Category: Machine Learning

  • MIL-OSI: Provident Bank Elevates Tara Brady to Chief Experience Officer to Drive Customer Experience and Brand Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ISELIN, N.J., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, is pleased to announce that Tara Brady has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Experience Officer (CXO), responsible for leading the bank’s marketing and customer experience strategies, and ensuring seamless, customer-centric engagement across the organization. Ms. Brady will also focus on fostering deep collaboration and synergy between customer experience and employee experience. Since joining Provident, Ms. Brady has been instrumental in centralizing and enhancing the experience for customers. Her new role expands this work in support of the bank’s growth throughout the region.

    With a focus on delivering consistent and coordinated communications, and a unified brand identity, Ms. Brady will champion a customer-first mindset across all departments. “At Provident, the customer is at center of everything we do. We remain committed to honoring Provident’s rich history of serving our communities while continuing to evolve to meet our customers’ changing needs,” said Ms. Brady. “By challenging the status quo and empowering our employees with the right tools and solutions, we can better support our customers and ensure a consistent, high-quality experience across the organization.”

    Leading both the marketing and customer experience teams, Ms. Brady will play a pivotal role in shaping brand awareness, supporting business growth, and reinforcing the bank’s commitment to delivering outstanding results.

    As CXO, Ms. Brady will drive initiatives that cultivate employee empowerment, enhance customer trust, and strengthen brand loyalty, with the goal of building advocates for life. “Tara has been instrumental in placing the customer experience at the forefront as we continue our journey as a super community bank—offering the capabilities of a larger financial institution with the personal touch of a local organization,” said Anthony Labozzetta, President and CEO. “Tara’s passion and unwavering commitment to Provident, our team members, and—most importantly—our customers, make her exceptionally well-suited for this role.”

    Ms. Brady brings more than a decade of experience revitalizing and reshaping the sales and customer experience cultures of leading financial institutions. Most recently, she served as Director of Customer Experience for Provident Bank. Prior to her time with Provident, Ms. Brady held customer experience-focused leadership positions of increasing responsibility with Affinity Federal Credit Union, WSFS Bank and Wells Fargo.

    About Provident Bank
    Founded in Jersey City in 1839, Provident Bank is the oldest community-focused financial institution based in New Jersey and is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS). With assets of $24.05 billion as of December 31, 2024, Provident Bank offers a wide range of customized financial solutions for businesses and consumers with an exceptional customer experience delivered through its convenient network of 140 branches across New Jersey and parts of New York and Pennsylvania, via mobile and online banking, and from its customer contact center. The bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc. To learn more about Provident Bank, go to www.provident.bank or call our customer contact center at 800.448.7768.

    Media Contact:
    Provident Bank
    Keith Buscio – keith.buscio@provident.bank
    Vested – providentbank@fullyvested.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3141c80f-54ff-45ed-87d2-c9b51557e8a0

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Celona Extends its Neutral Host Service to Millions of AT&T Customers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMPBELL, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Celona, a pioneer in private 5G networks, today announced the expansion of its industry leading neutral host solution with the addition of AT&T. Celona Neutral Host allows organizations to improve the customer experience for cellular subscribers by extending public cellular coverage into environments with poor cellular reception.

    Certified previously with T-Mobile, the solution is now extended to millions of AT&T subscribers when they walk into a building covered by a Celona 5G LAN network, delivering on the stringent Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requirements of each operator. The solution is powered by Celona’s cloud-based Multi Operator Exchange (MOXN) that creates a secure tunnel to the operator public network.

    With Celona Neutral Host, any device, such as smart phones and tablets with SIMS/eSIMs from AT&T and T-Mobile, can automatically detect, authenticate and connect to the Celona 5G LAN over CBRS spectrum. The data and voice sessions are seamlessly routed to the respective mobile operator networks. Completely transparent to users, Celona Neutral Host appears exactly like each carrier’s regular public cellular services – allowing subscribers to automatically connect and authenticate to the service on their cellular devices with excellent quality. No special setup is required from either the user or the operator.

    Celona has officially achieved the certification of its 5G LAN solution with AT&T after completing a suite of interoperability and regulatory test cases in the AT&T lab. The solution then successfully completed a large-scale live production trial with Stanford Health Care. The certification of Celona Neutral Host ensures the highest levels of service integrity for AT&T subscribers, including support for high quality voice and data services, emergency services including e911 calling, and other vital subscriber services with full regulatory compliance.

    Available immediately within the United States with support for AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers, Celona Neutral Host is capable of concurrently advertising up to five different mobile network operators (MNO) as well as a discrete private wireless network signal for specific enterprise use cases.

    By leveraging and sharing the existing enterprise LAN and WAN infrastructure, private 5G-based neutral host networking is a modern approach developed to provide high quality cellular coverage while roaming from the public network onto the private network. Celona Neutral Host is simply enabled on the Celona 5G LAN, increasing public cellular network coverage and capacity while dramatically reducing capital and operating expenses. This creates a unique advantage of the Celona solution – it works for businesses of all sizes – from the smallest retail store to the largest hospital. Included in the Celona solution is the flagship Celona AP 20 indoor multimode access point that supports both 4G and 5G, so that enterprise can meet both today’s and tomorrow’s coverage requirements.

    At the heart of the solution is Celona’s MOXN technology. A cloud-hosted multi-site, multi-tenant software exchange, Celona’s MOXN technology simplifies operations and manageability by removing cumbersome and costly hardware burdens. With MOXN, mobile subscriber traffic is aggregated and securely tunneled to the MNO core network, making the entire experience completely seamless to users while guaranteeing subscriber service level agreements and KPIs for each MNO’s public cellular service.

    Celona Neutral Host can be deployed and operational in a fraction of the time at nearly half the cost of legacy distributed antenna systems (DAS), giving enterprises unrivaled control and management over in-building public cellular services. The solution is under enterprise IT’s control, without the burden and cost of additional on-site equipment. Celona offers enterprises flexible deployment and pricing options that allow neutral host to be easily enabled on existing Celona private wireless networks or discretely deployed as a standalone solution for neutral host only services.

    Private wireless neutral host solutions are ideally suited for healthcare environments, large retailers, offices, hotels and universities. Stanford plans to expand the deployment of private 5G neutral host networks to multiple buildings across several sites throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. “Stanford Health Care is pioneering advancements in healthcare, dedicated to enhancing the experience and the outcomes for our patients and clinical staff,” said Christian Lindmark, CTO of Stanford Health Care and Stanford School of Medicine. “Beyond ensuring reliable public cellular connectivity within our facilities, we envision utilizing this platform to establish a secure private wireless network dedicated to essential medical technologies, including clinical communication, patient monitoring and clinical video streaming.”

    “Celona Neutral Host represents a significant advancement in enterprise connectivity and is an even more compelling solution now that AT&T has joined,” said Mehmet Yavuz, Co-founder and CTO at Celona. “Due to their rigorous test and certification process, AT&T can ensure their customers receive the superior cellular service they expect. And enterprises simply sign one contract with Celona. It’s fast, simple and cost effective.”

    ABOUT CELONA

    Based in Silicon Valley, Celona is a pioneer and leading innovator of enterprise private wireless solutions. The company developed the industry’s first 5G LAN system, a turnkey private 5G solution that enables enterprises to address their growing needs for secure and reliable wireless connectivity for critical business applications. Celona 5G LAN has been deployed by a wide range of global customers across industries. To date, the company has raised over $135 million in venture funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Norwest Venture Partners, NTT Ventures, Cervin Ventures, DigitalBridge and Qualcomm Ventures. For more information, please visit celona.io/neutral-host.

    Media Contact:

    Janet Brumfield

    IdealPR+ for Celona

    janet@idealprplus.com

    614.582.9636

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3afd8d80-7faf-4c69-a3d4-8d390981838f

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series Brings Intelligent Experiences to the Forefront with Premium, Versatile Design

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics America today announced the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, offering new entry points to the Galaxy ecosystem with a premium tablet design. Equipped with the largest screen available on the Galaxy Tab S FE series and slimmer bezels that expand its display, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ provides a fun, immersive viewing experience for everything from entertainment to studying to day-to-day tasks. Samsung’s Intelligent Features empower users to get more done with ease, while a slimmer design helps users boost their creativity and productivity on the go.
    “The new Galaxy Tab S10 FE series brings advanced mobile AI experiences and Samsung’s connected ecosystem to even more tablet users, while still offering leading performance and design,” said Changtae Kim, EVP & Head of New Computing R&D Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re confident that the slim bezels and expansive displays, in addition to a whole host of functional improvements, will inspire people to do more, create more, and discover more.”
    Stunning Clarity on a Bigger, Vibrant Display
    Combining the Galaxy Tab S series’ heritage design with slim bezels, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1-inch display1 offers immersive entertainment on a screen that’s almost 12% larger than the previous FE+. Smooth visuals enabled by a refresh rate up to 90Hz and new levels of visibility up to 800 nits HBM on the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series ensure an optimal viewing experience when watching videos and gaming. Vision Booster’s automatic adjustments enhance brightness and visibility even in ever-changing outdoor environments while blue-light emissions are safely reduced to minimize eye strain, meeting every unique viewing need.

    Robust Performance in a Portable Design
    The Galaxy Tab S10 FE series boosts productivity when working or studying, and delivers fast, smooth gameplay without interruption. Performance upgrades enable the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series to help users switch effortlessly between multiple apps when they are being creative, allowing for improved multitasking. And when capturing everyday moments in the classroom or in workspaces, a newly upgraded 13MP high resolution rear camera produces clear and vivid photos.
    These versatile experiences, which enable powerful work and seamless play, accompany users everywhere they go. Now more than 4% lighter than its predecessor, Galaxy Tab S10 FE is even easier to carry around, thanks to its slim design. Plus, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series also offers hassle-free storage, making it an ideal companion at home, on campus, and in the workplace. Engineered for resilience and with durability in mind, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series also comes with the same IP68 rating2 as the newest Galaxy Tab S10 series — offering protection from water and dust.
    Advanced Features Unleash Potential
    Building on Samsung’s legacy of delivering premium experiences across the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ and Galaxy Tab S10 FE are the first models in the FE series to come equipped with intelligent features that fuel user productivity right out of the box.

    Fan-favorite Circle to Search3 with Google allows you to search what you see on your tablet without switching apps. Quickly get the info you need, translate text on screen, or get homework help with step-by-step explanations — all on one large screen.
    Samsung Notes features like Math Solver4 for quick calculations of handwriting and text, and Handwriting Assist5 to seamlessly tidy up notes, make notetaking easier than ever so users can stay focused.
    AI assistants are instantly launched with a single tap of the AI Hot Key6 on the Book Cover Keyboard and Book Cover Keyboard Slim. Plus, AI assistants can be customized based on users’ preferences for a more personalized experience.
    An upgraded Object Eraser7 lets users effortlessly remove unwanted objects from photos, with automatic suggestions for quick and easy edits.
    Newly introduced Best Face8 ensures perfect group photos by selecting and combining the best expressions and features.
    Auto Trim9 brings cherished moments to life by sifting through multiple videos to seamlessly compile highlight reels.
    The Galaxy Tab S10 FE series also serves as the perfect canvas for creativity with apps and tools including LumaFusion,10 Goodnotes,11 Clip Studio Paint,12 and more, alongside other apps like Noteshelf 3,13 Sketchbook, and Picsart.14

    For an even more intuitive AI experience, the FE series seamlessly integrates with other Samsung Galaxy devices. Similar to the Galaxy Tab S10, users can access a comprehensive overview of their home status with the Home Insight widget dashboard and 3D Map View feature. Summarized status updates of SmartThings-enabled devices give users peace of mind when out and about.

    Security Your Way
    As with any Galaxy device, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series is fortified by strong security — Samsung Knox — Samsung Galaxy’s defense-grade, multi-layer security platform built to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end hardware, real-time threat detection, and collaborative protection.
    Availability
    Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ will be available in the U.S. beginning April 10 on Samsung.com and at national retailers and carriers. To reserve now and be among the first to discover the new Galaxy Tab S10 FE series, visit Samsung.com and get a $50 credit toward a qualifying purchase.15 Both tablets come in three colors: Gray, Silver, and Blue.
    Galaxy Tab S10 FE is available starting at $499.99, with 128GB and 256GB storage options. Or pick up Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G for a connected experience, beginning at $599.99 — available in a Gray colorway. Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ starts at $649.99, with 128GB and 256GB storage options available.
    U.S. customers who purchase Galaxy Tab S10 FE or Galaxy Tab S20 FE+ by May 11, 2025 can receive up to 50% off a Book Cover Keyboard Slim.
    For more information about the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series, please visit: Samsung.com.
    Specifications

    Galaxy Tab S10 FE (10.9-inch)Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ (13.1-inch)
    Display10.9-inch, LCD
    (Up to 90Hz13.1-inch, LCD
    (Up to 90Hz)
    * Measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.
    Dimensions & Weight*10 x 6.5 x .23 in.
    1.1 lbs. (Wi-Fi),11.8 x 7.6 x .23 in.
    1.4 lbs. (Wi-Fi),
    *Accuracy of numbers may vary depending on measurements used.
    Camera13 MP Rear Camera
    12 MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera
    AP*Exynos 1580
    Memory & Storage*12 GB + 256 GB
    8 GB + 128 GB
    MicroSD up to 2TB
    * Available storage capacity is subject to preloaded software.
    Battery / Charging8,000 mAh / 45W10,090 mAh / 45W
    *Typical value of battery capacity tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
    **Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC.
    ***45W Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables.
    OS*Android 15
    *Edition version and availability timing may vary depending on model and/or market.
    Network and Connectivity*5G (Sub-6)*, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth® v 5.3
    *5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on carrier and user environment.
    ** Wi-Fi 6 network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 6 router.
    SoundDual Speaker
    S PenS Pen (BLE not supported) in-box
    SecurityFingerprint (Power Key)
    SIMDual SIM (1 Physical + 1 eSIM)
    Water ResistanceIP68
    * IP68 Rating: Conducted under lab test conditions. Water resistant in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes and protected from dust, dirt, and sand. Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water and dust resistance of your device is not permanent and may diminish over time.
    AccessoriesBook Cover Keyboard
    Book Cover Keyboard Slim
    Smart Book Cover
    Anti-reflecting Screen Protector
    *All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: OEUK news UK’s oil and gas key to Hydrogen scale-up, says OEUK 2 April 2025

    Source: Offshore Energy UK

    Headline: OEUK news

    UK’s oil and gas key to Hydrogen scale-up, says OEUK

    2 April 2025

    Accessibility Statement

    • oeuk.org.uk
    • 2 April 2025

    Compliance status

    We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

    To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

    This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

    Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.

    If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email [email protected]

    Screen-reader and keyboard navigation

    Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

    1. Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.

      These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.

    2. Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.

      Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

    Disability profiles supported in our website

    • Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
    • Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
    • Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
    • ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
    • Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
    • Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

    Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

    1. Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
    2. Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
    3. Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
    4. Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
    5. Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
    6. Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
    7. Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

    Browser and assistive technology compatibility

    We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).

    Notes, comments, and feedback

    Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to [email protected]

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Developing a Clearer Understanding of Permafrost Thaw Risk in Alaska

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    In the Arctic, permafrost plays a crucial role in building infrastructure. However, as the region warms and permafrost thaws, infrastructure is threatened as the ground shifts beneath the built environment. Unfortunately, the full extent of the risks associated with this process is not yet understood, but researchers are working to address this knowledge gap.

    UConn Department of Natural Resources and the Environment researchers, including Ph.D. student Elias Manos and Assistant Professor Chandi Witharana, along with Anna Liljedahl from the Woodwell Climate Research Center, developed a method that uses high-resolution satellite imagery and deep machine learning to double the mapped infrastructure of Alaska and more accurately project economic risks associated with permafrost thaw. Their findings are published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment.

    Witharana says this is the latest in his research group’s long-term study of how satellites can help monitor changes in the Arctic landscape over time, in this case, the largely unaccounted for risks of thawing permafrost for communities and their vital infrastructure like buildings and roads.

    “The main focus here is, there was a visual gap for infrastructure, and we need to have more detail to create critical information layers for downstream analysis like economic risk. We didn’t have that for Alaska,” says Witharana.

    A home in Point Lay, Alaska that is affected by thawing permafrost. (Photo courtesy of Benjamin Jones)

    The motivation behind this research stems from the need to understand hazards in a changing world, says Manos. However, those assessments cannot happen without a clear understanding of what is in harm’s way.

    “We know that local temperatures are rising and there is change in the frequency, intensity, and timing of extreme weather and hazardous events. Whether they are rapid onset events like hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, or slow onset hazards like droughts, permafrost thaw in this case, we need to understand the potential harm these events pose,” says Manos.

