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  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE – Proof-of-Concept Study Report Completed on Proposed New Oʻahu Community Correctional Center

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE – Proof-of-Concept Study Report Completed on Proposed New Oʻahu Community Correctional Center

    Posted on Feb 5, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

         KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.

         GOVERNOR

         KE KIAʻĀINA

         TOMMY JOHNSON

         DIRECTOR

         KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    PROOF-OF-CONCEPT STUDY REPORT COMPLETED ON PROPOSED

    NEW OʻAHU COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    February 5, 2025

    HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center (UHCDC) has completed its final proof-of-concept study report, “Breaking Cycles: Alternative Models for Rehabilitation and Restorative Justice on Oʻahu,” on the proposed new Oʻahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC).

    The report presents community visions and aspirations for the new jail and provides recommendations to improve the criminal justice system. The concepts are based on

    a multilayered collaboration with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, Office of the Governor, residents, multiple community organizations and stakeholders.

    The DCR had contracted UHCDC to conduct wide-reaching independent research, community engagement and a design study on the proposed new jail.

    Built in 1916, the OCCC is the state’s largest jail. The jail in Kalihi is outdated and is not designed to provide programs. The facility is deteriorating, as parts of the jail are 111 years old.

    The planning process for a new jail started in 2016. The property where the existing animal quarantine station is situated in Hālawa is the proposed site for the new OCCC.

    Over a two-year period, UHCDC hosted numerous in-person and virtual community engagement events that include symposia, talk-story sessions, listening and co-design workshops. The group also attended ʻAiea Neighborhood Board and ʻAiea Community Association meetings, hosted listening workshops at Hālawa Correctional Facilty and participated in prison reform hui meetings.

    The 268-page report is an in-depth study that includes key concepts on system reform, facility planning and design elements for the new jail. Part of UHCDC’s extensive research included connecting with various counties in Arizona, California and Florida to gain insight into their reform processes to rehabilitate individuals, reduce recidivism, provide a continuum of care, inside and outside of corrections.

    UHCDC stated the report “outlines aspirations and visions that are crucial for inspiring and enabling transformation. We present this work as a contribution to that change, with gratitude, hope, and a firm belief that such transformation is not only possible but essential to our collective well-being.”

    Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Director Tommy Johnson said, “We express our sincere gratitude to UHCDC for its excellent work on this report. The report will be an effective tool to help DCR complete the planning and design for the new OCCC, develop request for proposals and select a contractor to design the proposed new jail.”

    The DCR envisions the new jail to have multipurpose rooms for programs, use of natural light, outdoor recreation yard, wall murals and space for treatment rooms to support rehabilitative services for inmates. A new facility to include a gym, courtyard, dining room and lounge for staff to promote health and wellness is also part of that vision.

    DCR will be engaging with the feedback in the report to further guide the rehabilitation aims of the new facility.

    Cathi Ho Schar, director of the University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center, said, “We thank the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for sponsoring this work and inviting us to lead this effort. We also offer our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who linked elbows with us and who shared their time and manaʻo with our team.”

    UHCDC’s work is an independent addition to the planning and design of the new OCCC. The purpose of the report is to help DCR with the development of the Request for Proposals (RFP) and to select a team to design and construct the new jail. UHCDC is not responsible for the development of the RFP.

    Please click on the following link to access the report: https://www.breaking-cycles-symposium.org.

    # # #

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Media Contacts:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

     

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-15 AG NEWS RELEASE – ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ AND 13 OTHER ATTORNEYS GENERAL ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON PROTECTING ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-15 AG NEWS RELEASE – ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ AND 13 OTHER ATTORNEYS GENERAL ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON PROTECTING ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

    Posted on Feb 5, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

     

     

    ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ AND 13 OTHER ATTORNEYS GENERAL ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON PROTECTING ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

     

    News Release 2025-15

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

    February 4, 2025

     

    HONOLULU –Attorney General Anne Lopez today joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general to reaffirm their commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care in the face of the Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order. The coalition released the following statement: 

     

    “As state attorneys general, we stand firmly in support of healthcare policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people. Health care decisions should be made by patients, families and doctors, not by a politician trying to restrict freedoms. Gender-affirming care is essential, lifesaving medical treatment that supports individuals in living as their authentic selves.

     

    The Trump Administration’s recent Executive Order is wrong on the science and the law. Despite what the Trump Administration has suggested, there is no connection between “female genital mutilation” and gender-affirming care, and no federal law makes gender-affirming care unlawful. President Trump cannot change that by Executive Order.  

     

    Last week, attorneys general secured a critical win from a federal court that directed the federal government to resume funding that had been frozen by the Trump Administration. In response to the court’s order, the Department of Justice has sent a notice stating that “federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” This means that federal funding to institutions that provide gender-affirming care continues to be available, irrespective of President Trump’s recent Executive Order. If the federal administration takes additional action to impede this critical funding, we will not hesitate to take further legal action. 

     

    State attorneys general will continue to enforce state laws that provide access to gender-affirming care, in states where such enforcement authority exists, and we will challenge any unlawful effort by the Trump Administration to restrict access to it in our jurisdictions.” 

     

    Joining Attorney General Lopez in issuing this statement are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.

     

    # # #

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
     Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office:     808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
    Email:     [email protected] 

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE CONSERVATION/GAME BIRD STAMP CONTEST OPENS, Feb. 5, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE CONSERVATION/GAME BIRD STAMP CONTEST OPENS, Feb. 5, 2025

    Posted on Feb 5, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
     CHAIRPERSON

     

    HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE CONSERVATION/GAME BIRD STAMP CONTEST OPENS

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Feb. 5, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – Artists are invited to submit entries to the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) for the 2025-26 Hawaiʻi Wildlife Conservation and Game Bird Stamp annual art contest. The wildlife conservation stamp is a requirement for Hawai‘i state hunting licenses and the game bird stamp is required for anyone intending to hunt game birds. Both stamps will also be available to stamp collectors.

    Game Bird Stamp – Erckel’s Francolin (Pternistis erckelii). Native to Ethiopia and Sudan, the Erckel’s spurfowl was introduced to Hawaiʻi in 1957 as a game bird. At about 16 inches long, they are brown with white streaky spots and distinct chestnut-colored feathers on the top of their heads, with white throats. Often in upland dry grasslands, they scare easily and hide from view and prefer running away rather than flushing. Listen for their loud laughing cackle, especially in the morning. They are located on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Lānaʻi, Oʻahu, and Kaua‘i.

    Wildlife Conservation Stamp – Manu-o-Kū (White “Fairy” Tern) (Gygis alba), a Hawaiian urban-community forest bird. 2025 is the Year of Our Community Forests, collections of trees in the wao kanaka, or inland region where people  live, learn and play. Community forests include trees in our neighborhoods, yards, parks, schools and along our streets. They give us gathering places, shade, air to breathe, food to eat, wood for carving, leaves for weaving and flowers for lei.

    The Manu-o-Kū is a perfect representation of our native wildlife that utilizes the urban-community forests for habitat, breeding, nesting and rearing their young. Manu-o-Kū breed on oceanic islands, both on low-lying coralline sand islands and high volcanic islands. They do not build nests; eggs are laid on whatever suitable depression is found. Nest sites include volcanic pinnacles, cliffs, rocky slopes, large bushes or trees, as well as man-made structures.

    ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

     

    SETTING: Hawai‘i habitat

     

    SIZE: Completed painting with a maximum of 24” by 36” and unframed (to be reduced to 1” X 1.5” stamp)

     

    MEDIUM: Oil or acrylic preferred

     

    ENTRY: Completed oil or acrylic painting or an 8.5” X 11” photo/print/photocopy of a completed painting.

     

    DEADLINE: All entries must be received by April 05, 2025. Notification of the winner will be made later in April.

     

    SHIPPING FEE: All paintings sent must be accompanied by a $35.00 fee to cover the cost of returning the artwork. You must visit the Administration office to pick up your artwork if a check is not included. Checks are to be made payable to the DLNR. Otherwise, a photo, print, or photocopy of an original painting may be sent without fee (see application form).

    PAYMENTS: The winner will receive a maximum award of $1,000.

    Funds from Hawai‘i Wildlife Conservation Stamp sales go into the state Wildlife Revolving Fund to support wildlife populations and habitats and to manage the state’s hunting and non-game programs.

    Last year, revenues from both stamps were used to cover some of the costs of maintaining hunting units and to add game bird and game mammal hunting opportunities where possible. Proceeds from the sale of wildlife conservation stamps will also provide funds for salaries, the annual lease rental of the Lānaʻi Cooperative Game Management Area, and support wildlife diversity programs.

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

     

    HD video – Small Game Birds Put and Take, web feature (Nov. 24, 2021):

    https://vimeo.com/650077788?share=copy

     

    HD video – Small game birds put and take, media clips (Nov. 24, 2021):

    https://vimeo.com/649777485?share=copy

    Photographs – Small game bird releases Kuaokala Game Management Area (Nov. 24, 2021):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/i5naci5zakhg1r8rw6acd/h?rlkey=7psw5565bo4oib3pgve1yrwqo&dl=0

    Information on the contest and application forms:

    DOFAW, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813 or at:

    https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/files/2025/01/FY25-26-Artist-Application.pdf

    Contest contacts:

    [email protected], 808-226-7757.

    [email protected], 808-347-6869.

     

    2025: Year of Our Community Forests

    https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/trees/

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    Communications Office: 808-587-0396

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: AMG Reports Financial and Operating Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company reports EPS of $4.92, Economic EPS of $6.53 in the fourth quarter of 2024
    EPS of $15.13, Economic EPS of $21.36 for the full year 2024

    • New partnership with NorthBridge Partners, a private markets manager specializing in industrial logistics real estate assets
    • Net income (controlling interest) of $512 million, Economic Net Income (controlling interest) of $702 million
    • 10% full-year Economic Earnings per share growth reflects AMG’s ongoing strategic evolution and disciplined capital allocation strategy
    • Repurchased $700 million in common stock or approximately 13% of shares outstanding in 2024

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMG, a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally, today reported its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Jay C. Horgen, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMG, said:
    “AMG delivered record Economic Earnings per share in 2024; growth of 10% relative to the prior year reflected the ongoing evolution of our business and the positive impact of our disciplined capital allocation strategy.

    “In 2024, we continued to strategically evolve our business, increasing our exposure to alternatives, which further enhances our long-term growth prospects. AMG’s private markets Affiliates raised approximately $24 billion during the year, reflecting the ongoing demand for our Affiliates’ specialized strategies. Throughout the year we continued to invest our capital and resources alongside our Affiliates to develop new products for the U.S. wealth marketplace, including additional innovative alternative solutions across private markets and liquid alternatives.

    “This morning, we announced our investment in NorthBridge Partners, a leading vertically integrated real estate manager with excellent forward prospects, given its deep expertise and targeted investment strategy in last-mile logistics, a high-growth sector benefiting from the expanding digital economy and evolving supply chain dynamics. Our partnership with NorthBridge broadens AMG’s participation in private markets and underscores our focus on investing in areas of secular growth. AMG’s proven ability to magnify the competitive advantages of partner-owned firms, while also preserving their independence, continues to differentiate AMG’s partnership model and is highly valued by prospective Affiliates.

    “Our execution across each element of our growth strategy, including investing in new Affiliate partnerships, investing in our existing Affiliates, and investing in AMG’s capabilities to magnify our Affiliates’ success, is driving the evolution of our distinctive business profile. Given AMG’s proven strategic capabilities and 30-year track record of successful partnerships, our opportunities to invest in growth are expanding. With our ample financial flexibility and disciplined capital allocation framework, we enter 2025 in an excellent position to continue executing on our strategy, and create meaningful incremental shareholder value over time.”

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Three Months Ended   Years Ended
    (in millions, except as noted and per share data) 12/31/2023   12/31/2024   12/31/2023   12/31/2024
    Operating Performance Measures              
    AUM (at period end, in billions) $ 672.7     $ 707.9     $ 672.7     $ 707.9  
    Average AUM (in billions)   648.1       717.3       660.3       700.5  
    Net client cash flows (in billions)   (6.1 )     (8.3 )     (29.2 )     (13.9 )
    Aggregate fees   1,560.9       1,509.2       5,066.6       5,236.0  
    Financial Performance Measures              
    Net income (controlling interest) $ 196.2     $ 162.1     $ 672.9     $ 511.6  
    Earnings per share (diluted)(1)   5.15       4.92       17.42       15.13  
    Supplemental Performance Measures(2)              
    Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest) $ 296.2     $ 281.7     $ 935.7     $ 973.1  
    Economic net income (controlling interest)   242.9       205.8       717.8       701.6  
    Economic earnings per share   6.86       6.53       19.48       21.36  
                                   

    For additional information on our Supplemental Performance Measures, including reconciliations to GAAP, see the Financial Tables and Notes.

    Capital Management
    During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased approximately $120 million in common stock, bringing full-year share repurchases to approximately $700 million. The Company also announced a fourth-quarter cash dividend of $0.01 per share of common stock, payable March 4, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 18, 2025.

