NewzIntel.com

Category: Internet

  • MIL-OSI USA: Good To Go! warns of scam texts

    Source: Washington State News 2

    OLYMPIA – Good To Go! is asking people to be cautious as scammers are impersonating toll agencies nationwide. They are attempting to trick people into making payments and sharing their banking information.

    Good To Go! is aware of fraudulent text messages claiming to be from Good To Go! and linking to a convincing fake website mirroring the official one for that payment. The text messages were not sent by Good To Go!. Good To Go! never sends texts asking for payment.

    People who suspect they’ve received a scam text should not click on any of the links. Instead, they should log into their account as any information Good To Go! would send about a toll bill will also be visible on your account. If you do not have a Good To Go! account Good To Go! would not send you a text. Good To Go! never asks customers to pay on websites other than Good To Go! and does not charge additional fees to make a payment.

    Good To Go! encourages anyone who received a fraudulent text to file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. Be sure to include the phone number or email address from where the message was sent, and the website listed in the text of the message.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Preston Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced that Michael Thomas Baird, 35, was convicted of two (2) counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material. The Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Baird was sentenced on March 13, 2025, by District Judge Cody L. Brower.
    “Removing these predators from our communities is a top priority for our office,” said Attorney General Labrador.  “Our ICAC prosecutors and investigators work tirelessly to deliver justice for these tragically young victims of abuse.  I’m continually grateful for the broad partnerships that have been built across the state to protect kids and put these offenders behind bars.”
    In July of 2024, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received a CyberTip that an account belonging to Baird had uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). On August 20, 2024, officers executed a search warrant on Baird’s home and seized various digital devices. Forensic examiners from the Office of the Attorney General were able to locate various files containing CSAM on devices seized during the search warrant. These files depicted predominately female children between three and eleven (3-11) years of age. Many of the images depicted children engaged in sex acts with adults. Baird was on probation for felony Aggravated Assault and felony Malicious Injury to Property at the time of his arrest.
    Judge Brower sentenced Baird to a total of fifteen (15) years in prison. Baird will be eligible for parole after five (5) years, and he will have to register as a sex offender pursuant to Idaho law.
    The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General James Haws. The lead investigator on the case was Korey Payne from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office who serves in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit. The successful prosecution of this case was the result of a collaborative effort lead by the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit and assisted by various law enforcement agencies across the State, including the Preston Police Department, the Frankin County Sherrif’s Office, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Fish and Game, and the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national indicted for assaulting federal agent

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Mexican national with physically attacking a federal law enforcement agent. 

    According to court documents, Diego Barron-Esquivel, 23, of Wichita was indicted on one count of forcible assault of a federal officer.

    In February 2025, Barron-Esquivel is accused of forcibly assaulting and causing bodily harm to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer while the officer was performing his official duties. 

    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.

    OTHER INDICTMENTS

    Charles Wayne Franke, 21, of Wellington, Kansas, was indicted on two counts of sexual exploitation of a child-production of child pornography, four counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case. 

    Juan Francisco Ulloa-Gonzalez, 46, was indicted on one count of reentry of a removed alien. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.
     

    Project Safe Childhood
    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 57

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL7

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 57
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1215 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Eastern Iowa
    Northern and Central Illinois
    Western Indiana

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 1215 PM
    until 900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Scattered supercell thunderstorms are expected to develop
    northeast through the early evening. These storms may produce a few
    tornadoes, damaging gusts, and hail.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 90 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 25 miles west northwest of Marseilles
    IL to 60 miles east of Salem IL. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 400. Mean
    storm motion vector 22035.

    …Leitman

    SEL7

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 57
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1215 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Eastern Iowa
    Northern and Central Illinois
    Western Indiana

    * Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 1215 PM
    until 900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Scattered supercell thunderstorms are expected to develop
    northeast through the early evening. These storms may produce a few
    tornadoes, damaging gusts, and hail.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 90 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 25 miles west northwest of Marseilles
    IL to 60 miles east of Salem IL. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 400. Mean
    storm motion vector 22035.

    …Leitman

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW7
    WW 57 TORNADO IA IL IN 191715Z – 200200Z
    AXIS..90 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    25WNW MMO/MARSEILLES IL/ – 60E SLO/SALEM IL/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 80NM E/W /30NE BDF – 43N PXV/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 400. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 22035.

    LAT…LON 41498739 38638619 38638953 41499087

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU7.

    Watch 57 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Mod (30%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (20%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (80%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust Declares Q1 Distribution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES. 
    FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW.

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (“Alaris” or the “Trust”) (TSX: AD.UN) announces that the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) has declared a trust distribution (“Distribution”) of $0.34 per trust unit for the first quarter of 2025, representing $1.36 per unit on an annualized basis. The Distribution is payable on April 15, 2025 to unitholders of record on March 31, 2025.

    About Alaris:

    The Trust, through its subsidiaries, invests in a diversified group of private businesses (“Private Company Partners“) primarily through structured equity. The primary goal of our structured equity investments is to deliver stable and predictable returns to our unitholders through both cash distributions and capital appreciation. This strategy is enhanced by common equity positions, which allow us to generate returns in alignment with the founders of our Private Company Partners.

    For further information please contact:
    Investor Relations
    P: (403) 260-1457
    ir@alarisequity.com

    Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust
    Suite 250, 333 24th Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta T2S 3E6
    www.alarisequitypartners.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Meets Tech Leaders in Lafayette

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    LAFAYETTE – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) met with leaders of the Lafayette Regional Technology Council to discuss their efforts to encourage the growth of high-tech businesses in their community. They also discussed how the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Opportunity Machine incubator is supporting their efforts.
    “We want the next Amazon, Google, or SpaceX to lay roots in Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Tech entrepreneurs and academic leaders are making that possible in Acadiana. And my infrastructure bill helps by extending high-speed broadband, so high-tech businesses can emerge and our young people have the same access to online resources no matter where they live.”
    During his time in Congress, Cassidy has worked to provide resources that make it possible for high-tech businesses to grow throughout Louisiana. In 2021, Cassidy secured $65 billion for broadband in his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will connect communities throughout America to high-speed Internet. This includes a $1.35 billion investment announced for Louisiana last year to connect 100,000 homes and 35,000 businesses.
    Cassidy also secured funds in Fiscal Year 2024 for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to help attract bio-medical start-up companies to Lafayette. He also visited FlyGuys, Inc. in February of 2022, an example of a Lafayette-based company using modern drone technology to perform aerial data collection for governmental and commercial entities.
    Founded in February, the Lafayette Regional Technology Council is working to develop and retain talent in the technology sector, facilitate connections and knowledge sharing across the technology community, promote Lafayette’s technology capabilities outside the region to encourage business growth and advocate for policies that support their efforts. A 15-member Steering Committee is at the heart of the council, uniting leaders from across Lafayette’s technology landscape.
    After the meeting, Cassidy took a tour of Opportunity Machine’s incubator and met young entrepreneurs building their businesses. He was welcomed to the meeting by Mr. Ben Johnson, chair of the council.
    “We are grateful to Senator Cassidy for taking the time to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Lafayette Regional Technology Council about the critical role technology and innovation play in driving economic growth and ensuring our community, state and nation remain competitive in a rapidly evolving world,” said Mr. Johnson. “His willingness to listen and explore solutions reinforces the importance of investing in innovation to strengthen our future.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

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

    WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 188 months in prison after federal law enforcement officers discovered child sexual abuse materials at his home.

    According to court documents, Scott Warren Vass, 57, of Arkansas City pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. 

    In April 2023, while executing a search warrant at Vass’ home, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents seized multiple devices belonging to Vass containing child sexual abuse materials.  Further investigation revealed several of Vass’ Google accounts also contained sexually explicit depictions of minors under 12 years of age.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon prosecuted the case.

    Project Safe Childhood
    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Denny H Kalyalya: Think before you follow, safeguard your money  

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Permanent Secretary, Southern Province, Dr Namani Monze
    The District Commissioner, Mazabuka District, Mr Oliver C. Mulomba
    All Senior Governmental officials
    Chief Executive Officers of Financial Sector Regulators – PIA and SEC
    All Chief Executive Officers of Financial Services Providers
    All Cooperating partners
    Invited Guests
    Ladies and Gentlemen

    Good morning

    I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all of you joining us for the launch of this year’s public awareness campaign for the Financial Literacy Week. This launch event was pre-ceded by the broadcasted message from the Minister of Finance and National Planning, on 16 March 2025. The FLW activities will take place from March 17 to 23, 2025, in all the 10 provinces of the Republic of Zambia. For the first time since we started to commemorate Financial Literacy Week, the event is being launched away from Lusaka, in Mazabuka, Southern Province. I commend the organizers for this change and I hope that future launch events will be held in different provinces every year.

    The theme for this year, “Think before you follow, safeguard your money,” aligns with the official theme of the 2025 Global Money Week and has been adopted for the Financial Literacy Week in Zambia.

    This year’s theme underscores the importance of adopting an informed, responsible, security-conscious approach to managing personal finances. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to be mindful of potential risks in the financial sector and take steps to protect their hard-earned money. These risks include financial scams, fraud, theft, pyramid schemes, cyber-attacks, and other threats related to data privacy. In line with this year’s theme, I urge consumers of financial services and products to actively safeguard their money by engaging only with licensed financial service providers. I also encourage you to be cautious about sharing financial information as well as diligently protect your personal data. Avoid sharing sensitive financial information, such as account numbers or passwords, with unknown individuals or over unsecured platforms. Additionally, be vigilant for phishing schemes, and be sceptical of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls requesting personal or financial information.

    Finally, I encourage you to report any suspicious financial requests or digital invitations to the authorities, such as financial service providers (FSPs), ZICTA, or the Police.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, financial literacy initiatives continue to focus on young people in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions as well as adults, with the aim of equipping future generations with the essential knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions for their financial well-being.

    In this regard, financial education has been incorporated in the national school curriculum and financial literacy initiatives continue to be undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

    Esteemed Guests, we firmly believe that the development and execution of national strategies concerning financial education and inclusion have established a robust framework that facilitates effective engagement among various stakeholders, including the Government, financial sector regulators, financial service providers, and the general public. This collaborative effort has led to heightened awareness campaigns among the public regarding the availability and safe usage of financial products and services nationwide. Strengthening financial literacy among consumers would enable them to identify financial scams, fraudulent activities and avoid biased advice, thus helping them to make better financial decisions to safeguard their future well-being. In this regard with the conclusion of the National Strategy on Financial Education II (2019-2024), the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, along with the Bank and other financial sector regulators, have begun the process of conducting a comprehensive review of the strategy. The review will assess the progress, successes, and challenges of NSFE II, and guide the development of phase III of the N S F E.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, in order to measure the strides that have been made in advancing financial education and financial inclusion in the country, I would like to inform you that a multisectoral project team has been established to conduct the 2025 FinScope Survey and disseminate topline findings by the end of this year.

    FinScope surveys are invaluable tools for understanding the financial landscape of a country and developing targeted financial education and financial inclusion strategies. The survey provides information on access and usage of financial services (formal/informal), barriers encountered, financial literacy and overall financial inclusion. Enumerators will conduct interviews across all ten provinces, so we appeal to you, the public, to provide them with the necessary support.

    Distinguished Guests, before I conclude, let me take this opportunity to remind you that the Bank of Zambia announced the introduction of a new family of Zambian Currency on Monday, 10 February 2025 (pursuant to section 17(1) of the Bank of Zambia Act, 2022).

    The initiative reflects the Bank’s commitment to providing currency that is secure, efficient, user friendly and well suited for everyday transactions. The new notes also offer advanced security features to protect against counterfeiting and other threats to the integrity of the currency. A nationwide awareness campaign is currently being conducted to sensitize the public about the new currency. Further, the Minister of Finance and National Planning will soon issue an SI to provide details for the process of exchanging the old currency for the new series, scheduled to commence on 31 March 2025.

    As we carry out the 2025 Financial Literacy Week provincial activities, I encourage the campaign teams and financial service providers to continue to educate the public about the new family of Zambian Currency to prevent people being defrauded by unscrupulous people who may take advantage of this change. The Bank of Zambia team will also be available to provide information and distribute awareness materials that highlight the key features of the new currency.

    Dear Invited Guests, in conclusion, it is important to acknowledge that as part of the implementation of the National Strategy for Financial Education, Financial Literacy Awards are held annually in October. These awards aim to recognize the efforts of individuals and institutions in conducting financial literacy awareness initiatives. Therefore, I urge you to submit your financial literacy activities and initiatives to the Financial Literacy Working Group for consideration in this year’s awards.

    Once again, I extend my gratitude to the Working Group under the National Strategy on Financial Education Phase II for organizing the Financial Literacy Week activities. I particularly commend the Ministry of Finance and National Planning Financial Education Team, along with other financial sector regulators such as the Pensions and Insurance Authority and the Securities and Exchange Commission. I also wish to applaud the Bankers Association of Zambia, and our collaborating partners DSIK (the German Sparkassenstiftung) Zambia, as well as all other stakeholders who have consistently supported the Financial Literacy Week commemorations each year.

    The Bank of Zambia remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting this national event, and we encourage all financial institutions and stakeholders to actively participate in the Financial Literacy Week activities nationwide.

    THANK YOU FOR LISTENING MAY GOD BLESS US ALL.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Roanoke Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years on Child Pornography Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke man, who agents found in possession of more than 3,800 images of child pornography, was sentenced this week to 210 months in federal prison.

    Joshua Jennings, 43, pled guilty in September 2024, to one count of knowingly receiving child pornography. In addition to prison time, Jennings was also sentenced to 20 years of supervised release following his release from prison.

    According to court documents, in February 2024 agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) determined that Jennings’s IP address was sharing child pornography on the Internet. Agents subsequently learned that Jennings was a registered sex offender with two prior state convictions for possessing child pornography.

    On February 26, 2024, agents with HSI executed a search warrant at the home address associated with Jennings’ IP address and seized a HP laptop computer belonging to Jennings. A forensic review of the laptop revealed more than 3,800 images and video files of identified child victims of abuse from more than 300 known child pornography series.

    Search history on the laptop showed Jennings conducted multiple searches related to his sexual interest in children, including “CP,” “PTHC,” and “CP dog.”

    Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee and  ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck made the announcement.

    The Department of Homeland Security- Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Albemarle County Police Department, the Virginia State Police, Virginia Probation & Parole, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Parkersburg (West Virginia) Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

    The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PALIAMENT QUESTION: RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN S &T

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Research and Development (R&D) measures increased the exposure of the students in academic institutions to real-world problems and created opportunities for working on the state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure created in the Country. These measures cultivated critical thinking and innovation skills, bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications and helped in building a very strong academia-industry ecosystem wherein research lead to technology transfer. R&D in academic institutions thus increased the exposure of students beyond the confines of traditional education and propelled them to the forefront of global competitiveness, positioning them for cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, intellectual contributions and preparing them for the demands of a knowledge-driven society.