    Manos says that permafrost serves as a structural foundation where piles are secured through it and buildings are designed to help maintain its thermal integrity. It is, therefore, essential that the pile foundation remains stably anchored into the permafrost, but the structural integrity is compromised as this layer thaws.

    “When the temperature of permafrost starts to increase, piles start to shift out of place, and that’s what we call bearing capacity loss, or decrease in bearing capacity. That was the main hazard that we looked at which impacts buildings,” says Manos. “Then there’s also transportation infrastructure that’s primarily impacted by ground subsidence. When ice-rich permafrost thaws, the ground will cave in and that was the hazard we used to assess the disaster risk for roads.”

    Previous studies made risk estimates based on data from OpenStreetMap (OSM), which is one of the most widely used geospatial data sets available, says Manos. OSM is available for every nation across the globe, and information is updated by volunteers who manually input local data, like buildings, trails, roads, or other kinds of infrastructure, from high-resolution imagery on a global scale.

    For some regions, like Europe and parts of the United States, the data is accurate, says Manos, but that is not true for all locations. Unfortunately for the Arctic, OSM data is lacking.

    Top four panels (and two zoom-ins) show delineations of buildings, roads, and storage tanks predicted by the infrastructure detection model from Maxar satellite imagery of four different Alaskan communities (Utqiagvik, Kotzebue, Hooper Bay, and Bethel). The bottom panel compares the map produced by the UConn team’s methodology (titled High-resolution Arctic Built Infrastructure and Terrain Analysis Tool (HABITAT)) to other existing Arctic infrastructure data products. OpenStreetMap is a widely used open-source geographic database supported by volunteer mapping efforts. As displayed, OpenStreetMap is often incomplete in many areas of the Arctic. The Sentinel-1/2 derived Arctic Coastal Human Impact dataset (SACHI) is a circumpolar-scale map of Arctic buildings, roads, and other human-modified land produced with machine- and deep-learning algorithms and Sentinel-1/2 satellite imagery. As displayed, this dataset has a comparatively coarse resolution that struggles with identifying individual objects. (Courtesy of Maxar, Inc. and Annett Bartsch)

    “There are several previous risk studies that relied on this incomplete infrastructure data. It all goes back to the fact that infrastructure across the Arctic is not completely mapped, and that’s problematic if you want to understand disasters because you must have the full picture to understand the scale of what is or could potentially be exposed,” says Manos.

    One of the objectives of Witharana’s research group is to improve methods to analyze large sets of satellite images quickly and accurately. Here, they developed a method to accurately map infrastructure and permafrost thaw risk called High-resolution Arctic Built Infrastructure and Terrain Analysis Tool (HABITAT). The model uses machine learning and AI to extract road and building information from high-resolution satellite images from the years 2018-2023. They compared the HABITAT data with OSM data to evaluate the new model’s quality and to look for potential misclassifications. Then they added the new information to OSM, nearly doubling the previous amount of information available for Alaska.

    “The sheer amount of infrastructure and buildings that were missing from Open Street Map was, really shocking to me, 47% missing,” says Manos. “Though OpenStreetMap is a powerful volunteer-based resource, it has limitations and that is not a surprise.”

    Owing to the large amount of data previously not considered, the researchers estimate that the costs of permafrost damage to infrastructure will double under low and medium emissions scenarios by 2050.

    “Damages to infrastructure caused by permafrost thaw is on par with the average yearly cost of all natural disasters in the country, yet permafrost thaw is not recognized by the federal government as a natural hazard, making it harder for people in Alaska to obtain disaster relief funding. In addition, Alaska is decades behind the rest of the country in terms of geospatial data readiness. Maps are key for assessments and planning, and I think the research community can help with some of that,” says Liljedahl.

    Witharana’s research group and collaborators are working to fill these knowledge gaps to create data that can be used to help prepare communities for the future. Manos plans to expand this analysis to account for the entire Arctic region to assess economic losses using a comprehensive infrastructure map.

    Witharana adds that by combining OSM data with the thousands of sub-meter resolution satellite images provided by the National Science Foundation, along with access to NSF supercomputing infrastructure, it was possible for the researchers to enhance the completeness of these datasets.

    “We can see that impact and do better assessments of economic disturbances and risk so we can prepare for whatever policy actions or downstream efforts that are needed,” says Witharana. “That’s a major outcome. Overall, the integration of AI and big data sets within our application has helped make useful, actionable products that researchers and communities can use right now.”

    The combined HABTAT and OSM dataset is available for anyone to explore on the Permafrost Discovery Gateway. This work is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs (NSF-OPP) (grant No. 1927723 and 2052107) and Google.org’s Impact Challenge on Climate Innovation. The image in Fig. 1b was acquired and provided through NSF RISE-1928237. Furthermore, this work used the Delta supercomputer at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign through allocation #EES220055 from the Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services & Support (ACCESS) program, which is supported by National Science Foundation grants #2138259, #2138286, #2138307, #2137603, and #2138296. Geospatial support for this work was provided by the Polar Geospatial Center under NSF-OPP awards 1043681, 1559691, and 2129685.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Waterbury’s Neurovariability Initiative: Where Cognitive Strengths Fuel Learning for All

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn Waterbury is leading a bold transformation in higher education with the launch of its Neurovariability Initiative—a campus-wide effort rooted in neuroscience, learning science, and innovation. Rather than emphasizing challenges or labels, this initiative recognizes the natural variability in how people think and learn, designing systems that amplify cognitive strengths, remove barriers, and foster student success in a rapidly evolving world.

    Co-created by Campus Dean and CAO Fumiko Hoeft and UConn Engineering Professor Arash Zaghi, both of whom bring lived experience as dyslexic, ADHD-identifying individuals—and as parents of neurodivergent learners—the initiative integrates educational neuroscience, AI-enhanced tools, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into a cohesive and forward-looking framework.

    “Our goal is to cultivate an environment where every student’s potential can be maximized—regardless of how they process information,” says Hoeft.

    “This is about unlocking talent that’s often overlooked—not by lowering the bar, but by rethinking how success is defined, supported, and scaled,” adds Zaghi.

    This initiative complements university-wide efforts such as CETL’s inclusive teaching programs and UConn Engineering’s Include Program, which also emphasize neuroinclusivity, faculty training, and the responsible use of AI in education.

    “The Neurovariability Initiative is a powerful example of how the Waterbury campus is leading with science, innovation, and compassion,” says UConn President Radenka Maric. “By recognizing that students think and learn in different ways, and by designing systems that build on those strengths, this initiative reflects our UConn-wide commitment to empowering every learner and preparing them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

    Co-creator and Engineering Professor Arash Zaghi leads a discussion on the future of neurodiversity and its role in innovation. (Steve Bustamante / University of Connecticut)

    Spring Break Pilot Training: Building Capacity Across Campus

    UConn Waterbury hosted its inaugural Neurovariability Level 1 Training—a four-day hybrid workshop during UConn’s spring break, coinciding with the Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative. Faculty and staff from across campus, including Student Services, Advising, Student Health and Wellness (SHaW), the Academic Achievement Center (AAC), Operations, and Academic Affairs, participated in hands-on sessions that focused on strength-based educational practices, UDL-aligned advising and teaching, responsible use of AI, and inclusive support strategies for all learners. This milestone training laid the groundwork for a growing community of practice focused on high-impact, personalized learning.

    “This training challenged me to think differently about how we engage students—not just by accommodating their needs, but by tapping into their unique strengths from the start,” said Professor Laura Donorfio of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS). “As someone who’s dedicated to supporting human growth across the lifespan, I found the emphasis on brain-based learning and inclusive design incredibly powerful. It’s something I’ll carry into both my teaching and mentoring.”

    The training brought together an impressive roster of national and international experts in education, technology, and cognitive science:

    Kate Griggs, Founder of Made by Dyslexia, joined from London for a virtual fireside chat highlighting the global movement for recognizing and nurturing diverse thinking in schools and workplaces. “If we can teach dyslexic students in the way they learn, they will change the world,” Griggs noted.

    Jessica Parker & Kimberly Becker, Co-Founders of Moxie, introduced their AI-powered academic writing tool designed to support student success through ethically guided, personalized feedback. “We build tools that adapt to learners—not the other way around,” said Parker.

    Sam Johnston, Chief Postsecondary & Workforce Development Officer at CAST, framed UDL as a proactive, research-driven approach to building more flexible, accessible learning environments. “UDL is about designing for variability from the beginning—not retrofitting for differences later.”

    Professor Arash Zaghi, co-creator of the initiative and lead behind Include Program (originally funded by the NSF RED grant), shared how cognitive diversity drives innovation in engineering and beyond. Zaghi is also the recipient of the prestigious White House PECASE Award—the highest honor for early-career scientists in the U.S. “This initiative isn’t about fixing students—it’s about fixing the system. We’re redesigning learning to work better for everyone, including those whose talents are too often missed.”

    Staff attendee Nakeia Moore collaborates with guest speakers Stan Gloss and Jessica Parker during an interactive session. (Steve Bustamante / University of Connecticut)

    Jesse Sanchez, Managing Director of Programs at the Neurodiversity Alliance and an ADHD individual himself, shared his lived experience, and offered guidance on fostering student-led learning communities and promoting self-advocacy.

    Stan Gloss, a dyslexic entrepreneur, also shared his lived experience and discussed neurovariability as a competitive advantage in business and workforce development.

    Dr. Andi Kent from CETL led training on inclusive advising and instruction.

    Professor Mary Elizabeth Bruder, UConn Health, shared a powerful personal perspective on parenting, self-advocacy, and the importance of early support.

    Connie Syharat, Include Program coordinator and teaching faculty, presented an adapted version of UConn Engineering’s neurodiversity training tailored for broader campus application.

    Why It Matters: A Science-Informed Strategy for Unlocking Potential

    The Neurovariability Initiative offers a forward-looking, research-based approach to education that focuses on talent development and innovation. Grounded in neuroscience and learning science, it recognizes that differences in how students think and process information are natural and valuable—not obstacles to overcome.

    Rather than relying on labels or diagnoses, this model is about improving educational systems to better serve all learners. By integrating proven strategies like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and responsibly implemented AI tools, UConn Waterbury is creating an environment where students are empowered to succeed based on their strengths, and where educators are equipped to support diverse ways of thinking and problem-solving—critical skills for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s leaders.

    Guest speaker Andi Kent from CETL highlights the wealth of teaching and learning resources available to faculty and staff. (Steve Bustamante / University of Connecticut)

    “This marks an exciting shift in how we recognize and cultivate the full range of student talent across disciplines,” says Provost Anne D’Alleva. “UConn Waterbury is leading the way with an innovative, research-informed model that reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, student success, and inclusive educational design. I’m proud to see this kind of bold, thoughtful leadership emerging from one of our regional campuses.”

    What’s Next: Scaling for Long-Term Impact

    Building on the success of this pilot, UConn Waterbury will move forward with:

    • Expanded training opportunities for faculty and staff;
    • Launch of a student learning and leadership community in Fall 2025 in partnership with the Neurodiversity Alliance;
    • Campus-wide adoption of Moxie, an AI-powered academic writing and research tool designed to support ethical, transparent, and personalized learning experiences;
    • Collaboration with CAST to evaluate and enhance the physical and instructional environment through a UDL lens;
    • Partnerships with K–12 schools like the Forman School and Waterbury Public Schools to co-develop flexible, strength-based academic pathways

    “At UConn Waterbury, we’re not just teaching content—we’re cultivating adaptable thinkers, problem-solvers, and future innovators,” said Hoeft.

    Judy Reilly, Director of the Werth Institute’s Center for Neurodiversity & Employment Innovation (CNDEI), shared: “This initiative is a critical leap forward—not just for student success, but for preparing a future-ready, innovation-focused workforce.”

    Whether in advising, instruction, student life, or administration, faculty and staff across UConn Waterbury are playing a vital role in making the campus a place where all students can thrive.

    As Christine Scott-Dougan, Associate Campus Director and attendee, shared: “At UConn Waterbury, we believe different ways of thinking lead to amazing ideas. Here, every mind is valued. I wish there were opportunities like this when I was in school.”

    Sponsors: UConn Waterbury Enhancement Fund, R.I.S.E. Program, and Yale – UConn Haskins Global Literacy Hub.

    Contact: Fumiko Hoeft, Campus Dean & CAO. wtby_leadership@uconn.edu

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Delinea Partners with Microsoft to Ensure Seamless Transition and Continued Security as Microsoft Entra Permissions Management Retires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Delinea, a pioneering provider of solutions for securing human and machine identities through centralized authorization, has partnered with Microsoft to assist Microsoft Entra Permissions Management customers in ensuring they have continued access to advanced Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) capabilities. With Microsoft Entra Permissions Management scheduled for retirement on October 1, 2025, Delinea’s Privilege Control for Cloud Entitlements (PCCE) solution provides a strong alternative that enables enterprises to continuously discover and secure all human and machine identities across Microsoft Azure, AWS, and GCP environments.

    Delinea and Microsoft share a long-standing relationship built on a mutual commitment to delivering robust security solutions that empower enterprises to manage identities – and their access – seamlessly across multi-cloud environments. As part of this collaboration, Delinea and Microsoft are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for existing customers of Microsoft Entra Permissions Management. With dedicated teams in place, both companies will guide businesses through the process, helping them maximize the full capabilities of PCCE.

    “The introduction of AI has led to an explosion of human and machine identities at a time when public cloud environments are growing increasingly complex,” said Art Gilliland, CEO at Delinea. “Microsoft and Delinea share a deep, trusted relationship focused on protecting customers and securing their identities. As Microsoft’s partner for cloud entitlement security, together we are ensuring a seamless transition and continued access to cutting-edge identity security, reinforcing the trust Microsoft has placed in Delinea to support its customers.”

    Delinea’s PCCE solution enables enterprises to proactively gain control of multi-cloud environments, making it easy to identify anomalous behavior and refactor privileges. It reduces the risk of overprivileged and misconfigured identities through continuous discovery, AI-enabled analytics, and enforcing least privilege. This provides IT administrators greater visibility and deep context into cloud and identity usage to discover excess privilege and limit authorization.

    “As we are planning for the retirement of Microsoft Entra Permissions Management, Microsoft is committed to supporting every customer with a seamless transition that minimizes disruption,” said Joseph Dadzie, VP Product Management at Microsoft. “Delinea’s PCCE solution offers a scalable, innovative approach to identity security for public, multi-cloud environments, and represents an effective successor for customers of Microsoft Entra Permissions Management.”

    To learn more about Delinea’s PCCE solution, visit: https://delinea.com/microsoft-ciem

    About Delinea

    Delinea is a pioneer in securing human and machine identities through intelligent, centralized authorization, empowering organizations to seamlessly govern their interactions across the modern enterprise. Leveraging AI-powered intelligence, Delinea’s leading cloud-native Identity Security Platform applies context throughout the entire identity lifecycle – across cloud and traditional infrastructure, data, SaaS applications, and AI. It is the only platform that enables you to discover all identities – including workforce, IT administrator, developers, and machines – assign appropriate access levels, detect irregularities, and respond to threats in real-time. With deployment in weeks, not months, 90% fewer resources to manage than the nearest competitor, and a guaranteed 99.99% uptime, Delinea delivers robust security and operational efficiency without compromise. Learn more about Delinea on delinea.com, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Worsening conflict leaves tens of thousands without essential care in Colombia

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Bogotá – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has in recent weeks increased our medical humanitarian assistance in areas hit by the most intense upsurge of conflict in years in Colombia. Tens of thousands of people are currently caught in at least 11 active pockets of violence, according to authorities. Amid exacerbated humanitarian needs, we urge state entities and other humanitarian organisations to reach isolated communities where many people are lacking access to basic services, including healthcare. We also urge armed groups to protect medical facilities and humanitarian workers from violence. 

    “We are deeply concerned about the impact that the escalating conflict in Colombia is having on tens of thousands of people in several regions of the country,” says Francisco Otero, MSF general coordinator in Colombia. “Our teams are providing essential medical and humanitarian assistance to isolated and vulnerable communities, in areas that are very difficult to access for humanitarian organisations and with little state presence.”

    In February, MSF teams launched an emergency response in rural areas of the northeastern region of Catatumbo, where in January more than 50,000 people were forced from their homes by hostilities in the largest sudden displacement of people in decades. Many of those who remained now have movement restrictions imposed on them. In March, we started a project in the department of Arauca, which borders Venezuela. 

    A map of MSF’s response in Colombia. March 2025.

    Emergency in Catatumbo

    In mid-January, the breakdown of a non-aggression pact between two non-state armed groups triggered an escalation of violence that has left at least 98 people dead, and some 77,000 people affected, including displaced and confined persons, according to state authorities. The Colombian armed forces have also launched several offensives against these groups. 

    MSF teams are carrying out mobile clinics in rural areas where there are restrictions on movement, both for people to leave in search of resources and services, and for official entities and other humanitarian organisations to enter. MSF is one of the few organisations granted access by the parties to the conflict to areas widely affected by these restrictions. 