    About AMG
    AMG (NYSE: AMG) is a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally. AMG’s strategy is to generate long‐term value by investing in high-quality independent partner-owned firms, through a proven partnership approach, and allocating resources across AMG’s unique opportunity set to the areas of highest growth and return. Through its distinctive approach, AMG magnifies its Affiliates’ existing advantages and actively supports their independence and ownership culture. As of December 31, 2024, AMG’s aggregate assets under management were approximately $708 billion across a diverse range of private markets, liquid alternative, and differentiated long-only investment strategies. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.amg.com.

             

    Conference Call, Replay and Presentation Information
    A conference call will be held with AMG’s management at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time today. Parties interested in listening to the conference call should dial 1-877-407-8291 (U.S. calls) or 1-201-689-8345 (non-U.S. calls) shortly before the call begins.

    The conference call will also be available for replay beginning approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call. To hear a replay of the call, please dial 1-877-660-6853 (U.S. calls) or 1-201-612-7415 (non-U.S. calls) and provide conference ID 13750674. The live call and replay of the session and a presentation highlighting the Company’s performance can also be accessed via AMG’s website at https://ir.amg.com/.

    Financial Tables Follow

    ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT – STATEMENTS OF CHANGES (in billions)
     
      Alternatives   Differentiated Long-Only  
    BY STRATEGY – QUARTER TO DATE Private Markets
    		   Liquid
    Alternatives
    		     Equities
    		   Multi-Asset &
    Fixed Income
    		   Total
    		  
    AUM, September 30, 2024 $ 131.2   $ 135.3     $ 345.9   $ 116.0   $ 728.4  
    Client cash inflows and commitments   5.6     8.9       10.2     5.2     29.9  
    Client cash outflows   (0.1 )   (7.3 )     (25.8 )   (5.0 )   (38.2 )
    Net client cash flows   5.5     1.6       (15.6 )   0.2     (8.3 )
    Market changes   (0.2 )   3.5       (2.5 )   0.4     1.2  
    Foreign exchange   (0.5 )   (3.1 )     (6.3 )   (1.3 )   (11.2 )
    Realizations and distributions (net)   (0.7 )   (0.2 )     (1.3 )   (0.1 )   (2.3 )
    Other   0.1     3.6       (4.0 )   0.4     0.1  
    AUM, December 31, 2024 $ 135.4   $ 140.7     $ 316.2   $ 115.6   $ 707.9  
      Alternatives   Differentiated Long-Only  
    BY STRATEGY – YEAR TO DATE Private Markets
    		   Liquid
    Alternatives
    		     Equities
    		   Multi-Asset &
    Fixed Income
    		   Total
    		  
    AUM, December 31, 2023 $ 114.8   $ 124.0     $ 329.4   $ 104.5   $ 672.7  
    Client cash inflows and commitments   23.7     27.5       38.1     22.1     111.4  
    Client cash outflows   (0.2 )   (25.6 )     (80.2 )   (19.3 )   (125.3 )
    Net client cash flows   23.5     1.9       (42.1 )   2.8     (13.9 )
    New investments   0.7     —       —     0.7     1.4  
    Market changes   0.4     10.6       41.4     8.7     61.1  
    Foreign exchange   (0.3 )   (0.8 )     (4.6 )   (1.2 )   (6.9 )
    Realizations and distributions (net)   (4.4 )   (0.5 )     (1.4 )   (0.3 )   (6.6 )
    Other   0.7     5.5       (6.5 )   0.4     0.1  
    AUM, December 31, 2024 $ 135.4   $ 140.7     $ 316.2   $ 115.6   $ 707.9  
     
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
     
        Three Months Ended
    (in millions, except per share data)   12/31/2023   12/31/2024
    Consolidated revenue   $ 502.7     $ 524.2  
             
    Consolidated expenses:        
    Compensation and related expenses     244.5       238.8  
    Selling, general and administrative     84.8       98.4  
    Intangible amortization and impairments     10.8       7.3  
    Interest expense     31.4       35.2  
    Depreciation and other amortization     3.0       4.0  
    Other expenses (net)     9.6       8.8  
    Total consolidated expenses     384.1       392.5  
             
    Equity method income (net)(3)     125.7       124.5  
    Affiliate Transaction gains(4)     —       —  
    Investment and other income     29.8       17.5  
    Income before income taxes     274.1       273.7  
             
    Income tax expense     29.8       52.6  
    Net income     244.3       221.1  
             
    Net income (non-controlling interests)     (48.1 )     (59.0 )
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 196.2     $ 162.1  
             
    Average shares outstanding (basic)     33.7       30.1  
    Average shares outstanding (diluted)     41.3       36.0  
             
    Earnings per share (basic)   $ 5.83     $ 5.39  
    Earnings per share (diluted)(1)   $ 5.15     $ 4.92  
     
    RECONCILIATIONS OF SUPPLEMENTAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES(2)
     
        Three Months Ended
    (in millions, except per share data)   12/31/2023   12/31/2024
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 196.2     $ 162.1  
    Intangible amortization and impairments     39.9       30.5  
    Intangible-related deferred taxes     12.8       15.3  
    Affiliate Transactions(4)     —       —  
    Other economic items     (6.0 )     (2.1 )
    Economic net income (controlling interest)   $ 242.9     $ 205.8  
             
    Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted)     35.4       31.5  
    Economic earnings per share   $ 6.86     $ 6.53  
             
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 196.2     $ 162.1  
    Interest expense     31.4       35.2  
    Income taxes     34.5       54.9  
    Intangible amortization and impairments     39.9       30.5  
    Affiliate Transactions(4)     —       —  
    Other items     (5.8 )     (1.0 )
    Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest)   $ 296.2     $ 281.7  
     
    See Notes for additional information.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
     
        Years Ended
    (in millions, except per share data)   12/31/2023   12/31/2024
    Consolidated revenue   $ 2,057.8     $ 2,040.9  
             
    Consolidated expenses:        
    Compensation and related expenses     907.5       915.3  
    Selling, general and administrative     358.2       376.5  
    Intangible amortization and impairments     48.3       29.0  
    Interest expense     123.8       133.3  
    Depreciation and other amortization     13.0       13.4  
    Other expenses (net)     45.8       40.3  
    Total consolidated expenses     1,496.6       1,507.8  
             
    Equity method income (net)(3)     280.0       312.7  
    Affiliate Transaction gains(4)     133.1       —  
    Investment and other income     117.1       77.4  
    Income before income taxes     1,091.4       923.2  
             
    Income tax expense     185.3       182.6  
    Net income     906.1       740.6  
             
    Net income (non-controlling interests)     (233.2 )     (229.0 )
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 672.9     $ 511.6  
             
    Average shares outstanding (basic)     35.1       31.1  
    Average shares outstanding (diluted)     42.2       36.1  
             
    Earnings per share (basic)   $ 19.18     $ 16.45  
    Earnings per share (diluted)(1)   $ 17.42     $ 15.13  
     
    RECONCILIATIONS OF SUPPLEMENTAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES(2)
     
        Years Ended
    (in millions, except per share data)   12/31/2023   12/31/2024
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 672.9     $ 511.6  
    Intangible amortization and impairments     128.5       149.2  
    Intangible-related deferred taxes     57.3       61.9  
    Affiliate Transactions(4)     (122.1 )     —  
    Other economic items     (18.8 )     (21.1 )
    Economic net income (controlling interest)   $ 717.8     $ 701.6  
             
    Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted)     36.8       32.8  
    Economic earnings per share   $ 19.48     $ 21.36  
             
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 672.9     $ 511.6  
    Interest expense     123.8       133.3  
    Income taxes     185.2       187.9  
    Intangible amortization and impairments     128.5       149.2  
    Affiliate Transactions(4)     (162.7 )     —  
    Other items     (12.0 )     (8.9 )
    Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest)   $ 935.7     $ 973.1  
     
    See Notes for additional information.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     
        Years Ended
    (in millions)   12/31/2023   12/31/2024
    Assets        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 813.6     $ 950.0  
    Receivables     368.4       409.7  
    Investments     941.9       595.6  
    Goodwill     2,523.6       2,504.9  
    Acquired client relationships (net)     1,812.4       1,777.8  
    Equity method investments in Affiliates (net)     2,288.5       2,246.6  
    Fixed assets (net)     67.3       57.6  
    Other assets     243.9       288.7  
    Total assets   $ 9,059.6     $ 8,830.9  
             
    Liabilities and Equity        
    Payables and accrued liabilities   $ 628.5     $ 639.1  
    Debt     2,537.5       2,620.2  
    Deferred tax liability (net)     463.8       520.5  
    Other liabilities     466.3       402.4  
    Total liabilities     4,096.1       4,182.2  
             
    Redeemable non-controlling interests     393.4       350.5  
    Equity:        
    Common stock     0.6       0.6  
    Additional paid-in capital     741.4       733.1  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (167.6 )     (163.6 )
    Retained earnings     6,389.6       6,899.8  
          6,964.0       7,469.9  
    Less: treasury stock, at cost     (3,376.1 )     (4,124.6 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     3,587.9       3,345.3  
    Non-controlling interests     982.2       952.9  
    Total equity     4,570.1       4,298.2  
    Total liabilities and equity   $ 9,059.6     $ 8,830.9  
    Notes
       
    (1) Earnings per share (diluted) adjusts for the dilutive effect of the potential issuance of incremental shares of our common stock.
       
      We assume the settlement of all of our Redeemable non-controlling interests using the maximum number of shares permitted under our arrangements. The issuance of shares and the related income acquired are excluded from the calculation if an assumed purchase of Redeemable non-controlling interests would be anti-dilutive to diluted earnings per share.
       
      We are required to apply the if-converted method to our outstanding junior convertible securities when calculating Earnings per share (diluted). Under the if-converted method, shares that are issuable upon conversion are deemed outstanding, regardless of whether the securities are contractually convertible into our common stock at that time. For this calculation, the interest expense (net of tax) attributable to these dilutive securities is added back to Net income (controlling interest), reflecting the assumption that the securities have been converted. Issuable shares for these securities and related interest expense are excluded from the calculation if an assumed conversion would be anti-dilutive to diluted earnings per share.
       
      The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
          Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      (in millions)   12/31/2023   12/31/2024   12/31/2023   12/31/2024
      Numerator                
      Net income (controlling interest)   $ 196.2   $ 162.1   $ 672.9   $ 511.6
      Income from hypothetical settlement of Redeemable non-controlling interests, net of taxes     12.9     11.7     49.0     20.5
      Interest expense on junior convertible securities, net of taxes     3.4     3.4     13.4     13.4
      Net income (controlling interest), as adjusted   $ 212.5   $ 177.2   $ 735.3   $ 545.5
      Denominator                
      Average shares outstanding (basic)     33.7     30.1     35.1     31.1
      Effect of dilutive instruments:                
      Stock options and restricted stock units     1.7     1.4     1.7     1.7
      Hypothetical issuance of shares to settle Redeemable non-controlling interests     4.2     2.8     3.7     1.6
      Junior convertible securities     1.7     1.7     1.7     1.7
      Average shares outstanding (diluted)     41.3     36.0     42.2     36.1
    (2) As supplemental information, we provide non-GAAP performance measures of Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest), Economic net income (controlling interest), and Economic earnings per share. We believe that many investors use our Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest) when comparing our financial performance to other companies in the investment management industry. Management utilizes these non-GAAP performance measures to assess our performance before our share of certain non-cash GAAP expenses primarily related to the acquisition of interests in Affiliates and to improve comparability between periods. Economic net income (controlling interest) and Economic earnings per share are used by management and our Board of Directors as our principal performance benchmarks, including as one of the measures for determining executive compensation. These non-GAAP performance measures are provided in addition to, but not as a substitute for, Net income (controlling interest), Earnings per share, or other GAAP performance measures. For additional information on our non-GAAP measures, see our most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q, respectively, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
       
      Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest) represents our performance before our share of interest expense, income and certain non-income based taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairments, gains and losses related to Affiliate Transactions, and non-cash items such as certain Affiliate equity activity, gains and losses on our contingent payment obligations, and unrealized gains and losses on seed capital, general partner commitments, and other strategic investments. Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest) is also adjusted to include realized economic gains and losses related to these seed capital, general partner commitments, and other strategic investments.
       
      Under our Economic net income (controlling interest) definition, we adjust Net income (controlling interest) for our share of pre-tax intangible amortization and impairments related to intangible assets (including the portion attributable to equity method investments in Affiliates) because these expenses do not correspond to the changes in the value of these assets, which do not diminish predictably over time. We also adjust for deferred taxes attributable to intangible assets because we believe it is unlikely these accruals will be used to settle material tax obligations. Further, we adjust for gains and losses related to Affiliate Transactions, net of tax, and other economic items. Other economic items include certain Affiliate equity activity, gains and losses related to contingent payment obligations, tax windfalls and shortfalls from share-based compensation, unrealized gains and losses on seed capital, general partner commitments, and other strategic investments, and realized economic gains and losses related to these seed capital, general partner commitments, and other strategic investments.
       
