Category: KB

MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/24/2025, 10:21 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A105DN0 (FSK RS BO6) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

01/24/2025 10:21

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 24.01.2025, 10-21 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 100.45) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1102.96 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the security RU000A105DN0 (FSK RS BO6) were changed

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

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

HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Three deposit auctions of UK FRT LLC will take place on 24.01.2025

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

https://www.moex.com/n77105

Categoris24-7, Miles, Moscow, Moscow Stotsk Exchang, Russians Savings, Russian Federation, Russians Language, Russian economy

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Date of the deposit auction	01/24/2025
Placement currency	Rub
Maximum amount of funds placed (in placement currency)	2,547,000,000.00
Placement period, days	32
Date of deposit	01/24/2025
Refund date	02/25/2025
Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum	21.00
Conditions of imprisonment, urgent or special	Urgent
Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in placement currency)	2,547,000,000.00
Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs.	1
Auction form, open or closed	Open
Basis of the Treaty	General Agreement

Schedule (Moscow time)
Preliminary applications	from 12:00 to 12:10
Applications in competition mode	from 12:10 to 12:15
Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid	until 12:25

Additional terms

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: About 6.5 thousand students completed internships at Rosneft enterprises in 2024

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In 2024, about 6.5 thousand students completed internships at Rosneft subsidiaries, including those from the company’s key partner universities – Lomonosov Moscow State University, MGIMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University), Far Eastern Federal University and others. Students get acquainted with the work of oil workers directly at the Company’s production facilities, which allows future specialists to apply the knowledge they gained at educational institutions in practice.

Rosneft develops cooperation with higher and secondary educational institutions of Russia within the framework of the corporate system of continuous education “School-College/University-Enterprise”. The company cooperates with 203 educational partner organizations, including 82 Russian and foreign universities, 65 colleges and 56 schools. Rosneft annually invests more than 1 billion rubles in the development of educational partner organizations. The program has been in effect since 2005 and is aimed at forming a young external personnel reserve from among schoolchildren and students in the regions of the Company’s production activities, as well as at the constant growth of professional competencies of its employees.

With the support of Rosneft, unique programs are being created in a number of areas of student training. Thus, with the support of RN-Vankor, 9 new specialized areas of training have been opened in technical schools and colleges. Rosneft’s Scientific Institute in Tyumen has created basic departments at Tyumen Industrial and Tyumen State Universities. The Company’s basic departments at the country’s leading universities implement specialized master’s programs, hold conferences and internships, and develop and publish educational and methodological materials.

The Company’s enterprises also take an active part in equipping colleges and universities with modern equipment and creating laboratories. Thus, in 2024, Samotlorneftegaz equipped educational sites in two branches of Ugra State University – a multifunctional simulator for the development and operation of wells was installed at the Oil Institute, and a laboratory for assessing the chemical and physical quality of oil and gas was created at the Multidisciplinary College. In addition, a laboratory of geospatial technologies was opened at the Nizhnevartovsk Construction College with funds from the enterprise. “Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha” opened an educational and training complex “Factory of Full Cycle Oil and Gas Production Processes” on the basis of the Regional Technical College, and also equipped the “Digital Oil and Gas Field” research laboratory at the North-Eastern Federal University with high-resolution video panels . Verkhnechonskneftegaz equipped the Oil and Gas Engineering training center of the Irkutsk National Research Technical University with a training ground for conducting practical classes on safe work, and Orenburgneft allocated funds for the purchase of a mobile drilling rig for the Department of Geology of Orenburg State University. In addition, the Kuibyshev Refinery helped the educational laboratory of the Faculty of Chemical Technology of the Samara State Technical University acquire modern pilot plants that are analogues of real industrial oil refining facilities, and the Syzran Refinery opened a class of computer simulators in the Syzran branch of the Samara State Technical University.

In order to select and motivate the best students for practical training and subsequent employment, Rosneft enterprises implement career guidance events. Thus, Udmurtneft held Udmurtneft Days in oil universities in Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Perm, Kazan and Izhevsk. SamaraNIPIneft organized a competition of scientific grants for students, postgraduates and master’s students of Samara State Technical University, 39 participants received cash grants to continue their research work. Specialists of Novokuibyshevsk Oil and Additives Plant together with teachers of Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical College implemented a pilot project “Vector of Professionalism” aimed at identifying talented and promising young people from among students of the company’s specialized specialties.

Rosneft also creates conditions for developing the competencies of scientific and pedagogical staff. Internships for teachers are organized at the Angarsk Polymer Plant, Saratov Oil Refinery, RN-Yuganskneftegaz and Samotlorneftegaz. These events allow teachers to gain valuable practical experience, get acquainted with modern technologies and see the production process with their own eyes.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft January 24, 2025

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 –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Close Technologies”: HSE exhibition on digital sensorics at Tula Machine Tool Museum

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

Today’s event industry, as a vector of the experience economy, combines design, theater, cinema, performance, music, food, health, tourism and other areas of human life. Professional design of art and lifestyle events is the main trend of the future, and an experience engineer is perhaps the main creative profession of our tomorrow, in which an event will be understood as designing and obtaining a new experience, and not a service, regardless of the scale and format of the event.

The profile “Event. Theatre. Performance” trains professionals in the field of the experience industry at the intersection of directing, scenography, work with space, light, video, body, costume, make-up and performative practices in all their semantic, conceptual and artistic connections.

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 –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Media Advisory — Governor Green Celebrates Opening Of Eighteenth Kauhale

Source: US State of Hawaii

Office of the Governor — News Release — Media Advisory — Governor Green Celebrates Opening Of Eighteenth Kauhale

Posted on Jan 23, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

GOVERNOR GREEN CELEBRATES OPENING OF KŪLIA
I KA NUʻU KAUHALE

Blessing set for the Newest Kauhale by the Green Administration in Partnership with U.S.VETS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2025

HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the opening of the Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu kauhale. As with the 17 other kauhale Governor Green has opened, this community embraces people who are experiencing homelessness. In partnership with operator U.S.VETS, this kauhale implements an emergency bed program that addresses immediate shelter needs, food insecurities and access to care for residents.

“Housing is health care, and the Kūlia I Ka Nu‘u project is a powerful step toward addressing the urgent houselessness crisis in Leeward O‘ahu. Inspired by Queen Kapiʻolani’s motto to ‘strive for the highest,’ this initiative reflects our commitment to lifting up our most vulnerable—providing not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and a path to independence and personal excellence,” said Governor Green. “Together, with the strength of this community, we are creating a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive.”

The mission of U.S.VETS is to prevent and end veteran homelessness and to empower veterans and families through housing, comprehensive services and advocacy. Its vision is to have all veterans and their families have their needs met to regain and maintain independence. The residents will be people in the community who are experiencing housing instability.

“Every bed at this site represents a chance for someone to start over,” said Darryl Vincent, president and chief executive officer of U.S.VETS. “By integrating immediate care with long-term housing solutions, Kūlia I Ka Nu`u is set to change lives and empower residents to thrive. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with urgency and purpose.”

This initiative aims to support up to 19 individuals in their transition from houselessness to healthy independence. There will be 14 emergency beds for males and five for females, specifically designed for short-term stays. A crucial part of this transition is the use of 12 permanent housing units at Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu designed to facilitate a smooth move to stable living conditions. In addition to providing shelter, trained staff and volunteers will play vital roles in managing the facilities, ensuring safety, providing necessities, and linking individuals to relevant support services.

“The program will adopt a Housing First approach, ensuring low barriers to entry and immediate access to shelter and housing without unnecessary prerequisites,” said John Mizuno, the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness and Housing Solutions. “The program also intends to focus on housing access and retention, assisting individuals and families in rapidly securing permanent housing and preventing the residents’ return to houselessness.”

The kauhale will provide a comprehensive list of services, such as emergency shelter case management, housing-focused case management, and assertive engagement strategies. These services are designed to be trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-based, emphasizing participant choice and community integration. Services will be available until permanent housing can be secured, with no arbitrary time limits on program participation.

Kūlia I Ka Nu‘u has provided the state cost savings in that Mark Development and Sofos Realty renovated the existing structure that offers rooms, restroom and shower amenities, a dining room and office space, without having to build a new facility.

Photos from today’s kauhale blessing at 85-296 Ala Hema St., courtesy Office of the Governor, can be found here.

About U.S.VETS
U.S.VETS is on a mission to end veteran homelessness in the United States. The organization was founded by veterans to serve fellow veterans and is the leading nonprofit dedicated to the work of helping veterans and their families transition from homelessness through tailored support to help them gain independence.

# # #

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

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

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs $2.5 billion bipartisan relief package to help Los Angeles recover and rebuild faster from firestorm
Source: US State of California 2
Jan 23, 2025

What you need to know: Alongside community, city, county, and legislative leaders, Governor Newsom signed special session legislation to provide over $2.5 billion for Los Angeles to bolster ongoing response efforts and jumpstart recovery and rebuilding.

LOS ANGELES – With recovery efforts already underway to support those impacted by the Los Angeles hurricane-force firestorm, Governor Gavin Newsom today joined community, city, county, and legislative leaders in near the fire-damaged community of Altadena and signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion in disaster relief. The funding will immediately help bolster ongoing emergency response efforts as well as jumpstart recovery efforts.

The special session legislation – ABx1-4 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and SBx1-3 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – provides funding to expedite firestorm response and recovery efforts, streamline rebuilding efforts, and help rebuild fire-damaged school facilities.

“Thanks to our partners in the legislature, we’re providing over $2.5 billion in immediate relief – expediting initial firestorm response and recovery efforts. We’re also directing millions of dollars to help local governments speed up building approvals – so folks can rebuild their homes faster.

Unlike MAGA Republicans in Washington who talk about delaying relief for political purposes, California is supporting our people with no strings attached. Together, we’ll rebuild Los Angeles.”

Governor Gavin Newsom
“California leaders from both political parties are united and working together to provide L.A. with the immediate assistance and support they need,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. “Today, we approved billions of dollars to help clean-up devastated neighborhoods, rebuild schools and put communities on a path to recovery. I thank the Governor, Pro Tem and my colleagues for moving with urgency. This is a first step, but we are committed to a full recovery and will stand with Angelenos until this work is done.”

“This $2.5 billion is a clear commitment that we’ve got your back LA,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast). “We’ve got your back now and we’ve got your back in the months and years to come. Your rebuild and your comeback is our priority. We’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas and our legislative colleagues who moved with urgency to get this funding across the finish line. This downpayment is just the beginning.”

How it works

$2.5 billion to expedite initial firestorm response and recovery efforts. This includes support for:

Emergency protective measures, evacuations, sheltering for survivors, debris removal and cleanup, post-fire hazard assessments (such as flash flooding and debris flows), traffic control, and other necessary emergency response activities.

$4 million to help expedite rebuilding. The Department of Housing and Community Development will allocate this funding to impacted local governments to provide additional planning review and building inspection resources for the purpose of expediting building approvals during the recovery period.

