Category: Trade

MIL-OSI: Newly Published Research Shows 14-Day Monitoring Detected Almost Three Times More Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia Than Standard 48-Hour Monitoring in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition affecting about 1 in 500 people and is one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in people under 35, including among athletes.¹
- NSVT (nonsustained ventricular tachycardia), a known marker for increased risk of SCD in HCM, was detected in nearly 50% of HCM patients in the study undergoing long-term continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring of up to 14 days with a Zio^®XT LTCM ECG patch device; 63% of NSVT episodes detected only after 48 hours, suggesting that Holter monitoring would miss the majority of episodes.
- NSVT episodes clinically judged to be higher risk were identified in 24% of the study population and were detected more frequently during 14-day monitoring (3-fold greater diagnostic yield vs 48 hours).
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:IRTC), a leading digital health company focused on creating trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease, today announced that the results of the Extended Ambulatory ECG Monitoring Enhances Identification of Higher-Risk Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (EXAMINE-HCM) study have been published in Heart Rhythm Journal. The findings were also presented at the Heart Rhythm Society’s annual meeting in 2023, and most recently, at the International HCM Summit 8 in Boston, MA (October 25-28, 2024).

The newly published research highlights the value of 14-day long-term, uninterrupted² continuous monitoring (LTCM), using a Zio^® XT patch ECG device, for detecting nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), a known marker for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The findings support more informed decisions about care pathways and interventions, particularly by capturing arrhythmias that would go undetected by standard 48-hour monitoring, such as with a conventional Holter device monitoring period. Prior research has demonstrated that NSVT episodes occurring with higher heart rate, longer duration, and greater frequency are associated with increased risk of SCD³ and practice guidelines place greater emphasis on these episodes (8 consecutive beats, >200 bpm, 2 runs in consecutive 2-day period) in clinical decision-making regarding use of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).⁴ These NSVT episodes clinically judged to be higher risk were detected in only 8% of the study population through 48 hours, but in 24% of patients through 14-days.

“The EXAMINE-HCM study provides important new insights into how we manage patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy identified with ventricular arrhythmias,” said Martin S. Maron, MD, study lead investigator, HCM expert, and Medical Director, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. “By extending the monitoring period beyond the traditional 48 hours, we have been able to detect nonsustained ventricular tachycardia episodes that may have otherwise gone undetected with traditional shorter monitoring periods, which may offer the potential to inform more tailored clinical decision-making to help prevent sudden cardiac death in this high-risk population.”

Overall, the study authors concluded that traditional 48-hour short-term cardiac monitoring is significantly less effective compared to extended 14-day continuous monitoring for both NSVT and NVST detection with features judged to be high risk in patients with HCM. These data support the need for additional clinical studies to evaluate the significance of longer-term monitoring for NSVT detection and relationship to future risk for sudden death in HCM.

Key findings from the Extended Ambulatory ECG Monitoring Enhances Identification of Higher-Risk Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy study:
- 48% of study patients (n=114) with HCM experienced NSVT episodes, and high-risk NSVT was detected in 24% (n=56) of study patients during the 14-day monitoring period.
- 63% of NSVT episodes (n=72) were detected during a 3 to 14-day continuous monitoring period, compared to 37% (n=42) of NSVT episodes detected during the standard 48-hour Holter monitoring period. This resulted in a 2.7-fold higher diagnostic yield for detecting NSVT during the 14-day extended monitoring period compared to the initial 48 hours (48% vs. 18%; p<0.001).
- 64% of NSVT episodes clinically judged to be higher risk (n=36); 8 consecutive beats, >200 bpm, 2 runs in consecutive 2-day period)) were detected during a 3 to 14-day continuous monitoring period, compared to 36% (n=20) of high-risk NSVT episodes detected during the standard 48-hour Holter monitoring period. Therefore, the diagnostic yield of high-risk NSVT was 3.0-fold greater over the entire 2 weeks of monitoring vs. only the first 48 hours (24% vs. 8%; p<0.001).
- 17% of patient profiles were re-classified with respect to risk of sudden cardiac death (n=40) based on their extended 14-day continuous monitoring period. The number of patients at high-risk for SCD increased 2.3-fold (95% CI: 1.2, 4.3) vs. 48-hour monitoring, with 18 (8%) of study patients reclassified from low- or intermediate-risk to high-risk for SCD. In addition, 22 (9%) of patients were reclassified from low to intermediate risk.
Importance of Detecting NSVT in HCM Patients

HCM is a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 500 people and one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD), especially in individuals under 35, including among athletes. HCM is caused by mutations in genes controlling the production of heart muscle proteins, resulting in thickening of the left ventricle wall. These changes can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently and disrupt its electrical signaling. Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is a well-recognized marker for SCD risk in patients with HCM.

Standard Holter monitoring captures only up to 48 hours of data, potentially missing episodes of NSVT that can occur later. This study shows that extended monitoring can detect NSVT that would otherwise go unnoticed, providing clinicians with clinical actionable information needed to make timely interventions such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

The findings underscore the importance of long-term continuous monitoring (LTCM) for patients with HCM. By detecting NSVT that would otherwise go undetected, clinicians are better equipped to assess sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk and recommend interventions like ICD placement.

This study highlights the value of extended monitoring as an important tool for risk stratification in HCM patients, complementing current American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines, which recommend monitoring every 1 to 2 years but do not yet specify the optimal duration for detecting arrhythmias.

“There is an abundance of clinical evidence demonstrating that uninterrupted, continuous, patch-based monitoring with the Zio^® long-term continuous monitoring service leads to increased diagnostic yield of Afib, atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, more accurate ectopic burden estimation, and lower rates of retesting,”⁵ said Mintu Turakhia, MD, iRhythm’s Chief Medical and Scientific Officer and EVP, Product Innovation. “This study adds to the evidence by showing how ascertainment of NSVT could be missed during risk stratification, in this case specifically for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, depending on the diagnostic test being used.”