    The impact of R&D measures taken by the Government in increasing exposure of students in academic institutions is given below:

    The total Ph.D. enrolment in India has increased to 81.2% in 2021-2022 (2.13 lakh) from 2015-2016 (1.17 lakh). In 2021-22, female enrolment in PhD programs in India doubled to 99,000 (0.99 lakh) from 48,000 (0.48 lakh) in 2014-15, representing a significant increase in women’s participation in higher education, especially at the PhD level. In the year 2021-22, Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education for the age group 18-23 years is estimated as 28.4, as compared to 23.7 in 2014-15. Female GER has increased to 28.5 in 2021-22 from 22.9 in 2014-15. Of the total enrolment in 2021-22, the number of Student enrolment in STEM for UG, PG, Ph.D. and M.Phil. levels is 98,49,488 (25.6%).

    The details of various measures taken by the Government to collaborate with academic institutions to foster research and innovation in science and technology, thereby increasing exposure of students in academic institutions to Research and Development is given in Annexure – I.

     

    ANNEXURE – I

    1. Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

    (a) Fellowship Programmes: DBT has taken significant steps to collaborate with academic institutions to foster research and innovation in science and technology. The Department has established several fellowship programs and initiatives that enhance collaboration between researchers and academic institutions. The DBT – Junior Research Fellowship Programme, DBT-RA Program in Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Fellowship, and M K Bhan Fellowship programs represent significant initiatives by the Department to foster collaboration with academic institutions. These programs enhance exposure to research environments by creating pathways for researchers to engage with academic institutions, establish research groups, mentor students, and contribute to India’s scientific advancement.

    (b) R&D Infrastructure: DBT has been supporting the development of research infrastructure at universities and research institutes across the country under Research Resource, Service Facility and Platform (abbreviated as RRSFP) Programme through the following components

    • DBT- Boost to University Interdisciplinary Life Science Departments for Education and Research Programme (DBT-BUILDER) which focuses on upgrading the post-graduate teaching and training laboratories by enabling interdisciplinary advanced research and teaching capacity emphasizing discovery and innovation in proposed research areas, addressing emerging technologies with inter-disciplinary cross talk. In the DBT-BUILDER programme a total of 45 Universities and Institutes were supported, comprising 9 Central University, 14 State University, and 22 Private Universities or Postgraduate Colleges. Across these institutions, 177 departments received support, with 34 in central universities, 56 in state universities, and 87 in private institutions.
    • DBT – Scientific Infrastructure Access for Harnessing Academia University Research Joint Collaboration (DBT-SAHAJ) aims at creating “national” service facility/research resource/platform to provide access to resources that could not be provided by any single researcher’s laboratory or scientific department. The Unified Online Booking Portal under the DBT-SAHAJ lists available equipment, user charges, and availability, allowing users to book facilities in advance.

    (c) Star College Programme: The Star College Programme was initiated by DBT in 2008 to support colleges and universities offering undergraduate education to improve science teaching across the country. This Programme was launched for improving critical thinking and encouraging ‘hands on’ experimental science at undergraduate level in basic science subjects. On a larger perspective, the programme was initiated envisioning that it shall encourage more students to take up higher education in science. Through this programme the Department identifies colleges with potential for excellence and provides support for developing infrastructure for academics and laboratory activities. This support is in turn expected to invigorate teaching and provide unique exposure of students to experimental science.

    (d) DBT-BIRAC Amrit Team Grant: is a new program of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to support new and innovative collaborative research programs involving academia, the clinic and start-ups.

     

    2. Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR)

     

    1. and Postdoctoral fellowships: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology through its “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Scheme” carried out by National S&T Human Resource Development Group (HRDG) has been providing doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships to young budding researchers through its various fellowship programmes. These young researchers are basically involved in science and technology development. The main objective of the programme is to nurture the budding scientific talent and to nourish the objective of pursuit of scientific research. The CSIR supported research fellows are working in more than 650 academic and R&D institutions. Apart from doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships, CSIR provides financial assistance to academic and R&D institution to carry out basic and applied research in the frontier and emerging areas of science and technology. These research projects of CSIR awarded to academic and R&D institutions are also a source of S&T human resource development as the principal investigators of these research projects are a guiding force and train young researchers in recent trends of science and technology research. These researchers contribute in the scientific publications, patents, technology, processes and overall development of S&T in the country. It is an established fact that the number of research articles published from an academic institute are proportional to the number of research scholars. This is the pool of young researchers being utilised by universities and R&D institutions for their research and development work/activities and is a precious S&T asset of the country. The research activities such as doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships and research grants are contributing in the scientific development of the country as India has attained 3rd position in terms of publishing the Science and Engineering research articles, contributed in increase in researchers per million populations from India which has now reached to 260 in 2020 compared to 215 in 2015.

     

    3. Department of Science and Technology (DST)

     

    DST is making several efforts through its various schemes and programmes to collaborate with academic institutions to foster research and innovation in science and technology, thereby increasing exposure of students in academic institutions to Research and Development. Details of significant initiatives are given below.

     

    (a) Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE): The Scheme aims at attracting young talent toward pursuing research as a career by leveraging the existing educational structure for talent identification, without conducting any competitive exams. Covering meritorious youth from school to university levels, the scheme supports those interested in studying science and choosing scientific research as a career. It facilitates human capacity building through scholarships, fellowships, and research exposure, enabling students to develop their skills and pursue opportunities in scientific research. The Scheme has the following components to create a robust ecosystem for cultivating future leaders in scientific research:

    • INSPIRE Internship: Provides exposure to the top 1% of students at the Class X Board level by organizing Science Camps during summer or winter. These camps allow students to interact with renowned scientists, including Nobel Laureates, fostering curiosity and inspiring them to pursue science at an early age (16-17 years).
    • Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE): Offers 12,000 scholarships annually to meritorious students aged 17-22 years, encouraging them to study basic and natural sciences at the undergraduate level with additional scholarship and mentorship support.
    • INSPIRE Fellowship: Awards 1,000 fellowships annually to students aged 22-27 years for pursuing Ph.D. in basic and applied sciences, including engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.
    • INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: Provides 100 fellowships annually to young researchers aged 27-32 years with a Ph.D. qualification, offering them the opportunity to carry out research in both basic and applied science areas for a duration of 5 years, helping them establish themselves as independent researchers.

     

    (b) Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST): The Schemes supports basic infrastructure and enabling facilities for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in universities & other educational institutions. It is considered as complimentary support for enabling Departments/ Centres/ Schools/ Colleges to pursue research activities more effectively and efficiently It was launched in 2000 under the Department of Science & Technology (DST). The duration of support for each FIST Project will be 5 years and will have 4 levels – Level-0, Level-1, Level-2, and Level-3. The programme has played a crucial role in fostering academic and research growth by providing financial support to a vast network of 3072 departments and PG colleges with an allocated budget of approximately Rs 3130.82 crores. This consistent support has significantly contributed to the advancement of scientific and technological endeavours across various universities and colleges, fuelling innovation and progress in India’s educational landscape.

     

    (c) Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institutes (SATHI) Centres: These Centres organizes training program for researchers, MSME and start-ups for sensitization and utilization of high-end equipment and provides appropriate level platform for networking and to explore possibilities for collaborative research and sharing of data, among the participants.

     

    (d) Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence” (PURSE): The Scheme aims to bolster the Research and Development (R&D) foundation of universities nationwide. The primary objective is to enhance the research capabilities of Indian universities, fostering a robust research ecosystem and strengthening their R&D bases.

     

    (e) Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN): ensures the participation of women in the field of Science and Technology (S&T) through various gender-enabling programmes. The various components of the Scheme for improving the exposure of women to Research and Development are given below.

    • The WISE Fellowship Programme aims to provide support to women who want to pursue a Ph.D and Post Doctorate
    • Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations (WIDUSHI): WIDUSHI Programme aims to encourage and support senior women scientists to conduct research in interdisciplinary areas of Science & Technology
    • WISE Internship in Intellectual Property Rights (WISE-IPR) – WISE-IPR programme provides one-year training to women in the area of Intellectual Property Rights in order to develop a core professional skill in this domain
    • Women International Grant Support (WINGS): WINGS Programme provides opportunities to Indian Women scientists to undertake research in the International research labs and academic institutions
    • Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE): CURIE Programme provides support to women institutions for establishing State-of-the art research infrastructure to enhance research facilities and improving R&D activities in order to create excellence in Science & Technology (S&T) domain
    • VigyanJyoti programme aims to encourage girls to pursue higher education and career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) especially in the areas where women participation is low in order to balance gender ratio across the streams

     

    (f) The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) provides a wide range of fellowship which had increased the exposure of students to foster research and innovation in science and technology.

     

    4. Department of Higher Education:

     

    (a) The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme: PMRF was introduced in 2018, with the objective to attract top talent to doctoral research in India, particularly in Science and Technology, by offering attractive fellowships at institutions like IITs, IISc, and IISERs. The PMRF scheme aims to improve the quality of research in higher educational institutions and foster innovation. The scheme is offered at all IITs, IISERs, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, and some top Central Universities/NITs that offer science and/or technology degrees. The fellowship covers a research grant of Rs. 2 lakhs per year (up to Rs. 10 lakhs for five years). A new version of the PMRF scheme, PMRF 2.0, was announced in the current budget with the introduction of 10,000 fellowships over the next 5 years to boost R&D and provide enhanced PhD fellowships. Industry participation in the PMRF program is explored through CSR funding or otherwise to enable industry to sponsor Fellows.

     

    (b) University Grants Commission (UGC): The UGC supports research and innovation in educational institutions through schemes like “Teaching and Research in Interdisciplinary and Emerging Areas,” encouraging innovative proposals and specialized courses, and promoting Research Development Cells (RDCs) to foster a strong research ecosystem.

     

    (c) All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): AICTE supports research and innovation in technical education through various schemes, including the AICTE-Research Promotion Scheme (RPS), AICTE AURA, and by promoting infrastructure development, faculty development, and industry-institute interaction.

     

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

     

    ***

    NKR/PSM

     

    (Release ID: 2112780) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • 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

     

    (Release ID: 2112727) Visitor Counter : 10

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Launches DEX+: One-Stop Platform For Seamless On-Chain and Off-Chain Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced the launch of DEX+, the market’s first innovative CEX and DEX hybrid product that provides a seamless, one-stop experience for both on-chain and off-chain trading. This development marks a significant milestone in the evolution of hybrid crypto trading platforms. DEX+ allows users to trade directly on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) through the MEXC app and website, offering access to a wide range of on-chain assets. The initial version of DEX+ will support the Solana ecosystem, enabling users to trade over 10,000 tokens available on Raydium and pump.fun, with future expansion to additional DEXs and blockchain networks, with support for the BSC chain launching on March 26, allowing users to trade trending assets on BSC soon.

    DEX+ stands out by addressing many of the common pain points faced by users on traditional DEX platforms. Conventional DEX interfaces require users to navigate multi-step interactions with complex on-chain processes such as token approvals, transaction signings, and cryptocurrency swaps. MEXC’s DEX+ simplifies this process entirely. Users can transfer funds directly into their DEX+ account and execute buy and sell orders without dealing with intricate on-chain operations. This approach makes decentralized trading more accessible, especially for new crypto users.

    “MEXC’s DEX+ bridges the gap between centralized efficiency and decentralized freedom. Despite the growing popularity of DEXs, the lack of user-friendly interfaces and high transaction fees remain a significant hindrance to widespread adoption. Through DEX+, MEXC aims to solve these issues by providing a familiar, CEX-like trading experience while retaining the benefits of accessing on-chain assets. Users can seamlessly switch between centralized exchange and DEX+ features,” said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC.

    MEXC is dedicated to offering a diverse range of accessible assets through its listing strategy and innovative products, all while ensuring top-tier security for its users. MEXC delivers comprehensive custodial wallet management for DEX+ users, ensuring security at an institutional level. Additionally, the platform offers Proof of Reserves, ensuring asset integrity and exceptional transparency. Users’ assets are backed 1:1, and customer fund compensation requirements are fully covered. This dual-layer protection ensures unmatched security for user assets.

    Furthermore, MEXC announced its collaboration with GoPlus, an independent third-party security provider that inspects the safety of all trading pairs listed on the platform. This added measure boosts user confidence and transparency, allowing them to trade with greater assurance and peace of mind.

    Moving forward, MEXC’s DEX+ is expected to play a pivotal role in the continued growth of DeFi and DEX ecosystems. As more users transition toward decentralized trading platforms, integrating CEX and DEX models will become increasingly important. With DEX+, MEXC strives to stand at the forefront of this innovative trend.

    To celebrate the successful launch of DEX+, MEXC is pleased to announce its incentive program: new users completing trades of 100 USDT or more on the DEX+ platform will be eligible to receive a 20 USDT reward. For more details, please visit: https://www.mexc.com/dex-rewards.

    About MEXC

    Founded in 2018, MEXC is dedicated to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Known for its extensive selection of trending tokens, airdrop opportunities, and low fees, MEXC serves over 34 million users across 170+ countries. With a focus on accessibility and efficiency, our advanced trading platform appeals to both new traders and seasoned investors alike. MEXC provides a seamless, secure, and rewarding gateway to the world of digital assets.

    For more information, visit: MEXC Website｜X｜Telegram｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
    For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR Manager Lucia Hu: lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a38849c-6875-4997-9c07-705dcab201f4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lantronix Expands Partnership With TD SYNNEX to Distribute Its Out-of-Band, Network Infrastructure and Industrial IoT Solutions Throughout Europe

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity for IoT solutions enabling AI Edge Intelligence, today announced it has expanded its partnership with TD SYNNEX (NYSE:SNX), a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. An established major distributor for Lantronix in North America, TD SYNNEX will now distribute Lantronix’s out-of-band, network infrastructure and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) throughout Europe, bringing expanded support to Lantronix’s global customers and channel partners.

    “Designed to increase Lantronix’s market presence in Europe, the expanded relationship with TD SYNNEX provides our mutual customers and channel partners with local-market access to Lantronix’s advanced out-of-band, network infrastructure and industrial IoT solutions,” said Kurt Hoff, VP of Global Sales & Marketing at Lantronix. “We are very excited about the anticipated market growth from this expanded partnership as our solutions are an excellent fit with TD SYNNEX’s specialized AI, IoT and Integration/Automation go-to-market.”

