essential services for the poor and marginalised such as affordable housing, incentivizing women’s property ownership, and universal health coverage, linkages to formal credit, insurance and banking services, as well as financial support to pregnant women and lactating mothers to rest and recover after childbirth, tracking nutrition and well-being of children and mothers, amongst others.

    Envisioning Self Help Groups as vehicles of change, today 10 crore women are transforming the rural landscape economically, and taking greater leadership at grassroots level.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur in Rajya Sabha in reply to a question today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ULIP Surpasses 100 Crore API Transactions: Enabling Seamless, Smart, and Sustainable Logistics

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ULIP Surpasses 100 Crore API Transactions: Enabling Seamless, Smart, and Sustainable Logistics

    From Data to Decisions, ULIP is Driving Ease of Doing Business in India: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 3:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) has reached a significant milestone, recording 100 crore API transactions, reinforcing its role as a game-changer in India’s logistics sector. This achievement marks a significant step toward building a world-class, technology-driven logistics ecosystem that fuels industrial growth under Make in India and accelerates the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, commended the achievement, stating, “ULIP’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative efforts of our users, logistics stakeholders and govt. departments who are leveraging API integrations to create impactful solutions. This milestone brings to life our Prime Minister’s vision of a seamless logistics ecosystem that strengthens Ease of Doing Business and positions Bharat as a global trade and manufacturing powerhouse. We remain committed to expanding ULIP’s capabilities, making Indian logistics more agile, resilient, and globally competitive.”

    By bridging critical data gaps, ULIP enables automation, real-time cargo tracking, and streamlined regulatory compliance, benefiting businesses across industries. Processing an average of 1 crore API transactions weekly, ULIP continues to drive widespread adoption and democratizes access to logistics data, ensuring equal opportunities for businesses of all sizes. This digital disruption is reshaping the competitive landscape, breaking monopolistic control, and empowering MSMEs, start-ups, and large enterprises alike.

    ULIP has also significantly impacted the manufacturing sector with companies such as Prism Johnson, Asian Paints, and Tata Steel leveraging its APIs to streamline transporter verification, automate processes, and strengthen supply chains.

    Meanwhile, ULIP’s multi-modal APIs across road, rail, ocean, and air provide real-time shipment ETAs, ensuring just-in time inventory management and cost savings for manufacturers.

    Beyond logistics, ULIP is accelerating sustainability efforts, helping businesses like Century Plywoods and TCIL choose greener transport options, cut emissions, and align with India’s carbon reduction goals.

    Transporters and logistics service providers—including Cuttack Carriers, Road Pilot, and Intugine—are enabling digital documentation, automated gate processes, and seamless freight movement, reducing delays and congestion at hubs.

    Alongside private sector players, state and central government departments are leveraging the digital gateway for data-driven decision-making.

    ULIP is not just modernizing logistics, it is revolutionizing how goods move, businesses operate, and industries thrive in a digitally connected world. With greater visibility and smarter decision-making, the platform is playing a vital role in building a self-reliant India.

    Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under the National Logistics Policy (NLP) on 17th September 2022, to create an integrated, efficient, and technology-driven logistics sector. Since its inception, the platform has been actively driving this vision forward and connects 43 systems from 11 ministries through 129 APIs, covering more than 1,800 data fields, enabling comprehensive data access for stakeholders. With over 1,300 registered companies, 350+ agreements signed, and 100 crore+ API transactions processed, ULIP has emerged as a powerful tool for driving operational efficiency, and innovation in India’s logistics sector.

    About NLDSL:

    NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL) has been at the forefront of transforming India’s logistics sector through its innovative solutions like Logistics Data Bank (LDB) and ULIP. By leveraging advanced technology, NLDSL has enhanced efficiency, transparency, and digitization within the industry.

    The company was established on December 30, 2015, with the primary objective of harnessing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance efficiency in the Indian logistics sector. It is a joint venture between the Government of India represented by National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) and Japanese IT major NEC Corporation.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Facilities to Local People by South Eastern Coalfields Limited

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 2:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The facilities provided by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) under CSR through various CSR activities are related to different themes viz. Healthcare, Education, Water Supply, Rural Development, etc., primarily for development of local populace residing within 25 KMs from SECL project sites/ mines/ Area HQ/ Company HQ and also for people residing in the operating state of SECL i.e. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, SECL also provides a wide range facilities to the local populace by providing safe & free drinking water, better roads, organising periodical medical check-up camps/eye camps in affected and nearby villages, free OPD facilities in the dispensary / hospitals of the Company and vocational training to landless people displaced by the project.