About the Study

The EXAMINE-HCM study was a single-center, prospective study focused on patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common genetic heart disease and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young adults. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical profile of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), a key marker for SCD risk, using extended continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring. The primary goal was to assess the benefit of long-term monitoring compared to traditional 48-hour Holter monitoring, with a focus on NSVT episodes of longer duration, greater frequency, and occurring with a higher heart rate, which have been associated greater risk of SCD.

The study enrolled 236 consecutive adult patients diagnosed with HCM (mean age 49 ± 12 years; 72% male), none of whom had prior implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) or permanent pacemakers. These patients were being evaluated for SCD risk stratification. Participants wore the Zio^® XT long-term continuous (LTCM) patch ECG device (iRhythm Technologies, Inc.), a long-term continuous monitoring ECG patch device, for 14 days. The Zio patch recorded ECG data continuously, offering an extended wear time compared to traditional 48-hour Holter monitors. After the 14-day monitoring period, patients returned the device for data analysis, which was performed using artificial intelligence (AI)-powered algorithms and validated by certified cardiographic technicians.

NSVT was defined as more than 3 consecutive ventricular beats at a rate of ≥120 beats per minute (bpm) lasting for less than 30 seconds and terminating spontaneously. High-risk NSVT episodes were defined as those with one or more of the following: ≥8 consecutive beats, a rate of >200 bpm, or ≥2 runs within a 48-hour period, all of which are associated with a higher risk of SCD.

The study’s primary objective was to compare the prevalence, burden, speed, and length of NSVT episodes detected during the initial 48-hour period (standard Holter monitoring) versus the full 14-day extended monitoring period.

Key outcomes included the detection of NSVT with features judged to be higher risk and its potential impact on SCD risk stratification. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) SCD risk score was calculated based on both the 48-hour and full 14-day data, and patients were stratified into low, intermediate, and high-risk SCD categories over a 5-year period.

This project was supported by an investigator-initiated grant from iRhythm Technologies, Inc. Results presented are scientific data and not product or marketing claims.

Zio XT is indicated for use on patients who may be asymptomatic or who may suffer from transient symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, pre-syncope, syncope, fatigue or anxiety.

To learn more about the study, visit Heart Rhythm. To learn more about the value of the Zio LTCM service, which has been demonstrated in over 100 original scientific research manuscripts⁶, visit iRhythmTech.com..

About iRhythm Technologies, Inc.
iRhythm is a leading digital health care company that creates trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease. Combining wearable biosensors and cloud-based data analytics with powerful proprietary algorithms, iRhythm distills data from millions of heartbeats into clinically actionable information. Through a relentless focus on patient care, iRhythm’s vision is to deliver better data, better insights, and better health for all. To learn more about iRhythm, including its portfolio of Zio products and services, please visit irhythmtech.com.

Media Contact:
Kassandra Perry
irhythm@highwirepr.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Stephanie Zhadkevich
investors@irhythmtech.com

¹“Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).” Www.Heart.Org, American Heart Association, Aug. 2024, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy.

²“Uninterrupted” refers to uninterrupted ECG recording.

³Wang W, Lian Z, Rowin EJ, Maron BJ, Maron MS, Link MS. Prognostic implications of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in high-risk patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2017;10.

⁴Ommen et al. 2024 AHA/ACC/AMSSM/HRS/PACES/SCMR Guideline for the Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2024 Jun 4;149(23):e1239-e1311.

⁵Reynolds et al. Comparative effectiveness and healthcare utilization for ambulatory cardiac monitoring strategies in Medicare beneficiaries. Am Heart J. 2024;269:25–34. Accessed January 2, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2023.12.002

⁶Data on file. iRhythm Technologies, 2023: https://www.irhythmtech.com/providers/evidence/list-of-clinical-articles

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese supply chain expo to promote global industrial cooperation

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

BEIJING, Oct. 28 — The second China International Supply Chain Expo will be held in Beijing from Nov. 26 to 30, and will focus on promoting international cooperation in industrial and supply chains, a Chinese trade official said on Monday.

As the world’s first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the expo aims to connect upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, bring together enterprises of various sizes, and help companies better integrate into global industrial and supply chains, said Zhang Shaogang, deputy director of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, at a press conference.

This year’s expo will feature more than 600 domestic and foreign exhibitors. Overseas exhibitors will constitute 32 percent of participants at the 2024 expo, up from 26 percent at the first expo held last year, Zhang said.

U.S. companies will contribute the largest share of overseas participation at the expo this year, while the number of participants from Europe and Japan will also significantly surpass that of the first expo, Zhang added.

This shows foreign investors remain optimistic concerning the outlook of the Chinese market and that China is still considered their top supply chain partner for global resource allocation, said Zhang.

Similar to last year, the expo will have areas dedicated to supply chains for clean energy, smart vehicles, digital technology, healthy living, green agriculture and supply chain services.

In addition, this year’s expo has introduced a new exhibition area dedicated to advanced manufacturing chains — showcasing the latest achievements in the integration of technological and industrial innovation.

Unlike many expos, the supply chain expo is not about showcasing products. It is, instead, about presenting chains, ecosystems and scenarios, Zhang added.

Rather than focusing on short-term transactions, it emphasizes long-term cooperation and common development among upstream, midstream and downstream enterprises, Zhang explained. Exhibitors attend not to compete for clients, but to join hands and seek partnership.

Hungary is the guest country of honor at this year’s expo. The Hungary Pavilion will showcase Hungary’s leading industries, unique resources, cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and national brand image.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK statement for 75th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

UK general statement delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at the 75th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee, October 2024.