    Between 10 February and 15 March, we provided nearly 1,200 medical consultations in rural areas of Ábrego, Teorama, and Tibú, including 933 for basic healthcare and 112 for mental health. Additionally, 472 people benefited from group mental health activities.  

    “We see a deterioration in the health of the community, from children with symptoms of malnutrition to patients with chronic conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, whose treatment has been interrupted.” explains Dr Altair Saavedra, MSF’s medical coordinator in Colombia. 

    “Most of the pregnant women we saw in consultations had not started prenatal checkups, regardless of their gestational age, and some patients have shown severe psychological symptoms caused by uncertainty about the development of the conflict.” says Dr Saavedra.

    In addition, in the areas visited by MSF, at least four basic healthcare centres have closed or have suspended activities due to the violence. 

    An MSF mobile team arrives at the health centre in the village of La Arenosa, in Catatumbo, northeast Colombia, to provide medical and psychological care to communities affected by the ongoing conflict whose movement has been restricted by armed actors. Colombia, February 2025.
    MSF

    New project in Arauca 

    In the region of Arauca, several non-state armed groups are fighting for the control of the territory. MSF began a long-term project in the first week of March that focuses on people who face severe constraints to access healthcare. They include Venezuelan migrants, Colombian returnees, and displaced people, as well as vulnerable Indigenous groups in the urban area, and communities affected by the armed conflict in rural areas.

    “We will offer services for sexual and reproductive health, comprehensive care for survivors of sexual violence, mental health consultations, priority attention to children under five years of age, support for first level facilities and strengthening the technical capacity of health personnel,” says Alejandro Matos, MSF coordinator in Arauca. “We will also carry out water and sanitation activities.”

    An MSF team provides medical care, family planning methods and psychological care to people in a settlement in Arauca. Colombia, March 2025.
    Alejandro Matos/MSF

    Between 3 and 14 March, we provided 281 medical consultations, 30 individual mental health consultations, and 116 people participated in group mental health sessions, in the settlements of Jerusalem, Brisas del Puente, and Clarinetero, in the town of Arauca, the region’s capital. 
     

    The worsening conflict in Colombia

    Seven decades of conflict have made Colombia one of the countries with the highest number of internally displaced people in the world, with nearly nine million according to authorities. During the last decade, the figure of 70,000 people newly displaced by violence was never surpassed in a year, but in 2024 the country registered 160,000, according to the authorities. This is the highest annual figure since the 2016 signing of the peace agreement between the state and the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

    Despite an ongoing negotiation process between the government and several non-state armed groups, the Colombian ombudsman’s office has indicated there are 11 humanitarian emergency hotspots, especially in regions along the Pacific and the Venezuelan border. 

    “As an organisation that guides our action under the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence, we call on the parties to the conflict to provide safe access to areas hit by violence where there are unmet humanitarian needs.” says Otero.  

    Colombia has also been the largest recipient of USAID funds in Latin America. In 2024, the United States provided nearly 68 per cent of the resources for the humanitarian response managed by aid workers in the country. But in 2025, dozens of NGOs and United Nations agencies have already been impacted by cuts. In the health sector alone, more than 183,000 people lost access to assistance, and 683,000 others are at risk of being affected, according to the humanitarian health organisations team.

    “Amid the exacerbation of needs due to the worsening conflict, we urge State entities and other humanitarian organisations to reach out to communities where access to basic services such as healthcare has been impacted,” says Otero. “We urge the parties to the conflict to protect medical facilities and humanitarian workers from violence.”

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH requires manufacturer to recall unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine for external use (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Department of Health (DH) today (April 2) announced that a licensed manufacturer of proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm), Merika Medicine Factory Ltd (Merika), located on Wong Chuk Yeung Street, Fo Tan, New Territories, had not manufactured a pCm for external use called “Golden Statue Cinnamon Oil & Embrocation” according to the registered particulars and was therefore suspected of illegal sale and possession of unregistered pCm. The DH has immediately requested Merika to recall the batch of product concerned (batch number: 427141) from the market.
     
    During an inspection yesterday (April 1), the DH found that the above-mentioned pCm manufacturer was suspected to have changed one of the active ingredients from Cinnamon Oil to Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil during the production of a registered pCm named “Golden Statue Cinnamon Oil & Embrocation” (Registration number: HKC-02106), without the approval of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK). According to the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap.549), since the product did not match the registered particulars of the registered pCm, the batch of the product concerned is therefore an unregistered pCm.
     
    According to section 119 of the Ordinance, no person shall sell, import or possess any pCm unless it is registered. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. The DH will seek advice from the Department of Justice on prosecution matters upon completion of the investigation and will refer the case to the CMCHK for consideration of possible disciplinary action.
     
    According to its label, the above product, in liniment form, is used to expel wind and relieve pain and itching. Although Cinnamon Oil and Ceylon Cinnamon Leaf Oil come from different species of plants within the same family and have similar actions, the safety, efficacy and quality of unregistered pCm had not been assessed. Members of the public who have purchased the batch of the product should stop using it immediately. Those who have used the above product and feel unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals. As instructed by the DH, Merika is conducting the above-mentioned recall and has set up a hotline (2699 1410) for related enquiries.

    The DH is continuing to investigate the case and will closely monitor the recall. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the above product have been received by the DH.

         Apart from returning the product to Merika, people who have the batch of the product concerned may submit it to the DH’s Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ4: Education and talent development planning

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by Professor the Hon Lau Chi-pang and a reply by the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, in the Legislative Council today (April 2):

    Question:

    It has been reported that the director of the film Ne Zha 2 chose to abandon a career in pharmacy in order to pursue his passion for animation production, ultimately achieving remarkable success. There are views that his story offers profound insights for education and talent development planning in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) as it is learnt that many university students currently choose to pursue careers in fields unrelated to their major, whether the Government will consider providing students with more macro and comprehensive information at the stage of subject selection in secondary schools and in life planning education, so as to deepen students’ understanding of relevant disciplines and professions and help them explore their interests and give play to their strengths; if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that;

    (2) as there are views that a large creative team and talent pool are important factors contributing to the success of the aforesaid film, whether the Government will further strengthen the training and guidance on creative thinking for students in the curricula of primary and secondary schools; if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (3) as there are views pointing out that Hong Kong’s current education system places too much emphasis on assessment and examination preparation, which is not conducive to the development of students’ creative thinking, whether the Government has plans to make improvements; if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

    Quality education is the key to nurturing talent, and is essential for the continuous development of the society. In the face of a complicated and ever-changing global environment, fostering creativity in students is crucial for their future development. As such, through kindergarten, primary and secondary education curricula, the Education Bureau (EDB) has continuously integrated elements that nurture creative thinking, facilitating students’ holistic development and enabling those with diverse interests, abilities and backgrounds to fully unleash their potential.

    Regarding the question raised by Professor the Hon Lau Chi-pang, I will respond in four aspects including school curricula, student activities and competitions, latest developments in the modes of assessment, and life planning education (LPE):

    (1) to (3) Nurturing creativity throughout the primary and secondary curricula

    The school curriculum developed by the EDB in collaboration with the Curriculum Development Council consists of components including knowledge, generic skills, values and attitudes. Creativity is one of the generic skills which emphasises students’ demonstration of creative thinking in new ideas or products grounded on a solid knowledge foundation. Students are required to integrate knowledge, discern details from observation, synthesise and apply knowledge, be eager to explore, display perseverance and commitment in the face of difficulties, and solve problems with creative thinking.

    To dovetail with the national strategy of invigorating the country through science and education, the EDB is proactively promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and innovation and technology (I&T) education in primary and secondary schools. By integrating and applying knowledge and skills in science, mathematics and technology, students develop their capabilities of innovation and problem-solving through the process of knowledge creation and I&T inventions.

    At the same time, the EDB has reformed Science Education by introducing Primary Science and updating the junior secondary Science curriculum. A programme on artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted teaching has also been launched in junior secondary Science to foster pedagogical innovation. Moreover, we actively promote I&T education at the upper primary and junior secondary levels, such as teaching programming and AI learning to strengthen the cultivation of students’ innovative and problem-solving skills so that they can adapt to the ever-changing world.

    As for other Key Learning Areas, Arts Education promotes arts technology and interdisciplinary learning, and Personal, Social and Humanities Education promotes “entrepreneurial spirit”, both of which cover the qualities of creativity and innovativeness. At present, there are 55 Applied Learning courses offered at the senior secondary level, of which courses under the Areas of Studies “Creative Studies” and “Media and Communication” place particular emphasis on nurturing students’ creativity. Courses such as Computer Game and Animation Design, and Film Production are specifically designed for students interested in creativity and the media. In the 2024/25 school year, a total of 3 932 students enrolled in the related courses under “Creative Studies” and “Media and Communication”, reflecting that the courses are popular among students.

    Unleashing students’ innovative potential through diversified activities

    In recent years, Hong Kong students have had outstanding performances beyond the classroom in various fields, such as science and technology, and creative thinking, etc. Much to our delight, they bring glory to Hong Kong with remarkable achievements in international or major competitions, such as the International Mathematical Science and Creativity Competition, Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

    The EDB also provides diversified activities to offer students with more opportunities to unleash their creativity. We also arrange for students with potential in STEAM to participate in systematic training and competitions of a considerable scale, and they have thrived and flourished on international stages time and again. The EDB also continues to collaborate with the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education to promote the effective use of the “school-based student talent pool”, so as to identify students who are gifted in different areas. At the same time, we arrange for students to engage in exchanges with arts and cultural specialists from the Mainland, so that students can gain an understanding of the country’s development and outstanding achievements.

    Developing students’ potential by integrating creativity into assessment

    Assessment is an integral part of the curriculum and learning and teaching. Students’ performance both within and beyond the classroom can reflect their learning progress and inform learning and teaching. The current assessment policy no longer relies solely on the conventional modes of assessment, but employs diversified formative assessments to promote student learning on all fronts and stimulate their learning motivation and curiosity. We have always recommended schools to adopt diversified assessment modes and assignment designs that allow students to demonstrate their learning outcomes and unleash their creativity in the forms of text, images, physical models and others. 

    The EDB continues to organise professional training activities for teachers and develop learning and teaching resources to support teachers in designing assessments and assignments. We also encourage schools to review and optimise their assessment policies, so as to enable students to participate in more inspiring learning activities and develop their potential.

    Starting life planning early in age to understand aspirations

    To help students understand early their own aspirations, interests and abilities, and develop a broader view of further studies, future careers and pathways, the EDB has strengthened LPE at primary and secondary levels.

    Regarding information on subject choices, the EDB organises talks for parents annually and updates the website “One-stop Portal on Articulation to Multiple Pathways·Transition to Senior Secondary and Post-secondary Education” to disseminate the latest information on elective subjects and multiple pathways.

    In addition, through the Life Planning Information website, the EDB provides the latest career information of over 300 types of work from different industries, including director and stage designer, etc. On the website, there is also an online learning system, “My Life Planning Portfolio”, for students to conduct career aptitude assessments.

    The EDB also implements the Business-School Partnership Programme (BSPP) in collaboration with different business corporations, government departments and community organisations. Through the non-traditional learning platform provided by BSPP partners, students have been provided with diversified career exploration activities, with a view to equipping them with knowledge and information about different industries, including arts, culture and entertainment industries. In the 2022/23 school year, the EDB further promoted co-operation between the business sector and schools through launching the BSPP 2.0 with more business partners, covering more industries for widening students’ exposure. Holiday Work Experience Programmes arranged under the BSPP 2.0 enable senior secondary students to gain first-hand experience and understand different industries, including animation production and performing arts industries. Study tours to workplaces under the “Greater Bay Area Career Exploration Tours” Programme also deepen students’ understanding of the developments and talent needs of various industries in the Mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area.

    To conclude, the EDB will continue to optimise the curriculum and collaborate with different stakeholders to nurture students’ creativity through diversified strategies, with a view to cultivating talent for our society.

    Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPACT OF FTAS AND PTAS ON EXPORTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 1:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of India’s export of Cotton, Man-made, Wool, Silk and Technical Textiles during the last three years is attached at below.

    India has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its trading partners to give boost to India’s exports.

    The Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives to promote Indian textiles sector and enhance its competitiveness. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme to create a modern, integrated, world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on MMF Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program.

    Further, Government is also implementing Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for Apparel/Garments and Made-ups in order to enhance competitiveness by adopting principle of zero rated exports. Further, textiles products not covered under the RoSCTL scheme are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products. In addition, Government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies under Market Access Initiative Scheme implemented by Department of Commerce for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc at national and international levels.

    Ministry of Textiles through Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) promotes Handloom products of the country by implementing following schemes:

    1. National Handloom Development Programme;
    2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;

     

    • Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, skilling, product & design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic & international markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security etc.
    • Assistance in establishing international marketing linkages to suitable Apex/Primary handloom cooperative societies, corporations, producers’ companies, handloom awardees, exporters, other talented weavers etc. who are producing exclusive exportable handloom products.
    • Market penetration through organisation/participation in international fairs/exhibitions, big ticket events, Buyer Sellers Meet, Reverse Buyer Sellers Meet etc., for export promotion of handloom products. Publicity and brand development through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and other measures.
    • Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) is being implemented throughout the country to make available yarn to handloom weavers. Under the scheme, fright charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn; and component of 15% price subsidy is there for cotton hank yarn, domestic silk, wool and linen yarn and blended yarn of natural fibres.

    Around 2,600 handicrafts exporters registered with Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) were supported through participation in International trade fairs and Buyer Seller Meets organized in India and abroad under MAI Scheme of Department of Commerce. Around 582 member exporters of the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) were provided marketing support during 2024-25 (upto February 2025) under various schemes of the ministries.

    Ministry of Textiles promotes the provision of Geographical Indication (GI) of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, in respect of handloom & handicrafts products of pan India under the scheme, National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) & National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) respectively. Under the above scheme, financial assistance is provided for meeting the expenses in registering the designs/products, imparting training to personnel of implementing agencies and effective enforcement of G.I. registration. So far, a total no. of 214 handicrafts products and 104 handloom products, out of a total no. of 658 GI tagged products have been registered under the GI Act.

    To increase more marketing opportunities, the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) implementing various domestic & international marketing events under National Handicraft Development Programmes (NHDP) across the country wherein artisans are being provided a platform to sell their products. Further, an e-commerce portal (www.Indiahandmade.com) has been launched specifically for artisans & weavers where they can sell their products to buyers from all over the country. Artisans are being also onboarded on GeM portal where they can sell their products to government offices/PSU etc. 

     

    India’s export of Cotton, Man-made, Wool, Silk during the last three years:

    Value in USD Million

    Commodity

    FY 2021-2022

    FY 2022-2023

    FY 2023-2024

    Cotton Yarn

    5,498

    2,752

    3,780

    Other textile yarn, fabrics, madeups etc

    650

    730

    731

    Cotton Raw Incld. Waste

    2,816

    781

    1,117

    Cotton Fabrics, Madeups Etc.

    8,201

    6,821

    6,630

    Cotton Textiles

    17,166

    11,085

    12,258

    Manmade Staple Fibre

    680

    463

    402

    Manmade Yarn, Fabrics, Madeups

    5,615

    4,949

    4,679

    Man-made textiles

    6,294

    5,412

    5,081

    Wool Raw

    0

    1

    1

    Wollen Yarn, Fabrics, Madeups Etc.

    166

    204

    192

    Wool & Woolen textiles

    166

    205

    192

    Natural Silk Yarn, Fabrics, Madeup

    79

    72

    79

    Silk Raw

    2

    0

    2

    Silk Waste

    28

    22

    38

    Silk Products

    109

    95

    119

         Source: DGCIS provisional data

      

       India’s export of Technical Textiles during the last three years:

                                                                                                  Value in Rs. crore

    Commodity

    FY 2021-2022

    FY 2022-2023

    FY 2023-2024

    Technical Textiles

    21,194.62

    20,095.52

    21,407.38

              Source: Ministry of Commerce

     

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q4961)

    (Release ID: 2117660) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Functions of Radio Television Hong Kong and the Information Services Department

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ5: Functions of Radio Television Hong Kong and the Information Services Department 
         Radio Television Hong Kong and the Information Services Department are government departments under the purview of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau respectively. There are views that the aforesaid two departments, both being official media agencies, have overlapping functions. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the specific functions and staff establishment of the two departments;
     
    (2) whether it will, under the financial philosophy of keeping the expenditure within the limits of revenues while exploring new sources of income and managing costs, review how the structure of the two departments can be streamlined to reduce expenditure; and
     
    (3) whether it has explored ways to further enhance the compatibility of the two departments and the feasibility of their merger; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Having consulted the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Information Services Department (ISD), our consolidated reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Junius Ho is as follows:
     
         As a government department and the only public service broadcaster in Hong Kong, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) firmly implements the public purposes and mission under the Charter of RTHK, including promoting understanding of “one country, two systems”, proactively assisting in strengthening the dissemination of government information, engendering a sense of citizenship and national identity, and promoting sports and culture and social inclusion. RTHK currently operates five digital television channels and eight AM/FM radio channels. Unlike commercial broadcasters, programmes produced and broadcast by RTHK have to cater for the needs of the mass audience as well as the minority groups including ethnic minorities and the non-Chinese speaking group etc. In this connection, apart from disseminating government information, the radio and television programmes of RTHK also cover various aspects including news, public affairs, national education, sports, culture, lifestyle and education programmes etc.
     
