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Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI Global: Academic freedom and democracy under siege: how a Nobel peace prize could help defend them

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Stéphanie Balme, Director, CERI (Centre de recherches internationales), Sciences Po

    A rally for science drew a big crowd during the American Geophysical Union’s meeting in San Francisco. MarcioJoseSanchez/AP, CC BY

    March 7 has been recognized as the “Day of the Stand Up for Science Movement”, launched in 2017 in response to the anti-science actions of the first Trump administration. Under the second, attacks on scientists and scientific inquiry have escalated into a systematic assault–tantamount to a coup d’Etat against science itself.

    While Donald Trump is often portrayed as erratic, his policies in this area have followed a consistent trajectory. His new administration has once again declared ‘war’ on evidence-based national policymaking and science diplomacy in foreign affairs as evidenced by several early actions. Immediately after taking office, Donald Trump issued executive orders freezing or canceling tens of billions in research funding. All National Science Foundation projects have been halted pending review, while the National Institutes of Health faces suspensions under Health and Human Services directives. The US has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization, alongside a sweeping review of 90% of USAID-funded projects, signaling a major retreat from climate and global health diplomacy. Federal agencies and universities are in turmoil, leaving thousands of research-professors in limbo amid a politically driven funding freeze. The 2025 March simply calls for the restoration of federal research funding and an end to government censorship and political interference in science.

    Du lundi au vendredi + le dimanche, recevez gratuitement les analyses et décryptages de nos experts pour un autre regard sur l’actualité. Abonnez-vous dès aujourd’hui !

    The US is the world’s undisputed scientific superpower–for now

    While the Trump administration is not the sole force undermining academia worldwide, its actions are particularly striking coming from the world’s leading scientific superpower. Moreover, the situation is especially concerning because developments in the United States often have a ripple effect, shaping policies in other regions in the years that follow.

    Neither of the world’s top two scientific superpowers–Washington and Beijing–is positioned to champion academic freedom. China, having failed a liberal constitutional tradition and academic independence since the 1920s, restricts academic freedom to the confines of one-party rule. Caught between these rival scientific giants–both partners and competitors–the “old” Europe and like-minded coutries remain the only actors capable of setting new standards for academic freedom.

    A Nobel prize for academic freedom

    A decisive step toward its legal protection would be formal recognition by the Nobel Committees for Peace and Science of academic freedom’s fundamental role–both in ensuring scientific excellence and as a pillar of free, democratic societies.

    For the past decade, the Scholars at Risk association (SAR) has documented a broader global decline in academic freedom in its annual Free to Think Report. The 2024 edition highlights particularly alarming situations in 18 countries and territories (including the United States), which recorded 391 attacks on scholars, students, or institutions across 51 regions in a year. Data from the Academic Freedom Index in Berlin confirm that more than half of the world’s population lives in regions where academic freedom is either entirely or severely restricted. Some of the most concerning conditions are in emerging scientific ecosystems such as Turkey, Brazil, Egypt, South Africa, or Saudi Arabia. The overall trend is deteriorating: only 10 out of 179 countries have improved, while many democratic regimes are increasingly affected.

    Academic freedom in the European Union remains relatively high compared to the rest of the world. However, nine EU member states fall below the regional average, and in eight of them, it has declined over the past decade–signaling a gradual erosion of this fundamental value. Hungary ranks the lowest among EU countries, placing in the bottom 20–30% worldwide. Recent laws have further weakened university autonomy across the EU: financial autonomy in Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Slovakia; organizational autonomy in Slovenia, Estonia, and Denmark; staffing autonomy in Croatia and Slovakia; and academic autonomy in Denmark and Estonia. Moreover, the European Parliament’s first report on academic freedom (2023) highlights emerging threats in France–political, educational, and societal–that impact the freedom of research, teaching, and study.

    Academic freedom, a professional right granted to a few for the benefit of all

    Freedom of expression, a fundamental pillar of academic freedom, has long been established as a human right, overcoming centuries of censorship and authoritarian control. In contrast, academic freedom is a more recent principle, granting scholars–recognized by their peers–the right and responsibility to research and teach freely in pursuit of knowledge. Like press freedom for journalists, it is a right granted to a few for the benefit of all.

    Rooted in medieval Europe, academic freedom has evolved from a privilege granted to students in the Quartier Latin to a recognized principle in international rights frameworks. It gained a collective and concrete dimension in the late 18th and early 19th centuries with the rise of the modern university. Wilhelm von Humboldt, founder of the modern public university in Berlin (1810), articulated the concept of ‘freedom of science’ (Wissenschaftsfreiheit), later enshrined in the Weimar Constitution of 1919, which declared that “art, science, and education are free.” The rise of American universities around the same time reshaped the concept, giving rise to “professional academic freedom.” This was formalized in the American Association of University Professors’ 1915 Declaration of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure, which affirmed the scholar’s primary duty to seek and establish truth. Though its roots lie in Germany, academic freedom ultimately became a cornerstone of American academic discourse.

    In the United States, academic freedom draws from multiple sources, with its protection varying by state laws, customs, institutional practices, and the status of higher education institutions. However, U.S. Supreme Court rulings have gradually reinforced its constitutional foundation, particularly after the McCarthy era, by invoking the First Amendment. Landmark cases such as Adler v. Board of Education (1952), Wieman v. Updegraff (1952), and Sweezy v. New Hampshire (1957) helped establish a constitutional doctrine on academic freedom. Finally, Keyishian v. Board of Regents (1967) extended First Amendment protections to academia, ruling that mandatory loyalty oaths violated both academic freedom and freedom of association.

    Interestingly, the American interpretation of academic freedom is currently more restrictive than the German model in certain respects. Article 5(3) of the 1989 Basic Law affirms the “right to adopt public organizational measures essential to protect a space of freedom, fostering independent scientific activity”. In contrast, the U.S. places greater emphasis on prohibitions and prioritizing individual rights over institutional autonomy.

    The ‘right to be wrong’

    Despite local variations, academic freedom is fundamentally tied to a shared vision of the university that upholds freedom of thought, with rationality and pluralism at its core. It includes the genuine “right to be wrong”–the understanding that a scientific opinion may be incorrect or even proven so does not diminish its protection. This stands in stark contrast to the anti-science, scientistic, or techno-nationalist approach, which views knowledge as a tool of power to serve a predetermined truth and objective of dominance. Authoritarian science, driven by power interests, seeks to diminish critical humanities and social sciences while elevating religion. It tends to reject interdisciplinary work, is exclusively mathematized, and is oriented toward a centralized yet deregulated autocratic tech-utopian state model.

    Since 1945, we have operated under the illusion that academic freedom is an indispensable condition for scientific excellence. However, we have recently learned that no systematic link exists between academic freedom and breakthrough scientific innovation in our era of new technologies. Given these circumstances, this proposal advocates for a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, for the first time in its history, in recognition of academic freedom.

    The Nobel Prize Committees for Science and Peace share the responsibility of using their prestigious platforms to uphold fundamental scientific and democratic values. They are uniquely positioned to champion humanist science, reinforcing its importance for scholars, students, and civil societies worldwide. Since the 1950s, around 90% of Nobel Prize laureates in scientific fields have either been US citizens or have studied and worked at Ivy League research institutions.

    While some US scientists are contesting actions of the Trump administration in court, academics worldwide should stand in solidarity with their American colleagues in resisting the erosion of science. To strengthen their efforts, they require the support of the Nobel Prize Committees.

    Stéphanie Balme ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Academic freedom and democracy under siege: how a Nobel peace prize could help defend them – https://theconversation.com/academic-freedom-and-democracy-under-siege-how-a-nobel-peace-prize-could-help-defend-them-251494

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 210 Months for Drug Distribution Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SAN DIEGO – Rodolfo Benjamin Silva, a prolific cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl trafficker who called himself the “King of Coke,” was sentenced in federal court today to 17.5 years in prison for distributing large quantities of illicit drugs in the U.S. and for facilitating the movement of cartel hitmen into the United States.

    At today’s hearing, prosecutors described Silva as a long-time San Diego-based drug distributor who worked directly with Mexican counterparts to receive narcotic shipments from Mexico. According to his plea agreement, in October 2022, Silva provided a drug courier with 114 pounds of methamphetamine and a kilogram of fentanyl for transport to Indianapolis, but it was interdicted in Oklahoma.

    Silva also admitted in his plea agreement to threatening, directing or using violence as part of his drug trafficking activities. Prosecutors told the court today that Silva assisted in bringing assassins known as “sicarios” from Mexico into the San Diego area for cartel enforcement operations. On one occasion, Silva hired a sicario from Mexico to come to San Diego where that individual attempted to fatally shoot one of Silva’s rivals, prosecutors said.

    This investigation was led by FBI and DEA in San Diego with integral assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Indiana and FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Goff.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 23CR02513-WQH                            

    Rodolfo Benjamin Silva, aka “Rudy”            Age: 44                       San Diego, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a)(1) and 846

    Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan Man Indicted for Illegal Re-entry into U.S.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The one-count Indictment named Edgar Lopez-Gomez, 29, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment, on February 20, 2025, Lopez-Gomez was found in western Pennsylvania after having been removed from the United States on or about July 18, 2017.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Justin E. Lewis is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Large-scale cocaine importers sentenced to federal prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    STATESBORO, GA:  Two men who supplied kilograms of cocaine for a major drug trafficking conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison.

    Pedro Castro-Vasquez, a/k/a “Chipo,” 53, of Puerto Rico, and Sonic Torres-Garcia, 27, of Kissimmee, Florida,  were each sentenced after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Cocaine, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall sentenced Castro-Vasquez to 180 months in prison and a fine of $1,500, followed by three years of supervised release, and sentenced Torres-Garcia to 180 months in prison, consecutive to other pending state and federal cases, and a fine of $2,500, followed by three years of supervised release.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    “The conspiracy identified in this multi-year investigation was responsible for importing and distributing large quantities of drugs in the Southern District,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “Multiple law enforcement agencies persisted through this lengthy investigation in identifying the key players in this drug trafficking operation, holding them accountable for spreading misery in the Southern District.”

    As described in the 49-count indictment unsealed in November 2022, Operation Carpet Ride identified a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Richmond, and Tattnall counties, and elsewhere, from as early as January 2016. Led by Daniel Morales-Jimenez, a/k/a “Danny Hill,” 48, of Puerto Rico, the conspiracy imported large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs from and through Puerto Rico, into Florida and the Southern District. Morales-Jimenez pled guilty to federal conspiracy charges in both the Southern District and in Puerto Rico and awaits sentencing.

    Castro-Vasquez was identified as a kilo-quantity distributor who obtained cocaine from Morales-Jimenez, arranging importation into the continental United States for distribution in the Southern District. Torres-Garcia supplied kilos of cocaine to Demarr Clayton Lee, 55, of Miami, Florida, while also arranging to deliver cocaine to the Southern District using members of his family. Lee, who pled guilty in the conspiracy, is serving a sentence of 98 months in federal prison, while 26 other defendants in Operation Carpet Ride are serving sentences of up to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty. 

    “This case represents the continued commitment of the Drug Enforcement Administration to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service employs a whole-of-government approach to combatting illicit drugs in the mail,” said Steven Hodges, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division. “This case, and our partnerships, illustrate our strategy in action. Protecting the American public through criminal investigations like this is a top priority of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Puerto Rico State Police; the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles; the Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office; the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office; the Evans County Sheriff’s Office; the Barceloneta Police Department; the Claxton Police Department; and the Glennville Police Department; and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank M. Pennington II and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests 9 Houston area criminal aliens in past week convicted or charged with sex offenses

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    March 5, 2025Houston, TX, United StatesChild Exploitation

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested nine criminal aliens in the Houston area between Feb. 24 – 28 charged with, or have been convicted of, a sex offense and are amenable to removal from the U.S.

    The arrests were part of a multi-agency enforcement effort conducted by ICE, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Texas Office of Attorney General.

    “Our local communities are safer as a direct result of this targeted enforcement effort,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “In just five days, working alongside our federal and state partners, and leveraging HSI’s unique investigative authorities and extensive expertise investigating child exploitation crimes, we were able to quickly locate and remove these criminal aliens from the community before they could reoffend.”

    The arrests made during the targeted enforcement effort included:

    • A 39-year-old three-time deported criminal alien from El Salvador arrested Feb. 24 who is charged with for continuous sexual assault of a minor.
    • A 61-year-old three-time deported criminal alien from Mexico arrested Feb. 26 who was previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a minor, driving while intoxicated, and illegal entry.
    • A 55-year-old criminal alien from Cuba arrested Feb. 25 who was previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault.
    • A 61-year-old criminal alien from Cuba arrested Feb. 26 who was previously convicted of sexual battery with a weapon, sexual assault, kidnapping, and failure to register as a sex offender.
    • A 57-year-old criminal alien from Vietnam arrested Feb. 24 who was previously convicted of abduction with intent to extort money for an immoral purpose, illegal possession of a weapon, and burglary.
    • A 57-year-old criminal alien from Vietnam arrested Feb. 25 who was previously convicted of gross sexual imposition with a minor under the age of 13, failure to register as a sex offender, aggravated assault, carrying a prohibited weapon, and prostitution.
    • A 41-year-old criminal alien from Mexico arrested Feb. 26 who was previously convicted of indecency with a minor by contact, DWI, and marijuana possession.
    • A 72-year-old criminal alien from the Philippines arrested Feb. 25 who was previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a minor and cocaine possession.
    • A 71-year-old criminal alien from Cuba arrested Feb. 27 who was previously convicted of sexual battery of a minor.

    To learn more about ICE’s mission to combat child exploitation in the Houston-area follow us on X at @HSIHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Trade Smarter with BexBack: 100% Deposit Bonus, 100x Leverage, No KYC & $50 Bonus for New Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages.The platform now offers a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and up to 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading—all with No KYC requirements—providing excellent opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and 50 other major cryptocurrencies for futures contracts.. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e21fc178-7344-42ca-b670-266d9c3f7531

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6202de8e-d347-431f-8adf-311f08c14aad

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c61032f7-5659-4e45-9303-cfbf114c3816

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50ebb12a-7da1-4e6f-8a18-4ec9f503aa97

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Venezuelan Gang Members Arrested, Charged with Bank Theft and Conspiracy

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

    BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Jose Gomez Cegarra, 24, and Jesus Segundo Hernandez-Gil, 19, both of Venezuela, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with bank theft and conspiracy to commit bank theft. The charges carry a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Intravatola and Douglas A.C. Penrose, who are handling the case, stated that the defendants are members of the Tren de Aragua Gang, which has been designated by the White House as a Global Terrorist Organization. They are accused of participating in an ATM Jackpotting scheme. ATM Jackpotting involves removing an ATM’s cover and infecting the ATMs hard drive with malware or removing the hard drive and replacing it with an infected hard drive, which allows the operator to assume control of the ATM and cause it to dispense currency.

    According to the complaint, Gomez-Cegarra, Hernandez-Gil, and other co-conspirators successfully completed an ATM Jackpotting scheme at a Radius Federal Credit Union in Kenmore, NY, on October 5, 2024. Video surveillance shows that at approximately 4:05 p.m., a vehicle, driven by Gomez-Cegarra,  approached the drive-up ATM, a co-conspirator exited the vehicle and opened the ATM utilizing a key, appeared to install something in the ATM, pressed buttons, and closed the ATM. The vehicle then left the area. Over the next several hours, the vehicle re-appeared multiple times at the ATM and conducted illegal withdrawals. Radius Federal Credit Union reported that $110,440.00 was stolen from the ATM during this ATM Jackpotting event.

    Gomez-Cegarra, Hernandez-Gil, and other co-conspirators are also believed to be responsible for ATM Jackpotting events St. Maly’s Federal Credit Union in Framingham, Massachusetts, on October 6, 2024, at First National Bank of Dryden in Dryden, NY, on October 17, 2024, and at two Community First Bank locations in Mount Vernon, Illinois, on November 11, 2024. During these events, approximately $187,000 was reported stolen.

    On November 11, 2024, the Mahomet, Illinois Police Department stopped Gomez-Cegarra and Hernandez-Gil in a vehicle together for suspicious activity. Both men presented Venezuelan identifications. They were arrested by the Mahomet Police Department, and ultimately charged by the Mount Vernon Police Department in relation to the incidents that occurred at the Community First Bank locations in Mount Vernon, IL.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Kenmore Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Phillips, the Homer, NY, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Pitman, the Framingham, MA, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Lester Baker, and the Mahomet, Illinois, Police Department.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    # # # # 

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: NOAA’s National Ocean Service: Working for you!

    Source: US National Ocean Service News

    Kayakers paddle through Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Credit: Chuck Graham.

    NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) has a unique mission that includes some of the most interesting parts of government! NOS is America’s leader in coastal and ocean science, technology, and management. We balance economic and environmental needs and deliver tools and services that directly support national security and the public. Dive in to learn more about how NOS works for you each and every day.
    We make using GPS more accurate. Our science improves GPS data by providing positioning information that is accurate to a fraction of an inch. This ensures ships navigate safely under bridges; farmers efficiently apply fertilizer to crops; and construction occurs in exactly the right place and with precise engineering.
    We help to get ships — and their cargo — safely and efficiently across oceans and into ports. Our science plays a key role in ensuring that shipments move swiftly along our marine highways. Who doesn’t like a new pair of sneakers? How about fresh bananas? Almost everything we use, wear, and eat relies upon our ports operating safely and efficiently.

    We make nautical charts, the roadmaps of the ocean, so those on the water can avoid dangers and arrive safely at their destination. We’ve been doing this since President Thomas Jefferson first commissioned a survey of U.S. coasts in 1807!

    We provide real-time water level, current, and wind conditions along shipping routes, helping mariners navigate busy, narrow channels, and ensuring successful delivery of cargo. Our “air gap” sensors also tell vessel operators if their ships can safely fit under bridges.

    Two different renderings of NOAA Electronic Navigational Chart (NOAA ENC®) data of the Columbia River, Oregon. The top image is from an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and the bottom image is output from the NOAA Custom Chart application.

    We respond when disasters strike. From extreme weather events to oil spills, our emergency response teams spring into action to assess impacts and aid in recovery.

    Following hurricanes and natural disasters, our scientists take flight aboard NOAA planes that collect aerial images of damage. The imagery is critical to understanding impacts sustained to both property and the environment and supports safe navigation during maritime recovery efforts. We also work to survey for dangers to navigation and remove marine debris to reopen ports and waterways.

    Every year we respond to over 150 oil and chemical spills in U.S. waters — which can threaten life, property, and substantially disrupt marine transportation with widespread economic impacts. Following a spill, our teams provide scientific support to estimate where the spill may go; analyze potential hazards; and to assess the risks and evaluate damages to people, habitats, and other species.

    Left image: National Geographic videographer Bob Perrin films an oil slick at the Deepwater Horizon site. Right image: Aerial view of a destroyed building in Asheville, North Carolina, collected by NOAA aircraft on October 5, 2024. Credit: NOAA.

    We forecast future ocean conditions and hazardous events. Our online tools help the public protect their health, safety, and wellbeing while at home and on the water, and our rip current forecasts keep swimmers safe while enjoying the ocean.

    We help to protect critical coastal infrastructure from hazardous events, like high tide flooding and tsunamis. We also maintain a national network of tide gauges, and gather and connect thousands of coastal and ocean data sources from around the country that inform NOAA forecasting tools for public safety and grow the ocean economy by improving public access to foundational data and information.

    Did you know that harmful algal blooms can occur in every U.S. coastal and Great Lakes state and can affect the health of people, animals, and even contaminate drinking water? We produce forecasts in the Gulf of America, the Gulf of Maine, and Lake Erie so beach-goers can adjust their plans; health officials and water treatment facility operators can focus their testing procedures; and seafood and tourism industries can minimize impacts to their businesses; and the public can remain healthy and well.

    NOAA deploys buoys like the one shown here in the Columbia River, Washington to collect real-time currents and wind data in support of scientific research, disaster recovery, and safe navigation. Credit: NOAA.

    We take care of special coastal and ocean places. By conserving unique areas around the country, we’re also boosting the economic benefits nationwide.

    We work with partners to manage 18 National Marine Sanctuaries and 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves in U.S. waters and along the coastline. These protected places provide opportunities for recreation and tourism — like fishing, diving, and whale watching — attracting visitors from all over the world and fueling local economies. As world-class destinations, these places also help raise public awareness about research and conservation.

    Did you know that coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and are also a source of food and new medicines? We work to protect, conserve, and restore the nation’s coral reefs for current and future generations.

    Coral reef in Tres Palmas, Puerto Rico. Credit: NOAA

    These are just a few of the many ways NOS helps protect Americans and our oceans and coasts. Visit our website to learn more about how we contribute to NOAA’s mission of science, service, and stewardship.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a sky blue color

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a sky blue color

    March 5, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with the soaring performance of the M4 chip, a gorgeous new sky blue color, and a lower starting price of $999

    The world’s most popular laptop delivers more value than ever with greater performance, up to 18 hours of battery life, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and enhanced external display support — all in its strikingly thin and light design

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced the new MacBook Air, featuring the blazing-fast performance of the M4 chip, up to 18 hours of battery life,1 a new 12MP Center Stage camera, and a lower starting price. It also offers support for up to two external displays in addition to the built-in display, 16GB of starting unified memory, and the incredible capabilities of macOS Sequoia with Apple Intelligence — all packed into its strikingly thin and light design that’s built to last. The new MacBook Air now comes in an all-new color — sky blue, a metallic light blue that joins midnight, starlight, and silver — giving MacBook Air its most beautiful array of colors ever. It also now starts at just $999 — $100 less than before — and $899 for education, making it an incredible value for students, business professionals, or anyone looking for a phenomenal combination of world-class performance, portability, design, and durability. With two sizes to choose from, the new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air are available to pre-order today, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 12.