      Economic earnings per share represents Economic net income (controlling interest) divided by the Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted). In this calculation, we exclude the potential shares issued upon settlement of Redeemable non-controlling interests from Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted) because we intend to settle those obligations without issuing shares, consistent with all prior Affiliate equity purchase transactions. The potential share issuance in connection with our junior convertible securities is measured using a “treasury stock” method. Under this method, only the net number of shares of common stock equal to the value of the junior convertible securities in excess of par, if any, are deemed to be outstanding. We believe the inclusion of net shares under a treasury stock method best reflects the benefit of the increase in available capital resources (which could be used to repurchase shares of our common stock) that occurs when these securities are converted and we are relieved of our debt obligation.
       
      The following table provides a reconciliation of Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted):
          Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      (in millions)   12/31/2023     12/31/2024     12/31/2023     12/31/2024  
      Average shares outstanding (diluted)   41.3     36.0     42.2     36.1  
      Hypothetical issuance of shares to settle Redeemable non-controlling interests   (4.2 )   (2.8 )   (3.7 )   (1.6 )
      Junior convertible securities   (1.7 )   (1.7 )   (1.7 )   (1.7 )
      Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted)   35.4     31.5     36.8     32.8  
    (3) The following table presents equity method earnings and equity method intangible amortization and impairments, which in aggregate form Equity method income (net):
       
          Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      (in millions)   12/31/2023   12/31/2024   12/31/2023   12/31/2024
      Equity method earnings   $ 158.3     $ 150.1     $ 375.6     $ 442.7  
      Equity method intangible amortization and impairments     (32.6 )     (25.6 )     (95.6 )     (130.0 )
      Equity method income (net)   $ 125.7     $ 124.5     $ 280.0     $ 312.7  
    (4) The following table presents the impact of the completion of our previously announced sales of our equity interests in Veritable, LP to a third party in the third quarter of 2023, and Baring Private Equity Asia to EQT AB (“EQT”), a public company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (EQT ST), in the fourth quarter of 2022, pursuant to which we received ordinary shares of EQT:
     
          Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      (in millions)   12/31/2023   12/31/2024   12/31/2023   12/31/2024  
      Affiliate Transaction gain   $ —     $ —     $ 133.1     $ —  
      Investment and other income – Realized gains on EQT shares     —       —       29.6       —  
      Affiliate Transactions, pre-tax     —       —       162.7       —  
      Income taxes     —       —       (40.6 )     —  
      Affiliate Transactions, after-tax   $ —     $ —     $ 122.1     $ —  
     

    Forward-Looking Statements and Other Matters

    Certain matters discussed in this press release issued by Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG” or the “Company”) may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, and other non-historical statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “guidance,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “projects,” “positioned,” “prospects,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “pending investments,” “anticipates,” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including changes in the securities or financial markets or in general economic conditions, the availability of equity and debt financing, competition for acquisitions of interests in investment management firms, uncertainties relating to closing of pending investments or transactions and potential changes in the anticipated benefits thereof, the investment performance and growth rates of our Affiliates and their ability to effectively market their investment strategies, the mix of Affiliate contributions to our earnings, and other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    This release does not constitute an offer of any products, investment vehicles, or services of any AMG Affiliate.

    From time to time, AMG may use its website as a distribution channel of material Company information. AMG routinely posts financial and other important information regarding the Company in the Investor Relations section of its website at www.amg.com and encourages investors to consult that section regularly.

    Investor and Media Relations
    Patricia Figueroa
    +1 (617) 747-3300
    ir@amg.com
    pr@amg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Descartes Showcases Global Trade Intelligence Technology Innovations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, is scheduled to showcase numerous technology innovations to its global trade intelligence software suite at Descartes’ Innovation Forum event, which takes place in Washington, DC from February 11-12, 2025. Innovations to Descartes’ solution suite help companies in diverse industries manage the cross-border trade of merchandise, commodities and services more securely and efficiently in the face of expanding compliance requirements, geopolitical volatility, and evolving tariffs and trade barriers.

    “The current environment of ever-changing and complex trade regulations is challenging to manage. Our solutions and trade data help simplify how our customers’ teams conduct business while helping them mitigate risk,” said Brian Hodgson, General Manager, Trade Intelligence at Descartes. “Our technology innovations are focused on helping companies build more agile, intelligent and resilient supply chain networks that allow them to keep pace with frequent and complex tariff and regulatory changes, secure better sources of supply, and acquire high quality competitive intelligence.”

    Descartes’ global trade intelligence innovation and enhancements include:

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled screening and classification to scale compliance operations. AI-driven screening for restricted, sanctioned and denied parties quarantines low-quality false positives and identifies when additional due diligence is required. AI-driven import/export classification accelerates product lookup capabilities in combination with other features such as regulations cross-referencing and landed cost calculations. Both innovations help companies more efficiently access and manage high volume, repetitive tasks without overloading existing compliance resources or adding new staff.
    • AI-based agent to speed complex global trade intelligence queries. Converse in multiple languages with an AI-based agent to answer common questions; quickly identify historical trade patterns, emerging trends, or specific data needs (e.g., commodities, companies, products); and receive text- and/or graph-based responses. This helps users define searches more precisely, ensuring they extract the most relevant global trade data and that it’s presented effectively. It makes global trade data content more accessible and actionable, while minimizing the training time required to build proficiency in developing optimal queries.
    • Expanded global trade content offerings to simplify more wholistic risk assessments. Combining traditional Harmonized System (HS)-based trade data content with both optional experience-based content, such as previously classified products, and timely innovative-based content, such as legislation and/or regulations, provides companies with a broader content ecosystem to facilitate efficient and effective risk assessment associated with product, party or shipment compliance.
    • Enhanced analytics to generate insights and inform strategic, evidence-based decision making. Advanced Microsoft Power BI-based analytics aggregates data from screening applications and other sources (e.g., visitor management, license management, other operational systems) to provide a single reporting view. Companies no longer need to rely on complicated integrations between applications to access sophisticated analytics that provide useful insight into their compliance activities, particularly in large enterprises.
    • Expanded capabilities to manage increasing export controls and complexities around export license management. Expanded set of East Asian countries for compliance checks and license determinations, in addition to enhanced workflows and data sharing capabilities for very complex controlled goods businesses (e.g., aerospace and defense), which help companies better manage compliance with local laws, international agreements and security protocols.

    Learn more about Descartes’ Global Trade Intelligence solutions.

    Descartes’ Innovation Forum events offer a unique opportunity for Descartes customers and United by Design partners worldwide to connect with the Descartes team. These forums aim to share best practices in using Descartes’ technologies, explore ways to enhance operations with Descartes’ expanding solutions, and gather valuable feedback on product development. More information on the Global Trade Intelligence event is available here.

    About Descartes

    Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    Global Media Contact
    Cara Strohack                                                                     
    Tel: 226-750-8050                                 
    cstrohack@descartes.com  

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relate to Descartes’ global trade intelligence solution offerings and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada including Descartes’ most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ Launches Its First 0DTE ETF YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF (SDTY)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ announced the launch today of its first YieldMax™ 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF:

    YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF (Nasdaq: SDTY)

    SDTY Overview

    SDTY is an actively managed ETF that utilizes a synthetic covered call strategy designed to generate weekly income while also providing exposure to the price return of the S&P 500 (“the Index”). SDTY generates income primarily by utilizing zero days to expiry (“0DTE”) options on an Index and/or passively managed ETFs (“Index ETFs”) that tracks the Index’s performance.

    SDTY’s Option Strategy

    SDTY employs a synthetic covered call strategy by selling and purchasing call options on the Index or Index ETFs. Each business day, typically at market open, the Fund sells out-of-the-money (OTM) call options with zero days to expiration (“0DTE”), which expire the same day they are sold. OTM options have a strike price above the current Index value. SDTY’s synthetic covered call strategy is established by combining the call options sold to generate income with buying call options for exposure to the Index.

    SDTY’S Return Profile and Index Performance

    SDTY earns income by selling out-of-the-money 0DTE call options daily. The premiums from these options add to income but limit participation in Index gains. If the Index rises past the strike price, losses on sold options can offset gains. This strategy balances income generation with limited Index upside exposure while premiums can help mitigate losses if the Index declines.

    SDTY Distribution Schedule

    SDTY is the first member of the YieldMax™ ETF 0DTE family and like all YieldMax™ ETFs, SDTY aims to generate income to investors. With respect to distributions, SDTY aims to make distributions on a weekly basis and its first weekly distribution is expected to be announced on February 19, 2025.

    Why Invest in SDTY?

    • SDTY seeks to generate weekly income which is not dependent on the value of its Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance).
    • SDTY aims to participate in a portion of the Index gains which may be capped.

    Important Information

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

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

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

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

    Risk Disclosures

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

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

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

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

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

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

    High Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance) Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance) turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitmaster Revolutionizes Crypto Trading with AI and MCS Token Integration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitmaster, an advanced cryptocurrency trading platform, is transforming digital asset trading through AI-driven automation and MCS token integration. By combining real-time analytics with automated trading strategies, Bitmaster provides a more efficient, secure, and accessible trading environment for both beginners and professional traders.

    Bitmaster leverages AI-based trading signals to analyze the market and execute automated trades, allowing users to seize real-time opportunities while minimizing risks. Additionally, MCS tokens offer benefits such as reduced transaction fees, automated trading functionality, staking rewards, and access to premium trading tools, enhancing the overall user experience.

    New users can enjoy a 3-day free premium membership trial and receive 10 MCS tokens, allowing them to explore the platform’s various features. Premium features include Signal Master and Auto Master, which enhance trading precision. Signal Master provides trading signals for Bitcoin futures, supporting users with accurate trading strategies. Auto Master, which is currently under development, will enable automated trading based on Signal Master’s insights. Additionally, within the app, users can participate in the Up & Down Prediction Game, where they predict Bitcoin futures price movements (UP or DOWN). Successful predictions reward users with 1.9 times the MCS amount wagered. The 10 MCS tokens received can also be sent to LBank for trading or converted to USDT for withdrawal.

    Bitmaster is focusing on enhancing liquidity, improving market accessibility, and strengthening its presence in the global cryptocurrency ecosystem. To achieve this, the company is expanding strategic partnerships and collaborating with leading global exchanges to provide diverse fiat on-ramp options and region-specific trading solutions. Additionally, Bitmaster is increasing accessibility by offering multi-language support and localized customer service to better serve its global user base. These initiatives ensure that users can trade in a seamless and secure environment through trusted exchange partnerships.

    Bitmaster operates various user-centric incentive programs to encourage active participation and trading. MCS airdrops provide additional benefits to both new and existing users, driving engagement within the platform. This encourages continuous trading activity, allowing users to earn more rewards within the Bitmaster ecosystem. Additionally, promotional campaigns offer extra benefits, ensuring long-term user retention. Incentives such as MCS airdrops, referral programs with up to 30% commission, and ICO bonuses of up to 40% play a crucial role in increasing user engagement and supporting the platform’s sustained growth.

    Bitmaster continues to set new standards in AI-driven innovation and blockchain technology, driving automation and data-driven trading. As the platform evolves, it aims to deliver an intuitive, efficient, and rewarding trading experience for global users, solidifying its leadership in the cryptocurrency trading industry.

    For more details: https://buly.kr/Ezi4D52

    Contact Information

    Company Name: Bitmaster
    Contact Person: Evelyn
    Contact Person Title: Contents Manager
    Email: mr.mcs@bitmaster.pro
    Phone Number: +82 1039824189
    Company Website: https://bitmaster.pro/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Bitmaster. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. 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 as financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and 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.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/efe81893-9e0b-4e13-8c27-8d4e63bce156

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3288772b-ccfb-4ab2-aff0-17d97f476168

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f212ffe-9120-4f2e-aa45-9eed813dcb99

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Bell Labs celebrates 100 years of pioneering innovations, shaping the past, present and future

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release 

    Nokia Bell Labs celebrates 100 years of pioneering innovations, shaping the past, present and future

    • Over the last century, Nokia’s award-winning industrial research arm whose inventions of the transistor, solar cell and laser laid the groundwork for the digital age and paved a path to the internet.
    • Today, it continues to chart new paths in space communications, quantum, artificial intelligence, foundational technologies and sensing to address humanity’s most pressing challenges.

    6 February 2025
    Murray Hill, New Jersey – Nokia’s renowned industrial research arm behind the invention of the transistor, the solar cell, the laser and countless more, Nokia Bell Labs, is celebrating its centennial in 2025, marking 100 years of groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that blazed the trail for the digital age and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.

    Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia, said: “The last century would be unrecognizable without Nokia Bell Labs. We established the foundations for modern communications, computing and the internet, setting the standard for the telecommunications industry, with a profound impact on people and communities worldwide. Our legacy is embedded in every bit within the billions of terabytes that flow through global networks each year and our dedicated researchers are tirelessly working on the groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future.”