    “We are delighted to expand our partnership with market leader Lantronix. Backed by the proven success of our long-term relationship in North America, this expanded relationship brings the benefits of Lantronix’s proven products to our European customers and channel partners with the added benefit of a single-source distributor for our mutual global customers,” said Craig Smith, VP of Data, AI and Business Applications at TD SYNNEX.

    About TD SYNNEX

    TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. We’re an innovative partner helping more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, TD SYNNEX’s 23,000 co-workers are dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services and solutions from 2,500+ best-in-class technology vendors. Our edge-to-cloud portfolio is anchored in some of the highest-growth technology segments including cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, AI, IoT, mobility and everything as a service. TD SYNNEX is committed to serving customers and communities, and we believe we can have a positive impact on our people and our planet, intentionally acting as a respected corporate citizen. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer of choice for talent across the IT ecosystem. For more information, visit www.tdsynnex.com.

    About Lantronix

    Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth markets, including Smart Cities, Enterprise and Transportation. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that enable AI Edge Intelligence. Lantronix’s advanced solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing.

    For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to Lantronix products or leadership team. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent tensions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or other factors; future responses to and effects of public health crises; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of that report, as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. In addition, actual results may differ as a result of additional risks and uncertainties about which we are currently unaware or which we do not currently view as material to our business. For these reasons, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations, except as required by applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. If we do update or correct any forward-looking statements, investors should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections.

    ©2025 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

    Lantronix Media Contact:
    Gail Kathryn Miller
    Corporate Marketing &
    Communications Manager
    media@lantronix.com

    Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact:
    investors@lantronix.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 3 April 2025 – Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 9(3)-(5) AND SECTION 21(3) OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 636 OF 15 MAY 2020

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE DOING SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

    Publication of supplement concerning extension of offer period for Nykredit’s recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 3 April 2025

    19 March 2025

    Nykredit extends the offer period concerning the recommended, voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S until 3 April 2025

    In accordance with section 4(1) of the Danish Takeover Order1, Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) announced on 10 December 2024 that Nykredit intended to submit a voluntary public tender offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all shares in Spar Nord Bank A/S (“Spar Nord Bank”), with the exception of Spar Nord Bank’s treasury shares, for a cash price of DKK 210 per share, valuing the aggregated issued share capital of Spar Nord Bank at DKK 24.7 billion.

    On 8 January 2025, Nykredit published the offer document regarding the Offer (the “Offer Document”), as approved by the Danish FSA in accordance with section 11 of the Danish Takeover Order. In the Offer Document, the offer period was set to expire on 19 February 2025 at 23:59 (CET) (the “Initial Offer Period”). On 18 February 2025, Nykredit published a supplement to the Offer Document, which extended the offer period to 20 March 2025. The background for the extension was to provide Nykredit with more time to obtain the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority required to complete the Offer.

    Today, Nykredit published a supplement (the “Supplement”) to the Offer Document, which further extends the offer period for the Offer. The Supplement has been approved by the Danish FSA on 19 March 2025 in accordance with section 9(3)-(5) of the Danish Takeover Order. The Supplement should be read in conjunction with the Offer Document and the previous supplement as published on 18 February 2025.

    With this Supplement, Nykredit further extends the offer period, such that the Offer will expire on 3 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST). Subsequently, any reference to the “Offer Period” in the Offer Document or other documents relating to the Offer will refer to the period commencing on the day of publication of the Offer Document on 8 January 2025 and ending on 3 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST) (the “Extended Offer Period”).

    The purpose of the extension is to provide Nykredit with time to obtain the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority required to complete the Offer.

    If the approval from the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority has not been granted by the expiry of the Extended Offer Period, Nykredit expects to extend the offer period further.

    The extension of the offer period entails that the expected completion of the Offer and settlement of the offer price to the Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have accepted the Offer will be extended correspondingly. Completion is subsequently expected to take place on 11 April 2025 (provided that the offer period is not extended further than to 3 April 2025 23:59 (CEST)).

    At the time of this announcement, Nykredit holds 32.79 per cent of the shares in Spar Nord Bank. A preliminary compilation of the acceptances that Nykredit has information about shows that, including the irrevocable undertakings, acceptances corresponding to more than 46 per cent of the share capital of Spar Nord Bank has been submitted, and that Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank, together with the irrevocable undertakings and the binding acceptances submitted that Nykredit has information about, totals more than 80 per cent of the total share capital (excluding treasury shares) of Spar Nord Bank, indicating that the 67 per cent acceptance limit stated in the Offer has been reached. The final result of the Offer will be determined on expiry of the offer period and published in accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order.

    Nykredit intends to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders, provided that Nykredit has obtained the necessary ownership interest, and the Offer has been completed. Spar Nord Bank shareholders who have opted not to accept the Offer, should expect that Nykredit, provided that the Offer is completed, will take steps to combine Nykredit Bank A/S and Spar Nord Bank, which will result in a further increase in Nykredit’s ownership interest in Spar Nord Bank. Not later than in continuation of the combination, Nykredit thus expects to hold a sufficient ownership interest to be able to delist Spar Nord Bank from trading on Nasdaq Copenhagen and complete a compulsory acquisition of the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders.

    The full terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Offer Document as amended by the Supplement. The Offer Document and the Supplement are published in the Danish FSA’s OAM database: https://oam.finanstilsynet.dk/ and can also, with certain restrictions, be accessed at https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/ and https://www.sparnord.dk/investor-relations/overtagelsestilbud.

    About Spar Nord Bank

    Spar Nord Bank was founded in 1824 and is now a nationwide bank with 58 branches. Spar Nord Bank offers all types of financial services, consultancy and products, focusing its business on retail customers and primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the local areas in which the bank is represented. The bank is also focused on leasing operations and large corporate customers, which are both business areas handled by the head offices.

    Spar Nord Bank has historically been rooted in northern Jutland and continues to be a market leader in this region. However, in the period from 2002 to 2024, Spar Nord Bank has established and acquired branches outside northern Jutland. Over the course of the years, the bank has adjusted its branch network in an ongoing process and now has a nationwide distribution network comprising 58 branches. These 58 branches are distributed on 32 banking areas, each of which is headed by a manager reporting directly to the bank’s executive board.

    The Spar Nord Bank Group consists of two earnings entities: Spar Nord Bank’s branches and the Trading Division. As an entity, the Trading Division serves customers from Spar Nord Bank’s branches as well as large retail customers and institutional clients in the field of equities, bonds, fixed income and forex products, asset management and international transactions. Finally, under the concept Sparxpres, the bank offers consumer loans to personal customers through Sparxpres’ platform as well as debt consolidation loans and consumer financing via retail stores and gift voucher solutions via shopping centres and city associations.

    About Nykredit

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Denmark, company reg. (CVR) no. 12 71 92 80, having its registered office at Sundkrogsgade 25, 2150 Nordhavn, Denmark. Nykredit is a mortgage credit institution and, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary Totalkredit A/S, is a market leader of the Danish mortgage credit market with a market share of some 45.2 per cent. Nykredit offers mortgage financing for private individuals and businesses.

    Nykredit is part of the Nykredit Group, which historically dates back to 1851. In addition to carrying on mortgage credit business, the Group carries on banking business through Nykredit Bank – including banking and wealth management operations – and has a total of around 4,000 employees in Denmark.

    Nykredit is owned by an association of the Nykredit Group’s customers, Forenet Kredit. Forenet Kredit owns close to 80 per cent of Nykredit’s shares. Other major shareholders are five Danish pension funds: Akademikernes Pension AP Pension, PensionDanmark, PFA and PKA.

    Nykredit is known for the advantages offered through the association. Forenet Kredit makes capital contributions to the Nykredit Group when times are good, and Nykredit has decided to pass these on to its customers.

    Since, 2017, Forenet Kredit has paid over DKK 8 billion in capital contributions to the Nykredit Group, and in the period to 2027, Forenet Kredit has provided a further DKK 7 billion.

    Questions and further information

    Any questions concerning the Offer may be directed to:

    Nykredit Bank A/S

    Company reg. (CVR) no.: 10 51 96 08

    Sundkrogsgade 25

    2150 Nordhavn
    Denmark

    Telephone: +45 7010 9000

    and

    Carnegie Investment Bank

    Filial af Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ), Sverige

    Company reg. (CVR) no. 35 52 12 67

    Overgaden Neden Vandet 9B

    1414 Copenhagen K
    Denmark

    E-mail: annette.hansen@carnegie.dk

    For further information about the Offer, please see: https://www.nykredit.com/kobstilbud-spar-nord/.

    This announcement and the Offer Document (with supplements) are not directed at shareholders of Spar Nord Bank A/S whose participation in the Offer would require the issuance of an offer document, registration or activities other than what is required under Danish law (and, in the case of shareholders in the United States of America, Section 14(e) of, and applicable provisions of Regulation 14E promulgated under, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Offer is not made and will not be made, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission of the Offer or acceptance thereof would be in contravention of the laws of such jurisdiction. Any person coming into possession of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other document containing a reference to the Offer is expected and assumed to independently obtain all necessary information about any applicable restrictions and to observe these.

    This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in accordance with the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be submitted only in the form of the Offer Document (with supplements) approved by the FSA, which sets out the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including information on how to accept the Offer. The shareholders of Spar Nord Bank are advised to read the Offer Document and any related documents as they contain important information.

    Restricted jurisdictions

    The Offer is not made, and acceptance of the Offer to tender Spar Nord Bank shares is not accepted, neither directly nor indirectly, in or from any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or any other measures with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated by the Offer Document (the “Restricted Jurisdictions”). Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom is a Restricted Jurisdiction.

    Restricted Jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

    Persons obtaining documents or information relating to the Offer (including custodians, account holding institutions, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) should not distribute, communicate, transfer or send these in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction or use mail or any other means of communication in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction in connection with the Offer. Persons (including, but not limited to, custodians, custodian banks, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) intending to communicate this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Denmark or the United States should inform themselves about these restrictions before taking any action. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, including securities laws. It is the responsibility of all Persons obtaining this announcement, the Supplement, the Offer Document, earlier supplements, an acceptance form and/or other documents relating to the Offer, or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves about and observe all such restrictions.

    Nykredit is not responsible for ensuring that the distribution, dissemination or communication of this announcement, the Supplement or the Offer Document to shareholders outside Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom is consistent with applicable law in any jurisdiction other than Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Important Information for Shareholders in the United States

    The Offer concerns the shares in Spar Nord Bank, a public limited liability company incorporated and admitted to trading on a regulated market in Denmark, and is subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Danish law, including the Danish capital markets act and the Danish takeover order.

    The Offer is being made to shareholders in Spar Nord Bank in the United States in compliance with the applicable US tender offer rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), including Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder, subject to the relief available for a “Tier II” tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Danish law and practice

    Accordingly, US Spar Nord Bank shareholders should be aware that this announcement and any other documents regarding the Offer have been prepared in accordance with, and will be subject to, the disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments of Danish law and practice, which may differ materially from those applicable under US domestic tender offer law and practice. In addition, the financial information contained in this announcement or the Offer Document has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or derived therefrom, and may therefore differ from, or not be comparable with, financial information of US companies.

    In accordance with the laws of, and practice in, Denmark and to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, Nykredit, Nykredit’s affiliates or any nominees or brokers of the foregoing (acting as agents, or in a similar capacity, for Nykredit or any of its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase, or arrange to purchase, outside of the United States, shares in Spar Nord Bank or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares in Spar Nord Bank before or during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be announced via Nasdaq Copenhagen and relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Denmark, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform US shareholders of Spar Nord Bank of such information.

    In addition, subject to the applicable laws of Denmark and US securities laws, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the financial advisers to Nykredit or their respective affiliates may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Spar Nord Bank, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

    It may not be possible for US shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon Spar Nord Bank, Nykredit or any of their respective affiliates, or their respective officers or directors, some or all of which may reside outside the United States, or to enforce against any of them judgments of the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or other US law. It may not be possible to bring an action against Nykredit, Spar Nord Bank and/or their respective officers or directors (as applicable) in a non-US court for violations of US laws. Further, it may not be possible to compel Nykredit and Spar Nord Bank or their respective affiliates, as applicable, to subject themselves to the judgment of a US court. In addition, it may be difficult to enforce in Denmark original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws.

    The Offer, if completed, may have consequences under US federal income tax and under applicable US state and local, as well as non-US, tax laws. Each shareholder of Spar Nord Bank is urged to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Offer.

    NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE OF THE U.S. HAS APPROVED OR DECLINED TO APPROVE THE OFFER OR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFER OR PROVIDED AN OPINION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OFFER DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.

    1 Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Claire Anderson to the Spectrum Summit 2025

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Nanaimo, British Columbia
    March 18, 2025

    Claire Anderson, Commissioner for British Columbia and Yukon
    Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

    Check against delivery

    Thank you for the introduction and the warm welcome. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered here today on the territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. I understand that in the Sarlequun Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854, the British Crown recognized Snuneymuxw self-determination and Aboriginal title, and that today, Snuneymuxw governance is rooted in Snawayalth (teachings), and this model of governance upholds the Nation’s self-determination and territorial sovereignty.

    It is a real pleasure to be here with all of you today. I want to thank the Indigenous Connectivity Institute for inviting me to speak and for gathering us all together to discuss this important subject. The Institute is an important, Indigenous-led voice helping to tackle the challenges that affect our own Indigenous communities. This includes the digital divide that disproportionately affects Indigenous communities and affects their ability to fully participate in the 21st-century global economy.

    As participants to this Summit, many or most of you have insight into what those challenges look like and how deep their roots grow. And that places you in a unique position to examine solutions that work best for your own communities.

    Access to wireless frequency ranges, or spectrum as we have come to call it, is critical to any telecommunications service provider. Access to spectrum helps a company provide its customers with reliable and clear wireless services. So it only makes sense that as more and more Indigenous-led companies and community groups look to improve connectivity in their communities, they are increasingly interested in spectrum management and access to this vital resource.

    Spectrum management and the CRTC’s role

    This is why I was so happy that we all had the chance to hear this morning from Mark Saunders at Innovation, Science and Economic Development (or ISED). ISED is responsible for managing spectrum in Canada, including how spectrum is allocated through the auction system that Mark touched on.

    Indigenous communities and companies who want to create local solutions to their community’s connectivity challenges need spectrum access. ISED’s ‘use it or lose it’ policy and, most importantly, its announcement of a new licensing framework for unused spectrum in rural, remote and Indigenous areas, should improve this access. This included, as Mark touched on, the ongoing development of the Indigenous priority window spectrum policy framework. I look forward to the seeing the results and the final policy when it is released.