    “MacBook Air is by far the world’s most popular laptop, and today we’re giving everyone even more reasons to love it, including a big boost in performance with the M4 chip, a new Center Stage camera, and a beautiful new sky blue color,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Combined with its thin and light, fanless design, all-day battery life, and the incredible capabilities of macOS Sequoia with Apple Intelligence, MacBook Air is unlike any other laptop. And with a new lower starting price of $999, MacBook Air delivers more value to consumers than ever before, making this the perfect moment to upgrade or experience the Mac for the first time.”

    A Fresh New Hue: Hello, Sky Blue  

    Adding a new choice to the lineup of MacBook Air colors is the all-new sky blue. A beautiful, metallic light blue that creates a dynamic gradient when light reflects off of its surface, sky blue joins midnight, starlight, and silver to complete the brilliant array of color choices for MacBook Air. All color options, including sky blue, come with a color-matched MagSafe charge cable.

    M4: Performance to the Next Level 

    With M4 in MacBook Air, everything from daily activities like multitasking between apps to more demanding tasks like photo and video editing is faster and more fluid. The M4 chip features a powerful 10-core CPU, an up to 10-core GPU, and support for up to 32GB of unified memory, making the new MacBook Air up to 2x faster than the M1 model.1 When compared to the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, the M4 model delivers up to 23x faster performance.1 With battery life on the new MacBook Air up to 18 hours, Intel-based upgraders will get up to six additional hours, so they can get more done on a single charge.1 The powerful Neural Engine in the M4 chip, which accelerates AI-based tasks, is also up to 3x faster than on MacBook Air with M1, significantly increasing speed in tasks like automatically enhancing photos and removing background noise from a video.

    MacBook Air with M4 delivers a new level of performance:

    • Spreadsheet calculation performance in Microsoft Excel is up to 4.7x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, and up to 1.6x faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1.1
    • Video editing in iMovie is up to 8x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, and up to 2x faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1.2
    • Photo editing in Adobe Photoshop is up to 3.6x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, and up to 2x faster than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1.1
    • Web browsing is up to 60 percent faster when compared to a PC laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, and more demanding tasks get up to 2x faster performance.1

    Built for Apple Intelligence

    MacBook Air is built for Apple Intelligence, unlocking exciting new capabilities that make Mac even more helpful and powerful. Users can explore creative new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground, create the perfect emoji with Genmoji, and make their writing even more dynamic with Writing Tools. With new Siri improvements, users can move fluidly between spoken and typed requests to accelerate tasks throughout their day, and Siri can answer thousands of questions about Mac features and settings, with step-by-step instructions for how to do something on Mac. With access to ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can choose to access ChatGPT’s expertise so they can get things done faster and easier than ever before. Users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. Users can choose whether to enable ChatGPT integration, and are in full control of when they use it and what information is shared with ChatGPT.

    Designed to protect users’ privacy at every step, Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power it run entirely on device. For requests that require access to larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of Mac into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill their request.

    Always Camera-Ready

    A new 12MP Center Stage camera with improved video quality keeps MacBook Air users looking their best, whether at home, school, or work. Center Stage automatically keeps users centered in the frame as they move around — great for connecting with friends and family over FaceTime or joining an important meeting. It also supports Desk View, which simultaneously displays the user and a top-down view of their desk, making video calls even more engaging for those who want to show off their latest DIY project or present a prototype at work.

    Enhanced Display Support 

    MacBook Air can easily power a multi-display setup to make viewing and interacting with content a breeze, for anyone from business professionals at the office multitasking across multiple windows, to students in a dorm room tackling a big project across several apps. For users who like to spread their work out, MacBook Air now supports up to two 6K external displays, in addition to its built-in Liquid Retina display.

    Everything Users Already Love

    More people choose MacBook Air over any other laptop. In addition to what’s new, MacBook Air with M4 includes all of the useful features and capabilities that have made it so popular, including:

    • Reliability and durability: The 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air feature a durable aluminum unibody enclosure that’s built to last, and are both less than half an inch thin, so users can work, play, or create from anywhere. The 13-inch model provides the ultimate in portability for users on the go, while the 15-inch model offers even more room to multitask.
    • Touch ID and Magic Keyboard: With the advanced security of Touch ID, users can easily and securely unlock their MacBook Air, make online purchases with Apple Pay, and download apps. The comfortable and quiet Magic Keyboard is backlit and comes with a full-height function row.
    • Gorgeous display: MacBook Air features a brilliant 13.6- or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with up to 500 nits of brightness, support for 1 billion colors, and up to 2x the resolution of comparable PC laptops. Content looks vivid with sharp detail, and text appears super crisp.
    • Versatile connectivity: MacBook Air with M4 features fast Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. It also includes MagSafe charging and two Thunderbolt ports for connecting accessories like external storage and security keys, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
    • Mics and speakers: Users will sound their best with a three-mic array and enhanced voice clarity on audio and video calls. And with an immersive sound system that has support for Spatial Audio along with Dolby Atmos, users will enjoy a three-dimensional soundstage for music and movies.

    An Unrivaled Experience: macOS Sequoia

    macOS Sequoia completes the new MacBook Air experience with a host of exciting features, including iPhone Mirroring, allowing users to wirelessly interact with their iPhone, its apps, and notifications directly from their Mac.3 Safari, the world’s fastest browser,4 now surfaces relevant information on sites in Highlights; summarizes articles in the redesigned Reader; keeps videos front and center in a new Video Viewer; and lets users hide distracting items with Distraction Control. Gaming gets even more immersive with features like Personalized Spatial Audio and improvements to Game Mode, along with a breadth of exciting titles, including Civilization VII, Wuthering Waves, and more. Easier window tiling means users can stay organized with a window layout that works best for them. The all-new Passwords app gives convenient access to passwords, passkeys, and other credentials — all stored in one place. And users can apply new, beautiful built-in backgrounds for video calls, which include a variety of color gradients, or use their own photos.

    Next month, macOS Sequoia 15.4 will make it easier than ever to set up the new MacBook Air with iPhone. By simply bringing iPhone close to Mac, users can quickly and conveniently sign in to their Apple Account to get their files, photos, messages, passwords, and more on their new MacBook Air.5

    Better for the Environment

    MacBook Air is designed with the environment in mind. As part of Apple 2030, the company’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade, Apple is transitioning to renewable electricity for manufacturing, and investing in wind and solar projects around the world to address the electricity used to charge all Apple products, including MacBook Air. Today, all Apple facilities run on 100 percent renewable electricity — including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence.

    To achieve Apple 2030, the company is designing products with more recycled and renewable materials, which further drives down the carbon footprint. MacBook Air features over 55 percent recycled content overall, the most in any Apple product. This includes 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets. The battery contains 100 percent recycled cobalt and — in a first for any Mac — over 95 percent recycled lithium. MacBook Air meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency, and is free of mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC. The packaging is entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal to remove plastic from all packaging by the end of 2025.6

    Pricing and Availability

    • Customers can pre-order the new MacBook Air with M4 starting today on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in 28 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting Wednesday, March 12.
    • The 13-inch MacBook Air with M4 starts at $999 (U.S.) and $899 (U.S.) for education, and the 15‑inch MacBook Air with M4 starts at $1,199 (U.S.) and $1,099 (U.S.) for education. Both are available in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.
    • Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options, and accessories are available at apple.com/mac.
    • Apple Intelligence is available on all Mac models with M1 and later, in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. Additional languages — including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) — will be available in April, with more languages coming over the course of the year, including Vietnamese. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.
    • With Apple Trade In, customers can trade in their current computer and get credit toward a new Mac. Customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in to see what their device is worth.
    • AppleCare+ for Mac provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know Mac best.
    • Every customer who buys directly from Apple Retail gets access to Personal Setup. In these guided online sessions, a Specialist can walk them through setup, or focus on features that help them make the most of their new device. Customers can also learn more about getting started with their new device with a Today at Apple session at their nearest Apple Store.
    • Customers in the U.S. who shop at Apple using Apple Card can pay monthly at 0 percent APR when they choose to check out with Apple Card Monthly Installments, and they’ll get 3 percent Daily Cash back — all up front. More information — including details on eligibility, exclusions, and Apple Card terms — is available at apple.com/apple-card/monthly-installments.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Testing was conducted by Apple in January 2025. See apple.com/macbook-air for more information. Battery life varies by use and configuration. See apple.com/batteries for more information.
    2. Results are compared to previous-generation MacBook Air systems with Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD; and 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based MacBook Air systems with Intel Iris Plus Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD.
    3. Available on Mac computers with Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 Security Chip. See requirements on apple.com/macos/macos-sequoia. Some iPhone features (for example, camera and microphone) are not compatible with iPhone Mirroring.
    4. Testing was conducted by Apple in August 2024. See apple.com/safari for more information.
    5. Available next month on macOS Sequoia 15.4 with iPhone and iPad running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or a later version.
    6. Based on retail packaging as shipped by Apple. Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from our calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.

    Press Contacts

    Starlayne Meza

    Apple

    starlayne_meza@apple.com

    Lizette Viviana Du Pond

    Apple

    ldupond@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple unveils new Mac Studio, the most powerful Mac ever

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple unveils new Mac Studio, the most powerful Mac ever

    March 5, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple unveils new Mac Studio, the most powerful Mac ever, featuring M4 Max and new M3 Ultra

    With Thunderbolt 5, up to 512GB of unified memory, and an up to 16TB SSD, all in a compact design, the ultimate pro desktop delivers even more performance

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced the new Mac Studio, the most powerful Mac ever made, featuring M4 Max and the new M3 Ultra chip. The ultimate pro desktop delivers groundbreaking pro performance, extensive connectivity now with Thunderbolt 5, and new capabilities in its compact and quiet design that can live right on a desk. Mac Studio can tackle the most intense workloads with its powerful CPU, Apple’s advanced graphics architecture, higher unified memory capacity, ultrafast SSD storage, and a faster and more efficient Neural Engine. It provides a big boost in performance compared to the previous generation, and a massive leap for users coming from older Macs.

    Mac Studio is a powerhouse for AI, capable of running large language models (LLMs) with over 600 billion parameters entirely in memory, thanks to its advanced GPU and up to 512GB of unified memory with M3 Ultra — the most ever in a personal computer. It’s also built for Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that transforms how users work, communicate, and express themselves, while protecting their privacy. The new Mac Studio is available to pre-order today, with availability beginning March 12.

    “The new Mac Studio is the most powerful Mac we’ve ever made,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “A complete game-changer for pros around the world — powering both home and pro studios — Mac Studio sits in a class of its own, offering a staggering amount of performance in a compact, quiet design that fits beautifully on your desk. With this new Mac Studio, we’re delivering even more extreme performance with M4 Max and M3 Ultra, support for half a terabyte of unified memory, up to 16TB of superfast storage, and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. Mac Studio truly is the ultimate pro desktop.”

    Mac Studio with M4 Max: A Performance Juggernaut

    The new Mac Studio with M4 Max is the perfect choice for video editors, colorists, developers, engineers, photographers, creative pros, and other users who need to blaze through intensive workflows. It delivers phenomenal single-threaded CPU performance with the world’s fastest CPU core, along with outstanding multithreaded CPU performance for complex workloads. Featuring an up to 16-core CPU, an up to 40-core GPU, over half a terabyte per second of unified memory bandwidth, and a Neural Engine that is over 3x faster than M1 Max, Mac Studio with M4 Max can run on-device AI models incredibly fast. Mac Studio with M4 Max is up to 3.5x faster than Mac Studio with M1 Max, and is up to 6.1x faster than the most powerful Intel-based 27-inch iMac.1

    The GPU in M4 Max also brings Apple’s advanced graphics architecture to Mac Studio for the first time, including dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and a second-generation ray-tracing engine for more seamless content creation and gaming. Mac Studio with M4 Max starts at 36GB of unified memory, with support for up to 128GB, so users can do everything from sorting through thousands of images with speed and precision, to producing complex compositions with hundreds of tracks, plug-ins, and virtual instruments, all played in real time. And with the powerful Media Engine in M4 Max, which features two ProRes accelerators, Mac Studio performance is outstanding for videographers who can effortlessly work with multiple streams of 4K ProRes.

    Mac Studio with M4 Max enables:1

    • Up to 1.6x faster image processing in Adobe Photoshop when compared to Mac Studio with M1 Max, and up to 2.9x faster when compared to the 27-inch iMac with Core i9. 
    • Up to 2.1x faster build performance when compiling code in Xcode when compared to Mac Studio with M1 Max, and up to 3.1x faster when compared to the 27-inch iMac with Core i9. 
    • Up to 1.2x faster ProRes transcode performance in Compressor when compared to Mac Studio with M1 Max, and up to 2.8x faster when compared to the 27-inch iMac with Core i9. 
    • Up to 1.6x faster video processing performance in Topaz Video AI when compared to Mac Studio with M1 Max, and up to 5x faster when compared to the 27-inch iMac with Core i9.

    Mac Studio with M3 Ultra: The Pinnacle of Pro Performance

    Mac Studio with M3 Ultra pushes demanding workflows to a whole new level. It delivers nearly 2x faster performance than M4 Max in workloads that take advantage of high CPU and GPU core counts, and massive amounts of unified memory.2 Mac Studio with M3 Ultra is up to 2.6x faster than Mac Studio with M1 Ultra, and up to 6.4x faster than the 16-core Intel Xeon W-based Mac Pro.1 With the new M3 Ultra, Mac Studio features an up to 32-core CPU with 24 performance cores, 50 percent more than any previous Ultra chip and the most CPU cores ever in a Mac. It also offers an up to 80-core GPU, more than any Apple silicon chip; a powerful 32-core Neural Engine for on-device AI and machine learning (ML); and a high-bandwidth memory architecture that delivers over 800GB/s of unified memory bandwidth.

    Mac Studio with M3 Ultra starts with 96GB of unified memory, which can be configured up to 512GB — the most unified memory ever in a personal computer — and up to 16TB of ultrafast SSD storage, so content and data can be kept locally. That’s enough storage for over 12 hours of 8K ProRes video. The advanced graphics architecture brings Dynamic Caching, along with hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, so graphics workflows like GPU-based renderers are up to 2.6x faster than Mac Studio with M1 Ultra.

    Mac Studio with M3 Ultra enables:1

    • Up to 16.9x faster token generation using an LLM with hundreds of billions of parameters in LM Studio when compared to Mac Studio with M1 Ultra, thanks to its massive amounts of unified memory.
    • Up to 2.6x faster scene rendering performance in Maxon Redshift when compared to Mac Studio with M1 Ultra, and up to 6.4x faster when compared to the 16-core Intel-based Mac Pro with Radeon Pro W5700X.
    • Up to 1.1x faster basecalling for DNA sequencing in Oxford Nanopore MinKNOW when compared to Mac Studio with M1 Ultra, and up to 21.1x faster when compared to the 16-core Intel-based Mac Pro with Radeon Pro W5700X. 
    • Up to 1.4x faster 8K video rendering performance in Final Cut Pro when compared to Mac Studio with M1 Ultra, and up to 4x faster when compared to the 16-core Intel-based Mac Pro with Radeon Pro W5700X.

    Thunderbolt 5 for High-Bandwidth Accessories and Expansion

    The new Mac Studio features Thunderbolt 5 ports that deliver transfer speeds up to 120 Gb/s, up to 3x faster than the prior generation, enabling faster external storage, expansion chassis, and powerful hub solutions. For those who rely on PCIe expansion cards for their workflows, Thunderbolt 5 allows users to connect an external expansion chassis with higher bandwidth and lower latency. And with M3 Ultra, Mac Studio now drives up to eight Pro Display XDRs at the full 6K resolution. Mac Studio also offers a wide array of connectivity within easy reach for pros, including a 10Gb Ethernet port, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot on the front to conveniently import photos and video, along with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

    Built for Apple Intelligence

    Mac Studio helps pros push the boundaries of what they can do, and Apple Intelligence elevates those experiences even further. Writing is even more dynamic with Writing Tools, which can help users rewrite, proofread, or summarize — whether they are responding to emails or using summarization to draft an abstract in seconds in apps like Scrivener. Pros can minimize unnecessary distractions with Priority Notifications and use live transcription in Notes to record and easily recap important meetings. With new Siri improvements, users can move fluidly between spoken and typed requests to accelerate tasks throughout their day, and Siri can answer thousands of questions about Mac features and settings, with step-by-step instructions like how to combine PDF files in Preview. With access to ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise, so they can get things done even faster and easier. Users can choose to enable ChatGPT integration, and are in full control of when to use it and what information is shared with ChatGPT. Users can also explore creative new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground, and drop their original image right into their paper, mood board, or Keynote presentation. Whether users are researching their next project, editing a video, creating new designs, or preparing for their next lecture, these new tools will help pros be even more productive.

    Designed to protect users’ privacy at every step, Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power it run entirely on device. For requests that require access to larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of Mac into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill their request.

    macOS Sequoia: An Unrivaled Experience

    macOS Sequoia completes the new Mac Studio experience with a host of exciting features, including iPhone Mirroring, which allows users to wirelessly interact with their iPhone, its apps, and notifications directly from their Mac.3 Pros can now move files, photos, and videos between iPhone and Mac as easily as they can drag and drop between apps on Mac. Easier window tiling means users can stay organized with a window layout that works best for them. The all-new Passwords app gives convenient access to passwords, passkeys, and other credentials, all stored in one place. And users can apply beautiful built-in backgrounds for video calls, which include a variety of color gradients and system wallpapers, or upload their own photos. Safari, the world’s fastest browser,4 now surfaces relevant information on sites in Highlights; summarizes articles in the redesigned Reader; keeps videos front and center in a new Video Viewer; and lets users hide distracting items with Distraction Control. Gaming gets even more immersive with features like Personalized Spatial Audio and improvements to Game Mode, along with a breadth of exciting titles, including Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition by CD PROJEKT RED, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and more.

    Next month, macOS Sequoia 15.4 will make it easier than ever to set up the new Mac Studio with iPhone.5 By simply bringing iPhone close to Mac, users can quickly and conveniently sign in to their Apple Account to get their files, photos, messages, passwords, and more on their new Mac Studio.

    The Ultimate Studio Setup

    Mac Studio, together with Studio Display, empowers creative users to build the studio of their dreams. Studio Display perfectly pairs with Mac Studio with its expansive 27-inch 5K Retina display, 12MP Center Stage camera, studio-quality three-mic array, and six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio. For users working on HDR workflows, Pro Display XDR offers a 32-inch Retina 6K display with up to 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness. Customers can also add matching Magic accessories — including Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse — that beautifully complement the elegant design of Mac Studio and Studio Display.

    Better for the Environment

    The new Mac Studio is designed with the environment in mind. As part of Apple 2030, the company’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade, Apple is transitioning to renewable electricity for its manufacturing, and investing in wind and solar projects around the world to address the electricity used to power all Apple products, including Mac Studio. Today, all Apple facilities run on 100 percent renewable electricity — including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence.

    To achieve Apple 2030, the company is designing products with more recycled and renewable materials, which further drives down the carbon footprint. Mac Studio features over 30 percent recycled content overall, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets. Mac Studio uses far less energy and materials than desktops in its class, and is free of mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC. The packaging is entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal to remove plastic from all packaging by the end of 2025.6

    Pricing and Availability

    • Customers can pre-order the new Mac Studio starting today on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in 28 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting Wednesday, March 12.
    • Mac Studio starts at $1,999 (U.S.) and $1,799 (U.S.) for education. Additional configure-to-order options are available at apple.com/store. 
    • More information on Studio Display, Pro Display XDR, and Magic accessories is available at apple.com/shop/buy-mac.
    • Apple Intelligence is available on all Mac models with M1 and later, in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. Additional languages — including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) — will be available in April, with more languages coming over the course of the year, including Vietnamese. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages. 
    • With Apple Trade In, customers can trade in their current computer and get credit toward a new Mac. Customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in to see what their device is worth. 
    • AppleCare+ for Mac provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know Mac best. 
    • Every customer who buys directly from Apple Retail gets access to Personal Setup. In these guided online sessions, a Specialist can walk them through setup, or focus on features that help them make the most of their new device. Customers can also learn more about getting started with their new device with a Today at Apple session at their nearest Apple Store.
    • Customers in the U.S. who shop at Apple using Apple Card can pay monthly at 0 percent APR when they choose to check out with Apple Card Monthly Installments, and they’ll get 3 percent Daily Cash back — all up front. More information — including details on eligibility, exclusions, and Apple Card terms — is available at apple.com/apple-card/monthly-installments.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Testing was conducted by Apple in January and February 2025. See apple.com/mac-studio for more information.
    2. Results are compared to Mac Studio systems with Apple M4 Max, 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 128GB of RAM, and 8TB SSD.
    3. Available on Mac computers with Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 Security Chip. See requirements on apple.com/macos/macos-sequoia. Some iPhone features (for example, camera and microphone) are not compatible with iPhone Mirroring.
    4. Testing was conducted by Apple in August 2024. See apple.com/safari for more information.
    5. Available next month on macOS Sequoia 15.4 with iPhone and iPad running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or a later version.
    6. Based on retail packaging as shipped by Apple. Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.