$1 million to rebuild fire-damaged school facilities. The funding will provide technical assistance to impacted local educational agencies (Los Angeles Unified School District, Pasadena Unified School District, impacted charter schools).

Supporting recovery, protecting survivors

Governor Newsom has issued a number of executive orders in response to the Los Angeles fire storms to help aid in rebuilding and recovery, create more temporary housing, and protect survivors from exploitation and price gouging:

Providing tax relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses.

Rebuilding Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.

Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants and homeowners. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms. For homeowners, California has worked with five major lenders to provide mortgage relief to their customers.

Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas.

Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.

Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.

Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase victims’ property.

Get help today

Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

By calling 800-621-3362

By using the FEMA smart phone application

Assistance is available in over 40 languages

If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
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MIL OSI USA News –
January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: South Plains Financial, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LUBBOCK, Texas, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South Plains” or the “Company”), the parent company of City Bank (“City Bank” or the “Bank”), today reported its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $16.5 million, compared to $11.2 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $10.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $0.96, compared to $0.66 for the third quarter of 2024 and $0.61 for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Average cost of deposits for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 229 basis points, compared to 247 basis points for the third quarter of 2024 and 224 basis points for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Net interest margin, calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.75% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 3.65% for the third quarter of 2024 and 3.52% for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Return on average assets for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 1.53% annualized, compared to 1.05% annualized for the third quarter of 2024 and 0.99% annualized for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Tangible book value (non-GAAP) per share was $25.40 as of December 31, 2024, compared to $25.75 as of September 30, 2024 and $23.47 as of December 31, 2023.
The consolidated total risk-based capital ratio, common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and tier 1 leverage ratio at December 31, 2023 were 16.74%, 12.41%, and 11.33%, respectively. These ratios significantly exceeded the minimum regulatory levels necessary to be deemed “well-capitalized”.

Full Year 2024 Highlights

Full year net income of $49.7 million in 2024, compared to $62.7 million in 2023.
Diluted earnings per share of $2.92 in 2024, compared to $3.62 in 2023.
The Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Windmark Insurance Agency, Inc. (“Windmark”), was sold in the second quarter of 2023 for $36.1 million, resulting in a gain, net of related charges and taxes, of $22.9 million or $1.32 of diluted earnings per share.
Loans held for investment grew $40.9 million, or 1.4%, during 2024.
Total assets were $4.23 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $4.20 billion at December 31, 2023.
Return on average assets of 1.17% for the full year 2024, compared to 1.54% for 2023.

Curtis Griffith, South Plains’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I am very proud of our performance this past year as we successfully navigated a challenging environment with a focus on delivering strong financial results. We tightly managed our liquidity to optimize our profitability and return metrics while maintaining our conservative approach to underwriting and risk management. We have also managed the anticipated decline in our indirect auto portfolio as well as a heightened level of loan payoffs and paydowns that has obscured the strong, underlying loan production that has built through the year. Importantly, we are seeing a growing level of optimism across our customer base that is translating into the strongest new business production pipeline that we have seen in more than two years. This bodes positively for the year ahead where we expect to deliver low to mid-single digit loan growth for the full year 2025. Additionally, we are seeing deposit pricing fall across our markets which contributed to our strong margin expansion in the fourth quarter.”

Results of Operations, Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

Net Interest Income

Net interest income was $38.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $37.3 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $35.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Net interest margin, calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.75% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 3.65% for the third quarter of 2024 and 3.52% for the fourth quarter of 2023. The average yield on loans was 6.69% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 6.68% for the third quarter of 2024 and 6.29% for the fourth quarter of 2023. The average cost of deposits was 229 basis points for the fourth quarter of 2024, which is 18 basis points lower than the third quarter of 2024 and 5 basis points higher than the fourth quarter of 2023.

Interest income was $61.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $61.6 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $57.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Interest income decreased $316 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2024 from the third quarter of 2024, which was primarily comprised of a decrease of $243 thousand in loan interest income. The decline in loan interest income was due primarily to a decrease in average loans of $20.2 million. Interest income increased $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase of average loans of $30.5 million and higher loan interest rates during the period, resulting in growth of $3.4 million in loan interest income.

Interest expense was $22.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $24.3 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $22.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Interest expense decreased $1.6 million compared to the third quarter of 2024 and increased $702 thousand compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The $1.6 million decrease was primarily as a result of a 24 basis point decline in the cost of interest-bearing deposits. The $702 thousand increase was primarily a result of growth in average interest-bearing deposits of $136.0 million.

Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

Noninterest income was $13.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $10.6 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $9.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase from the third quarter of 2024 was primarily due to an increase of $3.1 million in mortgage banking revenues, mainly from an increase of $3.5 million in the fair value adjustment of the mortgage servicing rights assets as interest rates that affect the value increased in the fourth quarter of 2024. This growth was partially offset by approximately $700 thousand in insurance proceeds received for property damage in the third quarter of 2024. The increase in noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 was primarily due to an increase of $3.3 million in mortgage banking activities revenue mainly from a rise of $3.0 million in the fair value adjustment of the mortgage servicing rights assets as interest rates that affect the value increased in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Noninterest expense was $29.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $33.1 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $30.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The $3.2 million decrease from the third quarter of 2024 was largely the result of a decline of $1.4 million in personnel expenses, primarily from decreased health insurance costs of $668 thousand, as annual rebates were received in the fourth quarter, and a reduction of $400 thousand in mortgage commissions as mortgage activity slowed in the fourth quarter. There were also decreases in net occupancy expense, professional service expenses, and the ineffectiveness related to fair value hedges on municipal securities. The decrease in noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 was largely the result of a decrease of $593 thousand in personnel expenses, related to the decline in health insurance costs previously noted.

Loan Portfolio and Composition

Loans held for investment were $3.06 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared to $3.04 billion as of September 30, 2024 and $3.01 billion as of December 31, 2023. The $17.7 million, or 2.3% annualized, increase during the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the third quarter of 2024 occurred primarily as a result of organic loan growth experienced in commercial owner-occupied real estate loans. As of December 31, 2024, loans held for investment increased $40.9 million, or 1.4%, from December 31, 2023, primarily attributable to organic loan growth, occurring mainly in multi-family property loans, direct-energy loans, commercial owner-occupied real estate loans, and single-family property loans, partially offset by decreases in consumer auto loans and construction, land, and development loans.

Deposits and Borrowings

Deposits totaled $3.62 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared to $3.72 billion as of September 30, 2024 and $3.63 billion as of December 31, 2023. Deposits decreased by $94.8 million, or 2.6%, in the fourth quarter of 2024 from September 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, deposits were essentially unchanged, from December 31, 2023. Noninterest-bearing deposits were $935.5 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $998.5 million as of September 30, 2024 and $974.2 million as of December 31, 2023. Noninterest-bearing deposits represented 25.8% of total deposits as of December 31, 2024. The quarterly change in total deposits was mainly due to the seasonal decline in escrow accounts of approximately $35 million and a planned reduction of approximately $50 million in customer sweep deposits as part of balance sheet management. Deposits were essentially unchanged, year-over-year, with an increase in interest-bearing deposits offset by a decline in noninterest-bearing deposits.

Asset Quality

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter of 2024 of $1.2 million, compared to $495 thousand in the third quarter of 2024 and $600 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2023. The provision during the fourth quarter of 2024 was largely attributable to net charge-off activity and increased loan balances.

The ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment was 1.42% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 1.41% as of September 30, 2024 and 1.41% as of December 31, 2023.

The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets was 0.58% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 0.59% as of September 30, 2024 and 0.14% as of December 31, 2023. Annualized net charge-offs were 0.11% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 0.11% for the third quarter of 2024 and 0.08% for the fourth quarter of 2023.

Capital

Book value per share decreased to $26.67 at December 31, 2024, compared to $27.04 at September 30, 2024. The change was primarily driven by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) of $18.2 million, partially offset by $14.0 million of net income after dividends paid. The decrease in AOCI was attributed to the after-tax decrease in fair value of our available for sale securities, net of fair value hedges, as a result of increases in long-term market interest rates during the period. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (non-GAAP) increased 15 basis points to 9.92% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Conference Call

South Plains will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and year-end 2024 financial results today, January 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 1-877-407-9716 (international callers please dial 1-201-493-6779) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call and conference materials will be available on the Company’s website at https://www.spfi.bank/news-events/events.

A replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed on the investor section of the Company’s website as well as by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (international callers please dial 1-412-317-6671). The pin to access the telephone replay is 13750452. The replay will be available until February 7, 2025.

About South Plains Financial, Inc.

South Plains is the bank holding company for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas and has additional banking operations in the Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, and College Station, Texas markets, and the Ruidoso, New Mexico market. South Plains provides a wide range of commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in its market areas. Its principal business activities include commercial and retail banking, along with investment, trust and mortgage services. Please visit https://www.spfi.bank for more information.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Some of the financial measures included in this press release are not measures of financial performance recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP financial measures include Tangible Book Value Per Share, Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets, and Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide both management and investors a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial position and performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP financial measures.

We classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time in the United States in our statements of income, balance sheets or statements of cash flows. Not all companies use the same calculation of these measures; therefore, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as presented by other companies.

A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures is provided at the end of this press release.

Available Information

The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its web site (under http://www.spfi.bank and, more specifically, under the News & Events tab at http://www.spfi.bank/news-events/press-releases). The Company intends to use its web site as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, investors should monitor the Company’s web site, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts.

The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company’s web site is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect South Plains’ current views with respect to future events and South Plains’ financial performance. Any statements about South Plains’ expectations, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “intends” and similar words or phrases. South Plains cautions that the forward-looking statements in this press release are based largely on South Plains’ expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond South Plains’ control. Factors that could cause such changes include, but are not limited to, the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; potential recession in the United States and our market areas; the impacts related to or resulting from uncertainty in the banking industry as a whole; increased competition for deposits in our market areas and related changes in deposit customer behavior; the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to a continuation of the elevated interest rate environment or further reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; the lingering inflationary pressures, and the risk of the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation, in the United States and our market areas; the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; declines in commercial real estate values and prices; uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks; severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events; the impact of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress, including potential changes in U.S. and international trade policies and the resulting impact on the Company and its customers; competition and market expansion opportunities; changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; potential costs related to the impacts of climate change; current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions; and changes in applicable laws and regulations. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties to which South Plains’ business and future financial performance are subject is contained in South Plains’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of such documents, and other documents South Plains files or furnishes with the SEC from time to time, which are available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements due to additional risks and uncertainties of which South Plains is not currently aware or which it does not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to its business or operating results. Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and South Plains does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, new information, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements, express or implied, included in the press release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contact:	Mikella Newsom, Chief Risk Officer and Secretary
	(866) 771-3347
	investors@city.bank

Source: South Plains Financial, Inc.