    At the CRTC, our work focuses on telecommunications companies and the services they provide over spectrum, as well as the infrastructure that facilitates access to these services.

    Support structures, small cells and access

    For example, one of our areas of focus in the recent past has been working on regulatory measures to make access to telecommunications poles and other forms of existing infrastructure easier and more efficient.

    In fact, less than two months ago we released a decision designed to make it easier for companies to deploy new communications networks. It laid out the terms and conditions which will allow companies to access the poles, lines and other support structures controlled by large telephone companies, so that smaller competitors – such as Indigenous-led companies and co-ops – can deploy their own networks.

    There are several more granular and detailed changes that were made, as part of this decision, which I won’t cover today. But I will point out that all were made with the intent of making this new access as smooth and as easy as possible for new competitors to enter new markets. It will improve competition, lower prices, and provide high-quality telecom services to communities across the country, while also supporting continued investment.

    Building on this access, we are working on another decision concerning wireless attachments to these poles. Ensuring high-speed wireless connectivity on 5G networks and beyond will require the deployment of thousands of additional cell sites across Canada.

    We are now in the final stages of a consultation on whether the CRTC should allow third parties to attach wireless equipment like small cells onto poles across Canada. As this is still a matter before the CRTC, I cannot hint at the details of any decision that the Commission might make. But what I can say is that we expect to release a decision soon.

    Broadband Fund

    As we work on these key regulatory issues, we are also a part of the Government of Canada’s larger effort to connect all communities to reliable high-speed Internet services. In 2019, the CRTC launched the Broadband Fund to help connect rural, remote and Indigenous communities across the country. The Broadband Fund’s focus is broader than our scope today, focusing on wireline broadband services in addition to wireless services.

    To date, the fund has improved high-speed Internet and cellphone services in more than 270 communities, connecting essential institutions such as schools, health care facilities and community centres. We are wrapping up our evaluations of the projects proposed in our third call for applications – a call that garnered applications seeking more than $1.9 billion in funding. In the past year alone we committed funding that will better connect Inuit communities in northern Quebec and Nunavut, improve access along nearly 100 kilometres of major roads in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Ontario, and improve connectivity along roads and to rural communities in Yukon, northern Manitoba, and right here in B.C.

    In addition to these funding commitments, we are also working to improve the fund itself. We want to make it easier for prospective recipients to apply for funding and make the evaluation process simpler and more transparent. And once an application is approved, we want to consolidate and simplify reporting requirements.

    As part of this review, we are also looking at how we can better engage with Indigenous communities and facilitate their access to the Broadband Fund. This includes changing the way we consult and engage with Indigenous communities, and we have created our Indigenous Relations Team within the CRTC to help. Furthermore, we are in the process of developing a distinct Indigenous stream of the Broadband Fund. I look forward to sharing more details as it progresses.

    Spectrum, telecom, and economic reconciliation

    And as I continue today, I want to acknowledge the opportunities for reconciliation that are found through telecommunications. Historically, when we spoke about reconciliation, it seemed as though there was an expectation that one party to a relationship had to reconcile or compromise their values to serve a larger interest. But we are moving away from that understanding of reconciliation, and placing a stronger emphasis on hearing how Indigenous communities can heal from historically damaging colonial relationships.

    I’ve been attending Indigenous connectivity conferences and learning from you about the opportunities that exist for communities to create revenue through telecommunications. The Commission has heard in multiple proceedings what communities stand to gain if they are included in the management and ownership of networks: jobs are created, skill sets are expanded, and relationships are nourished. Reconciliation is advanced through partnerships with existing telecom providers, but also when we have wholly Indigenous-owned service providers.

    Often, Indigenous communities are on the fringes of society, geographically and, unfortunately, politically speaking. And a way for Indigenous nations to assert self-determination and sovereignty has been through ownership of major critical infrastructure, including telecommunications infrastructure and services. The importance of jobs in remote communities where services and employment opportunities are sparse cannot be overstated. Keeping money in the community can be a deciding factor in whether or not a family has food in the fridge.

    One of the objectives of the Broadband Fund review that I mentioned earlier is to help advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. As we noted in one of our policy decisions resulting from that ongoing review, Indigenous groups told us of the barriers they face that discourage them from applying for Broadband funding. We have taken steps to streamline the application process and make it easier for Indigenous people to pick up the phone and call a point of contact in our Indigenous Relations Team instead of having to navigate our processes alone. We also are exempting Indigenous funding recipients from having to provide wholesale open access to transport infrastructure, because we believe they should have the choice to make that determination for themselves.

    Additionally, we are providing funding for up to two years of technical training for Indigenous staff in communities that propose to serve as part of funded capital projects, and we aren’t requiring a 10% holdback on projects with approved funding of $5 million or less.

    Furthermore, we are requiring each Broadband Fund applicant to obtain and show consent from any Indigenous community in which it plans to build infrastructure as part of its funded capital project. Meaningful consultation and community consent means that Indigenous communities are able to benefit from funded projects that happen on their territories.

    These are measures that result in capacity training, job growth and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and people.

    Conclusion

    I believe the Commission is on the right path of advancing reconciliation, because reconciliation is integral to the public interest, and at the CRTC, the public interest is at the heart of everything we do. In everything I have discussed today, from our regulatory work to our funding decisions, we are supporting continued investments in our networks while also putting the needs of everyone in this country first.

    That includes our Indigenous communities. But while we can’t go back and change the past, we can ensure that the regulatory and funding decisions we make chart a course for a better future.

    And everyone gathered here today can influence that future. Every decision we make is based on an extensive public record including consultations, hearings, and public outreach.

    So I encourage you to get involved in our processes. Make your voice, and the voices of your community, heard. If you are unsure how to do that, get in touch with our Indigenous Relations Team or contact your regional CRTC Commissioner.

    Because the only way we can build that brighter future is by doing so together.

    If we have time for some questions, I’d like to invite any Indigenous youth to ask questions before moving on to questions from Indigenous participants and then all other participants.

    Thank you. Gunalcheesh.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aterian Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Introduces Annual Guidance for 2025
    Announces $3 Million Share Repurchase Program

    SUMMIT, N.J., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aterian, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATER) (“Aterian” or the “Company”), a technology-enabled consumer products company, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    “Aterian’s results for 2024 reflect our team’s success in executing a strategy to focus, stabilize, and simplify our operations in preparation for a resumption of growth and improved operating performance, ” said Arturo Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer.

    “Our decision to rationalize SKUs and focus on the Company’s six foundational brands generated material improvements in gross margin and contribution margin, and narrowed our losses significantly compared to 2023,” continued Mr. Rodriguez. “We improved our cash flow and working capital profile, reduced debt by more than $4.0 million, and right sized our inventory to focus on Aterian’s most profitable products. These initiatives created a momentum that we believe will carry into 2025. Despite tariffs, we are confident that in 2025, especially with our experienced and tenacious team, we will be able to generate higher revenues, achieve greater operating efficiency, and further improve our profit profile. Our growth will be driven by new product introductions beginning in the second quarter of 2025 and access to a broader base of consumers through our sales channel initiatives.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights
    All comparisons are to the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023

    • Net revenue was $24.6 million compared to $32.8 million, primarily reflecting the previously announced SKU rationalization designed to focus on the Company’s most profitable products, lower liquidation levels of high-cost inventory, and initial contributions from new product introductions.
    • Gross margin improved to 63.4% from 51.0%, reflecting the success of the above-referenced SKU rationalization and improved inventory profile.
    • Contribution margin improved to 19.4% from (0.8%).
    • Operating loss narrowed to ($1.6) million from an operating loss of ($8.2) million. Fourth quarter 2024 operating loss included ($1.1) million of non-cash stock compensation, while fourth quarter 2023 operating loss included ($1.6) million of non-cash stock compensation, a non-cash loss on impairment of an intangible of ($0.3) million and a reserve for barter credits of ($0.3).
    • Net loss improved to ($1.3) million from ($7.7) million. Fourth quarter 2024 net loss included ($1.1) million of non-cash stock compensation and a gain on fair value of warrant liability of $0.2 million, while fourth quarter 2023 net loss included a reserve for barter credits of ($0.3) million, ($1.6) million of non-cash stock compensation, a non-cash loss on impairment of an intangible of ($0.3) million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to ($0.1) million from a loss of ($5.6) million.
    • Total cash balance at December 31, 2024 was $18.0 million, up from $16.1 million at September 30, 2024.
    • Cash flow from operations improved to break-even from cash used in operations of ($4.9) million for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

    Full Year 2024 Highlights
    All comparisons are to the full year ended December 31, 2023

    • Net revenue declined to $99.0 million from $142.6 million, reflecting the success of the SKU rationalization, improved inventory profile, and new product introductions.
    • Gross margin improved to 62.1% compared to 49.3% in 2023, primarily reflecting the success of the above-referenced SKU rationalization and improved inventory profile.
    • Contribution margin rose to 17.1% from 1.2% in 2023.
    • Operating loss improved to ($11.8) million from ($76.2) million in 2023. Full year 2024 operating loss included ($7.5) million of non-cash stock compensation, and restructuring costs of ($0.6) million, while full year 2023 operating loss included ($8.3) million of non-cash stock compensation, a non-cash loss on impairment of intangibles of ($39.7) million, restructuring costs of ($1.6) million and a reserve for barter credits of ($0.3).
    • Net loss narrowed to ($11.9) million from ($74.6) million in 2023. Full year 2024 net loss includes ($7.5) million of non-cash stock compensation, restructuring costs of ($0.6) million, and a gain on fair value of warrant liability of $0.9 million, while full year 2023 net loss included ($8.3) million of non-cash stock compensation, a non-cash loss on impairment of intangibles of ($39.7) million, restructuring costs of ($1.6) million, a gain on fair value of warrant liability of $2.4 million, and a reserve on barter credits of ($0.3) million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to ($2.1) million from a loss of ($22.3) million in 2023.
    • Total cash balance at December 31, 2024 was $18.0 million, down from $20.0 million at December 31, 2023.
    • Cash flow from operations improved to $2.2 million from cash used in operations of ($13.4) million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

    2025 Outlook

    For fiscal year 2025, taking into account the current global environment and impact of recently announced tariffs, the Company believes that net revenue will be between $104 million and $106 million, an increase of between 5% and 7% from net revenue of $99.0 million 2024. When considering approximately $4 million of net sales in 2024 related to discontinued SKUs, net revenue in 2025 is expected to increase on a pro forma basis by 9% to 12%.

    The Company expects 2025 annual Adjusted EBITDA to be essentially break-even compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $(2.1) million in 2024, reflecting the success of the Company’s business improvement initiatives, offset by the impacts of recently announced tariffs.

    Josh Feldman, Chief Financial Officer commented, “We continue to monitor the tariff situation and its potential impact on our operations and outlook. We have already taken steps that we believe will mitigate the negative effects of tariffs in 2025, and are prepared to take further action as necessary. With the support of an exceptional team, an inherent agility, and strong balance sheet, we remain confident in our ability to successfully and proactively navigate these challenges while remaining focused on long-term growth and profitability.”

    Share Repurchase Plan
    As announced earlier today, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $3.0 million of the Company’s common stock for a period of two years ending March 18, 2027.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    For more information on our non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures, please see the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section below. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA is net loss and we expect to report a net loss for the years ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 due primarily to our operating losses, which includes stock-based compensation expense, and interest expense. We are unable to reconcile the forward-looking statements of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in this press release to their nearest GAAP measures because the nearest GAAP financial measures are not accessible on a forward-looking basis and reconciling information is not available without unreasonable effort.

    Webcast and Conference Call Information
    Aterian will host a live conference call to discuss financial results today, March 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, which will be accessible by telephone and the internet. To access the call, participants from within the U.S. should dial (800) 715-9871 and participants from outside the U.S. should dial (646) 307-1963 and ask to be joined into the Aterian, Inc. call or use conference ID 3432648. Participants may also access the call through a live webcast at https://ir.aterian.io. The archived online replay will be available for a limited time after the call in the investors section of the Aterian corporate website.

    About Aterian, Inc.
    Aterian, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATER) is a technology-enabled consumer products company that builds and acquires leading e-commerce brands with top selling consumer products, in multiple categories, including home and kitchen appliances, health and wellness and air quality devices. The Company sells across the world’s largest online marketplaces with a focus on Amazon, Walmart and Target in the U.S. and on its own direct to consumer websites. Our primary brands include Squatty Potty, hOmeLabs, Mueller Living, Pursteam, Healing Solutions and Photo Paper Direct.

    Forward Looking Statements
    All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements including, in particular, the statements regarding our projected net revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2025, our guidance for 2025 and the current global environment and inflation. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, those related to our ability to continue as a going concern, our ability to meet financial covenants with our lenders, our ability to maintain and to grow market share in existing and new product categories; our ability to continue to profitably sell the SKUs we operate; our ability to maintain Amazon’s Prime badge on our seller accounts or reinstate the Prime badge in the event of any removal of such badge by Amazon; our ability to create operating leverage and efficiency when integrating companies that we acquire, including through the use of our team’s expertise, the economies of scale of our supply chain and automation driven by our platform; those related to our ability to grow internationally and through the launch of products under our brands and the acquisition of additional brands; those related to consumer demand, our cash flows, financial condition, forecasting and revenue growth rate; our supply chain including sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing and fulfillment; our ability to manage expenses, working capital and capital expenditures efficiently; our business model and our technology platform; our ability to disrupt the consumer products industry; our ability to generate profitability and stockholder value; international tariffs and trade measures; inventory management, product liability claims, recalls or other safety and regulatory concerns; reliance on third party online marketplaces; seasonal and quarterly variations in our revenue; acquisitions of other companies and technologies and our ability to integrate such companies and technologies with our business; our ability to continue to access debt and equity capital (including on terms advantageous to the Company) and the extent of our leverage; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), all of which you may obtain for free on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, even if subsequently made available by us on our website or otherwise. We do not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    Investor Contact:

    The Equity Group

    Devin Sullivan
    Managing Director
    dsullivan@equityny.com

    Conor Rodriguez
    Associate
    crodriguez@equityny.com

     
    ATERIAN, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
        December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024
    ASSETS        
    Current assets:        
    Cash   $ 20,023     $ 17,998  
    Accounts receivable, net     4,225       3,782  
    Inventory     20,390       13,749  
    Prepaid and other current assets     4,998       3,190  
    Total current assets     49,636       38,719  
    Property and equipment, net     775       685  
    Intangibles, net     11,320       9,757  
    Other non-current assets     138       381  
    Total assets   $ 61,869     $ 49,542  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Current liabilities:        
    Credit facility   $ 11,098     $ 6,948  
    Accounts payable     4,190       3,080  
    Seller notes     1,049       466  
    Accrued and other current liabilities     9,110       8,804  
    Total current liabilities     25,447       19,298  
    Other liabilities     391       227  
    Total liabilities     25,838       19,525  
    Commitments and contingencies        
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized and 7,508,246 and 8,750,741 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively(*)     9       9  
    Additional paid-in capital     736,675       742,591  
    Accumulated deficit     (699,815 )     (711,677 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (838 )     (906 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     36,031       30,017  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 61,869     $ 49,542  

    (*) The number of shares and per share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the one for twelve (1 for 12) reverse stock split, which was effective on March 22, 2024. 