    Press Contacts

    Michelle Del Rio

    Apple

    mr_delrio@apple.com

    Starlayne Meza

    Apple

    starlayne_meza@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Byrna Technologies Announces Preliminary Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Record Revenue of $26.2 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byrna Technologies Inc. (“Byrna” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BYRN), a technology company, specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions, today announced select preliminary financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended February 28, 2025.

    Preliminary First Quarter Results
    Based on preliminary unaudited results, the Company expects total revenue for the fiscal first quarter of 2025 to be $26.2 million, representing a 57% increase compared to $16.7 million in the fiscal first quarter of 2024. The significant year-over-year growth in first quarter revenue is primarily attributable to the continued success of Byrna’s marketing strategies and increased production levels at Byrna’s Fort Wayne, Indiana factory.

    As a result, Byrna’s e-commerce channels were up $6.7 million over last year, representing 74% of Byrna’s total sales for the quarter. To meet heightened demand and support its growth initiatives for 2025, Byrna produced a record 68,916 launchers in the first quarter, a 26% increase from the fourth quarter of 2024 and a 219% increase year-over-year. Dealer sales also experienced strong growth, rising $1.9 million year-over-year.

    Management Commentary
    “We are gratified to see the growth in Q1, as this is the first year-over-year quarterly comparison where we were comparing our performance against a prior year quarter where we had implemented our celebrity endorsement strategy,” said Byrna CEO Bryan Ganz. “Historically, Q1 has been our slowest quarter, yet sales decreased only 6% sequentially from what is our seasonally strongest quarter of the fiscal year. This success is a testament to the growing brand awareness that we have built since pivoting our marketing strategy in 2023.

    “To support our ambitious growth targets, we produced a record 68,916 launchers in the quarter. With new celebrity influencers including Megyn Kelly, Lara Trump, and Donald Trump Jr., an expanding retail store presence, the kickoff of our store-within-a-store partnership with Sportsman’s Warehouse, and the launch of the Compact Launcher, we are well-positioned to continue our strong growth trajectory throughout 2025.”

    Preliminary Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Sales Breakdown:      
    Sales Channel ($ in millions) Q1 2025 Q1 2024 % Change
    Web 19.4  12.7  53 %
    Byrna Dedicated Dealers 4.4  2.5  76 %
    Law Enforcement / Schools / Pvt Security 0.0  0.0  0 %
    Retail Stores 0.3  0.2  53 %
    International 2.0  1.3  56 %
    Total Sales 26.2  16.7  57 %


    Tariff Exposure Update

    Byrna remains well-positioned to navigate evolving trade policies with minimal impact on its cost structure. As previously stated, Byrna sources no critical components from Mexico or Canada, and its limited exposure to China is mitigated by a dual-sourcing strategy. The Company is on track to move most, if not all of the current supply chain to the United States in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to domestic manufacturing. Additionally, higher tariffs on Chinese goods could benefit Byrna by raising costs for competitors that rely on China for production.

    Conference Call
    Byrna plans to report its full financial results for the fiscal first quarter in April, which will be accompanied by a conference call to discuss the results and address questions from investors and analysts. The conference call details will be announced prior to the event.

    About Byrna Technologies Inc.
    Byrna is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative non-lethal personal security solutions. For more information on the Company, please visit the corporate website here or the Company’s investor relations site here. The Company is the manufacturer of the Byrna® SD personal security device, a state-of-the-art handheld CO2 powered launcher designed to provide a non-lethal alternative to a firearm for the consumer, private security, and law enforcement markets. To purchase Byrna products, visit the Company’s e-commerce store.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws. All statements contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, are forward-looking. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” and “believes” and statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might,” “occur,” “be achieved,” or “will be taken.” Forward-looking statements include descriptions of currently occurring matters which may continue in the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, our statements related to preliminary revenue results for the first fiscal quarter 2025, the timing of the release of full financial results for the quarter, expectations for future sales growth and demand trends, the impact of marketing strategies, the anticipated performance of new products and retail store expansion, and the Company’s ability to sustain momentum throughout 2025.Forward-looking statements are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates, and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied.

    Any number of risk factors could affect our actual results and cause them to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this news release, including, but not limited to, disappointing market responses to current or future products or services; prolonged, new, or exacerbated disruption of the Company’s supply chain; the further or prolonged disruption of new product development; production or distribution or delays in entry or penetration of sales channels due to inventory constraints, competitive factors, increased shipping costs or freight interruptions; prototype, parts and material shortages, particularly of parts sourced from limited or sole source providers; determinations by third party controlled distribution channels not to carry or reduce inventory of the Company’s products; determinations by advertisers to prohibit marketing of some or all Byrna products; the loss of marketing partners or endorsers; potential cancellations of existing or future orders including as a result of any fulfillment delays, introduction of competing products, negative publicity, or other factors; product design defects or recalls; litigation, enforcement proceedings or other regulatory or legal developments; changes in consumer or political sentiment affecting product demand; regulatory factors including the impact of commerce and trade laws and regulations; import-export related matters or tariffs, sanctions or embargos that could affect the Company’s supply chain or markets; delays in planned operations related to licensing, registration or permit requirements; and future restrictions on the Company’s cash resources, increased costs and other events that could potentially reduce demand for the Company’s products or result in order cancellations. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority. We caution that these factors may not be exhaustive; accordingly, any forward-looking statements contained herein should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Investors should carefully consider these and other relevant factors, including those risk factors in Part I, Item 1A, (“Risk Factors”) in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K, should understand it is impossible to predict or identify all such factors or risks, should not consider the foregoing list, or the risks identified in the Company’s SEC filings, to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties, and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

    Investor Contact:
    Tom Colton and Alec Wilson
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860
    BYRN@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Nvni Group to Participate in the 37th Annual ROTH Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nvni Group Limited (Nasdaq: NVNI) (“Nuvini” or the “Company”), a leading acquirer of private SaaS B2B companies in Latin America, announced today that it will participate in the 37th Annual ROTH Conference being held Sunday, March 16th to Tuesday, March 18th at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort in Dana Point, CA.

    Nuvini’s Chief Executive Officer Pierre Schurmann will be available to host one-on-one meetings with investors during the event. To schedule a meeting, please contact Investor Relations at NVNI@mzgroup.us or your ROTH representative.

    About Nuvini

    Headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, Nuvini is the leading private serial software business acquirer in Latin America. The Nuvini Group acquires software companies within SaaS markets in Latin America. It focuses on acquiring profitable “business-to-business” SaaS companies with a consolidated business model, recurring revenue, positive cash generation and relevant growth potential. The Nuvini Group enables its acquired companies to provide mission-critical solutions to customers within its industry or sector. Its business philosophy is to invest in established companies and foster an entrepreneurial environment that would enable companies to become leaders in their respective industries. The Nuvini Group’s goal is to buy, retain and create value through long-term partnerships with the existing management of its acquired companies.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Sofia Toledo
    ir@nuvini.co

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Parex Resources Announces 2024 Full-Year Results & Reserves, Declaration of Q1 2025 Dividend, and Appointment of Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parex Resources Inc. (“Parex” or the “Company”) (TSX: PXT) is pleased to announce its financial and operating results for the three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024, as well as the results of its independent reserves assessment as at December 31, 2024. Additionally, the Company declares its Q1 2025 regular dividend of C$0.385 per share and provides a corporate update. All amounts herein are in United States dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise stated.

    Key Highlights

    • Generated annual funds flow provided by operations of $622 million(1) and free funds flow of $275 million(2) in 2024.
    • Evaluated PDP after-tax net asset value per share of C$22.02(3).
    • Added 10 mmboe 1P reserves and 7 mmboe 2P reserves at LLA-34 and Cabrestero through positive technical revisions as well as extensions & improved recovery; 2024 reserves evaluation supported by technology, including waterflood and polymer injection results(8).
    • Tracking to deliver FY 2025 average production guidance of 43,000 to 47,000 boe/d (45,000 boe/d midpoint); YTD average production is 44,500 boe/d(4).
    • Declared a Q1 2025 regular dividend of C$0.385 per share(5) (C$1.54 per share annualized).
    • Commenced a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) on January 22, 2025; in 2024, the Company repurchased roughly 5% of its outstanding shares through its prior NCIB.
    • Appointed Cameron Grainger as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
    • Retiring from the Board of Directors are Lisa Colnett and Robert Engbloom as part of standard Board renewal process; in preparation, the Company has approved Mona Jasinski and Jeff Lawson as director nominees for the upcoming Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.

    Imad Mohsen, President & Chief Executive Officer, commented: “In 2024, Parex generated strong financial results from its underlying asset base while achieving its best annual safety performance. Despite challenges, we accomplished multiple strategic milestones throughout the year that reinforce Parex’s long-term sustainability. Building on a strong foundation, as reflected in today’s reserve report, we remain focused on executing our 2025 plan, which is characterized by lower-risk activities and a high-graded set of opportunities. The team at Parex is dedicated to rebuilding market confidence, by delivering steady results, evolving our Colombian portfolio, and strengthening our track record of shareholder returns — while also progressing towards Llanos Foothills exploration in 2026.”

    2024 Full-Year Achievements & Results

    • Achieved multiple strategic milestones throughout the year, in addition to delivering returns to shareholders:
      • Signed definitive agreements in the Llanos Foothills to consolidate Parex’s position, advancing gas and exploration strategies;
      • Implemented waterflood at Cabrestero successfully and continued waterflood progression at LLA-34;
      • Completed polymer injection pilot at Cabrestero with positive results, advancing enhanced oil recovery initiatives;
      • Executed Putumayo business collaboration agreements to add a new core area for the Company; and
      • Returned $186 million to shareholders during the year, which cumulatively results in C$1.5 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases over the past five years.
    • Average production of 49,924(6) boe/d, meeting revised FY 2024 guidance range of 49,000 to 50,000 boe/d.
    • Realized net income of $61 million or $0.60 per share basic(7).
    • Generated funds flow provided by operations (“FFO”) of $622 million(1) and FFO per share of $6.14(3)(7).
    • Produced an operating netback of $41.30/boe(3) and an FFO netback of $33.95/boe(3) from an average Brent price of $79.86/bbl.
    • Incurred $348 million(2) of capital expenditures, primarily from activities at LLA-34, Arauca, LLA-32, LLA-122, and Capachos.
    • Delivered the Company’s best safety performance on record, with strong results across all safety metrics, including lagging and leading indicators.

    2024 Fourth Quarter Results

    • Average production was 45,297 boe/d(6).
    • Realized net loss of $69 million or $0.70 per share basic(7), largely a result of non-cash impairments recorded in the period.
    • Generated FFO of $141 million(1) and FFO per share of $1.43(3)(7).
    • Produced an operating netback of $34.90/boe(3) and an FFO netback of $32.39/boe(3) from an average Brent price of $74.01/bbl.
    • Recovered current tax of $6 million in the quarter; for 2025 the Company expects its FFO netback to be supported by lower current tax expenses compared to prior periods due to the Company’s before tax cash flow profile, previous capital expenditures, and certain tax strategies that have been deployed over recent years.
    • Incurred $82 million(2) of capital expenditures, primarily from activities at LLA-34, LLA-32, and Capachos.
    • Generated $59 million of free funds flow(2); working capital surplus was $59 million(1) and cash was $98 million at quarter end.

    2024 Year-End Corporate Reserves Report: Highlights(8)

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company:

    • Increased both proved (“1P”) reserves per share and proved plus probable (“2P”) reserves per share by 6%, while proved developed producing (“PDP”) reserves per share was down 9%, compared to 2023.
      • LLA-34: realized positive technical revisions of 6 mmboe 1P related to waterflood implementation and increased recovery factor.
      • Cabrestero: added 3 mmboe 2P related to improved recovery through implementation of polymer injection.
      • LLA-32: more than doubled 1P and 2P through extensions to 2 mmboe and 4 mmboe, respectively, compared to 2023.
      • Putumayo: added inventory runway and acquired 10 mmboe and 18 mmboe of 1P and 2P, respectively, from Parex earning 50% working interest in four blocks through an enhanced strategic partnership with Ecopetrol S.A(9).
    • Increases in 1P and 2P reserves per share were partially offset by negative technical revisions associated with portfolio management at Arauca as well as a non-core block in the Magdalena basin.
      • Arauca negative technical revisions were 3 mmboe and 6 mmboe of 1P and 2P, respectively.
      • Aguas Blancas negative technical revisions were 2 mmboe and 2 mmboe of 1P and 2P, respectively.
    • Realized PDP reserves replacement ratio of 41%; three-year average PDP reserves replacement ratio was 85%.
      • Lower-than-expected Arauca and corporate exploration results were in-year PDP replacement factors.
    • Improved PDP, 1P and 2P reserve life index by 10%, 26% and 27%, respectively, compared to 2023.
      • Improved metrics supported by a lower absolute production profile that benefited PDP, 1P and 2P metrics, as well as achieving approximately 100% year-over-year reserve replacement in 1P and 2P.
    • Evaluated after-tax PDP, 1P and 2P net asset value per share(3) of C$22.02, C$26.60, and C$35.55, respectively.

    (1) Capital management measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory.”
    (2) Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory.”
    (3) Non-GAAP ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory.”
    (4) Estimated average production for January 1, 2025 to February 28, 2025; light & medium crude oil: ~9,382 bbl/d, heavy crude oil: ~34,268 bbl/d, conventional natural gas: ~5,100 mcf/d; rounded for presentation purposes.
    (5) Supplementary financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory.”
    (6) See “Operational and Financial Highlights” for a breakdown of production by product type.
    (7) Based on weighted-average basic shares for the period.
    (8) See “2024 Year-End Corporate Reserves Report” sections and “Reserves Advisory” for additional information.
    (9) As previously announced December 11, 2024.

    Operational and Financial Highlights Three Months Ended Year Ended
      Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Sep. 30,   December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2024   2023   2022  
    Operational            
    Average daily production            
    Light Crude Oil and Medium Crude Oil (bbl/d) 9,550   9,700   9,064   8,850   8,417   7,471  
    Heavy Crude Oil (bbl/d) 34,882   46,760   37,777   40,336   45,163   43,008  
    Crude oil (bbl/d) 44,432   56,460   46,841   49,186   53,580   50,479  
    Conventional Natural Gas (mcf/d) 5,190   5,214   4,368   4,428   4,656   9,420  
    Oil & Gas (boe/d)(1) 45,297   57,329   47,569   49,924   54,356   52,049  
                 
    Operating netback ($/boe)            
    Reference price – Brent ($/bbl) 74.01   82.90   78.71   79.86   82.18   99.04  
    Oil & gas sales(4) 63.73   70.55   68.75   69.80   70.71   86.55  
    Royalties(4) (9.43 ) (12.12 ) (10.59 ) (10.99 ) (12.31 ) (17.61 )
    Net revenue(4) 54.30   58.43   58.16   58.81   58.40   68.94  
    Production expense(4) (15.53 ) (13.67 ) (14.81 ) (13.93 ) (10.42 ) (6.88 )
    Transportation expense(4) (3.87 ) (3.54 ) (3.71 ) (3.58 ) (3.43 ) (3.22 )
    Operating netback ($/boe)(2) 34.90   41.22   39.64   41.30   44.55   58.84  
                 
    Funds flow provided by operations netback ($/boe)(2) 32.39   36.81   34.58   33.95   33.59   38.35  
                 
    Financial ($000s except per share amounts)            
                 
    Net income (loss) (69,051 ) 133,783   65,793   60,680   459,309   611,368  
    Per share – basic(6) (0.70 ) 1.28   0.65   0.60   4.32   5.38  
                 
    Funds flow provided by operations(5) 141,201   193,377   151,773   622,233   667,782   724,890  
    Per share – basic(2)(6) 1.43   1.85   1.50   6.14   6.29   6.38  
                 
    Capital expenditures(3) 82,110   91,419   82,367   347,695   483,343   512,252  
                 
    Free funds flow(3) 59,091   101,958   69,406   274,538   184,439   212,638  
                 
    EBITDA(3) (10,419 ) 110,860   167,763   545,362   650,829   953,210  
    Adjusted EBITDA(3) 137,312   201,552   164,002   720,089   817,280   1,066,040  
                 
    Long-term inventory expenditures (2,569 ) (866 ) (6,318 ) 4,773   39,430   140,266  
                 
    Dividends paid 26,658   29,505   28,467   112,184   118,676   75,491  
    Per share – Cdn$(4)(6) 0.385   0.375   0.385   1.53   1.50   0.89  
                 
    Shares repurchased 16,408   22,453   20,723   73,789   105,068   221,464  
    Number of shares repurchased (000s) 1,692   1,220   1,585   5,495   5,628   11,821  
                 
    Outstanding shares (end of period) (000s)            
    Basic 98,339   103,812   100,031   98,339   103,812   109,112  
    Weighted average basic 99,063   104,394   100,891   101,414   106,247   113,572  
    Diluted(8) 99,238   104,502   100,933   99,238   104,502   109,939  
                 
    Working capital surplus(5) 59,397   79,027   37,509   59,397   79,027   84,988  
    Bank debt(7) 60,000   90,000   30,000   60,000   90,000   —  
    Cash 98,022   140,352   147,454   98,022   140,352   419,002  

    (1)  Reference to crude oil or natural gas in the above table and elsewhere in this press release refer to the light and medium crude oil and heavy crude oil and conventional natural gas, respectively, product types as defined in National Instrument 51-101 – Standard of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities.
    (2)  Non-GAAP ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.
    (3)  Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.
    (4)  Supplementary financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.
    (5)  Capital management measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.
    (6)  Per share amounts (with the exception of dividends) are based on weighted average common shares.
    (7)  Borrowing limit of $240.0 million as of December 31, 2024.
    (8)  Diluted shares as stated include the effects of common shares and stock options outstanding at the period-end. The December 31, 2024 closing stock price was C$14.58 per share.

    Operational Update

    For the period of January 1, 2025, to February 28, 2025, estimated average production was 44,500 boe/d(5).

    Parex currently has two drilling rigs operating (one operated and one non-operated), with expectations to ramp-up to four drilling rigs in Q2 2025 (three operated and one non-operated).

    The Company’s operations are supportive of a growing H2 2025 production profile, with the following activities:

    • Progressing waterflood and polymer injection programs at LLA-34 and Cabrestero.
      • Cabrestero is fully on waterflood, with plans for a full polymer injection scheme that is supported by pilot results to date.
      • LLA-34 continues to ramp-up waterflood activity and is planning to commence a polymer injection pilot in 2025.
    • Planning to begin LLA-32 drilling campaign in Q2 2025.
      • LLA-32 is located to the north and adjacent to LLA-34 and Cabrestero; Parex drilled three successful wells at LLA-32 in 2024.
    • Advancing near-field exploration program, with the expectation to drill 3-4 prospects in H1 2025.
      • Prospects are generally focused in the Southern Llanos where Parex has had previous basin success.
    • Gaining momentum to achieve initial access in the Putumayo in Q2 2025 as originally anticipated.
      • Per budgeted plans, activity is expected to begin with a workover rig, with a drilling rig added approximately mid-year.

    Operations so far this year are progressing within Management expectations and Parex’s 2025 corporate guidance remains as previously released January 14, 2025, and as set out below:

    Category 2025 Guidance
    Brent Crude Oil Average Price $70/bbl
    Average Production(1) 43,000-47,000 boe/d
    Funds Flow Provided by Operations Netback(1)(2) $26-28/boe
    Funds Flow Provided by Operations(1)(3) $425-465 million
    Capital Expenditures(4) $285-315 million
    Free Funds Flow(4) $145 million (midpoint)

    (1) 2025 assumptions: operational downtime: ~5%; Vasconia differential: ~$5/bbl; production expense: $15-16/bbl; transportation expense: ~$3.50/bbl; G&A expense: ~$4.50/bbl; effective tax rate: 3-6%; see “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.
    (2) Non-GAAP ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.
    (3) Capital management measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.
    (4) Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.
    (5) Estimated average production for January 1, 2025 to February 28, 2025; light & medium crude oil: ~9,382 bbl/d, heavy crude oil: ~34,268 bbl/d, conventional natural gas: ~5,100 mcf/d; rounded for presentation purposes.

    Return of Capital

    Q1 2025 Dividend

    Parex’s Board of Directors has approved a Q1 2025 regular dividend of C$0.385 per share to shareholders of record on March 11, 2025, to be paid on March 18, 2025.

    This quarterly dividend payment to shareholders is designated as an “eligible dividend” for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

    Normal Course Issuer Bid Update

    As at February 28, 2025, Parex has repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares under its current NCIB at an average price of C$14.30 per share, for a total consideration of roughly C$4 million.

    In 2024, Parex repurchased 5.5 million shares under a prior NCIB, representing approximately 5% of the public float and a return of C$99 million to shareholders.