South Plains Financial, Inc.
Consolidated Financial Highlights – (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

	As of and for the quarter ended
	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Selected Income Statement Data:
Interest income	$	61,324		$	61,640		$	59,208		$	58,727		$	57,236
Interest expense		22,776			24,346			23,320			23,359			22,074
Net interest income		38,548			37,294			35,888			35,368			35,162
Provision for credit losses		1,200			495			1,775			830			600
Noninterest income		13,319			10,635			12,709			11,409			9,146
Noninterest expense		29,948			33,128			32,572			31,930			30,597
Income tax expense		4,222			3,094			3,116			3,143			2,787
Net income		16,497			11,212			11,134			10,874			10,324
Per Share Data (Common Stock):
Net earnings, basic	$	1.01		$	0.68		$	0.68		$	0.66		$	0.63
Net earnings, diluted		0.96			0.66			0.66			0.64			0.61
Cash dividends declared and paid		0.15			0.14			0.14			0.13			0.13
Book value		26.67			27.04			25.45			24.87			24.80
Tangible book value (non-GAAP)		25.40			25.75			24.15			23.56			23.47
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic		16,400,361			16,386,079			16,425,360			16,429,919			16,443,908
Weighted average shares outstanding, dilutive		17,161,646			17,056,959			16,932,077			16,938,857			17,008,892
Shares outstanding at end of period		16,455,826			16,386,627			16,424,021			16,431,755			16,417,099
Selected Period End Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	359,082		$	471,167		$	298,006		$	371,939		$	330,158
Investment securities		577,240			606,889			591,031			599,869			622,762
Total loans held for investment		3,055,054			3,037,375			3,094,273			3,011,799			3,014,153
Allowance for credit losses		43,237			42,886			43,173			42,174			42,356
Total assets		4,232,239			4,337,659			4,220,936			4,218,993			4,204,793
Interest-bearing deposits		2,685,366			2,720,880			2,672,948			2,664,397			2,651,952
Noninterest-bearing deposits		935,510			998,480			951,565			974,174			974,201
Total deposits		3,620,876			3,719,360			3,624,513			3,638,571			3,626,153
Borrowings		110,354			110,307			110,261			110,214			110,168
Total stockholders’ equity		438,949			443,122			417,985			408,712			407,114
Summary Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets (annualized)		1.53	%		1.05	%		1.07	%		1.04	%		0.99	%
Return on average equity (annualized)		14.88	%		10.36	%		10.83	%		10.72	%		10.52	%
Net interest margin ⁽¹⁾		3.75	%		3.65	%		3.63	%		3.56	%		3.52	%
Yield on loans		6.69	%		6.68	%		6.60	%		6.53	%		6.29	%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits		3.12	%		3.36	%		3.33	%		3.27	%		3.14	%
Efficiency ratio		57.50	%		68.80	%		66.72	%		67.94	%		68.71	%
Summary Credit Quality Data:
Nonperforming loans	$	24,023		$	24,693		$	23,452		$	3,380		$	5,178
Nonperforming loans to total loans held for investment		0.79	%		0.81	%		0.76	%		0.11	%		0.17	%
Other real estate owned		530			973			755			862			912
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.58	%		0.59	%		0.57	%		0.10	%		0.14	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment		1.42	%		1.41	%		1.40	%		1.40	%		1.41	%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding (annualized)		0.11	%		0.11	%		0.10	%		0.13	%		0.08	%

	As of and for the quarter ended
	December 31 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Capital Ratios:
Total stockholders’ equity to total assets		10.37	%		10.22	%		9.90	%		9.69	%		9.68	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)		9.92	%		9.77	%		9.44	%		9.22	%		9.21	%
Common equity tier 1 to risk-weighted assets		13.53	%		13.25	%		12.61	%		12.67	%		12.41	%
Tier 1 capital to average assets		12.04	%		11.76	%		11.81	%		11.51	%		11.33	%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets		17.86	%		17.61	%		16.86	%		17.00	%		16.74	%

(1)	Net interest margin is calculated as the annual net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.

South Plains Financial, Inc.
Average Balances and Yields – (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	For the Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2024							December 31, 2023

	Average Balance		Interest		Yield/Rate			Average Balance		Interest		Yield/Rate
Assets
Loans	$	3,049,718	$	51,270		6.69	%	$	3,019,228	$	47,903		6.29	%
Debt securities – taxable		518,646		4,994		3.83	%		560,143		5,563		3.94	%
Debt securities – nontaxable		154,203		1,014		2.62	%		157,341		1,032		2.60	%
Other interest-bearing assets		390,090		4,267		4.35	%		255,454		2,963		4.60	%

Total interest-earning assets		4,112,657		61,545		5.95	%		3,992,166		57,461		5.71	%
Noninterest-earning assets		189,422							156,541

Total assets	$	4,302,079						$	4,148,707

Liabilities & stockholders’ equity
NOW, Savings, MMDA’s	$	2,249,062		16,570		2.93	%	$	2,201,190		16,894		3.04	%
Time deposits		445,173		4,566		4.08	%		357,067		3,325		3.69	%
Short-term borrowings		3		–		0.00	%		3		–		0.00	%
Notes payable & other long-term borrowings		–		–		0.00	%		–		–		0.00	%
Subordinated debt		63,938		834		5.19	%		73,740		981		5.28	%
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures		46,393		806		6.91	%		46,393		874		7.47	%

Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,804,569		22,776		3.23	%		2,678,393		22,074		3.27	%
Demand deposits		978,742							1,021,091
Other liabilities		77,732							59,808
Stockholders’ equity		441,036							389,415

Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity	$	4,302,079						$	4,148,707

Net interest income			$	38,769						$	35,387
Net interest margin ⁽²⁾						3.75	%						3.52	%

(1)	Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.
(2)	Net interest margin is calculated as the annualized net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.

South Plains Financial, Inc.
Average Balances and Yields – (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	For the Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, 2024							December 31, 2023

	Average Balance		Interest		Yield/Rate			Average Balance		Interest		Yield/Rate
Assets
Loans	$	3,054,189	$	202,301		6.62	%	$	2,924,473	$	176,627		6.04	%
Debt securities – taxable		532,730		21,090		3.96	%		570,655		21,590		3.78	%
Debt securities – nontaxable		155,168		4,076		2.63	%		185,205		4,901		2.65	%
Other interest-bearing assets		312,917		14,319		4.58	%		223,152		9,973		4.47	%

Total interest-earning assets		4,055,004		241,786		5.96	%		3,903,485		213,091		5.46	%
Noninterest-earning assets		179,527							176,495

Total assets	$	4,234,531						$	4,079,980

Liabilities & stockholders’ equity
NOW, Savings, MMDA’s	$	2,250,942		70,362		3.13	%	$	2,117,985		55,423		2.62	%
Time deposits		411,028		16,719		4.07	%		321,205		9,564		2.98	%
Short-term borrowings		3		–		0.00	%		84		5		5.95	%
Notes payable & other long-term borrowings		–		–		0.00	%		–		–		0.00	%
Subordinated debt		63,868		3,339		5.23	%		75,458		4,018		5.32	%
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures		46,393		3,381		7.29	%		46,393		3,276		7.06	%

Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,772,234		93,801		3.38	%		2,561,125		72,286		2.82	%
Demand deposits		968,307							1,069,280
Other liabilities		70,777							71,102
Stockholders’ equity		423,213							378,473

Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity	$	4,234,531						$	4,079,980

Net interest income			$	147,985						$	140,805
Net interest margin ⁽²⁾						3.65	%						3.61	%

(1)	Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.
(2)	Net interest margin is calculated as the annualized net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.

South Plains Financial, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	As of
	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023

Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	54,114		$	62,821
Interest-bearing deposits in banks		304,968			267,337
Securities available for sale		577,240			622,762
Loans held for sale		20,542			14,499
Loans held for investment		3,055,054			3,014,153
Less: Allowance for credit losses		(43,237	)		(42,356	)
Net loans held for investment		3,011,817			2,971,797
Premises and equipment, net		52,951			55,070
Goodwill		19,315			19,315
Intangible assets		1,720			2,429
Mortgage servicing rights		26,292			26,569
Other assets		163,280			162,194
Total assets	$	4,232,239		$	4,204,793

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	935,510		$	974,201
Interest-bearing deposits		2,685,366			2,651,952
Total deposits		3,620,876			3,626,153
Subordinated debt		63,961			63,775
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures		46,393			46,393
Other liabilities		62,060			61,358
Total liabilities		3,793,290			3,797,679
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock		16,456			16,417
Additional paid-in capital		97,287			97,107
Retained earnings		385,827			345,264
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(60,621	)		(51,674	)
Total stockholders’ equity		438,949			407,114
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,232,239		$	4,204,793

South Plains Financial, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended				Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023

Interest income:
Loans, including fees	$	51,262	$	47,895	$	202,270	$	176,598
Other		10,062		9,341		38,629		35,435
Total interest income		61,324		57,236		240,899		212,033
Interest expense:
Deposits		21,136		20,219		87,081		64,987
Subordinated debt		834		981		3,339		4,018
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures		806		874		3,381		3,276
Other		–		–		–		5
Total interest expense		22,776		22,074		93,801		72,286
Net interest income		38,548		35,162		147,098		139,747
Provision for credit losses		1,200		600		4,300		4,610
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		37,348		34,562		142,798		135,137
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposits		2,241		1,844		8,026		7,130
Income from insurance activities		31		37		123		1,515
Mortgage banking activities		4,955		1,671		14,187		13,817
Bank card services and interchange fees		3,225		3,167		13,640		13,323
Gain on sale of subsidiary		—		—		—		33,778
Other		2,867		2,427		12,096		9,663
Total noninterest income		13,319		9,146		48,072		79,226
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		17,384		17,977		74,338		79,377
Net occupancy expense		3,901		3,856		16,105		16,102
Professional services		1,555		1,509		6,583		6,433
Marketing and development		1,153		880		3,782		3,453
Other		5,955		6,375		26,770		29,581
Total noninterest expense		29,948		30,597		127,578		134,946
Income before income taxes		20,719		13,111		63,292		79,417
Income tax expense		4,222		2,787		13,575		16,672
Net income	$	16,497	$	10,324	$	49,717	$	62,745

South Plains Financial, Inc.
Loan Composition
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	As of
	December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023

Loans:
Commercial Real Estate	$	1,119,063	$	1,081,056
Commercial – Specialized		388,955		372,376
Commercial – General		557,371		517,361
Consumer:
1-4 Family Residential		566,400		534,731
Auto Loans		254,474		305,271
Other Consumer		64,936		74,168
Construction		103,855		129,190
Total loans held for investment	$	3,055,054	$	3,014,153

South Plains Financial, Inc.
Deposit Composition
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	As of
	December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023

Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	935,510	$	974,201
NOW & other transaction accounts		498,718		562,066
MMDA & other savings		1,741,988		1,722,170
Time deposits		444,660		367,716
Total deposits	$	3,620,876	$	3,626,153

South Plains Financial, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	For the quarter ended
	December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Pre-tax, pre-provision income
Net income	$	16,497	$	11,212	$	11,134	$	10,874	$	10,324
Income tax expense		4,222		3,094		3,116		3,143		2,787
Provision for credit losses		1,200		495		1,775		830		600
Pre-tax, pre-provision income	$	21,919	$	14,801	$	16,025	$	14,847	$	13,711

	As of
	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Tangible common equity
Total common stockholders’ equity	$	438,949		$	443,122		$	417,985		$	408,712		$	407,114
Less: goodwill and other intangibles		(21,035	)		(21,197	)		(21,379	)		(21,562	)		(21,744	)

Tangible common equity	$	417,914		$	421,925		$	396,606		$	387,150		$	385,370

Tangible assets
Total assets	$	4,232,239		$	4,337,659		$	4,220,936		$	4,218,993		$	4,204,793
Less: goodwill and other intangibles		(21,035	)		(21,197	)		(21,379	)		(21,562	)		(21,744	)

Tangible assets	$	4,211,204		$	4,316,462		$	4,199,557		$	4,197,431		$	4,183,049

Shares outstanding		16,455,826			16,386,627			16,424,021			16,431,755			16,417,099

Total stockholders’ equity to total assets		10.37	%		10.22	%		9.90	%		9.69	%		9.68	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets		9.92	%		9.77	%		9.44	%		9.22	%		9.21	%
Book value per share	$	26.67		$	27.04		$	25.45		$	24.87		$	24.80
Tangible book value per share	$	25.40		$	25.75		$	24.15		$	23.56		$	23.47

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Identity fraud: BaFin warns consumers about the company Strategic Assets

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the company Strategic Assets and the services it is offering. BaFin suspects the unknown operators of the website strategicassets.pro of offering consumers financial, investment and cryptoasset services without the required authorisation.