    Over the past 100 years, Nokia Bell Labs researchers have made revolutionary discoveries in radio astronomy, semiconductors, Information Theory and cellular communications that have driven U.S. and global innovation and laid the groundwork for the digital age​. These breakthroughs and many others have resulted in 10 Nobel Prizes and five Turing Awards, as well as three Emmys, two Grammys and an Academy Award.

    Today, its legacy lives on in wavelengths, wires and bits as it charts new paths in space communications, quantum, artificial intelligence, foundational technologies and sensing that address humanity’s most pressing challenges. Nokia Bell Labs is setting world-record optical speeds to meet the insatiable global demand for high-speed communication, deploying cellular networks that will underpin sustained human presence on the Moon and beyond, and conducting industry-leading 6G research that will fuse the physical, digital and human worlds.

    Peter Vetter, President of Bell Labs Core Research at Nokia, said: “At Nokia Bell Labs, we don’t just follow trends, we create them. Our researchers focus on solving hard problems that have a real human need in order to come up with the next big thing. From pioneering concepts for 6G and world-firsts in fiber technology to innovations in sensing and understanding that fuses the physical, digital and human worlds, we are redefining how we perceive the world around us and augmenting our capabilities.”​

    Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, said: “For the last 100 years, Nokia Bell Labs has been​ harnessing the extraordinary imaginations ​of our researchers​ to push the boundaries of what is possible and create transformative real-world solutions. In our next century, we are delivering the communication building blocks here on Earth as well as for a rapidly growing space economy that underpins sustained human presence on the Moon – and beyond.”

    Leveraging Nokia Bell Labs’ pioneering technology, Nokia helps propel society, industry and the environment toward a more sustainable future — expanding possibilities and redefining how we live, work and care for our planet.

    ​ 
    Nokia Bell Labs will be hosting celebrations and events at its locations around the world in 2025, follow the latest at https://www.nokia.com/bell-labs/100/.

    Resources and additional information
    Webpage: Nokia
    Webpage: 100 years of Bell Labs
    Blog: Nokia Bell Labs celebrates 100 years of innovation and looks ahead to another century of discovery
    Image Library: Nokia Bell Labs Centennial
    Video: Nokia Bell Labs Centennial

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sylogist Declares Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sylogist Ltd. (TSX:SYZ) (“Sylogist” or the “Company”), a leading public sector SaaS company, is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $0.01 per share on Sylogist’s common shares to shareholders of record on February 28th, 2025, payable on March 12th, 2025.

    All dividends paid by Sylogist to holders of common shares in the capital of the Company will be treated as eligible dividends pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada).

    About Sylogist
    Sylogist provides mission-critical SaaS solutions to over 2,000 public sector customers globally across the government, nonprofit, and education verticals. The Company’s stock is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SYZ. Information about Sylogist, inclusive of full financial statements together with Management’s Discussion and Analysis, can be found at www.sylogist.com or at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information contact:

    Sujeet Kini, Chief Financial Officer
    Sylogist Ltd.

    (416) 491-8004
    ir@sylogist.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREAT NECK, N.Y., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. (NASDAQ: LOAN) announced today that its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.115 per share to be paid to all shareholders of record on April 8, 2025. The dividend will be paid on April 15, 2025.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Talen Energy to Report Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results on February 27, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talen Energy Corporation (“Talen”) (NASDAQ: TLN) plans to release its full year and fourth quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday, February 27, 2025, after market close. President and Chief Executive Officer Mac McFarland and Chief Financial Officer Terry Nutt will discuss the financial and operating results during an earnings call at 4:30 p.m. EST (3:30 p.m. CST) on February 27, 2025.

    To listen to the earnings call, please register in advance for the webcast here. For participants joining the call via phone, please register here prior to the start time to receive dial-in information. For those unable to participate in the live event, a digital replay of the earnings call will be archived for approximately one year and available on Talen’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.talenenergy.com/news-events/events.

    About Talen
    Talen Energy (NASDAQ: TLN) is a leading independent power producer and energy infrastructure company dedicated to powering the future. We own and operate approximately 10.7 gigawatts of power infrastructure in the United States, including 2.2 gigawatts of nuclear power and a significant dispatchable fossil fleet. We produce and sell electricity, capacity, and ancillary services into wholesale U.S. power markets, with our generation fleet principally located in the Mid-Atlantic and Montana. Our team is committed to generating power safely and reliably, delivering the most value per megawatt produced and driving the energy transition. Talen is also powering the digital infrastructure revolution. We are well-positioned to capture this significant growth opportunity, as data centers serving artificial intelligence increasingly demand more reliable, clean power. Talen is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit https://www.talenenergy.com/.

    Investor Relations:
    Ellen Liu
    Senior Director, Investor Relations
    InvestorRelations@talenenergy.com

    Media:
    Taryne Williams
    Director, Corporate Communications
    Taryne.Williams@talenenergy.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this communication, or incorporated by reference into this communication, are forward-looking statements. Throughout this communication, we have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” or other forms of these words or similar words or expressions or the negative thereof, although not all forward-looking statements contain these terms. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions concerning, among other things capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, regulatory matters, hedging, liquidity and capital resources and accounting matters. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our future business, financial condition, results of operations or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this communication. All of our forward-looking statements include assumptions underlying or relating to such statements that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, and are subject to numerous factors that present considerable risks and uncertainties.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CareCloud Achieves Industry-Leading Security and Compliance Attestation, Uniquely Positioned to Grow Among Large Healthcare Enterprises

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOC 2 Type 2 Attestation Positions CareCloud Among a Select Group of less than 10% of all EHR Vendors

    SOMERSET, N.J., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareCloud, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CCLD, CCLDO, CCLDP), a leader in healthcare technology and AI-driven solutions, today announced that it has successfully completed a SOC 2 Type 2 examination for the second consecutive year, receiving a clean report with no exceptions. The examination scope of the Healthcare IT systems, performed by an independent CPA firm, covered security, availability, processing integrity, and confidentiality. This accomplishment underscores the Company’s commitment to the highest standards of data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance—critical for healthcare providers, especially larger enterprises such as health systems and hospital networks.

    “Our ability to achieve a clean SOC 2 Type 2 report for the second consecutive year is a testament to the strength of our security infrastructure and our commitment to protecting sensitive healthcare data,” said A. Hadi Chaudhry, Co-CEO of CareCloud. “As we continue to advance our AI-driven solutions and cloud-based platform, maintaining the highest level of security and compliance remains a top priority. This examination reinforces our dedication to delivering innovative technology that meets the stringent requirements of enterprise healthcare organizations.”

    Successfully completing the SOC 2 Type 2 examination affirms that the Company has maintained rigorous security controls and operational effectiveness across its cloud-based platform. This milestone aligns the Company for continued expansion into larger client bases, including health systems, multi-specialty group practices, and enterprise-level healthcare organizations that demand robust security and compliance frameworks.

    “We’re excited to be in a select group of an estimated 10% of all EHR vendors who have achieved this important attestation,” said Stephen Snyder, Co-CEO of CareCloud. “With this attestation, we are uniquely positioned for further expansion across larger healthcare enterprises who typically require a SOC 2 Type 2 attestation. As we continue to scale our offerings to meet the needs of larger and more complex organizations, completing this examination with a clean report distinguishes us among our competitors and demonstrates our ability to support enterprise clients with confidence and reliability.”

    As CareCloud expands its AI-driven solutions, revenue cycle management (RCM) services, and electronic health record (EHR) offerings to larger healthcare organizations, this attestation solidifies its ability to meet the evolving security and compliance needs of health systems and enterprise clients.

    About CareCloud

    CareCloud brings disciplined innovation to the business of healthcare. Our suite of AI and technology-enabled solutions helps clients increase financial and operational performance, streamline clinical workflows and improve the patient experience. More than 40,000 providers count on CareCloud to help them improve patient care, while reducing administrative burdens and operating costs. Learn more about our products and services, including revenue cycle management (RCM), practice management (PM), electronic health records (EHR), business intelligence, patient experience management (PXM) and digital health at www.carecloud.com.

    To listen to video presentations by CareCloud’s management team, read recent press releases and view our latest investor presentation, please visit https://ir.carecloud.com.

    Follow CareCloud on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “could,” “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “goals,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.

    Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements reflecting management’s expectations for future financial performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, profitability and business outlook, the impact of pandemics on our financial performance and business activities, and the expected results from the integration of our acquisitions.

    These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our (or our industry’s) actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s ability to manage growth, migrate newly acquired customers and retain new and existing customers, maintain cost-effective global operations, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, predict and properly adjust to changes in reimbursement and other industry regulations and trends, retain the services of key personnel, develop new technologies, upgrade and adapt legacy and acquired technologies to work with evolving industry standards, compete with other companies’ products and services competitive with ours, and other important risks and uncertainties referenced and discussed under the heading titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligations to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    SOURCE CareCloud

    Company Contact:
    Norman Roth
    Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller
    CareCloud, Inc.
    nroth@carecloud.com

    Investor Contact:
    Stephen Snyder
    Co-Chief Executive Officer
    CareCloud, Inc.
    ir@carecloud.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: These bones will rise again: a defiant quest for justice for Thulani Maseko

    Source: Amnesty International –

    21 January marked two years since the unlawful killing of Eswatini human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko. Amnesty International Campaigner Nkanyiso Mtolo attended a vigil in his memory.

    By Nkanyiso Mtolo

    On Tuesday 21 January, I gathered with a group of activists at the home of Tanele Maseko in Pretoria to share memories, laughter and solemn reflection. It had been two years since Tanele’s late husband Thulani Maseko, a fearless defender of justice in Eswatini*, was shot and killed at his home. With quiet grace, Tanele and her children welcomed us to their living room for a dinner and vigil. We lit candles in Thulani’s memory and resolved that his legacy would not be buried with him.

    As I sat with Thulani’s family and friends, I was struck by the way their defiance mirrored his own. The stories they shared carried the weight of loss but also the strength of determination.

    Tanele’s close friend Bonolo Makgale set the tone for the evening. She stood up, and with a voice quivering but not cowed, said: “We are here today with heavy hearts because someone we loved was taken away from us. And yet, we are here, reminded by the value of community and solidarity.”

    Others remembered Thulani’s courage. One comrade described how during a particularly repressive time in Eswatini, fellow lawyers, afraid to risk the retribution of the state, would prepare cases, but bring them to Thulani to file under his name. Put simply, he was fearless.

    The face of Thulani’s killer

    When Tanele spoke, she described how much she missed her “sweetie”, as she calls him to this day. She recalled their many conversations, often over a glass of Thulani’s favourite whisky, in which they discussed politics and human rights, their debates stretching across whole afternoons.

    It was during one such conversation in their living room that he was shot dead in 2023. On Tuesday, Tanele told us that she still vividly remembers the face of his killer, who remains unknown and at large. She vowed that when there is a real investigation into Thulani’s killing — which the Eswatini government has yet to conduct — she will provide a description of the killer and identify them before a court.

    Tanele’s defiance has become the heartbeat of the movement for justice for Thulani. Simphiwe Sidu, the couple’s friend and human rights lawyer, said that, after the killing, we would gather at Tanele’s house to offer solidarity and support. But now it is the opposite: when we gather at their home, it is Tanele and her children, with their unending resolve, who give us the strength to keep fighting for justice.

    His killing was intended to silence a voice that had become too powerful, too fearless. Yet, as Zimbabwean author Panashe Chigumadzi wrote in These Bones Will Rise Again, the struggles of people who resist cannot be buried. Their ideals and spirit rise again, carried forward by those who refuse to forget.

    Not in vain

    Indeed, despite the weight of an absolute monarchy that criminalizes dissent, bans political parties and violently silences critics, Thulani’s ideals — “justice, truth and democracy” — cannot be extinguished, as reflected in the work of activists and his supporters, who will not allow his sacrifice to be in vain.

    Local organizations and activists are calling out for justice, leading a quiet but growing movement. For instance, the Swaziland Massacre Victims and Survivors’ Association works tirelessly to document state violence. Not only does their work provide a platform for accountability and redress, but they ensure that victims of unlawful killings, such as Thulani,  torture and repression are not forgotten.

    Grassroots groups like the Foundation for Socio-Economic Justice empower workers to fight for fair wages in industries dominated by exploitation, while the Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly mobilizes rural women to demand water rights and protection of their land. Meanwhile, Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities fights for the inclusion and protection of LGBTI people in a country where they face intense discrimination, including criminalization.

    Thulani’s spirit lives on in the courage of these Eswatini activists, the boldness of trade unions, the resilience of rural women and the growing calls for accountability online and in the streets.

    “Justice, truth and democracy” — cannot be extinguished.

    A personal fight

    For me, this fight is personal. I am honoured to be a close friend of Tanele and now an uncle to Thulani’s boys, and I carry cherished memories of us cooking together in the Maseko kitchen — meals seasoned with laughter, fierce debates and a shared determination to build strategies for justice and accountability.