     
    ATERIAN, INC. 
    Consolidated Statements of Operations 
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,
        2023   2024   2023   2024
    Net revenue   $ 32,754     $ 24,607     $ 142,566     $ 99,045  
    Cost of goods sold     16,045       9,000       72,281       37,550  
    Gross profit     16,709       15,607       70,285       61,495  
    Operating expenses:                
    Sales and distribution     20,207       13,692       81,911       55,979  
    Research and development     808       —       4,616       —  
    General and administrative     3,654       3,527       20,220       17,339  
    Impairment loss on intangibles     283       —       39,728       —  
    Total operating expenses     24,952       17,219       146,475       73,318  
    Operating loss     (8,243 )     (1,612 )     (76,190 )     (11,823 )
    Interest expense, net     345       209       1,421       949  
    Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     (30 )     (194 )     (2,440 )     (924 )
    Other expense, net     158       (215 )     260       61  
    Loss before income taxes     (8,716 )     (1,412 )     (75,431 )     (11,909 )
    Benefit for income taxes     (1,009 )     (113 )     (867 )     (47 )
    Net loss   $ (7,707 )   $ (1,299 )   $ (74,564 )   $ (11,862 )
    Net loss per share, basic and diluted   $ (1.16 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (11.43 )   $ (1.68 )
    Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted(*)     6,622,540       7,343,880       6,524,589       7,069,404  

    (*) The number of shares and per share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the one-for-twelve (1-for-12) reverse stock split, which was effective on March 22, 2024.

     
    ATERIAN, INC. 
    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
        Year Ended December 31,
        2023   2024
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
    Net loss   $ (74,564 )   $ (11,862 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization     3,886       1,689  
    (Recovery) provision for sales returns     (413 )     57  
    Amortization of deferred financing cost and debt discounts     429       198  
    Stock-based compensation     8,336       7,510  
    Change in deferred tax expense     (1,153 )     (5 )
    Change in inventory provisions     (3,149 )     (2,738 )
    Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     (2,440 )     (924 )
    Impairment loss on intangibles     39,728       —  
    Provision for barter credits     323       —  
    Allowance for credit losses     85       16  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:        
    Accounts receivable     205       427  
    Inventory     26,426       9,378  
    Prepaid and other current assets     2,597       762  
    Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities     (13,684 )     (2,343 )
    Cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (13,388 )     2,165  
    INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
    Purchase of fixed assets     (119 )     (42 )
    Purchase of Step and Go assets     (125 )     —  
    Purchase of minority equity investment     —       (200 )
    Cash used in investing activities     (244 )     (242 )
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
    Repayments on seller notes     (668 )     (633 )
    Borrowings from MidCap credit facilities     79,806       60,866  
    Repayments for MidCap credit facilities     (90,190 )     (65,165 )
    Insurance obligation payments     (1,042 )     (682 )
    Insurance financing proceeds     986       700  
    Cash used in financing activities     (11,108 )     (4,914 )
    Foreign currency effect on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash     306       (61 )
    Net change in cash and restricted cash for the year     (24,434 )     (3,052 )
    Cash and restricted cash at beginning of year     46,629       22,195  
    Cash and restricted cash at end of year   $ 22,195     $ 19,143  
    RECONCILIATION OF CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH:        
    Cash     20,023       17,998  
    Restricted cash—Prepaid and other current assets     2,043       1,015  
    Restricted cash—Other non-current assets     129       130  
    TOTAL CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH   $ 22,195     $ 19,143  
             
    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION        
    Cash paid for interest   $ 1,718     $ 1,141  
    Cash paid for taxes   $ 94     $ 152  
    NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
    Non-cash consideration paid to contractors   $ 321     $ 620  
    Non-cash minority equity investment   $ —     $ 50  

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    We believe that our financial statements and the other financial data included in this press release have been prepared in a manner that complies, in all material respects, with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). However, for the reasons discussed below, we have presented certain non-GAAP measures herein.

    We have presented the following non-GAAP measures to assist investors in understanding our core net operating results on an on-going basis: (i) Contribution Margin; (ii) Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue; (iii) EBITDA (iv) Adjusted EBITDA; and (v) Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue. These non-GAAP financial measures may also assist investors in making comparisons of our core operating results with those of other companies.

    As used herein, Contribution margin represents gross profit less amortization of inventory step-up from acquisitions (included in cost of goods sold), reserve on barter credits and e-commerce platform commissions, online advertising, selling and logistics expenses (included in sales and distribution expenses). As used herein, Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue represents Contribution margin divided by net revenue. As used herein, EBITDA represents net loss plus depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net and provision for income taxes. As used herein, Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA plus stock-based compensation expense, changes in fair-market value of warrant liability, impairment on intangibles, restructuring expenses, reserve on barter credits, and other expenses, net. As used herein, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue represents Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenue. Contribution margin, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent and should not be considered as alternatives to loss from operations or net loss, as determined under GAAP.

    We present Contribution margin and Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, as we believe each of these measures provides an additional metric to evaluate our operations and, when considered with both our GAAP results and the reconciliation to gross profit, provides useful supplemental information for investors. Specifically, Contribution margin and Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue are two of our key metrics in running our business. All product decisions made by us, from the approval of launching a new product and to the liquidation of a product at the end of its life cycle, are measured primarily from Contribution margin and/or Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue. Further, we believe these measures provide improved transparency to our stockholders to determine the performance of our products prior to fixed costs as opposed to referencing gross profit alone.

    In the reconciliation to calculate contribution margin, we add e-commerce platform commissions, online advertising, selling and logistics expenses (“sales and distribution variable expense”), and the reserve for barter credits to gross profit to inform users of our financial statements of what our product profitability is at each period prior to fixed costs (such as sales and distribution expenses such as salaries as well as research and development expenses and general administrative expenses). By excluding these fixed costs, we believe this allows users of our financial statements to understand our products performance and allows them to measure our products performance over time.

    We present EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue because we believe each of these measures provides an additional metric to evaluate our operations and, when considered with both our GAAP results and the reconciliation to net loss, provide useful supplemental information for investors. We use these measures with financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as sales and gross margins, to assess our historical and prospective operating performance, to provide meaningful comparisons of operating performance across periods, to enhance our understanding of our operating performance and to compare our performance to that of our peers and competitors. We believe EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue are useful to investors in assessing the operating performance of our business without the effect of non-cash items.

    Contribution margin, Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net loss, loss from operations or any other measure of financial performance calculated and prescribed in accordance with GAAP. Neither EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue should be considered a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Our Contribution margin, Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue may not be comparable to similar titled measures in other organizations because other organizations may not calculate Contribution margin, Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue in the same manner as we do. Our presentation of Contribution margin and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by the expenses that are excluded from such terms or by unusual or non-recurring items.

    We recognize that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue, have limitations as analytical financial measures. For example, neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA reflects:

    • our capital expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or mergers and acquisitions;
    • the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest expense or principal payments, associated with indebtedness;
    • depreciation and amortization, which are non-cash charges, although the assets being depreciated and amortized will likely have to be replaced in the future, or any cash requirements for the replacement of assets;
    • changes in cash requirements for our working capital needs; or
    • changes in fair value of warrant liabilities

    Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash expense for stock-based compensation, which is and is expected to remain a key element of our overall long-term incentive compensation package.

    We also recognize that Contribution margin and Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue have limitations as analytical financial measures. For example, Contribution margin does not reflect:

    • general and administrative expense necessary to operate our business;
    • research and development expenses necessary for the development, operation and support of our software platform;
    • the fixed costs portion of our sales and distribution expenses including stock-based compensation expense; or
    • changes in fair value warrant liabilities

    Contribution Margin

    The following table provides a reconciliation of Contribution margin to gross profit and Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue to gross profit as a percentage of net revenue, which are the most directly comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP.

        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended
    December 31.    		  
        2023   2024   2023   2024  
        (in thousands, except percentages)  
    Gross Profit   $ 16,709     $ 15,607     $ 70,285     $ 61,495    
    Less:                  
    Reserve on barter credits     323       —       323       —    
    E-commerce platform commissions, online advertising, selling and logistics expenses     (17,293 )     (10,844 )     (68,864 )     (44,553 )  
    Contribution margin   $ (261 )   $ 4,763     $ 1,744     $ 16,942    
    Gross Profit as a percentage of net revenue     51.0   %   63.4   %   49.3   %   62.1   %
    Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue     (0.8 ) %   19.4   %   1.2   %   17.1   %

    Adjusted EBITDA

        Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,    		  
        2023   2024   2023   2024  
        (in thousands, except percentages)  
    Net loss   $ (7,707 )   $ (1,299 )   $ (74,564 )   $ (11,862 )  
    Add:                  
    Benefit for income taxes     (1,009 )     (113 )     (867 )     (47 )  
    Interest expense, net     345       209       1,421       949    
    Depreciation and amortization     469       410       3,886       1,689    
    EBITDA     (7,902 )     (793 )     (70,124 )     (9,271 )  
    Other expense, net     158       (215 )     260       61    
    Impairment loss on intangibles     283       —       39,728       —    
    Change in fair market value of warrant liabilities     (30 )     (194 )     (2,440 )     (924 )  
    Reserve on barter credits     323       —       323       —    
    Restructuring expense     —       —       1,633       565    
    Stock-based compensation expense     1,564       1,116       8,336       7,510    
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ (5,604 )   $ (86 )   $ (22,284 )   $ (2,059 )  
    Net loss as a percentage of net revenue     (23.5 ) %   (5.3 ) %   (52.3 ) %   (12.0 ) %
    Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue     (17.1 ) %   (0.3 ) %   (15.6 ) %   (2.1 ) %

    Each of our products typically goes through the Launch phase and depending on its level of success is moved to one of the other phases as further described below:

    i.        Launch phase: During this phase, we leverage our technology to target opportunities identified using AIMEE (Artificial Intelligence Marketplace e-Commerce Engine) and other sources. This phase also includes revenue from new product variations and relaunches. During this period of time, due to the combination of discounts and investment in marketing, our net margin for a product could be as low as approximately negative 35%. Net margin is calculated by taking net revenue less the cost of goods sold, less fulfillment, online advertising and selling expenses. These primarily reflect the estimated variable costs related to the sale of a product.

    ii        Sustain phase: Our goal is for every product we launch to enter the sustain phase and become profitable, with a target of positive 15% net margin for most products, within approximately three months of launch on average. Net margin primarily reflects a combination of manual and automated adjustments in price and marketing spend.

    iii.        Liquidate phase: If a product does not enter the sustain phase or if the customer satisfaction of the product (i.e., ratings) is not satisfactory, then it will go to the liquidate phase and we will sell through the remaining inventory. Products can also be liquidated as part of inventory normalization especially when steep discounts are required.

    The following tables break out our fourth quarter and full year 2023 and 2024 results of operations by our product phases (in thousands):

      Three months ended December 31, 2023
      Sustain Launch Liquidation/
    Other    		 Fixed Costs Stock Based
    Compensation    		 Total
    Net revenue $ 25,175 $ 390 $ 7,189 $ — $ — $ 32,754
    Cost of goods sold   10,457   114   5,474   —   —   16,045
    Gross profit   14,718   276   1,715   —   —   16,709
    Operating expenses:            
    Sales and distribution expenses   12,973   263   4,056   2,567   348   20,207
    Research and development   —   —   —   528   280   808
    General and administrative   —   —   —   2,717   937   3,654
    Impairment loss on intangibles   —   —   —   283   —   283
                 
      Three months ended December 31, 2024
      Sustain Launch Liquidation/
    Other    		 Fixed Costs Stock Based
    Compensation    		 Total
    Net revenue $ 23,332 $ 347 $ 928 $ — $ — $ 24,607
    Cost of goods sold   8,536   143   321   —   —   9,000
    Gross profit   14,796   204   607   —   —   15,607
    Operating expenses:            
    Sales and distribution expenses   9,965   309   570   2,767   81   13,692
    General and administrative   —   —   —   2,492   1,035   3,527
                 
      Year-ended December 31, 2023
      Sustain Launch Liquidation/
    Other    		 Fixed Costs Stock Based
    Compensation    		 Total
    Net revenue $ 114,919 $ 959 $ 26,688 $ — $ — $ 142,566
    Cost of goods sold   53,139   455   18,687   —   —   72,281
    Gross profit   61,780   504   8,001   —   —   70,285
    Operating expenses:            
    Sales and distribution expenses   53,442   603   14,820   10,607   2,439   81,911
    Research and development   —   —   —   3,202   1,414   4,616
    General and administrative   —   —   —   15,737   4,483   20,220
    Impairment loss on intangibles   —   —   —   39,728   —   39,728
                 
      Year-ended December 31, 2024
      Sustain Launch Liquidation/
    Other    		 Fixed Costs Stock Based
    Compensation    		 Total
    Net revenue $ 92,542 $ 1,829 $ 4,674 $ — $ — $ 99,045
    Cost of goods sold   35,012   651   1,887   —   —   37,550
    Gross profit   57,530   1,178   2,787   —   —   61,495
    Operating expenses:            
    Sales and distribution expenses   40,353   1,087   3,113   9,643   1,783   55,979
    General and administrative   —   —   —   11,612   5,727   17,339

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESENT STATUS OF PEST RESISTANT SEEDS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Development of location specific high yielding varieties/ seeds is a continuous process and regularly carried out by the crop based All India Co-ordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) as per the norms and guidelines across the National Agricultural Research System (NARES) under the aegis of India Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The varieties/ seeds thus developed are notified in the Gazette of India after thorough examination by the Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notification and Release of Varieties for Agricultural Crops. During the last 10 years (2014 – 2024) a total of 2900 location specific high yielding field crop varieties have been developed and out of these notified varieties / seeds, crop-wise varieties / seeds developed along with the pest /disease resistant/tolerant varieties / seeds (in parenthesis) are as follows: rice 668 (588); wheat 178 (168); barley 21 (13); maize 239 (229); sorghum 78 (68); pearl millet 81 (75); other millets 115 (95); pulses 437 (402); oilseeds 412 (342); fiber crops 376 (345); forage crops 178 (147); sugarcane 88 (83) and other crops 29 (19). These seeds are included in the seed chain for further supply of quality seed to the farmers.