    2024 Year-End Corporate Reserves Report: Discussion

    The following tables summarize information contained in the independent reserves report prepared by GLJ Ltd. (“GLJ”) dated March 4, 2025 with an effective date of December 31, 2024 (the “GLJ 2024 Report”). All December 31, 2024 reserves presented are based on GLJ’s forecast pricing effective January 1, 2025; all December 31, 2023 reserves presented are based on GLJ’s forecast pricing effective January 1, 2024 and all December 31, 2022 reserves presented are based on GLJ’s forecast pricing effective January 1, 2023. GLJ pricing is available on their website at www.gljpc.com.

    All reserves are presented as Parex’s working interest before royalties and in certain tables set forth below, the columns may not add due to rounding. Additional reserve information as required under NI 51-101 will be included in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the 2024 fiscal year, which is available on SEDAR+.

    Gross Reserves Volumes

                Dec. 31   Change over Dec.
    31,
        2022   2023   2024  
    Reserve Category   Mboe   Mboe   Mboe(1)   2023
    Proved Developed Producing (PDP)   82,788   82,628   71,908   (13 %)
    Proved Developed Non-Producing   11,767   7,252   5,534   (24 %)
    Proved Undeveloped   36,100   22,647   34,678   53 %
    Proved (1P)   130,655   112,528   112,119   — %
    Proved + Probable (2P)   200,704   168,625   169,633   1 %
    Proved + Probable + Possible (3P)   281,595   231,299   245,383   6 %

    (1) 2024 net reserves after royalties are: PDP 62,128 Mboe, proved developed non-producing 4,939 Mboe, proved undeveloped 29,644 Mboe, 1P 96,711 Mboe, 2P 146,645 Mboe and 3P 211,882 Mboe.

    Gross Reserves Reconciliation

        Total 1P   Total 2P   Total 3P 
        Mboe   Mboe   Mboe 
    December 31, 2023   112,528   168,625   231,299  
    Technical Revisions(1)   2,777   (5,434 ) (10,870 )
    Extensions & Improved Recovery(2)   4,760   6,636   9,133  
    Discoveries(3)   160   200   240  
    Acquisitions(4)   10,166   17,877   33,853  
    Production   (18,272 ) (18,272 ) (18,272 )
    December 31, 2024(5)   112,119   169,633   245,383  

    (1) Reserves technical revisions are associated with positive evaluations of LLA-34 and Cabrestero, offset by negative revisions of Arauca, Aguas Blancas, and Capachos.
    (2) Extensions & improved recovery are associated with positive evaluations of Cabrestero, LLA-32, and LLA-34.
    (3) Discoveries are associated with the positive evaluation of LLA-30.
    (4) Acquisitions are associated with the positive evaluations of Occidente, Nororiente and Area Sur.
    (5) The estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation.

    Reserves Net Present Value After Tax Summary – GLJ Brent Forecast(1)(2)

        NPV15     NPV15     NAV   CAD/sh Change
    over

        December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
          2023     2024     2024   Dec. 31,
    Reserve Category   (000s)(2)     (000s)(2)     (CAD/sh)(3)   2023(4)
    PDP   $ 1,679,078   $ 1,505,386   $ 22.02   4 %
    Proved Developed Non-Producing     112,298     83,310   $ 1.21   (6 %)
    Proved Undeveloped     201,380     230,174   $ 3.36   38 %
    1P   $ 1,992,757   $ 1,818,870   $ 26.60   5 %
    2P   $ 2,556,169   $ 2,430,060   $ 35.55   10 %
    3P   $ 3,191,329   $ 3,102,864   $ 45.39   12 %

    (1) Net present values (“NPV”) are stated in USD and are discounted at 15 percent. The forecast prices used in the calculation of the present value of future net revenue are based on the GLJ January 1, 2024 and GLJ January 1, 2025 price forecasts, respectively. The GLJ January 1, 2025 price forecast is in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the 2024 fiscal year.
    (2) Includes future development capital (“FDC”) as at December 31, 2023 of $27 million for PDP, $346 million for 1P, $537 million for 2P and $707 million for 3P and FDC as at December 31, 2024 of $23 million for PDP, $440 million for 1P, $595 million for 2P and $740 million for 3P.
    (3) 2024 NAV calculated, as at December 31, 2024, as after tax NPV15 plus working capital of USD$59 million (converted at USDCAD=1.4389), less bank debt of USD$60 million, divided by 98 million basic shares outstanding as at December 31, 2024. Non-GAAP ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.
    (4) 2023 NAV calculated, as at December 31, 2023, as after tax NPV15 plus working capital of USD$79 million (converted at USDCAD=1.3226), less bank debt of USD$90 million, divided by 104 million basic shares outstanding as at December 31, 2023. Non-GAAP ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.

    Appointment of Chief Financial Officer

    Following a thorough executive search, Cameron Grainger has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), effective immediately.

    “We are very pleased to announce Cam as CFO. He is a trusted leader, who has developed an exceptional understanding of our portfolio while providing over 15 years of financial leadership at Parex. I look forward to continuing to work with Cam as he plays an integral role on our leadership team and am confident that he will continue to make significant contributions in support of our strategy,” said Imad Mohsen, President & Chief Executive Officer.

    Mr. Grainger has served as the Company’s interim CFO since September 21, 2024, and prior to, was the Vice President, Finance, as well as Controller. Mr. Grainger has held roles with increasing levels of responsibility at Parex since 2011, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

    Board of Directors Update

    The Company announces that Lisa Colnett as well as Robert Engbloom are retiring from the Board of Directors and will not stand for re-election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (“Meeting”).

    “We want to thank Lisa and Bob for their contributions that have supported Parex’s growth in Colombia and wish them all the best,” commented Wayne Foo, Chair of the Board of Parex.

    In preparation for the upcoming retirements, the Company has approved Mona Jasinski and Jeff Lawson as director nominees at the upcoming Meeting.

    “We are excited to recommend Mona and Jeff to Parex’s Board of Directors, both of whom have a wealth of experience across the energy sector and bring refreshed perspectives,” commented Mr. Foo.

    Ms. Jasinski has over 20 years of human resources, corporate strategy and leadership expertise with experience spanning the energy and chemicals sectors as well as philanthropic boards. She is currently the Senior Vice President, HR & Communications at NOVA Chemicals. Prior to NOVA Chemicals, she built a depth of energy-specific experience, serving as Executive Vice President, People and Culture, at Vermilion Energy for 12 years, and previously held leadership roles at Royal Dutch Shell and TransCanada Pipelines. Ms. Jasinski holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Calgary and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

    Mr. Lawson has extensive experience in corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions as well as investments and corporate restructurings across the energy and legal sectors. He is currently the Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Chief Sustainability Officer at Cenovus Energy. Prior to Cenovus, he spent 15 years at Peters & Co. in a variety of senior finance roles and he was also a securities lawyer at Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer for 14 years where he co-led the securities group and served on the firm’s executive committee. Mr. Lawson holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta.

    Q4 2024 and FY 2024 Results – Conference Call & Webcast

    Parex will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its Q4 2024 and FY 2024 results on Thursday, March 6, 2025, beginning at 9:30 am MT (11:30 am ET). To participate in the conference call or webcast, please see the access information below:

    Conference ID: 2908137
    Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1-646-307-1963
    Participant International Dial-In Number: 1-647-932-3411
    Webcast: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/690785926


    Annual General Meeting

    Parex anticipates holding its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

    The Notice of Annual General Meeting & Management Proxy Circular is expected to be available on or about March 26, 2025, at www.parexresources.com and SEDAR+.

    About Parex Resources Inc.

    Parex is one of the largest independent oil and gas companies in Colombia, focusing on sustainable conventional production. The Company’s corporate headquarters are in Calgary, Canada, with an operating office in Bogotá, Colombia. Parex shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PXT.

    For more information, please contact:

    Mike Kruchten
    Senior Vice President, Capital Markets & Corporate Planning
    Parex Resources Inc.
    403-517-1733
    investor.relations@parexresources.com

    Steven Eirich
    Investor Relations & Communications Advisor
    Parex Resources Inc.
    587-293-3286
    investor.relations@parexresources.com

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    Reserves Advisory

    The recovery and reserve estimates of crude oil reserves provided in this news release are estimates only, and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual crude oil reserves may eventually prove to be greater than, or less than, the estimates provided herein. All December 31, 2024 reserves presented are based on GLJ’s forecast pricing effective January 1, 2025. All December 31, 2023 reserves presented are based on GLJ’s forecast pricing effective January 1, 2024. All December 31, 2022 reserves presented are based on GLJ’s forecast pricing effective January 1, 2023.

    Comparatives to the independent reserves report prepared by GLJ dated February 29, 2024 with an effective date of December 31, 2023 (the “GLJ 2023 Report”), and the independent reserves report prepared by GLJ dated February 2, 2023 with an effective date of December 31, 2022 (“GLJ 2022 Report”, and collectively with the GLJ 2024 Report and the GLJ 2023 Report, the “GLJ Reports”). Each GLJ Report was prepared in accordance with definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGE Handbook”) and National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”).

    It should not be assumed that the estimates of future net revenues presented herein represent the fair market value of the reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of crude oil, reserves and the future cash flows attributed to such reserves.

    “Proved Developed Producing Reserves” are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut-in, they must have previously been on production, and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty.

    “Proved Developed Non-Producing Reserves” are those reserves that either have not been on production or have previously been on production but are shut-in and the date of resumption of production is unknown.

    “Proved Undeveloped Reserves” are those reserves expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a significant expenditure (e.g. when compared to the cost of drilling a well) is required to render them capable of production. They must fully meet the requirements of the reserves category (proved, probable, possible) to which they are assigned.

    “Proved” reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.

    “Probable” reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves.

    “Possible” reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10 percent probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves.

    The term “Boe” means a barrel of oil equivalent on the basis of 6 Mcf of natural gas to 1 barrel of oil (“bbl”). Boe’s may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversation ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion ratio at 6:1 may be misleading as an indication of value.

    Light crude oil is crude oil with a relative density greater than 31.1 degrees API gravity, medium crude oil is crude oil with a relative density greater than 22.3 degrees API gravity and less than or equal to 31.1 degrees API gravity, and heavy crude oil is crude oil with a relative density greater than 10 degrees API gravity and less than or equal to 22.3 degrees API gravity.

    With respect to F&D costs, the aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the most recent financial year and the change during that year in estimated future development costs generally will not reflect total F&D costs related to reserve additions for that year. The estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation.

    This press release contains several oil and gas metrics, including reserve replacement, reserve additions including acquisitions, and reserve life index. In addition, the following non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios, as described below under “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”, can be considered to be oil and gas metrics: F&D costs, FD&A costs, F&D recycle ratio, FD&A recycle ratio, operating netback, funds flow provided by operations, funds flow provided by operations netback, reserve replacement and NAV.   Such oil and gas metrics have been prepared by management and do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods and therefore such metric should not be unduly relied upon. Management uses these oil and gas metrics for its own performance measurements and to provide security holders with measures to compare the Company’s operations over time. Readers are cautioned that the information provided by these metrics, or that can be derived from the metrics presented in this news release, should not be relied upon for investment or other purposes. A summary of the calculations of reserve replacement and RLI are as follows, with the other oil and gas metrics referred to above being described herein under “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”:

    • Reserve additions including acquisitions is calculated by the change in reserves category and adding current year annual production.
    • Reserve replacement is calculated by dividing the annual reserve additions by the annual production.
    • Reserve life index is calculated by dividing the applicable reserves category by the annualized fourth quarter average production.

    2024 Year-End Corporate Reserves Report: Supplemental Reserves Tables

    All reserves are presented as Parex working interest before royalties and in certain tables set forth below, the columns may not add due to rounding.

    Gross Reserves by Area(1)

        1P 2P 3P
    Area   Mboe(1) Mboe(1) Mboe(1)
    LLA-34   63,320 88,823 120,283
    Southern Llanos   20,634 30,487 37,749
    Northern Llanos   12,246 18,007 24,113
    Magdalena   5,754 14,439 29,384
    Putumayo   10,166 17,877 33,853
    Total   112,119 169,633 245,383

    (1) The estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation.

    Gross Reserves Volumes by Product Type

    Product Type   PDP 1P 2P 3P
    Light & Medium Crude Oil (Mbbl)   10,084 30,138 51,422 84,901
    Heavy Crude Oil (Mbbl)   58,654 76,788 107,161 140,348
    Natural Gas Liquids (Mbbl)   480 1,207 1,643 2,108
    Conventional Natural Gas (MMcf)   16,139 23,915 56,441 108,155
    Oil Equivalent (Mboe)   71,908 112,119 169,633 245,383


    Gross Reserves Volumes Per Share
    (1)

        Dec. 31 Change over
    Dec. 31, 2022
        2022 2023 2024(1)
    Year-End Basic Outstanding Shares (000s)   109.1 103.8 98.3 (5 %)
    PDP (boe/share)   0.76 0.80 0.73 (9 %)
    1P (boe/share)   1.20 1.08 1.14 6 %
    2P (boe/share)   1.84 1.62 1.72 6 %
    3P (boe/share)   2.58 2.23 2.50 12 %

    (1) 2024 net reserves after royalties are: PDP 62,128 Mboe, proved developed non-producing 4,939 Mboe, proved undeveloped 29,644 Mboe, 1P 96,711 Mboe, 2P 146,645 Mboe and 3P 211,882 Mboe.

    Reserve Replacement Ratio and Reserve Life Index

        Dec. 31, 2022(1) Dec. 31, 2023(2) Dec. 31, 2024(3) 3-Year
    PDP          
    Reserve Replacement Ratio   112 % 99 % 41 % 85 %
    Reserve Life Index   4.2 years 3.9 years 4.3 years 4.1 years
    1P          
    Reserve Replacement Ratio   128 % 9 % 98 % 77 %
    Reserve Life Index   6.6 years 5.4 years 6.8 years 6.2 years
    2P          
    Reserve Replacement Ratio   110 % (62 %) 106 % 49 %
    Reserve Life Index   10.1 years 8.1 years 10.3 years 9.4 years

    (1) Calculated by dividing the amount of the relevant reserves category by average Q4 2022 production of 54,257 boe/d annualized (consisting of 10,511 bbl/d of light crude oil and medium crude oil, 42,746 bbl/d of heavy crude oil and 6,000 mcf/d of conventional natural gas).
    (2) Calculated by dividing the amount of the relevant reserves category by average Q4 2023 production of 57,329 boe/d annualized (consisting of 9,700 bbl/d of light crude oil and medium crude oil, 46,760 bbl/d of heavy crude oil and 5,214 mcf/d of conventional natural gas).
    (3) Calculated by dividing the amount of the relevant reserves category by estimated average Q4 2024 production of 45,297 boe/d annualized (consisting of 9,550 bbl/d of light crude oil and medium crude oil, 34,882 bbl/d of heavy crude oil and 5,190 mcf/d of conventional natural gas).

    Future Development Capital (“FDC”) (000s)(1)

    Reserve Category 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029+ Total FDC Total
    FDC/boe
    PDP $ 23,467 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 23,467 $ 0.33
    1P $ 239,609 $ 113,210 $ 73,861 $ 13,000 $ 622 $ 440,302 $ 3.93
    2P $ 241,934 $ 157,800 $ 157,181 $ 17,166 $ 21,317 $ 595,398 $ 3.51

    (1) FDC are stated in USD, undiscounted and based on GLJ January 1, 2025 price forecasts.

    Summary of Reserve Metrics – Company Gross

        2024 3-Year
      PDP 1P 2P PDP 1P 2P
    F&D Costs ($/boe)(1) 45.60 36.11 169.52 27.90 36.91 122.51
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)(1) 45.60 24.75 21.09 27.90 32.21 49.94
    Recycle Ratio – F&D(1) 0.9 x 1.1 x 0.2 x 1.7 x 1.3 x 0.4 x
    Recycle Ratio – FD&A(1) 0.9 x 1.7 x 2.0 x 1.7 x 1.5 x 1.0 x

    (1) Non-GAAP ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory”.

    Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Advisory

    This press release uses various “non-GAAP financial measures”, “non-GAAP ratios”, “supplementary financial measures” and “capital management measures” (as such terms are defined in NI 52-112), which are described in further detail below. Such measures are not standardized financial measures under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Investors are cautioned that non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as alternatives to or more meaningful than the most directly comparable GAAP measures as indicators of Parex’s performance.

    These measures facilitate management’s comparisons to the Company’s historical operating results in assessing its results and strategic and operational decision-making and may be used by financial analysts and others in the oil and natural gas industry to evaluate the Company’s performance. Further, management believes that such financial measures are useful supplemental information to analyze operating performance and provide an indication of the results generated by the Company’s principal business activities.

    Set forth below is a description of the non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, supplementary financial measures and capital management measures used in this press release.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Capital expenditures, is a non-GAAP financial measure which the Company uses to describe its capital costs associated with oil and gas expenditures. The measure considers both property, plant and equipment expenditures and exploration and evaluation asset expenditures which are items in the Company’s statement of cash flows for the period and is calculated as follows:

      For the three months ended   For the year ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,
    ($000s)   2024     2023     2024     2024     2023     2022
    Property, plant and equipment expenditures $ 62,799   $ 50,753   $ 68,406   $ 221,250   $ 310,933   $ 389,979
    Exploration and evaluation expenditures   19,311     40,666     13,961     126,445     172,410     122,273
    Capital expenditures $ 82,110   $ 91,419   $ 82,367   $ 347,695   $ 483,343   $ 512,252


    Free funds flow,
    is a non-GAAP financial measure that is determined by funds flow provided by operations less capital expenditures. The Company considers free funds flow to be a key measure as it demonstrates Parex’s ability to fund returns of capital, such as the normal course issuer bid and dividends, without accessing outside funds and is calculated as follows:

      For the three months ended     For the year ended
     
      December 31,   September 30,     December 31,
     
    ($000s)   2024     2023     2024       2024     2023     2022  
    Cash provided by operating activities $ 67,847   $ 194,242     $ 181,874     $ 569,915   $ 376,471   $ 983,602  
    Net change in non-cash assets and liabilities   73,354     (865 )     (30,101 )     52,318     291,311     (258,712 )
    Funds flow provided by operations   141,201     193,377       151,773       622,233     667,782     724,890  
    Capital expenditures   82,110     91,419       82,367       347,695     483,343     512,252  
    Free funds flow $ 59,091   $ 101,958     $ 69,406     $ 274,538   $ 184,439   $ 212,638  


    EBITDA,
    is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined as net income (loss) adjusted for finance income and expense, other expenses, income tax expense (recovery) and depletion, depreciation and amortization.

    Adjusted EBITDA, is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as EBITDA adjusted for non-cash impairment charges, share-based compensation expense (recovery), unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses), and unrealized gains (losses) on risk management contracts.

    The Company considers EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to be key measures as they demonstrate Parex’s profitability before finance income and expenses, taxes, depletion, depreciation and amortization and other non-cash items. A reconciliation from net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is as follows:

      For the three months ended
        For the year ended
     
      December 31,   September 30,     December 31,
     
    ($000s)   2024       2023       2024       2024       2023       2022  
    Net income (loss) $ (69,051 )   $ 133,783     $ 65,793     $ 60,680     $ 459,309     $ 611,368  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to EBITDA:                      
    Finance income   (998 )     (2,067 )     (963 )     (4,315 )     (14,055 )     (9,015 )
    Finance expenses   4,318       2,878       5,676       18,408       13,834       8,393  
    Other expense   2,208       362       1,818       6,227       2,582       1,315  
    Income tax expense (recovery)   (880 )     (81,929 )     42,767       248,592       (5,070 )     191,798  
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization   53,984       57,833       52,672       215,770       194,229       149,351  
    EBITDA $ (10,419 )   $ 110,860     $ 167,763     $ 545,362     $ 650,829     $ 953,210  
    Non-cash impairment charges   137,841       85,330       —       142,502       142,540       103,394  
    Share-based compensation expense (recovery)   6,149       7,674       (7,994 )     1,462       30,364       19,128  
    Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)   2,581       (2,312 )     4,233       29,603       (6,453 )     (9,692 )
    Unrealized loss on risk management contracts   1,160       —       —       1,160       —       —  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 137,312     $ 201,552     $ 164,002     $ 720,089     $ 817,280     $ 1,066,040  


    Non-GAAP Ratios

    Operating netback per boe, is a non-GAAP ratio the Company considers operating netback per boe to be a key measure as it demonstrates Parex’s profitability relative to current commodity prices. Parex calculates operating netback per boe as operating netback divided by the total equivalent sales volume including purchased oil volumes for oil and natural gas sales price and transportation expense per boe and by the total equivalent sales volume and excludes purchased oil volumes for royalties and operating expense per boe.

    Funds flow provided by operations netback per boe, is a non-GAAP ratio that includes all cash generated from operating activities and is calculated before changes in non-cash working capital, divided by produced oil and natural gas sales volumes. The Company considers funds flow provided by operations netback per boe to be a key measure as it demonstrates Parex’s profitability after all cash costs relative to current commodity prices.

    Finding & Development Costs (F&D costs) per boe and Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs (FD&A costs) per boe, is a non-GAAP ratio that helps to explain the cost of finding and developing additional oil and gas reserves. F&D costs are determined by dividing capital expenditures plus the change in FDC in the period divided by BOE reserve additions in the period. FD&A costs per boe are determined by dividing capital expenditures in the period plus the change in FDC plus acquisition costs divided by BOE reserve additions in the period.

