NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: Donnie Yen inspired by ‘Ne Zha 2,’ sees global future for Chinese films

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    International kung fu star Donnie Yen, currently in Beijing with another identity — a national political advisor — said he is inspired by the animated juggernaut “Ne Zha 2” and hopes Chinese filmmakers can deliver more great Chinese content to the world.

    Donnie Yen, international kung fu star and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), speaks to reporters before the opening of the CPPCC session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 4, 2025. [Photo by Zhang Rui/China.org.cn]

    “As a Chinese filmmaker, I’m proud of the achievements made by ‘Ne Zha 2,’” Yen told China.org.cn before the opening of the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People on March 4.

    “Ne Zha 2” has shattered box office records since premiering during the Spring Festival, emerging as a cultural phenomenon both in China and internationally. It has grossed over 14.5 billion yuan ($2 billion) worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time, the seventh highest-grossing film in global history and the highest-grossing Chinese film ever.

    “I think it’s truly remarkable and inspiring,” said Yen, adding that he recently brought his entire family to see the film and was captivated by its world-class production quality, which resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. “Over the last few decades, Chinese movies have not only influenced how films are made but have also gained a larger market share, competing with some of the biggest Hollywood studios.”

    He described the film’s success as deeply motivating for his own work, expressing his commitment to using his platform to continue creating films that spread positivity and cultural understanding. He stated, “In films, you can bring in so many great elements, letting audiences see our beautiful country and our beautiful culture.”

    The filmmaker stressed that China has many fascinating aspects to share with the world and hopes more films of different genres will showcase them. However, he noted that the key to Chinese culture going global lies in connecting and resonating with people. “Most importantly, it’s about whether the stories can be down-to-earth and touch people’s hearts,” he said.

    Yen hopes Hong Kong filmmakers can exchange more with and learn from mainland filmmakers. He also urged filmmakers to reassess their approaches to storytelling, content development and marketing strategies, while studying the factors behind the unprecedented success of “Ne Zha 2.” He said he has absolute confidence in Hong Kong’s film industry, particularly with the backing of the expansive mainland cinema market.

    Yen holds a positive attitude toward artificial intelligence, hoping to leverage its power and other cutting-edge technologies to assist in film creation. He emphasized that, from the perspective of historical development, technology inevitably undergoes gradual evolution. “While AI brings challenges to the film industry, it also serves as an encouragement, as challenges drive progress,” he said. “We must learn from AI and not fear it.”

    Renowned for his “Ip Man” kung fu movie franchise, Yen reflected on how such productions have significantly increased global interest in Chinese martial arts. “I do hope Chinese martial arts can successfully apply for UNESCO heritage status. That’s part of my job to push for it.”

    MIL OSI China News –

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

    Source: New Development Bank

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ——————————

    New Development Bank (NDB)

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Members of the public asked to return Boots Paracetamol 500mg tablets due to packaging error

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Members of the public asked to return Boots Paracetamol 500mg tablets due to packaging error

    People who have purchased Boots Paracetamol 500mg Tablets 16s (Item code 81-99-922, Batch 241005, Expiry date 12/2029) are advised to stop using the product immediately and return it to a Boots store for a full refund, because of a packaging error. 

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a medicines recall alert due to a packaging error where the foil blister inside the carton incorrectly states ‘Aspirin 300mg Dispersible Tablets’ instead of ‘Paracetamol 500mg Tablets’. The Boots Company PLC and the supplier, Aspar Pharmaceuticals Limited, have confirmed that the tablets in the blister packs are Paracetamol 500mg and not aspirin, and are conducting a full investigation into the issue. 

    Members of the public, including carers, should check if their pack has the batch number 241005, which can be found on the bottom of the box. If affected, they should stop using the product immediately and return it to a Boots store for a full refund, with or without receipt.  

    Boots Paracetamol 500mg packs, with the batch number 241005, should not be kept at home, even if the error is known, as this could lead to confusion and an incorrect dose being taken. Anyone who has purchased this product for someone else should inform them as soon as possible. 

    Dr Stephanie Millican, MHRA Deputy Director Benefit Risk Evaluation, said: 

    Patient safety is always our priority. It is vitally important that you check the packaging of your Boots Paracetamol 500mg Tablets 16s, and if the batch number is 241005, you should stop using the product and return it to a Boots store for a full refund. 

    If you are unsure which pack you have purchased or have taken Boots Paracetamol 500mg Tablets and experienced any side effects, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Please report any suspected adverse reactions via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. 

    If you have any questions or require further advice, please seek advice from your pharmacist or other relevant healthcare professional.

    Advice for Members of the Public: 

    • Stop using the impacted batch immediately and return this to Boots stores where a full refund will be provided with or without a receipt. 

    • Aspar Pharmaceuticals Limited and The Boots Company PLC have confirmed that the tablets in the blister packs are Paracetamol 500mg and not aspirin. If you have taken tablets from this batch and have any additional questions, please seek advice from your pharmacist or other relevant healthcare professional. 

    • Patients who experience any suspected adverse reactions or have any questions about the medication should seek medical attention. Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. 

    Notes to Editors: 

    • The MHRA has issued a recall notification for a specific batch of Boots Paracetamol 500mg Tablets due to a packaging error: Class 2 Medicines Recall Notification: Boots Paracetamol 500 mg tablets (16s)

    • This recall affects 119,964 packs of Boots Paracetamol 500mg (16s) 

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 

    • The Yellow Card Scheme is MHRA’s system of monitoring the safety of medicines in the UK and it acts as an early warning system to identify new, and strengthen existing, safety information about medicines. Yellow Cards are used alongside other scientific safety information to help MHRA to take action, if necessary, to make changes to the warnings given to people taking a medicine or review the way the medicine is used to maximise benefit and minimise the risk to the patient. 

    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NI Secretary announces Equality Commission apppointments

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    NI Secretary announces Equality Commission apppointments

    Secretary of State announces appointment of commissioners to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the reappointment of seven Commissioners (Maureen Brunt, Siobhan Cullen, Ellen Finlay, Monica Fitzpatrick, Colin Kennedy, John McCallister and Preeti Yellamaty) and the new appointment of Harry Robinson to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

    Background

    The Equality Commission was established in 1999, as part of the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. It took over the functions of the Fair Employment Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, and Council for Racial Equality and Northern Ireland Disability Council.

    The Commission is responsible for policing the Statutory Duty on all public authorities in Northern Ireland to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity across a range of areas including religion, political opinion, gender, race, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability and those with and without dependants. The Commission is funded and sponsored by The Executive Office.  Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at: 

    https://www.equalityni.org/Home

    Biographies for the seven re-appointees can be found on the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland website:

    https://www.equalityni.org/HeaderLinks/About-Us/Our-structure#gsc.tab=0

    In addition, Harry Robinson is currently employed as Head of School at Belfast Metropolitan College and has a background of over 20 years working in Further Education to provide equality of opportunity for those facing barriers to education. He has a lead role in the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for refugees and those seeking asylum in Northern Ireland as well as the delivery of Community Education and Lifelong Learning. Harry is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) a local charity that works to promote the rights and voice of children in care and care leavers in Northern Ireland.

    Terms of Appointment

    • These positions are part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 May 2028. Both the reappointments and new appointment will commence from 1 June 2025.
    • The positions receive a fixed annual remuneration of £5,000.
    • The positions are not pensionable.

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. 

    None have declared any political activity in the past five years. 

    Regulation

    These appointments are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA).

    Statutory Requirements

    The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free school meal pilot extended to a third school

    Source: City of York

    Pupils at Fishergate Primary School are now able to get a free breakfast at school each morning as part of the citywide campaign to deliver free meals to primary school pupils.

    The campaign is part of the council’s wider commitment to ensure that residents start good health and wellbeing as early as possible in their lives, part of the council’s four year plan, One City for all.

    York Hungry Minds was set up in a bid to address disadvantage and the impact of the cost of living crisis, in response to national evidence suggesting that providing children with healthy, nourishing food can make a significant difference to school attendance, concentration and their physical and mental wellbeing.

    Fishergate Primary School joins existing schools offering free lunches for children in year 3 to year 6 at Westfield Community Primary School and free breakfasts for to all pupils at Burton Green Primary School, which have been running since early 2024. Children in Reception, year 1 and year 2 are eligible for free school lunches under the government’s national free school meals scheme.

    The pilots have been made possible thanks to funding from City of York Council and donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal.

    Initial research carried out by researchers from the Universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield into the impact of the York pilots last autumn showed that pupils taking in part in the schemes showed improved attendance and punctuality compared to their peers.

    Schools also saw evidence of improved behaviour as a result of children feeling less hungry, with staff noting improvements in the pupils’ focus and energy levels after receiving a free breakfast.

    Tina Clarke, headteacher at Fishergate Primary School, said:

    I am delighted that my children are benefiting from this opportunity. It is lovely to see them tucking into pancakes with bananas and honey, cereal, toast or crumpets with their friends in the morning.

    “It means that they can start the school day in a calm and settled way and that they are well- fuelled for their learning”.

    Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

    I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make free school breakfasts available to pupils at another primary school in the city as part of York Hungry Minds.

    “Local and national evidence shows the positive impact universal free school meals have on pupils’ attendance and behaviour. We hope that our work and peoples’ generous donations will help to support our long term aim to ensure all children in the city have a great start to their health and wellbeing, as well as supporting all families through the cost of living crisis.”

    You can find out more about how to make donations to support York’s free school meals pilots at Two Ridings Community Foundation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Protecting national security

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Protecting national security

    Statement by the Security Minister on new measures to tackle state threats from Iran.

    With your permission Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the growing threat to the UK from Iran and the steps the government is taking to combat these threats.

    The threat from Iran sits in a wider context of the growing, diversifying and evolving threat that the UK faces from malign activity by a number of states.

    The threat from states has become increasingly interconnected in nature, blurring the lines between: domestic and international; online and offline; and states and their proxies.

    In the last year, the number of state threat investigations being run by MI5 has jumped by 48%.

    This statistic is a stark indication of the increased threat.

    Iranian threats

    Turning specifically to Iran, the regime has become increasingly emboldened, asserting itself more aggressively to advance their objectives and undermine ours.

    This is evidenced by the fact that direct action against UK targets has substantially increased over recent years.

    The Director General of MI5 recently stated that since the start of 2022 the UK has responded to 20 Iran-backed plots, presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and UK residents.

    The Iranian regime is targeting dissidents.

    And it is targeting media organisations and journalists reporting on the violent oppression of the regime.

    It is also no secret that there is a long-standing pattern of targeting Jewish and Israeli people internationally by the Iranian Intelligence Services.

    It is clear that these plots are a conscious strategy of the Iranian regime to stifle criticism through intimidation and fear.

    These threats are unacceptable. They must and will be defended against at every turn.

    Now it is a testament to our world-leading law enforcement and intelligence services that through their tireless commitment, so many plots have been thwarted.

    And I am sure the whole House will join me in paying tribute to the brave men and women of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies who work day in, day out to keep us safe.

    In seeking to tackle this threat, we must understand it.

    The Iranian Intelligence Services, which include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, or MOIS, direct this damaging activity.

    But often, rather than working directly on UK shores, they use criminal proxies to do their bidding. This helps to obfuscate their involvement, while they sit safely ensconced in Tehran.  

    We see that in intelligence, but we have also seen it publicly, with the conviction in 2023 of the Chechen born Austrian national, who was imprisoned for conducting surveillance on Iran International’s UK headquarters.

    These threats are not only physical in nature.

    The National Cyber Security Centre has also seen malicious cyber activity conducted by Iranian state-affiliated actors targeting a range of state sectors, including in the UK.

    Our response

    The government is absolutely committed to ensuring that our intelligence and law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to disrupt and degrade the threats that we face from Iran.

    So I can announce today that we will place the whole of the Iranian State – including Iran’s intelligence services, the IRGC and MOIS – on to the enhanced tier of the new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

    The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, or FIRS, is a critical disruptive tool for the UK.