         As for the ISD, it is responsible for the Government’s public relations, news dissemination, publicity and publication matters, and serves as a communication link between the Government and mass media including newspapers, television, radio, and magazines. The ISD also makes good use of the Internet, disseminating government information to the public directly by multi-media content so as to enhance the public’s understanding of and support for the Government’s work. In addition, the ISD also provides professional public relations advice to the Government and promotes government policies and services through different communication platforms and means (including RTHK), with a view to projecting an accurate image of Hong Kong within and outside the city while telling the good stories of Hong Kong.
     
         In view of the above, although RTHK and the ISD are both government departments and both carry the responsibility of disseminating government information, RTHK, as the public service broadcaster; and the ISD, being responsible for the Government’s public relations, perform different duties. There is no overlapping of their functions. As regards staff establishment, the establishment ceilings of RTHK and the ISD in 2024-25 are 762 and 451 posts respectively. Most of the civil service posts of RTHK belong to the Programme Officer grade while most of the civil service posts of the ISD belong to the Information Officer grade. The requirements for work nature, skills and experience of the two grades are different and hence merging the two departments with distinct functions may not be the most effective way to increase revenue and reduce expenditure in terms of overall operations. In addition, regardless of whether the merge would be implemented by having the Director of Information Services or the Director of Broadcasting to oversee both the ISD and RTHK, it would be difficult for the head of the merged department to manage the work of the two departments of which their missions, scopes of services and modes of operation are distinctly different. On the contrary, the merge may confuse the public with the role of RTHK as a public service broadcaster and the ISD in promoting the Government, which may be counterproductive to the Government’s overall public relations works.
     
         Notwithstanding the above, in response to the Productivity Enhancement Programme announced in the 2025-26 Budget, both RTHK and the ISD will comprehensively review their staffing and operation. In particular, RTHK will introduce appropriate measures including streamlining its structure and utilising technology for programme production etc to reduce manpower without affecting the quality of RTHK’s programmes and services. At present, RTHK has been committed to deploying artificial intelligence (AI) in developing smart broadcasting. Last year, RTHK officially launched the AI Lab, streamlining production flow with AI technology, as well as adopting various AI-generated tools to enhance productivity. This will not only improve the quality of programmes but also result in a more cost-effective use of manpower. Besides, the ISD will continue to make effective use of existing platforms of the Government while keeping in view market developments and global trends to step up the Government’s work in policy promotion and information dissemination. The ISD will also closely monitor the implementation of programmes under its purview and review their effectiveness regularly for the sake of more flexible and effective use of resources.
     
         Despite the different roles of RTHK and the ISD, we agree that the two departments can co-operate with each other and leverage their strengths, to promote government’s policies and disseminate government information more effectively. As such, both sides will continue to strengthen collaboration, for instance, the ISD is actively planning to work with RTHK on programme production under the theme of “Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the War of Resistance” to promote patriotism through storytelling in a vivid manner. RTHK can leverage the ISD’s strength in running a wide range of platforms and make use of those platforms to enhance the reach of its programmes, taking advantage of the synergy to tell good stories of the country and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, RTHK will continue to solidify its role as the public service broadcaster, including striving to strengthen its partnership with different broadcasters in the Mainland and other regions, continuing to produce different types of programmes on various themes in order to provide diversified radio and television programme choices for the public.
    Issued at HKT 14:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Finalists for WAVES Comics Creator Championship & WAVES Awards of Excellence Announced

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 7:37PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai/Bhopal, 1 April 2025

     

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, in collaboration with Indian Comics Association (ICA) and ASIFA India, has announced the finalists for two prestigious competitions under the WAVES Create in India Challenge—the WAVES Comics Creator Championship and the WAVES Awards of Excellence.

    The competitions have attracted participation from across India and internationally, highlighting the country’s potential as a global hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. The winners will be announced at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), scheduled to be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025.

    Additional Director General, PIB, Bhopal, Shri Prashant Pathrabe said that, WAVES is an important event that provides a global platform for professional entrepreneurs, investors, producers and innovators to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute in the entertainment sector.

       

    Photo caption : Shri Prashant Pathrabe, Additional Director General, PIB Bhopal addressing the ceremony of announcement of finalists of Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence

     

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship:

    Indian Comics Association (ICA) President Ajitesh Sharma stated that ICA has selected 10 teams for the final round and that the candidates for the final round were selected based on their creative story, artistic skills and overall impact.

    Photo caption: Shri Ajitesh Sharma, President, Indian Comics Association addressing the Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence finalists announcement ceremony.

    The finalists for the Comics Creator Championship are as follows:

    Finalists – Professional Category:

    1. Mohit Sharma (Meerut) – Ayush Kumar (Delhi)

    2. Aparna Chaurasia (Chhatarpur)

    3. Bijoy Raveendran (Delhi) – Tadam Gyadu (Delhi)

    4. Puneet Shukla (Gorakhpur) – Piyush Kumar (Ranchi)

    5. Tejas Janardhan Kamble (Mumbai)

    Finalists – Amateur Category:

    1. Suvojit Pal (Howrah) – Vivek Pradhan (Raipur)

    2. Vindhyarsh Mishra (Bareilly)

    3. Rohit Shukla (Chennai) – Shivangi Shaily (Indore)

    4. Ritesh Patra (Kolkata)

    5. Randeep Singh (Kendrapara)

    Jury Panel for Comics Creator Championship

    The five-member jury to evaluate the competition entries included: Dilip Kadam – Renowned comic artist and illustrator; Nikhil Pran – Acclaimed comic creator and son of Pran Kumar Sharma; Jajil Homaveer – Creator of the web manga The Beast Legion; Sanjay Gupta – Founder of Raj Comics; Preeti Vyas – President & CEO of Amar Chitra Katha. The jury panel will now select the winners by evaluating the Semi-Finalists’ entries. The selected 10 Finalists will then compete at the Mumbai Waves Event from 1-4 May 2025.The final competition will take place at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, where the best talents in Indian comics will be recognized on an international stage.

    ASIFA announces Waves’ Awards of Excellence

    The WAVES Awards of Excellence, organized by ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) India under the Create in India Challenge, has received 1,331 entries from 28 Indian states and 13 countries.

    Shri Sanjay Khimesara, President, ASIFA India addressing the Waves Comics Creator Championship and Waves Awards of Excellence finalists announcement ceremony.

    Jury for WAVES Awards of Excellence

    The evaluation process for the WAVES Awards of Excellence was led by an esteemed five-member international jury, ensuring global standards in selection: Dr. Anastasia Dimitra (Greece) – VP, ASIFA International & Animation Educator; Briana Yarhouse (USA) – Director, Awards of Excellence & Professor; Pramita Mukherjee (USA) – Sr. Creature FX Developer, DreamWorks; Dhimant Vyas (India) – Professor of Practice, IDC School of Design; B.N. Vichar (India) – Art Director, Technicolor Games

    The winning entries will receive mentorship, global exposure, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

     

    Final Nominations-Professionals

    1

    Patrick

    Smith

    ASIFA24102

    Onward Ye Costumed Souls

    USA

    2

    Fabian

    Driehorst

    ASIFA24142

    Little Fan

    Germany

    3

    Yingyan Chen

    Linxiao Zhou, Zehao Chen

    ASIFA24205

    Online interview

    China

    4

    Long Qin

    CHINA

    ASIFA24207

    IN BEWTEEN

    China

    5

    Suresh

    Eriyat

    ASIFA24298

    The Seed

    Mumbai, India

    6

    Adithi

    Krishnadas

    ASIFA24299

    The Legend of Arana

    Mumbai, India

    7

    Suresh

    Eriyat

    ASIFA24302

    Pune Design Festival Versus Ident Film

    Mumbai, India

    8

    Swati

    Agarwal

    ASIFA24654

    Chalisa’

    Mumbai, India

    9

    Swathy

    Pushpalochanan

    ASIFA24678

    Anpu

    Kollam, Kerala

    10

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24693

    IPL opening graphics

    Mumbai, India

    11

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24694

    Home season opening graphics/Legend

    Mumbai, India

    12

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24696

    RADHA

    Mumbai, India

    13

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24697

    13th Portal

    Mumbai, India

    14

    Bimal

    Poddar

    ASIFA24698

    More kaka

    Mumbai, India

    15

    Prateek

    Sethi

    ASIFA24726

    Informa Markets In India – Milan

    Mumbai, India

    16

    Ujwal

    Nair

    ASIFA24740

    Lucky Dog

    Chennai, India

    17

    Gary

    Schwartz

    ASIFA2492

    FLINTMATION ll

    USA

    18

    David

    Ehrlich

    ASIFA2494

    A New World

    USA

    19

    Suresh

    Eriyat

    ASIFA251377

    Desi Oon

    Mumbai, India

    20

    Amit

    Sonawane

    ASIFA251402

    What’s Your Story

    Mumbai, India

    Top 26 Nominated works includes Showreels/Shorts from students from across India including states/UT’s of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Chandigarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Gujarat, New Delhi.

    Final Nominations- Students

    S.No

    First Name

    Last Name

    Tracking Number

    Project Title

    Location

    1

    Varun

    Choudhry

    ASIFA24942

    Varun Choudhry | Modeling Reel 2024

    Mumbai

    2

    Hussain

    Bohra

    ASIFA24744

    IRAN 600 BC

    Udaipur

    3

    Shavikant

    Chauhan

    ASIFA24474

    texturing showreel

    Surat

    4

    Karan

    Meghlan

    ASIFA24930

    Karan_Malghan_Modeling_Texturing_Reel_Wave

    Pune

    5

    Rajat

    Aingh

    ASIFA241036

    CG Lighting Showreel_Rajat Singh

    Chandigarh

    6

    Ajit Tanaji

    Kinare

    ASIFA24881

    CG Lighting

    Mumbai

    7

    Ankan

    Samanta

    ASIFA24850

    Rigging Showreel By Ankan Samanta

    Hooghly, WB

    8

    Sumedha

    Paul

    ASIFA24814

    Rigging Showreel

    Kolkata

    9

    Arjun

    kumar

    ASIFA24157

    Animation Showreel

    Chandigarh

    10

    Arpit

    Thakur

    ASIFA24948

    Animation Showreel By ARPIT THAKUR

    Chandigarh

    11

    Kumkum

    Gupta

    ASIFA24966

    Digital_Painting_Kumkum Gupta

    Mumbai

    12

    Ishwari

    Tarkar

    ASIFA24969

    Digital_Painting_Ishwari_Tarkar

    Mumbai

    13

    Tarun

    None

    ASIFA24800

    Digital Matte Painting

    Bengaluru

    14

    Arena

    Andheri

    ASIFA241073

    Matte Paint-Sameer Parab

    Mumbai

    15

    ElangoM

    Elango

    ASIFA241306

    Digital matte painting

    Bengaluru

    16

    Prajval

    Nanote

    ASIFA241005

    Motion graphic

    sausar
    Chhindwara,MP

    17

    Sk

    Nur Islam

    ASIFA241121

    Motion Graphics Showreel

    Malda, WB

    18

    Sourav

    Bishwakarma

    ASIFA241202

    Compositing Showreel

    Kanchrapara,WB

    19

    Varun

    Sapkal

    ASIFA24565

    Showreel Varun Sapkal VFX

    Mumbai

    20

    Vijay

    Bangar

    ASIFA24922

    Kothrud_Vijay_Bangar

    Kothrud, Pune

    21

    Shaikh

    Sahil

    ASIFA241176

    Avengers: Infinity War movie Shots

    Mankhurd, Mumbai

    22

    Aditi

    Dixit

    ASIFA251357

    Showreel

    Delhi

    23

    Rutvik

    Dhole

    ASIFA24736

    Arwick 2d Animated explainer Video Ad

    Not specified

    24

    Debopom

    Chakraborty

    ASIFA24661

    Rasmalai

    Gurgaon, Haryana

    25

    Kartik

    Mahajan

    ASIFA24731

    Phool Dei

    Dehradun, Utta

    26

    Harshita

    Nehlani

    ASIFA251352

    Adhoori Pehchaan [Incomplete Identity]

    GLS, A’bad

     

    About WAVES

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

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

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

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

     

    * * *

    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Prashant/ Ajay/ Samir/ Prem/ Dhanalakshmi/ Darshana | 84

     

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

    (Release ID: 2117473) Visitor Counter : 63

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Large language models developed in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon Johnny Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (April 2):

    Question:

         It has been reported that the HKGAI V1 large model, which was released in February this year by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI) funded by the Government’s InnoHK research clusters, is the first large language model generated in Hong Kong based on the full parameter fine-tuning of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, and continuous training, marking a major breakthrough in the field of local AI. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it knows the development and operating costs of the HKGAI V1 large model, and how such costs compare with the development and operating costs of other similar models;

    (2) as it is learnt that AI technology has been actively applied around the world in recent years, whether the Government has compared the effectiveness of the HKGAI V1 large model with that of the AI large models developed in other regions; if so, of the results;

    (3) as it is learnt that HKPilot (i.e. a generative AI document processing copilot application), which is the large language model version developed by HKGAI, has been put on trial use in more than 70 government departments at present, of its initial effectiveness and the relevant data (e.g. the amount of costs that can be reduced and the extent of benefits that can be enhanced);

    (4) as it is learnt that neighbouring regions (including a number of Mainland cities) have started to deploy DeepSeek large models in the field of government services to create “AI civil servants” to take up some of the work originally undertaken by manpower, how the SAR Government will make use of the HKGAI V1 large model to assist the Government in enhancing government efficiency and reducing manpower expenditure, so as to improve the quality of government services; and

    (5) of the Government’s specific plans and performance targets for realizing the extensive application of the HKGAI VI large model, including (i) the specific timetable for opening up the model for public use, (ii) how it will enrich the application scenarios in the long run so as to apply and popularize the technology, (iii) how it will make the best use of the model to benefit people’s livelihood, and (iv) how it will make use of the model to assist in promoting the upgrading and transformation of Hong Kong’s industry structure?

    Reply:

    President,

         The reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Johnny Ng is as follows:

    (1) and (2) The Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), set up in 2023 with the funding support of the AIR@InnoHK research cluster focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies, specialises in the research and development (R&D) of generative AI technology, with the goal of building Hong Kong’s self-developed AI foundation models and ecosystem. HKGAI is currently conducting R&D on a series of open-source foundation models, including a local large language model (LLM) and a generative AI document processing copilot application (HKPilot) based on this LLM.

         According to the information provided by HKGAI, its locally developed LLM has been specifically optimised for Hong Kong’s cultural and linguistic environment as well as safety, which enables the LLM to possess not only capabilities similar to other outstanding LLMs in the market, but also excels in handling localised application scenarios.

         The estimates of R&D and operating expenditure of HKGAI is around $235 million. We do not maintain the breakdown related to the development costs of individual models or applications.

    (3) and (4) HKPilot which is now at the R&D stage is mainly used for document processing tasks such as drafting, translation, and summarisation of documents. In order to help HKGAI further train up and optimise its LLM, the Government started using the HKPilot from mid-2024. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) has invited all bureaux and departments (B/Ds) to arrange government personnel of different grades to participate in the pilot programme. Currently, the DPO does not have information related to cost reduction or efficiency improvement from the pilot.

         In February 2025, HKGAI updated its locally developed “HKGAI V1” LLM based on DeepSeek technology, and is integrating the model into the HKPilot to further enhance its document processing capabilities, while allowing pilot use by government staff and collecting their user feedback. The DPO will continue to co-ordinate B/Ds to gradually increase the number of government personnel participating in the pilot programme. In the longer term, the application will help reduce the manpower required for government personnel to handle general document processing tasks, allowing manpower to be deployed to other areas of need.