Location:

Geneva

Delivered on:

16 October 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Chair, High Commissioner,

Let me start by paying tribute to those humanitarians who have so tragically lost their lives in the past year – not least among them the UNHCR colleagues whom we have lost in the course of their duties in Lebanon. They have paid the ultimate price in their labour for peace and humanitarianism.

We are deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian situation in the Middle East and in Lebanon. The UK emphasises all parties’ obligation to comply with international humanitarian law and to ensure protection for civilians and civilian infrastructure. My government has been clear: the fighting must stop, the hostages must be freed, and there must be safe and free humanitarian access to those in need.

Turning to the themes of the Executive Committee, as we face future uncertainties and ever-increasing global displacement, we need to continue to work in solidarity and in unity to find solutions. Forcibly displaced persons demand and expect that the international community takes responsibility.

My government’s commitment to multilateralism and multilateral solutions is clear and deep-rooted. The UK will work hand-in-hand with UNHCR to respond to the growing list of protracted and emerging crises. We will tackle climate and nature emergencies and global development challenges together, by working for peace and promoting global economic development and growth to develop sustainable solutions. And we welcome the High Commissioner’s recent visit to London and the contact he has had with UK Ministers.

But clearly, the situation in countries of origin needs international attention too. We need to address root causes and invest in early anticipatory action that builds resilience and independence. We need partnerships that promote local leadership. And we need to empower women and girls.

Where needs arise, UNHCR must continue to provide protection for the most vulnerable. But clearly, more predictable and more sustainable support is needed so that increasingly stretched resources can be used more efficiently to keep pace with rising needs. UNHCR’s ongoing commitment to reform, efficiencies and effectiveness is an important part of this.

The UK is committed to seeking sustainable solutions together. Not just because inclusion in national systems is the right thing to do, but also because it is the smart thing to do. And we support national ownership and the leadership of hosting countries, who I want to recognize here for their generosity, where this is in refugees’ best interests.

This is why, at last year’s Global Refugee Forum, the UK highlighted the need to look beyond traditional humanitarian partnerships to galvanize joint sustainable action. And we have been working hard with our partners over the last ten months to put those commitments into action.

We must be led by the needs of displaced people wherever and whenever we find them. But I want to point to two specific crises which demand our attention. Firstly, Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine in flagrant breach of the UN Charter. This year, the UK provided £100 million in humanitarian assistance and like my Czech colleague I want to pay tribute to the British people who have extended sanctuary to almost 300,000 Ukrainians since the start of the invasion.

And Sudan which is perhaps the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis with almost 25 million people in need of assistance. Thank you, High Commissioner, for speaking out so clearly about the scale and horror of the conflict. We have provided almost £100m in assistance for Sudan this year.

And finally, on statelessness, we are grateful to UNHCR for its leadership of the I Belong campaign. The achievements are a strong foundation on which to launch the Global Alliance, which the UK is honoured to join. We know statelessness can be ended, and we look forward to working with others on this shared mission.

I’ll end by reiterate the UK’s gratitude to all UNHCR staff who tirelessly provide assistance to those who need it, so often in such difficult and dangerous circumstances. Let us, through the Executive Committee, show them our sustained support.

Thank you.

Updates to this page

Published 28 October 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: NEWTON GOLF Company Provides Preliminary Financial Results for Third Quarter of 2024
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CAMARILLO, CA, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NEWTON GOLF Company (Nasdaq: SPGC) (“NEWTON GOLF” or the “Company”), a technology-forward golf company with a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, reports preliminary financial results for the third quarter of 2024 (three months ended September 30, 2024) ahead of its quarterly filing.

Financial Highlights for Third Quarter 2024
- Revenue of $1,150,000 – $1,250,000 in 3Q24, an increase of 1,163% at the midpoint of the range over $95,000 in 3Q23 and a sequential increase of 48% at the midpoint of the range over $813,000 in 2Q24.
- Gross margin of 63-67% in 3Q24 was driven by increased volume in manufacturing and compares to 41% in 3Q23.
- Announced a complete rebranding of the Company.
- Launched the new Gravity Premium putter line with the introduction of five models.
- Expanded the Company’s global presence with the launch of the Newton Motion shafts in Japan in 50 of its largest golf retail locations.
- Closed on $732,000 of underwritten public offering of shares of common stock.
- Increased the number of professionals using the Newton Motion Shafts on the PGA TOUR Champions to 34, generating greater exposure.
- Executed successful digital campaigns.
- Introduced the new advanced performance shafts for higher swing speeds.
NEWTON GOLF Company Executive Chairman Greg Campbell commented, “Our third quarter was marked by continued momentum in the sales of our Newton Motion replacement driver shafts and the first full quarter of revenue from our fairway woods replacement shafts. The continued traction we are seeing from professional golfers, highlighted by 34 Champions TOUR players now using the Newton Motion shafts, gives us confidence that our technology-forward approach to design is the proper cornerstone of our product development strategy. Additionally, a recent launch of our putter line that now carries the NEWTON GOLF Gravity brand can potentially add to our growth trajectory.”

This press release contains preliminary estimated financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and may change as a result of management’s continued review. The preliminary financial information included in this press release reflects the Company’s current estimates based on information available as of the date of this press release and has been prepared by Company management. This preliminary financial and operational information should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements and is not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for any future periods. This preliminary financial and operational information could be impacted by the effects of financial closing procedures, final adjustments, and other developments.

About NEWTON GOLF: A Sacks Parente Company

NEWTON GOLF: A Sacks Parente Company, is a technology-forward golf company that help golfers elevate their game. With a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, the Company’s innovative accomplishments include: the First Vernier Acuity putter, patented Ultra-Low Balance Point (ULBP) putter technology, weight-forward Center-of-Gravity (CG) design, and pioneering ultra-light carbon fiber putter shafts.