    This action will mean that those who are directed by Iran to conduct activities in the UK – such as criminal proxies – must register that activity, whatever it is, or face 5 years in prison.

    They will face a choice – expose their actions to the government, or face jail.

    The Home Office will lay regulations in Parliament as soon as possible, with a view to having the scheme up and running by the summer.

    On proscription, as members will know, we do not routinely comment on groups being considered for proscription, but I can assure the House that we do and will continue to keep the list of groups considered under constant review.

    However, what has become increasingly clear is the challenges inherent in applying our existing counter-terror legislation to state and state-linked threats to our national security.

    This challenge was first raised by the Home Secretary in Opposition. She warned of a lack of a comprehensive strategic approach for state threats to mirror that adopted on terrorism, and the specific difficulties in using a proscription mechanism, designed for groups like Al Qaeda, on state bodies.

    We are progressing work at pace to address this challenge.

    So I can announce today that Jonathan Hall KC has been asked to review the parts of our counter-terrorism framework which could be applied to modern day state threats, such as those from Iran.

    This includes giving specific consideration to the design of a proscription mechanism for state and state-linked bodies, providing more flexibility than is offered under the existing powers.

    As the Independent Reviewer of both State Threats Legislation and of Terrorism Legislation, Mr Hall is perfectly placed to undertake this review and we are grateful for his agreement to provide this advice.

    Let there be no doubt: we are utterly determined to stay ahead of those who threaten our country – and any step that could aid us in that critical endeavour will be considered. 

    But the UK is not alone in facing this threat. States across the western world are threatened by Iran.

    So we will work with our allies to better understand, expose and condemn Iranian actions – and bring Iranian-linked criminals to justice wherever in the world they may be. We regularly collaborate with our Five Eyes and European partners to protect our democracies from hostile Iranian attack.

    Here at home, we are going further too.

    The National Security Act 2023, which was supported on both sides of the House, has given the police new powers to target evolving activity.

    For example, the act criminalises assisting a foreign intelligence service, such as the IRGC or MOIS. The maximum penalty for these offences is 14 years in prison, the same maximum as for a proscription offence.

    And I can also announce that training and guidance on state threats activity is now being offered by Counter Terrorism Policing to all 45 territorial police forces across the UK.

    This will mean that when any frontline officer encounters a suspected state threats incident, they will know what to do and what to look for to ensure that our communities are kept safe. 

    Furthermore, we have recently issued guidance on the National Security Act and how it applies to the UK security profession, including private investigators.

    This ensures they are aware of the law and understand where they may be criminally liable if they are working for any foreign power, such as Iran.

    We will also continue to go after the criminal networks and enablers that Iran uses to carry out its work. The leader of the Zindashti organised crime group, a group frequently used by the Iranian regime, has already been sanctioned.

    We will explore further sanctions against other Iranian-linked criminals and the National Crime Agency will target those who assist the IRGC and others to launder their money.

    Alongside the recently launched Border Security Command, which strengthens Britain’s border security and disrupts criminal smuggling gangs, I have asked officials to consider new ways to enforce our robust immigration rules to specifically address threats from Iran.

    This work will focus on further protecting the UK from Iranian infiltration, including those who promote Iranian interference in the UK.

    I am clear that our response must be a UK-wide effort. So I welcome the Charity Commission’s statutory inquiries into both the Islamic Centre of England and the Al-Tawheed Charitable Trust.

    I have also asked officials to review where any Iranian interference is being conducted in the UK and FIRS will shine more light on any undisclosed relationships between the Iranian state and UK-based institutions and individuals.

    Finally, the National Protective Security Authority and Counter Terrorism Policing will continue to provide protective security advice and support to individuals and organisations threatened by the Iranian regime and its criminal proxies, including Persian language media organisations and their employees.

    And we will continue to maintain funding for protective security measures to synagogues, Jewish community centres and schools, ensuring we do all we can to keep our Jewish communities safe.

    Conclusion

    Madam Deputy Speaker, in a dangerous, volatile world, Britain must lead the way.

    That means proudly promoting our values and straining every sinew to keep our people safe.

    The measures I have set out today should reassure the House and the public about our unflinching commitment to these objectives.

    Under this government, security will be the foundation on which everything else is built.

    We will resist attacks on our way of life as vigorously as we counter threats to life – whatever their source.

    …we will work relentlessly to root out those intent on causing harm on our streets.

    …and we will do whatever it takes to protect our country and our democracy.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further breakthrough in using mine water to provide green heat

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Further breakthrough in using mine water to provide green heat

    Construction has begun on a major mine water heat project in Seaham that uses a mine water treatment scheme to provide low-carbon heating to affordable homes.

    Work starts at the Seaham Energy Centre.

    Construction has officially begun on a landmark large-scale mine water heat project, building on our ongoing efforts to harness geothermal heat from disused coal mines.

    By utilising water already being pumped to the surface, this project marks a crucial step forward in expanding renewable heat solutions across former coalfield areas.

    The Energy Centre, being built next to the Mining Remediation Authority’s Dawdon mine water treatment scheme in County Durham, will tap into the mine water already being treated there.

    The mine treatment scheme will now provide heat for a new housing development as well as protecting a vital drinking water source.

    Seaham Garden Village is a new mixed-use sustainable community located to the south of Seaham, comprising 1,500 homes, a new primary school, village centre and innovation hubs.

    The mine water heating will provide power to 750 of the homes on the development, delivered by northern housing association Karbon Homes, in partnership with Esh Group.

    The district heat network project has been led by Durham County Council, with the Mining Remediation Authority spearheading the development of the mine water heating initiative.

    Multiple organisations have been involved including Karbon Homes, which is now set to provide 750 affordable homes on the site and has led the way in adopting the mine water heat technology.

    Vital Energi has been appointed to design, build and operate the low-carbon system, and will run the district heat network for the next 40 years.

    The project has benefited from a grant from the Government’s Heat Networks Investment Project which has enabled the project to be delivered. 

    Seaham Garden Village will offer a thriving, sustainable new community on Durham’s heritage coast and play a vital role in local growth.

    The state-of-the-art Energy Centre will capture the geothermal heat from the warm mine water, which remains at a stable underground temperature.

    This heat will be upgraded to domestic heating levels via a heat pump, delivering low-cost and low-carbon heat to new Karbon homes.

    Graphic detailing how the Seaham Garden Village Mine Water Heat scheme will work.

    Richard Bond, innovation and services director at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

    This scheme is a further milestone in our journey to harness mine water heat to provide sustainable heating solutions across the former coalfields. 

    There is huge potential to utilise our GB-wide water treatment facilities where warm mine water is already being pumped to the surface, and we’re progressing opportunities in multiple regions.

    The mine water heat scheme at Dawdon paves the way demonstrating a further route for mine water to provide low-carbon heat, building on the success of schemes in Gateshead and at Lanchester Wines.

    The Dawdon scheme began treating mine water in 2009 and the Mining Remediation Authority has been researching the possibility of ‘bolting on’ the heat feature to these treatment sites as part of their pioneering work in the geothermal arena.

    This new development follows the success of the Gateshead scheme, the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat network, which began providing heat to homes and businesses in March 2023, as well as another pioneering privately funded scheme nearby at Lanchester Wines warehouses.

    Unlike Seaham Garden Village, the Gateshead projects used boreholes, which were drilled up to 150 metres underground to tap into water in disused mines.

    Mr Bond added:

    With more than 80 mine water treatment schemes across the UK, we see great potential to deliver dual-purpose facilities that protect water supplies and generate renewable heat.

    Whether accessing mine water heat via our treatment schemes or boreholes, the Mining Remediation Authority are proud to offer innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions by repurposing the amazing UK coal-mining heritage.

    Councillor Mark Wilkes, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said:

    We are delighted to have started work on what will be the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat project that uses a mine water treatment scheme, right here in County Durham.

    This innovative project will have significant environmental benefits – making use of currently untapped heat to keep houses warm, and potentially a school and innovation hubs, and in doing so avoiding the need to use non-renewable sources of energy.

    The affordable properties will also provide a welcome boost to county residents looking to get on the housing ladder, while the prospect of more homes, a school and innovation hubs in the future will attract people looking for somewhere to live, families and those seeking work.

    A lot of planning has gone into this in recent years involving a number of organisations and it’s therefore really exciting to have all the necessary agreements in place and work starting on the ground.

    Paul Fiddaman, chief executive at Karbon Homes, said:

    Our involvement in the delivery of Seaham Garden Village shows our commitment to investing in the area, working with our delivery partner Esh Group to build new affordable homes that help meet local housing need.

    With further commitments to ensuring the homes we build are of the highest quality and energy efficiency, it’s fantastic to partner with Durham County Council and the Mining Remediation Authority to connect our homes to this innovative low carbon heat system, one of the first of its kind in the country.

    Paired with boasting a range of energy efficiency technologies, like solar PV panels, these homes will be well on the way to net zero.

    The new homes from Karbon are part-funded by Homes England through the housing association’s strategic partnership with the government’s housing delivery agency, which has provided Karbon with £165 million in funding, to deliver 2,200 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire over the next few years.

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 30 projects awarded funding to celebrate Windrush Day

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    30 projects awarded funding to celebrate Windrush Day

    Ahead of Windrush Day on 22 June, 30 projects have received funding to celebrate the Windrush Generation and their descendants

    • Ahead of Windrush Day on 22 June, 30 projects have received funding to celebrate the Windrush Generation and their descendants
    • The money will support community-led initiatives across England to take place this summer, creating more opportunities for people to learn about and commemorate their contribution to the UK
    • An array of projects will receive a share of £500,000 funding to support their activities in celebration of Windrush Day

    Thirty groups have been awarded a share of a £500,000 funding pot dedicated to supporting organisations and projects that commemorate, celebrate and educate people on the contribution of the Windrush Generation.  

    Funding will support projects to deliver an array of events across the country on National Windrush Day, 22 June, that will engage with people across generations to celebrate the legacy of the Windrush Generation and their descendants and the significant contributions they’ve made to the UK’s social, economic and cultural life.

    The funding will support organisations in delivering their projects, helping towards our Plan for Change mission of breaking down barriers to opportunity and enhancing the education of our young people.

    Minister for Faith, Lord Khan said:  

    Our diversity is a great strength of our country, and the Windrush Generation has been fundamental in creating the Britain we have today.  

    Their contributions are vast and broad, extending into all aspects of life, and I’m grateful to all the wonderful organisations we’ve funded this year for their hard work to celebrate their legacy and keep the Windrush memory alive.

    We’re on a mission to break down barriers to opportunity through our Plan for Change and this funding is crucial in helping organisations continue with their incredible work and in supporting the education of our young people on such a vital part of our country’s history.

    Among the many organisations being funded is theatre and arts company Sudden Productions in Birmingham that is bringing older members of the Windrush generation together with African Caribbean Artists to revive songs that bring their memories of Windrush to life. In doing so, they will work together to devise a one-man show, My Songs of Windrush.

    Another, production company Inspiring Audio in South East London, is working with radio station Fun Kids to create a unique three week radio station for children that celebrates Caribbean music while educating the younger generation on the contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.

    Gregory Watson, director at Inspiring Audio said:

    Inspiring Audio is very excited to have been awarded a Windrush Day Grant to create a special radio station – ‘Fun Kids Windrush’ – which will give children a unique opportunity to learn about the arrival and contribution of the Windrush generation and its descendants, and celebrate the sound of the Caribbean – from calypso and soca to steel pan and reggae.

    Between the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in 1948 and 1971, thousands of people from the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Trinidad, St Lucia, Grenada and Barbados, arrived in the UK to support the county in rebuilding after World War II. In coming to the UK, they helped to rebuild Britain by filling the significant labour shortage as a result of the loss of life during the war. Many had also contributed to the war effort too and were veterans themselves, having bravely answered the call to support the British Armed Forces. 

    Since then, they and their descendants have become leaders and entrepreneurs, nurses and doctors, musicians and athletes – contributing to and enhancing every aspect of our national life to make Britain what it is today.