    As the Country Campaigner in Amnesty International’s East and Southern Africa office, I lead campaigns in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini. I had the privilege of leading the 500 Days Campaign, marking 500 days since Thulani’s death. Through this campaign, we demanded justice, mobilized global pressure on the Eswatini government, and amplified the voices of those risking everything to speak out.

    More broadly, at Amnesty International we have exposed the crackdown on activists, the misuse of repressive laws and the lack of justice for human rights violations. We have supported independent forensic investigations, provided emergency relief for at-risk activists, campaigned for the release of arbitrarily detained members of parliament, and backed legal challenges against the criminalization of LGBTI people.

    We also continue to pressure the Southern African Development Community to act on its own recommendations to ensure that Thulani’s case and human rights in Eswatini remain central to the pursuit of justice and accountability.

    A legacy to inspire

    After everyone had shared their memories of Thulani, we blew out the candles and packed them away. Although the light had faded, the flame within us had only grown stronger. In the quiet that followed, there was no sense of finality — only the unspoken promise to carry Thulani’s fight forward, to keep his memory alive not just in ritual, but in action.

    A movement for justice and accountability is emboldening — in living rooms, online and in the picket line. People are refusing to forget. They are refusing to let fear prevail. They are rising to ensure that Thulani’s ideals — of a freer, fairer Eswatini — are realized.

    Thulani’s bones will rise again — not as a distant promise but as a living testament to the unyielding fight for justice. For Thulani. For Eswatini. For us all.

    *In 2018, King Mswati III unilaterally changed the name of the country from Swaziland to Eswatini, a decision which Thulani challenged. However, many activists and human rights defenders, including Tanele Maseko, continue to use the name Swaziland.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “I was cut when I was 13. Now I campaign against female genital mutilation in Senegal”

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Fatoumata Diallo, 50, has seven children and earns her living from farming and livestock rearing. In her village near Koussanar, in eastern Senegal, she is known for fighting against female genital mutilation (FGM). A survivor herself and member of an alert committee set up by Amnesty International to combat gender-based violence, she raises awareness about the harm caused by FGM and helps girls at risk of being cut. 

    According to the United Nations Population Fund’s latest figures, 85 per cent of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 in Senegal’s Tambacounda region have undergone some form of FGM. Like Fatoumata, almost 14 per cent of them have undergone the most severe form which consists of sewing shut the labia, leaving a small opening for urination and menstruation. 

    “I have been fighting against FGM for 20 years because I’ve experienced it myself. I was put in a group of 10 to 20 girls, and we were taken by women into the bush to be cut. One of the girls died because she was cut in a savage way. Unfortunately, they couldn’t stop the bleeding. They took her to the health centre on a donkey. But she died on the way. It left an indelible mark on me.

    I was cut when I was around 10. With this type of excision, they cut you and then perform another operation. So, when you go into the bedroom with your husband on your wedding day, they have to cut you again before giving you to your husband. I got married, and this is what happened to me. I felt excruciating pain, and was in a state of shock for several days. I was 13.

    So, I was subjected to both an early marriage and mutilation. That is what led me to join the fight. My husband supports me in everything I do. I have daughters and they have daughters themselves, but they haven’t been cut. I didn’t do it to any member of my family.

    I have saved a lot of young girls, I can’t say how many.

    Fatoumata Diallo

    Koussanar, the city next to my village, is at a crossroads with neighbouring countries. Mali has no law against FGM and Gambia has one but does not apply it. Women travel to these countries to have their babies mutilated. When I hear a baby girl has been born, I go to the family just after the naming ceremony to tell them, ‘I know that there’s a newborn in your home and that it’s a girl, but you must not have her cut because there is a law against that.’ I show them pamphlets on the consequences of excision, explaining what it does to the child. I tell them that if they do it, I will report them. 

    There was a recent case of five girls whose grandmother and mother wanted to take them to another place to have them cut. When I heard about this, I got together with some other women, and we went to talk to the grandmother and mother, without directly broaching the subject of excision. I told them that the girls were in the middle of a school year, they would miss lessons, and it would be detrimental to them. I advised the mother not to take her daughters. I also said, ‘I don’t know what you were going to do, but I will report you, and you know what that will happen’. The mother said that she was not going to do it.

    Fatoumata Diallo (left) with three other members of the alert committee set up by Amnesty International to combat gender-based violence in Tambacounda region, eastern Senegal

    As part of my fight against FGM, I present programmes on FGM and gender-based violence on Koussanar community radio with Amnesty’s alert committee and in collaboration with the commune. For these programmes, I invite religious leaders to talk about excision. Other times, I call in specialists such as midwives to talk about the consequences of excision.

    During the programmes, some listeners call in to say, ‘’It happened to me too’. And even after the programme has finished, women come to my home and say, ‘What you said on the radio is my story.’

    In the long run, I am confident women will abandon this practice.

    Fatoumata Diallo

    During community awareness-raising sessions, I talk about the law [that banned cutting in 1999] and also the health consequences of FGM. We need to keep raising awareness so that the practice of excision decreases even further. It’s a cultural thing, it is deeply rooted, so it’s a long-term battle. In the long run, I am confident women will abandon this practice.

    People are divided about my fight. Everyone knows about my activism. Some are for it, others are against. I sometimes bump into people, both men and women, and say hello but they don’t reply. That doesn’t stop me from continuing my work. I am committed to the fight, so I feel obliged to do this. I have saved a lot of young girls, I can’t say how many. I know that what I’m doing is a good thing.”

    Through a human rights education programme implemented since 2017 in Burkina Faso, Senegal and Sierra Leone, Amnesty International is working to combat gender-based violence (GBV) through education, awareness-raising and advocacy, with a view to changing attitudes and behaviours and helping to reform legislation in these countries.

    Amnesty International Senegal is setting up community alert committees to report cases of GBV, including FGM, to the relevant authorities.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Reducing air pollution could increase methane emissions from wetlands – here’s what needs to be done

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Vincent Gauci, Professorial Fellow, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham

    Sampling in a Pantanal lake, Brazil. Vincent Gauci, CC BY-NC-ND

    What if well-meaning policies that reduce one atmospheric pollutant could also increase natural emissions of powerful greenhouse gases?

    Our findings, just published in the journal Science Advances, advance an earlier discovery of one such unfortunate interaction. This means that we need to work much harder than we thought to stay within the safe climate limits of the Paris agreement.

    The atmospheric pollutant in question is sulphur. Its current and projected decline from clean air policies aimed at reducing acid rain and fine particles, coupled with direct effects of increasing atmospheric CO₂ and warming, will lead to larger natural wetland methane emissions than expected.

    This is because sulphur has a very specific effect in natural wetlands that reduces methane emissions. On the other hand, CO₂ boosts methane production by increasing growth in plants that make the food for methane-producing microbes.

    Put simply, sulphur provides the conditions for one set of bacteria to outmuscle another set of microbes that produce methane over limited available food in wetlands. Under the conditions of acid rain sulphur pollution during the past century, this was enough to reduce wetland methane emissions by up to 8%.

    If we lift this sulphur “lid” on wetland methane production and increase CO₂, we have a double whammy effect that pushes wetland emissions much higher.

    We first discovered this effect in the early 2000s with field experiments that simulated acid rain sulphur pollution in the peatlands of North America, Scotland and Scandinavia. Further similar experiments took place on methane-emitting rice.

    Now, more than 20 years on, we have better modelling approaches that allow us to use improved estimates of the future of sulphur pollution and CO₂ for a range of scenarios. This allows us to link these back to methane emissions.

    A water hyacinth meadow in the Pantanal, Brazil.
    Vincent Gauci, CC BY-NC-ND

    The effect is substantial and we estimate that these different factors, in combination, will mean that policy instruments like the global methane pledge, which addresses anthropogenic emissions of methane, may need to work much harder.

    More than 150 nations signed up to the global methane pledge at the UN climate summit, Cop26, in Glasgow. The pledge seeks to reduce emissions of anthropogenic methane by 30% on a 2020 baseline by 2030.

    If successful, the climate benefit can be substantial (methane is around 30-80 times more potent than CO₂ as a greenhouse gas) and fast-acting. This is because methane only lasts in the atmosphere for around 10 years, leading to a rapid 0.2°C climate dividend by 2050.



    Read more:
    Methane is pitched as a climate villain – could changing how we think about it make it a saviour?

    However, our findings show that between 8% and 15% of the allowable space for these human-made emissions is disappearing. This is due to the climate, CO₂ fertilisation, and sulphur unmasking effects. So, larger cuts are needed to achieve the same Paris climate targets.

    This isn’t the first time that the loss of an apparent broad climate-cooling action of atmospheric sulphur has been implicated in driving warming at a faster rate than anticipated.

    Drainage canal in the Kampar peat swamp forest, Sumatra, Indonesia.
    Vincent Gauci, CC BY-NC-ND

    In 2020, shipping pollution controls were introduced globally to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and fine particles that are harmful to human health. This reduction in atmospheric sulphur over the oceans has been implicated in larger warming effects than expected in what has come to be known as “termination shock”.

    Part of the warming effect of emitted CO₂ is effectively masked by cooling sulphate particles in the atmosphere. If the source of the sulphate is stopped, the remaining sulphur in the atmosphere drops out rapidly, unmasking the warming effect of the CO₂ which lasts over 100 years in the atmosphere. For natural wetlands the unmasking effect on methane emissions can take a little longer, more a “termination rebound” than shock – but it soon catches up.

    Intentional interventions?

    So what can be done? In another paper recently published in Global Change Biology, scientists propose direct intervention in natural wetland methane emissions through adding sulphate to these ecosystems, essentially – and this time deliberately – replacing the sulphate lid on the wetland methane source. This raises questions about what a natural wetland actually is.

    Acacia plantation on former peat swamp forest after harvest, Sumatra, Indonesia.
    Vincent Gauci, CC BY-NC-ND

    What are the environmental ethics of deliberately intervening in this manner for ecosystems that are only just recovering from past incidental pollution effects? In emitting methane, they are, ultimately, just performing their natural function and should be protected for the vast carbon stores they contain and the valuable biodiversity that makes these ecosystems their home.

    So, we need to go back to the framework set up by the global methane pledge which is prompting much innovation to reduce human emissions from fossil fuel industries, waste and agriculture. We need to work harder on emissions first and foremost while also considering technologies to actively remove methane from the atmosphere.

    Atmospheric methane removal technologies are a new and under-investigated approach to managing atmospheric methane and they could be as simple as growing more trees.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Vincent Gauci receives funding from or has received funding from the Natural Environment Research Council, The Royal Society, Spark Climate Solutions, Axa Research Fund, Defra.

    Lu Shen receives funding from National Natural Science Foundation of China.

    – ref. Reducing air pollution could increase methane emissions from wetlands – here’s what needs to be done – https://theconversation.com/reducing-air-pollution-could-increase-methane-emissions-from-wetlands-heres-what-needs-to-be-done-246723

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Media briefing held by Olympic Council of Asia, Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee

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

    Media briefing held by Olympic Council of Asia, Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee

    Updated: February 6, 2025 19:03 Xinhua
    Bai Zhiguo, chief spokesperson of the Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee (HAWGOC) speaks during a media briefing held by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and HAWGOC in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. A media briefing is held by the OCA and HAWGOC here on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Song Luzeng, vice president of Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), speaks during a media briefing held by the OCA and Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee (HAWGOC) in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Sultan Al Busaidi, chair of medical committee of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) speaks during a media briefing held by the OCA and Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee (HAWGOC) in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A reporter asks questions at a media briefing held by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee (HAWGOC) in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Zhou Wei, deputy director of ceremonies & events department and spokesperson of the Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee (HAWGOC), speaks during a media briefing held by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and HAWGOC in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Feb. 6, 2025 shows a media briefing held by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee (HAWGOC) in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Husain Al Musallam, director general of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), speaks during a media briefing held by the OCA and Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee (HAWGOC) in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Feb. 6, 2025 shows a media briefing held by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee (HAWGOC) in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi to attend opening ceremony of 9th Asian Winter Games

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

    BEIJING, Feb. 6 — Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games on Feb. 7 in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Thursday.

    Xi will also host a welcome banquet for foreign leaders attending the opening ceremony, including Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and National Assembly Speaker of the Republic of Korea Woo Won-shik.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Copernicus data reporting that January 2025 was the warmest on record globally

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on data published by Copernicus that shows January 2025 was the warmest on record globally.

    Dr Joel Hirschi, Associate Head of Marine Systems Modelling, UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC), said:

    “One should not infer too much out of one month temperature data, as temperature anomalies can vary a lot.  The global temperatures for 2024 and now early 2025 have been tracking the record temperatures we saw in 2023 (and 2024) quite closely.  The last few months of 2024 were slightly cooler than in 2023 and January 2025 is now just warmer than January 2024.

    “Despite La Niña conditions having developed in the tropical Pacific, global temperatures remain very high.  This pattern is similar to what we observed after the El Niño events of 2015/16 and 2019/20 when global temperatures remained close to record warm levels even after the onset of La Niña conditions.