    Further, SECL also provides facilities at the various R&R sites such as buildings for primary schools, shopping centres, buildings for community centres, buildings for health centres, wells, hand pumps, approach roads, Electric poles and electric wires and playgrounds as per the Act/Policy.

    Further, SECL has a range of welfare initiatives in place for its employees/workers. These initiatives focus on improving the well-being, safety, and quality of life for human capital. The key welfare measures by SECL to its workers are:

    1. Health and Medical Facilities

    • Healthcare Centres: SECL runs a number of health centres and dispensaries across its mining areas, providing primary and emergency medical care to employees and their families. The central Hospitals at Area provide emergency medical services and inpatient treatment to employees and their families.
    • Free Medical Services: Employees and their dependents are offered free medical treatment, including in-house medical care and the provisions of treatment at empanelled hospitals.
    • Medical Camps: Periodic health check-up camps are organized to monitor the health status of workers, especially in areas like respiratory health, which is critical for mining personnel

    2. Housing and Accommodation

    • Residential Quarters: SECL provides residential facilities to its employees, especially in mining regions where housing is a critical concern. These quarters are maintained and offer basic amenities.
    • Family Welfare: Efforts are made to ensure that the families of employees have access to amenities like clean drinking water, electricity and sanitation.

    3. Education and Skill Development

    • Schools for Children: SECL runs schools in its mining areas, providing education to the children of employees.
    • Scholarships and reimbursement of Tuition Fee: Scholarships are provided to the children of employees who excel in their academic pursuits. There are provisions of reimbursement of tuition fee of the dependents of employee for engineering and medical education au government institutes.
    • Skill Development Programs: SECL organizes various training and development programs to upskill its employees, improving their employability and career growth opportunities.

    4. Retirement Benefits

    • Pension and Gratuity: SECL offers comprehensive retirement benefits, including Coal Mines Pension Scheme, Gratuity, and Coal Mines Provident Fund (CMPF) to its employees.
    • Post-Retirement Welfare: SECL has welfare schemes in place for retired employees, offering post-retirement medical benefits and other postretirement support services.

    5. Financial Assistance and Loans

    • Housing Loans/ Car Loan: SECL provides employees with low-interest loans to construct or purchase houses and/or car.

    6. Cultural and Recreational Activities

    • Sports and Recreation: SECL encourages employees to participate in sports and cultural activities. The company organizes sports events, cultural festivals, and competitions for both employees and their families.
    • Clubs and Societies: Employees and their families can engage themselves in social and recreational clubs within the company, helping foster a healthy work-life balance.

    7. Women’s Welfare

    • SECL ensures equal opportunities for women in its workforce, with policies in place to prevent discrimination and promote gender equality.
    • Women employees are also provided with maternity leave, childcare facilities, creche at workplace and other benefits to balance work and family responsibilities.

    Further, the facilities provided to Contractors’ Workers in SECL are as follows:

    • First Aid facility in Mines Premises.
    • Medical OPD and indoor facility in company hospital are being provided to contractor workers on producing I/Card.
    • Drinking Water and sanitary facilities.
    • Personal Protection/ Safety Equipment as per terms of contract
    • Ambulance facility.
    • Canteen and Creche facility.
    • Group Personal Accident Insurance as per terms of contract.
    • Corporate salary package with Eight Nationalized Banks viz SBI, PNB, BOB, UCO Bank, BOI, Indian bank, UBI. The aforesaid Banks are also providing personal accidental insurance coverage of Rs. 40 Lakhs in case of death or for permanent total disability and other facilities as per MoU signed between Coal India Ltd and different banks.
    • Social Security as per statute, including ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of contractor worker in case of mine accident and even during Covid -19, similar amount was also paid to the next kin of contractor workers of SECL who died due to COVID-19.
    • The contractor workers are also covered under CMPF/EPF & Employees Compensation ACT. In addition, contractor workers are paid minimum Wages (Central) engaged in non- mining activities and in case of contractor workers engaged in mining activities are being paid wages as per High Power Committee of CIL. (HPC Wages are midway between wages prescribed by Central Government under the Minimum Wages Act 1948 for the workers employed in the scheduled employment for non- coal mines and the wages payable to the lowest category of regular workers i.e Cat-I of NCWA-XI for CIL and SCCL.)
    • Education facility to the children of Contractor workers in project school of SECL is also being provided.