    This year saw a record number of applicants to the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, reflecting the enthusiasm in communities across the country to celebrate the legacy of the Windrush Generation and ensure generations to come are able to learn about the significant contributions they have had to our national life.

    A full list of projects supported by the Windrush Day Grant Scheme can be found here.

    Notes to editors:

    • Since the Windrush Day Grant Scheme began seven years ago, 268 projects have been funded by a total £3.75m.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE attends NPC session in Beijing

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee attended the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing today, in his capacity as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

    The third session of the 14th NPC commenced this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report, reviewing the work for 2024 and outlining the overall requirements for economic and social development and major tasks of the government for 2025.

    He said the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy in the Hong Kong SAR should continue to be fully, faithfully and resolutely implemented, while maintaining the constitutional order in the Hong Kong SAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law and implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”.

    The Premier expressed support for Hong Kong in strengthening economic development and improving people’s livelihood, deepening international exchanges and co-operation, with a view to better integrating into the overall national development and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.

    He also highlighted the need to enhance the innovation capabilities and influence of economically advantageous areas, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    The Chief Executive said he was most encouraged, adding that this year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the beginning of the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

    It is also a crucial year for deepening comprehensive reforms, which are of significant importance for the implementation of “one country, two systems”, he added.

    Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy.

    He also noted that it will unite all sectors of society to deepen comprehensive reforms, actively understand, respond to and embrace changes, and better leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” and Hong Kong’s unique and advantages of internationalisation to open up new development opportunities.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government will spare no effort in pursuing economic development, improving people’s livelihood and exploring new growth areas, the Chief Executive stressed.

    Coupled with market forces, the Hong Kong SAR Government will adopt an innovative mindset to take forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, accelerating the development of the international innovation and technology centre, Mr Lee said.

    Additionally, it aims to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, building the city as an international hub for high-calibre talent, concurrently promoting the bay area’s high-quality development and actively integrating into national development.

    It will also enhance Hong Kong’s international competitiveness, deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and strengthen its role to link the Mainland with global markets, so as to achieve better development in Hong Kong and make further contributions to building the great country and advancing national rejuvenation.

    Mr Lee extended his best wishes for the success of the third session of the 14th NPC and the third session of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to increase defense budget by 7.2 percent in 2025, marking single-digit growth for 10th year

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

    China to increase defense budget by 7.2 percent in 2025, marking single-digit growth for 10th year

    BEIJING, March 5 — China on Wednesday announced a 7.2-percent increase in its 2025 national defense budget, marking the 10th consecutive year of single-digit growth.

    The country’s planned defense expenditure this year will be 1.784665 trillion yuan (about 249 billion U.S. dollars), according to a draft budget report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation.

    The 7.2-percent increase is the same as the previous two years.

    China’s defense expenditure as a percentage of GDP has been below 1.5 percent for many years, lower than the world average, Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress, told reporters Tuesday.

    Amid prolonged conflicts as well as rising international and regional tensions, global defense spending in 2024 surged to an all-time high of about 2.43 trillion U.S. dollars.

    The United States, which possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, remained the world’s top military spender in 2024, accounting for 40 percent of the total.

    Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, recently accused the high military outlay of the United States of being “concerning” to the international community.

    “I believe that the United States should be the first to cut its nuclear arsenal and military expenditure, and put into practice ‘America First’ in this regard,” Wu said.

    China’s military spending has long been a focal point of Western scrutiny, with the so-called “China threat” narrative being amplified almost every year.

    However, the United States has pledged to spend no less than 3 percent of its GDP on national defense, and pushed all NATO members to increase their defense spending to 5 percent of their GDP.

    In per-capita terms, China’s defense spending has been far less than that of Washington, too.

    China upholds a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, with its military spending mainly focusing on protecting its sovereignty, security and development interests. China’s development strengthens the world’s forces for peace, and the country will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism no matter what stage of development it reaches.

    As China continues to play an increasingly important role on the global stage, its military has taken on greater responsibility in providing the international community with more public security goods.

    Over the years, Chinese military personnel have frequently joined in international humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts, contributing significantly to global stability.

    Moreover, China has sent over 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions worldwide over the past 30-plus years, contributing the largest number of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nobody should be harassed accessing healthcare

    Source: Scottish Greens

    05 Mar 2025 Health

    Abortion rights are human rights.

    More in Health

    The anti-choice protests beginning this week will be a major test of Scotland’s safe access zones, says Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay.

    Speaking on the morning of expected protests near to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow, Ms Mackay has said that she will work with Police Scotland to ensure that laws are followed.

    Ms Mackay introduced the bill that secured 200 metre wide safe access zones, or buffer zones, around abortion service providers to stop the intimidating anti-choice protests that have taken place across Scotland.

    Ms Mackay said:

    “The days ahead will be a real test of my Safe Access Zones Act. I will work with Police Scotland and health providers to ensure that it is upheld and that people are able to access healthcare free from intimidation and harassment.

    “For far too long women have had to endure totally unacceptable abuse and obstruction outside hospitals. It should never have happened, and my Act to stop it received the overwhelming support of our parliament.

    “I urge anyone else who is planning to protest to look at the testimonies from people who have had to endure gauntlets of graphic banners and ask themselves if they really want to be responsible for causing even more pain and upset.”

    Ms Mackay added:

    “Abortion rights are human rights. They were long fought for and, especially when they are being undermined and eroded in the US and beyond, I will always stand up for the right to choose.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA expresses serious concern regarding Chinese PLA helicopter converging on Philippine government aircraft over South China Sea

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan 3

    MOFA expresses serious concern regarding Chinese PLA helicopter converging on Philippine government aircraft over South China Sea

    Date：2025-02-20
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    February 20, 2025No. 044On February 18, a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) navy helicopter conducted dangerous maneuvers in airspace above Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea, converging on a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aircraft on routine patrol. At one point, the two planes were only three meters apart, causing a hazardous situation for the Philippine aircraft. This follows another recent incident in which a Chinese PLA aircraft in the South China Sea dropped flares at close range, endangering an Australian Defence Force reconnaissance aircraft. China has once again interfered with and put at risk the aircraft of other countries in the South China Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns China’s unsafe, irresponsible, reckless, and provocative behavior, which threatens navigation and overflight safety.MOFA expresses serious concern regarding disputes in the South China Sea and calls on all parties to exercise restraint; abide by international law and relevant international norms; avoid taking any actions that could impact regional peace and stability; and continue working to resolve South China Sea issues in a peaceful and noncoercive manner through multilateral dialogues and dispute settlement mechanisms.MOFA reiterates the position of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on South China Sea issues below.(1) The South China Sea Islands are part of the territory of the ROC (Taiwan). That the ROC enjoys all rights over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea is beyond dispute.(2) The ROC (Taiwan) supports freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and insists on the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and the law of the sea, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Relevant multilateral dialogues and dispute settlement mechanisms should not exclude the participation of the ROC (Taiwan).(3) In line with the government’s four principles and five actions, the ROC (Taiwan) is willing to work with relevant countries to set aside differences and promote joint development to maintain and advance peace and stability in the South China Sea, as well as to protect and develop resources in the region. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA expresses serious concern regarding Chinese PLA helicopter converging on Philippine government aircraft over South China Sea

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA expresses serious concern regarding Chinese PLA helicopter converging on Philippine government aircraft over South China Sea

    • Date：2025-02-20
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    February 20, 2025
    No. 044

    On February 18, a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) navy helicopter conducted dangerous maneuvers in airspace above Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea, converging on a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aircraft on routine patrol. At one point, the two planes were only three meters apart, causing a hazardous situation for the Philippine aircraft. This follows another recent incident in which a Chinese PLA aircraft in the South China Sea dropped flares at close range, endangering an Australian Defence Force reconnaissance aircraft. China has once again interfered with and put at risk the aircraft of other countries in the South China Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns China’s unsafe, irresponsible, reckless, and provocative behavior, which threatens navigation and overflight safety.

    MOFA expresses serious concern regarding disputes in the South China Sea and calls on all parties to exercise restraint; abide by international law and relevant international norms; avoid taking any actions that could impact regional peace and stability; and continue working to resolve South China Sea issues in a peaceful and noncoercive manner through multilateral dialogues and dispute settlement mechanisms.

    MOFA reiterates the position of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on South China Sea issues below.

    (1) The South China Sea Islands are part of the territory of the ROC (Taiwan). That the ROC enjoys all rights over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea is beyond dispute.

    (2) The ROC (Taiwan) supports freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and insists on the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and the law of the sea, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Relevant multilateral dialogues and dispute settlement mechanisms should not exclude the participation of the ROC (Taiwan).

    (3) In line with the government’s four principles and five actions, the ROC (Taiwan) is willing to work with relevant countries to set aside differences and promote joint development to maintain and advance peace and stability in the South China Sea, as well as to protect and develop resources in the region. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Releases Video Statement in Response to Trump’s Remarks to a Joint Session of Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    “The contrast between what we experienced together the last four years under Joe Biden and now could not be clearer… All of these wins, all of this restoration and revitalization, are just the start of a new golden age in America… I will work with President Trump to do everything I can in the United States Senate to advance America’s interests.”

    WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) today released the following video and statement in response to President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress:

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Remarks as prepared for delivery:

    “Good evening. A few moments ago, President Donald Trump concluded his first address to Congress as our nation’s 47th president.

    “After hearing from our President, I walked out of that Chamber beaming with optimism, pride, and hope for the future of our nation. The golden age of America is here in full swing.

    “The contrast between what we experienced together the last four years under Joe Biden and now could not be clearer.

    “We witnessed the greatest political comeback in history during the 2024 election of President Trump. Now we are seeing our nation on a comeback and, as President Trump said tonight, the renewal of the American Dream. Never have I been more excited about being part of a movement like this.

    “The success of the Trump Administration in just the first six weeks has been nothing short of remarkable.

    “In fact, this Administration has done so much in such a short time that many people have likely had a tough time keeping up with all of the wins.

    “Within hours of taking office, President Trump began the critical mission to secure our southern border. Under his instruction, Immigration and Customs Enforcement began apprehending and deporting illegal gang members, rapists, and murderers, and he immediately put an end to the Biden-era tidal wave of immigration. Over 20,000 illegal immigrants were arrested by ICE in a single month — that’s almost as many as Biden’s entire last year in office.

    “Since that decisive and needed action, we have seen a 94 percent drop in attempted illegal crossings year over year across our southern border—let me remind you, Donald Trump has been in office just six weeks. 

    “American sovereignty is back.

    “President Trump’s agenda is spurring action across the board. The Biden Administration’s ‘America Last’ approach is over.

    “Putting ‘America First’ is back.

    “Under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department is now standing up for our nation against our adversaries and standing with our ally Israel, getting it the security assistance that it needs to defend itself against Hamas terrorists, and reversing the anti-Israel and pro-Iran policies of the Biden Administration.

    “American leadership on the world stage is back.

    “The same is happening at the Department of Defense under the leadership of Secretary Pete Hegseth.

    “The days of prioritizing DEI initiatives and pronouns are in the past. Military readiness, lethality, and strength are back.

    “Under Joe Biden and his Administration, respect for America across the globe had deteriorated. Just look at the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, or Communist China flying a spy balloon over our country for 10 days. Look at Biden destroying our energy independence and enriching and emboldening Russia to invade Ukraine in 2022, or the horrific and evil attack by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists against Israel on October 7, 2023. For every Biden diplomacy disaster, our adversaries were further empowered.

    “But things have changed under President Trump. Foreign nations are no longer taking advantage of us, our President is standing up for our country, and decisions are being made in the best interest of the American taxpayer. You need only to look at President Trump and Vice President Vance’s meeting with President Zelensky last week.

    “America’s worldwide respect is back.

    “Another thing Americans deeply care about that has been a top priority for this Administration is ending the weaponization of our justice system.

    “Thanks to President Trump, Freedom of Speech has prevailed over censorship, and intelligence officials who abused their position to influence an election are finally being held accountable. And I’m confident that this much-needed reform will continue under the leadership of Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

    “Americans’ trust in our Justice system is on its way back.