    Further, to minimize the losses due to insect-pests infestation, various package of practices for control of insect-pests have been recommended, through which farmers are controlling the insect-pests.

    Government of India supports the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures, budgetary allocation and various schemes/ programmes like awareness campaign at village level through crop demonstration and training programmes. The various schemes/ programmes of the Government of India like PM Fasal Bima Yojana, NAMO Kisan Yojana and adoption of integrated crop management practices are meant for the welfare of farmers by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. The Government of India has substantially enhanced the budget allocation of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare from Rs. 21933.50 crore (BE) during 2013-14 to Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore (BE) during 2024-25. The data/details related to suicides Committee by farmers is maintained by respective State Government

    Out of these 2900 developed field crop varieties, 2661 varieties (cereals 1258; oilseeds 368; pulses 410; fibre crops 358; forage crops 157, sugarcane 88 and other crops 22) are tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic stresses.  Of these 537 varieties have been developed specially for extreme climate using the precision phenotyping tools.

    Systematic efforts have been undertaken to produce breeder and quality seeds of these varieties as per the indents received from different agencies.  Breeder seed production in sufficient quality has been planned from Rabi 2024-25 and processing for Kharif 2025 for expediting delivery of seed to the farmers. Since 2014, total 11.85 lakh quintals of breeder seed have been produced and supplied to the various public and private sector seed agencies for its donwstream multiplication to foundation and certified seeds. The share of less than 10 years old varieties in total seed supply is more than 70%.

    All possible efforts are made for creating awareness about these varieties among the seed production agencies and farmers through Doordarshan channels, All India Radio, print, electronic and social media. Frontline demonstrations of these improved crop cultivars are regularly conducted throughout the country by ICAR institutions and SAUs. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) demonstrates these improved crop cultivars to farmers. Varieties developed are disseminated among farmers for large scale adoption though KVKs, State Department of Agriculture, Doordarshan, ICT tools like mobile apps, etc.

    The Government of India is implementing Seed Village Programme component of the Sub-Mission on Seed & Planting Material (SMSP) under National Food Security & Nutrition Mission. The objective of this scheme is to make available the seeds of climate resilient, biofortified and high-yielding varieties to the farmers at the village. Under this programme, the financial assistance for distribution of foundation/ certified seeds is 50% of seed cost in cereals and 60% in oilseeds, fodder and green manure crops for production of quality seeds for one acre per farmer. National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) has been approved for boosting domestic oilseed production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in edible oils during 2024-25 to 2030-31.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

     MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2112392) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Drone Federation India launch National Innovation Challenge for Drone Research (NIDAR) under SwaYaan initiative

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Drone Federation India launch National Innovation Challenge for Drone Research (NIDAR) under SwaYaan initiative

    NIDAR Launch Boosts Talent, R&D, and Skill Development in India’s Growing Drone Ecosystem

    NIDAR offers INR 40 lakhs prize pool and startup incubation, cloud Credits, software support and internship opportunities for student teams

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 8:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Drone Federation India (DFI), launched the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR) under the ‘SwaYaan – Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems’ initiative. The event was held at Electronics Niketan, MeitY government representatives, industry experts, and students from across the nation through online video-conferencing mode.

    The challenge was formally inaugurated by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, who unveiled the official concept video, launched the website and registration portal (https://nidar.org.in)and released the NIDAR Poster and RuleBook. In his address, Shri Krishnan emphasized the pivotal role of drones in transforming various sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, logistics, healthcare, and infrastructure and the need for taking the NIDAR program at a larger scale to contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global drone hub by 2030.

    Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE highlighted the need for taking the NIDAR challenges to engineering colleges across the country. He emphasized that academic institutions, startups and industries need to collaborate. He highlighted the need for innovative collaboration and leading the way in drone technology.

    NIDAR under the project SwaYaan aims to inspire and engage India’s student and research communities to develop collaborative autonomous drones, addressing real-world challenges across two critical domains:

    • Disaster Management (Scout & Deliver Drones): Identifying and assisting survivors in disaster-affected areas using autonomous drones for scouting, communication, and parcel delivery.
    • Precision Agriculture (Scan & Spray Drones): Enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture through targeted interventions like crop health monitoring and precise pesticide/nutrient delivery.

    The challenge offers a total prize pool of INR 40 Lakhs along with opportunities for startup incubation, cloud credits, software support, and internships with India’s leading drone companies. Over 100 student teams from higher education institutions across the country are expected to participate, presenting innovative solutions aimed at addressing pressing challenges in agriculture and disaster response.

    The initiative is part of the Government of India’s broader effort to enhance entrepreneurship in academia and encourage applied research in drone technology. The Drone Federation India (DFI), a premier industry body representing over 550 drone companies and 5500 drone pilots, will support participating students by providing mentorship and industry exposure.

    The competition will be conducted in multiple phases, including technology presentation, business case presentation, and final operations, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of students’ technical and entrepreneurial capabilities.

    The event also featured participation from distinguished industry leaders besides students and professors from higher education colleges and technical institutions. Over 100 student teams from these institutions are expected to participate in this competition to build two collaborative autonomous drones for solving image-based detection and autonomous delivery.

    The launch of NIDAR marks a significant step towards nurturing talent and promoting research & development in India’s rapidly growing drone ecosystem. The competition is expected to enhance technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and project management skills among participants, preparing them for impactful careers in emerging technology domains.

    About SwaYaan

    Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone & Allied Technologies)

    The SwaYaan initiative, approved by MeitY in July, 2022, focuses on capacity building for human resource development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including drones and related technologies. The project aims to train 42,560 participants, combining both formal and non-formal educational programs to create a skilled workforce in drone technology. The initiative is implemented through a hub-and-spoke model involving 30 premium institutions like IISc, IITs, IIITs, NITs, CDAC, and NIELIT. Five key work themes guide the project—Drone Electronics, GNC Algorithms Simulation, Aeromechanics, Drone Applications, and Allied UAS Technologies—ensuring specialized focus areas. To date, over 14,000 beneficiaries have been trained. Notable achievements include the launch of an M.Tech. in UAS Engineering at IIT Kanpur, initiation of multiple minor degree programs, and successful conduction of numerous bootcamps and workshops. SwaYaan engages industry partners through innovation challenges and industry meets, reinforcing the link between academic training and real-world application in drone technology. For further details, refer to https://swayaan.meity.gov.in)

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith/ Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2112555) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cherokee County man arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Timothy Jared Vise, 45, of Cowpens, S.C., on six charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

     

    Investigators state Vise possessed files of child sexual abuse material.

     

    Vise was arrested on March 13, 2025. He is charged with six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree (§16-15-410), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

     

    This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Berkeley County man arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of John Joseph Techman, 31, of Moncks Corner, S.C., on five charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Attorney General’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Secret Service, all also members of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with this investigation.

     

    Investigators state Techman distributed files of child sexual abuse material.

     

    Techman was arrested on March 12, 2025. He is charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree (§16-15-405), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

     

    The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVEX 2025: A Game-Changer for Media & Entertainment Startups

    Source: Government of India (2)

    WAVEX 2025: A Game-Changer for Media & Entertainment Startups

    Startups to Pitch Ideas to Venture Capitalists/Angel Investors at WAVEX 2025

    WAVEX 2025 Opens Doors for Startups to Secure Investment & Visibility

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:11PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 18th March 2025

    Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has launched WAVEX 2025, a pioneering initiative aimed at funding and providing national exposure to startups in the media and entertainment sector. Organised in collaboration with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), WAVEX 2025 will take place at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, as part of the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) which is scheduled to be held from 01st to 04th May, 2025 in Mumbai.

    WAVEX 2025 will act as a catalyst for Indian startups to lead this transformation, ensuring they receive the right exposure, and investment, to scale their businesses. Startups will have the chance to pitch their ideas to venture capitalists and celebrity angel investors in dedicated sessions, with extensive national television coverage ensuring maximum visibility.

    WAVEX 2025 focuses on gaming, animation, extended reality (XR), metaverse, generative AI, and next-generation content platforms. Beyond funding, the event offers mentorship, investor networking, and collaboration opportunities with major media and technology firms. The event will bring together entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry leaders. This exposure will not only help secure direct funding but also create broader business and collaboration opportunities. The fusion of entertainment and technology transforms how content is created, distributed, and consumed.

    WAVEX 2025 will feature two modes of investment pitching sessions. In one session, startups will pitch to venture capitalists and angel investors, while in the other, select startups will present their ideas to a pool of celebrity angel investors. The event will be extensively covered on national television, ensuring wide outreach and maximizing investment avenues for participating startups.

    Applications for WAVEX 2025 are now open, and the event will follow a multi-stage selection process culminating in a high-stakes televised finale, where the most promising startups will pitch directly to top celebrity angel investors and VCs. Selected startups may benefit from structured mentorship programs featuring industry experts, investor networking opportunities, and potential collaborations with major media and technology firms.

    WAVEX aims to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for media-tech entrepreneurship, leveraging innovation in AI-driven content, digital media, and emerging entertainment technologies. Nodal officer for WAVES from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting highlighted that this initiative is a strategic step toward positioning India as a leader in media-tech innovation.

    As India continues to solidify its position as a global leader in digital content and technology, WAVEX 2025 presents a transformative opportunity for startups to establish themselves in the industry. Entrepreneurs seeking national exposure, funding, and top-tier mentorship can apply now at https://wavex.wavesbazaar.com/

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now (Coming soon!).

     

    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Dhanlakshmi/ Preeti Malandkar | 071

     

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai     /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com   /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

    (Release ID: 2112412) Visitor Counter : 14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cequence Security Achieves AWS WAF Ready Designation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cequence Security, a pioneer in API security and bot management, today announced that it is now an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Web Application Firewall (WAF) Ready Partner. This designation recognizes Cequence’s solution as validated by AWS Partner Network (APN) Solutions Architects and seamlessly integrates with AWS WAF. AWS WAF, available across all AWS Regions, can be deployed directly from the AWS console, empowering organizations to strengthen their security posture with minimal effort.

    Being an AWS WAF Ready Partner differentiates Cequence as an APN member with a product that works with AWS WAF and is generally available for and fully supports AWS customers.

    AWS WAF Ready Partners help customers quickly identify easy-to-deploy solutions that can help detect, mitigate, and analyze some of the most common Internet threats and vulnerabilities.

    Securing web applications has never been more challenging. Fifty-five percent of organizations say protecting their web applications has become more difficult over the past two years, while 93% have faced at least one attack on their web applications and APIs in the past 12 months. This threat landscape is only growing as attackers increasingly harness generative artificial intelligence (AI) to automate and refine their methods.

    Today’s organizations face a range of security challenges:

    • Traditional application attacks: Exploits targeting known vulnerabilities, including OWASP Top 10 risks, along with malware and denial-of-service attacks that disrupt application availability.
    • Unmanaged APIs: Cloud-native architectures and interconnected applications have made APIs prime targets for injection attacks, misconfigurations, and other exploits—often bypassing traditional defenses like WAFs entirely, leaving them even more exposed.
    • Bot and fraud attacks: AI-driven bots are being used at scale for scraping, inventory hoarding, and account fraud, making detection and mitigation increasingly difficult.

    Seamlessly securing APIs and applications
    Cequence’s Unified API Protection (UAP) platform enhances existing WAFs and API gateways by providing proactive security tailored to modern API architectures. Unlike traditional security tools, UAP offers real-time visibility into both managed and unmanaged APIs, detecting vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and anomalous behavior to prevent threats before they escalate.

    By unifying API discovery, compliance enforcement, and threat protection, UAP helps organizations adopt a proactive security posture, safeguarding critical applications, preventing fraud, ensuring compliance, and seamlessly integrating with existing infrastructure.

    “Achieving the AWS WAF Ready designation strengthens our ability to ensure that AWS customers continue to receive advanced API security solutions,” said Ameya Talwalkar, CEO of Cequence. “While WAFs play a role in security, they are not sufficient to combat today’s sophisticated threats. Malicious bots and API-based attacks can bypass traditional defenses. Cequence provides AWS customers with comprehensive protection, addressing the critical security gaps that WAFs may miss.”

     Additional Resources: 

    About Cequence Security 
    Cequence is a pioneer in API security and bot management, protecting the applications and APIs that organizations depend on from attacks, business logic abuse, and fraud. Our unique Unified API Protection platform unites discovery, compliance, and protection capabilities, providing unmatched real-time security in the face of sophisticated threats. Demonstrating value in minutes rather than days or weeks, Cequence offers a flexible deployment model that requires no app instrumentation or modification. Cequence solutions scale to meet the needs of the largest and most demanding private and public sector organizations, protecting more than 8 billion daily API interactions and 3 billion user accounts. To learn more, visit www.cequence.ai.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Surge of Right-Wing Politics, Online Hate, Patriarchy Fuelling Violence Against Women, Commission Told

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The Commission on the Status of Women held an interactive dialogue today on gender-based violence, stigma, and stereotypes, focusing on the role of men and boys in ending the crisis, policy and legal responses to technology-facilitated violence, and the growing threat to women’s rights amid a “resurgence of right-wing authoritarian politics”.

    The Commission’s two-week annual session has centered on accelerating the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 conference on women in Beijing, where world leaders pledged to achieve gender equality and uphold women’s rights.  Two other interactive dialogues were held today on accountability and on the role of the Commission on the Status of Women in implementing the Platform for Action. 

    Delphine Schantz, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), moderating the first interactive dialogue, said that every 10 minutes a woman or girl is killed “by someone close to her”.  A third of women killed by intimate partners had previously reported some form of violence.  She emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about necessary societal changes and to lead the implementation of effective prevention policies, including measures to combat the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

    Holistic Action Plans ‘Best’ Approach to Gender-Based Violence

    Emma Fulu, the Equality Institute, stated that the most effective national action plans adopt a holistic approach to combat gender-based violence, integrating prevention, response, early intervention, and a strong emphasis on healing and justice.  National plans are often laid out in “beautiful documents” but lack clear, dedicated budgets for implementation.  “And we know that prevention requires sustained, long-term investment,” she stressed.  It is important to continue to learn “what’s working and what’s not”, she went on to say. From Fiji to Peru, she said, civil society and women’s organizations have been instrumental in ensuring that national plans deliver and Governments are held accountable.