The unknown operators are contacting consumers, claiming that their offer is from Baden-Württembergische Wertpapierbörse GmbH or Börse Stuttgart GmbH. In addition, when advertising its services, the company claims to be supervised by BaFin. However, none of this information is correct. This is a case of identity fraud. Moreover, BaFin does not supervise Strategic Assets.

BaFin is issuing this information on the basis of section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG) and section 10 (7) of the German Cryptomarkets Supervision Act (Kryptomaerkteaufsichtsgesetz).

Please be aware:

BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Galaxy Tech Forum ① Sustainability: Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Source: Samsung

Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forum on January 23 in San Jose, California. The panels provided an in-depth exploration of Samsung’s AI innovations and the challenges they address across four key areas — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI. During the Sustainability session, experts explored how Samsung’s forward-thinking technology and strategic collaborations are building a more sustainable future.

Following Galaxy Unpacked 2025, Samsung Electronics held its Galaxy Tech Forum event on January 23 in San Jose, California. Tech leaders and experts from around the world discussed the future of AI at Blanco, an Urban Venue, a three-story space located in the heart of Silicon Valley that blends historic architecture with a modern white design.

▲ Blanco, an Urban Venue

The forum was organized into four sessions — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI — each addressing the transformative changes and challenges innovation will bring to these areas. With around 100 media representatives and industry professionals in attendance, the panels centered on the disruptive potential of AI and offered blueprints for future technologies across various sectors.

Samsung Newsroom visited the first Galaxy Tech Forum session, titled “How Mobile Technology Can Accelerate a Sustainable Future,” to learn about Samsung’s mobile innovations and partnerships that are contributing to a brighter tomorrow.

Driving Mobile Innovation and Sustainability
Samsung is committed to accelerating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

▲ (From left to right) Tamara Gondo, Michael Stewart, Dr. Stuart Sandin, Daniel Araujo and Cassie Smith

Despite the numerous benefits offered to modern society, the rapid growth of the mobile industry has also brought significant environmental challenges. To address those challenges, Samsung has made the actualization of a sustainable future a cornerstone of the company’s vision for mobile devices.

▲ Daniel Araujo from Samsung Electronics

“We’ve made significant progress in fostering sustainable practices throughout our product lifecycle and this is only possible through open collaboration with like-minded partners. And there is even more to come,” said Daniel Araujo, Head of Sustainability Management Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.

“Each device of the S25 series will include at least 50% recycled cobalt, and for the first time in Galaxy history, the battery of the S25 model will be made with recycled cobalt sourced from previously used Galaxy smartphones,” he continued, highlighting Samsung’s advancements in product circularity.

Leveraging Galaxy Camera Technology To Restore Vital Marine Ecosystems
Since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, Samsung has incorporated over 150 tonnes of discarded fishing nets — equivalent to the weight of 15 million plastic water bottles — into Galaxy products. Along the way, the company has recognized the critical threat ocean-bound plastic poses to coral reefs and has taken a leading role in restoration efforts through strategic partnerships.

Dr. Stuart Sandin, a professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego said coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine life, and over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income and protection from storms and erosion. He added that with more than 50% of the world’s coral reefs already lost and ocean-bound plastic threatening the remaining marine ecosystems, new restoration methods using mobile technology are gaining traction.

▲ Dr. Stuart Sandin from the University of California San Diego, Scripps Institute of Oceanography

“We partnered with Samsung because of our shared commitment to innovation and collaboration. Our optimistic and technology-forward approach is contributing to new solutions for coral reef restoration,” said Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees — a nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems. His announcement of the organization’s partnership with Samsung was followed by a trailer for an upcoming documentary about the collaborative efforts between the companies.

▲ Michael Stewart from Seatrees

▲ Trailer for the documentary ‘Coral in Focus’

Araujo explained that to support Seatrees’ efforts, Samsung developed Ocean Mode1 — a new camera setting that optimizes underwater photography on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. He discussed how the feature will provide valuable visual data that can be used to 3D map coral reefs to aid efforts for their restoration. The panelists acknowledged that mobile technology is making environmental conservation more accessible since high-quality data can now be collected with lightweight, user-friendly smartphones.

Empowering Young Leaders Through Technology
“Beyond environmental efforts, Samsung has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower future generations in achieving the Global Goals,” explained moderator Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics America. The success of Samsung’s five-year partnership with the UNDP led to the launch of the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17 initiative.

▲ Cassie Smith from Samsung Electronics America

“Being part of Generation17 gave me confidence, access to resources and a global platform, which opened up a world of possibilities that inspired me to grow my business, Liberty Society, and its impact,” said Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society — a social enterprise that funds upskilling for marginalized women. “Participating in global events such as Mobile World Congress and the United Nations General Assembly gave me a seat at the decision-making table.”

▲ Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society and a Generation17 Young Leader

Araujo underscored Tamara’s remarks and stressed the importance of young leaders in achieving the Global Goals, encouraging ongoing efforts and inviting attendees to look forward to the new group of Young Leaders later this year.

The Sustainability session provided an in-depth exploration of how mobile technology can address environmental and social challenges. Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability is paving the way for meaningful change on a global scale.

1 Exclusively developed for this project and only available to Seatrees and its partners.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Signature of MGCS Project Company shareholder agreement

Source: Thales Group

Headline: Signature of MGCS Project Company shareholder agreement

24 Jan 2025

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Friday, January 24, 2025 – Thales, KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France and Rheinmetall Landsysteme signed the articles of association for MGCS Project Company GmbH, Cologne, on Thursday 23 January 2025 in Paris in the presence of the French Minister of Defence, Sébastien Lecornu, and the German Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius.

MGCS, which stands for Main Ground Combat System, is a German-Franco armament program designed to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc main battle tanks with a cross-platform combat system by 2040.

The signing of the shareholder agreement marks an essential step in the forthcoming creation of the MGCS Project Company. After negotiating a contract with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), acting on behalf of the two states through a German-Franco Combined Project Team (CPT), this project company will be responsible as the industrial prime contractor for the implementation of the next phase of the MGCS program. In particular, it will consolidate the concept and the main technological pillars of the system.

The company will be equally owned by the parties, 25% each, with a national workshare of 50% Germany and 50% France, and will be based in Cologne, Germany.

The industrial partners in the MGCS program are delighted with this signature, which follows on from the impetus given by the French and German governments in the spring of 2024, with the signing of a Letter Of Intent (LOI).

About KNDS:

KNDS is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.

KNDS forms a Group of around 10,000 employees, with a 2023 turnover of 3.3 billion euro, an order backlog of around 16 billion euro and incoming orders of 7.8 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.

The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.

KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.

Press contact: guillem.monsonis@knds.fr

About Rheinmetall:

Rheinmetall AG of Duesseldorf, a listed company, is a leading international defence contractor and a driver of future-oriented technological and industrial innovation in civil markets. With over 31,000 employees and 171 sites worldwide, Rheinmetall generated sales of €7.2 billion in 2023. With its technologies, products and systems, the company creates the indispensable basis for peace, freedom and sustainable development security. Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH is part of the Rheinmetall Division Vehicle Systems Europe and is one of the leading land system manufacturers.

Media contact: oliver.hoffmann@rheinmetall.com

About Thales:

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4bn.

Media contact: camille.heck@thalesgroup.com

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Trade dynamics under geopolitical risk | Discussion paper 03/2025: Makram Khalil, David Osten, Felix Strobel

Source: Bundesbank

Non-technical summary

Research Question

In recent years, geopolitical tensions and associated risks have risen around the world. Global geopolitical risk surged after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At that time, geopolitical risk spiked particularly for Russia and its neighbouring countries. In addition, geopolitical risk rose sharply in China and Taiwan in recent years, due to the geopolitical rivalry between the US and China and mounting tensions around the political status of Taiwan. As some of these countries are important exporters in the global trade and production network, the question arises to which extent rising geopolitical tensions disrupt trade flows.

Contribution

In this paper, we use detailed customs data in a panel spanning 20 years to investigate the role of the import channel for the transmission of geopolitical risk in trading partner countries. Particularly, we take the perspectives of the US and the euro area and study the effects of trading-partner geopolitical risk on import volumes and import prices.

Results

We find that trading-partner geopolitical risk shocks lower import volumes and raise import prices. The decline in imports is particularly strong when geopolitical risk shocks hit countries that exhibit a greater geopolitical distance to the US and the euro area, or when geopolitical risk shocks hit countries that are under US sanctions. Thus, increasing geopolitical risk triggers dynamics that may be conducive to a fragmentation of global trade. A case in point are large effects of geopolitical risk shocks in China. We find that US and euro area imports from non-Chinese trading partners are also affected by such shocks, which also owes to US dollar and global oil price movements as well as trading-partner value chain linkages with China.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: ‘Ignorance is no match for the power of knowledge and education’

Source: Amnesty International –

Robina Azizi,19, fled Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province in 2021, leaving behind her home, her belongings and her school after the Taliban took control. Conditions rapidly deteriorated; soon after, the Taliban barred girls and women from attending secondary schools and universities. An estimated 1.4 million girls have been deprived of their right to education under the Taliban’s three-year rule.

Determined to create opportunities for Afghan girls, Robina, who now lives in Germany, founded Girls on the Path of Change (GPC), an organization and online community that empowers Afghan girls to share their stories and pursue online education. With support from organizations like Amnesty International, there is hope that these initiatives can be expanded further. However, sustained action from the international community is essential to increase the pressure on the Taliban to stop this cycle of repression.