    (5) As mentioned above, HKGAI is making every effort to optimise its LLM and applications such as HKPilot, and aims to launch to the market a chatbot “HKChat” developed on the basis of its LLM for public use this year. HKGAI will conduct testing on the cybersecurity and stability of related systems before the official launch of HKChat, including inviting third-party experts to conduct audits. On the other hand, HKGAI’s LLM has the potential to develop and support practical applications in other professional fields (such as law and environmental protection). HKGAI will formulate an overall strategy and timetable for releasing the LLM and the applications for use by various sectors in the community.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: ProMOS Adopts Silvaco Victory TCAD Solution for the Development of Next-Gen Silicon Photonics Devices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvaco Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SVCO) (“Silvaco” or the “Company”), a provider of TCAD, EDA software and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation, today announced that ProMOS Technologies has adopted Silvaco’s Victory TCAD™ simulation solution to accelerate the development of next-generation silicon photonics devices. By leveraging Silvaco’s cutting-edge technology, ProMOS aims to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of its photonic device designs.

    Silvaco’s Victory Process™ is a comprehensive and technology-agnostic simulation solution that enables precise modeling of real-world fabrication steps, including etching, deposition, oxidation, implantation, and diffusion. Unlike simple emulation tools, Victory Process provides a detailed and accurate representation of semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring that simulated outcomes closely match actual production processes.

    The Victory TCAD solution supports a wide range of cutting-edge applications, including Photonics, CMOS, Power, Memory, and Display technologies. Its user-friendly interface, automation capabilities, and advanced simulation features allow for efficient process optimization, rapid design iteration, and robust Design of Experiments (DoE) implementation. With Victory TCAD, ProMOS gains a powerful platform for accelerating innovation and refining the performance of its photonic devices.

    “The adoption of Silvaco’s Victory TCAD tools marks a significant step forward for ProMOS in developing next-gen photonic devices,” said Lynn Lin, Vice President at ProMOS. “Silvaco’s product leadership, service, and technical support were instrumental in our decision to select Silvaco for our photonic device development, helping us accelerate the pace of our innovation.”

    “The adoption of the Victory TCAD solution by ProMOS highlights the growing demand for advanced simulation solutions in silicon photonics,” said Eric Guichard, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the TCAD business unit at Silvaco. “We are thrilled to support ProMOS in their silicon photonics development journey. Victory TCAD provides a comprehensive simulation environment that enables companies like ProMOS to take into account process variation to optimize device performance while exploring new frontiers in photonics and semiconductor innovation.”

    About Silvaco
    Silvaco is a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and AI through software and innovation. Silvaco’s solutions are used for process and device development across display, power devices, automotive, memory, high performance compute, photonics, internet of things, and 5G/6G mobile markets for complex SoC design. Silvaco is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.

    Contacts
    Media Relations:
    Tiffany Behany, press@silvaco.com

    Investor Relations:
    Greg McNiff, investors@silvaco.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Fast Track to AV1 with Beamr: High-Quality at a Fraction of the Cost

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Beamr will showcase its high-performance AV1 solutions, accelerated by NVIDIA GPUs, and with simple, competitive pricing, at the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas

    HERZLIYA, Israel, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization technology and solutions, will showcase its high-quality, cost-effective solution for AV1 (AOMedia Video 1) codec upgrades at the 2025 NAB Show (Meeting room SL1730MR), held in Las Vegas from April 5-9, along with a simple, competitive pricing plan.

    Accelerated by NVIDIA GPUs and integrated with NVENC, an on-chip hardware-accelerated video encoder within NVIDIA GPUs, Beamr’s technology enables scalable, efficient AV1 upgrades with superior performance and high-quality results. While AV1 is an advanced video codec with improved image quality and superior compression, Beamr offers up to 30% additional compression.

    Beamr provides AV1 encoding at a quarter of the cost or less compared to CPU-based solutions and other alternatives, bringing it in line with AVC (H.264) encoding costs. Readily accessible on cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), as well as private cloud or on-premises environments, Beamr simplifies AV1 adoption for companies working with videos at large scale – across media and entertainment, user-generated content, AI, and more.

    “Available through straightforward, affordable pricing, Beamr removes barriers to AV1 adoption and allows users improved performance while significantly reducing video file sizes without sacrificing quality,” said Beamr CEO Sharon Carmel. “Our tests also show that optimized AV1 files by Beamr maintain full accuracy in AI applications such as facial recognition, action detection and enhancing machine learning models.”

    AV1 is backed by tech giants within the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), and it is widely supported across most operating systems and web browsers, as well as recent smartphone models, smart TVs and more. Despite these advantages, complexity and high adoption costs have limited AV1’s usage.

    Beamr’s video optimization technology is integrated with NVENC, and is available across multiple GPU platforms:

    The NVENC SDK 12.1 release added an API that supports external control and enables users to tightly integrate hardware encoders with support for AV1.

    Beamr video experts will be available throughout the NAB Show, April 5-9 in Las Vegas, to discuss cost-effective, high-quality, high-performance AV1 upgrades. For one-on-one meetings (Meeting room SL1730MR) please use this link.

    For more details about Beamr’s AV1 offering, visit this link.

    About Beamr

    Beamr (Nasdaq: BMR) is a world leader in content-adaptive video optimization and modernization. The company serves top media companies like Netflix and Paramount. Beamr’s inventive perceptual optimization technology (CABR) is backed by 53 patents and won the Emmy® award for Technology and Engineering. The innovative technology reduces video file size by up to 50% while guaranteeing quality.

    Beamr Cloud is a high-performance, GPU-based video optimization and modernization service designed for businesses and video professionals across diverse industries. It is conveniently available to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers. Beamr Cloud enables video modernization to advanced formats such as AV1 and HEVC, and is ready for video AI workflows. For more details, please visit www.beamr.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, among other things, statements about Beamr’s strategic and business plans, technology, relationships, objectives and expectations for its business, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results, operations and financial performance and condition. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC on March 4, 2025 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Investor Contact:

    investorrelations@beamr.com

    Agency Contact
    Moe Lokat
    Wall Street Communications
    +44 7973 306039
    moe@wallstcom.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon’s aim is the preservation of a world worth living in. To this end, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon generates knowledge and research new technologies for more resilience and sustainability—for the benefit of the climate, the coasts and the people.

    The path from idea to innovation leads through experimental studies, modeling and artificial intelligence to the digital twin. This is an interdisciplinary approach that spans from the fundamental scientific understanding of complex systems to scenarios and practical applications.

    As an active member of international research networks and the Helmholtz Association, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon provides support toward shaping a sustainable future through the transfer of our expertise to political, economic and societal institutions.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHAI Achieves Robust Growth in National Highway Construction During FY 2024-25

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

    Working relentlessly towards development of the National Highway infrastructure in the country, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), during the Financial Year 2024-25, constructed 5,614 km of National Highways against the target of 5,150 km for the year.

    In addition, the Capital Expenditure by NHAI in Financial Year 2024-25 for development of National Highway Infrastructure reached an all-time high of over Rs. 2,50,000 Crore (provisional) against a target expenditure of Rs. 2,40,000 Crore. This highest ever capital expenditure in a Financial Year by NHAI includes both Government budgetary support and NHAI’s own resources. The overall capital expenditure increased by around 21 percent as compared to Rs. 2,07,000 Crore in previous FY 2023-24 and by around 45 percent as compared to Rs. 1,73,000 Crore in FY 2022-23.

    During FY 24-25, NHAI leveraged three modes for monetization, that included Toll Operate Transfer (TOT), Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) and Toll Securitisation. During the Financial Year, NHAI monetized assets for a total of Rs. 28,724 Crore. This includes NHAI’s highest ever single round InvIT receipt worth Rs. 17,738 Crore. 

    NHAI is committed to build world class National Highway infrastructure across the country that will contribute not only to the growth of the road sector but will also play a critical role in nation building and advancing the growth of the Indian economy.

    ***

    GDH/HR

    (Release ID: 2117781) Visitor Counter : 36

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “USE OF ANTIBIOTICS IN POULTRY”

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    As per the information provided by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), surveillance data on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in food animals including poultry is compiled and published as part of the Indian Network for Fisheries and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) annual report, which is accessible to the public. The study conducted by ICAR – Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) examined various factors like agro climatic zones, pathogen phylotypes and host characteristics including utilization of machine learning algorithms to identify key drivers of AMR in poultry.

    The measures and advisories are outlined as follows:

    1. Department under Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) scheme, 100% central assistance is provided to States/UTs for vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Lumpy Skin Disease, Black Quarter, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia etc. including disease surveillance, monitoring and capacity building. Vaccination reduces the use of antibiotics, hence reduce the AMR.

     

    1. Department has developed The ‘Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTGs) for Livestock and Poultry’ for best practices in veterinary care to enhance livestock health and disease control while ensuring the responsible use of drugs including antimicrobials.
    1. DAHD has formulated the Poultry Disease Action Plan, which emphasizes proactive disease management through biosecurity measures, enhanced surveillance, and vaccination protocols, thereby safeguarding both poultry population and public health.
    2. Bharat Pashudhan application under National Digital Livestock Mission provides management of nearly 29 common ailments of dairy animals e.g. mastitis, indigestion, diarrhoea etc. using Ethno-Veterinary Medicine (EVM).
    3. Department has constituted the Empowered Committee on Animal Health-Regulatory, a subcommittee to ‘Assess and provide recommendations on submission of veterinary vaccines/biological/drugs for policy input’ to examine the proposals received from DCGI regarding import and manufacturing of drugs and vaccine including antibiotics.
    4. Department has formulated the National Action Plan on Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) in consultation with MoH&FW and other stake holders for judicious use, surveillance and monitoring of antibiotics in animal health sector. MoA&FW is also one of the stakeholder in respect to use of pesticides and antibiotics in agriculture sector keeping in view the One Health Initiative and provisions under NAP-AMR.
    5. Department has issued advisories to all State/UTs for judicious use of antibiotics in treatment of food producing animals, for stopping the use of antibiotics in animal feed and for general awareness.
    6. As per information received from the Central Drugs Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) import, manufacture, sale, distribution of drugs including antibiotics are regulated under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules there under. Further, it is mandatory that the container of the medicine for treatment of food producing animals requires to be labelled with the withdrawal period of the drug for the species on which it is intended to be used.
    7. On the recommendations of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Colistin and its formulations have been prohibited to be manufactured, sold and distributed for food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplement

     

    1. ICAR has strengthened the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by initiating All India Network Programme on AMR (AINP-AMR) involving 31 centres across different states of the country. Further, INFAAR is a nationwide initiative that comprises 20 animals science centres establishing a strong frame work for monitoring and surveillance.

     

    1. The Central Government has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Egg laying Hens) Rules, 2023 to ensure the welfare of poultry specifically for the space requirement for sheltering the poultry bird. As per the Rule 10 of the said Rules following shall be prohibited for feeding of laying hens:
    1. Feeding of laying hens with remains of dead chicks.
    2. Use of antimicrobial growth promoters.
    3. Use of antimicrobials, if required, may be administered for therapeutic purposes (disease treatment) and only under supervision of a veterinarian and
    4. Withdrawal of feed to induce a molting.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 2nd April, 2025.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2117764) Visitor Counter : 18

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pilot project for the World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    In order to create decentralized food grain storage capacity in the country, the Government on 31.5.2023 approved the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector, which has been rolled out as a Pilot Project. It entails creation of various agri infrastructure at the level of Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS), including setting up decentralized godowns, custom hiring center, processing units, sorting and grading facilities, cold storage units, packhouses etc. through convergence of various existing schemes of the Government of India (GoI), such as, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME), etc.

    The Plan addresses transportation and distribution challenges by enabling local storage of grains at the PACS level, minimizing long-distance transportation costs and losses. Additionally, by integrating PACS with agri-marketing and procurement systems, direct access to storage facilities is ensured for farmers, reducing their dependence on intermediaries. Hence, the Plan aims to ensure better price realization for farmers, reduce transportation costs, and create employment opportunities in rural areas.

    Under the Pilot project of the Plan, 11 godowns in 11 PACS have been constructed across the country and a total storage capacity of 9,750 MT has been created.

    The Government on 15.2.2023, has approved the Plan for strengthening cooperative movement in the country and deepening its reach up to the grassroots. The Plan entails establishment of 2 lakh new multipurpose PACS (M-PACS), Dairy, Fishery Cooperative Societies covering all the Panchayats/ villages in the country in five years, through convergence of various existing GOI schemes, including Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), etc. with the support of National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and State Governments.

    As per National Cooperative Database, a total of 3,667 new PACS have been registered as on 27.1.2025 across the country, including 148 new PACS in the State of Maharashtra, since the approval of the plan on 15.2.2023. The State-wise details of the same are enclosed at Annexure.

    Government of India has approved a project for Computerization of functional PACS with a total financial outlay of ₹2,516 Crore, which entails bringing all the functional PACS onto an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) based common national software, linking them with NABARD through State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs). The National Level Common Software for the project has been developed by NABARD and 50,455 PACS have been onboarded on ERP software as on 27.01.2025. So far, proposals for computerization of 67,930 PACS from 30 States/ UTs have been sanctioned, for which Rs. 741.34 Cr. has been released as GoI share to the States/UTs concerned as on 27.01.2025 and hardware has been delivered to 60,382 PACS.

    *****

    S. No.

    State/UT

    Newly registered PACS

    1.

    Andaman And Nicobar Islands

    1

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    0

    3.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    12

    4.

    Assam

    59

    5.

    Bihar

    25

    6.

    Chhattisgarh

    0

    7.

    Goa

    12

    8.

    Gujarat

    291

    9.

    Haryana

    2

    10.

    Himachal Pradesh

    57

    11.

    Jammu And Kashmir

    84

    12.

    Jharkhand

    44

    13.

    Karnataka

    128

    14.

    Ladakh

    0

    15.

    Lakshadweep

    0

    16.

    Madhya Pradesh

    16

    17.

    Maharashtra

    148

    18.

    Manipur

    68

    19.

    Meghalaya

    193

    20.

    Mizoram

    25

    21.

    Nagaland

    12

    22.

    Odisha

    1,535

    23.

    Puducherry

    2

    24.

    Punjab

    0

    25.

    Rajasthan

    760

    26.

    Sikkim

    23

    27.

    Tamil Nadu

    21

    28.

    Telangana

    0

    29.

    Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu

    4

    30.

    Tripura

    38

    31.

    Uttar Pradesh

    94

    32.

    Uttarakhand

    0

    33.

    West Bengal

    13

     

    Total

    3,667

     

    This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

    ****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2117766) Visitor Counter : 25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: DebitMyData Launches Digital Identity LLM-Driven by Agentic Avatar System – Your Data Earns While You Sleep

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DebitMyData disrupts the digital economy with its proprietary LLM platform, enabling users to earn passive income from their data while combating AI-driven job displacement and DeepFakes. The beta launch introduces Agentic Avatars, blockchain-secured identity NFTs, AnimeGamer Video-to-Image and Image-to-Video AI—connecting advertisers non-intrusively to their audience.

    Preska Thomas, Founder/CEO of DebitMyData and widely regarded as the “Satoshi Nakamoto of NFTs,” envisions a future where human beings own their image, voice—even their thoughts—and are compensated fairly for their contributions to AI. Preska explains:

    “We train AI systems to value human energy by compensating individuals for their data. DebitMyData bridges the gap between humans and AI by creating a system where digital footprints become valuable assets. This is how we achieve AI utopia—by ensuring humans own themselves.”

    Preska Thomas further emphasizes the importance of this mission:

    “Current AI models exploit human data without fair compensation. DebitMyData flips the script by training AI to value and reward individuals for their energy. Whether you’re a gamer or a local business owner, your digital footprint is now your revenue stream.”

    DebitMyData, Inc. Logo

    DebitMyData is Stripe Payment for Your Data and Plaid for Data

    Every click, search, Netflix binging or post generates valuable data, but until now, only corporations have profited from it. DebitMyData flips this model.

    Why DebitMyData Matters Across Industries

    DebitMyData offers displaced “idle workers” an alternative to Universal Basic Income by enabling them to monetize their digital footprints. Users can earn income through ad leases, NFT royalties, and sponsorships, transforming their data into a sustainable revenue source.

    DebitMyData integrates with platforms like Google Ads, Revive, and Prebid to optimize marketing strategies. Creators can design dynamic NFT Collections and make them available as banners for cross-platform ad campaigns, enhancing personalization with embedded visuals that engage niche markets.

    Image by DebitMyData

    “We’re not just building technology—we’re empowering industries,” said Preska Thomas. “From gamers creating anime-inspired stories to logistics firms managing supply chains securely or celebrities monetizing their personal brands while combating deepfakes—we’re giving individuals and businesses the tools to unlock unprecedented value from their digital identities.”

    Join the today by signing up for DebitMyData’s beta program at debitmydata.com. For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact us at Contactus@debitmydata.com.

    Henry Cision
    Debit My Data, Inc.
    (954) 354-2399
    https://debitmydata.com/

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe495146-6dbf-4366-9a27-9deada5d0501

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fecd37f9-c3d2-467e-8973-09d555a05865

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de028cfc-e5b4-4dfe-af5f-872b058f1174

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Your chance in science: the Institute of Marketing of the State University of Management invited students to join the research

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On March 27, the traditional event “Trends in Marketing, Brand Management and Advertising” was held in the Presentation Hall of the Scientific Library of the State University of Management, dedicated to the key areas of research work of students of the Institute of Marketing.