    Need for Comprehensive Legal Reforms

    Selma Hadžihalilović, CURE Foundation, warned that “women face attacks by religious groups and increasing religious fundamentalism in our region”, also noting widespread discrimination and stigma against gender-based violence survivors, women and girls from LGBT communities, and women and girls with disabilities.  “We have to work on strengthening our institutions and support systems,” she said.  Additionally, despite some progress, women’s representation in political decision-making processes remains inadequate.  “As we say in Bosnia, you always make one step forward and two steps back,” she stated, calling for comprehensive legal reforms that effectively outlaw gender-based violence and all forms of violence against women. 

    Brazil Tackles Online Violence against Women

    Clarice Tavares, InternetLab, said that technology-facilitated gender-based violence takes many forms, including political violence against women and the non-consensual dissemination of images.  In Brazil’s last local elections women — who only made up 15 per cent of the candidates running — received nearly 70 per cent of the offensive and aggressive comments on social media.  “It has become clear that women running for public office are unequally target,” she said.  Men receive negative comments based on their political actions, but women are attacked because of their bodies and their personal lives.  Online violence has direct and profound consequences on women’s lives.  In Brazil, criminal laws focused on addressing different forms of online gender-based violence have passed in recent years, almost all of them named after survivors.  However, there is a lack of trust in the system, she said, also urging the need to hold platforms accountable. 

    Fiji Recognizes Patriarchy as Root Cause of Violence against Women

    Laisa Bulatale, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, said that Pacific women and girls face some of the highest levels of violence in the world. An estimated 60 per cent of women and girls have experienced violence by intimate partner and family member.  Men make up over 90 per cent of perpetrators of violence against women and girls.  “Violence against women and girls is reinforced by community acceptance, deep rooted gender stereotypes, harmful social norms and practices and impunity for perpetrators,” she emphasized.  The root cause of violence against women and girls is negative patriarchal values.  Without this recognition and understanding, approaches and intervention to engage men and boys will not work and will only exacerbate harmful social norms.  The Fiji Government’s national action plan on preventing violence against women and girls recognizes patriarchy as a root cause of violence in its official documents.  “Violence against women and girls is never acceptable, never excusable and never tolerable,” she added.

    Surge of Right-Wing Politics Undermine Women’s Rights 

    “Around the world, we are witnessing a resurgence of right-wing authoritarian politics that actively undermines women’s rights,” said Joy Watson, Coalition of Feminists for Social Change.  She warned that women’s rights organizations are under attack globally — many are being forced to shut down, while others are expected to do more with fewer resources, struggling to “make money stretch” as the scale and complexity of gender-based violence continue to grow.  Women’s rights organizations are invaluable in bringing evidence-based insights into the design of policies.  “If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, we need more than just words — we need funding that matches the scale of the crisis,” she said.  Women’s organizations need accountability that doesn’t buckle under political pressure.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously convicted sex offender pleads guilty to child pornography crimes after masturbating nude near school bus stop

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A previously convicted sex offender who, on multiple occasions, stood fully nude at the glass door of his Obetz residence and masturbated while school-aged children were getting off the bus and walking to their homes, pleaded guilty in federal court here today to federal child pornography crimes.

    Joshua Bock, 32, of Edgeview Road in Columbus, pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing child pornography. As a convicted sex offender, he faces 15 to 40 years in prison for distributing child pornography and 10 to 20 years in prison for possessing the child sexual abuse material.

    According to court documents, in September 2024, law enforcement officials contacted the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force regarding several civilian complaints about Bock. Multiple children witnessed him nude and masturbating while they walked from their school bus near Hamilton Local Schools.

    Bock was arrested on local charges of public indecency, and law enforcement agents interviewed Bock and searched his electronic devices. He described the location of numerous devices and child pornography in his home, including a self-described “treasure chest” of material in his bedroom under the stairs. Law enforcement seized multiple laptops, hard drives, flash drives and cell phones from Bock’s residence.

    His devices contained more than 3,500 images and videos of child sexual abuse, many including “bondage” of females ranging from toddler age to teenagers with gags in their mouths. Some of the video files depicted adults sexually abusing infants.

    In his prior offense, Bock was charged as a hands-on sexual offender to a victim who was approximately 9 years old at the time.

    Bock was charged federally in September 2024 via a criminal complaint. He has remained in custody since that time.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and other members of the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Hosts First-Ever Ramadan Iftar Night in Dubai for MENA Community, Raising Funds for 100,000 Meals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, hosted a Ramadan Iftar night, gathering blockchain pioneers, crypto investors, and industry experts for an evening of networking, collaboration, and reflection. The event highlighted the spirit of Ramadan while aligning with Bitget’s broader initiative to donate 100,000 meals to vulnerable communities. The event is co-hosted with Cypher Capital and IO.net.

    The Iftar night provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among attendees, who broke their fast together in a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Discussions centered on blockchain innovation, market trends, and opportunities for collective growth, showing the blockchain industry’s potential to drive social impact.

    Bitget initially pledged 10,000 meals, and extended donation matches to all donations, a dollar for a dollar to double the efforts of the community. With the generous support, the gathering reflected the essence of Ramadan, emphasizing compassion, reflection, and collective growth. Guests enjoyed a traditional Iftar meal while exploring collaborative opportunities and discussing the future of blockchain technology. By fostering connections among blockchain enthusiasts, Bitget aimed to highlight the importance of community-driven initiatives in advancing innovation and inclusivity within the crypto ecosystem.

    The Iftar night event aligns with Bitget’s 100,000-meal donation initiative. Attendees contributed through donations, with Bitget matching each dollar raised.

    “Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving back. By bringing together leaders, investors and experts from the blockchain space and supporting those in need through our meal donation program, we aim to embody the values of compassion and unity,” said Vugar Usi Zade, COO of Bitget. “We’re committed to doing our part, and we’ll keep pushing to help as many people as we can—not just during Ramadan, but every chance we get.”

    The 100,000-meal initiative targets vulnerable communities in regions facing significant challenges, aiming to alleviate hunger during the holy month. To achieve the fundraising target, Bitget has introduced initiatives encouraging participation from users, VIP clients, and influencer partners. Exclusive auctions featuring memorabilia from partnerships with La Liga also go towards the fundraiser.

    Bitget’s Ramadan Iftar Night celebrated cultural traditions and promoted popularization of technology and humanitarian efforts. In a total so far, Bitget has raised 42604 meals aiming to surpass 100,000 anticipating auction results and events upcoming in Jakarta and Malaysia. The blockchain industry continues to evolve, Bitget remains steadfast in its pledge to empower communities, drive innovation, and create lasting positive impact.

    Media partners: Bitcoinist | Blockchain Reporter | Bitcoin.com | Coinedition | Coingape | Crypto news | Crypto Daily | Cryptopolitan | Cryptorank | Mpost | NewsBTC | UAE news 247

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f05ecca2-3fbe-45f9-8477-2fc955aa7d3d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05b3adea-092e-4ffa-92ca-0ebf42710bef

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c2ba72c-9d67-43ed-ab12-6ee7aa378aaf

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/63374c99-9629-4953-b319-86f8ef988469

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Names 10 National Finalists in Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition

    Source: Samsung

    Demonstrating that Gen Z and Gen Alpha students embody “STEMpathy”—the fusion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills and a compassionate drive to solve community challenges—Samsung Electronics America has announced the 10 National Finalist schools advancing in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. Selected based on the project pitch videos submitted by this year’s 50 State Winners, each Finalist team will be awarded a prize package of $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies, and will advance to the final competition round.
    Samsung Solve for Tomorrow challenges public school students in grades 6-12 to drive positive change in their communities by applying STEM know-how to address real-world, pressing local issues. Celebrating its 15th year, the award-winning education-based citizenship program launched in 2010 with a mission to boost interest, proficiency, and equity in STEM. Over the years, it has become a force for reshaping the perception of STEM as a vital field for fostering a skilled workforce and informed citizens of tomorrow. To date, Samsung has awarded more than $27 million in resources to nearly 4,000 public schools across the U.S.
    This year, with guidance from their teachers, schools, Samsung employee mentors, and local businesses and public officials, the Finalist teams—half of which are from Title 1 schools—will complete their STEM solution prototypes and present them to a panel of judges at a live pitch event on April 28, 2025 in Washington, D.C. The impressive array of bright ideas utilize cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine leaning (60%), 3D modeling and printing (60%), Internet of Things (40%) and robotics (20%) to address key challenges in accessibility, public health, public safety, sustainability, and mental health.

    Three schools will ultimately be named National Winners, selected by a distinguished judging panel that includes Charlotte Dungan, Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation, Rameen Rana, Investor, at Samsung NEXT, and other esteemed judges. Notable guests attending the event include Yoonie Joung, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, and Allison Stransky, CMO of Samsung Electronics America.
    “Watching Year 15 of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow unfold, it’s clear that care, compassion and creative genius are alive and well among America’s 6-12 grade students,” said Stransky. “It’s inspiring to see Gen Z and Gen Alpha, as digital natives, embracing emerging tech like AI and harnessing it to improve lives and communities. We are proud to recognize not only the National Finalists but also the many students from schools across the country who participated this year, contributing their innovative ideas and showcasing the incredible promise of the next generations.”
    Salman Taufiq, Head of Brand Marketing, Samsung Electronics America, added, “Solve for Tomorrow highlights the incredible potential of young minds. We are proud to see so many bright and passionate students are ready contribute to the growth and progress of our communities and country. As they embrace the power of STEM, they’re not just learning—they’re actively shaping a future where innovation and technology create real, positive impact.”
    Introducing the 10 National Finalists

    SchoolCity/StateCommunity Issue, STEM Solution & Video
    Lathrop High SchoolFairbanks, AKPublic Safety – Winter Driving: Snow-covered roads obscure lane markings, causing dangerous driving conditions that contribute to nearly 300,000 crashes per year on the 70% of U.S. roads that experience snow-related reduced winter safety. Students developed Laser Lane Lines – a solution that uses AI, robotics, and GPS tech to project laser lane markings onto snow-covered roads. Their application of STEM makes driving on snowy roads much safer for residents of Alaska and winter drivers across the country. https://youtu.be/UHzK9OWp0r8
    Bentonville West High SchoolCenterton, ARPublic Health – Cancer: Oral cancer causes 170,000 deaths annually, with early detection critical to saving lives. In Arkansas, limited access to affordable specialists and diagnostics makes detection especially challenging, particularly in rural and low-income areas. In 2024, 90% of residents didn’t visit a dentist. To address this, students developed an AI-powered mobile cancer screening app, allowing users to take images of their mouths and self-screen for oral cancer—offering an affordable, accessible early detection solution. https://youtu.be/f0uTMiuasF8
    Aurora Highlands P-8Aurora, COAccessibility – Gaming: Gaming isn’t just about high scores—it’s a way to connect, compete, and build friendships. But many games come with controllers that aren’t built for players with physical disabilities or who lack fine motor precision, leading to a risk of social isolation. Using 3D modeling, printing, and coding to design a customizable, affordable controller, middle schoolers developed an adaptive video game controller for gamers with diverse abilities, make gaming more inclusive. https://youtu.be/b_-mV_ld8uo
    Academy of Aerospace and EngineeringWindsor, CTClimate Action – Heat Disparities: In approximately 65 U.S. cities, the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect causes temperatures to rise by 8°F for 34 million people, a significant temperature increase that impacts public health and sustainable city development. To identify locations with heat-absorptive surfaces (e.g., dark pavement, roofs) or areas lacking cooling vegetation, high school students created H.E.A.T.M.A.P., an AI-powered app using 3D-printed, solar-powered IoT sensors with thermal imaging to track, predict, and mitigate UHI locations in real-time, combatting climate-driven heat disparities. https://youtu.be/MZ2a3BZEHzI
    Charter School of WilmingtonWilmington, DEPublic Health – Physician Shortage: Delaware’s physician shortage has left several counties without adequate access to healthcare, causing primary care wait times to soar by nearly 200%. High school students developed the AKQUA-Gel hydrogel bandage—a smart, AI-powered smart bandage with IoT sensors and 3D-printed components that monitors wound healing in real-time. Linked to a mobile app, it tracks biomarkers like moisture, pH, and oxygen, providing data to patients and doctors, advancing treatment, and reducing hospital congestion by enabling remote wound monitoring. https://youtu.be/Vs-Ou3CnCZg
    Bloomington High School SouthBloomington, INAccessibility – Sports: Nearly 20% of Americans experience hearing loss, and with 8 million high school athletes participating in sports, many are at risk of damaging their hearing aids during physical activities. Current solutions are bulky and non-compliant. Storm Shield, a lightweight, eco-friendly headband, protects hearing aids from wind, rain, and impact using hydrophobic mesh and a wireless motion sensor for safety. Combining material science, programming, IoT, machine learning, and 3D printing, this all-girl student-led project offers an affordable, sustainable, and innovative solution for athletes’ hearing aid protection. https://youtu.be/PlQEmMA2O9w
    Denham Springs High SchoolDenham Springs, LASustainability – Water Quality: To address community concerns about the potential risks of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in Lake Maurepas in Southeastern Louisiana, students developed the Safety C Sensor and app. Using AI and IoT, the system monitors carbon levels and alerts users to potential dangers like leaks. This initiative combines engineering, data science, and community education to ensure safety and raise awareness. https://youtu.be/-ZXrb92NUvw
    Edgerton Elementary SchoolMaplewood, MNPublic Safety – Ice Hazard: Minnesota’s frozen lakes pose a serious safety risk, with numerous fatalities each winter from falling through ice. To address this, middle school students developed Ice Savers, a sensor system that measures ice thickness and shares real-time data through a mobile app. Using ultrasonic sensors, buoys, and AI-driven analysis, their solution helps prevent accidents by informing users when lake ice is safe to walk on. https://youtu.be/LzUOlEAJ-0w
    Doral Academy of Northern NevadaReno, NVAccessibility – Modular Prosthetic: At Doral Academy, a student with a partial arm amputation couldn’t play the violin, a passion of theirs. To help, classmates came together to create a cost-effective, 3D-printed modular prosthetic. By using CAD software and recyclable PLA, the middle schoolers crafted a solution that’s not only functional but adaptable. The innovation enhances accessibility, underscoring how STEM can foster inclusivity. https://youtu.be/5-ufOdRPMn0
    CY Middle SchoolCasper, WYMental Health – Youth Well-being: In response to rising youth mental health challenges, students created SEL-bot, a roaming robot that delivers positive messages throughout the school to promote mental wellness and self-esteem. Using mechanical engineering, robotics, and coding, they are applying STEM principles to build a functional robot that fosters a supportive, connected school environment, helping reduce anxiety and improve social interactions. https://youtu.be/n41Jq_mcoVE
    Your Vote Matters: Help Choose the Community Choice Winner
    The 10 Solve for Tomorrow National Finalists have showcased their groundbreaking STEM solutions in three-minute pitch videos, and now it’s your turn to weigh in! Cast your vote to help select one Community Choice Winner, who will receive an additional $10,000 prize package on top of their $50,000 National Finalist earnings. Watch the videos here, vote for your favorite, and make your voice count. You can vote once per day until 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 20, 2025.