Before the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, I lived with my family in the Balkh province in northern Afghanistan. I was attending school without concern and aiming to graduate.

I had lofty ambitions, promising myself I would study at a reputable university in the hope of one day helping my country, as well as girls who were deprived of a proper education. Every day, I aimed to achieve excellent grades. I would lie awake at night, eager to attend school the next morning.

On 10 August 2021, I was due to travel home with my friends after finishing a school exam. However, I felt as though something bad was going to happen. On my way home, I looked down the streets and alleys of Mazar-i-Sharif as if I wouldn’t see them again. When I got home, my mother was packing our belongings.

“We’ve booked your flight ticket; we have to leave. The Taliban have taken control of the districts of Balkh. They might come into the city,” she explained. “The Taliban takes girls into captivity and forces them into marriage. The lives of your father, brother, and sister are in danger; we must go. You are a writer and have always written against the Taliban. If they find your writings, they’ll kill you too.”

The next day, my family and I flew to Kabul. I left everything behind: my school, classmates, exams, dreams and books.

Learning to survive

When we arrived, Kabul had not yet fallen and girls were still attending school. I longed to join them. I wrote to myself: ‘I have come to survive.’ This sentence became my mantra. Every day brought news of the Taliban spreading fear and seizing more provinces. Yet I still hoped to return to Balkh so I could go back to school.

However, five days later, on 15 August, we witnessed the return of the Taliban in Kabul. The President fled and the Taliban took control in hours, announcing a ban on education for girls of secondary school age a month later.

Robina Azizi,19, fled Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province in 2021, leaving behind her home, her belongings and her school after the Taliban took control. Determined to create opportunities for Afghan girls, Robina, who now lives in Germany, founded Girls on the Path of Change (GPC), an organization and online community that empowers Afghan girls to share their stories and pursue online education.

With any hope of returning to education taken away, I realized I had to do something. I returned to my books and started striving for a better future. I found courses in Kabul, started studying English and reading again. As it was dangerous to go outside to study, we tried take the course secretly. I promised myself that, despite thousands of problems, I would fight for myself and the girls of my country. I started raising awareness among Afghan families, trying to make them understand the importance of their daughters’ education, urging them to let them continue their studies.

Later, with the help of my instructors, I enrolled in an online school despite not having the required documentation. While there, I encouraged other girls to join me and helped them with their English courses. Days passed, and I started getting used to the deprivations of the Taliban’s hardline rule over the country. To nurture my talents and share my story, I spoke with media outlets like Tolo and other broadcast programs about the importance of girls’ education.

Give girls a chance

We were eventually forced to leave Afghanistan to save our lives and to ensure I could still go to school. I knew I needed to support my classmates, friends, and those who had lost their morale and needed help. After all, I’d personally experienced what it was like to be deprived of an education in Afghanistan. I always thought about these girls and wanted to stand by them. I established Girls on the Path of Change to amplify their voices, share their challenges and stories with others, and create an avenue for them to access online education and continue their studies.

Moving forward, I am working with organizations such as Amnesty International to ensure international pressure continues and that governments around the world are held accountable for their weak stance against the Taliban’s systematic abuse and discrimination [of women and girls], which amounts to gender persecution.

As a girl who once lived in Afghanistan and was deprived of my right to education, I call on everyone to support girls’ education. Education is essential, and girls in Afghanistan must not remain illiterate. Afghanistan needs strong, educated women. We must not give up, even if we must fight from our homes. Together, we must stand firm, move forward with determination, and prove that the ignorance of the Taliban is no match for the power of knowledge and education.

MIL OSI NGO –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Afghanistan: ICC Prosecutor’s application for arrest warrants against Taliban leaders is an important step towards justice for Afghan women, girls and LGBTQI persons

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to the application filed yesterday by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for arrest warrants against the Taliban Supreme Leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the Taliban Chief Justice, Abdul Hakim Haqqani, for their suspected responsibility for the crime against humanity of gender persecution in Afghanistan, Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, said:

“The announcement by the ICC Prosecutor is an important development that gives hope, inside and outside the country to Afghan women, girls, as well as those persecuted on the basis of gender identity or expression, such as members of the LGBTQI community. This is a crucial step to hold accountable all those allegedly responsible for the gender-based deprivation of fundamental rights to education, to free movement and free expression, to private and family life, to free assembly, and to physical integrity and autonomy. Amnesty International also calls on the international community to recognize gender apartheid as a crime under international law in order to strengthen efforts to combat institutionalized regimes of systematic oppression and domination imposed on the grounds of gender.

The announcement by the ICC Prosecutor is an important development that gives hope, inside and outside the country to Afghan women, girls, as well as those persecuted on the basis of gender identity or expression, such as members of the LGBTQI community.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International

“The Prosecutor has acknowledged that the charges represent only a fraction of the victimization that has occurred all over Afghanistan for more than two years and affected much of the population. It is incumbent on the ICC and the whole international community to urgently and significantly scale-up efforts to address gender persecution and other crimes under international law committed in Afghanistan as access to justice in the country remains significantly overdue.

“We strongly urge the ICC Prosecutor to also expand his investigations in Afghanistan to include all serious violations from May 2003 onwards that amount to crimes under international law, including extrajudicial killings, torture and other ill-treatment, arbitrary arrest and detention, enforced disappearance, the massacre of civilians, and the ongoing systematic and widespread attacks against the Hazara ethnic group and religious minorities by the Islamic State of Khorasan Province.

“Amnesty International also calls on the ICC Prosecutor to reconsider his 2021 decision to deprioritize investigations into war crimes allegedly committed by the US military, CIA personnel, and other international forces who had a presence in the country, and the former government security apparatus. This decision risks contributing to perceptions of a selective approach to international justice which prioritizes the interests of powerful states and their allies over the right to justice of victims of crimes under international law.

Background

On 23 January, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC issued a statement announcing the applications for arrest warrants in the situation in Afghanistan. The Prosecutor’s applications for arrest warrants will be considered by ICC Pre-Trial Chamber judges, to determine whether they establish reasonable grounds to believe that the named individuals committed the alleged crimes. The Office of the Prosecutor also stated that investigations are ongoing. This means that further applications, both for other persons and alleged crimes, could still follow.

In 2023, Amnesty International published its report, The Taliban’s war on women, on the crime against humanity of gender persecution against women and girls in Afghanistan. The 2022 report, Death in Slow Motion: Women and Girls Under Taliban Rule,alsodocumented the Taliban’s widespread, systematic, and intentional attacks on the rights of women, together with the use of torture and other ill-treatment and enforced disappearance. The discriminatory restrictions on the rights of women and girls affect all spheres of their lives, and they are institutionalized through the Taliban’s policies, decisions, and laws.

Afghanistan had been under preliminary examination by the ICC Prosecutor from 2007 to 2017. In 2022, the Prosecutor resumed its investigation into the situation of Afghanistan after the Court concluded that there was no genuine investigation at the domestic level. In fact, since the Taliban returned to power, they have destroyed avenues for access to fair trial and abolished the constitution and laws that were in force prior to their return.

MIL OSI NGO –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Belarus: Authorities hold presidential election in climate of total fear and repression

Source: Amnesty International –

Amnesty International calls on the Belarusian authorities to immediately end their vicious campaign of repression against any dissent, which denies the people of Belarus free speech in the run up to the presidential election scheduled for 26 January.

“Ever since the 2020 presidential election, the already profound human rights crisis in Belarus has deepened even further. Through a brutal campaign against all dissent, the authorities have created a suffocating climate of fear, silencing anything and anyone who challenges the government,” said Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director.

“The systematic use of repressive measures, including arbitrary detentions, torture and other ill-treatment, and effective criminalization of critical speech, paints a bleak picture of the state of human rights in Belarus today.”

The systematic use of repressive measures, including arbitrary detentions, torture and other ill-treatment, and effective criminalization of critical speech, paints a bleak picture of the state of human rights in Belarus today

Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director

“It is shameful that the international community has largely allowed the human rights crisis in Belarus to unfold and fade into the background. While attention is drawn elsewhere, thousands of people in Belarus remain imprisoned, tortured, or silenced simply for expressing their opinions. Governments and international organizations must act decisively to seek an immediate end to this ongoing crisis and hold the Belarusian authorities accountable for it.”

Widespread repression

Since the mass protests following the disputed 2020 presidential elections, Belarusian authorities have unleashed a relentless crackdown on dissent. Peaceful protests have been met with unlawful force by police and other law enforcement services.

According to Belarusian human rights monitors, over 50,000 individuals have gone through arbitrary detention for taking part in or being associated with peaceful protests since 2020, with 6,550 prosecuted and convicted, and 3,697 given custodial sentences. Many were subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. At least seven political prisoners have died in detention since 2021, five of them in 2024 alone. These deaths were avoidable and are the result of the conditions of detention and inadequate medical care.

This campaign has only intensified in the lead-up to the 2025 presidential elections, with the authorities targeting dissenting individuals and groups across all sections of society, directly and via their relatives.

The abuse of anti-extremism legislation has become the cornerstone of the government’s strategy to suppress dissent. As of late 2024, 6,565 online resources, from personal social media accounts to independent media outlets and international news organizations, had been arbitrarily labeled as “extremist.” Individuals face severe penalties including hefty fines, for any association with these entities.

Human rights defenders have been particularly targeted, with 93 arbitrarily detained since 2020, including veteran human rights activist, Nobel peace prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Hundreds of activists, civil society leaders and at least 45 media workers are currently behind bars, and countless more have faced fabricated charges, forcing many to flee the country.

MIL OSI NGO –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: USA: Rohingya survivor demands US regulator investigates Meta’s role in Myanmar atrocities

Source: Amnesty International –

Amnesty is supporting activist Maung Sawyeddollah in filing a complaint against Meta and its role in Myanmar violence

Meta was warned repeatedly by activists and researchers that its algorithms were amplifying hateful content against the Rohingya

The violence that unfolded in Myanmar in 2017 has been classified as a genocide

‘We hope the Securities and Exchange Commission will consider the submission and investigate Meta for any potential violations of federal securities laws’ – Mandi Mudarikwa

Rohingya human rights activist, Maung Sawyeddollah, has filed a whistleblower complaint with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), asking the agency to investigate Meta for alleged violations of securities laws stemming from the company’s misrepresentations to shareholders on its substantial contribution to what the US government has classified as genocide perpetrated against the Rohingya in Myanmar in 2017.

Amnesty International, the Open Society Justice Initiative and Victim Advocates International have jointly supported the submission.

Mandi Mudarikwa, Head of Strategic Litigation at Amnesty International, said:

“The submission provides information on Meta’s alleged role in the atrocities perpetrated against the Rohingya, and highlights misrepresentations to the SEC and public investors. We hope the SEC will consider the submission and investigate Meta for any potential violations of federal securities laws.”