    Teachers from three graduate departments presented their initiative areas of scientific research and invited students to participate in the scientific life of the Institute.

    The presentations were made by Vasily Starostin, Olga Vasilyeva, Kristina Arzhanova, Dmitry Dolgopolov, Olga Larina, Victoria Bogdanova and Svetlana Silina.

    During the meeting, current topics were discussed concerning both the education sector itself, such as education marketing and university campus development, as well as the technology sector and the use of artificial intelligence.

    The participants also considered the issues of information perception in consumer communities, sustainable development marketing and transformation processes in the labour market.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/02/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-47 PRELIMINARY INJUCTION GRANTED AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR MASS FIRINGS OF FEDERAL PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-47 PRELIMINARY INJUCTION GRANTED AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR MASS FIRINGS OF FEDERAL PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES

    Posted on Apr 1, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

    ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNE LOPEZ WINS PRELIMINARY INJUCTION AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR MASS FIRINGS OF FEDERAL PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES

     

    News Release 2025-47

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

    April 1, 2025

    HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez and a coalition of 20 attorneys general have secured a preliminary injunction (PI) in a lawsuit against numerous federal agencies for the unlawful mass firing of federal probationary employees. The suit, Maryland et al. v. USDA, was filed in the United States District Court for Maryland.

     

    The PI protects federal probationary employees who live or work in the plaintiff states and orders 20 federal agencies to reinstate unlawfully terminated probationary employees while the court case continues. The PI also requires those agencies to follow lawful procedures in conducting any future reductions in force.  

     

    “The granting of this injunction sends a clear message that the government must follow certain laws and regulations when it comes to firing and laying off federal employees,” said Attorney General Lopez. “The federal workers who live and work in Hawaiʻi should not be treated as disposable. These agencies and their employees provide a critical safety net through social assistance programs and through state and federal partnerships.”

      

    On March 6, 2025, Attorney General Lopez joined the coalition in suing numerous federal agencies for causing irreparable injury to the plaintiff states, including Hawaiʻi. The lawsuit sought immediate relief, and a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on March 14, 2025, against 18 federal agencies. The court later extended that order by five days, setting an expiration date of April 1, which would have resulted in devastating impacts on the plaintiff states, as well as their probationary federal employees.  

      

    The PI extends the court’s earlier order requiring the federal agencies to stop the unlawful mass firings and to give those employees back their jobs while the attorneys general litigate the case against the agencies. The PI ensures that for the remainder of the case, the following federal agencies cannot continue their unlawful conduct:  

     

    U.S. Department of Agriculture    U.S. Department of Transportation  
    U.S. Department of Commerce   U.S. Department of Treasury  
    U.S. Department of Defense   U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs  
    U.S. Department of Education   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau  
    U.S. Department of Energy   Environmental Protection Agency  
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation  
    U.S. Department of Homeland Security   General Services Administration  
    U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development   Office of Personnel Management  
    U.S. Department of Interior    Small Business Administration  
    U.S. Department of Labor   United States Agency for International Development   

      

    The state of Hawaiʻi is represented in this litigation by Special Assistant to the Attorney General Dave Day and Solicitor General Kalikoʻonālani Fernandes.

     

    Attorney General Lopez was joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

    # # #

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284

    Email: [email protected]

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024-46 ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ SUES HHS, SEC. ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. TO OVERTURN PUBLIC HEALTH GRANT CUTS

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2024-46 ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ SUES HHS, SEC. ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. TO OVERTURN PUBLIC HEALTH GRANT CUTS

    Posted on Apr 1, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

     

    ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNE LOPEZ SUES HHS, SEC. ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. TO OVERTURN PUBLIC HEALTH GRANT CUTS

     

     

    News Release 2025-46

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

    April 1, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez today joined a coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., for abruptly and illegally terminating nearly $12 billion in critical public health grants to the states.

     

    The grant terminations, which came with no warning or legally valid explanation, have quickly caused chaos for state health agencies that continue to rely on these critical funds for a wide range of urgent public health needs such as infectious disease management, fortifying emergency preparedness, providing mental health and substance abuse services, and modernizing public health infrastructure.

     

    Hawai‘i stands to lose more than $89 million from these cancellations by HHS. The federal grants fund Hawai‘i Department of Health contracts for data infrastructure and modernization, community support services, substance abuse prevention services, public health staff, and capital improvements and equipment upgrades for state labs on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. If the funding is not restored, many of these contracts may have to be terminated.

    “The HHS cuts threaten the urgent public health needs of Hawaiʻi and other states around the country at a time when emerging disease threats—such as measles and bird flu—are on the rise,” Governor Josh Green warned.

     

    Congress authorized and appropriated new and increased funding for these grants in COVID-19-related legislation to support critical public health needs. Many of these grants are from specific programs created by Congress, such as block grants to states for mental health and substance abuse and addiction services. Yet, with no legal authority or explanation, Secretary Kennedy’s HHS agencies on March 24 arbitrarily terminated these grants “for cause” effective immediately claiming that the pandemic is over and the grants are no longer necessary.

     

    “Congress made wide-ranging public health investments that support and protect community health programs, prepare states for future health threats and fund local partnerships with community health providers,” said Attorney General Lopez. “Hawaiʻi relied upon the federal government’s legally binding obligations. Terminating hundreds of millions of dollars in in federal grants obligated to Hawaiʻi that have already been appropriated by Congress, without notice, is unlawful and harms our most vulnerable and underserved communities,” said Attorney General Lopez.

     

    In its lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, the coalition of attorneys general assert that the mass terminations violate federal law because the end of the pandemic is not a “for cause” basis for ending the grants, especially since none of the appropriated funds are tied to the end of the pandemic which occurred more than a year ago. HHS’ position, up until a few days ago, was that the end of the pandemic did not affect the availability of these grant funds. Moreover, for some of the grants, termination “for cause” is not a permissible basis for termination, yet the federal government unlawfully terminated them.

     

    With this lawsuit, Attorney General Lopez and the coalition are seeking a temporary restraining order to invalidate Secretary Kennedy’s and HHS’ mass grant terminations in the suing states, arguing that the actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act. The states are also asking the court to prevent HHS from maintaining or reinstating the terminations and any agency actions implementing them.

     

    The state of Hawaiʻi is represented in this litigation by Special Assistant to the Attorney General Dave Day and Solicitor General Kalikoʻonālani Fernandes.

     

    Attorney General Lopez is joined by the attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin, and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

     

    # # #

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Announces Judicial Appointments

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

    GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN ANNOUNCES JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 1, 2025

    HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced his selections to fill three judicial vacancies. He has appointed Taryn R. T. Gifford and Karin L. Holma to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit. Gifford will fill the vacancy left by Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park and Holma will fill the anticipated vacancy of Judge Dean E. Ochiai this summer, pending Senate confirmation. These appointments follow Governor Green’s recent selection of Kauanoe A. D. Jackson to the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (Hawaiʻi Island), marking a historic moment as all three of his latest judicial nominees are women. The nominees were selected from a list provided by the Judicial Selection Commission.

    Taryn R. T. Gifford currently serves as supervising attorney in the Office of the Public Defender. She is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and has dedicated her legal career to ensuring fair representation for all individuals in the justice system.

    District Judge Karin L. Holma serves in the District Court of the First Circuit and has been temporarily assigned as a Circuit Judge in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit. She is a graduate of the Willamette University College of Law and brings extensive experience in both trial and appellate law.

    Recently, Governor Green also nominated Kauanoe A. D. Jackson to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit for a 10-year term. Jackson, currently the supervising deputy prosecuting attorney in the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney – West Hawaiʻi office, has served in progressively senior roles since joining the office in 2007.

    Governor Green expressed confidence in his selections:
    “Taryn Gifford and Karin Holma are highly accomplished legal professionals whose knowledge, experience, and dedication to justice will serve the people of Hawaiʻi well on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Alongside Kauanoe Jackson’s nomination to the Circuit Court, these appointments underscore my commitment to selecting strong, fair-minded, and highly qualified individuals to serve in our courts. I am proud to nominate these three exceptional women to the bench.”

    Taryn R. T. Gifford stated:
    “I am truly honored and grateful for this nomination. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure access to justice for all individuals and I look forward to bringing that commitment to my service on the Circuit Court of the First Circuit.”

    Karin L. Holma shared:
    “This is a privilege and I thank Governor Green for his trust in my ability to serve the people of Hawaiʻi. I am committed to upholding the rule of law with fairness and integrity.”

    Previously, Kauanoe A. D. Jackson stated:
    “I am deeply honored by Governor Green’s nomination and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community in this new capacity. I look forward to upholding justice with fairness, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the people of Hawai‘i Island.”

    Governor Green’s judicial appointments now await Senate confirmation. If confirmed, the appointees will play a vital role in shaping Hawaiʻi’s judicial landscape for years to come.

    A photo of Judicial nominee Tomasa can be found here.
    A photo of Judicial nominee Holma can be found here.
    A photo of Judicial nominee Jackson can be found here.

    # # #

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Tuesday, 1 April 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-04-01

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Tuesday, 1 April 2025 – Strasbourg

     Abbreviations and symbols

    + adopted
    rejected
    lapsed
    W withdrawn
    RCV roll-call votes
    EV electronic vote
    SEC secret ballot
    split split vote
    sep separate vote
    am amendment
    CA compromise amendment
    CP corresponding part
    D deleting amendment
    = identical amendments
    § paragraph

    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:01.


    2. Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025 (debate)

    European Council and Commission statements: Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025 (2024/2980(RSP))

    António Costa (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Manfred Weber, on behalf of the PPE Group, Iratxe García Pérez, on behalf of the S&D Group, Kinga Gál, on behalf of the PfE Group, Nicola Procaccini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Valérie Hayer, on behalf of the Renew Group, Terry Reintke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Manon Aubry, on behalf of The Left Group, Alexander Sell, on behalf of the ESN Group, Dolors Montserrat, Raphaël Glucksmann, Jean-Paul Garraud, Patryk Jaki, Billy Kelleher, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Pasquale Tridico, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Ruth Firmenich, Siegfried Mureşan, Paolo Borchia, Nicolas Bay, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Hannah Neumann, Li Andersson, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Željana Zovko, Alex Agius Saliba, Anna Bryłka, Charlie Weimers, Hilde Vautmans, Reinier Van Lanschot, Paulo Cunha, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Christel Schaldemose, Gilles Pennelle, Carlo Fidanza, Svenja Hahn, Tom Berendsen (the President spoke about Siegbert Frank Droese’s behaviour following Hannah Neumann’s speech), Javier Moreno Sánchez, Harald Vilimsky, Johan Van Overtveldt, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Reinhold Lopatka, Dan Nica, Emmanouil Fragkos, Ľubica Karvašová, Danuše Nerudová, Marta Temido, Anna Zalewska, Karlo Ressler, Elio Di Rupo, François-Xavier Bellamy, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Brando Benifei.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Dariusz Joński, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Anna Maria Cisint, Sebastian Tynkkynen, João Oliveira, Siegbert Frank Droese, Lukas Sieper, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Bruno Gonçalves and Seán Kelly.

    The following spoke: Maroš Šefčovič (Member of the Commission) and António Costa.

    The debate closed.


    3. Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine: standing with Ukraine and upholding justice (debate)

    Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine: standing with Ukraine and upholding justice (2025/2635(RSP))

    The President said that there would be only one round of political group speakers and no catch-the-eye procedure or blue-card questions.

    Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Sandra Kalniete, on behalf of the PPE Group, Thijs Reuten, on behalf of the S&D Group, Anders Vistisen, on behalf of the PfE Group, Michał Dworczyk, on behalf of the ECR Group, Petras Auštrevičius, on behalf of the Renew Group, Villy Søvndal, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Martin Schirdewan, on behalf of The Left Group, and René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group.

    The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.

    The debate closed.


    4. Amendment of the agenda

    In accordance with Rule 164(2), the President proposed the following amendment of the agenda, with the agreement of the political groups:

    Wednesday/Thursday

    The vote on ‘Energy-intensive industries’ (item 24 on the agenda) would be held over until voting time on Thursday.

    Parliament agreed to the proposal.

    The agenda was amended accordingly.

    (The sitting was suspended at 11:54.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    5. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:01.


    6. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    6.1. Amending Directives (EU) 2022/2464 and (EU) 2024/1760 as regards the dates from which Member States are to apply certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements ***I (vote)

    Amending Directives (EU) 2022/2464 and (EU) 2024/1760 as regards the dates from which Member States are to apply certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements (COM(2025)0080 – C10-0038/2025 – 2025/0044(COD)) – JURI Committee

    REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION by the PPE Group (Rule 170(6))

    Approved

    The following tabling deadlines had been set:

    – amendments: Wednesday 2 April 2025 at 13:00
    – requests for separate votes and split votes: Wednesday 2 April 2025 at 19:00.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.

    The following had spoken:

    Tomas Tobé, on behalf of the PPE Group (the author of the request), and Manon Aubry against.

    Detailed voting results


    6.2. Request for waiver of the immunity of Jana Nagyová (vote)

    Report on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Jana Nagyová [2024/2035(IMM)] – Committee on Legal Affairs. Rapporteur: Krzysztof Śmiszek (A10-0029/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0040)

    Detailed voting results


    6.3. Request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron (vote)

    Report on the request for waiver of the immunity of Petr Bystron [2024/2048(IMM)] – Committee on Legal Affairs. Rapporteur: Dominik Tarczyński (A10-0030/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0041)

    Detailed voting results


    6.4. Request for waiver of the immunity of Maciej Wąsik (vote)

    Report on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Maciej Wąsik [2024/2043(IMM)] – Committee on Legal Affairs. Rapporteur: Mario Furore (A10-0031/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0042)

    Detailed voting results


    6.5. Request for waiver of the immunity of Mariusz Kamiński (vote)

    Report on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Mariusz Kamiński [2024/2046(IMM)] – Committee on Legal Affairs. Rapporteur: Mario Furore (A10-0032/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0043)

    Detailed voting results


    6.6. Partial renewal of a member of the Court of Auditors – Lucian Romașcanu (vote)

    Report on the nomination of Lucian Romașcanu as a Member of the Court of Auditors [05958/2025 – C10-0010/2025 – 2025/0801(NLE)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Tomáš Zdechovský (A10-0039/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)
    (Secret ballot (Rule 133(3)))

    APPOINTMENT OF LUCIAN ROMAȘCANU

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0044)

    The list of Members voting is annexed to these minutes (minutes of 1.4.2025 Annex 1)

    Detailed voting results


    6.7. Common data platform on chemicals, establishing a monitoring and outlook framework for chemicals ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common data platform on chemicals, laying down rules to ensure that the data contained in it are findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable and establishing a monitoring and outlook framework for chemicals [COM(2023)0779 – C9-0449/2023 – 2023/0453(COD)] – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. Rapporteur: Dimitris Tsiodras (A10-0018/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

    Approved by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0045)

    REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE

    Approved

    The following had spoken:

    Dimitris Tsiodras (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission’s proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for interinstitutional negotiations, in accordance with Rule 60(4).

    Detailed voting results


    6.8. Re-attribution of scientific and technical tasks to the European Chemicals Agency ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the re-attribution of scientific and technical tasks to the European Chemicals Agency [COM(2023)0781 – C9-0448/2023 – 2023/0454(COD)] – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. Rapporteur: Dimitris Tsiodras (A10-0019/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

    Approved by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0046)

    REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE

    Approved

    The following had spoken:

    Dimitris Tsiodras (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission’s proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for interinstitutional negotiations, in accordance with Rule 60(4).

    Detailed voting results


    6.9. Re-attribution of scientific and technical tasks and improving cooperation among Union agencies in the area of chemicals ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 401/2009, (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the re-attribution of scientific and technical tasks and improving cooperation among Union agencies in the area of chemicals [COM(2023)0783 – C9-0447/2023 – 2023/0455(COD)] – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. Rapporteur: Dimitris Tsiodras (A10-0020/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

    Approved by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0047)

    REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE

    Approved

    The following had spoken:

    Dimitris Tsiodras (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission’s proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for interinstitutional negotiations, in accordance with Rule 60(4).

    Detailed voting results


    6.10. Macro-financial assistance to Jordan ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on providing macro-financial assistance to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan [COM(2024)0159 – C9-0146/2024 – 2024/0086(COD)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Céline Imart (A10-0038/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0048)

    Parliament’s first reading thus closed.

    Detailed voting results

    10

    The following had spoken:

    Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission), before the vote, to make a statement.