    F&D and FD&A Costs(1)   2024   3-Year
     
    ($000s) PDP   1P   2P   PDP 1P   2P  
                 
    Capital Expenditures(2) 347,695   347,695   347,695   1,343,290 1,343,290   1,343,290  
    Capital Expenditures – change in FDC (3,321 ) (69,775 ) (109,856 ) 8,730 (95,935 ) (113,170 )
    Total Capital 344,374   277,920   237,839   1,352,020 1,247,355   1,230,120  
                 
    Net Acquisitions —   —   —   — —   —  
    Net Acquisitions – change in FDC —   164,207   168,739   — 168,739   164,207  
    Total Net Acquisitions —   164,207   168,739   — 168,739   164,207  
                 
    Total Capital including Acquisitions 344,374   442,127   406,578   1,352,020 1,416,094   1,394,327  
                 
    Reserve Additions 7,552   7,697   1,403   48,459 33,797   10,041  
    Net Acquisitions Reserve Additions —   10,166   17,877   — 10,166   17,877  
    Reserve Additions including Acquisitions (Mboe) 7,552   17,863   19,280   48,459 43,963   27,918  
                 
    F&D Costs ($/boe) 45.60   36.11   169.52   27.90 36.91   122.51  
    FD&A Costs ($/boe) 45.60   24.75   21.09   27.90 32.21   49.94  

    (1) All reserves are presented as Parex working interest before royalties.
    (2) Calculated using capital expenditures for the period ended December 31, 2024.

    Recycle ratio, is a non-GAAP ratio that measures the profit per barrel of oil to the cost of finding and developing that barrel of oil. The recycle ratio is determined by dividing the annual operating netback per boe by the F&D costs and FD&A costs in the period.

        2024   3-Year
     
      PDP 1P 2P   PDP 1P 2P  
                     
    Operating netback ($/boe) 41.30 41.30 41.30   48.43 48.43 48.43  
                     
    F&D Costs(2) ($/boe) 45.60 36.11 169.52   27.90 36.91 122.51  
    FD&A Costs(2) ($/boe) 45.60 24.75 21.09   27.90 32.21 49.94  
                     
    Recycle Ratio – F&D(1) 0.9 x 1.1 x 0.2 x   1.7 x 1.3 x 0.4 x  
    Recycle Ratio – FD&A(1) 0.9 x 1.7 x 2.0 x   1.7 x 1.5 x 1.0 x  

    (1) Recycle ratio is calculated as operating netback per boe divided by F&D or FD&A as applicable. Three-year operating netback on a per boe basis is calculated using weighted average sales volumes.

    Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share, is a non-GAAP ratio that combines the 51-101 NPV15 value after tax with the Company’s estimated working capital at the period end date, less bank debt at the period end date, divided by common shares outstanding at the period end date. The Company uses the NAV per share as a way to reflect the Company’s value considering existing working capital on hand, less bank debt, plus the NPV15 after tax value on Oil and Gas Reserves. NAV per share is stated in CAD dollars using an exchange rate of USDCAD=1.4389. NAV is defined as total assets less total liabilities.

    Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per boe, is a non-GAAP ratio that combines the 51-101 NPV15 value after tax with the Company’s estimated working capital at the period end date, less bank debt at the period end date, divided by reserve volumes at the period end date. The Company uses the NAV per boe as a way to reflect the Company’s value considering existing working capital on hand, less bank debt, plus the NPV15 after tax value on Oil and Gas Reserves. Net asset value is defined as total assets less total liabilities.

    Basic funds flow provided by operations per share is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing funds flow provided by operations by the weighted average number of basic shares outstanding. Parex presents basic funds flow provided by operations per share whereby per share amounts are calculated using weighted-average shares outstanding, consistent with the calculation of earnings per share.

    Capital Management Measures

    Funds flow provided by operations, is a capital management measure that includes all cash generated from operating activities and is calculated before changes in non-cash assets and liabilities. The Company considers funds flow provided by operations to be a key measure as it demonstrates Parex’s profitability after all cash costs. A reconciliation from cash provided by operating activities to funds flow provided by operations is as follows:

      For the three months ended
        For the year ended
     
      December 31,   September 30,     December 31,
     
    ($000s)   2024     2023       2024       2024     2023     2022  
    Cash provided by operating activities $ 67,847   $ 194,242     $ 181,874     $ 569,915   $ 376,471   $ 983,602  
    Net change in non-cash assets and liabilities   73,354     (865 )     (30,101 )     52,318     291,311     (258,712 )
    Funds flow provided by operations $ 141,201   $ 193,377     $ 151,773     $ 622,233   $ 667,782   $ 724,890  


    Working capital surplus,
    is a capital management measure which the Company uses to describe its liquidity position and ability to meet its short-term liabilities. Working capital surplus is defined as current assets less current liabilities.

      For the three months ended   For the year ended
      December 31,   September 30,   December 31,
    ($000s)   2024     2023     2024     2024     2023     2022
    Current assets $ 245,943   $ 337,175   $ 248,208   $ 245,943   $ 337,175   $ 593,602
    Current liabilities   186,546     258,148     210,699     186,546     258,148     508,614
    Working capital surplus $ 59,397   $ 79,027   $ 37,509   $ 59,397   $ 79,027   $ 84,988

    Supplementary Financial Measures

    “Oil and natural gas sales per boe” is determined by sales revenue excluding risk management contracts, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by total equivalent sales volume including purchased oil volumes.

    “Royalties per boe” is comprised of royalties, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total equivalent sales volume and excludes purchased oil volumes.

    “Net revenue per boe” is comprised of net revenue, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total equivalent sales volume and includes purchased oil volumes.

    “Production expense per boe” is comprised of production expense, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total equivalent sales volume and excludes purchased oil volumes.

    “Transportation expense per boe” is comprised of transportation expense, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total equivalent sales volumes including purchased oil volumes.

    “Dividends paid per share” is comprised of dividends declared, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the number of shares outstanding at the dividend record date.

    Dividend Advisory

    The Company’s future shareholder distributions, including but not limited to the payment of dividends and the acquisition by the Company of its shares pursuant to an NCIB, if any, and the level thereof is uncertain. Any decision to pay further dividends on the common shares (including the actual amount, the declaration date, the record date and the payment date in connection therewith and any special dividends) or acquire shares of the Company will be subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors of Parex and may depend on a variety of factors, including, without limitation the Company’s business performance, financial condition, financial requirements, growth plans, expected capital requirements and other conditions existing at such future time including, without limitation, contractual restrictions and satisfaction of the solvency tests imposed on the Company under applicable corporate law. Further, the actual amount, the declaration date, the record date and the payment date of any dividend are subject to the discretion of the Board. There can be no assurance that the Company will pay dividends or repurchase any shares of the Company in the future.

    Advisory on Forward-Looking Statements

    In particular, forward-looking statements contained in this document include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company’s operational and financial position; the Company’s plan, strategy and focus; the focus of the Company’s 2025 operational plan; Parex’s plan of rebuilding market confidence by delivering steady results, evolving its Colombian portfolio and strengthening its track record of shareholder returns, while also progressing towards Llanos Foothills exploration in 2026; Parex’s FY 2025 average production guidance; the anticipated Board nominees at Parex’s upcoming Meeting; the anticipated number of operating and non-operating drilling rigs that Parex will have in Q2 2025; expectations that the Company’s operations are supportive of a growing H2 2025 production profile and the Company’s anticipated activities at certain of its locations, including the anticipated timing thereof; the Company’s 2025 guidance, including anticipated Brent crude oil average price, average production, funds flow provided by operations netback, funds flow provided by operations, capital expenditures and free funds flow; the anticipated terms of the Company’s Q1 2025 regular quarterly dividend including its expectation that it will be designated as an “eligible dividend”; the anticipated date and time of Parex’s 2025 Meeting and the release of its 2024 Annual Information Form; and the anticipated date of Parex’s conference call. In addition, statements relating to “reserves” are by their nature forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the reserves described can be profitably produced in the future. The recovery and reserve estimates of Parex’s reserves provided herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions in Canada and Colombia; determinations by OPEC and other countries as to production levels; volatility in commodity prices; industry conditions including changes in laws and regulations including adoption of new environmental laws and regulations, and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, in Canada and Colombia; competition; lack of availability of qualified personnel; the results and timelines of exploration and development drilling, test, monitoring and work programs and related activities; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities, in Canada and Colombia; risks associated with negotiating with foreign governments as well as country risk associated with conducting international activities; volatility in market prices for oil; fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates; environmental risks; changes in income tax laws or changes in tax laws and incentive programs relating to the oil industry; changes to pipeline capacity; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; risk that Parex’s evaluation of its existing portfolio of development and exploration opportunities is not consistent with its expectations; that production test results may not necessarily be indicative of long term performance or of ultimate recovery; the risk that Parex may not commence exploration activities in the Llanos Foothills area when anticipated, or at all; the risk that Parex’s FY 2025 average production may be less than anticipated; the risk that Parex may have less operating and non-operating drilling rigs in Q2 2025 than anticipated; the risk that Parex’s financial and operating results may not be consistent with its expectations; the risk that the Company may not release its Annual Information Form or hold its 2025 Meeting when anticipated; the risk that Parex may not have sufficient financial resources in the future to provide distributions to its shareholders; the risk that the Board may not declare dividends in the future or that Parex’s dividend policy changes;and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Parex’s operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca).

    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this document are based upon assumptions which Management believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this document, Parex has made assumptions regarding, among other things: current and anticipated commodity prices and royalty regimes; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future exchange rates; the price of oil, including the anticipated Brent oil prices; the impact of increasing competition; conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; receipt of partner, regulatory and community approvals; royalty rates; future operating costs; uninterrupted access to areas of Parex’s operations and infrastructure; recoverability of reserves and future production rates; the status of litigation; timing of drilling and completion of wells; on-stream timing of production from successful exploration wells; operational performance of non-operated producing fields; pipeline capacity; that Parex will have sufficient cash flow, debt or equity sources or other financial resources required to fund its capital and operating expenditures and requirements as needed; that Parex’s conduct and results of operations will be consistent with its expectations; that Parex will have the ability to develop its oil and gas properties in the manner currently contemplated; that Parex’s evaluation of its existing portfolio of development and exploration opportunities is consistent with its expectations; current or, where applicable, proposed industry conditions, laws and regulations will continue in effect or as anticipated as described herein; that the estimates of Parex’s production and reserves volumes and the assumptions related thereto (including commodity prices and development costs) are accurate in all material respects; that Parex will be able to obtain contract extensions or fulfill the contractual obligations required to retain its rights to explore, develop and exploit any of its undeveloped properties; that Parex will have sufficient financial resources in the future to pay a dividend and repurchase its shares in the future; that the Board will declare dividends in the future; and other matters.

    Management has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this document in order to provide shareholders with a more complete perspective on Parex’s current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Parex’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits Parex will derive. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document and Parex disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

    This press release contains information that may be considered a financial outlook under applicable securities laws about the Company potential financial position, including, but not limited to: the Company’s 2025 guidance, including anticipated funds flow provided by operations netback, funds flow provided by operations, capital expenditures and free funds flow; and the anticipated terms of the Company’s Q1 2025 regular quarterly dividend including its expectation that it will be designated as an “eligible dividend”. Such financial outlook has been prepared by Parex’s management to provide an outlook of the Company’s activities and results. The financial outlook has been prepared based on a number of assumptions including the assumptions discussed above and assumptions with respect to the costs and expenditures to be incurred by the Company, including capital equipment and operating costs, foreign exchange rates, taxation rates for the Company, general and administrative expenses and the prices to be paid for the Company’s production.

    Management does not have firm commitments for all of the costs, expenditures, prices or other financial assumptions used to prepare the financial outlook or assurance that such operating results will be achieved and, accordingly, the complete financial effects of all of those costs, expenditures, prices and operating results are not objectively determinable. The actual results of operations of the Company and the resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set forth in the analysis presented in this press release, and such variations may be material. The Company and Management believe that the financial outlook has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting the best estimates and judgments, and represent, to the best of Management’s knowledge, Parex’s expected expenditures and results of operations. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks including the risks discussed above, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such financial outlook. The financial outlook contained in this press release was made as of the date of this press release and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about the Company’s potential future business operations. Readers are cautioned that the financial outlook contained in this press release is not conclusive and is subject to change.

    The following abbreviations used in this press release have the meanings set forth below:

    PDP proved developed producing
    1P proved
    2P proved plus probable
    3P proved plus probable plus possible
    bbl one barrel
    bbls barrels
    bbl/d barrels per day
    boe barrels of oil equivalent; one barrel of oil or natural gas liquids for six thousand cubic feet of natural gas
    boe/d barrels of oil equivalent per day
    mbbl thousands of barrels
    mboe thousand barrels of oil equivalent
    mcf thousand cubic feet
    mcf/d thousand cubic feet per day
    mmboe one million barrels of oil equivalent
    mmcf one million cubic feet
    W.I. working interest

    PDF available: 

    http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/dc94d190-6b5f-48f2-9d09-33ac94624887

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: CPPCC members commend China’s achievements

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) took part in a group interview with the press in Beijing on March 4 ahead of the opening of its third session, sharing insights on China’s new milestones and prospects.

    Members of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC take part in a group interview at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, March 4, 2025. [Photo by Zheng Liang/China.org.cn]
    Lin Songtian, deputy director of the CPPCC National Committee’s Foreign Affairs Committee, called the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) a landmark project linking five continents, promoting global prosperity and benefiting current and future generations.
    “The initiative has benefited people in over 150 countries, paving a new path for cooperation, mutual benefit and shared development worldwide,” Lin told reporters at the Great Hall of the People. He noted that the BRI has driven development in partner countries, improved investment environments and established numerous economic zones and industrial parks, creating vast employment opportunities, enhancing livelihoods and enabling Chinese enterprises to expand globally with robust infrastructure, legal and policy support.
    Since 2013, the BRI has delivered global benefits through key projects: the China-Laos Railway boosted Asia’s regional connectivity, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway provided Ethiopia sea port access, Peru’s Chancay Port became a green, smart logistics hub, and the China-Europe Railway Express strengthened Asia-Europe ties, connecting 25 countries and over 220 cities with more than 100,000 freight trains.
    “With joint efforts from all parties, high-quality BRI cooperation will allow Chinese people to pursue their dreams worldwide with greater accessibility, while enabling more people around the globe to share in development opportunities and prosperity,” he said.
    Qiao Hong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and CPPCC member, highlighted China’s remarkable progress in humanoid robotics in recent years, noting that the country now accounts for more than half of global robot deployment and leads the world in related technologies.
    Qiao emphasized that humanoid robots, a key manifestation of artificial intelligence (AI) and a vital platform for general-purpose physical AI systems, represent the cutting edge of technological evolution. She added that the “Q-series” humanoid robots, independently developed by the CAS’ Institute of Automation, have successfully established the core technological foundation for the humanoid robot mega-factory.
    “As part of China’s national strategic technological force, we will continue to harness our technological advancements and talent resources to solidify the nation’s core technological foundation and advance China’s goal of becoming a global technological powerhouse,” Qiao said.

    Members of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC take part in a group interview at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, March 4, 2025. [Photo by Zheng Liang/China.org.cn]
    Jin Li, vice-president of the Southern University of Science and Technology and CPPCC member, addressed challenges posed by China’s aging population, highlighting efforts to develop the silver economy and improve the well-being of elderly people.
    China’s silver economy, driven by its aging population, is set for significant growth, potentially creating 100 million jobs by 2050 and tapping into a market worth $4 trillion by 2035, boosting economic vitality. Currently, there are more than 300 million people aged 60 and above in China, with this figure expected to exceed 400 million by 2035.
    “The growing population aged 60 to 70 brings a wealth of energy and experience. A silver think tank can unlock opportunities in this demographic,” Jin said, noting that improving education and health care enables older individuals to continue making significant contributions to the workforce and society.
    Jin highlighted that the needs of China’s aging population are shifting from basic necessities like clothing, food, shelter and transportation to personal growth, including health care, elderly care, leisure and exploration, as the silver economy offers vast opportunities in terms of both supply and demand.
    Yan Jianbing, president of Huazhong Agricultural University and CPPCC member, emphasized that China’s innovation in agricultural science and technology ranks among the world’s highest, making significant contributions to agricultural progress.
    Yan expressed optimism in maintaining food security, praising the efforts of agricultural science and technology workers. In 2024, China’s grain output exceeded 700 million metric tons for the first time, with per capita availability surpassing 500 kilograms — well above the international food security threshold.

    Members of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC take part in a group interview at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, March 4, 2025. [Photo by Zheng Liang/China.org.cn]
    Zhao Hong, chief physician at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences’ Cancer Hospital and CPPCC member, highlighted China’s remarkable progress in biopharmaceutical innovation in recent years, aimed at better safeguarding public health. Last year, the nation approved 48 novel drugs and 65 innovative medical devices, with the number of novel medicines in the pipeline ranking second globally.
    “China has shifted from imitation to innovation in the biopharmaceutical field, significantly enhancing its capabilities and demonstrating a promising future,” Zhao said.
    CPPCC member Zhou Lan also noted China’s increased efforts to renovate old residential areas, creating modern and convenient living environments. Over 66,000 urban renewal projects have been carried out, updating and renovating 250,000 old neighborhoods, benefiting more than 100 million residents.
    “These urban renewal projects have not only optimized residents’ living conditions but also attracted new, efficient investment to these cities while preserving their cultural and historical heritage,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine worth about $360 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine worth about $360 million (with photo)
    ****************************************************************************************

    ​Hong Kong Customs seized about 680 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $360 million in Kwai Chung on February 10.     Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a seaborne consignment, arriving in Hong Kong from Mexico and declared as carrying heating panels, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside 80 heating panels. Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs arrested a 67-year-old male consignee, claiming to be a driver, in Kwai Chung on the same day.     On March 3, Customs conducted a controlled delivery operation, leading to the further arrest of two men, aged 35 and 45, who were suspected to be connected with the case in Tsuen Wan.     The investigation is ongoing.     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    Ends/Wednesday, March 5, 2025Issued at HKT 14:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Aviation Weather Mission: Civil Air Patrol Cadets Help Scientists Study the Atmosphere with GLOBE Clouds

    Source: NASA

    The Science Activation Program’s NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative (NESEC) is working alongside the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to launch the 2025 Aviation Weather Mission. The mission will engage cadets (students ages 11-20) and senior members to collect aviation-relevant observations including airport conditions, Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Cloud observations, commercial aircraft information (including registration number and altitude), and satellite collocations provided by the NASA GLOBE Clouds team at NASA Langley Research Center. This mission results from a highly successful collaboration between NESEC and CAP as cadets and senior members collected cloud, air temperature, and land cover observations during the partial and total solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024, engaging over 400 teams with over 3,000 cadets and over 1,000 senior members in every state, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico.
    The 2025 Aviation Weather Mission will take place from April through July 2025, collecting observations over two 4-hour periods while practicing additional skills, such as flight tracking, orienteering, and data management. So far, over 3,000 cadets in 46 wings (states) have signed up to participate.
    Science Activation recently showed support for this mission through a letter of collaboration sent to CAP Major General Regena Aye in early February. NASA GLOBE Clouds and GLOBE Observer are part of the NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative (NESEC), which is led by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AE28A. NESEC is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: How schools can improve gender equality in Latin America

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natalia López-Hornickel, Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Education, University of Bath

    Marcos Castillo/Shutterstock

    In Latin America, deeply ingrained cultural beliefs about gender roles – what women and men should and shouldn’t do – persist. This is despite increased involvement by women in traditionally male spheres, such as business and politics.

    And these ideas are held among young people, too. A study in 2020 found that only 32% of adolescents in Latin America fully support gender equality. My past research has found that in Mexico, 63.6% of teenagers believe women should not be involved in politics.

    In Chile and Colombia, however, teens’ support for gender equality is much higher. This disparity suggests that gender attitudes are shaped by broader social and political contexts.

    My recent research with colleagues suggests that schools have the power to shape students’ beliefs about gender equality.

    We found that there is a link between classes in which open discussion takes place and students with a strong grasp of civic topics and support for gender equality. We also found that schools with supportive and inclusive environments are linked with more positive attitudes among students towards gender equality.

    The influence of inequality

    The economic and political landscape of Latin America plays a role in restricting gender equality. Latin America is one of the most economically divided regions in the world, with extreme concentrations of wealth at the top and poverty at the bottom. This extends to education. Children from wealthier backgrounds have access to better education, further reinforcing inequality. Studies show that lower levels of education are linked to prejudices such as sexism.

    And economic inequality is not the only challenge. Despite the fact that most Latin American countries transitioned to democracy over 40 years ago, political instability remains widespread. Alarmingly, many people still see authoritarianism as a solution to social issues.

    This belief is particularly strong among young people. A 2016 study found that 69% of secondary students in five Latin American countries thought a dictatorship would be justified if it solved security problems. Authoritarian mindsets are strong predictors of sexism.

    Open discussion is crucial.
    Daniel M Ernst/Shutterstock

    This means it is challenging to achieve gender equality in a society where authoritarianism and inequality remain deeply rooted.