Meta: Repeatedly warned against amplifying harmful content

The submission to the SEC, an independent US agency responsible for ensuring that shareholders are treated fairly and honestly, details how Meta was repeatedly warned by activists and researchers about the risk of Facebook being used to foment and incite violence against the Rohingya in the lead-up to 2017. The filing argues that, despite this, Meta continued leaving out key information on this risk of real-world violence in statements made to public investors.

A 2022 report by Amnesty found that Meta contributed to the atrocities in Myanmar against the Rohingya through Facebook’s use of algorithms that amplify harmful content and inadequate moderation of harmful content, which breached its own Community Standards – rules that define permissible content on the platform.

The report revealed that Meta’s business model relied on invasive profiling and targeted advertising, which promoted the spread of harmful content including incitement to violence. Meta’s algorithmic systems are designed to maximize user engagement in order to increase its advertising revenue. As a result, these systems often have the effect of prioritising inflammatory, divisive, and harmful content.

Maung Sawyeddollah, recalling his frustration at his futile attempts to alert Meta about the proliferation of harmful content on Facebook, said:

“I saw a lot of horrible things on Facebook, and I just thought that people who posted were bad. I didn’t realise then that Facebook was to blame. One day I saw a post that made me feel so bad. I tried to report that to Facebook. I said it was hate speech but I got a response that said…it does not go against Community Standards.”

Even though such content clearly violated Facebook’s Community Standards, which recently changed as part of a new policy shift, Meta did not sufficiently enforce these in Myanmar nor adequately remove anti-Rohingya content in the months and years before the 2017 atrocities in northern Rakhine State. The insufficient number of content moderators with necessary language skills, the result of the company’s budgeting and staffing choices, also contributed to Meta’s shortcomings. This reflects the company’s broader failure to adequately invest in content moderation across many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, notwithstanding its public claims.

Eva Buzo, Executive Director at Victim Advocates International, explained:

“In Myanmar, where Facebook served as the primary social media platform and news source, the reckless deployment of Meta’s harmful algorithms, with negligible safeguards in place, promoted widespread anti-Rohingya online campaigns which contributed to offline violence.”

The SEC complaint underscores Meta’s failure to heed multiple civil society warnings from 2013 to 2017 regarding Facebook’s potential role in fueling violence. During that time, civil society repeatedly warned Meta employees that the platform was contributing to a pending “genocide”, similar to the role radios played in the Rwandan genocide.

James Goldston, Executive Director of the Open Society Justice Initiative, added:

“Although investors had asked Meta to look into the human rights implications of its business, Meta fell far short of being fully transparent towards them, even though by that time Meta had been warned multiple times about the escalating situation in Myanmar and Facebook’s role in it.”

Despite these warnings, between 2015 to 2017, Meta told investors that Facebook’s algorithms did not result in polarization, despite having been warned of Facebook’s role in proliferating anti-Rohingya content in Myanmar. At the same time, Meta did not fully disclose in its financial reporting to shareholders the risks the company’s operations in Myanmar entailed. Instead, in 2015 and 2016 Meta objected to shareholder proposals to conduct a human rights impact assessment and to set up an internal committee to oversee the company’s policies and practices concerning international public issues, including human rights.

Violence in Ethiopia

Public pressure in 2018 forced Meta to partially and belatedly acknowledge Facebook’s role in the Rohingya atrocities. However, between November 2020 and November 2022, Meta again failed to adequately curb the spread of content advocating hatred and violence, this time against the Tigrayans in Ethiopia, ultimately contributing to severe offline violence. This is despite the company’s public claims to the contrary. Plainly, Meta has neither learned its lesson nor taken meaningful steps to curb its role in fueling ethnic violence around the world.

Recent policy changes by Meta in the US abolishing independent fact-checking, which may well be rolled out internationally, risk even further exacerbating Meta’s contributions to human rights harms and offline violence, as egregious as the crimes against the Rohingya.

MIL OSI NGO –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Go Greener Faster: Council grant funds community workshops for renewable energy.

Source: City of Winchester

Energise South Downs is running a series of renewable energy workshops for communities across the district, supported by the council’s Go Greener Faster grants scheme.

Participants at the Future Energy Landscapes workshops can learn about the benefits of locally generated renewable energy, how it can power communities and help reduce their carbon footprint. They are open to everyone who wants to learn more about renewable energy, whether they are a supporter, or have concerns about what the transition away from fossil fuels may mean for their local area. Everyone is invited to join the conversation.

Upcoming Future Energy Landscapes workshops are taking place in the following areas:

Shedfield, Swanmore, Waltham Chase – 10am–12.30pm Saturday 25 January
Otterbourne – 7pm–9.30pm – Tuesday 4 February
East Meon – 7pm–9.30pm – Wednesday 5 March
Denmead – 7pm–9.30pm – Tuesday 11 March

Residents can find out more and book a place on Future Energy Landscapes: https://esd.energy/events/future-energy-landscapes/

Councillor Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency said: “The brilliant thing about these workshops is that they truly put the community at the heart of their future energy options. We know that many people across the district are keen to explore renewable energy and take action, and these workshops will help local communities learn more or even discuss their concerns. We know it will take all our collective efforts to provide the greener, cleaner future we all hope for and reach our ambitious target of being a carbon neutral district by 2030. Our hope is that many people come along and join the conversation.”

Last Updated: Friday 24 January 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Teachers and a student of SPbGASU are among the winners of the Avtodor State Corporation competition

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – On an excursion to the Central Control Center of the Central Ring Road

On January 23, the award ceremony for the winners of the All-Russian competition of design and research works “Development of the road construction complex of Russia” took place at the main office of the State Company “Avtodor” in Moscow. In the nomination “Bridges, tunnels and building structures” two works submitted by SPbGASU were noted.

The winner in this nomination was the research project of Nikolai Kozak, associate professor of the Department of Transport Systems and Road and Bridge Construction, on the topic of expanding the capabilities of systems for assessing the technical condition of bridge structures by applying statistical approaches to determining reliability indicators; the head of the department, Stanislav Evtyukov, was awarded for leading this project.

The prize place in this nomination was awarded to Igor Rudakov, a fifth-year student majoring in “Construction of Unique Buildings and Structures,” for his research, “Determination and comparison of design and actual reliability indices of reinforced concrete bridges in operation, taking into account their actual load,” completed under the supervision of Nikolai Kozak.

The competition of works was organized by the State Company Avtodor at the end of last year to identify and support talented students and young scientists. The co-organizers of the competition were the Russian University of Transport (RUT (MIIT)) and the Moscow Automobile and Road State Technical University (MADI) with expert support from the Siberian State Automobile and Road University (SibADI).

A total of 69 works by universities from 20 regions of Russia took part in the competition, and 15 works in seven nominations were awarded. As part of the daytime program, the laureates also visited such facilities of the state company as the central control center of the Central Ring Road (CRR) and the laboratories of the subsidiary company Avtodor-Engineering.

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 –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Global sci-fi writers celebrate Chinese New Year with original stories

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Sci-fi writers from various countries will debut original stories themed around the number “10” at the 2025 Science Fiction New Year Gala, which will celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.

A poster for the 2025 Science Fiction New Year Gala. [Image courtesy of the Future Affairs Administration]

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the gala, and the theme of “10” was selected to reflect this milestone, according to the Future Affairs Administration, the event’s organizer and a company dedicated to producing and promoting sci-fi works while supporting new writers in China.

This year is significant as it is the first since UNESCO added the Spring Festival – a traditional celebration of the Chinese New Year – to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage last December.

The number 10 is significant for numerous reasons. The organizers point out that both Eastern and Western cultures embrace the ouroboros – a symbol of a serpent eating its own tail that aligns with China’s Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac – suggesting that the number 10 signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Additionally, in decimal notation, 10 is seen as a node, while in binary, the numbers 1 and 0 represent foundational elements of code. The organizers also note that visually, the number 10 resembles a person standing before a stargate, poised to embark on a new journey.

Twelve authors from four countries have submitted works inspired by the theme of “10.” These stories will be published daily from Jan. 24 to Feb. 4 on new media platforms operated by the Future Affairs Administration, including Xiaohongshu, WeChat, Weibo and Bilibili.

The participating writers include China’s Han Song, Yang Ping, Jiang Bo, and Cheng Jingbo, as well as Canada’s Derek Künsken and Jiang Ai, Australia’s Samantha Murray and Japan’s Taiyo Fujii. They are a mix of award-winning authors and emerging stars in the global sci-fi literary scene.

A tribute video is also being produced to commemorate the anniversary of the Science Fiction New Year Gala. Nearly 50 writers, artists, scholars, translators, readers, fans, critics and gala participants will share their memories and congratulations in the video.

Over the past 10 years, the Science Fiction New Year Gala has invited 63 sci-fi authors from 10 countries across five continents to contribute to 145 novels, amassing an impressive 500 million views within the Chinese sci-fi community. The stories created for the event have garnered multiple awards both domestically and internationally, appearing in multilingual sci-fi collections and top magazines such as Clarkesworld, Asimov’s Science Fiction, and Lightspeed. Additionally, more than 10 artists have produced over 70 pieces of visual art, while 25 podcasts have collectively featured over 70 hours of programming. More than 150 partners have also given readers Chinese New Year gifts and benefits valued at over 170,000 yuan ($23,300).

The writings showcased at the gala include sci-fi stories that explore themes such as homeward journeys reflecting the Chinese tradition of family reunions, reimaginings of China’s extensive transportation system, and various social issues. Some stories draw inspiration from the Chinese dragon, a mythical and auspicious creature in Chinese legend and the Zodiac.

The gala also promotes cultural exchanges, allowing foreign writers to share their perspectives on China while gaining deeper insights into the emotions and experiences of the Chinese people.

“Why are we celebrating Chinese New Year with sci-fi literature? This idea may seem crazy, but we believe that through sci-fi – a genre that expands human emotions – the atmosphere of the year will become richer between the lines and words,” said Ji Shaoting, founder and CEO of the Future Affairs Administration.

Ji emphasized the challenge of maintaining focus on one project for 10 years. “The pain involved in pursuing what you love might be the most bearable. Ten years ago, we hoped this could become a fresh New Year tradition for our sci-fi enthusiasts. Perhaps we have achieved that now. However, the road ahead is still long, and we hope that one day everyone will recognize how deeply sci-fi is woven into life and into our very essence,” she said.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Exhibition sheds light on Chinese culture through U.S. photographers’ creative lens

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

A photo exhibition was launched in Southern California on Thursday to showcase Chinese culture through the creative lens of award-winning American photographers.

Four Southern Californian photographers had an 11-day journey to South China’s Guangdong Province last November to explore its essence.

From daily life to traditional celebrations, the photographers visited different cities and experienced Guangdong’s vibrant heritage, artistry, and culinary delights during their trip.

The exhibition, held in South Coast Plaza in Orange County of Southern California, features 48 photos from their creative lens into Guangdong’s dynamic culture, including the Yingge Dance, a traditional folk dance that originated from the Chaoshan area; the enduring Kung Fu practices in Foshan, a city known for its martial arts culture; and Dim Sum traditions from humble rural kitchens to upscale dining venues.