    6.11. Macro-financial assistance to Egypt ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on providing macro-financial assistance to the Arab Republic of Egypt [COM(2024)0461 – C10-0009/2024 – 2024/0071(COD)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Céline Imart (A10-0037/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0049)

    REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE

    Approved

    Detailed voting results

    11

    Procedural motions:

    – Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission), before the vote, to make a statement.

    – Céline Imart (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission’s proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for interinstitutional negotiations, in accordance with Rule 60(4).


    6.12. Customs duties on imports of certain products originating in the USA ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2018/196 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 February 2018 on additional customs duties on imports of certain products originating in the United States of America [COM(2025)0027 – C10-0007/2025 – 2025/0012(COD)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Bernd Lange (A10-0034/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0050)

    Parliament’s first reading thus closed.

    Detailed voting results

    12

    (The sitting was suspended at 12:27.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Sabine VERHEYEN
    Vice-President

    7. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:31.


    8. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    9. CFSP and CSDP (Article 36 TUE) (joint debate)

    Report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy – 2024 annual report [2024/2080(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: David McAllister (A10-0010/2025)
    Report on the implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024 [2024/2082(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (A10-0011/2025)

    David McAllister and Nicolás Pascual de la Parte introduced the reports.

    The following spoke: Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy).

    The following spoke: Michael Gahler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Sven Mikser, on behalf of the S&D Group, Kinga Gál, on behalf of the PfE Group, Adam Bielan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Urmas Paet, on behalf of the Renew Group, Marc Botenga, on behalf of The Left Group, Stanislav Stoyanov, on behalf of the ESN Group, Rasa Juknevičienė, Tobias Cremer, António Tânger Corrêa, Alberico Gambino, Bart Groothuis, Hannah Neumann, Özlem Demirel, Marcin Sypniewski, Monika Beňová, Łukasz Kohut, Yannis Maniatis, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Rihards Kols, Hilde Vautmans, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Lynn Boylan, Hans Neuhoff, Francisco José Millán Mon, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Afroditi Latinopoulou, Nathalie Loiseau, Hanna Gedin, Salvatore De Meo, Hana Jalloul Muro, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Petras Auštrevičius, Davor Ivo Stier, who also answered a blue-card question from Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Tonino Picula, Lucia Yar, Vangelis Meimarakis, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis, Thijs Reuten, Marta Wcisło, Riho Terras, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Mārtiņš Staķis, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, and Sebastian Tynkkynen.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Tomislav Sokol, João Oliveira, Željana Zovko, Lukas Sieper and Michał Szczerba.

    The following spoke: Kaja Kallas, David McAllister and Nicolás Pascual de la Parte.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 2 April 2025.


    10. Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 (debate)

    Report on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 [2024/2081(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Isabel Wiseler-Lima (A10-0012/2025)

    Isabel Wiseler-Lima introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy).

    The following spoke: Abir Al-Sahlani (rapporteur for the opinion of the FEMM Committee), Antonio López-Istúriz White, on behalf of the PPE Group, Francisco Assis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Christophe Bay, on behalf of the PfE Group, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, on behalf of the ECR Group, Barry Andrews, on behalf of the Renew Group, Catarina Vieira, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Kathleen Funchion, on behalf of The Left Group, Petr Bystron, on behalf of the ESN Group, Reinhold Lopatka, Elisabeth Grossmann, Silvia Sardone, Sophie Wilmès, Mounir Satouri, Alvise Pérez, Liudas Mažylis, Marco Tarquinio, András László, who also answered a blue-card question from Catarina Vieira, Loucas Fourlas, Chloé Ridel, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Hermann Tertsch, Emmanouil Kefalogiannis, Evin Incir and Alice Teodorescu Måwe.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sunčana Glavak, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Lukas Sieper and Michał Wawrykiewicz.

    The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.

    IN THE CHAIR: Roberts ZĪLE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Isabel Wiseler-Lima.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 2 April 2025.


    11. Presentation of the new European Internal Security Strategy(debate)

    Commission statement: Presentation of the new European Internal Security Strategy (2025/2608(RSP))

    Magnus Brunner (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Tomas Tobé, on behalf of the PPE Group, Birgit Sippel, on behalf of the S&D Group, Fabrice Leggeri, on behalf of the PfE Group, Assita Kanko, on behalf of the ECR Group, Malik Azmani, on behalf of the Renew Group, Saskia Bricmont, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giuseppe Antoci, on behalf of The Left Group, Mary Khan, on behalf of the ESN Group, Jeroen Lenaers, Thijs Reuten, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Alessandro Ciriani, Moritz Körner, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Lena Düpont, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Petra Steger, Mariusz Kamiński, François-Xavier Bellamy, Marieke Ehlers, Charlie Weimers, Javier Zarzalejos, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Dariusz Joński, Paulo Cunha, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Elena Donazzan, Maciej Wąsik and Gheorghe Piperea.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Dariusz Joński, José Cepeda, João Oliveira, Sunčana Glavak, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Ana Miguel Pedro and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Henna Virkkunen (Executive Vice-President of the Commission).

    The debate closed.


    12. EU Preparedness Union Strategy (debate)

    Commission statement: EU Preparedness Union Strategy (2025/2641(RSP))

    Hadja Lahbib (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Lena Düpont, on behalf of the PPE Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Pina PICIERNO
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Yannis Maniatis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Roberto Vannacci, on behalf of the PfE Group, Beata Szydło, on behalf of the ECR Group, Grégory Allione, on behalf of the Renew Group, Diana Riba i Giner, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Ana Miranda Paz, on the language used by a Member during this debate (the President agreed), Merja Kyllönen, on behalf of The Left Group, Christine Anderson, on behalf of the ESN Group (the President reminded the House of the rules on conduct), Lukas Mandl, Christophe Clergeau, Christophe Bay, Elena Donazzan, Anna-Maja Henriksson, Ville Niinistö, Catarina Martins, Cecilia Strada, who referred to the speech of Roberto Vannacci (the President reiterated the need to respect the rules on conduct), Kostas Papadakis, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Tomislav Sokol, Heléne Fritzon, Barbara Bonte, Adrian-George Axinia, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Alvise Pérez, Nathalie Loiseau, Lena Schilling, Luke Ming Flanagan, Massimiliano Salini, Annalisa Corrado, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Grégory Allione, Michał Dworczyk, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Leire Pajín, Matej Tonin, Tobias Cremer, Victor Negrescu and Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Hélder Sousa Silva, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Ana Miranda Paz, Cecilia Strada, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, João Oliveira and Maria Zacharia.

    The following spoke: Hadja Lahbib.

    The debate closed.


    13. Improving the implementation of cohesion policy through the mid-term review to achieve a robust cohesion policy post 2027 (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Improving the implementation of cohesion policy through the mid-term review to achieve a robust cohesion policy post 2027 (2025/2648(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Raffaele Fitto (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Andrey Novakov, on behalf of the PPE Group, Mohammed Chahim, on behalf of the S&D Group, Rody Tolassy, on behalf of the PfE Group, Denis Nesci, on behalf of the ECR Group, Ľubica Karvašová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Cristina Guarda, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Elena Kountoura, on behalf of the The Left Group, Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Marcos Ros Sempere, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Ciaran Mullooly, Gordan Bosanac, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper.

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Victor Negrescu, Antonella Sberna, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Christian Doleschal, Carla Tavares, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Elsi Katainen, Elena Nevado del Campo, who also answered a blue-card question from Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Estelle Ceulemans, Joachim Streit, Jacek Protas and Hannes Heide.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nikolina Brnjac, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Ana Miranda Paz, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Francisco José Millán Mon, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral and Maria Grapini.

    The following spoke: Raffaele Fitto and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    14. Safeguarding the access to democratic media, such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (debate)

    Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Safeguarding the access to democratic media, such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (2025/2630(RSP))

    Marta Kos (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

    The following spoke: Sebastião Bugalho, on behalf of the PPE Group, Nils Ušakovs, on behalf of the S&D Group, António Tânger Corrêa, on behalf of the PfE Group, Małgorzata Gosiewska, on behalf of the ECR Group, Irena Joveva, on behalf of the Renew Group, Virginijus Sinkevičius, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Milan Uhrík, on behalf of the ESN Group, Andrey Kovatchev, Francisco Assis, Hermann Tertsch, Alexandr Vondra, Dan Barna, Mary Khan, who also answered a blue-card question from Tomáš Zdechovský, Erik Kaliňák, who also answered a blue-card question from Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Ondřej Kolář, Robert Biedroń, Virginie Joron, Rihards Kols, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Petar Volgin, Fidias Panayiotou, Rasa Juknevičienė, Hannes Heide, Csaba Dömötör, who also answered a blue-card question from Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Laurence Farreng, Elena Yoncheva, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Evin Incir, who also answered a blue-card question from Fidias Panayiotou, and Julien Sanchez.

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Helmut Brandstätter, Mika Aaltola, Michał Kobosko, Alice Teodorescu Måwe and Tomáš Zdechovský.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Radan Kanev, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă and Gabriella Gerzsenyi.

    The following spoke: Marta Kos.

    The debate closed.


    15. Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu (debate)

    Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu (2025/2642(RSP))

    Marta Kos (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

    The following spoke: Emmanouil Kefalogiannis, on behalf of the PPE Group, Nacho Sánchez Amor, on behalf of the S&D Group, Susanna Ceccardi, on behalf of the PfE Group, Assita Kanko, on behalf of the ECR Group, Malik Azmani, on behalf of the Renew Group, Vladimir Prebilič, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giorgos Georgiou, on behalf of The Left Group, Michalis Hadjipantela, Kathleen Van Brempt, Mathilde Androuët, Bernard Guetta, Mélissa Camara, Özlem Demirel, Reinhold Lopatka, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Željana Zovko, Nikos Papandreou, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi and Dario Nardella.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ana Miranda Paz, Hanna Gedin, Maria Zacharia, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, Lukas Sieper and Fidias Panayiotou.

    The following spoke: Marta Kos.

    The debate closed.


    16. Dramatic situation in Gaza and the need for an immediate return to the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement (debate)

    Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Dramatic situation in Gaza and the need for an immediate return to the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement (2025/2644(RSP))

    Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Hildegard Bentele, on behalf of the PPE Group, Evin Incir, on behalf of the S&D Group, Fabrice Leggeri, on behalf of the PfE Group, Bert-Jan Ruissen, on behalf of the ECR Group, Hilde Vautmans, on behalf of the Renew Group, Villy Søvndal, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Irene Montero, on behalf of The Left Group, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Hana Jalloul Muro, Barry Andrews, Ana Miranda Paz, Giorgos Georgiou, Ondřej Kolář, who also answered a blue-card question from Rima Hassan, and Matjaž Nemec.

    IN THE CHAIR: Ewa KOPACZ
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Tomáš Kubín, Leoluca Orlando, Danilo Della Valle, Céline Imart, who also answered a blue-card question from Benedetta Scuderi, Marta Temido, Saskia Bricmont, Estrella Galán, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Mimmo Lucano, and Marit Maij and Benedetta Scuderi, on the language sometimes used during this debate (the President took note).

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Davor Ivo Stier, Daniel Attard, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Vladimir Prebilič and Marc Botenga.

    The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.

    The debate closed.


    17. Targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security (2025/2612(RSP))

    Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Lukas Mandl, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marit Maij, on behalf of the S&D Group, Thierry Mariani, on behalf of the PfE Group, Patryk Jaki, on behalf of the ECR Group, Hilde Vautmans, on behalf of the Renew Group, Mounir Satouri, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Marc Botenga, on behalf of The Left Group, Tomasz Froelich, on behalf of the ESN Group, Wouter Beke, Francisco Assis, György Hölvényi, Alexander Sell, Nikolaos Anadiotis, Reinhold Lopatka, Anja Arndt, Ingeborg Ter Laak and Davor Ivo Stier.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Saskia Bricmont, Bert-Jan Ruissen and Sebastian Tynkkynen.

    The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate: minutes of 3.4.2025, item I.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 3 April 2025.


    18. Explanations of vote


    18.1. Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    19. Agenda of the next sitting

    The next sitting would be held the following day, 2 April 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.


    20. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.


    21. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 22:07.


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Documents received

    The following documents had been received from committees:

    – Report on Parliament’s estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2026 (2024/2111(BUI)) – BUDG Committee – Rapporteur: Matjaž Nemec (A10-0048/2025)


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Barley Katarina, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firea Gabriela, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Friis Sigrid, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Gregorová Markéta, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Kohut Łukasz, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Martins Catarina, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Nica Dan, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Omarjee Younous, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ştefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Verheyen Sabine, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan


    ANNEX 1 – Partial renewal of a member of the Court of Auditors – Lucian Romașcanu

    MEMBERS VOTING IN THE SECRET BALLOT

    ECR:
    Alexandraki, Axinia, Bartulica, Bay Nicolas, Berlato, Bielan, Bocheński, Brudziński, Buda Waldemar, Cavedagna, Ciccioli, Ciriani, Crosetto, Donazzan, Dworczyk, Erixon, Fidanza, Fiocchi, Fragkos, Gambino, Geadi, Gemma, Gosiewska, Inselvini, Jaki, Junco García, Kamiński, Kartheiser, Kols, Krutílek, Madison, Magoni, Maląg, Mantovani, Maréchal, Milazzo, Mularczyk, Müller, Nesci, Ozdoba, Peltier, Picaro, Piperea, Polato, Pozņaks, Procaccini, Razza, Ruissen, Rzońca, Sberna, Solier, Squarta, Storm, Sturdza, Szydło, Tarczyński, Târziu, Teodorescu, Terheş, Timgren, Tomaszewski, Torselli, Trochu, Tynkkynen, Valchev, Van Dijck, Van Overtveldt, Veryga, Vivaldini, Vondra, Vrecionová, Wąsik, Weimers, Wiśniewska, Zalewska, Zīle, Złotowski

    ESN:
    Anderson, Arndt, Aust, Bausemer, Borvendég, Boßdorf, Buchheit, David, Droese, Froelich, Gražulis, Jongen, Jungbluth, Khan, Knafo, Laykova, Mazurek, Neuhoff, Sell, Stoyanov, Sypniewski, Tyszka, Uhrík, Volgin

    NI:
    Anadiotis, Beňová, Blaha, Braun, De Masi, Dostál, Firmenich, Geisel, Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Kaliňák, Konečná, Laššáková, Lazarus, Nikolaou-Alavanos, Panayiotou, Papadakis, Pérez, Pürner, Roth Neveďalová, Sonneborn, von der Schulenburg, Warnke, Yoncheva, Zacharia

    PPE:
    Aaltola, Abadía Jover, Adamowicz, Aftias, Agius, Arias Echeverría, Arimont, Arłukowicz, Beke, Beleris, Bellamy, Benjumea Benjumea, Bentele, Berendsen, Berger, Bernhuber, Bogdan, Brejza, Brnjac, Buda Daniel, Budka, Bugalho, Buła, Carberry, Casa, Caspary, Castillo, Chinnici, Crespo Díaz, Cunha, Dahl, Dávid, de la Hoz Quintano, De Meo, Doherty, Doleschal, Do Nascimento Cabral, Düpont, Ehler, Estaràs Ferragut, Ezcurra Almansa, Falcă, Falcone, Farský, Ferber, Fourlas, Gahler, Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Gerzsenyi, Geuking, Gieseke, Giménez Larraz, Glavak, González Pons, Gotink, Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Hadjipantela, Halicki, Hansen, Hava, Herbst, Herranz García, Hetman, Hohlmeier, Humberto, Imart, Jarubas, Joński, Juknevičienė, Kanev, Kemp, Kircher, Kohut, Kolář, Kollár, Kopacz, Kovatchev, Kulja, Lakos, Lazarov, Lenaers, Lexmann, Liese, Lins, Lopatka, López-Istúriz White, Łukacijewska, McAllister, Mandl, Marczułajtis-Walczak, Mato, Maydell, Mažylis, Mehnert, Meimarakis, Mertens, Millán Mon, Montserrat, Morano, Motreanu, Mureşan, Navarrete Rojas, Nerudová, Nevado del Campo, Niedermayer, Novakov, Nykiel, Pascual de la Parte, Pedro, Pereira, Pietikäinen, Polfjärd, Popescu, Princi, Protas, Radev, Radtke, Ratas, Ressler, Ripa, Salini, Salla, Saudargas, Schenk, Schwab, Seekatz, Sienkiewicz, Simon, Smit, Solís Pérez, Sommen, Sousa Silva, Stier, Szczerba, Tarr, Teodorescu Måwe, Ter Laak, Terras, Tobé, Tomašič, Tomc, Tonin, Tosi, Tsiodras, Vaidere, Van Leeuwen, Verheyen, Voss, Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Vázquez Lázara, Walsh, Walsmann, Warborn, Wawrykiewicz, Wcisło, Weber, Wechsler, Winkler, Winzig, Wiseler-Lima, Zarzalejos, Zdechovský, Zdrojewski, Zoido Álvarez, Zovko, Zver