    New This Year: An Interactive, AI-Powered Prize to Empower U.S. Classrooms
    In celebration of Year 15 of Solve for Tomorrow, in addition to the $2 million-plus total prizes, all 10 National Finalist teams will receive a Samsung WAF Interactive Display, which delivers a dynamic, engaging experience designed for the classroom of the future. Its intuitive interface and wide compatibility make it easier for teachers to leverage education apps and features that optimize lessons to help students discover the joy of learning. Each teacher will also receive specialized training from the Samsung Education Solutions team on effective uses of both interactive display technology and AI technology in the classroom.

    What’s Next: Live Student Pitches & Game-Changing Prizes Await

    The 10 National Finalists will head to a live Pitch Event on April 28 in Washington, D.C. Based on the live pitch presentations, judges will name three schools National Winners, each of which will receive a $100,000 prize of Samsung technology and classroom supplies. The remaining seven National Finalist schools will have been awarded $50,000 prize packages. All 10 National Finalist teams will receive a Samsung WAF Interactive Display and Samsung Education Solutions team training.
    From among the 50 State Winners, one school will be selected for the Rising Entrepreneurship Award, receiving an added $25,000 prize package to nurture and develop their STEM solution into a venture extending beyond the competition.
    One of the 50 State Winner schools will be recognized with a Sustainability Innovation Award for driving sustainable change through STEM innovation, and an additional $25,000 prize package, including Samsung ENERGY STAR® technology.
    From the National Finalists, one Community Choice Winner, selected through online voting by the general public, will receive an additional $10,000 in prizes on top of their National Finalist winnings.
    One Employee Choice Winner will be chosen by Samsung employees from among the National Finalists to receive $10,000 in prizes in addition to their National Finalist winnings.
    To learn more about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, please visit www.samsung.com/solve and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Wainwright Soldier Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography Charges

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

    Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is seeking additional information.

    FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Soldier stationed at Fort Wainwright was arrested yesterday evening on the military base after a criminal complaint was filed in federal court charging him with production and possession of child pornography.

    According to court documents, on Sept. 11, 2024, the Fort Eustis Resident Unit of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID) received a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) cybertip reporting that five images of alleged child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were uploaded to an online platform. Fort Eustis DACID reviewed the images and determined they depicted CSAM of prepubescent female children.

    A subsequent investigation resulted in law enforcement executing search warrants in October 2024 for the residence of David Andres Mayoral, 20, Mayoral’s electronic devices and his account on the previously mentioned online platform.

    A review and forensic examination of Mayoral’s accounts and electronic devices allegedly revealed over 2,500 images and over 680 videos of suspected CSAM that Mayoral possessed and communicated across four messaging applications.

    The complaint also alleges Mayoral engaged in sexually explicit conversations with minor victims, where he requested and directed the victims to take sexually explicit photos and send them to him.

    Mayoral is charged with three counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, Mayoral faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Michele Starostka of the DACID Western Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The DACID and FBI Anchorage Field Office are investigating the case.  If anyone has information concerning Mayoral’s alleged actions or may have encountered an individual using the name “David Mayoral” or “ghoulishclown” online, please contact DACID at (907)353-6212 or anonymously at www.cid.army.mil/Submit-a-Tip/.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Vosacek and Jennifer Ivers are prosecuting the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Pivotal Appoints Marjorie Dickman to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pivotal, the market leader in light electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced the appointment of Marjorie Dickman to its board of directors. A global government affairs and geopolitical expert, Ms. Dickman is consistently recognized among the nation’s top public policy executives and top women in technology. For decades, she has led corporate strategies that navigate complex regulatory landscapes in the U.S. and abroad – creating opportunities, managing risk and growing market share.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Marjorie to Pivotal’s Board of Directors. Her wisdom of U.S. and global government affairs and her deep business acumen in the emerging tech and transportation sectors are invaluable to our growth,” said Ken Karklin, Chief Executive Officer, Pivotal. “This is an exciting time for Pivotal. Our aircraft offer a new way to experience flight, and our aero architecture is ready for public safety and defense use cases.”

    “I am excited to join the board and delighted that my extensive experience in tech and transportation innovation aligns with Pivotal’s mission,” said Marjorie Dickman. “I am especially pleased that my regulatory expertise in navigating global market access and competition can be an asset for Pivotal’s growth in the eVTOL market.”

    About Marjorie Dickman
    Ms. Dickman is a highly seasoned government affairs expert and attorney, based in Washington, D.C.

    She built her career leading government engagement and communication strategies for multinational technology companies – with a focus on rapidly evolving sectors like AI, automated and connected vehicles, cybersecurity, data privacy, Internet of Things (transport, energy, manufacturing), and secure communications for defense and first responders. Her track record of success building trusted government relationships, influencing public policy, and navigating regulatory and legal frameworks has earned numerous accolades. Examples include “Tech Titan” Policy Influencer, Global HERoes Role Model, and Most Powerful Women in Tech.

    As BlackBerry’s first Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer and direct report to the CEO/Executive Chairman, Ms. Dickman opened the company’s Washington, D.C. office in 2020. She built BlackBerry’s Global Government Affairs and Public Policy organization from the ground up, including the company’s Government Relations and Technical Standards teams operating in the U.S., Canada, EMEA, the UK, LATAM, and APJ.

    Prior to BlackBerry, Ms. Dickman led a highly successful 16-year career at Intel Corporation – most recently launching and leading global government affairs for two of Intel’s most ‘disruptive’ businesses: Automated Driving and the Internet of Things – where she managed teams across the U.S., EMEA, China and Japan. Prior to Intel, she practiced law at a prominent Washington firm, specializing in telecom regulation and M&A.

    Ms. Dickman has been appointed to the Boards of the Eno Center for Transportation, Consumer Technology Association (CES), U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Engagement Center and Cybersecurity Leadership Council, No. Virginia Technology Council, and George Mason University’s College of Engineering and Computing. She is an honors graduate of Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.) and Duke University (A.B., Public Policy).

    About Pivotal
    Pivotal designs, develops, and manufactures light eVTOL aircraft. An industry pioneer, Pivotal is renowned for the BlackFly, the first light eVTOL to be commercially available and delivered to customers in the United States. In October 2023, Pivotal introduced its next generation production aircraft, the Helix, and in January 2024 began sales of the Helix. The company’s distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable technology platform have been under continuous improvement for well over a decade, and today, Pivotal has the most mature technology in the light eVTOL category. Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal vehicles are designed for a wide range of consumer, public safety, and defense applications. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. For videos and more information, visit https://pivotal.aero.

    Media Contact:
    Heidi Groshelle
    press@pivotal.aero

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7fd7ffc9-f2e7-429c-b5b0-55ff0a50da3d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 2X Secures Strategic Investment from Insight Partners to Scale Marketing-as-a-Service Category Leadership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MALVERN, Pa., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 2X, a leader in subscription-based marketing as a service (MaaS), today announced a strategic secondary investment from Insight Partners, a global software investor. The investment comes less than two years after 2X’s initial backing from Recognize, further validating the company’s approach to transforming how B2B organizations scale their marketing and revenue operations to accelerate sustainable growth.

    Insight’s investment reflects confidence in 2X’s tech-enabled subscription-based services model, which enables marketing leaders in today’s resource-constrained environment to achieve greater impact and flexibility while lowering the overall cost of growth. Combined with Recognize’s expertise in next-generation, tech-enabled services businesses, Insight’s renowned software expertise will help create a powerful foundation for 2X’s continued innovation and growth.

    “This investment is validation that our marketing-as-a-service model is the solution to the challenges B2B go-to-market leaders face,” said Domenic Colasante, CEO of 2X. “As B2B growth targets become more ambitious while budgets tighten, our solution enables leaders to accomplish more with less—greater impact, reduced costs, and complete flexibility. We’re excited to have Insight on board along with Recognize to help accelerate our mission to transform how B2B organizations scale revenue growth without increasing costs or operational overhead.”

    According to market analysis, the total addressable market for B2B marketing outsourcing, including internal labor, agency services, and technology services, exceeds $100 billion and is expanding at more than 20% annually. With only a small fraction currently being outsourced efficiently, 2X’s scalable MaaS model is well positioned to grow.

    “At Recognize, we believe the next generation of service companies is emerging, and 2X is a prime example of that evolution,” said David Wasserman, Managing Partner at Recognize. “Since our initial investment less than two years ago, we’ve enjoyed working with the talented 2X team. We believe the addition of Insight Partners will accelerate Dom’s vision of building the preeminent B2B marketing-as-a-service firm.”

    “2X first landed on our radar through their work with Insight’s portfolio companies. We were impressed with their innovative business model and strong product-market fit in solving critical go-to-market challenges for B2B organizations,” said Jeff Horing, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Insight Partners. “We’re excited to partner with 2X to help scale this market to its full potential.”

    Richard Matus, Principal at Insight Partners, added: “We believe 2X is a market leader in the subscription tech-enabled services market, and we’re optimistic about the future of this category. 2X addresses a critical inefficiency in how marketing teams operate, creating a great opportunity to transform the B2B go-to-market landscape.”

    “2X, Insight Partners, and 6sense share a vision for revolutionizing go-to-market execution at scale,” said Jason Zintak, CEO at 6sense, an Insight Partners portfolio company and 2X strategic partner. “As their largest technology partner, we’ve seen firsthand how the 2X team can deliver tangible value through innovation and operational excellence. This partnership aims to expand their reach and enhance how B2B companies approach their entire revenue generation process.”

    Canaccord Genuity served as exclusive financial advisor to 2X in this secondary investment.

    About 2X

    2X is a leading B2B marketing-as-a-service firm that helps marketing leaders achieve greater impact while lowering costs through its managed services delivery model. Servicing over 150 clients including SAP, Ricoh, Docker, Hyland, Seismic, Qlik, and GoTo, 2X provides dedicated and highly skilled FTEs who specialize in marketing operations, martech management, campaign execution, content and creative production, and strategy consulting services. With more than 1,000 team members globally, 2X is backed by private equity firms Recognize and Insight Partners and has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the US by Inc. and the Financial Times. For more information, visit www.2X.marketing or follow us on LinkedIn.

    About Recognize

    Recognize is a technology investment platform exclusively focused on the technology services industry. The firm provides operational expertise, industry insights, and strategic capital to innovative companies in this sector. Recognize is led by industry veterans Frank D’Souza, Raj Mehta, Charles Phillips, and David Wasserman. To learn more, visit www.recognize.com.

    About Insight Partners

    Insight Partners is a global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and Internet startup and ScaleUp companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. As of September 30, 2024, the firm has over $90B in regulatory assets under management. Insight Partners has invested in more than 800 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Headquartered in New York City, Insight has offices in London, Tel Aviv, and the Bay Area. Insight’s mission is to find, fund, and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with tailored, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from their first investment to IPO. For more information on Insight and all its investments, visit insightpartners.com or follow us on X @insightpartners.

    Media Contact:
    Audree Hernandez
    JMAC PR for 2X
    2X@jmacpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Announces Official Rollout of One UI 7 Starting From April 7

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics today announced that the official rollout of One UI 7 will start April 7,1 bringing a bold new design for greater personalization and control to the user experience. One UI 7 introduces new interface built for AI, helping users interact with their Galaxy devices more naturally than ever before. The update will be available starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, gradually rolling out to more Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
     

     
     
    Bold New Design for Greater Personalization
    One UI 7 comes with a simple, impactful and emotive design, bringing streamlined and cohesive experience to Galaxy users. A simplified home screen, redesigned One UI widgets and lock screen allow users to intuitively and seamlessly customize their devices.
     
    For added convenience, Now Bar2 provides real-time updates that matter most right on the lock screen. So during a morning run, users can easily check their progress and see what song is playing in your Galaxy Buds — all with a simple swipe, without unlocking their phone.
     
     
    Smarter AI Features for More Intuitive Experience
    One UI 7 introduces seamless AI-driven experiences that help users to stay productive and explore their creativity.
     
    With Galaxy AI, users can simplify everyday tasks, minimizing the need to switch between applications. AI Select3intuitively recommends by understanding context. For example, a user can simple swipe the Edge Panel and click ‘AI Select’ icon when watching a video to save it as a GIF file. Writing Assist4 allows users to easily summarize or automatically format contents in which texts can be selected.

     
    One UI 7 also enables simple edits to give users more creative control and freedom. Drawing Assist5helps bring ideas to life with more than a single input, including combinations of text prompts and images or sketches. Audio Eraser6 makes advanced editing accessible for all, by isolating categories of sounds and removing unwanted noise in videos.

     

     
    With deeper Google Gemini7 integration, controlling the device is as easy as speaking to a friend. Long-press the side button and say, “Find Italian, pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating nearby.” Gemini instantly pulls up recommendations in one seamless interaction.
     
    Natural language search8 extends to Settings, making it easier to adjust preferences. Users can simply go into Settings and say “My eyes are feeling tired.” In an instant, recommended options such as adjusting brightness or turning on Eye comfort shield appear.
     
     
    Availability
    One UI 7 will begin rolling out on April 7, expanding to more Galaxy smartphones and tablets in the following weeks,9 including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5, the Galaxy Tab S10 series and the Galaxy Tab S9 series.
     
    For more details, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsungmobilepress.com and Samsung.com.
     
     
    1 Availability may vary by market.2 Availability of functions supported within the apps may vary by country. Some functional widgets may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login.3 Results may vary depending on model. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Requires internet connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Availability of supported languages may vary. Certain languages may require language pack download.4 Writing Assist is available for Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5, Galaxy Tab S10 series and Galaxy Tab S9 series.5 Drawing Assist is available for Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5, Galaxy Tab S10 series and Galaxy Tab S9 series. Requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.6 Audio Eraser is available in Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 and Galaxy Tab S10 series. Results may vary per video depending on how sounds present in the video. Samsung Account login required. Certain types of sound can be detected such as voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise. The actual sound detection may vary depending on audio source and the condition of the video. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.7 Internet connection and compatible operating system required. Availability may vary be device, country and language.8 Currently supported languages include Korean, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. Available in Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 and Galaxy Tab S10 series. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.9 Availability and timing may vary by market.

    MIL OSI Economics –