“It is a very vibrant place,” Irfan Khan, one of the photographers, told Xinhua. “I’ve heard a lot about China before my trip. But when I was there, what I see is that how fast it is moving,” said Khan, part of a winning team of the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage of the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino.

“The Chinese people are hard-working, open-minded to the world. China has disciplined culture. The whole society is in very good shape,” Khan told Xinhua.

He said he expects to explore China more in the future, and showcase the Chinese culture and tradition to American audience through his pictures.

Michael Nelson, winner of the U.S. National Press Photographers Association’s Best of Photojournalism, told Xinhua what impressed him most during his China trip was the contrasts and diversity of Chinese culture, especially in Guangdong Province.

“You see traditional culture, dances, different kinds of people in mountain areas. You also see very modern, stylish and fast-paced side, like in cities such as Guangzhou. I found the contrasts very interesting. It’s important to get a full picture of the country,” he said.

Nelson told Xinhua he hopes the photo exhibition will serve as a platform to bridge understanding between American and Chinese people, and to cement bilateral cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Wang Taiyu, cultural counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, said the photo exhibition will help American audience learn more about China, Chinese people’s lives, and China’s development, from the perspectives of well-known American photographers.

The photo exhibition runs from Jan. 23 to Feb. 9.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Spring Festival box office heats up with 6 major titles, record presales

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

The China Film Administration hosted a promotional event Wednesday to launch the upcoming Spring Festival film season, featuring six major films vying for box office dominance during the lucrative holiday.

The cast and crew members of six Spring Festival blockbusters pose for a group photo at a promotional event at the China National Film Museum in Beijing, Jan. 22, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

The six upcoming films stand out for their diverse themes and genres, talented creative teams and casts, and noteworthy market anticipation. They have already set historical records for the season, including the fastest presale box office to surpass 100 million yuan ($13 million) in less than five hours, as well as the fastest to reach 200 million and 300 million yuan. The films have been hailed by both industry insiders and audiences as the “strongest ever Spring Festival lineup.”

The event, titled “2025, See You at the Theaters,” took place at the China National Film Museum. Cast and crew members, along with performers dressed as characters from the featured films, paraded on stage to showcase the most compelling aspects of their projects.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 >

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Two more men in connection with murder and wounding case in Yuen Long arrested

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Two more men in connection with murder and wounding case in Yuen Long arrested
Two more men in connection with murder and wounding case in Yuen Long arrested
******************************************************************************

In connection with a murder and wounding case happened in Yuen Long on January 22, Police arrested two more men, aged 23 and 26, in Tin Shui Wai for murder and wounding yesterday (January 23). In the murder and wounding case, a 24-year-old man died and a 28-year-old man was injured. Concerning the aforementioned case, Police arrested another four men, aged 19 to 29, in Tuen Mun and at the Hong Kong International Airport for murder and wounding earlier. Among the six arrested persons, Police laid holding charges against a 19-year-old man and a 27-year-old man each with one count of murder and one count of wounding. The 27-year-old man was also charged with one count of illegal possession of Part 1 poison. The case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (January 25). The remaining four arrested persons are being detained for further enquiries. Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North is under way. Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3356.

Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025Issued at HKT 19:37

NNNN

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tough restrictions for Sheffield hairdresser and baker who falsely claimed £98,000 in Covid loans
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Bankrupt hairdresser claimed two separate loans totalling £98,000 for a new business which only traded for two weeks
Hannah Lucy Walker applied for two Covid Bounce Back Loans to claim a total of £98,000

She took the loans for a new business which was not entitled to any money under the scheme and gave false information in her applications

Walker is now subject to 12 years of sanctions which restrict her finance and business activities to protect the public from further harm

A bankrupt former hairdresser from Sheffield is subject to 12 years of stringent sanctions after the Official Receiver found she abused the Covid Bounce Back Loan scheme to claim almost £100,000 she was not entitled to.

Hannah Lucy Walker, 31, of Pollard Crescent in Sheffield, was originally a hairdresser.

But when Covid lockdowns were in operation during May 2020, she also began a baking business, trading as Something Sweet.

And on 25 June 2020, Walker applied for a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan for Something Sweet – which only ever traded for two weeks – declaring its turnover was £256,000.

The next day she applied to a different bank for another Bounce Back Loan of £48,000 for the baking business. This time she claimed the business had a turnover of £230,000.

Walker was made bankrupt in March 2024, with outstanding debts of around £109,000 including the full amount of both loans.

The Official Receiver, whose duty includes investigating the cause of a bankruptcy, found that Something Sweet had not been eligible to apply for a loan.

Samantha Crook, Deputy Official Receiver at the Insolvency Service, said:

Hannah Walker blatantly abused a scheme designed to support existing businesses during one of the toughest times the country faced.

She breached the rules of the scheme by taking out not one, but two loans, for a business that was not even eligible for a loan.

These restrictions will curtail her business activities for a long time to help protect the public from further financial harm.

Under the rules of the Bounce Back Loan scheme, businesses must have been trading by 1 March 2020 in order to apply for a loan.

The rules allowed applications for a single loan per business of up to 25% of its 2019 turnover – or of an estimated turnover if the business had started during the previous financial year – up to a maximum of £50,000. Any money claimed was to be used for the economic support of the business.

Walker’s baking business was not entitled to any money through the scheme. She did not apply for a loan to support her hairdressing business.

Walker signed a Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking in which she did not dispute that she had provided false information on two Bounce Back Loan applications to receive a total of £98,000 to which she was not entitled.

She must abide by the restrictions, which extend the terms of her original bankruptcy – usually a period of 12 months – for a further 12 years.

They prevent Walker from acting as a company director without permission from the court and from borrowing more than £500 without declaring that she is subject to the sanctions. She is also restricted from holding certain roles in public organisations while subject to the measures.

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted the undertaking on 14 January 2025. The restrictions will run until 13 January 2037.

Further information

Hannah Lucy Walker is of Pollard Crescent, Sheffield. Her date of birth is 15 April 1993

Further guidance about Bankruptcy Restrictions Orders and Undertakings    

Details of BRO and BRU restrictions relating to individuals can be found on the Individual Insolvency Register

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Published 24 January 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Patricia Rubin appointed as Trustee of The National Gallery
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The Prime Minister has appointed Patricia Rubin as Trustee of The National Gallery for a 4 year term from 29 November 2024 to 28 November 2028
Patricia Rubin

Appointed from 29th November 2024 to 28th November 2028

Patricia Rubin is an art historian, professor, and administrator. In addition to her decades-long teaching career in London and New York, she has been Deputy Director of the Courtauld Institute of Art and founding Head of the Courtauld Institute Research Forum (2004-9), Director of the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University (2009-17), and Acting Director of Harvard University Center for Renaissance Studies/Villa I Tatti in Florence (1997). She is currently a Visiting Scholar at the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft/Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florence and an Honorary Research Fellow of the Courtauld Institute. Museum-based education and research have been fundamental to her work. She has been involved as co-curator, consultant, and catalogue contributor to numerous exhibitions and served on museum boards and committees at the Getty Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Morgan Library and Museum, and the Galleria dell’Accademia of Venice.

She has written books on Giorgio Vasari’s Lives of the Artists and on art and society in Renaissance Florence (Giorgio Vasari: Art and History and Images and Identity in Fifteenth-century Florence), along with numerous essays and articles on related topics, including the co-authorship of the National Gallery exhibition catalogue Renaissance Florence: The Art of the 1470s. Her research interests range from altarpiece design to humbug and art history in the nineteenth century. She has recently written essays on Sandro Botticelli’s illustrations to Dante’s Divine Comedy, Anglo-American viewing of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, tomb sculptures by Michelangelo Buonarroti and Andrea del Verrocchio (“Michelangelo’s Monkey and the Melancholy of Death”), “‘Perverse Images’: Monstrous Beauty and Monkey Business in Italian Art from Botticelli to Bronzino,” and “Dangerous Liaisons: Compromising Positions and Provocative Allusions in Bronzino’s Martyrdom of St. Lawrence.”

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees of The National Gallery are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Patricia Rubin has declared no significant political activity.

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Published 24 January 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supermarket closed for persistent sale of illegal tobacco

Source: City of Coventry

A Coventry store has been ordered to close its doors for three months.

A Coventry store has been ordered to close its doors for three months, after a Council investigation discovered Saad Supermarket (which previously traded as Victoria Mini Market) on Primrose Hill Street, Coventry, persistently sold illegal tobacco and vaping products, as well as selling these items to persons under 18.

Costs of £4,974.26 were awarded to the Council, to be equally split between both the operator of the business and the landlord of the premises.

The Council’s Trading Standards and Legal teams applied to Coventry Magistrates Court for a Closure Order, which was granted on Wednesday 15 January 2025 under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The store has been ordered to close completely for three months and no-one is allowed to access or remain on the premises.

The Closure Order will remain in force until midnight on Tuesday 15 April 2025.

Those found to breach the Order may be imprisoned, fined or both.

The Court heard that despite warnings, there were continued sales of illicit products from the shop, as well as the sale of such to minors. Due to its proximity to a local school, this was a clear risk to the safety of the community and robust enforcement action was required.

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Council Leader, said: “Our trading standards and legal teams once again have taken the necessary action against businesses who ignore the law”.

“It’s important that we publicise this work because it will not be tolerated both by the Council or the police. In this case there was an added concern about the school being so close”.

“It’s a warning to any other businesses and I’d encourage any residents, who have similar concerns about local shops they suspect may be selling illegal vapes and tobacco and also selling to people under age, to contact us.”

The sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products has a detrimental effect on legitimate local businesses and also contributes to anti-social behaviour in the community.

It can also support organised crime, which may also be linked to modern-day slavery, human trafficking, and other serious criminality. Illegal tobacco and vaping products also present a serious public health issue with very high levels of tar, nicotine and other toxic chemicals. The lower prices at which these items can be sold also encourage children to start smoking or vaping.

Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The trade in illegal tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law. Having removed 46 million illegal cigarettes, 12,600kg of hand-rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale, Operation CeCe – the National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC – continues to successfully disrupt this illicit trade.”

Coventry Trading Standards will use all available powers to protect the local community and legitimate businesses.

We need information from the public to help us with issues like this. Information we receive about where and when this type of activity is happening will help us build an intelligence picture and enable us to act where necessary.

If you are concerned about similar activity happening where you live, you can send us an anonymous report – please search ‘Coventry Trading Standards’ and use the online reporting form, or find the anonymous form on the Council’s website.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: About 850 infrastructure facilities were introduced in Russia under the Stimul program

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

Since 2018, the Stimul program has been implemented in Russia, thanks to which schools, kindergartens, medical institutions, highways and housing and communal services facilities were built for new residential areas in the regions. Since 2019, the program has been included in the national project Housing and Urban Environment, which ended in 2024.