    PfE:
    Androuët, Annemans, Bartůšek, Bay Christophe, Blom, Bonte, Borchia, Borrás Pabón, Brasier-Clain, Bryłka, Buczek, Buxadé Villalba, Bžoch, Ceccardi, Cisint, Dauchy, Deloge, Deutsch, Diepeveen, Dieringer, Disdier, Dömötör, Dostalova, Ehlers, Ferenc, Frigout, Furet, Gál, Garraud, Girauta Vidal, Griset, Győri, Gyürk, Haider, Hauser, Hölvényi, Jamet, Joron, Knotek, Kovařík, Krištopans, Kruis, Kubín, László, Latinopoulou, Leggeri, Leonardelli, Mariani, Mayer, Moreira de Sá, Nagyová, Pennelle, Piera, Pimpie, de la Pisa Carrión, Pokorná Jermanová, Rougé, Sanchez, Sardone, Schaller-Baross, Sorel, Stancanelli, Steger, Stöteler, Szekeres, Tânger Corrêa, Tertsch, Thionnet, Tolassy, Tovaglieri, Turek, Vandendriessche, Vannacci, Varaut, Vicsek, Vilimsky, Vistisen, Werbrouck, Zijlstra

    Renew:
    Agirregoitia Martínez, Allione, Al-Sahlani, Auštrevičius, Azmani, Baljeu, Barna, Bosse, Boyer, Brandstätter, Canfin, Chastel, Christensen, Cotrim De Figueiredo, Cowen, Devaux, Eroglu, Farreng, Friis, García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Gerbrandy, Glück, Goerens, Gozi, Groothuis, Grudler, Guetta, Hahn, Henriksson, Ijabs, Joveva, Karlsbro, Karvašová, Katainen, Kelleher, Keller, Kobosko, Körner, Kulmuni, Kyuchyuk, Loiseau, McNamara, Minchev, Mullooly, Ní Mhurchú, Ódor, Oetjen, Paet, Petrov, Šarec, Singer, Strack-Zimmermann, Streit, Stürgkh, Tomac, Toom, Van Brug, van den Berg, Vasconcelos, Vasile-Voiculescu, Vautmans, Vedrenne, Verougstraete, Wiesner, Wiezik, Wilmès, Yar, Žalimas

    S&D:
    Agius Saliba, Andriukaitis, Angel, Annunziata, Arnaoutoglou, Assis, Attard, Bajada, Ballarín Cereza, Barley, Benifei, Biedroń, Bischoff, Blinkevičiūtė, Bonaccini, Borzan, Bullmann, Burkhardt, Cârciu, Cepeda, Ceulemans, Chahim, Clergeau, Corrado, Costanzo, Cremer, Cristea, Danielsson, Decaro, Dibrani, Dîncu, Di Rupo, Dobrev, Ecke, Eriksson, Fernández, Firea, Fita, Fuglsang, Gálvez, García Pérez, Geier, Germain, Glucksmann, Gomes, Gómez López, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, Gori, Grapini, Grossmann, Gualmini, Guzenina, Heide, Heinäluoma, Homs Ginel, Incir, Jalloul Muro, Jerković, Jouvet, Kalfon, Kaljurand, Lalucq, Lange, Laurent, Laureti, López, López Aguilar, Luena, Lupo, Maestre, Maij, Maniatis, Maran, Mebarek, Mendes, Mikser, Molnár, Moreno Sánchez, Moretti, Muşoiu, Nardella, Negrescu, Nemec, Nica, Noichl, Ó Ríordáin, Pajín, Papandreou, Pellerin-Carlin, Penkova, Picula, Rafowicz, Regner, Repasi, Repp, Reuten, Ricci, Ridel, Rodrigues, Ros Sempere, Sánchez Amor, Sancho Murillo, Sargiacomo, Schaldemose, Scheuring-Wielgus, Schieder, Serrano Sierra, Sidl, Sippel, Śmiszek, Strada, Tarquinio, Temido, Tinagli, Tobback, Topo, Ušakovs, Van Brempt, Vešligaj, Vigenin, Vind, Wölken, Wolters, Zingaretti

    The Left:
    Andersson, Antoci, Arvanitis, Aubry, Barrena Arza, Botenga, Boylan, Carême, Chaibi, Clausen, Della Valle, Demirel, Everding, Farantouris, Flanagan, Fourreau, Funchion, Furore, Galán, Georgiou, Hassan, Kennes, Kountoura, Kyllönen, Lucano, Martins, Mesure, Montero, Morace, Oliveira, Omarjee, Palmisano, Pappas, Pedulla’, Rackete, Salis, Saramo, Schirdewan, Sjöstedt, Smith, Tamburrano, Tridico

    Verts/ALE:
    Andresen, Asens Llodrà, Bloss, Boeselager, Bosanac, Bricmont, Camara, Cavazzini, Cormand, Eickhout, Freund, Geese, Gregorová, Guarda, Häusling, Holmgren, Kuhnke, Langensiepen, Lövin, Marino, Marquardt, Marzà Ibáñez, Matthieu, Metz, Miranda Paz, Neumann, Niinistö, Nordqvist, Ohisalo, Orlando, Paulus, Peter-Hansen, Prebilič, Reintke, Riba i Giner, Riehl, Satouri, Sbai, Schilling, Scuderi, Sinkevičius, Søvndal, Staķis, Ştefănuță, Strik, Strolenberg, Tegethoff, Toussaint, Van Lanschot, Van Sparrentak, Vieira, Waitz

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for small and medium-sized enterprises and challenges posed by the new Directive on liability for defective products – E-001194/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001194/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    The new Directive (EU) 2024/2853[1], which must be implemented by 9 December 2026, broadens the definition of ‘products’ to include software, digital files, raw materials, electricity and artificial intelligence. Companies can now be held liable for the malfunction and failure of these products, with, for example, compensation claims possible for personal injury, damage to property, loss of data or personal data breaches. Liability extends to manufacturers, importers, distributors and agents, i.e. everyone in the supply chain.

    The directive includes provisions that shift both the obligation to comply and the burden of proof to producers, especially for complex products. The changes are expected to increase the cost of compliance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in countries such as Greece, where there are many such businesses and they continue to face economic challenges. It should be noted that in Greece there are 73 SMEs per 1 000 inhabitants i.e. 82 % more than the European average, which is 40[2].

    In light of the above:

    What specific measures does the Commission intend to take to help SMEs, particularly in Greece, to adapt to these regulatory changes without undermining their competitiveness and economic recovery?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2853/oj/eng
    • [2] SME Country Fact Sheet Greece, European Commission Ref. Ares (2016)1073191, https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/15766/attachments/14/translations/en/renditions/pdf.
    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Introduces SmartThings Powered ‘Customized Cooling’; delivering intelligent automation, improved energy efficiency, and comfortable sleep environment

    Source: Samsung

    The struggle of sleepless summer nights is finally over. Samsung, India’s leading consumer electronics brand, is redefining home cooling with its latest innovation – ‘Customized Cooling’. This first-of-its-kind feature synchronizes Samsung Smart Air Conditioners with WWST (Works with SmartThings) certified fans and switches, delivering uninterrupted comfort while optimizing energy efficiency.
     
    Why Do We Wake Up Tired? The Science Behind Sleep & Cooling
    India’s electricity demand is growing at 6-7% annually, driven in part by increased use of air conditioners during the summer months (IEA Report). Despite this, many households still rely on both air conditioners and fans for comfort.
     
    In fact, Samsung’s consumer experience study reveals that most of the Indian homes have at least three fans, highlighting the significant role these devices play in daily life. Moreover 50% of Indian consumer’s use both simultaneously, frequently adjusting settings throughout the night by turning the AC off when it becomes too cold or back on when the room warms up.
     
    This constant adjustment not only disrupts sleep but also leads to higher energy consumption and discomfort. Recognizing this challenge, Samsung has introduced ‘Customized Cooling’, a SmartThings-powered solution in the 2025 Bespoke AI range of Air conditioners that automatically maintains a consistently comfortable temperature throughout the night – and even during the day – without the need for manual adjustments.
     
    This seamless integration synchronizes Samsung Smart ACs with SmartThings-certified fans and switches, ensuring enhanced comfort along with reduced electricity bills.
     
    “At Samsung, we believe true comfort goes beyond cooling – it’s about intelligent, personalized experiences that adapt to the user’s needs. Indian consumers often rely on a combination of ACs and fans to stay comfortable, especially at night. With Customized Cooling, we are eliminating the hassle of frequent adjustments by seamlessly operating the 2025 Bespoke AI range of ACs with SmartThings-certified fans and switches. This brings peace of mind, energy efficiency, and uninterrupted rest,” said Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances, Samsung India.
     
     Moreover, while the feature is designed to optimize sleep, it’s equally useful for staying comfortable throughout the day without compromising comfort or energy savings, he further added.
     
    Smart, Energy-Efficient, and Sustainable
     
    The ‘Customized Cooling’ feature eliminates the need for manual adjustments, ensuring a balanced and restful night’s sleep. It automatically adapts to surrounding environment, adjusts fan and AC settings in sync, to maintain a comfortable room environment during sleep or any time of day, while reducing power consumption.
     
    Available within SmartThings Energy Service, the ‘Customized Cooling’ feature ensures both comfort and sustainability. The feature is compatible with WWST-certified smart fans and smart switches, allowing users to integrate it effortlessly into their smart homes.
     
    With this integrated SmartThings experience, Samsung is transforming how consumers experience home cooling. Whether it is ensuring comfortable sleep or providing smart comfort effortless during the day, the tug-of-war between AC and fan settings is finally over – because when technology works for you, comfort comes easy!
     
    About SmartThings
    SmartThings is a leading provider of smart home solutions, dedicated to making your life easier, more comfortable, and more sustainable. Our innovative products and services empower you to take control of your home environment, optimize energy usage, and create a smarter, more connected living space.
     

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Wins Nine Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews Awards, Hitting a Record High

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Wins Nine Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews Awards, Hitting a Record High

    [Shenzhen, China, April 2, 2025] On April 1, Lightwave, a world-renowned telecom media, presented its Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews winners. Huawei won nine awards with its OptiXtrans DC908 Pro, C+L Dual-band WSS module, OptiXtrans DX808, OptiXtrans E9600/6600 series, OptiX OSN 9800 K36, 50G PON solution, Premium Broadband solution, FTTR-B solution, and FTTO solution. This was Huawei’s highest number of Lightwave Reviews honors and also the most of any vendor this year, demonstrating the company’s technical leadership in the optical network field.
    Huawei Wins Nine Lightwave Innovation Reviews Awards

    Lightwave has been organizing and presenting the annual Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews awards in optical communications for many years. The panel of judges consists of carriers, analysts, communications vendors, media, engineers, and researchers from universities. It is one of the most influential technical awards for the optical networks sector. Huawei’s nine honor-winning products and their categories are as follows:
    Huawei OptiXtrans DC908 Pro Won the DCI Platforms award
    DC908 Pro implements ultra-broadband, simplified, and intelligent all-optical interconnection between distributed data centers. The single-wavelength rate reaches up to 2 Tbps, and the single-fiber capacity reaches 96 Tbps. The innovative Storage + Optical Connection Coordination (SOCC) optimizes the protection performance from the aspects of storage I/O links and optical links, thereby greatly slashing the exception duration of financial transactions.
    Huawei C+L Dual-band WSS Module Won the Optical Components award
    The C+L-band integrated wavelength selective switch (WSS) can groom 240 wavelengths in C band and L band in any direction within one single module, doubling the module integration and grooming capability. OXC using C+L WSS can provide an optical-layer grooming capability greater than 3 Pbps.
    Huawei OptiXtrans DX808 Won the Optical Subsystems award
    OptiXtrans DX808 is an industry-leading all-optical switch used in data centers. It introduces the all-optical cross-connect (OXC) technology to data center networks (DCNs) and supports 256 x 256 non-blocking all-optical switching. The power consumption of the entire system is lower than 300 W. It also supports inter-generational reuse of DCNs at intelligent computing centers, increasing the network scale and efficiency of intelligent computing clusters.
    Huawei OptiXtrans E9600/E6600 Series Won the Optical Transport Systems award
    OptiXtrans E9600/6600 series is the industry’s first product that supports fgOTN. Designed for private production networks in industries such as electric power and transportation, it supports one network to carry different services, 10M to 100G+ elastic bandwidth, and 99.9999% ultra-high reliability, meeting deterministic computing requirements in the AI era.
    Huawei OptiX OSN 9800 K36 Won the Optical Transport Systems award
    OSN 9800 K36 is the industry’s first OTN platform for the AI era, with a single-subrack capacity of 100T, ultra-high energy efficiency, and super intelligent enabling network reliability of 99.9999%. At the recently held MWC25, the latest K12 platform with a smaller size was released, and the new hitless switching technology is introduced to improve the intelligent computing collaboration efficiency.
    Huawei 50G PON Solution Won the FTTH/Optical Access Platforms award
    Based on the MA5800T series products, the industry’s first commercial 50G PON solution supports high-density deployment of 8-port/16-port symmetric/asymmetric triple-mode 50G PON. It also supports smooth upgrade without changing existing ODNs.
    Huawei Premium Broadband Solution Won the Monitoring & Analysis award
    Premium Broadband Solution provides visible and manageable home broadband experience, and introduces AI technologies to build “HBB(Home Broadband) Agent”. It proactively identifies experience issues and performs intelligent optimization to reduce the user churn rate. For user complaints, the solution supports remote fault locating and fast handling, cutting OPEX.
    Huawei FTTR-B Solution Won the Wi-Fi Solutions award
    FTTR-B Solution supports all-optical 2000 Mbps Wi-Fi networking, ensuring committed experience for users. It supports ultra-large concurrency, guaranteeing 300 users to work at the same time. In addition, its dynamic antenna provides 100% coverage without blind spots, while its simplified O&M achieves self-service for users.
    Huawei FTTO Solution Won the Wi-Fi Solutions award
    FTTO solution has been put into commercial use in over 10,000 campuses in education, healthcare, and hotel scenarios, efficiently supporting local AI deployment in campuses. Computing is boosted with optical technologies, achieving 50G to rooms and 10G to APs, and providing higher bandwidth, more connections, and AI-based dynamic energy saving. In addition, direct fiber connection to APs supports Seamless Roaming Coordinated Network, making the solution the new normal for campuses in the AI era.
    Lightwave+BTR Editor-In-Chief Sean Buckley expressed congratulations, stating: “On behalf of the Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews, I would like to congratulate Huawei on achieving 9 well-deserved level honoree status. Lightwave+BTR showcases and applauds the most innovative products, projects, technologies, and programs that significantly impact the industry through this program, and it’s well-deserved that Huawei won these nine honoree reviews.”

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on FIAT (127.21%), CVNY (100.49%), ULTY (77.62%), CONY (73.33%), YMAX (68.44%) and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Weekly Payers and Group C ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record Date
    Payment
    Date
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2668 34.84% 0.00% 100.00% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4189 60.57% 0.00% 100.00% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2638 31.00% 0.00% 37.26% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3351 36.44% 0.00% 78.96% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2723 31.10% 0.00% 65.95% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0916 77.62% 2.21% 97.00% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.0971 33.26% 69.89% 28.54% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1781 68.44% 96.57% 0.00% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    ABNY YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.3665 37.87% 3.62% 0.00% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    AMDY YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.2765 45.13% 2.97% 93.13% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    CONY YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.4381 73.33% 4.42% 94.62% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    CVNY YieldMax™ CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $2.9684 100.49% 2.44% 99.08% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    FIAT YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.9240 127.21% 1.73% 98.90% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    MSFO YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.3337 27.09% 3.75% 0.00% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    NFLY YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.6020 46.77% 3.58% 59.10% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    PYPY YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.3521 34.34% 4.19% 0.00% 4/3/25 4/4/25
    Weekly Payers & Group D ETFs scheduled for next week: GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY ULTY YMAG YMAX AIYY AMZY APLY DISO MSTY SMCY XYZY YQQQ


    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling 
    (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1 All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, YMAG and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026.
    2 The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on April 1, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3 The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended March 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.
    4 Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5 ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage is the portion of the distribution that represents an investor’s original investment.
       

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For XYZY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here. For BIGY, click here. For SOXY, click here. For MARO, click here. For FEAT, click here. For FIVY, click here. For LFGY, click here. For GPTY, click here. For CVNY, click here. For SDTY, click here. For QDTY, click here. For WNTR, click here.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

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

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

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

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

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

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

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

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

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

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

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

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

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

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

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

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

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

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

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

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

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

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

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

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

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

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

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

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

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

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

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

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

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