In consideration of its growth opportunities in golf shaft technologies, the Company expanded its manufacturing business in April of 2022 to develop the advanced Newton brand of premium golf shafts by opening a new shaft manufacturing facility in St. Joseph, MO. It is the Company’s intent to manufacture and assemble substantially all products in the United States, while also expanding into golf apparel and other golf-related product lines to enhance its growth.

The Company’s future expansions may include broadening its offerings through mergers, acquisitions or internal developments of product lines that are complementary to its premium brand. The Company currently sells its products through resellers, the Company’s websites, Club Champion retail stores, and distributors in the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.newtongolfco.com or on social media at @newtongolfco.com, @newtonshafts, or @gravityputters.

Investor Contact for NEWTON GOLF
CORE IR
516-222-2560
investors@sacksparente.com

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: VERB Regains Nasdaq Listing Compliance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), the company behind MARKET.live, a leading livestream social shopping platform, and GO FUND YOURSELF!, a TV show and innovative new platform disrupting the crowd funding industry, today announced that on October 23, 2024, the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market stating that the Company had regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share for continued listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

Separately, the Company today announces that it has begun an investigation of apparent price manipulation in the trading of its shares following the Company’s announcement of a stockholder approved reverse stock split.

On October 4, 2024, the Company announced that its stockholders had voted to authorize its Board to implement a 1-for-200 reverse stock split in order to retain the Company’s Nasdaq listing and that the shares would begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on October 9, 2024.

Prior to the foregoing announcement, the Company estimates that there were approximately 40,000 beneficial owners of the Company’s stock. Assuming every single shareholder was entitled to a round-up share, which is highly unlikely, that would mean the Company would issue 40,000 shares to address any stockholders left with a fractional share following the reverse split. However, post-split, certain recently identified brokerage firms and clearing houses have requested roundup shares totaling more than 260,000 shares of the Company’s common stock – notwithstanding the fact that the Company’s total public float immediately post-split was less than 800,000.

Not coincidentally, the Company became aware of a significant increase in short positions in its stock at or around the same time – and around the same number of round-up shares as those requested by these brokerages and clearing houses.

And VERB is not the only company who has been subject to this same apparent manipulation. The Company knows of at least two other companies who are experiencing the same thing. The Company’s management is in communication with leadership at other affected companies and is seeking to coordinate efforts while actively pursuing the engagement of securities fraud counsel to investigate the facts, determine if there has been illicit activity affecting the Company, and if so, moving aggressively to hold those responsible accountable through swift private legal action as well as through the intervention of securities regulators.

“Do not underestimate our resolve to protect our company and our stockholders,” stated Rory J. Cutaia, VERB Chairman & CEO. “For those of you waiting to receive your 260,000 round-up shares, here’s some advice, don’t hold your breath.”

About VERB Technology Company
Verb Technology Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: VERB), is the innovative force behind interactive video-based social commerce. The Company’s MARKET.live platform is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping destination at the forefront of the convergence of ecommerce and entertainment, where brands, retailers, creators, and influencers engage their customers, clients, fans, and followers across multiple social media channels simultaneously. GO FUND YOURSELF!, is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure across social media channels for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons. The Company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and operates full-service production and creator studios in Los Alamitos, California and Philadelphia, PA.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC and the risk factors included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Investor Relations:
investors@verb.tech

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Vampire bats – look beyond the fangs and blood to see animal friendships and unique adaptations

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sebastian Stockmaier, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee

Vampire bats have complex social relationships. Samuel Betkowski/Moment via Getty Images

You can probably picture a vampire: Pale, sharply fanged undead sucker of blood, deterred only by sunlight, religious paraphernalia and garlic. They’re gnarly creatures, often favorite subjects for movies or books. Luckily, they’re only imaginary … or are they?

There are real vampires in the world of bats. Out of over 1,400 currently described bat species, three are known to feed on blood exclusively.

The common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, is the most abundant. At home in the tropical forests of Central and South America, these bats feed on various animals, including tapirs, mountain lions, penguins and, most often nowadays, livestock.

A vampire bat enjoys a blood meal at the expense of a domestic goat.
Nicolas Reusens/Moment via Getty Images

Feeding on a blood diet is unusual for a mammal and has led to many unique adaptations that facilitate their uncommon lifestyle. Unlike other bats, vampires are mobile on the ground, toggling between two distinct gaits to circle their sleeping prey. Heat-sensing receptors on their noses help them find warm blood under their prey’s skin. Finally, the combination of a small incision, made by potentially self-sharpening fangs, and an anticoagulant in their saliva allows these bats to feed on unsuspecting prey.

To me, as a behavioral ecologist, who is interested in how pathogens affect social behaviors and vice versa, the most fascinating adaptations to a blood-feeding lifestyle are observable in vampire bats’ social lives.

Vampire bats build reciprocal relationships

Blood is not very nutritious, and vampire bats that fail to feed will starve relatively quickly. If a bat returns to the roost hungry, others may regurgitate a blood meal to get them through the night.

Vampire bats will share their blood meal with a hungry friend.
Gerry Carter

Such food sharing happens between bats who are related – such as mothers and their offspring – but also unrelated individuals. This observation has puzzled evolutionary biologists for quite a while. Why help someone who is not closely related to you?

It turns out that vampire bats keep track of who feeds them and reciprocate – or not, if the other bat has not been helpful in the past. In doing so, they form complex social relationships maintained by low-cost social investments, such as cleaning and maintaining the fur of another animal, called allogrooming, and higher-cost social investments, such as sharing food.

These relationships are on par with what you would see in primates, and some people compare them to human friendships. Indeed, there are some parallels.

For instance, humans will raise the stakes when forming new relationships with others. You start with social investments that don’t cost much – think sharing some of your lunch – and wait for the other person’s response. If they don’t reciprocate, the relationship may be doomed. But if the other person does reciprocate by sharing a bit of their dessert, for instance, your next investment might be larger. You gradually increase the stakes in a game of back-and-forth until the friendship eventually warrants larger social investments like going out of your way to give them a ride to work when their car breaks down.