    Various development works done in the concerned districts of Chhattisgarh by SECL during last five years (year-wise) and the current year i.e. 2024-25, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) head (Sector-wise) is detailed hereunder:

    (Rs. in Crore)

    Financial Year

    Healthcare

    Education

    Water

    Supply

    Environmental Sustainability

    Rural

    Development

    Others

    Total

    2019-20

    18.50

    0.91

    0.69

    5.62

    1.94

    56.99

    84.65

    2020-21

    26.44

    4.74

    0.24

    0.11

    2.24

    4.56

    38.33

    2021-22

    45.55

    15.32

    0.00

    4.36

    5.14

    9.45

    79.82

    2022-23

    35.72

    12.77

    0.00

    0.42

    2.48

    7.89

    59.28

    2023-24

    32.07

    7.25

    0.00

    0.24

    6.54

    6.97

    53.07

    2024-25(Current)

    13.40

    5.12

    0.00

    1.09

    4.25

    1.49

    25.35

    Total

    171.68

    46.11

    0.93

    11.84

    22.59

    87.35

    340.50

     

    District wise CSR expenditure of SECL in Chhattisgarh State is detailed below:

                                                                                                                                 (Rs. in Crore)

    Name of District in Chhattisgarh

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    Grand Total

     

    		  
       

    Balrampur

    0.42

     

     

    0.11

     

    0.92

    1.45

    		    

    Balrampur-Ramanujganj

     

     

    3.52

     

     

     

    3.52

    		    

    Bastar

     

     

    0.21

     

    0.04

     

    0.24

    		    

    Bilaspur

    21.65

    11.45

    10.32

    0.96

    1.98

    4.18

    50.54

    		    

    Gaurella-Pendra-Marwahi

     

     

    0.2

     

     

     

    0.2

    		    

    Janjgir-Champa

     

     

    0.25

     

     

     

    0.25

    		    

    Korba

    0.99

    4.51

    7

    5.41

    11.74

    8.99

    38.64

    		    

    Koriya

    0.12

    0.01

    0.32

    0.06

    3.69

     

    4.2

    		    

    Raigarh

    0.36

    1.36

    7.25

    5.96

    1.67

    3.86

    20.47

    		    

    Raipur

    0.02

    0.27

    0.31

    2.83

    6.31

    0.69

    10.42

    		    

    Surajpur

    1.15

    1.11

    0.89

    0.73

    0.66

     

    4.53

    		    

    Surguja

     

    2.93

    1.6

    0.18

    0.6

    0.59

    5.91

    		    

    Other districts of Chhattisgarh

    58.49

    12.88

    10.88

    25.52

    9.29

    2.13

    119.19

    		    

    Administrative Expenditure in CG

    0.49

    3.33

    2.33

    2.73

    3.02

     

    11.9

    		    

    Grand Total

    83.69

    37.86

    45.07

    44.49

    39

    21.35

    271.46

    		    

    Overall, SECL’s CSR expenditure reflects a strategic shift towards targeted investments, adapting to evolving community needs while maintaining a strong focus on improving health, education, environmental sustainability, rural development projects etc.

    The details of the development works done under other heads in various districts of Chhattisgarh during each of the last five years and the current year is as under:

    • Providing filtered Mine water in various villages.
    • Construction of Community/ Multipurpose Hall.
    • Modification of existing Stadiums.
    • Construction of Boundary Wall of Schools/Townships, etc.
    • Construction of Sewerage Treatment Plants
    • Construction of Approach Road/Village Road, etc.
    • Construction of Cement concrete road with pavement, culverts, etc.
    • Strengthening and widening of existing roads.
    • Re-carpeting of PWD Road.
    • Construction of Hostels.
    • Construction of Badminton Court, Tennis Court, etc.
    • Addition of ICU Unit at Hospital.
    • Construction/Modernisation of Sport Complex.