    “In addition to our foreign policy, our economy is turning around because of President Trump’s pro-growth and pro-business mindset and de-regulatory approach.

    “One of the most critical ways he is already spurring economic growth is by unleashing digital assets innovation and unburdening the industry from predatory, confusing, and often contradictory regulations.

    “And in a broader move, his executive order on regulation states that ten regulations will be repealed for every new regulation proposed. Because of this, many unnecessary, bloated, and burdensome regulations will be repealed in order to restore economic dynamism in America. Optimism is climbing across the country.

    “Economic growth is back.

    “Americans last November overwhelmingly declared that they wanted to see change in Washington. In just six weeks, President Trump is delivering on their mandate.

    “Because of the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency, we are cutting wasteful, abusive, and fraudulent spending across our federal government—saving millions of hardworking Americans’ tax dollars.

    “Transparency is back.

    “All of these wins, all of this restoration and revitalization, are just the start of a new golden age in America. There is so much more to get done in order to deliver on the promises that were made to the American people—and I look forward to working with President Trump to deliver.

    “These six weeks under the Trump Administration and the President’s address tonight make me incredibly optimistic for what’s to come in the next four years, and I think the American people feel the same way.

    “The State of our Nation—the greatest nation the world has ever seen—is already stronger than it was the last four years, and getting stronger by the day.

    “As your Senator, I will work with President Trump to do everything I can in the United States Senate to place the America people first, making our economy the most competitive it can be, our military as lethal as it can be, and our diplomacy as effective as it can be to advance America’s interests.

    “Thank you, and may God bless.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Innovative schools to open in central Moscow

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Five schools of the future will be built in the center of the capital by the end of 2028. They will be built as part of the Targeted Investment Program in the Presnensky, Meshchansky, Basmanny and Tagansky districts. This was reported by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

    “We are creating an innovative educational environment in the city – from infrastructure to modern teaching methods. Along with the modernization of existing schools, the city is building new facilities. Thus, the Mayor of Moscow made an unprecedented decision to build five new large educational complexes in the Central District of the capital, each of which will accommodate more than a thousand children. This is a modern, most innovative educational space,” said Anastasia Rakova.

    In the capital, much attention is paid to the creation of social infrastructure.

    “Since 2011, over a thousand social facilities have been built in Moscow, most of which are educational facilities. The city continues to develop its educational infrastructure. Thus, five innovative schools will appear in the Central Administrative District, where the educational process will be accompanied by modern technologies and an individual approach to each student. Currently, architectural and urban planning solutions are being developed, and after their approval, specialists will begin designing innovative schools,” said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    Modern standards and natural materials

    The new schools will be designed to meet modern standards. The spaces will be flexible: furniture can be easily moved, creating areas for individual or group study.

    The walls between the corridors and classrooms can be transformed into display cases for exhibiting works. Separate spaces with furniture adapted to their age are provided for primary school students, and modern laboratories and media libraries are provided for high school students, where they can prepare for exams or complete assignments. There will be cozy work areas and creative zones.

    Special attention will be paid to safety and convenience. Distribution of student flows will help to avoid overcrowding. The inner courtyard will be landscaped using modern solutions. For the convenience of parents, quick parking will be organized where children can be dropped off.

    Modernization of schools

    Last year, 18 new schools opened in Moscow, and at the same time, the largest modernization project in the history of the capital began to be implemented “My school”. Work has already been completed in four buildings. Over 50 buildings will be modernized for the new academic year, and over one thousand buildings will be built and renovated in the next seven years.

    Such decisions were made in accordance with the priorities approved by the Mayor of Moscow. development of metropolitan education. In addition, an additional 46 billion rubles have been allocated for the Moscow education system. In particular, this money will be used to increase funding for schools and introduce a single standard for grades 5-9 and 10-11. Measures will also be taken in the capital to develop mathematical and natural science education. In addition, the number of budget places in colleges will increase.

    Providing schools with modern high-tech equipment helps to optimize the educational process and meets the objectives of the project “All the best for children” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150903073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Convening of annual general meeting of Nykredit Bank A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen

    5 March 2025

    Convening of annual general meeting of Nykredit Bank A/S

    Nykredit Bank A/S will hold its annual general meeting on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at 11:00 at the Company’s offices at Sundkrogsgade 25, DK-2150 Nordhavn.

    -o0o-

    Agenda:

    1.      The Directors’ report on the Company’s activities in the past year.

    2.      Presentation of the Annual Report 2024 for approval and resolution on the discharge of the Executive Board and the Board of Directors.

    3.      Proposal for the appropriation of profit according to the approved Annual Report.

    4.      Remuneration matters, including the Remuneration Policy and remuneration report for approval.

    5.      Election of members of the Board of Directors.

    6.      Appointment of auditors.

    7.      Any other business.

    The agenda of the Company’s general meeting, the updated Remuneration Policy, the remuneration report as well as the Company’s Annual Report will be available for inspection by the shareholders at the Company’s address prior to the general meeting.

    Item 5 on the agenda proposes re-election of Michael Rasmussen, Anders Jensen, Tonny Thierry Andersen, David Hellemann and Pernille Sindby for the Board of Directors.

    As item 6 on the agenda the Board of Directors proposes re-appointment of EY Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab as auditors of the Company.

    Admittance to the general meeting is subject to collection of an admission card at least three days prior to the general meeting.

    It should be noted that Nykredit Realkredit A/S owns all the shares of the Company.

    Copenhagen, 5 March 2025

    Nykredit Bank A/S
    Board of Directors

    Contact
    Questions may be addressed to Press Relations, tel +45 31 21 06 39.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Convening of annual general meeting of Totalkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen

    5 March 2025

    Convening of annual general meeting of Totalkredit A/S

    Totalkredit A/S will hold its annual general meeting on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at 10:00 at the Company’s offices at Sundkrogsgade 25, DK-2150 Nordhavn.

    -o0o-

    Agenda:

    1. The Directors’ report on the Company’s activities in the past year.
    2. Presentation of the Annual Report 2024 for approval and resolution on the discharge of the Board of Directors and Executive Board.
    3. Proposal for the appropriation of profit according to the approved Annual Report.
    4. Proposal for amendment of the Company’s Articles of Association.
    5. Election of members of the Board of Directors.
    6. Appointment of auditors and sustainability auditors.
    7. Remuneration matters, including the Remuneration Policy and remuneration report for approval.
    8. Any other business.

    The agenda of the Company’s general meeting, the updated Remuneration Policy, the remuneration report, the Company’s Annual Report as well as the updated Articles of Association will be available for inspection by the shareholders at the Company’s address prior to the general meeting.

    In item 4 on the agenda, the Board of Directors proposes amending the Articles of Association of the Company, whereby the Board of Directors forms a quorum when more than half its members are represented.

    Item 5 of the agenda proposes re-election of Michael Rasmussen, David Hellemann, Anders Jensen and Pernille Sindby for the Board of Directors.

    As item 6 on the agenda the Board of Directors proposes re-appointment of EY Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab as auditors of the Company and appointment of EY Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab as sustainability auditors of the Company.

    Admittance to the general meeting is subject to collection of an admission card at least three days prior to the general meeting.

    It should be noted that Nykredit Realkredit A/S owns all the shares of the Company.

    Copenhagen, 5 March 2025

    Totalkredit A/S
    Board of Directors

    Contact
    Questions may be addressed to Press Relations, tel +45 31 21 06 39.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Convening of annual general meeting of Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen

    March 5 2025

    Convening of annual general meeting of Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S will hold its annual general meeting on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at 12:00 at the Company’s offices at Sundkrogsgade 25, DK-2150 Nordhavn.

    -o0o-

    Agenda:

    1. The Directors’ report on the Company’s activities in the past year.
    2. Presentation of the Annual Report 2024 for approval and resolution on the discharge of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board.
    3. Proposal for the appropriation of profit according to the approved Annual Report.
    4. Remuneration matters, including the Remuneration Policy and remuneration report for approval.
    5. Election of members of the Board of Directors.
    6. Appointment of auditors and sustainability auditors.
    7. Any other business.

    The agenda of the Company’s general meeting and the complete proposals, the updated remuneration policy, the remuneration report, as well as the Company’s Annual Report have been submitted to Nykredit A/S, which owns all the shares of the Company.

    Item 5 on the agenda proposes re-election of Merete Eldrup, Preben Sunke, Michael Demsitz, Per W. Hallgren, Jørgen Høholt, Torsten Hagen Jørgensen, Vibeke Krag and Mie Krog to the Board of Directors.

    As item 6 on the agenda the Board of Directors proposes re-appointment of EY Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab as auditors of the Company and re-appointment of EY Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab as sustainability auditors of the Company.

    Admittance to the general meeting is subject to collection of an admission card at least three days prior to the general meeting.

    Copenhagen, 5 March 2025

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S
    Board of Directors

    Contact
    Questions may be addressed to Press Relations, tel +45 31 21 06 39.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Applauds President Trump’s America First Vision for National Strength and Prosperity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    March 5, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement after President Trump’s joint address to Congress:
    “In a little over a month, President Trump has worked at lightning speed to fulfill his promises to the American people of building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation,” said Lummis. “Tonight, the people of Wyoming received a message of hope and heard how President Trump is working to restore law, order, accountability, and transparency. After four long years of Biden’s record-breaking inflation, wide-open southern border, war on American energy, and runaway regulations, President Trump has already eased burdens for Wyoming families, made our communities safer, created a pathway toward American energy independence, and made the federal government accountable to the American people it serves. Under President Trump, the American dream is attainable again, and I will continue working with his administration to create a better life for the people of Wyoming.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On President Trump’s Joint Address To Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 04, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress:

    “What we witnessed tonight was hubris in its highest form.  President Trump has claimed that he alone can ‘make America great.’  Unfortunately, grandstanding does not lower the price of groceries or cut prescription drug costs.

    “While President Trump delivered empty platitudes about the success of his presidency, Elon Musk and his Administration have gutted the federal government, indiscriminately firing civil servants who are critical to our national security, who protect us from disease outbreaks, and who ensure it’s safe to fly.  Under the guise of ‘efficiency,’ President Trump has frozen NIH funding, preventing medical researchers from finding the cure for cancer, Alzheimer’s, or heart disease.

    “And not a week after calling President Zelenskyy ‘a dictator’ and blaming him for invading his own country, President Trump declared that he has worked tirelessly to end the violence in Ukraine.  Our allies, especially Ukraine, deserve more than President Trump’s feeble support.  I unequivocally stand with Ukraine and President Zelenskyy as they continue to push off Russian aggression.” 

    Durbin’s guest for tonight’s Joint Address to Congress is Dr. Elizabeth Sokol, a practicing oncologist and medical researcher at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  Dr. Sokol specializes in treating children with neuroblastoma, the leading cause of cancer death for children aged one to five.  Dr. Sokol is in the midst of conducting federally-supported clinical trials that are now being endangered by the Trump Administration’s devastating, and illegal, cuts to funding and resources at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Mayor Tells How Two More Sites Will Be Transformed as Part of KRT Projects

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Two non-residential development sites in the Aeroport and Cheryomushki districts are planned to be reorganized under the program of integrated development of territories. About this in his telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin reported. Their total area is 1.77 hectares.

    “On Stepana Suprun Street, Building 7, Building 1, Building 9 (Northern Administrative District) and Khersonskaya Street, Building 35 (South-West Administrative District), we will build housing for the purposes of the renovation program and more. The ground floors will be used for shops, services, and other businesses necessary for the comfort of residents. We will improve the courtyards, make children’s and sports grounds,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    Plot on Stepan Suprun Street

    The first plot for integrated development is located on Stepana Suprun Street (property 7, building 1 and property 9) near the intersection of Konstantin Simonov and Krasnoarmeyskaya Streets. Its area is 0.6 hectares.

    It is planned that 17.9 thousand square meters of housing will be built here for the purposes of the renovation program and other city needs. The first floor of the building will house shops, cafes, restaurants, and service workshops. In addition, the new building will have underground parking. Thanks to the reorganization of the territory, about 70 new jobs will appear.