    “Global sea surface temperatures are a bit lower than in 2024 and will likely remain lower as we move further into 2025.”

    Prof Richard Allan, Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading, said:

    “Human caused warming of the ocean is accelerating and this is dominating to an ever greater extent over the natural year to year fluctuations in climate.  Although the swing from moderate El Niño to a weak La Niña during 2024 had a small cooling effect on the surface of the ocean, heat continues to flood into the climate system as atmospheric greenhouse gases continue to rise and the reflective haze of aerosol particle pollution diminishes in some regions following clean air regulation.  Aside from a cooler than average equatorial band in the eastern Pacific due to the weak La Niña conditions, much of the rest of the global sea surface remains remarkably warm in early 2025, primarily a result of human-caused warming of climate.

    “Changing weather patterns from week to week can rapidly alter temperatures over continental regions, which warm up and cool down more quickly than the oceans.  Based upon the most up to date, state of the art Copernicus data, large areas of Europe, Canada and Siberia experienced less cold weather than is normal for January but parts of South America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica also experienced above average temperatures which contributed along with the balmy oceans to the unexpected record global temperatures at the beginning of 2025.  As industrial activity continues to spew greenhouse gases into the air, this growing heating effect is tipping the balance toward record warmth and worsening hot, dry and wet extremes.”

    Prof Bill McGuire, Emeritus Professor of Geophysical & Climate Hazards, UCL, said:

    “The fact that the latest robust Copernicus data reveals the January just gone was the hottest on record – despite an emerging La Nina, which typically has a cooling effect – is both astonishing and, frankly terrifying.  Having crashed through the 1.5C limit in 2024, the climate is showing no signs of wanting to dip under it again, reflected by the fact that this is the 18th of the last 19 months to see the global temperature rise since pre-industrial times top 1.5C.  On the basis of the Valencia floods and apocalyptic LA wildfires, I don’t think there can be any doubt that dangerous, all-pervasive, climate breakdown has arrived.  Yet emissions continue to rise, while fossil fuel corporations seek to expand operations. Grim doesn’t even begin to describe our prospects.”

    Dr Friederike Otto, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Environmental Policy and co-lead of World Weather Attribution, Imperial College London, said: 

    “This January is the hottest on record because countries are still burning huge amounts of oil, gas and coal.

    “Sure, El Niño and La Niña add or take off a tiny bit of warming, but the reason we’ve broken another record is the continued burning of fossil fuels.

    “The LA wildfires were a stark reminder that we have already reached an incredibly dangerous level of warming.  We’ll see many more unprecedented extreme weather events in 2025.

    “If politicians really care about people’s lives and their children’s futures, transitioning away from fossil fuels would need to be top of their agenda, to make the world safer and fairer.

    “This data shows very clearly what hundreds of other high-quality analyses have shown in recent decades – more burning of fossil fuels leads to more emissions that lead to more warming.”

    Declared interests

    Dr Joel Hirschi: “No conflicts of interest.”

    Prof Richard Allan: “No conflicting interests.”

    Dr Friederike Otto: “No DOIs.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cross River Partnership supports council’s plans with low-emission micro logistics hub | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Cross River Partnership (CRP), is proud to announce its continued commitment to delivering sustainable logistics solutions by supporting the development of a low-emission micro logistics hub in the City of Westminster.

    A micro logistics hub is a small site that couriers use for their day-to-day deliveries to receive, sort and then send deliveries to their final destinations by cargo bikes or walking porters. By enabling consolidation of deliveries, micro logistics hubs can reduce the number of polluting vehicle trips and congestion, thereby improving local air quality.

    The proposed micro logistics hub will optimise last-mile deliveries through innovative consolidation practices and the promotion of zero-tailpipe emission transport modes such as e-cargo bikes. With a supported 6-month trial for a low-emission courier in Westminster, this initiative delivered by CRP will enable significant reductions in carbon emissions, support sustainable freight, and help local businesses. The project will also create new green jobs, providing vital economic opportunities.

    CRP will monitor the hub’s impact throughout its implementation and operation. The project will measure reductions in freight vehicle numbers, delivery vehicle miles, and emissions exposure. At an estimated value-for-money rate of £39.75 per kilogram of CO2 saved, the project demonstrates the cost-effective nature of the initiative.

    This micro logistics hub aligns with Westminster City Council’s strategies, including the draft Sustainable Transport Strategy, the Freight, Servicing and Deliveries Strategy and Action Plan, and the Zero Carbon City 2040 Action Plan. The project also supports the city’s broader vision for fairer communities, healthier streets, and a decarbonised urban transport network by 2040.

    Building on previous successful CRP micro logistics hub trials in Pimlico and Wandsworth, this hub will continue to explore new approaches to logistics in underutilised spaces, enhancing Westminster’s capacity for green growth. CRP will work closely with the central London local authority, local businesses, couriers, and community stakeholders to ensure the hub’s long-term viability and operational success.

    This low-emission micro logistics hub trial is made possible by the council’s Carbon Offset Fund, which supports projects designed to reduce carbon emissions across the city.

    The fund is open to a wide range of applicants, including community groups, charities, public sector bodies, and businesses. Through this, the council is hoping to empower local initiatives to take meaningful action on climate change, contributing to Westminster’s goal of becoming a net-zero city.

    Councillor Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology and Culture at Westminster City Council, said:

    Reducing emissions and improving air quality are top priorities for Westminster in achieving our aim of making the city net zero by 2040. The new hub will play a vital role in supporting more efficient low-emission deliveries across the city helping to reduce pollution create new green jobs and support local businesses, contributing to a fairer and more sustainable Westminster.

    We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Cross River Partnership on this important project.”

    Isidora Rivera Vollmer, Project Manager, Cross River Partnership, said:

    We are excited to collaborate with Westminster City Council on the next steps of this project, advancing sustainable freight solutions and supporting the delivery of a greener, safer, and more equitable city.

    At CRP, we blend strategic innovation with a strong collaborative approach to sustainability, ensuring that initiatives like this micro logistics hub not only drive environmental improvements but also enhance the health, economy, and resilience of local communities.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two fly-tippers prosecuted by St Albans City and District Council

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Two fly-tippers were prosecuted last month by St Albans City and District Council and ordered to pay a total of more than £2,000 in fines and costs.

    Charlie Bradford, of, Monks Close, St Albans, admitted transporting waste without a licence and illegally dumping it in Woodcock Hill.

    He left a trail of multiple fly-tips of house clearance waste along a four-mile stretch of the quiet rural road between Sandridge and Coopers Green Lane.

    The Council’s Environmental Enforcement team were alerted to the offence by residents and an investigation showed the waste was linked to a property in Borehamwood.

    Further enquiries led to Bradford being interviewed under caution and he admitted dumping the rubbish late at night from a moving van that he had borrowed.

    He admitted the two offences at a hearing at St Albans Magistrates Court on Wednesday 15 January.

    Magistrates ordered him to pay £1,924 in legal costs incurred by the Council as well as a victim surcharge of £114.

    He was also served with a 12-month community order including the requirement to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

    In the other case, the Environmental Enforcement team were alerted to a fly-tip of furniture and household waste in Cherry Tree Lane, near Redbourn.

    An examination of the material found letters addressed to Leanne Reid, of Leven Way, Hemel Hempstead, who was interviewed under caution.

    She was advised that she had failed in her legal duties to check whether the person she had hired to dispose of the waste had a licence and to obtain a receipt.

    The Council issued her with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fine under the Environmental Protection Act. The waste carrier was also traced and issued with an FPN which they paid.

    However, after Reid failed to pay her fine, court proceedings were started and she admitted the duty of care fly-tipping offence at St Albans Magistrates Court on Wednesday 29 January.

    Magistrates gave her a six-month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay £100 towards the Council’s costs and a victim surcharge of £26.

    Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Lead for Waste and Recycling, said after the hearings:

    Fly-tipping is an antisocial and inexcusable offence and these prosecutions show we are determined to act against offenders.

    Fly-tips are not only unsightly, but they are also a potential health hazard and it costs public agencies like ourselves, farmers and landowners significant sums of money to clear up.

    Much fly-tipping, as in these cases, is done on isolated country roads, late at night when there are no eyewitnesses around.

    It can be very difficult to trace offenders, so our enforcement team deserve high praise for the way they have tracked down these culprits.

    There is also a warning here for people who are clearing a house or a commercial property – they must ensure the firm or person they hire to do so has a proper waste carrier’s licence and they must obtain a receipt. You leave yourself open to a potential fly-tipping offence if you don’t do that.

    Photos: top, the Cherry Tree Lane fly-tip; bottom, the Woodcock Hill fly-tips.

    Media contact:  John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727- 819533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Harris Your Place Project Enters Final Fit-Out Phase with Building Handover from Conlon Construction

    Source: City of Preston

    The magnificent Grade I Listed building is poised to reopen in 2025, offering a diverse array of events and activities.

    The final phase of Harris Your Place, a £16 million initiative aimed at restoring and reimagining The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library has begun, marking a significant milestone for the project and setting the stage for a 2025 reopening.

    After leading major structural works since August 2022, Conlon Construction now pass the baton to a newly appointed fit-out contractor, The Hub Consulting Limited, who will lead the fit-out team and deliver Ralph Applebaum Associates’ design scheme. This final phase will see the refurbishment of 18 galleries, accessibility enhancements, a new café, shop and event space as well as custom-made exhibition displays that blend collections, library and community spaces seamlessly together.

    Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter:

    “This handover is a momentous step in the Harris Your Place journey. We are thrilled to welcome the fit-out contractor who will shape our vision into reality, transforming the Harris into a vibrant, 21st-century hub for learning, creativity, and community engagement.

    This milestone reflects the tireless efforts of all involved, from the meticulous decant of over 250,000 objects to the structural improvements completed by Conlon Construction.”

    Harry Coughlin, Director of The Hub Consulting Limited, said:

    “We are thrilled to take this next step in the Harris Your Place transformation. Our enthusiastic team is excited to collaborate with project partners to take on the role of Principal Contractor to manage and coordinate the delivery and installation of the new exhibitions.

    This pivotal phase brings together a talented group of museum specialists to create 18 inspiring galleries that foster learning and creativity, becoming a cherished destination for the local community while showcasing the museum’s extensive collection.

    Throughout the project, we will work hand in hand with the community to enhance their pride and involvement in the Harris, offering behind-the-scenes tours and work opportunities to ensure the project leaves a lasting impact on Preston. We can’t wait to share more with the public as the project progresses!”

    Michael Conlon, Chairman of Conlon Construction, reflected on the project’s impact:

    “As a Preston-based company, it has been an honour for Conlon Construction to play our part in the ‘Harris Your Place’ project. We believe we have prepared our city’s most iconic landmark for the next chapter in its remarkable history. It’s great to be handing over our completed project for its final fit-out before a much-anticipated re-opening. This is a testament to the commitment and perseverance of our entire team through this project’s many and varied challenges. This included a late and unexpected requirement for our client to replace the original fit-out contractor.

    One key success of the project has been our ability to massively surpass the Council’s social value expectations. 88 per cent of our suppliers were within a 30-mile radius of Preston, receiving £10.1 million of the project’s over £11 million funding. This meant a huge portion of the Council’s total investment in the project was re-injected back into the local economy. Additionally, we managed to provide 150 weeks of apprentice training during the project. In doing so we supported many local young people to build essential skills and experience in construction and renovation.

    I believe the outcome for the Harris is a revitalised structure which enhances its rich historical legacy. The result will be many more years of The Harris enriching the lives of both local people and visitors to the city.”

    Lancashire County Council has contributed £1.375m towards the project and leases 40% of the building to house the largest library in its library services.

    County Councillor Peter Buckley, Cabinet Member for Community and Cultural Services at Lancashire County Council, said:

    “This is a key moment in realising the ambitious redevelopment of The Harris, which will ensure that this iconic landmark remains the civic focal point for Preston.

    We remain committed to the project and to bridging the building up to modern standards while preserving its heritage, demonstrated by the significant contributions we’ve made.

    Through our collaborative efforts we are now starting to this project come to fruition and I’m excited for people to enjoy the new library and see everything else The Harris will have to offer.

    I’d also like to say thank you to all our library users and staff for continuing to use and run our library service at the Guild Hall while this important work is carried out.”

    Harris Your Place aims to enhance accessibility, community engagement, and visitor experience, with an expected increase of 100,000 annual visitors on top of the existing 350,000. As a dynamic cultural space, the project will enrich Preston and Lancashire, blending the past and future in a space designed to inspire generations to come.

    For more information on the Harris Your Place project, visit The Harris.

    You can also follow The Harris on Facebook – The Harris, Instagram – The Harris, and X – The Harris.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Armagh job fair highlights local employment opportunities

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    (L-R) Rosario Nugent and Sara Turley (Jobs and Benefits); Councillor Sarah Duffy (Lord Mayor); Paul Greenfield (Economic Development and Regeneration Committee Chair, ABC Council); Laura Skelton (Economic Development, ABC Council).