    Our research analysed data from a large-scale study of 25,319 eighth graders (aged 13-14) in 888 schools in Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Peru.

    We explored the relationships between the socioeconomic background of students, the promotion of open classroom discussions by teachers, the level of civic knowledge, the ideological climate that schools have and the attitudes toward gender equality held by students. We wanted to explore how far education can be associated with these views.

    We found that educational practices account for 19% of the variation in students’ support for gender equality. In other words, what happens inside the classroom matters.

    Open discussions

    Schools that foster open classroom discussions about political and social issues help students develop critical thinking skills and tolerance. This kind of open dialogue counteracts authoritarian beliefs. It creates a space where students can challenge traditional gender roles.

    Inclusive educational practices are not confined to wealthier schools. They can be embraced by any school committed to enhancing educational equity and embracing diverse student needs. But research suggests that students from wealthier backgrounds are more likely to endorse gender equality. This reflects their access to better education and civic knowledge.

    Students with higher civic knowledge are more likely to support gender equity. Understanding rights, democracy, and social structures gives students the tools to question inequality and advocate for change.

    However, the challenge is that many students are still exposed to authoritarian ideologies – both at home and in school.

    Our research revealed a concerning trend. Schools with authoritarian climates tend to reinforce gender biases rather than challenge them. This suggests that if we move students with lower personal support for authoritarianism to an environment where authoritarianism is dominant, those students are susceptible to adopting sexist attitudes. Students are not just shaped by their own beliefs but by the ideological views of their peers.

    This means that while schools have the potential to promote gender equity, they can also reinforce inequality if authoritarian ideas dominate the school culture.

    Latin America’s structural inequalities and political instability create significant barriers to gender equality. Schools, particularly in underprivileged areas, can counterbalance this by encouraging open discussion and civic education, even in societies resistant to change. Education systems have the potential to play a key role in setting the trajectory of gender equality in Latin America.

    Natalia López-Hornickel receives funding from the South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP).

    – ref. How schools can improve gender equality in Latin America – https://theconversation.com/how-schools-can-improve-gender-equality-in-latin-america-249772

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the closure of USAID on Latin America, in particular on the seven million Venezuelan refugees – E-000576/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000576/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Francisco Assis (S&D)

    The freezing of aid provided by the US Agency for International Development will harm vulnerable populations around the world. Having been a priority for USAID, Latin America will be one of the most affected regions with the end of humanitarian assistance and civil society support programmes on various fronts.

    One of the most worrying consequences of the announced dismantling of USAID concerns the seven million Venezuelans who, fleeing poverty and authoritarianism in their country, have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, such as Colombia (the biggest beneficiary of this agency in the region), or who are living precariously in refugee camps, such as on the border with Brazil.

    Recently, the EU has demonstrated a geopolitical commitment to South America and its development with the conclusion of a historic agreement with Mercosur.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to mitigate the impact of the end of USAID on the humanitarian situation of Venezuelan refugees?
    • 2.Is the Commission prepared to move forward with alternative sources of funding to maintain the aforesaid programmes in the region thereby sending a powerful political message to the world with this gesture?

    Submitted: 7.2.2025

    Last updated: 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission funding of Mercosur countries – E-000586/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000586/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Piotr Müller (ECR)

    On 6 December 2024, the EU and Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) concluded negotiations on a partnership agreement, which had been ongoing intermittently since 2000. The agreement covers three main areas: trade, political dialogue and sectoral cooperation, including migration, the digital economy and human rights.

    The Commission has announced that it will provide EUR 1.8 billion to support the green and digital transitions in Mercosur countries. These funds are to come from the EU budget as part of the Global Gateway initiative. This decision has caused controversy because some observers believe it may be a form of incentive or pressure to finalise the trade agreement.

    In this context, I would welcome answers to the following questions:

    • 1.Is the allocation of EUR 1.8 billion to Mercosur countries in any way dependent on the eventual signing and ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement?
    • 2.Do these funds form part of the political conditions attached to the negotiation of the trade agreement? If so, who made this decision and how was it made?
    • 3.Did the Commission consult the Member States on the decision to allocate funds to the Mercosur countries before it was taken? If so, what procedure was followed and which countries were consulted?

    Please provide precise answers to these questions.

    Submitted: 9.2.2025

    Last updated: 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Tower Semiconductor to Showcase its Next-Generation BCD Technology at APEC 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Presenting Advanced Power Management Solutions for Automotive, AI, Mobile, and Data Center Applications 

    MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel, March 5, 2025 – Tower Semiconductor (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), a leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, today announced its participation in the upcoming 2025 Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC), taking place March 17–19 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Company will highlight its cutting-edge power management technology platform with its high-efficiency power conversion capabilities including the latest 300mm 65nm 3.3V-based BCD solution, designed to meet the growing demands of Automotive, AI, Mobile PMIC, and Data Center power delivery.

    Tower’s industry-leading 0.18μm (200mm) and 65nm (300mm) Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) platforms drive innovation across a broad range of applications, including driver ICs, battery management, portable power solutions, PC power control, and high-voltage gate drivers. With its recently announced 3.3V gate oxide technology offering 3.3V and 5V-based solutions as well as a comprehensive suite of design enablement tools, Tower continues to set new benchmarks in power efficiency, enabling next-generation solutions for a variety of high-demand sectors.

    Presentation schedule:
    Tower Semiconductor’s BCD Technology Foundry Offerings: From Automotive to Datacenter Power
    By Dr. Mete Erturk, Sr. Director, Power Management Marketing
    Date: March 19, 2025
    Time: 12:45 PM – 1:15 PM
    Location: A312

    To meet with Tower’s engineering team at APEC 2025, visit booth #1148.

    For more information on Tower’s Power Management solutions, visit here.

    About Tower Semiconductor         

    Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), the leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, provides technology, development, and process platforms for its customers in growing markets such as consumer, industrial, automotive, mobile, infrastructure, medical and aerospace and defense. Tower Semiconductor focuses on creating a positive and sustainable impact on the world through long-term partnerships and its advanced and innovative analog technology offering, comprised of a broad range of customizable process platforms such as SiGe, BiCMOS, mixed-signal/CMOS, RF CMOS, CMOS image sensor, non-imaging sensors, displays, integrated power management (BCD and 700V), photonics, and MEMS. Tower Semiconductor also provides world-class design enablement for a quick and accurate design cycle as well as process transfer services including development, transfer, and optimization, to IDMs and fabless companies. To provide multi-fab sourcing and extended capacity for its customers, Tower Semiconductor owns one operating facility in Israel (200mm), two in the U.S. (200mm), two in Japan (200mm and 300mm) which it owns through its 51% holdings in TPSCo, shares a 300mm facility in Agrate, Italy with STMicroelectronics as well as has access to a 300mm capacity corridor in Intel’s New Mexico factory. For more information, please visit: www.towersemi.com.

    Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. A complete discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements included in this press release or which may otherwise affect Tower’s business is included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Tower’s most recent filings on Forms 20-F, F-3, F-4 and 6-K, as were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Israel Securities Authority. Tower does not intend to update, and expressly disclaim any obligation to update, the information contained in this release. 

    ###

    Tower Semiconductor Company Contact: Orit Shahar | +972-74-7377440 | oritsha@towersemi.com

    Investor Relations Contact: Liat Avraham | +972-4-6506154 | liatavra@towersemi.com

    Attachment

    • Tower 2025 APEC_Final_03052025

    The MIL Network –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after the President’s Joint Address to Congress:  

    “When I talk to New Hampshire families, farmers, small business owners, seniors, doctors or shipyard employees, I hear a desire for elected representatives to work together and find common ground on solutions that will help make their lives better. Yet what we heard tonight from the President was the opposite. He chose to lean into division over unity, chaos over calm and lies over facts – none of which stand to make America or the families we serve safer, stronger or more prosperous. 

    “Right now, Granite Staters are facing higher prices and uncertainty about the future. I was disappointed the President neglected to offer a path forward on issues that are top of mind for our constituents—like costs at the grocery store, health care affordability, the housing crisis, workforce and child care challenges. These are issues deeply personal to many, and I will remain focused on bringing forward solutions to make life better and more affordable for all. 

    “I was honored to be joined by my constituent Rebecca Hamilton, who owns and operates Badger, a Granite State small business that manufactures personal care products. Rebecca’s business will be badly hurt by the President’s reckless tariff tax on goods from Canada – and sadly, her story is all too common in New Hampshire. Small and large businesses alike will be forced to pass the price hike on imported goods onto consumers because they can’t afford to foot the bill alone.   

    “Once again, I find myself wishing that the President would spend more time focusing on lowering costs like he insisted he would and less time creating chaos. America is the best country in the world because of the values that unite us and our alliances around the globe that make us stronger. I sincerely hope the President will change course and focus instead on the values and opportunities that unite us as Americans.” 

    Shaheen’s guest to the Joint Address of Congress was Rebecca Hamilton, the co-owner and co-CEO of Badger in Gilsum, New Hampshire. Badger, a family-owned manufacturer of natural personal care products, is one of dozens of small businesses in New Hampshire that have already been impacted by the uncertainty around President Trump’s tariffs and could be devastated by the tariffs on Mexico and Canada—New Hampshire’s largest trading partner—that went into effect at midnight. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK consultancy company highlights 2025 risks for businesses

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK consultancy company highlights 2025 risks for businesses

    • English
    • Español de América Latina

    In 2025, global risks to business will be driven by power vacuums and polarisation, conflict, and the double-edged sword of technological advancement.

    UK based consultancy company Control Risks presented the RiskMap2025 in Guatemala City on 4 March. The event took place at the British Residence with attendance of the British Ambassador, Juliana Correa; government contacts, businesspeople and decision makers.

    According to the RiskMap2025 events will be dominated by the change of administration in the US, ongoing conflicts such as the Ukraine war, increased trade barriers, more political violence and digital concentration of leading technologies, amongst other topics. Marina Pera, Control Risks analyst gave the presentation.

    The British Embassy is committed to support our economic ties with Guatemala with tools such as the RiskMap2025, to encourage better informed decisions and drive prosperity.

    To see the full RiskMap2025, please visit https://www.controlrisks.com/riskmap.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 6, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Michelle Doyle-Lowe: Effective oversight is vital to the smooth operation of our payments system

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning everyone and welcome to this important training initiative that is being facilitated by the World Bank, as part of Barbados’ Payments System Modernisation Project. I am Michelle Doyle, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, and Executive Sponsor for this project.  Whether you are joining us in person or online, a warm Monday morning welcome to the World Bank team, the CEO of our sister regulator, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), Warrick Ward, and his team, as well as members of the Central Bank’s Executive, management, and members of staff.

    The modernisation of our payments system is not merely an infrastructural upgrade; it is a leap toward creating a more resilient, responsive, and innovative financial ecosystem that will further serve the evolving needs of Barbadians and our economy. This project represents the Central Bank’s vision for a future where financial transactions are seamless, secure, interoperable, and accessible to all.

    The role of the Central Bank to oversee the development of our payments market is well established in our legislative structures such as the National Payments System Act and the Central Bank Act. This mandate to monitor and regulate the payments system is underpinned by the fact that Payments are the backbone of the financial system and impact on financial system stability and integrity. Effective payments oversight is therefore vital for ensuring the smooth operation of financial transactions to mitigate risks and protect consumers. In addition, the Central Bank’s collaboration with the FSC on payments oversight is vital for adequate governance and regulation of our evolving payments ecosystem.                   

    Let me take this opportunity to introduce and thank key members of the World Bank team who have been supporting us over the last couple of months to advance the five workstreams that are required to make this modernisation project a success. The Payments Oversight workstream is augmented by the legal and regulatory review workstream; the procurement and implementation of an Instant Payment System; the operationalisation of new payment functionality such as QR codes, etc.; and the digital financial literacy workstream to drive the adoption of digital payments in our market. We have Nicholas Smith, Senior Financial Sector Specialist – whom many of us have come to fondly refer to as Nick, given our frequent calls, touchpoint meetings, and WhatsApp messages on all matters related to this project. 

    We are also fortunate to have with us the World Bank experts who will be facilitating this three-day session:

    • Corina Arteche – is a consultant with the World Bank for more than 10 years, specialising in payment system reform strategies and the implementation of the oversight function. Previously, Corina was a manager at the Central Bank of Venezuela where she was responsible for off-site supervision of financial institutions and oversight of the payment and settlement systems. Corina holds a Master’s degree in Information and Communication Technology Applied to Education from the Complutense University of Madrid and a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics from the University of Manchester. She has been integral to the development of our Payments Oversight workstream, and capacity building in this area.
    • Holti Banka – is a Senior Financial Sector Specialist with the Payments Systems Development Group of the World Bank. Some of you may remember Holti as a panellist at last year’s Annual Review Seminar. His work covers different aspects of retail payments including fast payments, national payment strategies, cost measurement of payment instruments, and payments infrastructure interoperability, among others. Holti has participated in numerous payments related conferences, published articles in several academic journals and is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Payments Strategy and Systems. He received his PhD in International Development/Economic Policy from the University of Maryland.

    Let me also take this opportunity to introduce other members of the World Bank Team joining us online- Ragheb al Buderi (Payment Systems and Procurement Consultant), Elize Jackson (Technical Consultant), Bernardo Barradas (Payment Systems Legal Consultant). 

    Throughout this three-day session, we will cover the key components of the payments oversight function, including: 

    1. Objectives of payments oversight 
    2. Components of the national payment system 
    3. Guidelines for off-site oversight 
    4. Assessment of systemically important payment systems using PFMI 
    5. Assessment methodologies for retail payment systems; and 
    6. Oversight of payment service providers

    Corina, you have a diverse group of participants. Beyond our Bank Supervision team, there are representatives from various departments across the Central Bank, such as Operations, Foreign Exchange and Fund Management, Management Information Systems, and Research and Economic Analysis, to name a few. We are all in your capable hands. Rest assured, we have had our coffee or tea and look forward to your insights and guidance, as we roll-up our sleeves to cover the breadth of material that you have prepared for the next few days.  I encourage each of you to ask questions and to share your thoughts during the presentations and break-out sessions. 

    Whether you are joining us virtually or in person, thank you for your attention and commitment to this important initiative. Let us seize this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and innovate. I wish you a productive, engaging, and enlightening workshop.

    I now turn over to the World Bank team to commence the session, and to Runako Brathwaite, Deputy Director in our Payments Oversight Unit, whom has worked assiduously to make this session a reality.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    March 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Russian Engineering Academy awarded SPbGASU two I.A. Grishmanov prizes

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Competition coordinator, member of the presidium (bureau) of the Russian Engineering Academy Vitaly Lozhkin, president of the academy Boris Gusev and Alexey Kharitonov

    On February 27, the Russian Engineering Academy hosted the I. A. Grishmanov Prize award ceremony. Among the laureates were Aleksey Kharitonov, Doctor of Engineering, Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of Construction Materials Technology and Metrology of our university, and the Publishing and Printing Department of SPbGASU.

    Alexey Kharitonov is known in the country and abroad as a scientist in the field of construction materials science. His specialization is the creation of effective materials for the restoration of cultural heritage sites – architectural monuments. The researcher makes a great contribution to the development of university science and construction education in the country, and has been engaged in scientific and pedagogical activities for 25 years.

    Alexey Kharitonov is a member of the dissertation council of SPbGASU and the scientific and technical council of the Housing Committee of the Government of St. Petersburg, a member of the editorial board of the journal “Cement and Its Applications”, included in the list of the Higher Attestation Commission of the Russian Federation. Author and co-author of more than 140 published scientific and educational-methodical works, including 130 scientific articles, 11 educational-methodical works, 4 inventions. The scientist’s merits have been noted by numerous letters of gratitude and certificates of honor.

    In 2019–2020, the scientist, as an organizer of materials science research, participated in the development of scientific and design documentation for the restoration of the Legislative Palace (parliament building) in the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo, and in 2022–2023 – the Triumphal Arch in Palmyra, Syria. The projects were highly praised by the UNESCO International Expert Council.

    The Publishing and Printing Department (IPD) is a structural division of SPbGASU, headed by Tatyana Razumova since 2007. The IPO has a full production cycle for publishing educational and scientific publications, from editorial preparation of manuscripts to layout and printing. Every year, the IPO publishes more than one hundred titles of educational and scientific publications. All of them are sent to the scientific and technical library in printed and electronic form. Electronic copies of publications are placed in the university’s full-text database.

    Books by SPbGASU teachers, published in IPO, have repeatedly become prize winners of prestigious festivals and competitions. The published editions arouse wide interest and receive recognition from the professional community.

    The I. A. Grishmanov Prize is awarded for scientific and technical developments that have been implemented in mass production, as well as for achievements in the organization of industry in the field of building materials and structures. It is named after the Minister of the Construction Materials Industry of the USSR Ivan Aleksandrovich Grishmanov (1906–1979), a graduate of the Leningrad Civil Engineering Institute (now SPbGASU).

    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 –

    March 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global Leaders Convene in Rome for the 2025 IDEAS-NDB Conference on Evaluation for Transformational Change

    Source: New Development Bank

    Rome, Italy, 5 March 2025: Global leaders, policymakers and evaluation experts have come together in Rome for the first day of the 2025 IDEAS-NDB Conference, on the topic of “Multi-Dimensional Evaluation for Influence & Transformation”. Jointly organised by International Development Evaluation Association (IDEAS) and the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the New Development Bank (NDB), the conference will examine how evaluation can drive real-world transformational change in today’s complex global landscape. Lasting for two days, the event is being held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

    With the world facing rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate change and widening social inequities, the role of evaluation in shaping evidence-based decision-making has never been more crucial.

    The FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu highlighted the important role of evaluation as the cornerstone of learning and innovation to ensure effective sustainable development policies, stating: “We cannot solve food security challenges without understanding efficiency, effectiveness and the impacts of investment. Evaluation must move beyond metrics – it must shape the policies and innovations that will help us ensure sufficient and healthy foods for future generations. I believe that this conference can be a stepping-stone towards driving meaningful progress.”

    The event welcomed around 400 global delegates, with Professor Michael Kremer, winner of the 2019 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics, delivering the keynote speech on the conference theme of multi-dimensional evaluation for influence and transformation. He was joined by senior government officials, policy and decision-makers, high-level officials and heads of evaluation offices from major multilateral development institutions, and representatives of academic and research institutions, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and others.

    Over the two days, the conference will feature high-level discussions, expert panels, and strategy sessions examining a range of interconnected themes crucial to evaluation’s role in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. These include how evaluation supports progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and understanding the complex relationships between the goals; addressing the nexus of climate change, crises, and development through robust evaluation; recognising the importance of context and culture in shaping evaluation practices; mainstreaming gender equality, human rights, and equity within evaluation frameworks; building evaluation capacity at all levels; and exploring evaluation for sustainable development in the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and other emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs), which are priority areas for NDB.

    With participation from government agencies, multilateral institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, and evaluation professionals, the event serves as a global call to action—pushing for more impact-driven, inclusive, and forward-looking evaluation frameworks.

    Ashwani K. Muthoo, Director General of IEO at NDB underscored the urgency for evaluators to change and innovate: “Evaluation must evolve to reflect the complexity of today’s world. We must go beyond traditional metrics to capture lived experiences, measure systemic change, and ensure that development efforts truly reach those who need them most.”

    ——————————

    New Development Bank (NDB)

    NDB is a multilateral bank established in 2015 by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) with the aim of mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs). In alignment with its members’ development objectives and commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, NDB prioritises high-impact operations that are climate-smart, disaster-resilient, technology-integrated, and socially inclusive. NDB’s Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) is responsible for independently evaluating the Bank’s policies, strategies, processes, initiatives and operations. IEO also contributes and provides oversight to improve the effectiveness of the Bank’s quality assurance and self-evaluation activities.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    March 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Atos reports full year 2024 results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Atos reports full year 2024 results

    Recovery of the commercial activity in Q4 2024

    • Q4 order entry at €2.7 billion
    • Q4 book to bill at 117%, +9 points vs Q4 2023, benefitting from the signature of large multi-year contract renewals and wins
    • FY 2024 book to bill at 82% vs 94% in prior year

    FY 2024 revenue: €9,577 million, down -5.4% organically, impacted by previously-established contract terminations or scope reductions and by market softness in key geographies

    • Eviden: down -6.7% organically
    • Tech Foundations down -4.1% organically

    Operating margin of 2.1% at €199m, with Eviden at 2.0% and Tech Foundations at 2.2%

    • Down -210 bps organically compared with FY 2023, mainly due to the allocation to the business of SG&A costs previously allocated to Other Operating Income & Expenses, as part of the separation project in prior year
    • Operating margin includes circa €40 million of provision for underperforming contracts following negotiations with customers

    Free cash flow at €-2,233 million reflecting the end of one-off working capital optimization actions and higher capex linked to High Performance Computing contracts

    • Working capital optimization at December 2024 of €0.3 billion compared to €1.8 billion in prior year
      • Consisting solely of customer invoices paid in advance without any discount and on a pure voluntary basis;
      • No usage at all of account receivable factoring or specific optimization on trade payables.