    The courtyard and public spaces will be improved, including the installation of children’s and sports playgrounds.

    Territory on Kherson street

    Another plot of 1.17 hectares is located at the address: Khersonskaya Street, Building 35, near the intersection of Obruchev Street and Nauchny Proezd.

    On the reorganized territory, they plan to build 42 thousand square meters of residential and non-residential real estate, including houses for the purposes of the renovation program. Shops, restaurants, service departments and other infrastructure facilities will open on the ground floors of the buildings. In addition, an underground parking lot will be built. The implementation of the project will create over 40 new jobs.

    The improvement of the territory includes the creation of children’s and sports playgrounds.

    Operators have started implementing 36 KRT projects in 2024In 2025, the city plans to hold nine auctions for the right to comprehensive development of territories

    In Moscow, 112 projects for the integrated development of territories with a total area of about 1.4 thousand hectares have been approved and are in the implementation stage, within the framework of which it is planned to build almost 28.2 million square meters of real estate. As a result, 333.7 thousand jobs will be created.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12447050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The super service “Moving under the renovation program” is becoming increasingly popular among Muscovites

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The online booking service for viewing apartments offered by the city under the renovation program is gaining popularity among residents of the capital. In January 2025, the number of requests increased more than sixfold compared to the same period last year. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “In the first month of this year, 969 families chose a convenient date and time to view an apartment online using the super service

    “Moving under the renovation program” on the mos.ru portal. For comparison: in January 2024, the digital resource was used 153 times, and over four thousand times over the entire last year. Muscovites appreciated the remote format of interaction with the city, since the super service allows them to resolve many issues related to resettlement without visiting the information center and not depending on its working hours,” said Maxim Gaman.

    There is still an alternative way to register for viewing apartments offered by the city through employees of resettlement information centres.

    “For residents who value face-to-face communication, resettlement information centers operate on the ground floors of new buildings. There, administrators will consult participants in the renovation program on all issues related to moving, and will also help select the necessary service within the super service. Thanks to a single registration grid, overlapping in slots and long waits in line are eliminated,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    In addition, Muscovites who have full account on the mos.ru portal, they can register online to conclude an agreement, when it is ready. In addition, the super service allows you to download it yourself to the portal necessary copies of documents. These include scans of passports and birth certificates for minors, as well as title documents for housing. This could be, for example, a purchase and sale agreement, exchange, gift, shared participation or social tenancy agreement, as well as a certificate of inheritance – everything is individual here.

    As noted in the Department of Information Technology, in the super service “Moving under the renovation program” is also availablegeneral instructions, which explains how the move is organized, contains information about the necessary documents for drawing up the contract, and also tells how to change the kindergarten, school or clinic if necessary. The personal instruction, in turn, makes it possible to adjust the parameters for a specific life situation.

    Two more services allow you to remotely submit an application for elimination construction defects Andto call movers, who will help you move things from your old apartment to your new one for free.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin instructed to double the pace of implementation of the renovation program.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Sergei Sobyanin said that over 400 services and services of the mos.ru portal help solve almost any everyday problem

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150939073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: DNO Participates in Mistral Discovery; Eyes Quick Tieback

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oslo, 5 March 2025 – DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today confirmed a gas/condensate discovery on the Mistral prospect in the Norwegian Sea license PL1119 in which the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary DNO Norge AS recently acquired a 10 percent interest.

    The well encountered a 45-meter hydrocarbon column with good reservoir properties in the Garn Formation. Preliminary estimates of gross recoverable resources encountered are in the range of 19-44 million barrels of oil equivalent. In addition to DNO, license partners include Equinor Energy AS (50 percent and operator), OKEA ASA and Pandion Energy AS (20 percent each).

    Located some 20 kilometers southwest of Equinor’s ongoing Lavrans subsea development, the Mistral discovery is a candidate for a fast-track tieback to this field. Given the good reservoir properties, the discovery likely allows for simplified development solutions.

    To diversify its exploration portfolio, DNO entered into the Mistral license through a swap agreement with OKEA announced on 19 December 2024, shortly before spud date of the discovery well. In exchange, OKEA picked up a 10 percent interest in North Sea license PL1109 containing the Horatio prospect, in which DNO has retained a 20 percent interest. Exploration drilling is ongoing at Horatio. The DNO-OKEA transaction is subject to government approval.

    Further south, DNO is currently drilling its Kjøttkake exploration well in North Sea license PL1182S in which the Company holds a 40 percent operated stake.

    – 

    For further information, please contact:
    Media: media@dno.no
    Investors: investor.relations@dno.no

    – 

    DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator active in the Middle East, the North Sea and West Africa. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Company holds stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration, development and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire, Netherlands and Yemen.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: What They Are Saying: President Trump’s Masterclass Before Congress

    Source: The White House

    Tonight, during his first address to a joint session of Congress in his second term, President Donald J. Trump delivered a powerful, masterful speech highlighting the remarkable accomplishments of his first six weeks in office and charting a course for four years of prosperity.

    The address received widespread acclaim. 76% of Americans approved of the speech, according to a CBS poll, while a CNN poll showed 69% of Americans had a positive reaction.

    Praise immediately poured in:

    Speaker Mike Johnson: “Tonight, President Trump made his triumphant return to Congress to share his bold, optimistic vision for renewing the American Dream.”

    Sen. Ted Cruz: “This is the fifth State of the Union address I’ve seen Trump give — it was by far his best.”

    Fox News’s Bret Baier: “The best moment — emotional moment, was DJ, who’s battling cancer. He wanted to be a police officer and during the speech, the president said the Secret Service has made him an agent.”

    Fox News’s Brit Hume: “If you ever doubted that Donald Trump is the political colossus of our time and our nation, this night and this speech should have put that to rest.”

    Geraldo Rivera: “Trump was strong, defiant and entertaining.”

    Clay Travis: “This is the best speech of Donald Trump’s career. Just a phenomenal litany of common sense and rational leadership. Great and heartwarming guests. It’s a grand slam.”

    Chris Cillizza: “That was a very effective speech. You can hate it or him. But that speech was aimed squarely at issues where the public is with Trump — and filled with made-for-sharing moments. A master image-maker at work (and you can hate him and acknowledge that’s true!)”

    Riley Gaines: “I am just left feeling inspired and hopeful and there’s so much to look forward to.”

    Amber Rose: “Donald Trump just gave the greatest presidential speech of all-time.”

    Reince Priebus: “I thought it was extremely strong. When he talked about… common sense revolution, giving the government back to The People… I thought was really insightful.”

    Breitbart’s Matthew Boyle: “This speech is one of Trump’s best ever, and the Democrat behavior during it has been not only despicable but also colossally politically stupid. Whoever is advising these idiots just steered their party into an even deeper ditch than Joe Biden and Kamala Harris left them in.”

    Pennsylvania resident: “I thought it was very positive… We used to be a country that would just let everything happen… I think now, we’re taking back things that should’ve never been given away. So, I think doing those tariffs… it’s well overdue.”

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “An inspiring and momentous speech. @POTUS returned to the White House with a clear mandate from the American people to renew the American Dream. His address tonight laid out exactly how he is keeping those promises with a vision of peace through strength, and a stronger, safer, and more prosperous United States.”

    Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “Tonight, President Trump laid out his vision to renew the American dream. In just a few short weeks, President Trump’s immigration and border security policies have led to an all-time-low in illegal crossings at the southern border. The message is clear: America’s borders are closed to lawbreakers.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “Strength. Prosperity. Peace. Tonight, President Trump shared his historic vision for our nation in renewing the American dream. He has done more in the past six weeks for the American people, than the previous administration in four years.”

    Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum: “The previous administration used a whole-of-government approach to oppose reliable, affordable U.S. energy production in favor of unreliable, unaffordable intermittent sources. The Trump administration is working overtime to undo all the damage done during the Biden years and we are fast-tracking America’s path to a New Golden Age through Energy Dominance!”

    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: “Thank you @POTUS it is the honor of my life to serve the American warfighter.”

    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: “@POTUS spoke loud and clear on American agriculture. He loves America’s farmers, and they have no more faithful friend nor more powerful champion. He will defend them, and if anyone doubted it — they don’t after tonight.”

    Secretary of Energy Chris Wright: “President Trump is renewing the American Dream, and we here @Energy are with him every step of the way to unleash American energy dominance!”

    UN Ambassador-designate Elise Stefanik: “In just one month under President Trump, Americans have experienced record results and the renewal of the American Dream with the triumphant return of strong leadership to the Oval Office. From securing the border, to cutting wasteful spending of our hard earned taxpayer dollars, to reasserting America First peace through strength leadership to the world stage, President Trump has delivered the most exceptional first month of an American presidency in history. Promises made, promises kept. The American Golden Age is here.”

    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “The American people sent President Trump to enact generational change in Washington. What @POTUS has accomplished in less than two months is nothing short of remarkable. This is what America first feels like.”

    Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler: “This was a tour de force of a President who, in 42 days, has more accomplishments than Joe Biden had in four years — It is a new day in America and people at home had to have loved what they’ve seen from this great President.”

    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon: “Tremendous address by President Trump tonight. America is back, & the work is only beginning. I will work hard to make @POTUS’ vision for education a reality — preparing our students for the workforce & empowering their parents will be vital to our nation’s future success.”

    EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin: “This vision of President Trump will usher in the greatest four years in American history. Honored to be a part of this amazing Cabinet working hard to restore our nation to glory. Will continue to do my part @EPA to Power the Great American Comeback.”

    Sen. Bernie Moreno: “An inspiring, emotional address from @realDonaldTrump!! But crazed partisan Dems refused to applaud even a brave young man like DJ. Appalling!”

    Sen. Rick Scott: “Under President Trump’s strong leadership, our allies respect us, our adversaries fear us, and the world respects us again!”

    Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “What a great night! President Trump gave a fantastic address and laid out the many accomplishments he and his administration have made during these first six weeks back in office for the American people.”

    Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “@POTUS commanded the podium for TWO hours. He’s restoring the American Dream with relentless determination. “The Golden Age of America has only just begun.”

    Sen. John Cornyn: “One of the best lines from President Trump tonight during his state of the union speech: to secure the border we didn’t need any new laws, what we needed was a new president!  Amen.”

    Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: “@POTUS delivered a strong vision for our country—one that prioritizes border security, unleashing American energy, strengthening our military, and providing tax relief for families.”

    Sen. Ted Budd: “Tonight was about promises made, promises kept.”

    Sen. Jim Risch: “Excellent speech, Mr. President! I am proud to work with my Republican colleagues to support President Trump’s renewal of the American Dream. @POTUS is the strong leader America needs!”

    Sen. Pete Ricketts: “It’s time to get our economy back on track. Under @POTUS’ first administration, America’s economy was strong. Tonight, we heard him commit to restoring prosperity and supporting American families. Relief is on its way—and not a minute too soon.”

    Sen. Chuck Grassley: “Pres Trump delivered a strong state of the union address He’s working w Congress to make America safer + stronger + restore common sense in govt After an impactful start to his presidency there’s a lot more work 2do”

    Sen. Jon Husted: “Tonight, the president outlined what he’s doing to make our country secure, strong, and prosperous.”

    Sen. Katie Britt: “Tonight @POTUS made it clear: We’re putting Americans first—securing our nation, making streets safe, growing our prosperity, and unleashing our energy potential.”

    Sen. Lindsey Graham: “My take on President @realDonaldTrump’s address tonight: Inspiring, funny, compelling and the Democrats’ worst nightmare.”

    Chairwoman Lisa McClain: “President Trump’s message to the American people is clear: America is BACK.”

    Rep. Claudia Tenney: “This was one of the most tremendous experiences of my life. Donald Trump hit it out of the park.”

    Rep. Brandon Gill: “Help is here. Hope is here. President Trump is here.”

    Rep. Mark Alford: “What a speech and what a time to be in America.”

    Rep. Stephanie Bice: “President Trump’s speech was a testament to the vision of the American people which was suppressed under President Biden.”