Road in the Novo-Patrushevo microdistrict of Tyumen

“It is important for people to have a modern school, kindergarten, and clinic within walking distance of their home, to be able to drive into the yard via a quality road, and to have utilities provided without interruptions. All this was facilitated by the Stimulus program, thanks to which more than 1,000 events have been implemented in the country since 2018, including 848 infrastructure facilities and 169 technical connections. This made it possible to stimulate the commissioning of 61.4 million square meters of housing provided with the necessary infrastructure. The national project “Housing and Urban Environment”, and along with it the Stimulus program, have completed their work, but we continue to improve the living environment for people within the framework of the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”, “said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

The Deputy Prime Minister added that during the operation of the Stimul program, about 1,600 km of roads were built and reconstructed. Among them are inter-block and intra-block roads, access roads, interchanges, as well as main streets that are important both for the city as a whole and for individual districts. In addition, the Stimul program made it possible to commission 203 educational facilities with more than 111 thousand places, 12 medical institutions with 5.5 thousand places, as well as utility networks with a length of more than 2 thousand km.

“In 2024 alone, 124 facilities were commissioned in the areas of housing projects participating in the Stimulus program. This stimulated the commissioning of 11.75 million square meters of new housing in developing areas. 51 engineering infrastructure facilities with a length of more than 450 km, 70 road infrastructure facilities with a length of more than 132.3 km and three schools for 3,129 students were created or reconstructed,” said Irek Faizullin, Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities of the Russian Federation.

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 –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Terms set for exhibition incentives

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau today announced arrangements for the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE) 2.0.

As stated in the 2024 Policy Address, the Government will allocate an additional provision of $500 million to implement the ISRE 2.0, in light of the convention and exhibition (C&E) industry’s strong support for the existing scheme.

The 2.0 edition will aim to attract more new and recurrent international exhibitions of large scale, with a view to boosting the vibrancy of the C&E industry in Hong Kong.

As with the existing scheme, the ISRE 2.0 will only subsidise venue rentals for eligible exhibitions organised by private organisers at specified venues.

Under the new arrangements, only international exhibitions attracting at least 1,500 non-local exhibitor and buyer participants will be covered. The maximum incentive for each eligible exhibition will be capped at $10 million.

Thirdly, the Central Harbourfront Event Space and relevant parts of the West Kowloon Cultural District will be designated as specified venues, alongside the Convention & Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo, thereby offering organisers more venue options.

The ISRE 2.0 will be launched on July 1 this year subject to funding approval by the Legislative Council’s, while the existing edition will terminate on the same day.

Application guidelines for the ISRE 2.0 will be announced in due course.

Eligible exhibitions which will begin on or before June 30 this year should apply for incentives under the existing ISRE.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: American National Announces Full Redemption of Outstanding Depositary Shares Representing Interests in its 5.95% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A and Intent to Voluntarily Delist and Deregister

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American National Group Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: ANG PRA) today announced that the Company will redeem (the “Redemption”) all the 16,000 outstanding shares of its 5.95% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and the corresponding 16,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in one share of Series A Preferred Stock (the “Depositary Shares”), on February 24, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”).

The Depositary Shares will be redeemed for a redemption price equal to $25.00 per Depositary Share (equivalent to $25,000 per share of Series A Preferred Stock) plus an amount equal to any declared but unpaid dividends and the portion of the quarterly dividend attributable to 1/1,000th of a share of Series A Preferred Stock to the then-current dividend period that has not been declared and paid to, but excluding, the Redemption Date (the “Redemption Price”).

The Depositary Shares are held through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and will be redeemed in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC. Payment to DTC for the Depositary Shares will be made by Computershare Inc., the Company’s redemption agent (the “Redemption Agent”), in accordance with the terms set forth in the Redemption Agent Agreement that governs the redemption of the Depositary Shares. All questions about the notice of redemption and related materials should be directed to the Redemption Agent at the following address and phone number:

Computershare Inc.
Attention: Corporate Actions Department
150 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02021
Tel: 1-800-546-5141

Upon the Redemption, no Series A Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares will remain outstanding, and all rights with respect to such stock or depositary shares will cease and terminate except only the right of the holders of the Depositary Shares to receive the Redemption Price, without interest. The information contained in this press release does not constitute a notice of redemption with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares. Investors in the Depositary Shares should contact the bank or broker through which they hold a beneficial interest in the Depositary Shares for information about obtaining the Redemption Price for the Depositary Shares in which they have a beneficial interest.

In connection with the Redemption, the Company intends to delist the Depositary Shares from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and to deregister the Depositary Shares from registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company intends to request that NYSE file with the SEC a notification of removal from listing and registration on Form 25 to effect the delisting of all of the Depositary Shares from NYSE. In addition, after the Redemption Date, the Company intends to file a certification on Form 15 with the SEC requesting the termination of registration of all of the Depositary Shares. Deregistration of the Depositary Shares is expected to become effective 90 days after the Form 15 is filed.

ABOUT AMERICAN NATIONAL GROUP INC.

American National Group Inc. offers a broad array of insurance products and services through its operating subsidiaries, American National and American Equity Life. Operating across 50 U.S. states, the group’s customer offering includes annuities, personal and commercial property and casualty insurance and life insurance. For more information, please visit AmericanNational.com/home/about-us/investor-relations.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements contained in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They may relate to markets for our products, trends in our operations or financial results, strategic alternatives, future operations, strategies, plans, partnerships, investments, share buybacks and other financial developments. They use words and terms such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “enable,” “estimate,” “expect,” “foreseeable,” “goal,” “improve,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “model,” “objective,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “risk,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words and terms of similar meaning or that are otherwise tied to future periods or future performance, in each case in all forms of speech and derivative forms, or similar words, as well as any projections of future events or results. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to a variety of assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected. Many of these risks and uncertainties cannot be controlled by the Company. Factors that may cause our actual decisions or results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include, among other things, the factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as updated by the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and any other documents we file with the SEC.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements except as required by law. There can be no assurance that other factors not currently disclosed or anticipated by the Company will not materially adversely affect our results of operations or plans. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf.

Contact: Steven Schwartz
Treasurer, Head of Investor Relations
888-221-1234 ext. 3763
sschwartz@american-equity.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Marquette National Corporation Increases Quarterly Dividend 10.7 Percent and Announces a Common Stock Repurchase Program

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marquette National Corporation (OTCQX: MNAT) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.31 per share, an increase of 10.7% from the previous quarter dividend rate. The dividend will be payable on April 1, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 14, 2025. As of December 31, 2024, Marquette had 4,367,477 shares issued and outstanding.

The Company also announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1,000,000 of its outstanding common stock at prevailing market prices through open market or negotiated transactions. The repurchase program is authorized to last through December 31, 2025.

Marquette National Corporation is a diversified bank holding company with total assets of $2.2 billion. The Company’s banking subsidiary, Marquette Bank, is a full-service, community bank that serves the financial needs of communities in Chicagoland, offering an extensive line of financial solutions, including retail banking, real estate lending, trust, insurance, investments, wealth management and business banking to consumers and commercial customers. Marquette Bank has 20 branches located in: Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Summit and Tinley Park, Illinois. For more information visit: https://emarquettebank.com

Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies (including the effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or other threats thereof (including the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Russian invasion of Ukraine), or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iii) changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (iv) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business as a result of the upcoming 2024 presidential election or any changes in response to failures of other banks; (v) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company’s assets (including the impact of the significant rate increases by the Federal Reserve since 2022); (vi) increased competition in the financial services sector (including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and “fintech” companies) and the inability to attract new customers; (vii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (viii) the loss of key executives or employees; (ix) changes in consumer spending; (x) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; (xi) the economic impact of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xii) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio; (xiii) concentrations within our loan portfolio, large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients; (xiv) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversity their exposure; (xv) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xvi) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xvii) breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, and (xviii) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated.. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: CareCloud Shareholders Tentatively Approve Proposal to Increase Authorized Common Shares with Record Voter Turnout

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SOMERSET, N.J., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareCloud, Inc. (the “Company” or “CareCloud”) (Nasdaq: CCLD, CCLDO, CCLDP), a leading provider of healthcare information technology and generative AI solutions for medical practices and health systems nationwide, today announced that shareholders have tentatively approved the proposal to increase the number of authorized common shares.

Approximately 10.4 million votes by proxy have been returned (the “votes”) in favor of increasing the authorized number of shares of common stock from 35 million to 85 million shares, marking one of the highest levels of positive votes in the Company’s history. The votes in favor represent over 80% of the total votes submitted.

“We truly appreciate the shareholders’ confidence in the Company’s direction, reflected in the nearly record-breaking number of ‘yes’ votes received by proxy,” said Stephen Snyder, Co-CEO of CareCloud.

The final vote count will be announced after the Common Stock Shareholder Special Meeting, scheduled for January 27, 2025.

About CareCloud

CareCloud brings disciplined innovation to the business of healthcare. Our suite of 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 http://www.carecloud.com.

Follow CareCloud on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

SOURCE CareCloud

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

Investor Contact:
Stephen Snyder
Co-CEO
CareCloud, Inc.
ir@carecloud.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Matador Technologies Adds Gold to Balance Sheet Ahead of Product Launch

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (“Matador” or the “Company”) (TSXV: MATA) has announced an additional purchase of gold to its balance sheet, supporting the development of its gold product set to launch in early 2025. Matador purchased 1 kilogram of gold for approximately USD$89,208, inclusive of fees and expenses, bringing Matador’s gold balance to 2 kilograms.

This allocation is aligned with Matador’s vision of pairing traditional assets like gold with cutting-edge blockchain technologies. By sourcing high-quality physical gold from the Royal Canadian Mint through its trusted partnership with Kitco Metals Inc., Matador ensures both the reliability and security of its gold reserves. All physical gold holdings will remain securely stored at the Royal Canadian Mint. This decision also supports Matador’s long-term capital preservation and corporate treasury strategy in holding USD-denominated assets.

“Gold is a cornerstone of Matador’s first product, not just as a financial asset but as the foundation for our digital gold products,” said Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies. “This move reflects our commitment to combining the timeless appeal of gold with the modern engagement opportunities presented by blockchain technology.”

The Company’s upcoming gold product is designed to breathe new life into the gold market, targeting those intrigued by the potential of blockchain and digital assets. By leveraging Bitcoin as part of the platform for its digital gold products, Matador ensures the highest standards of security, stability, and trust for its users.

Matador’s continued efforts to bridge traditional assets like gold and new technologies reflect its commitment to delivering a secure, accessible platform for users of all backgrounds.

For additional information, please contact:

Media Contact:
Sunny Ray
President
Email: sunny@matador.network

Phone: 647-932-2668

About Matador Technologies Inc.
Matador Technologies Inc. is a digital gold platform leveraging blockchain technology to digitize real-world assets like gold. Focused on building innovative financial solutions, Matador is at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology to preserve and grow value. Matador’s digital gold platform aims to democratize the gold buying experience, combining the best of modern technology and time-proven assets, to create an app that will allow users to buy, sell, and store gold 24/7 in a fun and engaging way.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Forward Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy and the launch of its mobile application as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the potential acquisition of Bitcoin and/or US dollars, the pricing of such acquisitions and the timing of future operations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

Category: KB

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