    Over 120 job seekers turned out at last week’s job fair at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh to meet local employers and potentially apply for job positions on offer.

    The event was organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Labour Market Partnership, in collaboration with the local Jobs and Benefits Office.

    Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

    Job seekers had the opportunity to engage directly with potential employers including Mackle Pet Foods, McElmeel Mobility Services, Autism Initiatives, McKeevers Chemists, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Translink and the PSNI. A range of training and support programme providers were also on hand to advise on schemes to help people get into employment, upskill or reskill for a new career path.

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy commented:

    “These local job fairs are a platform for employers, training and support services and job seekers to connect and explore employment and training opportunities. It was a pleasure to meet the exhibitors and job seekers to hear more about the opportunities and challenges they face. Council events such as this are incredibly important in bridging gaps in skills or learning within our local economy.”

    The next job fair will take place in Lurgan Town Hall on Tuesday 25 February 2025 from 10am – 1pm.

    To find out more about the Labour Market Partnership visit https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/business/labour-market-partnership/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £5,000 of illegal vapes and tobacco sniffed out and seized

    Source: City of York

    Published Thursday, 6 February 2025

    Council and police officers visited a business in Clifton, York last week, where nearly £5,000 of noncompliant vapes and illicit tobacco was found and seized.

    The illegal items found and taken have an estimated retail value of £4,941.25:

    • 177 noncompliant vapes with a retail value of £2,124
    • 2,250 counterfeit and illicit cigarettes valued at £731
    • 1,450g of counterfeit and illicit hand rolling tobacco valued at £2,086.

    These products will be investigated and appropriate legal action taken. The officers had the help of a sniffer dog, a spaniel called Mostyn.

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member with portfolio for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

    Tobacco kills hundreds of people in York every year, and the illicit market in tobacco and vapes makes harmful products cheaper and more easily available, especially to those below the legal age limit.  

    “Illicit vapes are becoming much more prevalent and are partly responsible for the rise in young people vaping – our public health advice is that while we support e-cigarettes as effective quit aids for adults to stop smoking, people who don’t smoke shouldn’t vape.

    “This is why it is so important that you report concerns. Information from members of the public, investigation, and action by Council and police officers is essential to protect public health and enforce proper regulations.”

    Sergeant Stuart Henderson of North Yorkshire Police, said:

    This is the result of joint working with our Trading Standards colleagues at City of York Council. It is the second successful operation that we have conducted with Trading Standards in Clifton as part of our Clear, Hold Build initiative.

    “The work shows we will work with all our law enforcement partners to disrupt and deter criminality and to make Clifton and the City of York no place for criminals.”

    How to spot an illegal vape:

    Check the packaging for the following tell-tale signs that a disposable vape may be illegal:

    • The health warning should have these exact words: ‘This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance’ and should cover 1/3rd of the front and rear of the packaging
    • A ‘puff count’ of over 600 – illegal vapes may have higher puff counts
    • A pod or refill should be no larger than 10ml
    • A tank should have no more than 2ml, or multiple 2ml ‘pods’.
    • A nicotine content above 2 per cent (or 20mg/ml)
    • No UK address for an importer/manufacturer.

    Anyone concerned about unregulated vapes or tobacco being sold can contact:

    • City of York Council’s Trading Standards team on 08082 231133 or email: public.protection@york.gov.uk
    • Or, call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information to the Force Control Room.
    • If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    For support to stop smoking, please visit www.york.gov.uk/CYCHealthTrainers or email cychealthtrainers@york.gov.uk for an appointment.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has approved the parameters for writing off the regions’ debt on budget loans

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The work is being carried out on the instructions of the President.

    Document

    Resolution of February 1, 2025 No. 79

    Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a resolution approving the rules for writing off regions’ debt on budget loans and a list of areas for spending the released funds.

    According to the document, regions are exempted from paying off two-thirds of the debt on budget loans that has accumulated as of March 1, 2024. To do this, regional leaders must submit a corresponding application to the Ministry of Finance by March 1, 2025, indicating the planned activities at the expense of funds released from write-offs.

    The region should invest at least half of these funds in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the housing and utilities sector. The rest can be used to relocate citizens from dilapidated housing, upgrade public transport, develop key settlements, implement new investment projects, compensate for lost income from the use of investment tax deductions, support companies managing territories with preferential tax regimes, and recapitalize industrial development funds, guarantee and microfinance organizations.

    Regions with low budgetary provision are allowed to use the released funds for activities within the framework of the implementation of new national projects and for expenses related to the special military operation. Subjects included in the Far Eastern Federal District and the Arctic zone can use the released funds for the implementation of activities within the framework of master plans of cities located in these territories.

    The resolution was prepared to implement the instructions of the President, which he gave in 2024 following the results of the Address to the Federal Assembly and following the meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects and the State Council commissions on socio-economic development.

    Speaking about the decision taken onGovernment meeting on February 6, Mikhail Mishustin noted that the formation of modern infrastructure is one of the basic conditions for further economic growth. “The efforts of the federal government and local leaders are aimed at this,” the head of the cabinet emphasized.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Status of projects under PM-DevINE scheme

    Source: Government of India (2)

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

    Since the inception of PM-DevINE in October 2022, a total of 36 projects worth Rs. 4927.22 crore have been sanctioned up to 31.01.2025. Of these, two projects worth Rs.121.21 crore have already been completed. Status of the projects sanctioned under PM-DevINE is at Annexure.

    Projects sanctioned under PM-DevINE include those relating to education, health, tourism, connectivity and livelihood, which directly or indirectly improve basic minimum services to the people.

    ****

    Annexure

     “STATUS OF PROJECTS UNDER PMDEVINE SCHEME”

    As on 31.01.2025

    S.No.

    Name of the project

    State Govt./Agency

    Status

    1

    Gap funding for Passenger Ropeway System from Pelling to Sanga-Choeling in West Sikkim – at the cost of Rs. 63.39 Crore (58%) of total cost of Rs.108.39 Crore

    Sikkim

    Work completed

    2

    Gap funding for Eco-friendly Passenger Ropeway (Cable Car) from Dhapper to Bhaleydhunga in South Sikkim – at the cost of Rs. 57.82 Crore (28%) of total cost of Rs. 209.57 Crore

    Sikkim

    Work completed

    3

    Pilot project for the construction of Bamboo Link Roads at different locations in various districts in the State of Mizoram –  (i) Tuirial Airfield to North Chaltlang (18 km) at a cost of Rs. 33.58 Crore; and (ii) Lengpui to Saiphal Bamboo Plantation (41 km) at a cost of Rs. 66.42 crore

    Mizoram

    Work awarded

    4

    NECTAR Livelihood Improvement Project (Multi-State) – Utilization of Banana Pseudo Stem for Value-Added Products

    NECTAR

    Work awarded

    5

    Promoting Scientific Organic Agriculture in North-East India (Multi-State)

    NECTAR

    Work awarded

    6

    Livelihood projects relating to Special Development of Eastern Nagaland – (22 Nos.)

    Nagaland

    Work awarded

    7

    Transformation of 20 schools as Centre of Excellence in the Kamrup District

    Assam

    Work awarded

    8

    Establishment of Dedicated Services for the Management of Paediatric and Adult Haematolymphoid Cancers in North East India, Guwahati

    BBCI Guwahati

    Work awarded

    9

    Establishment of Solar Micro Grid for supply of reliable power to Remote Habitations in Tripura by Department of Power, Government of Tripura

    Tripura

    Work awarded

    10

    Development of Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor at Guwahati, Assam

    Assam

    Work awarded

    11

    Construction of Medical College (100 Admissions) at Sivasagar District, Assam

    Assam

    Work awarded

    12

    Construction of IT Park at Tura, West Garo Hills District

    Meghalaya

    Work awarded

    13

    Development of Infrastructure for Manipur Technical University (MTU), Imphal West District

    Manipur

    Work awarded

    14

    Establishment of 200 bedded MCH (Maternal & Child Health) wing at AGMC & GBP Hospital

    Tripura

    Work awarded

    15

    Setting up of Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for drug addicted.

    Tripura

    Work awarded

    16

    Upgradation/widening of existing 2 lane road to 4 lane road connecting LGB International Airport – From VIP junction to Dharapur Junction, including (i) 4 lane grade separated junction at Dharapur (ii) 2 lane excess road from SOS junction to existing terminal building and (iii) 2 lane temporary exit from existing terminal building. (PWD)

    Assam

    Work awarded

    17

    Establishment of Dental College at Agartala

    Tripura

    Work awarded

    18

    Construction of new four-lane road and conversion of existing two-lane road into four-lane with cycling tracks, utility ducts, footpaths, etc. at New Shillong Township

    Meghalaya

    Work awarded

    19

    Development of Infrastructure of the Processing Zone of Manipur IT SEZ at Mantripukhri, Imphal

    Manipur

    Work awarded

    20

    Construction and Equipping of 60 Bedded State Mental Hospital in Manipur

    Manipur

    Work awarded

    21

    Construction of Aizawl By-pass road on Western Side

    Mizoram

    Work awarded

    22

    Proposal to set up a Digital Design and 3D Printing Center of Excellence in the Electronic Mfg. Cluster (EMC) in collaboration with other Govt Agencies at Tech City, Guwahati

    AMTRON

    Work awarded

    23

    Construction of 220/132 kV (2×100 MVA) & 132/33 kV (2×50 MVA) Sub-station at Tsitrongse-Dimapur with associated lines

    Nagaland

    Work awarded

    24

    Skywalk Project at Bhaleydhunga, Yangang in South Sikkim

    Sikkim

    Work awarded

    25

    Conversion of Singshore Bridge as a glass skywalk bridge for tourist attraction in West Sikkim

    Sikkim

    Work awarded

    26

    Establishment of State Cancer Institute at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Work awarded

    27

    Infrastructure Development for Dhanamanjuri University (DMU)

    Manipur

    Work awarded

    28

    Educational Infrastructure/facility  Development in Polytechnics

    Nagaland

    Work awarded

    29

    Upgradation of the Radiation Oncology Centre at CIHSR

    Nagaland

    Work awarded

    30

    Establishment of a Skill Development Centre at Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati, Assam

    BBCI Guwahati

    Work awarded

    31

    Establishment of an Artist’s Village for promotion of world’s most unique Pottery Art form Longpi Black Pottery of Manipur

    NEHHDC

    Work awarded

    32

    Infrastructure development for Manipur University of Culture at Wakha, Imphal East.

    Manipur

    Work not awarded

    33

    Development of Skywalk and Tourist hub at Mawkdok, Sohra

    Meghalaya

    Work not awarded

    34

    Providing super speciality and assured specialty health care in remote and hill districts (Infrastructure & Equipment) in Manipur

    Manipur                                

    Work not awarded

    35

    Gap funding for the Medical College at  Sichey, East Sikkim for Annual Intake of 100 Students

    Sikkim

    Work awarded

    36

    Gap funding for Passenger Ropeway for at Shillong Peak Ropeway project, Shillong, Meghalaya

    Meghalaya

    Work not awarded

     

    AMTRON: Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd.

    BBCI: Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute.

    NECTAR: North East Centre for Technology Application & Reach

    NEHHDC: North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited

    This information was given by the Minister of State, for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRAI releases recommendations on ‘Revision of National Numbering Plan’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today issued recommendations on ‘Revision of National Numbering Plan’.

      Telecommunication Identifiers (TIs)/ Numbering resources are used to uniquely identify a telecom user, service, network elements, equipment, or an authorised entity. In today’s interconnected digital landscape, where billions of devices and users are required to be addressed, sufficient availability and efficient utilisation of numbering resources (TIs) are essential for ensuring universal accessibility and reliable delivery of telecommunication services to consumers, businesses, and industries.

    TRAI had received a reference letter No. 16-16/2022-AS-III/123/233 dated 29.9.2022 from DoT seeking recommendations to address constraints related to the availability of adequate fixed line numbering resources arising out of rapid growth and the revised National Numbering Plan. DoT had also requested examination and recommendations on the aspects related to the Fixed-line numbering Scheme, level ‘1’ short-codes numbering resources, Service Control Point (SCP) codes, National Signalling Point (SP) Codes for signalling, Mobile Country Code-Mobile Network Code (MCC-MNC) for Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN), M2M numbering resources, Intelligent Network Services, and Number Portability Codes (Location Routing Number).

     Accordingly, TRAI issued a Consultation Paper on ‘Revision of National Numbering Plan’ on 06thJune 2024.The comments and counter-comments received from various stakeholders are available on the TRAI website. In this regard, an Open House Discussion (OHD) was held on 08th October 2024 through video conference.

     Based on the comments/ inputs received from the stakeholders during the consultation process, discussions held during OHD, and further analysis of the issues, the Authority has finalised Recommendations on ‘Revision of National Numbering Plan’.

      The salient features of the recommendations are as follows: –

    1. Charges on numbering resources – 
    1. No additional charge or financial disincentive on numbering resources has been recommended at this stage.