    Rep. Gary Palmer: “President Trump’s speech tonight was the embodiment of ‘promises made, promises kept.’”

    Rep. Troy Downing: “What a speech. It’s never been so clear that a new golden age is upon us. From securing our border, to unleashing American energy, to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, @POTUS is delivering on the promises that he ran on. A great night to be an American!”

    Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: “Tonight was historic. President Trump said he was saved by God to Make America Great Again- and THAT is our mandate.”

    Rep. Nancy Mace: “Best speech ever.”

    Rep. Jim Jordan: “Incredible speech by President Trump! Confident. Empowering. Leadership.”

    Rep. Blake Moore: “It was an honor to attend President Trump’s Joint Session tonight. He and his administration have swiftly responded to the call of Americans to secure our border, unleash domestic energy production, address rampant crime, tackle the difficult task to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in our government, and more. There is much to do legislatively in the coming months to ensure a strong economy and defense, and I look forward to working with the Trump administration to accomplish this agenda.”

    Rep. Mike Kennedy: “President Trump has emerged as the leader the United States needs right now. I look forward to working alongside him to advance our nation’s prosperity.”

    Rep. Victoria Spartz: “Great speech by President Trump! The State of the Union is strong!”

    Rep. Julia Letlow: “President Trump delivered a strong message emphasizing the promises he is keeping to secure our border, increase energy production, fix the Biden economy, and reassert American leadership.”

    Rep. Dan Meuser: “Tonight, President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the Renewal of the American Dream and made clear that Promises Made, Promises Kept is not just a slogan—it’s a reality.”

    Rep. Ron Estes: “It was great to welcome President Trump back to Congress and I look forward to continuing to work with him to advance the America First policy agenda that will restore our nation.”

    Rep. Mike Flood: “President @realDonaldTrump’s speech to Congress was a celebration of America and the renewal our country is experiencing.”

    Rep. Sam Graves: “The Golden Age of America has ARRIVED.  Thank you, President Trump!”

    Rep. Beth Van Duyne: “In just six weeks, President Trump has made incredible progress for America: the most secure borders in our lifetime without any new money or legislation; through DOGE, he has exposed the massive fraud and money laundering of billions of dollars in the federal government; brought in more manufacturing investments (Apple, TSMC, Honda) than the entire Biden presidency; and he is working with Congress to deliver long term reforms to lower costs and expand opportunities for our hard working families.”

    Rep. Brad Finstad: “Tonight, @POTUS made clear he is putting the American people first. Since taking office, he has begun reining in an oversized, inefficient government, brought safety and security back to our communities, and restored common sense to the @WhiteHouse.”

    Rep. Rudy Yakym: “America is back! I look forward to working with President Trump to continue delivering for Hoosiers and all Americans.”

    Rep. Ben Cline: “President Trump just delivered a bold, positive vision to secure our border, revive our economy, and restore American strength. Leadership is back, our enemies are on notice, and we’re making America great again.”

    Rep. Doug LaMalfa: “Tonight, President Trump delivered a strong and optimistic message about the renewal of the American Dream. He highlighted the progress made in rebuilding our economy, securing our border, and restoring America’s leadership on the world stage.”

    Rep. Dale Strong: “President Trump is delivering on his promises. He has secured our borders and is working to revitalize our economy. The United States is seen as a symbol of strength across the globe once again, and tonight’s address proves that this administration is ready and willing to help hardworking American families.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ING completes share repurchase for employee compensation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Corporate Communications

    Amsterdam, 5 March 2024

    ING completes share repurchase for employee compensation

    ING Group announced today that it has completed the share repurchase for employee compensation which started on 3 March 2023. The total number of shares repurchased under the programme is 3,674,043 ordinary shares at an average price of €17.44 for a total consideration of €64,08 million. The purpose of the share repurchase is to meet obligations under ING’s share-based compensation plans.

    For detailed information on the daily repurchased shares and individual share purchase transactions, see the ING website at https://www.ing.com/Investor-relations/Share-information/Share-buyback- programme.htm.

    Note for editors

    For further information on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr.

    Press enquiries        Investor enquiries
    Christoph Linke        ING Group Investor Relations
    +31 20 576 5000        +31 20 576 6396
    Christoph.Linke@ing.com        Investor.Relations@ing.com

    ING PROFILE
    ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank’s more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries.

    ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N).

    ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING’s ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed by MSCI as ‘AA’ in August 2024 for the fifth year. As of December 2023, in Sustainalytics’ view, ING’s management of ESG material risk is ‘Strong’. Our current ESG Risk Rating, is 17.2 (Low Risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers. Here are some examples: Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell. Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that’s not. Follow our progress on ing.com/climate.

    IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION
    Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 (‘Market Abuse Regulation’).

    ING Group’s annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (‘IFRS- EU’). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2023 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. The Financial statements for 2024 are in progress and may be subject to adjustments from subsequent events. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding.

    Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: (1) changes in general economic conditions and customer behaviour, in particular economic conditions in ING’s core markets, including changes affecting currency exchange rates and the regional and global economic impact of the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and related international response measures (2) changes affecting interest rate levels (3) any default of a major market participant and related market disruption (4) changes in performance of financial markets, including in Europe and developing markets

    (5) fiscal uncertainty in Europe and the United States (6) discontinuation of or changes in ‘benchmark’ indices (7) inflation and deflation in our principal markets (8) changes in conditions in the credit and capital markets generally, including changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness (9) failures of banks falling under the scope of state compensation schemes (10) non- compliance with or changes in laws and regulations, including those concerning financial services, financial economic crimes and tax laws, and the interpretation and application thereof (11) geopolitical risks, political instabilities and policies and actions of governmental and regulatory authorities, including in connection with the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and the related international response measures (12) legal and regulatory risks in certain countries with less developed legal and regulatory frameworks (13) prudential supervision and regulations, including in relation to stress tests and regulatory restrictions on dividends and distributions (also among members of the group) (14) ING’s ability to meet minimum capital and other prudential regulatory requirements (15) changes in regulation of US commodities and derivatives businesses of ING and its customers (16) application of bank recovery and resolution regimes, including write down and conversion powers in relation to our securities (17) outcome of current and future litigation, enforcement proceedings, investigations or other regulatory actions, including claims by customers or stakeholders who feel misled or treated unfairly, and other conduct issues (18) changes in tax laws and regulations and risks of non-compliance or investigation in connection with tax laws, including FATCA (19) operational and IT risks, such as system disruptions or failures, breaches of security, cyber-attacks, human error, changes in operational practices or inadequate controls including in respect of third parties with which we do business and including any risks as a result of incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise flawed outputs from the algorithms and data sets utilized in artificial intelligence (20) risks and challenges related to cybercrime including the effects of cyberattacks and changes in legislation and regulation related to cybersecurity and data privacy, including such risks and challenges as a consequence of the use of emerging technologies, such as advanced forms of artificial intelligence and quantum computing (21) changes in general competitive factors, including ability to increase or maintain market share (22) inability to protect our intellectual property and infringement claims by third parties (23) inability of counterparties to meet financial obligations or ability to enforce rights against such counterparties (24) changes in credit ratings (25) business, operational, regulatory, reputation, transition and other risks and challenges in connection with climate change and ESG-related matters, including data gathering and reporting (26) inability to attract and retain key personnel (27) future liabilities under defined benefit retirement plans (28) failure to manage business risks, including in connection with use of models, use of derivatives, or maintaining appropriate policies and guidelines (29) changes in capital and credit markets, including interbank funding, as well as customer deposits, which provide the liquidity and capital required to fund our operations, and (30) the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the most recent annual report of ING Groep N.V. (including the Risk Factors contained therein) and ING’s more recent disclosures, including press releases, which are available on www.ING.com.

    This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. ING has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third-party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or reliability of such information.

    Materiality, as used in the context of ESG, is distinct from, and should not be confused with, such term as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or as defined for Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) reporting purposes. Any issues identified as material for purposes of ESG in this document are therefore not necessarily material as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or for SEC reporting purposes. In addition, there is currently no single, globally recognized set of accepted definitions in assessing whether activities are “green” or “sustainable.” Without limiting any of the statements contained herein, we make no representation or warranty as to whether any of our securities constitutes a green or sustainable security or conforms to present or future investor expectations or objectives for green or sustainable investing. For information on characteristics of a security, use of proceeds, a description of applicable project(s) and/or any other relevant information, please reference the offering documents for such security.

    This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. ING specifically disclaims any liability with respect to any information found at websites operated by third parties. ING cannot guarantee that websites operated by third parties remain available following the publication of this document, or that any information found at such websites will not change following the filing of this document. Many of those factors are beyond ING’s control.

    Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ING speak only as of the date they are made, and ING assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason.

    This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

    .

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Volta Finance Limited – Dividend Declaration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Volta Finance Limited (VTA/VTAS)

    Dividend Declaration

    NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION,
    IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

    Guernsey, 5 March 2025

    Volta Finance Limited (“the Company”) hereby announces that it has declared a quarterly interim dividend of €0.155 per share payable on 3 April 2025 amounting to approximately €5.67 million, approximately equating to an annualised 8% of net asset value. The ex-dividend date is 13 March 2025 with a record date of 14 March 2025.

    The Company has arranged for its shareholders to be able to elect to receive their dividends in either Euros or Pounds Sterling. Shareholders will, by default, receive their dividends in Euros, unless they have instructed the Company’s Registrar, Computershare Investor Services (Guernsey) Limited (“Computershare”), to pay dividends in Pounds Sterling.  Such instructions may be given to Computershare either electronically via CREST or by using the Currency Election Form which has been posted to shareholders and a copy of which is also available on the website www.voltafinance.com within the “Investors – Other Documents” section. The deadline for receipt of currency elections is 12:00 (midday) on 17 March 2025.

    CONTACTS
    For the Investment Manager
    AXA Investment Managers Paris
    François Touati
    francois.touati@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22

    Olivier Pons
    Olivier.pons@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30

    Company Secretary and Administrator
    BNP Paribas S.A., Guernsey Branch
    guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com 
    +44 (0) 1481 750 853

    Corporate Broker
    Cavendish Securities plc
    Andrew Worne
    Daniel Balabanoff
    +44 (0) 20 7397 8900

    *****
    ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

    Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market for listed securities. Volta’s home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.

    Volta’s Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO’s and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialized in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.

    *****

    ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS
    AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,800 professionals and €859 billion in assets under management as of the end of June 2024.  

    *****

    This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris (“AXA IM”), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the “AIFM Directive”) of Volta Finance Limited (the “Volta Finance”) whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.

    This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are “U.S. persons” for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.

    *****

    This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

    *****
    This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “anticipated”, “expects”, “intends”, “is/are expected”, “may”, “will” or “should”. They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance’s investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance’s actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.

    Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.

    The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM’s belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.

    The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.

    Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide – 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.

    *****

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How social institutions in the capital operate on March 7 and 8

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On the eve of International Women’s Day, most social institutions in the capital will maintain their operating hours. However, registry offices, some medical organizations, Moscow Longevity Centers, and My Documents offices will switch to a special schedule. This was reported by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

    “In anticipation of March 8, the capital has planned many pleasant surprises for Muscovites, including concerts, exhibitions and, of course, flowers. At the same time, we are trying to do everything so that residents continue to receive the necessary assistance and services during the holiday weekend. Therefore, most social institutions, including clinics, milk distribution points, emergency rooms, veterinary clinics, will fully maintain their usual schedule or will work in a reduced mode. At the same time, some organizations, such as government service centers and registry offices, will be closed on March 8,” the deputy mayor said.

    Adult clinics will be open from 09:00 to 16:00 on March 8 and 9. Home care will be provided at the same time. ARVI offices will also accept patients from 09:00 to 16:00. 24-hour emergency rooms will continue to operate without changes. Children’s clinics will provide home care from 09:00 to 15:00. Of the antenatal clinics, only those with 10 or more sites will be open on holiday weekends. You can go there from 09:00 to 16:00. Milk distribution points will maintain their previous working hours – from 06:30 to 15:00.