Vampire bats do the same. When strangers are introduced, they will start with small fur-cleaning interactions to test the waters. If both partners keep reciprocating and raising the stakes, the relationship will eventually escalate to food sharing, which is a bigger commitment.

Relationships, in sickness and in health

My lab studies how infections affect social behaviors and relationships. Given their vast array of social behaviors and the complexity of their social relationships, vampire bats are the ideal study system for me and my colleagues.

How does being ill affect how vampire bats behave? How do other bats behave toward one that is sick? How does sickness affect the formation and maintenance of their social relationships?

We simulate infections in bats in our lab by using molecules derived from pathogens to stimulate an immune response. We’ve repeatedly found a form of passive social distancing where sick individuals reduce their interaction with others, whether it’s allogrooming, social calling or just spending time near others.

Researchers attach proximity sensors to bats. The sensors communicate with each other and exchange information about meeting time, duration and signal strength, which is a proxy for distance between two bats.
Sherri and Brock Fenton

Importantly, these behavioral changes haven’t necessarily evolved to minimize spreading disease to others. Rather, they are parts of the complex immune response that biologists call sickness behaviors. It’s comparable to someone infected with the flu staying at home simply because they don’t feel up to venturing out. Even if such passive social distancing may have not evolved to prevent transmission to others, simply being too sick to interact with others will still reduce the spread of germs.

Interestingly, sickness behaviors can be suppressed. People do this all the time. So-called presenteeism is showing up at work despite illness due to various pressures. Similarly, many people have suppressed symptoms of an infection to engage in some sort of social obligation. If you have little kids, you know that when everyone in your household is coming down with something, there’s no way you can just sit back and not take care of the little ones, even if you feel quite bad yourself.

Animals are no different. They can suppress sickness behaviors when competing needs arise, such as caring for young or defending territory. Despite their tendency to reduce social interactions with others when sick, in vampire bats, sick mothers will continue to groom their offspring and vice versa, probably because mother-daughter relationships are extra important. Mothers and daughters are often each other’s primary social relationships within groups of vampire bats.

Despite vampire bats’ elaborate social relationships, farmers often consider them pests.
Sherri and Brock Fenton

Human-bat conflict centers on livestock

Despite their many fascinating adaptations and complex social lives, vampire bats are not universally admired. In fact, in many areas in South and Central America, they are considered pests because they can transmit the deadly rabies virus to livestock, which can cause quite significant economic losses.

Before people introduced livestock into their habitat, vampire bats probably had a harder time finding food in the form of native prey species such as tapirs. Now, livestock has become their primary food source. After all, why not feed on something that is reliably at the same place every night and quite abundant? Increases in livestock abundance come with increases in vampire bat populations, probably perpetuating the problem of rabies transmission.

The farmers’ quarrels with vampires make sense, especially in smaller cattle herds, where losing even one cow can significantly hurt a farmer’s livelihood. Culling campaigns have used topically applied poisons called vampiricide, basically a mix of petroleum jelly and rat poison. Bats are caught, the paste is applied to the fur, and they carry it back to the roost, where others ingest the poison during social interactions. Interestingly, large-scale culling may not be very effective in reducing rabies spillover.

Vampire bat colonies live in places like hollow trees.
May Dixon

Now, the focus has started to shift toward large-scale cattle vaccinations or vaccinating the vampire bats themselves. Researchers are even considering transmissible vaccines: They could genetically modify herpes viruses, which are quite common in vampire bats, to carry rabies genes and vaccinate large swaths of vampire bat populations.

Whichever method is used to mitigate vampire bat-human conflicts, more empathy for these misunderstood animals could only help. After all, if you stick your head into a hollow tree full of vampire bats – assuming you can brave the smell of digested blood – remember: You’re looking at a complex network of individual friendships between animals that care deeply for each other.

Some of the cited work in the article is from long-term collaborators (such as Dr. Gerald Carter at Princeton University) with whom I frequently interact and work together.

– ref. Vampire bats – look beyond the fangs and blood to see animal friendships and unique adaptations – https://theconversation.com/vampire-bats-look-beyond-the-fangs-and-blood-to-see-animal-friendships-and-unique-adaptations-239980

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Enhanced partnership in trade and the digital and green transition were discussed during Nigerian Vice President’s visit to Sweden
Source: Government of Sweden

Enhanced partnership in trade and the digital and green transition were discussed during Nigerian Vice President’s visit to Sweden – Government.se
Article from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Published 28 October 2024

On 17–18 October, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Sweden to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, regional security and global issues. Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard hosted the visit, which is an important step in strengthening the ties between the countries – not least by exploring new opportunities for cooperation in business and innovation.

When Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Sweden, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard hosted the visit.

Photo: Frida Drake/Government Offices

Minister for International Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa had a separate meeting with and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.

Photo: Frida Drake/Government Offices

Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch met Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and discussed trade issues.

Photo: Frida Drake/Government Offices

“Nigeria is undertaking an extensive green and digital transition and there are great opportunities for Swedish companies to contribute. Nigeria is a major regional and global power with a rapidly growing population. It was very valuable to have the chance to discuss enhanced cooperation in trade with Vice President Shettima, who also demonstrated impressive knowledge of Swedish history,” said Ms Malmer Stenergard.

Nigeria is an important trade partner to Sweden in sub-Saharan Africa and is expected to be the world’s third most populous country by 2050. Sectors such as energy, information and communication technologies, environmental technology, urban planning and infrastructure hold special interest – areas in which Sweden has much to offer. At present, around 40 Swedish companies operate in Nigeria and provide solutions ranging from 5G-technology and sustainable transport to renewable energy. This cooperation is paving the way for further Swedish investments and partnerships in the country.