     

    1. DoT to monitor the annual usage of numbering resources allocated to TSPs and if required, may withdraw unutilized numbering resources.

     

    1. To addressnumbering resource constraints in Fixed-line Services –

     

    1. Migrate from Short Distance Charging Area (SDCA)(mostly Taluka/Tehsil) to License Service Area (LSA)based 10-digit closed numbering scheme for fixed-line services to unlock numbering resources currently restricted to SDCA level.
    2. Dial all fixed-line to fixed-line calls using a prefix of ‘0’, followed by the STD code and the subscriber number.
    3. The dialling pattern for fixed-to-mobile, mobile-to-fixed, and mobile-to-mobile calls will remain unchanged.
    4. Existing subscriber numbers remain unchanged.
    5. Six months to implement the new numbering scheme.
    6. Post implementation of the LSA-based 10-digit closed numbering scheme, a 10-digit fixed-line numbering scheme using a Fixed-line Location Routing Number (FLRN) code should be adoptedwithin a maximum period of five years, resulting in nationwide availability of LSA-based numbering resources. This would facilitate implementing fixed-line number portability (as is presently available in the Mobile network) in the near future.
    1. Inhibit UCC (Unsolicited Commercial Communication), Spam calls and CLI spoofing

     

    1. DoT to implement TRAI recommendations on ‘Introduction of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Service in Indian Telecommunication Network’ dated 23.02.2024 at the earliest including expeditious implementation of CNAP supplementary services for all SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and PRI (Primary Rate Interface) Calls terminating on mobile networks.
    2. To stop CLI (Call Line Identification) spoofing and tampering, the CLI Authentication framework and Distributed Certification Authority framework should be implemented in accordance with ITU recommendations Q.3057 and Q.3062, respectively.

     

    1. Timeline for deactivation of numbering resources for mobile and Fixedline connections –

     

    1. No mobile or fixed-line connections shall be deactivated by the TSPs until 90 days of the non-usage period expires.
    1. All mobile and fixed-line connections that remain inactive due to non-usage shall be mandatorily deactivated by the TSPs after 365 days post-expiration of 90 days of the non-usage period.
    1. Numbering resources for Mobile and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) –

     

    1. 13-digit M2M numbering resources sufficient enough to meet both current and future demands.
    1. DoT to expeditiously implement the accepted TRAI recommendation stating that all the SIM-based M2M connections using 10-digit mobile numbering series should be shifted to the 13-digit M2M communication.
    1. Other numbering resources –Level-1 shortcodes–
    1. To be allocated free of charge and to Government entities only.
    1. Conduct annual utilisation audit of shortcodes. Inactive shortcodes be withdrawn on merit, in consultation with the user entities.

                The recommendations have been placed on TRAI’s website www.trai.gov.in.

                For any clarification/information Shri Abdul Kayum, Advisor (Broadband and Policy Analysis), TRAI may be contacted at Tel. No. +91-11-20907757.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Space Sector Reforms have unlocked India’s Commercial Potential in Space,” says Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    “Space Sector Reforms have unlocked India’s Commercial Potential in Space,” says Minister of State for Space Dr. Jitendra Singh

    New Space India Limited (NSIL) to Launch GSAT-N3 in Q1 2026 for Indian Government’s S-Band Communication Needs with N1 being already operational and N2 in orbit testing

    NSIL to Launch India’s First Fully Industry-Made PSLV in Q2 2025

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 4:09PM by PIB Delhi

     “Space sector reforms have unlocked India’s Commercial Potential in Space,” says Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions while answering an unstarred question in Rajya Sabha, today.

    NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) under Department of Space and the commercial arm of ISRO incorporated during March 2019, is responsible for carrying out end-to-end commercial space business on a demand driven approach and has the mandate to enhance the participation of Indian Industries in space related activities.

    The  achievements of the NSIL are as follows:

    • NSIL undertook its 1st Demand Driven Communication satellite mission named GSAT-N1 [GSAT-24] for meeting Direct-To-Home (DTH) needs. The satellite was successfully launched on 23rd June 2022, and it has commenced its operational services.
    • NSIL undertook its 2nd Demand Driven Communication satellite mission, GSAT-N2 [GSAT-20], for meeting Broadband service needs. The satellite was successfully launched on 19th November 2024 and the satellite is presently undergoing in-orbit testing and commissioning operations.
    • As on date, NSIL has successfully launched of 124 International and 3 Indian customer satellites on-board PSLV, LVM3 and SSLV.
    • NSIL is currently owning/ operating 15 in-orbit communication satellites and providing space-based services to various Indian users for meeting their DTH, VSAT, TV, DSNG, IFMC, Broadband and other applications need.
    • NSIL has been disseminating Earth Observation satellite data to global customers since May 2023.
    • As part of Mission Support services, NSIL has provided Eleven (11) Launch Vehicle Tracking Supports and Nine (9) Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and Telemetry Tracking and Command (TTC) supports to Indian and International Customers including one Deep Space Mission Support.
    • Towards transfer of ISRO developed Technologies to Indian Industry, NSIL has signed 75 Technology Transfer Agreements.
    • NSIL is closely working with Indian and global customers to build Communication and Earth Observation Satellites for meeting their service needs.
    • NSIL is a profit-making company. NSIL’s revenue since inception is indicated below:

                                                                                                                                (Rs. in crores)

    Particulars

    FY

    2019-20

    FY

    2020-21

    FY

    2021-22

    FY

    2022-23

    FY

    2023-24

    Revenue from Operations

    314.52

    513.31

    1674.77

    2842.26

    2116.12

    Other Income

    7.25

    12.40

    57.08

    98.16

    279.08

    Total Revenue

    321.77

    525.71

    1731.84

    2940.42

    2395.20

    Total Expenditure

    253.20

    312.87

    1272.69

    2324.07

    1591.60

    Profit before Tax

    68.57

    212.84

    459.15

    616.35

    803.59

     

    Dr. Singh Informed that NSIL will be undertaking its 3rd Demand Driven Communication Satellite Mission, GSAT-N3, for meeting S-Band communication needs of Indian Governmental users. GSAT-N3 satellite is proposed to be launched during Q1 of 2026.

    NSIL signed contract with M/s HAL [Lead Partner of M/s HAL and L&T consortia] for End-to-End production of 5 Nos. of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The 1st fully Indian Industry manufactured PSLV is envisaged to be launched during Q2 of 2025.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh shared that in the coming years, NSIL would strive to further expand its commercial space business in all domains including in the area of building satellites and launch vehicles; providing launch services; establishing ground segment; providing space-based services using communication and earth observation satellites; mission support services and transfer of ISRO developed technologies to Indian industries. Some of the major business projects that NSIL is envisaging is building several communication satellites on demand driven model, exploring strategies to realise LVM3 rockets through Indian Industry under PPP mode of partnership to commercially exploit the emerging global launch service market, enabling private Indian industries in building several earth observation satellites etc.

    Lauding the Space Sector Reforms announced by the Government during June 2020, as part of “Unlocking India’s potential in Space Sector”, Dr. Singh said, “It has enabled NSIL to undertake missions in a Demand Driven Model for effective commercial exploitation. In addition, efforts of NSIL to build operational launch vehicles of ISRO viz., PSLV, LVM3 and SSLV through Indian Industry would further boost the Indian Industrial sector to grow to the level wherein Indian industry could End-to-End manufacture rockets. The Minister of State for Space, further stated that efforts of NSIL to transfer ISRO developed technologies to Private players would help in enriching the Space ecosystem in the country and raise India’s share in the commercial Global Space Market.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Awareness campaign organized under ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ at Government Girls Hostel, Betul, Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 4:11PM by PIB Delhi

    On completion of 10 years of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign, an awareness campaign was organized at Government Girls Hostel in Betul, Madhya Pradesh.

     

     

    During this campaign, girls were given information on POCSO Act, Child Helpline (1098), One Stop Center services and menstrual hygiene management.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh highlights steps taken by Government to Boost Women’s Participation in STEM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 3:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing the ‘Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)’ scheme to promote women’s participation in STEM fields while replying to an unstarred question in Rajya Sabha Today.

    According to the written reply, the Minister enlisted various steps taken by government in detail-

    Fellowship Programmes to Support Women in Research

    • WISE-PhD Fellowship: Supports women in pursuing research in basic and applied sciences.
    • WISE-Post Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF) & WISE-SCOPE: Encourages women to pursue postdoctoral research.
    • WIDUSHI Programme: Helps senior women scientists, including retired and unemployed professionals, continue their research careers.

    WISE-IPR: Training Women in Intellectual Property Rights

    The WISE Internship in IPR (WISE-IPR) offers a one-year on-the-job training in Intellectual Property Rights for women.

    Vigyan Jyoti: Inspiring Young Girls to Join STEM

    The Vigyan Jyoti programme mentors’ meritorious girls in Class IX-XII, encouraging them to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields where female participation is low.

    BioCARe Fellowship: Empowering Women in Biotechnology

    The BioCARe Fellowship by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) supports women scientists in biotechnology and allied fields, helping them establish a strong research career.

    NIDHI: Supporting Women-Led Startups in Technology

    The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) provides women entrepreneurs with:

    • Capacity building, incubation facilities, mentorship, and early-stage funding.
    • NIDHI-Seed Support Program (NIDHI-SSP): Early-stage seed funding for startups, including women-led ventures.

    Technology Business Incubators in Women’s Universities

    DST has established Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in:

    • Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW), Delhi
    • Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV), Tirupati
      Additionally, an Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (iTBI) has been set up at Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi, focusing on gender, caste, and geographical inclusivity in entrepreneurship.

    GATI: Driving Gender Equality in Research Institutions

    The Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) programme under WISE-KIRAN promotes gender-sensitive policies in research institutions to increase women’s representation in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).

    Women Scientist Scheme (WOS): Reviving Careers and Driving Research

    • WOS-A: Supports women returning to research in basic and applied sciences.
    • WOS-B: Enables women scientists to provide S&T solutions to societal challenges.
    • WOS-C: Trains women in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), with 523 women supported in the last 10 years, of whom 40% are now registered Patent Agents.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that 2076 women scientists have benefited under WOS-A, with 40% completing PhDs and publishing 5000+ research papers.

    “These initiatives collectively empower women to excel in STEM fields, research, and entrepreneurship, creating a more inclusive scientific ecosystem in India”, says Dr. Singh

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterates government’s commitment to “Zero Tolerance Against Corruption” and highlights various steps taken to curb it

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterates government’s commitment to “Zero Tolerance Against Corruption” and highlights various steps taken to curb it

    The amendment to Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in the year 2018 criminalizes the act of giving bribe creates a liability not just on bribe taker but also on bribe giver highlights Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 3:42PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singhreiterates government’s commitment to “Zero Tolerance Against Corruption” and highlights various steps taken to curb it while answering to an unstarred question in Rajya Sabha, today.

    The Minister of State for DoPT, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the steps undertaken by the government as mentioned below-

    i. Systemic improvements and reforms to provide transparent citizen-friendly services and reduce corruption. These, inter alia, include: a) Disbursement of welfare benefits directly to the citizens under various schemes of the Government in a transparent manner through the Direct Benefit Transfer initiative. b) Implementation of E-tendering in public procurements. c) Introduction of e-Governance and simplification of procedure and systems. d) Introduction of Government procurement through the Government eMarketplace (GeM).

     ii. Discontinuation of interviews in recruitment of Group ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted) and Group ‘C’ posts in Government of India.

     iii. Invocation of FR-56(j) and AIS(DCRB) Rules, 1958 for retiring officials from service in public interest whose performance has been reviewed and found unsatisfactory.

     iv. The All India Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules and Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules have been amended to provide for specific timelines in the procedure related to disciplinary proceedings.

    v. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 has been amended on 26.07.2018. It clearly criminalizes the act of giving bribe and will help check big ticket corruption by creating a vicarious liability in respect of senior management of commercial organizations.

    vi. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), through various orders and circulars recommended adoption of Integrity Pact to all the organizations in major procurement activities and to ensure effective and expeditious investigation wherever any irregularity/misconduct is noticed.

    vii. The institution of Lokpal has been operationalised by appointment of Chairperson and Members. Lokpal is statutorily mandated to directly receive and process complaints as regards alleged offences against public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. In addition, the CVC as an apex integrity institution has adopted a multi-pronged strategy and approach to combat corruption, which encompasses punitive, preventive and participative vigilance.

    (c): The Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 (No. 17 of 2014) has been notified on 12th May 2014. In terms of provision of sub-section (3) of section 1 of the Act, the provisions of the Act shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint. No such notification has been made by the Government for the reason that the Act required amendments aimed at safeguarding against disclosures affecting sovereignty and integrity of India, Security of the State, etc., before it is brought into force. The government introduced the Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015 in the Lok Sabha on 11th May 2015 which was passed by the Lok Sabha on 13th May 2015 and transmitted to the Rajya Sabha. The Bill has since lapsed upon the dissolution of the Sixteenth Lok Sabha.

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