    Moscow Longevity Centers will be closed on March 8. The working hours of the Unified Support Center for Participants in the Special Military Operation and their Families will not change on Saturday. 24-hour psychological assistance is available by phone: 051 (from a landline) or 7 495 051 (from a mobile). State veterinary clinics, employment centers, family and rehabilitation centers will maintain their normal working hours.

    All wedding palaces will be open until 17:00 on March 7. Civil registry offices (including wedding palaces No. 1 and 4) will be closed on March 8.

    Educational institutions and reading rooms of the Main Archives will operate as usual on Saturday and Sunday.

    The My Documents government service centers will not accept applicants on March 8. District centers will resume work on March 9 and will be open from 08:00 to 20:00, and flagship offices and the Palace of Government Services at VDNKh – from 10:00 to 22:00.

    The capital has prepared a festive program for International Women’s Day. From March 5 to 9, postcards with masterpieces from the Pushkin Museum will be available at the My Documents government service centers. Each postcard contains a compliment and information about the heroines of the paintings and the artists. The Main Archives exhibitions dedicated to representatives of different eras and professions will open on the streets. The Sistema Gallery art space in the capital will host an exhibition of photographs telling about the inspiring path of women to success. And visitors to women’s health centers and government service centers will be presented with flowers on the eve of the holiday.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150941073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fourth quarter 2024 results: EUR 233 million net income in Q4 2024 Proposed regular dividend of EUR 1.8 per share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release
    05 March 2025 – N° 03

    Fourth quarter 2024 results

    EUR 233 million net income in Q4 2024

    Proposed regular dividend of EUR 1.8 per share

    • Group net income of EUR 233 million in Q4 2024 driven by all business activities (EUR 235 million adjusted1)
      • P&C combined ratio of 83.1% in Q4 2024 including a low Nat Cat ratio and allowing for ongoing reserving discipline
      • L&H insurance service result2 of EUR 119 million in Q4 2024
      • Investments regular income yield of 3.6% in Q4 2024
    • Economic Value per share of EUR 48 (vs. EUR 51 as of 31 December 2023)
    • IFRS 17 Group Economic Value3 of EUR 8.6 billion as of 31 December 2024, down -6.3% at constant economics3,4. Adjusted for one-offs5, Economic Value growth of +9.8% at constant economics3,4
    • Estimated Group solvency ratio of 210%6 as of 31 December 2024, in the upper part of the optimal range of 185%-220%, fully absorbing the impact of the 2024 L&H assumption review
    • Proposed regular dividend of EUR 1.8 per share for 2024
    • Annualized Return on Equity of 22.8% (23.0% adjusted1) in Q4 2024. For the full year 2024, Return on Equity stands at 0.1% (0.2% adjusted1); adjusted for one-offs5, the annualized Return on Equity would stand at 14.9% for the full year 2024

    SCOR SE’s Board of Directors met on 4 March 2025, under the chair of Fabrice Brégier, to approve the Group’s Q4 2024 financial statements.

    Thierry Léger, Chief Executive Officer of SCOR, comments: “I am satisfied with the fourth quarter results. All business activities contribute to a strong consolidated Group net income. On a full year basis, P&C performance is excellent: the Nat Cat ratio is below the 10% budget, and the underlying performance enables us to build significant prudence two years ahead of plan. Investments performance is strong over the year, taking advantage of the current market conditions. In L&H, we took decisive actions to restore profitability. With a solvency ratio of 210% at year-end remaining in the upper part of the optimal range, SCOR demonstrates resilience as well as enhanced underlying capital generation, leading to a proposed dividend of EUR 1.8 per share. In the prevailing market environment, I’m fully confident that SCOR will continue to grow profitably in diversifying lines of business by leveraging its Tier 1 franchise. We are committed to delivering our Forward 2026 ambitions.”

    Group performance and context

    SCOR records EUR 233 million net income (EUR 235 million adjusted1) in Q4 2024, supported by all business activities:

    • In P&C, the combined ratio of 83.1% in Q4 2024 is primarily driven by a low natural catastrophe ratio of 6.4%. Over the full year 2024, the natural catastrophe ratio of 9.4% is better than the 10% budget. The attritional loss and commission ratio stands at 75.9% in Q4 2024, reflecting a very satisfactory underlying performance allowing for continued reserving discipline. The completion of the annual P&C year-end reserve review confirms all lines are at best estimate and our reserve resilience has increased.
    • In L&H, the insurance service result2 stands at EUR 119 million in Q4 2024, driven by a good level of CSM amortization and risk adjustment release, partially offset by a negative experience variance from the US.
    • In Investments, SCOR benefits from high reinvestment rates and an elevated regular income yield of 3.6% in Q4 2024.
    • The effective tax rate stands at 8% for Q4 2024, mainly reflecting the release of Q2 and Q3 tax provisions related to deferred tax assets.

    The annualized Return on Equity stands at 22.8% (23.0% adjusted1) in Q4 2024.

    Over the full year 2024, SCOR delivers a net income of EUR 4 million (EUR 11 million adjusted1), implying an annualized Return on Equity of 0.1% (0.2% adjusted1), impacted by the outcome of the 2024 L&H assumption review accounting for EUR -0.7 billion (pre-tax) in insurance service result and EUR
    -0.9 billion (pre-tax) in contractual service margin (CSM). The Group Economic Value decreases by 6.3% at constant economics3,4 (+9.8% adjusted for one-offs5).

    SCOR’s Solvency ratio stands at 210% at year-end 2024, in the upper part of the optimal range of 185%-220%, fully absorbing the one-off impact of the L&H assumption review, and demonstrating the Group’s balance sheet resilience.

    Proposed regular dividend of EUR 1.8 per share

    SCOR proposes a regular dividend of EUR 1.8 per share for the fiscal year 2024, stable compared to the fiscal year 2023.

    This dividend will be submitted for shareholders’ approval at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, to be held on 29 April 2025. The Board proposes to set the ex-dividend date at 2 May 2025, and the payment date at 6 May 2025.

    On-going very strong P&C underlying performance

    In Q4 2024, P&C insurance revenue stands at EUR 1,929 million, up +0.4% at constant exchange rates (down -0.5% at current exchange rates) compared to Q4 2023, driven by the effect of a large commutation. Excluding this effect, the insurance revenue would grow by +1.7%.

    New business CSM in Q4 2024 stands at EUR -43 million, impacted by limited renewals in Q4 and an early recognition of the cost of some retrocession contracts renewed at 1 January 2025.

    P&C (re)insurance key figures:

    In EUR million
    (at current exchange rates)    		 Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Variation FY 2024 FY 2023 Variation
    P&C insurance revenue 1,929 1,940 -0.5% 7,639 7,496 1.9%
    P&C insurance service result 238 353 -32.6% 779 897 -13.1%
    Combined ratio 83.1% 75.6% 7.5pts 86.3% 85.0% 1.3pts
    P&C new business CSM -43 -76 43.8% 1,024 952 7.6%

    The P&C combined ratio stands at 83.1% in Q4 2024, compared to 75.6% in Q4 2023. It includes:

    • A Nat Cat ratio of 6.4%, mainly impacted by the losses related to Hurricane Milton (4.7 pts).
    • An attritional loss and commission ratio of 75.9%, reflecting a very satisfactory underlying performance and continued reserving discipline.
    • A discount effect of -9.5%, impacted by the year-end reserves review.
    • An attributable expense ratio of 9.7%, impacted by an expense accounting true-up.

    The P&C insurance service result of EUR 238 million is driven by a CSM amortization of
    EUR 252 million, a risk adjustment release of EUR 45 million, a negative experience variance of
    EUR -38 million and an impact of onerous contract of EUR -21 million. The negative experience variance reflects the prudence building and a low level of retrocession recoveries.

    The impact of the California wildfires is estimated at circa EUR140m, pre-tax and net of retrocessions, which is in line with the Nat Cat budget level of Q1 2025.

    Improved L&H insurance service result in Q4 2024

    In Q4 2024, L&H insurance revenue amounts to EUR 2,055 million, up +8.4% at constant exchange rates (+8.6% at current exchange rates) compared to Q4 2023. L&H New Business CSM7 generation of EUR 113 million in Q4 is driven by Protection and new deals in Longevity.

    The L&H insurance service result2 amounts to EUR 119 million in Q4 2024. It includes:

    • A CSM amortization of EUR 117 million, including a EUR 16 million exceptional release. Excluding this, the annualized CSM amortization rate is 6.9%8.
    • A Risk Adjustment release of EUR 36 million.
    • An experience variance of EUR -49 million, driven by negative deviations in the US.
    • A positive impact of onerous contracts of EUR 12 million reflecting changes in risk adjustment.
    • Offsetting one-off impacts from the 2024 L&H reviews amounting to EUR 1 million.

    L&H reinsurance key figures:

    In EUR million
    (at current exchange rates)    		 Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Variation FY 2024 FY 2023 Variation
    L&H insurance revenue 2,055 1,892 8.6% 8,487 8,426 0.7%
    L&H insurance service result2 119 64 87.5% -348 589 -159.1%
    L&H new business CSM7 113 90 25.4% 485 466 4.1%

    Investments delivering strong results with a regular income yield of 3.6% in Q4 2024

    As of 31 December 2024, total invested assets amount to EUR 24.2 billion. SCOR’s asset mix is optimized, with 78% of the portfolio invested in fixed income. SCOR has a high-quality fixed income portfolio with an average rating of A+, and a duration of 3.8 years (3.0 at year-end 2023) following the implementation of the new ALM strategy.

    Investments key figures:

    In EUR million
    (at current exchange rates)    		 Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Variation FY 2024 FY 2023 Variation
    Total invested assets 24,155 22,914 5.4% 24,155 22,914 5.4%
    Regular income yield* 3.6% 3.7% -0.1pts 3.5% 3.2% 0.3pts
    Return on invested assets*, ** 3.3% 3.7% -0.4pts 3.5% 3.2% 0.3pts

    (*) Annualized.
    (**) Fair value through income on invested assets excludes EUR -3 million in Q4 2024 and EUR -9 million in FY 2024 related to the pre-tax mark to market impact of the fair value of the option on own shares granted to SCOR.

    Total investment income on invested assets stands at EUR 1959 million in Q4 2024. The return on invested assets stands at 3.3%9 (vs. 3.7% in Q4 2023) and the regular income yield at 3.6% (vs. 3.7% in Q4 2023).

    The reinvestment rate stands at 4.5%10 as of 31 December 2024, compared to 4.1% as of 30 September 2024. The invested assets portfolio remains highly liquid and financial cash flows of EUR 9.5 billion are expected over the next 24 months11, enabling SCOR to benefit from elevated reinvestment rates.

    *

    *          *

    APPENDIX

    1 – SCOR Group Q4 2024 key financial details

    In EUR million
    (at current exchange rates)    		 Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Variation FY 2024 FY 2023 Variation
    Insurance revenue 3,984 3,832 4.0% 16,126 15,922 1.3%
    Gross written premiums1 5,049 4,927 2.5% 20,064 19,371 3.6%
    Insurance Service Result2 357 417 -14.3% 432 1,486 -70.9%
    Management expenses -347 -329 -5.2% -1,250 -1,164 -7.4%
    Annualized ROE3 22.8% 15.0% 7.8pts 0.1% 18.1% -18.0pts
    Annualized ROE excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares 23.0% 16.6% 6.4pts 0.2% 17.5% -17.2pts
    Net income3,4 233 162 43.2% 4 812 -99.5%
    Net income4 excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares 235 179 31.4% 11 780 -98.6%
    Economic value5,6 8,615 9,213 -6.5% 8,615 9,213 -6.5%
    Shareholders’ equity 4,524 4,723 -4.2% 4,524 4,723 -4.2%
    Contractual Service Margin (CSM)6 4,091 4,490 -8.9% 4,091 4,490 -8.9%

    1: GWP is not a metric defined under the IFRS 17 accounting framework (non-GAAP metric); 2: Including revenues on financial contracts reported under IFRS 9; 3: Taking into account the mark to market impact of the option on own shares. Q4 2024 impact of EUR-3 million before tax, FY 2024 impact of EUR -9 million before tax. 4: Consolidated net income, Group share; 5. Defined as the sum of the shareholder’s equity and the Contractual Service Margin (CSM); 6: Net of tax. A notional tax rate of 25% is applied to the CSM.