“As a forerunner in an IT-driven economy in various sectors, Nigeria is well-positioned to become West Africa’s technological hub. There are numerous newly started businesses and technological development and innovation centres that showcase a rapidly growing industry. This is an opportunity that Swedish companies cannot afford to miss,” said Minister for International Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa.

Mr Shettima and his delegation met with several Swedish companies and other key actors during their visit to Sweden. The delegation included Executive Governor of Plateau State Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.

Mr Shettima was also received by the Crown Princess and met with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, where issues regarding enhanced exchange and common global challenges were discussed. He also met with Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch to discuss trade issues. Trade and investment, regional security and global issues were discussed during a lunch with Ms Maria Malmer Stenergard. Mr Dousa had a separate meeting with Mr Tijani.
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: SEK 50 million in humanitarian assistance to Sudan

Source: Government of Sweden

SEK 50 million in humanitarian assistance to Sudan – Government.se

Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Published 28 October 2024

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the largest in the world, with around half of the country’s population in need of humanitarian assistance. The Swedish Government has now decided to provide an additional SEK 50 million in humanitarian assistance. Women and children are particularly vulnerable in the current crisis. This assistance aims particularly at helping vulnerable children and meeting women’s needs related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

“The humanitarian situation in Sudan is disastrous. Millions of people are in need of emergency support, care and protection – none more so than the millions of children who are vulnerable, and those affected by the critical situation as regards SRHR. The Government is now increasing Sweden’s humanitarian assistance to Sudan by SEK 50 million. The conditions for humanitarian organisations to reach affected people also need to be greatly improved, which the Government is continuing to work for,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

“The situation in Sudan is the most extensive humanitarian crisis right now, which unfortunately is easily forgotten. As is always the case, women and children are most severely affected. We are targeting our assistance where it’s needed the most, which is currently in Sudan,” says Gudrun Brunegård, development assistance policy spokesperson for the Christian Democrats.

“Children are affected especially severely by the critical conditions and warrant special protection. I’m proud that Sweden is scaling up its humanitarian assistance to Sudan,” says Joar Forssell, foreign policy spokesperson for the Liberal Party.

SEK 30 million is being allocated to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF’s humanitarian activities in Sudan aim to provide children with health and medical care, and they also support initiatives for nutrition, water and sanitation in areas severely affected by the conflict.

SEK 20 million is being allocated to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In light of the increase in sexual and gender-based violence during the civil war and the lack of access to health and medical care, UNFPA’s humanitarian activities in Sudan are helping address the SRHR-related needs of women, girls and adolescents, including through the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence and support to people who have been subjected to violence.

Press contact

Sweden’s support to Sudan

With these additional funds, Sweden’s total support – from the Government and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) – to the civilian population in Sudan in 2024 amounts to SEK 709 million. This consists of SEK 489 million in humanitarian assistance and SEK 220 million in long-term development cooperation.

Sweden’s humanitarian support in Sudan is distributed between a number of civil society organisations, UN agencies and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The assistance is going to health and medical care, life-saving food assistance, water and sanitation, and protection and shelter for families who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.

Sweden is also providing humanitarian assistance to neighbouring countries Chad and South Sudan, which helps to meet the humanitarian needs of Sudanese refugees.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Media Registration: Closing News Conference of the CPTPP Commission Chaired by Canada
Source: Government of Canada News

October 28, 2024 – The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development will Chair the 2024 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission Meeting in Vancouver from November 27-28, 2024.
October 28, 2024 – The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development will Chair the 2024 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission Meeting in Vancouver from November 27-28, 2024. The Meeting will bring together Ministers and senior officials from member countries to advance the Agreement’s objectives and enhance trade cooperation across the Pacific region and beyond.

The CPTPP helps Canadian businesses by reducing trade barriers and costs and creating clear rules for international trade. As Chair, Canada is working to ensure the CPTPP remains the “gold standard” of international trade agreements.

Media representatives who wish to cover the closing news conference must register ahead of the event. Registration is open to journalists (print, radio, television, news agencies and online media) who are on assignment with a bona fide media organization.

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Start Time: 2:30 p.m. PT
Place: Vancouver, British Columbia

Notes for media:
- Media must register by email media@international.gc.ca in order to obtain the venue address.
- Media representatives are asked to arrive no later than 2:15 p.m.
- A media room will be available for one-on-one interviews.
Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
343-575-8816
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Alliance Memory to Showcase Expanded Portfolio at electronica 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

KIRKLAND, Wash., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alliance Memory will showcase its expanded product portfolio at electronica 2024 from November 12 to 15 in Hall B5, Stand 300 at the Trade Fair Centre Messe München in Munich, Germany. The company will highlight its new DDR4 and LPDDR4X SDRAMs, as well as high-density Serial NOR Flash devices, providing higher density, low power consumption, and fast data transfer rates for a wide range of applications.

“We’re excited to introduce our latest memory solutions that cater to growing market demands,” said David Bagby, President and CEO of Alliance Memory. “Our new DDR4 SDRAMs, LPDDR4X devices, and Serial NOR Flash products offer the performance, reliability, and flexibility our customers require in today’s evolving technology landscape.”

FEATURED PRODUCTS

DDR4 SDRAMs: Alliance Memory has expanded its CMOS DDR4 SDRAM offerings with new 8Gb, 16Gb, and 32Gb devices. These products combine low power consumption with fast clock speeds of up to 1600 MHz and transfer rates up to 3200 MT/s. They are available in 78-ball FBGA and 96-ball FBGA packages, offering enhanced performance for a variety of applications.

LPDDR4X SDRAM: The company’s 16Gb and 32Gb LPDDR4X devices deliver increased clock speeds of up to 2133 MHz and data rates of up to 4266 Mbps, designed for mobile and high-speed applications. Available in the 200-ball FBGA package, the LPDDR4X SDRAMs feature low power ratings, ideal for battery-operated systems.