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

    ****

    Shuhaib T

    (Release ID: 2112724) Visitor Counter : 46

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ9: Urban renewal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by Dr the Hon Starry Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (March 19):
        
    Question:
     
    It is learnt that recently, under the influence of various factors such as high interest rates, uncertainties in the global economy and adjustments in the local property market, private developers’ wish to participate in urban renewal has significantly diminished, resulting in impediment to the progress of a number of redevelopment projects, including the “13 Streets” and “5 Streets” projects in To Kwa Wan. There are views that the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), as the primary organisation to drive urban renewal, must ensure that its redevelopment work will not be stalled by changes in the economic environment, so as to avoid any impact on the pressing demand of residents of dilapidated buildings for improvement in their living conditions. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council if it knows:
     
    (1) whether the URA has assessed the specific impact of the current weak property market on urban renewal projects, including details of the delayed projects and the number of residents affected; 

    (2) whether the URA will actively consider fully unleashing the development potential of land in old districts by means of establishment of street consolidation areas, cross-district transfer of plot ratios, greater planning flexibility or introduction of other innovative approaches; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;  
    President,
     
    In consultation with the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), my reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
     
    (1) Under the Urban Renewal Authority Ordinance (Cap. 563), the URA is required to exercise due care and diligence in handling its finances, thereby maintaining a sound and healthy financial position in the long run. Given its business nature, the URA’s annual financial position will be affected by the fluctuations in the property market and the progress of commenced projects. To cope with the challenges posed by the economic environment and property market situations on sustaining urban renewal, the URA will adopt a dynamic management approach to review, from time to time, the commenced and/or to be commenced redevelopment projects. It will also appropriately adjust the planning and the pace of implementation of different projects in the light of market situations and building conditions, so as to strike a balance between maintaining its financial stability, effectively promoting the regeneration of old districts and addressing the expectations of the local community in its mission to carry out urban renewal in a sustainable and orderly manner.
     
    Meanwhile, the Development Bureau (DEVB) will continue to provide various forms of financial support to the URA, and will work with the URA and relevant departments for the wider application of innovative planning tools to enhance the commercial viability of redevelopment. The DEVB will also enable the URA to take forward redevelopment projects in a sustainable manner through policy measures, the details of which are set out below:
     
    (2) and (3) In recent years, the URA has started to apply the new planning tools proposed in its District Study for Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok (YMDS) (Note) in suitable redevelopment projects. For example, the URA has adopted a more flexible interchangeable domestic/non-domestic plot ratio for the Shantung Street/Thistle Street Development Scheme in Mong Kok to be tendered this month by relaxing the maximum residential plot ratio from 7.5 to 8.5 without exceeding the current permitted gross floor area, so as to increase the flexibility in planning and to attract the participation of private developers. Separately, the Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme in Mong Kok announced by the URA in March 2024 will, through the transfer of plot ratio, consolidate and transfer the redevelopment potential of several small, scattered sites to a larger site for mixed development to enhance planning gains and commercial viability of the project. With the Government’s support, the URA has introduced the “single site, multiple use” model to consolidate different government and community services in the same building to provide convenience to the public, release government land and enhance development potential of redevelopment projects. The URA has also utilised the above new planning tools in other suitable projects, including the Nga Tsin Wai Road/Carpenter Road Development Scheme. In the district planning studies for Tsuen Wan and Sham Shui Po underway, the Government will explore with the URA the feasibility of other tools to expedite the pace of urban renewal.
     
    Self-developed residential projects are one of the development options. As the URA has to pay the construction costs for residential projects upfront, it has to take into account the resulting cash-flow pressure. Therefore, the URA’s redevelopment strategy will continue to primarily focus on joint venture with developers, leveraging market forces to carry out redevelopment through land tendering. To this end, the URA has piloted the Development Facilitation Services at the end of last year to gather developers’ views on relevant projects before commencing the tender process. This serves as a basis for refining the project parameters and tender terms, thereby enhancing developers’ interest and confidence in tendering.
     
    (4) As the URA is the Government’s important partner in urban renewal, the Government will ensure that the URA has adequate resources to fulfill its statutory mission as well as to carry out the tasks entrusted by the Government. Apart from the $10 billion capital injection upon the URA’s establishment, the Government has also provided additional funding in the form of land premium waivers for redevelopment projects of the URA, with the cumulative amount of land premium waived reaching $25.3 billion as of March 31, 2024. The Government will also continue to support the URA in suitable redevelopment projects to consolidate the “Government, Institution or Community” sites in the vicinity to reprovision and upgrade relevant facilities. This will increase the overall development potential of the redevelopment projects through releasing and granting government land to the URA, which is also a form of financial support rendered to the URA by the Government. Moreover, the Government approved in mid-2023 to uplift the borrowing limit of the URA from $6 billion to $25 billion to enable the URA to cope with the financing need arising from a number of large-scale redevelopment projects in the coming few years. If necessary, the Government will also consider rendering other forms of support as appropriate.
     