    2 – P&L key figures Q4 2024

    In EUR million
    (at current exchange rates)    		 Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Variation FY 2024 FY 2023 Variation
    Insurance revenue 3,984 3,832 4.0% 16,126 15,922 +1.3%
    • P&C insurance revenue
    		 1,929 1,940 -0.5% 7,639 7,496 +1.9%
    • L&H insurance revenue
    		 2,055 1,892 8.6% 8,487 8,426 +0.7%
    Gross written premiums1 5,049 4,927 2.5% 20,064 19,371 +3.6%
    • P&C gross written premiums
    		 2,508 2,362 6.2% 9,869 9,452 +4.4%
    • L&H gross written premiums
    		 2,541 2,565 -0.9% 10,195 9,919 +2.8%
    Investment income on invested assets 195 206 -5.3% 800 711 +12.5%
    Operating results 291 350 -17.0% 298 1,366 -78.2%
    Net income2,3 233 162 43.2% 4 812 -99.5%
    Net income2 excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares 235 179 31.4% 11 780 -98.6%
    Earnings per share3 (EUR) 1.30 0.91 42.9% 0.02 4.54 -99.6%
    Earnings per share (EUR) excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares 1.31 1.00 31.0% 0.06 4.35 -98.6%
    Operating cash flow 197 588 -66.5% 903 1,480 -39.0%

    1: GWP is not a metric defined under the IFRS 17 accounting framework (non-GAAP metric); 2: Consolidated net income, Group share; 3: Taking into account the mark to market impact of the option on own shares. Q4 2024 impact of EUR -3 million before tax, FY 2024 impact of EUR -9 million before tax.

    3 – P&L key ratios Q4 2024

      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Variation FY 2024 FY 2023 Variation
    Return on invested assets 1,2 3.3% 3.7% -0.4pts 3.5% 3.2% +0.3pts
    P&C combined ratio 3 83.1% 75.6% +7.5pts 86.3% 85.0% +1.3pts
    Annualized ROE4 22.8% 15.0% +7.8pts 0.1% 18.1% -18.0pts
    Annualized ROE excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares 23.0% 16.6% +6.4pts 0.2% 17.5% -17.2pts
    Economic Value growth5 n.a. n.a. n.a. -6.3% 8.6% -14.9pts

    1: Annualized; 2: In Q4 2024 and FY 2024, fair value through income on invested assets excludes respectively EUR -3 million and EUR -9 million pre-tax mark to market impact of the fair value of the option on own shares granted to SCOR; 3: The combined ratio is the sum of the total claims, the total variables commissions, and the P&C attributable management expenses, divided by the net insurance revenue for P&C business; 4: Taking into account the mark to market impact of the option on own shares. Q4 2024 impact of EUR -3 million before tax, FY 2024 impact of EUR -9 million before tax; 5: Not annualized. Growth at constant economic assumptions and excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares. The starting point is adjusted for the dividend of EUR 1.8 per share (EUR 324 million in total) for the fiscal year 2023, paid in 2024. Economic Value defined as the sum of the shareholders’ equity and the Contractual Service Margin (CSM), net of tax. A notional tax rate of 25% is applied to the CSM.

    4 – Balance sheet key figures as of 31 December 2024

    In EUR million
    (at current exchange rates)    		 As of
    31 December 2024    		 As of
    31 December 2023    		 Variation
    Total invested assets1 24,155 22,914 +5.4%
    Shareholders’ equity 4,524 4,723 -4.2%
    Book value per share (EUR) 25.22 26.16 -3.6%
    Economic Value2 8,615 9,213 -6.5%
    Economic Value per share (EUR)3 48.03 51.18 -6.2%
    Financial leverage ratio4 24.5% 21.2% +3.3pts
    Total liquidity5 2,466 2,234 +10.4%

    1: Excluding third-party net insurance business investments; 2: The Economic Value (defined as the sum of the shareholders’ equity and the Contractual Service Margin (CSM), net of tax) includes minority interests; 3: The Economic Value per share excludes minority interests; 4: The leverage ratio is calculated as the percentage of subordinated debt compared to the sum of Economic Value and subordinated debt in IFRS 17; 5: Including cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

    *

    *         *

    SCOR, a leading global reinsurer

    As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying “The Art & Science of Risk”, SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society.

    The Group generated premiums of EUR 20.1 billion in 2024 and serves clients in more than 150 countries from its 37 offices worldwide.

    For more information, visit: www.scor.com

    		 Media Relations
    Alexandre Garcia
    media@scor.com

    Investor Relations
    Thomas Fossard
    InvestorRelations@scor.com

    Follow us on LinkedIn
     

    All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.

    General

    Numbers presented throughout this press release may not add up precisely to the totals in the tables and text. Percentages and percent changes are calculated on complete figures (including decimals); therefore, this press release might contain immaterial differences in sums and percentages due to rounding. Unless otherwise specified, the sources for the business ranking and market positions are internal.

    Forward-looking statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements, assumptions, and information about SCOR’s financial condition, results, business, strategy, plans and objectives, including in relation to SCOR’s current or future projects.

    These statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future tense or conditional mode, or terms such as “estimate”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “have the objective”, “intend to”, “plan”, “result in”, “should” and other similar expressions.

    It should be noted that the achievement of these objectives, forward-looking statements, assumptions and information is dependent on circumstances and facts that may or may not arise in the future.

    No guarantee can be given regarding the achievement of these forward-looking statements, assumptions and information. These forward-looking statements, assumptions and information are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements, assumptions and information (including on objectives) may be impacted by known or unknown risks, identified or unidentified uncertainties and other factors that may significantly alter the future results, performance and accomplishments planned or expected by SCOR.

    In particular, it should be noted that the full impact of the economical and geopolitical risks on SCOR’s business and results cannot be accurately assessed.

    Therefore, any assessments, any assumptions and, more generally, any figures presented in this press release will necessarily be estimates based on evolving analyses, and encompass a wide range of theoretical hypotheses, which are highly evolutive.

    Information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect SCOR’s business is set forth in the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed on March 20, 2024, under number D.24-0142 with the French Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) posted on SCOR’s website www.scor.com.

    In addition, such forward-looking statements, assumptions and information are not “profit forecasts” within the meaning of Article 1 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980.

    SCOR has no intention and does not undertake to complete, update, revise or change these forward-looking statements, assumptions and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Financial information

    The Group’s financial information contained in this press release is prepared on the basis of IFRS and interpretations issued and approved by the European Union.

    Unless otherwise specified, prior-year balance sheet, income statement items and ratios have not been reclassified.

    The calculation of financial ratios (such as return on invested assets, regular income yield, return on equity and combined ratio) is detailed in the Appendices of the presentation related to the financial results for the full year 2024 (see pages 25-61). The financial results for the full year 2024 included in this press release have been audited by SCOR’s statutory auditors. Unless otherwise specified, all figures are presented in Euros.

    Any figures or financial results for a period subsequent to December 31, 2024 should not be taken as a forecast of the expected financials for these periods.

    The solvency ratio is not audited by SCOR’s statutory auditors. The Group solvency final results are to be filed to supervisory authorities by April 2025 and may differ from the estimates expressed or implied in this press release

    1 Adjusted by excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares.

    2 Includes revenues on financial contracts reported under IFRS 9.

    3 Defined as the sum of the shareholders’ equity and the Contractual Service Margin (CSM), net of tax. 25% notional tax rate applied on CSM.

    4 Growth at constant economic assumptions as of 31 December 2023, excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares.

    5 Excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares, and the impacts of the 2024 L&H assumption review and the Q3 true-up on identified arbitration positions.

    6 Solvency ratio estimated after taking into account the proposed dividend of EUR 1.8 per share for the fiscal year 2024.            

    7 Includes the CSM on new treaties and change in CSM on existing treaties due to new business (i.e. new business on existing contracts).

    8 Applied to the closing CSM (before amortization) at the half year or the full year.

    9 Excluding the mark to market impact of the option on own shares. Q4 2024 impact of EUR -3 million before tax.

    10 Reinvestment rate is based on Q4 2024 asset allocation of yielding asset classes (i.e. fixed income, loans and real estate), according to current reinvestment duration assumptions. Yield curves & spreads as of 31/12/2024.

    11 As of 31 December 2024. Including current cash balances and future coupons and redemptions.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASML publishes agenda Annual General Meeting 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ASML publishes agenda Annual General Meeting 2025
    Nomination Karien van Gennip as new member of the Supervisory Board

      
    VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands, March 5, 2025 – Today, ASML Holding NV (ASML) has published the agenda for the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will be held in ASML’s TWINSCAN Auditorium in Veldhoven on Wednesday, on April 23, 2025, starting at 10:00 CET.

    The AGM will be organized in a hybrid format. Shareholders may attend the AGM in person or virtually.

    The agenda with the explanatory notes and other meeting documents are available on ASML’s website asml.com/agm2025.

    Changes to Supervisory Board
    ASML furthermore announces that Annet Aris will not stand for re-election as a member of the Supervisory Board at the end of her current term, which ends per the 2025 AGM.

    The Supervisory Board expresses its thanks to Annet Aris, who has served on the Supervisory Board since 2015, for her valuable contributions, in particular as Vice Chair of the Supervisory Board and member of the Remuneration, Selection & Nomination and Technology Committees. The Supervisory Board wishes her all the best for the future.

    The Supervisory Board nominates Karien van Gennip for appointment as a member of the Supervisory Board effective from the 2025 AGM. Karien van Gennip, a Dutch citizen, has a wealth of leadership experience spanning professional services, financial services, and public policy. Most recently, between January 2022 and July 2024, Karien van Gennip served as the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment and Deputy Prime Minister in the Dutch government.

    With an educational background in physics from Delft University of Technology, and an MBA from INSEAD, Karien van Gennip worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company in the early stages of her professional career. She transitioned to leadership roles in the public domain and in finance, serving as a Director Supervision at the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets, Secretary of State of Economic Affairs/Minister for Foreign Trade in the Dutch government between 2003 and 2007, and as a Member of the Dutch Parliament between 2006 and 2008. Karien van Gennip held various management positions at ING between 2008 and 2020, most recently as the CEO of ING France, after which she served as the CEO of Dutch healthcare insurer VGZ until 2022.

    “We are very pleased to nominate Karien van Gennip for appointment to our Supervisory Board. With her broad background and rich experience, the Supervisory Board expects that she will bring great value and new perspectives to the Supervisory Board,” said Nils Andersen, Chair of the Supervisory Board.

    The agenda of the 2025 AGM also includes the nomination to reappoint Birgit Conix as a member of the Supervisory Board for four years, effective April 23, 2025. Terri Kelly has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board, following the retirement of Annet Aris.

    Media Relations contacts Investor Relations contacts
    Monique Mols +31 6 5284 4418 Jim Kavanagh +31 40 268 3938
    Sarah de Crescenzo +1 925 899 8985 Pete Convertito +1 203 919 1714
    Karen Lo +886 9 397 88635 Peter Cheang +886 3 659 6771

      
    About ASML
    ASML is a leading supplier to the semiconductor industry. The company provides chipmakers with hardware, software and services to mass produce the patterns of integrated circuits (microchips). Together with its partners, ASML drives the advancement of more affordable, more powerful, more energy-efficient microchips. ASML enables groundbreaking technology to solve some of humanity’s toughest challenges, such as in healthcare, energy use and conservation, mobility and agriculture. ASML is a multinational company headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, with offices across EMEA, the US and Asia. Every day, ASML’s more than 44,000 employees (FTE) challenge the status quo and push technology to new limits. ASML is traded on Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ under the symbol ASML. Discover ASML – our products, technology and career opportunities – at www.asml.com.

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

    US Senate News:

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

    MIL OSI USA News –