    Net income group share of €248 million, including notably:

    • €3,520 million income from the financial restructuring, including a €2,766 million gain on the debt-to-equity swap and €965 million IFRS 9 debt fair value treatment, which will be amortized in subsequent years
    • Goodwill and other non-current assets impairment charge of €2,357 million, reflecting the decrease of the Group’s enterprise value, which takes into account a lower fair value of the financial debts and a lower market capitalization

    Paris, March 5, 2025 – Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, high-performance computing and information technology infrastructure, today announces its 2024 financial results.

    Philippe Salle, Atos Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, declared:

    “It was with great enthusiasm and conviction that I have joined the Atos Group in October 2024. Now that our financial restructuring has been successfully completed in December, the Group can focus on its transformation journey and on providing the highest level of support to our customers through innovation and quality of service. I will present my vision for Atos and our mid-term strategy during a Capital Markets Day on May 14.

    During the fourth quarter, our commercial activity recovered thanks to the positive change of perception of our clients, who took note of the improvement of our credit rating. This positive commercial momentum materialized in renewals or extensions of large strategic multi-year contracts.

    I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the teams involved for their outstanding contribution to the financial structuring of the company and to our employees, customers and partners for their continued support.”

    FY 2024 performance highlights

    In € million FY 2024 FY 2023 Var.   FY 2023* Organic Var.
    Revenue 9,577 10,693 -10.4%   10,124 -5.4%
    Operating Margin 199 467 -268   423 -224
    In % of revenue 2.1% 4.4%   -230bps   4.2%    -210bps
    OMDA 722 1,026 -304      
    In % of revenue 7.6% 9.6%   -200bps      
    Net income 248 -3,441 3,689      
    Free Cash Flow -2,233 -1,078 -1,154      
    Net debt excl. IFRS 9 fair value treatment -1,238 -2,230 992      
    Net debt -275 -2,230 1,955      

    *: at constant scope and December 2024 average exchange rates

    FY 2024 performance by Business

    In € million FY 2024
    Revenue
    FY 2023
    revenue
    FY 2023
    revenue*
    Organic variation*
    Eviden 4,604 5,089 4,937 -6.7%
    Tech Foundations 4,972 5,604 5,187 -4.1%
    Total 9,577 10,693 10,124 -5.4%
    In € million FY 2024
    Operating margin
    FY 2023 Operating margin FY 2023
    Operating margin*
      FY 2024
    Operating margin %
    FY 2023 Operating margin% FY 2023 Operating margin%* Organic variation*
    Eviden 90 294 272   2.0% 5.8% 5.5% -350 bps
    Tech Foundations 109 172 151   2.2% 3.1% 2.9% -70 bps
    Total 199 467 423   2.1% 4.4% 4.2% -210 bps

    *: at constant scope and December 2024 average exchange rates

    Group revenue was €9,577 million, down -5.4% organically compared with FY 2023. Overall, Group revenue evolution in 2024 reflects previously-established contract terminations or scope reductions and market softness in key geographies

    Eviden revenue was €4,604 million, down -6.7% organically.

    • Digital activities decreased high single digit. The business was impacted by previously-established contract terminations and contract scope reductions, as well as by the continued market softness in North America, in the UK & Ireland and in Benelux and the Nordics.
    • Big Data & Security (BDS) revenue was roughly stable organically. Advanced Computing grew mid-single digit with large project deliveries in Denmark and Germany particularly during the fourth quarter. Revenue in Digital Security decreased low single digit due to contract terminations and volume decline.

    Tech Foundations revenue was €4,972 million, down -4.1% organically.

    • Core revenue (excluding BPO and value-added resale (“VAR”)) decreased low single digit. Stronger revenue in Major Events (related to the Paris Olympic & Paralympic games and the UEFA) was offset by previously-established contract terminations and completions in North America and by contract scope and volume reduction in the UK.
    • Non-core revenue declined high single digit as planned, reflecting deliberate reduction of BPO activities in the UK and reduced value-added resale for hardware and software products.

    Group operating margin was €199 million representing 2.1% of revenue, down -210 basis points organically compared with 2023:

    • This margin decrease comes mainly from the allocation to the business of €103 million SG&A costs previously allocated to Other Operating Income & Expenses as they related to the separation project conducted in 2023. The profitability of the Group was also impacted by revenue decrease and lower utilization of resources. Operating margin also includes circa €40 million of provision for underperforming contracts following negotiations with customers
    • Eviden’s operating margin was €90 million or 2.0% of revenue, down -350 basis points organically. Beyond the allocation of SG&A costs to the business for €48 million, profitability was also impacted by revenue decrease and lower utilization of resources.
    • Tech Foundations’ operating margin was €109 million or 2.2% of revenue down by -70 basis points organically. The positive impacts from the continued execution of the transformation program and the accelerated reduction of under-performing contracts via renegotiation were offset by higher allocation of SG&A cost to the business for €55 million.

    FY 2024 performance by Regional Business Unit

    In € million FY 2024
    Revenue
    FY 2023
    revenue
    FY 2023
    revenue*
    Organic variation*
    North America 1,909 2,280 2,177 -12.3%
    UK / IR 1,500 1,770 1,763 -14.9%
    Benelux and the Nordics (BTN) 946 911 905 +4.6%
    Central Europe 2,207 2,506 2,253 -2.1%
    Southern Europe 2,080 2,284 2,119 -1.9%
    Growing markets 924 930 893 +3.4%
    Others & Global structures 11 12 13 -16.3%
    Total 9,577 10,693 10,124 -5.4%
    In € million FY 2024
    Operating margin
    FY 2023 Operating margin FY 2023
    Operating margin*
      FY 2024
    Operating margin %
    FY 2023 Operating margin% FY 2023 Operating margin%* Organic variation*
    North America 161 244 229   8.5% 10.7% 10.5% -200 bps
    UK / IR 72 75 77   4.8% 4.2% 4.3% +40 bps
    Benelux and the Nordics (BTN) 7 23 23   0.8% 2.5% 2.5% -170 bps
    Central Europe 10 31 23   0.5% 1.3% 1.0% -60 bps
    Southern Europe 80 99 82   3.9% 4.3% 3.9% +0 bps
    Growing markets 31 92 88   3.4% 9.9% 9.9% -650 bps
    Others & Global structures -163 -97 -98   N/A N/A N/A N/A
    Total 199 467 423   2.1% 4.4% 4.2% -210 bps

    *: at constant scope and December 2024 average exchange rates

    North America revenue was €1,909 million, down -12.3% organically, impacted by contract terminations and general slowdown in market conditions.

    • Eviden revenue was down double digit, impacted by contract terminations and volume decline in Healthcare, Finance, and Transport & Logistics. BDS revenue remained stable.
    • Tech Foundations revenue was down high single digit due to contract completions and terminations in Media and in Insurance, as well as scope reductions with select customers.

    Operating margin was €161 million or 8.5% of revenue, down -200 basis points organically.

    • Eviden’s margin declined, impacted by volume reduction and contract terminations.
    • Tech Foundations margin declined, due to lower utilization of resources and volume reduction.

    UK & Ireland revenue was €1,500 million, down -14.9% organically.

    • Eviden revenue was down double digit. Digital revenue decreased, reflecting contract completions and volume reduction in the Public Sector. BDS revenue decreased as well, following the discontinuation of the low-margin “computing as a service” offering.
    • Revenue in Tech Foundations was down double digit, due to contract completion in Public Sector BPO activities.

    Operating margin was €72 million, or 4.8% of revenue, up +40 basis points organically. Tech Foundations margin benefited from the extension of a large multi-year contract renewed at better financial terms, while Eviden margin was impacted by revenue decline and lower utilization of resources in Digital.

    Benelux and the Nordics revenue was € 946 million, up +4.6% organically

    • Eviden revenue was up double digit, thanks particularly to BDS, with a new supercomputer sold to an innovation center in Denmark.
    • Revenue in Tech Foundations was down low single digit, with contract completions and volume decline in Healthcare and in Utilities.

    Operating margin was €7 million, or 0.8% of revenue, down -170 basis points organically. Profitability was impacted by project overruns and lower utilization of resources in Digital.

    Central Europe revenue was € 2,207 million, down -2.1% organically.

    • Eviden revenue was down low single digit. Decline in Digital due to volume reduction from Manufacturing and Defense customers was partially offset by the ongoing delivery of a large HPC in Germany.
    • Tech Foundations revenue was down low-single digit, reflecting scope reductions in the Banking and Automotive sectors.

    Operating margin was €10 million or 0.5% of revenue, down -60 basis points organically. Tech Foundations’ margin improvement was offset by Eviden’s profitability decrease.

    Southern Europe revenue was €2,080 million, down -1.9% organically.

    • Eviden revenue was down low-single digit. Digital activities declined due to volume reduction in Automotive, Transport & Logistics and Banking sectors. The delivery of a supercomputer project in Spain provided a higher prior year comparison basis for BDS.
    • Tech Foundations revenue declined low single digit due to contract completions with select customers.

    Operating margin was €80 million or 3.9% of revenue, broadly stable organically. BDS’ margin improvement driven by ongoing contracts deliveries was partially offset by Eviden profitability decrease due to lower utilization of resources in Digital.

    Growing Market revenue was €924 million, up +3.4% organically, reflecting stronger contributions related to the Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games and the UEFA contract.

    Operating margin was €31 million or 3.4% of revenue, down -650 basis points reflecting higher marketing expenses for Major Events.

    Others and Global Structures encompass the Group’s global delivery centers and global structures:

    • Global delivery centers net cost was €-72 million, broadly stable compared with last year.
    • Global Structures net cost was €-91 million and increased by €65 million, impacted by higher SG&A costs allocated to Operating margin in 2024 (rather than allocated to Other Operating Income, as part of the separation project in prior year).

    Order entry and backlog

    FY 2024 commercial activity

    Order entry reached €7.9 billion in 2024. Eviden order entry was €4.1 billion and Tech Foundations order entry was €3.8 billion.

    Book-to-bill ratio for the Group was 82% in 2024, down from 94% in 2023.

    • Eviden reported a book-to-bill ratio of 88% in 2024, down from 94% in 2023
    • Tech Foundations reported a book-to-bill ratio of 76% in 2024, down from 94% in 2023

    Q4 2024 commercial activity

    Order entry reached €2.7 billion in Q4 2024 bringing book to bill ratio to 117% for the quarter, benefitting from renewed client confidence thanks to the completion of the financial restructuring.

    Eviden reported a book-to-bill ratio of 111% for the fourth quarter, increasing strongly by +12 points compared with Q4 2023, notably led by a strong performance of Digital with a book to bill at 127%.
    Main contract signatures in the fourth quarter included an application management services contract with a Ministry of Economy, contract renewals in application management and cybersecurity services with a large American retail company and with a large health provider, as well as a High-Performance Computer (HPC) upgrade with a European scientific community.

    Tech Foundations reported a book-to-bill ratio of 122% for the fourth quarter, increasing by +6 points compared with Q4 2023.
    Main contract signatures in the fourth quarter included a 4-years contract extension for IT and digital transformation services with a state-owned savings bank. Several multi-year strategic contracts were renewed, in particular to provide Digital Workplace and Hybrid Cloud & Infrastructure services for North American and UK & Ireland customers in Financial Services, Public Sector, and Transport & Logistic.

    Backlog & commercial pipeline

    At the end of December 2024, the full backlog reached €13.0 billion representing 1.3 years of revenue.

    The full qualified pipeline amounted to €4.3 billion at the end of December 2024, representing 5.1 months of revenue.

    Human resources

    The total headcount was 78,112 at the end of December 2024, decreasing by -17.9% compared with the end of December 2023 and includes:

    • Transfers of 4,900 employees to new providers in Q3 2024 following contract completions in North America and in the UK. Excluding these transfers, headcount has decreased by circa -13%,
    • Worldgrid disposal in Q4 2024 (-973 employees).

    During the year, the Group hired 9,388 staff (of which 93.3% were Direct employees).

    Employe attrition rate remained in line with historical levels, increasing slightly from 14.5% in 2023 to 15.6% in 2024. FY 2024 retention rate for key employees remained high at 92%.

    Net income

    Net income group share was €248 million, primarily due to a €3,520 million financial gain related to the financial restructuring of the Group and a €2,858 million cost recorded in Other Operating Income and Expenses, which included a €2,357 million impairment charges on goodwill and non-current assets.

    Free cash flow

    Free cash flow was €-2,233 million in 2024 reflecting primarily the end of one-off working capital optimization actions resulting in a negative change in working capital requirement for €1,498 million and higher capex linked to HPC contracts for €239 million.

    Net debt and debt covenants

    At December 31, 2024, net debt was €1,238 million (€275 million including IFRS 9 debt fair value treatment), compared to € 2,230 million as of December 31, 2023. and consisted of:

    • Cash and cash equivalents for €1,739 million
    • Short-term financial assets for €93 million
    • Borrowings for €3,069 million (nominal value) or €2,107 million (IFRS fair value)

    The new credit documentation requires the Group to maintain:

    • from 31 March 2025, a minimum liquidity level of €650 million, to be verified at the end of each financial quarter;
    • from 30 June 2027, as from each half-year end, a maximum level of financial leverage (“Total Net Leverage Ratio Covenant”), which is defined as the ratio of Financial indebtedness (mainly excluding IFRS 16 impacts and IFRS 9 debt fair value treatment) to pre-IFRS 16 OMDA; the ceilings thus applicable will be determined no later than 30 June 2026 with reference to a flexibility of 30% in relation to the Business Plan adopted by the Group at that time; these ceilings will in any event remain between 3.5x and 4.0x.

    As at December 31, 2024, the Group financial leverage (as defined above and pre IFRS 9 debt fair value treatment) was 3.16x.

    Going concern and liquidity

    The consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended December 31, 2024 have been prepared on a going concern basis.

    The Group’s cash forecasts for the twelve months following the approval of the 2024 consolidated financial statements by the Board of Directors, result in a cash situation that meets its liquidity needs over that period.

    The cash forecasts, which take into account the latest business forecasts, have been prepared based on the assumptions which were in line with the Group updated business plan communicated on September 2, 2024.

    It is reminded that as part of its financial restructuring and following the completion on 18 December 2024 of the final steps of the Accelerated Safeguard Plan approved by the specialized Commercial Court of Nanterre on 24 October 2024, which resulted in:
    (i)      a €2.1 billion gross debt reduction through the equitization of €2.9 billion of existing financial debts and the repayment of €0.8 billion interim financings with the new money debt provided to the Company;

    (ii)      €1.6 billion of new money debt and €0.1 billion of new money equity from the rights issue and the additional reserved capital increase and

    (iii)      no debt maturities before the end of 2029,

    the Group now has the resources and flexibility to execute its midterm strategy.

    Operating margin to Operating income

    In € million 2024 2023
    Operating margin 199 467
    Reorganization -119 -696
    Rationalization and associated costs -37 -38
    Integration and acquisition costs 3 4
    Amortization of intangible assets (PPA from acquisitions) -57 -108
    Equity based compensation -2 -19
    Impairment of goodwill and other non-current assets -2 357 -2 546
    Other items -288 -169
    Operating (loss) -2 659 -3 106

    Non recurring items were a net expense of €2,858 million.

    Reorganization costs amounted to € 119 million.

    • Workforce adaptation measures relating mainly to restructuring plans launched in previous years were €77 million compared with €343 million in 2023, as the Group limited restructuring expenses to manage its cash position in 2024.
    • Separation and transformation related to the 2023 legal carve-out were incurred mostly at the start of the year for €42 million. In 2023, these costs amounted to €353 million, of which about one third corresponded to internal project costs.

    Rationalization and associated costs amounted to € 37 million compared to € 38 million in 2023, mainly corresponding to the continuation of the data centers consolidation program.

    Integration and acquisition costs amounted to € 3 million as certain earn-out and retention schemes did not materialize and were thus released to the income statement.

    Amortization of intangible assets recognized in the purchase price allocation amounted to €57 million and was mainly composed of Syntel customer relationships and technologies.

    Impairment of goodwill and other non-current assets amounted to € 2,357 million and mostly related:

    • To the impairment of goodwill for € 2,240 million in both Eviden (Americas and Northern Europe & APAC) and Tech Foundations (Northern Europe & APAC), and ;
    • To the impairment of customer relationships for € 109 million in Americas as a result of customer contract terminations.

    In 2024, Other items were a net expense of €288 million compared with €169 million in 2023 and included:

    • €74 million of net capital gain related to the sale of Worldgrid offset by additional losses recognized on past transactions ;
    • €160 million of losses related to onerous contracts that were accounted for in OOI in previous years;
    • €96 million of legal fees and settlement related to major litigations, including the settlement concluded with Unisys in December;
    • €78 million of current assets write offs; and
    • €28 million of costs related to early retirement programs in Germany, the UK and France as well as others non-recurring items.

    As a result, operating loss was at €-2,659 million, compared with a loss of €-3,106 million in 2023, reflecting primarily the €2,357 million impairment charge.

    Operating Income to Net income Group Share

    In € million 2024 2023
    Operating (loss) -2,659 -3,106
    Net financial income (expense) 3,121 -227
    Tax charge -214 -112
    Non-Controlling interests – -1
    Share of net profit of equity-accounted investments – 5
    Net income (loss) Group Share 248 -3,441
    Basic earning per share 0.034 -31.04
    Diluted earning per share 0.031 -31.04

    Net financial income was €3,121 million and was composed of:

    • The net cost of financial debt of €178 million, compared with €102 million in 2023. This €76 million increase mainly resulted from:
      • €38 million higher cost on the old debt (additional portions drawn on the RCF and higher interest rates on the Term Loan A);
      • €13m interests on the interim financing;
      • €12m interests on the new financing structure.
    • Other financial items for a net income of € 3,299 million in 2024 compared to net expense of € 125 million in 2023, composed mainly of:
      • The gain related to the financial restructuring of the Group for €3,520 million, detailed as follows:
    In € million 2024
    Fair value gain on the debt converted into equity 2,766
    Fair value gain on the new debt 965
    Fair value of the issued warrants -45
    Subtotal at financial restructuring date 3,686
    Costs and fees reported in the income statement -165
    Impact reported under the other financial income 3,520
    • Other items of €221 million, including notably:
      • €78 million of exit fees on Interim financing loans repaid as part of financial restructuring on December 18, 2024;
      • €36 million lease liability interest (€26 million in 2023). This variation mainly resulted from the increase in discount rates;
      • €30 million financial expense on pensions(€31 million in 2023). This pension financial cost represents the difference between interest costs on pension obligations and the return on plan assets;
      • €29 million of net foreign exchange loss, including hedges (loss of €19 million in 2023);
      • €15 million of prior year transaction costs included in financial debts, which were fully amortized in 2024 in the context of the financial restructuring of the Group.

    The tax charge for 2024 was €214 million, compared with €112 million in 2023. This €+102 million increase was mainly due to:

    • A €59 million impairment charge on deferred tax assets
    • A €37 million expense related to non-recoverable withholding tax

    Net income group share was €248 million, primarily due to a €3,520 million financial gain related to the financial restructuring of the Group and a €2,858 million cost recorded in Other Operating Income and Expenses, which included a €2,357 million impairment charges on goodwill and non-current assets.

    Earnings per share

    Basic earnings per share were €0.034. per share in 2024 and diluted earnings per share were €0.031 per share.

    Free cash flow and net cash

    In € million 2024 2023
    Operating Margin before Depreciation and Amortization (OMDA) 722 1,026
    Capital expenditures -444 -205
    Lease payments -301 -358
    Change in working capital requirement* -1,192 -391
    Cash from operations (CFO)* -1,214 73
    Tax paid -81 -77
    Net cost of financial debt paid -178 -102
    Reorganization in other operating income -245 -605
    Rationalization & associated costs in other operating income -9 -47
    Integration and acquisition costs in other operating income -3 -8
    Other changes** -504 -312
    Free Cash Flow (FCF) -2,233 -1,078
    Net (acquisitions) disposals 162 411
    Capital increase 3,049 –
    Share buy-back -2 -3
    Dividends paid -18 -35
    Change in net (debt) 958 -705
    Opening net cash (debt) -2,230 -1,450
    Change in net cash (debt) 958 -705
    Foreign exchange rate fluctuation on net cash (debt) 34 -75
    Closing net (debt) excl. IFRS fair value treatment -1,238 -2,230
    IFRS Debt fair value treatment 963 –
    Closing net (debt) -275 -2,230

    * Change in working capital requirement excluding the working capital requirement change related to items reported in other operating income and expense.

    ** “Other changes” include other operating income and expense with cash impact (excluding staff reorganization, rationalization and associated costs, integration and acquisition costs) and other financial items with cash impact, net long term financial investments excluding acquisitions and disposals, and profit sharing amounts payable transferred to debt

    Free cash flow was €-2,233 million in 2024 reflecting primarily the end of one-off working capital optimization actions resulting in a negative change in working capital requirement for €1,498 million and higher capex linked to HPC contracts for €239 million.

    Capital expenditures and lease payments totaled €745 million, up €182 million from the prior year reflecting a significant investment in the energy-efficient Exascale technology.

    Change in working capital requirement was €-1,192 million, primarily from €-1,498 million lower working capital optimization compared with end of fiscal 2023. As at December 2024, working capital benefited from invoices paid in advance by customers for € 319 million, without any discount and on a pure voluntary basis. As at December 31, 2023, total specific optimization carried out by the Group to optimize its working capital amounted to € 1,817 million.