    Moreover, the Government has embarked on a policy study to explore the use of newly developed land to create more favourable conditions for future URA and private redevelopment projects in old districts, so as to facilitate sustainable urban renewal. Among other things, we will consider allocating land in new development areas (NDAs) for the construction of rehousing estates to provide decanting space for redevelopment of old districts. We will also study the feasibility of cross-district transfer of plot ratios, with the objective of transferring the residual plot ratios of redevelopment projects in old districts for use in NDAs, so as to incentivise market participation in redevelopment and transform densely-developed old districts at the same time, thereby thinning out the urban population and renewing old districts to make them more livable in the long run. Our target is to put forward preliminary proposals in the first half of 2025.
     
    Redevelopment of old districts cannot be taken up solely by the URA. Private market forces are also needed. The Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 just implemented in December 2024 is one of the Government’s measures to encourage developers to participate in redevelopment by lowering the compulsory sale application thresholds and facilitating multiple adjoining-lot compulsory sale applications.
     
    Lastly, our urban renewal strategy is a dual-track approach of building rehabilitation and redevelopment. Regarding building rehabilitation, the Government launched a public consultation on the proposed amendments to the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123) in December 2024, and listened to the views of various sectors, including their suggestions on expediting building inspection and repair, during the consultation period ended in late February this year. The views collected so far generally support the Government’s carrot and stick approach (i.e. with both support and a punitive system) to urge owners to comply with the statutory orders and notices under the BO. The Government will take into account the views collated when finalising the proposals and proceed with the law drafting work to amend the BO with the target of introducing the amendment bill into the Legislative Council in the first half of 2026. Implementation of proposals on expediting building inspection and repair will help owners to better maintain their properties, thereby decelerating the building ageing process and slowing down the need for urban renewal.
     
    Note: The URA completed the YMDS in 2021, proposing recommendations and new planning tools such as transfer of plot ratio, permitting interchangeability of domestic/non-domestic plot ratio in the Yau Mong districts, and removing the plot ratio restriction of the commercial zone along Nathan Road.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ACHIEVEMENTS AND INITIATIVES REGARDING PM-AJAY SCHEME

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 2:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being implemented since 2021-22. The Scheme has three components namely (i) ‘Adarsh Gram’, (ii) ‘Grants-in-aid for District/State-level Projects for Socio-Economic betterment of Scheduled Caste (SC) Communities’ and (iii) ‘Hostel’

    The objectives and role of the Scheme are:

    (i) To improve socio-economic developmental indicators by ensuring adequate infrastructure and requisite services in the SC dominated villages.

    (ii) To reduce poverty of the SC communities by generation of additional employment opportunities through skill development, income generating schemes and other initiatives.

    (iii) To increase literacy and encourage enrolment of SCs in schools and higher educational institutions by providing adequate residential facilities in quality institutions, as well as residential schools where required, especially in the aspirational districts/ SC dominated blocks and elsewhere in India.

    In FY 2024-25, 4,928 villages have been declared as Adarsh Gram and 4,25,821 beneficiaries have been benefited which has led to socio-economic development by ensuring adequate infrastructure and requisite services in the SC dominated villages.

    ‘Grants-in-aid’ Component aims to reduce poverty of the SC communities by generation of additional employment opportunities through Skill development, income generating schemes and other initiatives. Under this component, since 2021-22, 9,549 Projects have been approved and Central Assistance of Rs. 1,219.80 Cr. has been released benefiting 2,01,006 SC beneficiaries.

    So far, 866 hostels are sanctioned under the Hostel Component of PM-AJAY covering 69,212 beneficiaries and an amount of Rs.936.27 Crore has been released, thereby encouraging students belonging to Scheduled Castes to attain quality education. Out of the total hostels sanctioned, 96 hostels are under construction.

    This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

    *****

    VM

    (Rajya Sabha US Q2194)

    (Release ID: 2112697) Visitor Counter : 53

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Effective implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in the current decade.