High-Density Serial NOR Flash Devices: Alliance Memory has introduced new 3.3 V Serial NOR Flash families with densities of 128Mb, 256Mb, and 512Mb. These devices are suited for use in mobile PCs, servers, laptops, digital TVs, printers, and connectivity modules, offering high performance and flexible I/O options.

To schedule an appointment at electronica 2024 or for more information about the new products, please contact Bob Decker at bob.decker@redpinesgroup.com.

About Alliance Memory

Alliance Memory is a worldwide provider of critical and hard-to-find memory ICs for the communications, computing, consumer electronics, medical, automotive, and industrial markets. The company’s product range includes flash, DRAM, and SRAM memory ICs with commercial, industrial, and automotive operating temperature ranges and densities from 64Kb to 128GB. Privately held, Alliance Memory maintains headquarters in Kirkland, Washington, and regional offices in Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. More information about Alliance Memory is available online at www.alliancememory.com.

Agency Contact:
Bob Decker
Redpines
+1 415 409 0233
bob.decker@redpinesgroup.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: American Rebel Holdings, Inc. – Champion Safe Co. Announces the Introduction of Two New SAFE GUARD® Models: Sport 20™ and BTC 12™

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Provo, Utah, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Champion Safe Company (www.championsafe.com) (“Champion”), a subsidiary of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel”) is excited to announce the reintroduction of the SAFE GUARD^®, brand, with the launch of two new models designed to meet the evolving needs of cost-conscious consumers: the Sport 20 and BTC 12.

Champion Safe Company has been producing industry-leading gun safes with American-made steel since 1999 and their dedication to manufacturing superior quality gun safes has never changed. Champion products offer real security and are built the old-fashioned way: Heavy and tough with thick American, high-strength steel. Champion Safes are “built to a standard and not down to a price” which is why safes manufactured by Champion are built to be the strongest and most secure safes on the market.

Tom Mihalek, CEO of Champion Safe Company since April of 2024 said, “We are excited to bring back the SAFE GUARD^® brand with these two models that cater to different segments of the market. Champion Safe Co. delivered $15.6 million in revenue last year and we believe a reintroduction of SAFE GUARD^® will help to drive expansion in the years to come.”

The Sport 20 and BTC 12 embody the SAFE GUARD^® legacy of affordable, quality protection, and we are confident these safes will meet the expectations of today’s security-focused consumers.”

The Sport 20 is the perfect blend of strength and reliability, offering superior fire protection and security.

Key features include:

Up to 3 layers of fireboard for enhanced fire protection (rated at 1200°F for 30 minutes).
– A durable 14-gauge steel body construction weighing in at 403 lbs.
– A secure locking system with 4 one-inch locking bolts and a UL^® electronic lock.
– Adjustable shelving, deluxe door panel, and long gun storage for versatile organization.
– Hardplate lock protection for added defense against tampering.
– Available in a sleek, textured granite finish.

With its large interior and premium features, the Sport 20 is built to secure firearms and valuables while providing easy access for authorized users. Measuring 28”W x 60”H x 22.5”D, this model delivers uncompromised protection for both home and office use.

The BTC 12 (Bolt-Together Cabinet) brings security with a flexible, lightweight design, ideal for cost-conscious buyers and/or those needing a compact storage solution.

Its standout features include:

– A sturdy 3-point locking system and tamper-proof bolts for enhanced security.
– Rubber-coated racks and adjustable shelving to safely store guns and valuables.
– High-security key lock for simple, effective access control.
– A rugged 16/18-gauge steel construction weighing only 115 lbs.
– Easy assembly with its bolt-together design and a convenient package size of 23.5”W x 65”L x 9”D.

Measuring 21”W x 55”H x 18.5”D, the BTC 12 is perfect for all situations where space is a priority. The textured granite finish offers a modern look while providing robust protection.

The SAFE GUARD^® Sport 20 and BTC 12 will be available for purchase through authorized retailers in 2025.

American Rebel Holdings, Inc., America’s Patriotic Brand (www.americanrebel.com) and the creator of American Rebel Beer (www.americanrebelbeer.com), and a premier manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and security products acquired Champion in July 2022.
—

About Champion Safe Company

Champion Safe Company has been at the forefront of safe manufacturing for over 25 years, offering a range of high-quality safes designed for ultimate security and fire protection. With a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, Champion Safes are trusted by homeowners, gun owners, and businesses across the nation.

About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com www.championsafe.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include continued increase in revenues, continued compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, the ability of the Company to introduce new products and gain market shares, actual distribution timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Company Contact:
info@americanrebel.com

Investor Relations:
Brian Prenoveau
MZ North America
+1 (561) 489-5315
areb@mzgroup.us

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Mayor of Leeds to open major Commonwealth trade and investment conference
Source: City of Leeds

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, is set to welcome guests from across the Commonwealth to a major trade and Investment conference in Leeds tomorrow (Tuesday 29 October).

The Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Commonwealth conference has been organised by law firm, Womble Bond Dickinson, and is being jointly hosted by Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The conference will feature a range of speakers including; Megan Wood, Trade Commissioner at the Canadian High Commissioner in London, Dr Olushola Kolawole, lecturer at the University of Bradford’s School of Management, and the Pakistani Consul General in Bradford, Zahid Jatoi. Several influential British-based groups, such as the Ethnic Minority Business and Policy Forum and British Friends of Pakistan, will also attend along with Chief Executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce James Mason.

The event brings together experts from India, Canada, Pakistan, and Nigeria to reflect on the outcomes of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, held in Samoa last week, and will explore how the UK’s commercial links to the Commonwealth can be enhanced.