    Cash out related to taxes paid increased by € 4 million and amounted to € 81 million in 2024, including € 6 million of taxes paid in connection with carve-out transactions completed in 2024.

    Net cost of financial debt was €178 million as explained above.

    The total of reorganization, rationalization & associated costs and integration & acquisition costs reached €256 million compared with €660 million in 2023 and included:

    • €135 million of reorganization costs in connection with restructuring measures as well as the continuation of the German restructuring plans; and
    • €110 million of costs related to the outstanding activities on the separation of the Group incurred mostly over the first quarter of the year.

    Cash out related to Other changes was €-504 million compared to € -312 million in 2023, and included:

    • €166 million of costs incurred on onerous contracts (purchase commitments and customer contracts);
    • €144 million of transaction costs paid in the context of the financial restructuring;
    • €78 million of exit fees on interim financing
    • Costs related to litigations

    As a result of the above impacts mainly driven by the change in the working capital requirement, the Group Free Cash Flow was € -2,233 million in 2024, compared to € -1,078 million in 2023.

    The net cash impact resulting from disposals was €162 million mainly related to the net cash proceeds from the Worldgrid disposal of €232 million, partly offset by the write-off of a receivable on a past disposal.

    Capital increase amounted to €3,049 million and were made of :

    • €2,904 million of equitization of financial debts; and
    • €145 million of new money equity raised mainly from the Rights Issue

    In the context of the financial restructuring process of the Group.

    No dividends were paid to Atos SE shareholders in 2024. The €18 million cash out (€35 million in 2023) corresponded to taxes withheld on internal dividend distributions and to dividends paid to minority interests.

    Foreign exchange rate fluctuation determined on debt or cash exposure by country represented a decrease in net debt of €34 million.

    As a result, the Group net debt position as of December 31, 2024 was €275 million (€1,238 million excluding the IFRS 9 debt fair value treatment), compared to €2,230 million as of December 31, 2023.

    Consolidated financial statements

    Atos consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, were approved by the Board of Directors on March 4, 2025. Audit procedures on the consolidated financial statements have been completed and the audit report will be issued after the review of the 2024 Universal Registration Document.

    Advance Computing sales process update

    On November 25, 2024, Atos announced that it has received a non-binding offer from the French State for the potential acquisition of 100% of the Advanced Computing activities of its BDS division, based on an enterprise value of €500 million, to be potentially increased to €625 million including earn-outs.

    The offer received from the French State provides for an exclusivity period until May 31, 2025. If the exclusive negotiations lead to an agreement and subject to obtaining the customary commercial, employee and administrative authorizations, a Share Purchase Agreement, subject to work councils’, opinion may be signed by that date. An initial payment of €150 million is expected to be made available to Atos upon signing of the Share Purchase Agreement.

    In addition, Atos has engaged into a sale process for its Mission Critical Systems business.

    Capital Markets Day

    Atos will present an update of its strategy and organization during a Capital Markets Day that will be held in Paris on May 14, 2025.

    Dividend

    Atos Board of Directors decided, in its meeting held on March 4, 2025, not to propose a dividend payment to the next Annual General Meeting.

    Conference call

    Atos’ Management invites you to an international conference call on the Group 2024 results, on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 at 08:00 am (CET – Paris).

    You can join the webcast of the conference:

    • via the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5g7hv4ka
    • by telephone with the dial-in, 10 minutes prior the starting time. Please note that if you want to join the webcast by telephone, you must register in advance of the conference using the following link:

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BIa3f9570d64b4412c8f5192ad4ad6d30b

    Upon registration, you will be provided with Participant Dial In Numbers, a Direct Event Passcode and a unique Registrant ID. Call reminders will also be sent via email the day prior to the event.
    During the 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call, you will need to use the conference access information provided in the email received upon registration.

    After the conference, a replay of the webcast will be available on atos.net, in the Investors section.

    Forthcoming events

    April 25, 2025 (Before Market Opening) First quarter 2025 revenue
    May 14, 2025 Capital Markets Day
    June 13, 2025 Annual General Meeting
       
    August 1st, 2025 (Before Market Opening)  First semester 2025 results

    APPENDIX

    Q4 2024 revenue

    In € million Q4 2024
    Revenue
    Q4 2023
    Revenue*
    Organic variation*
    Eviden 1,126 1,280 -12.0%
    Tech Foundations 1,182 1,329 -11.0%
    Total 2,309 2,608 -11.5%
    In € million Q4 2024
    Revenue
    Q4 2023
    Revenue*
    Organic variation*
    North America 410 528 -22.3%
    UK / IR 322 447 -28.1%
    Benelux and the Nordics (BTN) 218 232 -6.1%
    Central Europe 586 580 +1.1%
    Southern Europe 519 556 -6.6%
    Growing markets 251 261 -3.9%
    Others & Global structures 2 4 -34.6%
    Total 2,309 2,608 -11.5%

    *: at constant scope and December 2024 average exchange rates

    Group revenue was €2,309 million in Q4, down -11.5% organically compared with Q4 2023.

    Eviden revenue was €1,126 million, down -12.0% organically.

    • Digital activities decreased double digit. The business was impacted by previously-established contract terminations contract scope reductions, as well as the continued market softness in North America and in the UK & Ireland.
    • Big Data & Security (BDS) revenue grew low single digit organically. Advanced Computing grew with large project deliveries in Germany.

    Tech Foundations revenue was €1,182.0 million, down -11.0% organically.

    • Core revenue (excluding BPO and value-added resale (“VAR”)) decreased high-single digit, mainly impacted by contract terminations in North America and previously-established contract scope and volume reduction in UK.
    • Non-core revenue declined double digit reflecting deliberate reduction of BPO activities in the UK and less value-added resale for hardware and software products.

    FY 2023 revenue and operating margin at constant scope and exchange rates reconciliation

    For the analysis of the Group’s performance, revenue and OM for FY 2024 is compared with FY 2023 revenue and OM at constant scope and foreign exchange rates. Reconciliation between the FY 2023 reported revenue and OM, and the FY 2023 revenue and OM at constant scope and foreign exchange rates is presented below, by Business Lines and Regional Business Units.

    FY 2023 revenue
    In € million
    FY 2023
    published
    Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects FY 2023*
    Eviden 5,089 33 -192 7 4,937
    Tech Foundations 5,604 -33 -401 17 5,187
    Total 10,693 0 -592 24 10,124
               
               
    FY 2023 revenue
    In € million
    FY 2023
    published
    Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects FY 2023*
    North America 2,280 -1 -96 -6 2,177
    Benelux and the Nordics (BTN) 911 0 -7 0 905
    UK / IR 1,770 0 -53 47 1,763
    Central Europe 2,506 0 -254 2 2,253
    Southern Europe 2,284 0 -164 0 2,119
    Growing Markets 930 0 -18 -19 893
    Others & Global structures 12 1 0 0 13
    Total 10,693 0 -592 24 10,124

    *: at constant scope and December 2024 average exchange rates

    FY 2023 Operating margin
    In € million
    FY 2023
    published
    Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects FY 2023*
    Eviden 294 0 -25 2 272
    Tech Foundations 172 0 -20 -1 151
    Total 467 0 -45 1 423
               
               
    FY 2023 Operating margin
    In € million
    FY 2023
    published
    Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects FY 2023*
    North America 244 1 -15 -1 229
    Benelux and the Nordics (BTN) 23 0 -1 0 23
    UK / IR 75 4 -5 2 77
    Central Europe 31 -3 -6 0 23
    Southern Europe 99 -2 -16 0 82
    Growing Markets 92 0 -3 -1 88
    Others & Global structures -97 -1 0 0 -98
    Total 467 0 -45 1 423

    *: at constant scope and December 2024 average exchange rates

    Scope effects on revenue amounted to €-592 million and €-45 million on operating margin. They mainly related to the divesture of UCC, EcoAct, Italy, State Street JV, and Worldgrid.

    Currency effects positively contributed to revenue for €+24 million and €+1 million on operating margin. They mostly came from the appreciation of the British pound, partially compensated by the depreciation of the Brazilian real, the US dollar, the Argentinian peso and the Turkish lira.

    Q4 2023 revenue at constant scope and exchange rates reconciliation

    For the analysis of the Group’s performance, revenue for Q4 2024 is compared with 2023 revenue at constant scope and foreign exchange rates.

    In 2023, the Group reviewed the accounting treatment of certain third-party standard software resale transactions following the decision published by ESMA in October 2023 that illustrated the IFRS IC decision and enacted a restrictive position on the assessment of Principal vs. Agent under IFRS 15 for such transactions. The Q4 2023 revenue is therefore restated by € +48 million. The impact affected Eviden in North America RBU.

    Reconciliation between the 2023 reported fourth quarter revenue and the 2023 fourth quarter revenue at constant scope and foreign exchange rates is presented below, by Business Lines and Regional Business Units:

    Q4 2023 revenue
    In € million
    Q4 2023 published Restatement Q4 2023 restated Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects Q4 2023*
    Eviden            1,247                   48 1,295     -1 -22 8           1,280   
    Tech Foundations           1,308    –           1,308    1 -1 21           1,329   
    Total 2,555 48 2,602 0 -23 29 2,608
                   
                   
    Q4 2023 revenue
    In € million
    Q4 2023 published Restatement Q4 2023 restated Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects Q4 2023*
    North America 483 48 531 -1 -1 -1 528
    Benelux and the Nordics 233 0 233 0 -1 0 232
    UK / IR 433 0 433 0 -3 18 447
    Central Europe 582 0 582 0 -2 0 580
    Southern Europe 571 0 571 0 -16 0 556
    Growing markets 250 0 250 0 0 12 261
    Others & Global structures 3 0 3 1 0 0 4
    Total 2,555 48 2,602 0 -23 29 2,608

    *: at constant scope and December 2024 average exchange rates

    Disclaimer

    This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including references, concerning the Group’s expected growth and profitability in the future which may significantly impact the expected performance indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are linked to factors out of the control of the Company and not precisely estimated, such as market conditions or competitors’ behaviors. Any forward-looking statements made in this document are statements about Atos’s beliefs and expectations and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include statements that may relate to Atos’s plans, objectives, strategies, goals, future events, future revenues or synergies, or performance, and other information that is not historical information. Actual events or results may differ from those described in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties that are described within the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on May 24, 2024 under the registration number D.24-0429, as updated by chapter 2 “Risk factors” of the first amendment to Atos’ 2023 universal registration document filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on November 7, 2024 under the registration number D.24-0429-A01 and by chapter 2 “Risk factors” of the second amendment to Atos’ 2023 universal registration document filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on December 11, 2024 under the registration number D.24-0429-A02, and the half-year report filed published on August 6, 2024. Atos does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation or responsibility to update or amend any of the information above except as otherwise required by law.

    This document does not contain or constitute an offer of Atos’s shares for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in Atos’s shares in France, the United States of America or any other jurisdiction. This document includes information on specific transactions that shall be considered as projects only. In particular, any decision relating to the information or projects mentioned in this document and their terms and conditions will only be made after the ongoing in-depth analysis considering tax, legal, operational, finance, HR and all other relevant aspects have been completed and will be subject to general market conditions and other customary conditions, including governance bodies and shareholders’ approval as well as appropriate processes with the relevant employee representative bodies in accordance with applicable laws.

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with circa 78,000 employees and annual revenue of circa €10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 68 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Contacts

    Investor relations:

    David Pierre-Kahn | investors@atos.net | +33 6 28 51 45 96

    Sofiane El Amri | investors@atos.net | +33 6 29 34 85 67

    Individual shareholders: +33 8 05 65 00 75

    Press contact: globalprteam@atos.net

    Attachment

    • PR – Atos – FY 2024 results

    The MIL Network –

    March 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Response to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the below statement following President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress tonight. 
    “Nevadans sent me to the U.S. Senate to work with anyone – no matter the political party – to deliver for our state. While I’ve been open to working with President Donald Trump when it’s right for Nevada, he has made it clear that he’s not interested in taking meaningful bipartisan action to lower costs for families,” said Senator Rosen. “Instead, Trump is looking to cut Medicaid to pay for more tax giveaways for billionaires, add new taxes on products from Mexico and Canada, and give Elon Musk unprecedented control over the federal government with no guardrails to prevent conflicts of interest. This is not what Nevadans voted for, and I’ll continue pushing back on actions that hurt our state.”
    Senator Rosen has strongly opposed Republicans’ budget plans that would give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy by cutting programs Nevadans rely on. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen opposed Republicans’ extreme budget resolution that will gut programs like Medicaid and SNAP to pay for more tax cuts for the richest Americans. She also took to the Senate floor to call out Congressional Republicans for this extreme budget plan. Senator Rosen joined her Senate colleagues in urging President Donald Trump to reject Congressional Republicans’ legislative plans to increase the cost of living for Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA News: Honoring Jocelyn Nungaray

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>              By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

            Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  The prior administration’s immigration policies inexcusably endangered and caused enormous suffering within our Nation, including by causing the southern border to be overrun by cartels, criminal gangs, known terrorists, human traffickers, smugglers, unvetted military-age males from foreign adversaries, and illicit narcotics.  These open-border policies are responsible for the horrific and inexcusable murders of many innocent American citizens at the hands of illegal aliens.

            One of those innocent victims was Jocelyn Nungaray, whose life was tragically cut short on June 17, 2024, when she was brutally murdered in Houston, Texas.  Two Venezuelan illegal aliens who were allegedly Tren de Aragua gang members and were apprehended near the border in early 2024 — and then released into the United States by the prior administration — have been charged with her murder.  Jocelyn was a precious 12 year old girl beloved by her family and friends for her kindness and infectious zeal for life.  She loved animals and had a passion for ensuring that they had homes.  It is fitting and in the national interest, therefore, that the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, a scenic area for coastal wildlife and recreation along the Gulf of America near Jocelyn’s home in Texas, will forever honor and preserve the memory of a beautiful American, Jocelyn Nungaray.

            Sec. 2.  Renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to Honor Jocelyn Nungaray.  Within 30 days of the date of this order, pursuant to authority under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) and other applicable law, the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) shall update procedures as necessary and take all other appropriate actions to rename the area known as the “Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge” as the “Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge” and ensure that her life is permanently commemorated therein.  The Secretary shall subsequently provide guidance to ensure all Federal references to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, including on agency maps, contracts, and other documents and communications, reflect its renaming.

            Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
                 (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
                 (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
            (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

                                  DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        March 4, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump is Leading with Peace Through Strength

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump will always put the American people first — and through restoring the U.S. military’s mission of lethality and leading with peace through strength in his foreign policy, President Trump is making good on his commitment to restore safety and security around the world.
    President Trump is leading with Peace through Strength.
    President Trump secured the release of six American hostages in Venezuela, two Americans in Afghanistan, an American-Israeli citizen in Hamas captivity, a Pennsylvania teacher in Russian captivity, and an American citizen in Belarus — bringing the total number of American hostages released under President Trump to 11.
    President Trump began negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in pursuit of finally securing peace in Ukraine.
    President Trump made clear to the Ukrainian president that America, which has funded the largest share of Ukraine’s defense, will not be taken advantage of — and the only long-term solution is PEACE.

    President Trump has taken decisive action to eliminate radical Islamic terrorists who threaten American citizens, including a senior ISIS attack planner.
    Since President Trump took office, the U.S. military has carried out strikes that have eliminated 23 radical Islamic jihadists.

    President Trump restored maximum pressure on Iran, “sanctioning an international network for facilitating the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the People’s Republic of China.”
    President Trump redesignated the Iran-backed Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
    President Trump banned funding to UNRWA — a United Nations agency that employed hundreds of Hamas and jihadi operatives.
    President Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, which has illegitimately asserted jurisdiction over internal U.S. matters and baselessly targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
    President Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy to ensure no taxpayer dollars support foreign organizations that perform, or actively promote, abortion in other nations.
    President Trump declared all foreign policy must be conducted under the President’s direction, ensuring career diplomats reflect the foreign policy of the United States at all times.
    President Trump has committed to regaining control of the Panama Canal to combat Chinese influence in the region.
    Bloomberg: CK Hutchison Sells Panama Ports to BlackRock Amid Trump Pressure
    Following a visit from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino agreed to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a debt-trap diplomacy scheme the Chinese Communist Party uses to gain influence over developing nations.

    The U.S. rejoined the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which promotes and strengthens opportunities for women and girls around the world, and protects the family as the fundamental unit of society.
    The Department of State ordered embassies worldwide to only fly the American flag — not activist flags.
    President Trump cracked down on anti-Semitism by canceling visas for foreign students who are Hamas sympathizers.
    President Trump initiated a process to build a next-generation missile defense shield over the United States.
    President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a visit where he proposed a bold vision for securing lasting peace in Gaza.
    Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman described the proposal as “brilliant, historic and the only idea I have heard in 50 years that has a chance of bringing security, peace and prosperity to this troubled region.”

    President Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who announced his intention to “elevate Japan’s investment in the United States to an unprecedented amount of $1 trillion,” import “historic” quantities of LNG from Alaska, and open new auto plants in the U.S.
    President Trump hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who announced that the Kingdom will accept 2,000 sick children from Gaza “as quickly as possible.”
    President Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a visit where they announced new deals between the two countries on immigration, trade, energy, and artificial intelligence.
    President Trump is re-establishing the U.S. military as the strongest, most powerful fighting force in the world.
    The U.S. military is seeing its highest recruitment numbers in modern history.
    The U.S. Army saw its highest recruitment numbers in 15 years following President Trump’s victory.
    The U.S. Navy is on track for its highest recruitment numbers in two decades.
    The U.S. Air Force saw its highest recruitment numbers in 15 years in December, January, and February — while the number of recruits in its Delayed Entry Program is the most in nearly a decade.

    President Trump selected Lt. Gen. Dan ‘Razin’ Caine to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
    Caine’s resumé includes two tours in Iraq, protecting the nation’s capital after 9/11, and serving as a deputy commanding general during President Trump’s successful effort at eliminating ISIS.

    President Trump reinstated, with backpay, U.S. service members who were discharged under the military’s nonsensical COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
    The U.S. Army barred transgender people from enlisting and stopped using taxpayer funds on sex change surgeries for service members.
    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth restored Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to “Fort Bragg,” in honor of a World War II hero, and restored Fort Moore to “Fort Benning” in honor of World War I hero Army Cpl. Fred G. Benning.
    President Trump ordered the immediate dismissal of the Board of Visitors for the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard following years of woke ideologies infiltrating U.S. service academies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Honors Jocelyn Nungaray

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    HONORING A GREAT AMERICAN: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge the “Jocelyn Nungaray National Refuge” to forever commemorate the life of twelve-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was tragically killed on June 17, 2024.
    Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally murdered in Houston, Texas, and two Venezuelan illegal aliens—both reputedly Tren de Aragua gang members—have been charged with this heinous crime.
    These two men, caught near the border in early 2024, were released into the United States due to the Biden Administration’s immigration policies. Only weeks later, they are alleged to have ended Jocelyn’s life in a senseless act of violence.

    The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge will bear her name as a lasting tribute to her love of animals and passion for finding them homes. 
    THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF BIDEN’S BORDER CRISIS: The prior administration’s approach to immigration left the nation vulnerable to criminal activity and chaos.
    While Biden was president, the southern border was overrun by cartels, criminal gangs, suspected terrorists, human traffickers, smugglers, and illicit narcotics.
    The Biden Administration’s lenient border policies allowed thousands of illegal aliens to enter the United States daily.
    The Biden Administration admitted that 40% of its catch-and-release migrants totally disappeared.
    Innocent American lives have been taken due to this migrant invasion, with victims like Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray, and Rachel Morin tragically losing their lives because of crimes committed by illegal aliens.
    At one point in 2024, illegal aliens made up 75% of arrests in Midtown Manhattan for crimes like assault, robbery, and domestic violence.
    SEALING THE BORDER: On Day One, President Trump secured the border and launched a comprehensive strategy to restore safety and sovereignty to the United States.
    Apprehensions at the southern border are now at a record low, down 94% from a year ago.
    Would-be illegal border crossers have reportedly “given up” and are returning to their own countries as ICE arrests of illegal immigrants have surged 627%.
    Mexican cartel operatives say they are “genuinely” fearful “for the first time in years” amid the Trump Administration’s crackdown.
    Since returning to office, President Trump has:
    Declared a national emergency at the southern border.
    Deployed additional personnel to the border, including members of the Armed Forces and the National Guard.
    Restarted border wall construction.
    Designated international cartels and other criminal organizations—such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua—as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
    Suspended the entry of aliens into the U.S.
    Called for enhanced vetting and screening of aliens.
    Required the identification of countries that warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals.
    Restarted the detention and removal of aliens who are in violation of Federal law.
    Directed the Administration to resume the Migrant Protection Protocols—also known as “Remain in Mexico”—as soon as practicable.
    Ended the use of the CBP One app.
    Terminated all categorical parole programs, such as the “Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans,” that are contrary to President Trump’s immigration agenda.
    Ended automatic citizenship for children of illegal aliens.
    Paused the operation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
    Ended catch-and-release policies.
    Revoked the Biden Administration’s disastrous executive actions that essentially opened our southern border.
    Detained the most dangerous illegal criminal aliens in Guantanamo Bay. 
    Ended the taxpayer subsidization of illegal immigration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 5, 2025
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