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 1:29PM by PIB Delhi

    The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA) aims at enhancing livelihood security of households in rural areas of the country by providing at least one hundred days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

    It may be noted that the budget allocation for the Financial Year 2006-07 was Rs 11,300 crores, which increased to 33,000 crore in 2013-14. This has increased continuously over the last 10 years. Current Financial year’s allocation of Rs 86,000 crore is the highest ever budgetary allocation at the BE stage. Government has spent a record Rs 1,11,000 crore under the scheme in the year 2020-21 to ensure livelihood security to people distressed during COVID19 pandemic. This shows Government’s sincere commitment towards the effective implementation of the Scheme.

    Similarly, the total persondays generated between FY 2006-07 to FY 2013-14 were 1660 crore, whereas, the total persondays between FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25 has been 3029 crore, which is 82% more than the decade before 2014. In this process, over the last years from 2014-15 to 2024-25, the Central Government has released 7,81,302 crores which resulted in the creation of 8.07 Crore rural assets. While in the previous decade from 2006-07 to 2013-14, only 2,13,220 crores were released which resulted in creation of 1.53 Crore rural assets. Over the last 10 years, Government’s increased efforts have led to a remarkable increase in the creation of rural assets which is evident from over 526% increase in the rural assets which are geotagged and of better quality. Moreover, due to continued focus on women empowerment, the participation of women has increased from 48% in FY 2013-14 to over 58% in the current FY 2024-25.

    There are 266 works permissible under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, out of which 150 works are related to agriculture and allied, 58 are related to Natural Resource Management (NRM) and 58 works are that of Rural Infrastructure. Various water related works such as check dams, farm ponds, community ponds, irrigation open wells, etc. are taken up under the Scheme. Government’s continued thrust on water conservation has yielded remarkable results, evident in the form of significant reduction in the number of water-stressed rural blocks from 2264 to 1456 (35% reduction) in the given decade. Another major success is in the form of Mission Amrit Sarovar, which has led to the creation of over 68,000 Amrit Sarovars in the country in Phase I. Currently, Phase II of Mission Amrit Sarovar has been rolled out with a renewed focus on water availability with community participation, Jan Bhagidari, at its core.

    The Government’s focus on improving the livelihood opportunities for the most vulnerable sections of the society can been seen in the substantial increase in the creation of individual assets from 17.6% in FY 2013-14 to 56.99% in FY 2024-25.

    It is inaccurate to say that ABPS (Aadhaar Based Payment System) or NMMS(National Mobile Monitoring System) are exclusionary. In fact, these have been major reform processes to ensure effective implementation of this Scheme. For instance, ABPS helps in better targeting, increasing the efficiency of the system and reducing the delays in the payments arising out of frequent changes in the bank account, thereby, ensuring better inclusion, curbing leakages. As on date, Aadhaar seeding has been accomplished for 13.45 crores (99.49%) active workers under MGNREGA, whereas in 2014, Aadhaar seeding was done for only 76 lakh workers. Similarly, NMMS has brought about enhanced transparency in the implementation of MGNREGA. Electronic real-time attendance capturing through NMMS has streamlined the timely creation of muster rolls as well as elimination of fake attendance. Moreover, in case of exceptional circumstances, there is a provision of approving the manual attendance at the field level.

    The Government has been continuously working on improving the transparency and accountability in Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. The adoption of National Electronic Fund Management System (NeFMS) and Aadhaar Based Payment System (ABPS) in the current decade have made MGNREGA, the biggest DBT Scheme in the country. 100% of the wage disbursement is being done electronically through DBT. Earlier in the absence of such mechanisms, there was a possibility of leakages as the payment of wages through e-FMS was merely 37% in 2013. Similarly, other path breaking digital initiatives like GIS based planning, Geo-tagging of assets, SECURE for estimate calculation etc. have made this Scheme one of the most transparently run schemes in the country. This is evident from a comprehensive MIS System NREGASOFT with all data regarding persondays generation and assets available in the public domain. This along with JANMANREGA mobile app significantly increased citizen oversight of the program which was absent before 2014.

    Moreover, enhanced focus on Social Audit, inspections through Area Officer App and other interventions have resulted in a robust monitoring framework which was absent before 2014.

    Details of “Effective implementation NREGA 10 years” is in the annexure.

    ***

    MG

    (Release ID: 2112680) Visitor Counter : 52

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