The 56 nations of the Commonwealth are among the UK’s largest and fastest-growing trading partners. The UK exports £83 billion to Commonwealth markets annually, which accounts for 10% of overall UK exports, with significant further trade and investment opportunities for companies in West Yorkshire.

The event will be an opportunity to encourage further West Yorkshire-Commonwealth trade, upskill businesses on commercial opportunities in the Commonwealth, and highlight the synergies around culture, education, and diasporic communities. It supports our mission to create an economy that works for everyone as set out in the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said: “It gives me the greatest pleasure to welcome our distinguished Commonwealth guests and partners to Leeds.

“I look forward to discussing furthering trade, culture, and education opportunities for our city, region and the Commonwealth markets. Leeds has a vibrant range of industries that would directly benefit from increasing opportunities with our Commonwealth partners, especially in our professional and financial services, advanced manufacturing, and digital and technology sectors, highlighted as growth-driving sectors in the UK’s recent Modern Industrial Strategy Green Paper.

“The strength of our city and a driver of its success is its diversity, vibrancy, and people. Forging closer links with our Commonwealth partners is a great opportunity to build on that diversity, create new ideas and investment opportunities and succeed together.”

Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development Councillor Jonathan Pryor said:

“We are delighted that Leeds is hosting honoured guests from around the world to this trade and investment conference. As a city Leeds is very proud of the diverse make-up of our communities, and this is reflected in our commitment to welcome and support international trade and businesses to invest here.

“As one of the leading UK cities for private-sector job creation, international investment and supporting business creation and growth across a wide-ranging economy, we very much look forward to this conference and the benefits it can help deliver through further strengthening international relationships and boosting the city and regional economy for all to benefit from.”

Notes for editors:

Leeds City Council Inclusive Growth Strategy: https://www.inclusivegrowthleeds.com/

West Yorkshire Trade and Investment Statistics
- India: 629 West Yorkshire businesses export goods to India at a total value of £126m, and 963 West Yorkshire businesses import goods from India at a total value of £356m. The value of services exported from West Yorkshire is £113m, and the total value of services imported from India to West Yorkshire is £134m. Total bilateral trade in goods and services between West Yorkshire and India is worth £729 million.
- Indian Tech company Mastek delivers significant UK digital infrastructure projects (including the NHS Spine, and MOD contracts). Mastek has a substantial presence in Leeds including an ambitious new graduate programme. Mastek continues to strengthen its Leeds operation, recently creating an additional 200 new jobs.
- In 2021 Mphasis launched a new UK Centre of Excellence in Leeds for their insurance clients. In 2022, Mphasis, announced plans to create an additional 1,000 new jobs in West Yorkshire. The investment will be worth tens of millions of pounds to the West Yorkshire economy.
- Prime Focus Technologies create high-tech AI-enabled software for the media and entertainment industry. Leeds is home to their UK headquarters and new state-of-the-art Media Centre which delivers Media and Online services for Channel 4 and other media companies.
- The latest published figures are for the 2021/22 academic year and show the count of Indian students at West Yorkshire institutions to be 4,080. Indian visitors to Yorkshire as a whole spend £14 million annually. British Indian’s make up roughly 2.7% of the population in West Yorkshire which is higher than most groups except for British Pakistani’s (10.7%).
- Pakistan: Pakistani’s make up the largest West Yorkshire Diaspora group, with 10.7% of the population.
- Yorkshire and Humber accounted for over 5% of UK exports to Pakistan in 2023, with a value of £23 million and over 7% of imports from Pakistan, valued at £111 million.
- Pakistan’s trade with the UK is covered by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which allows for preferential and tariff free trade on many products. 94% of goods exported from Pakistan to the UK are covered by the scheme, reducing tariffs by £120 million. Trade is expected to double between 2022-25.
- The UK is Pakistan’s largest export destination in Europe and the third globally.
- Canada: In 2023, the value of UK goods traded between Yorkshire and the Humber and Canada amounted to £442 million in exports (7.8% of total exports) and £0.3 billion in imports (5.1% of total imports).
- With both Canada and the UK being signatories of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), 99% of goods traded between CPTPP member countries will be tariff-free. This is projected to diversify both countries’ supply chains within the broader Asia-Pacific region whilst boosting trade, investment and innovation in sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.
- Leeds-based construction company Turner & Townsend have developed a strong presence in Canada with offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.
- In the UK in 2020-21 the total number of Canadian students was 6615 while the amount of Canadian academic staff amounted to 1635. Academic partnership has seen 40,745 UK publications co-authored with Canadians, between 2018-2021.
- Nigeria: In 2023, Yorkshire and Humber was the largest UK regional exporter to Nigeria, accounting for 45.5% of exports worth £661 million. In terms of imports, the region imported £29 million of goods from Nigeria during the same period.
- The UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) is the first the UK has signed with an African country and is designed to grow the UK and Nigeria’s already thriving trading relationship, which totalled £7 billion in the year to September 2023.
- In 2022/23 Nigerian students were the third largest international group in Yorkshire. Council figures suggest that between 2018/19 and 2022/23 the number of students coming from Nigeria to Leeds Beckett rose from 17 to 677.
ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: NVIDIA Ethernet Networking Accelerates World’s Largest AI Supercomputer, Built by xAI

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NVIDIA today announced that xAI’s Colossus supercomputer cluster comprising 100,000 NVIDIA Hopper Tensor Core GPUs in Memphis, Tennessee, achieved this massive scale by using the NVIDIA Spectrum-X™ Ethernet networking platform, which is designed to deliver superior performance to multi-tenant, hyperscale AI factories using standards-based Ethernet, for its Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) network.

Colossus, the world’s largest AI supercomputer, is being used to train xAI’s Grok family of large language models, with chatbots offered as a feature for X Premium subscribers. xAI is in the process of doubling the size of Colossus to a combined total of 200,000 NVIDIA Hopper GPUs.

The supporting facility and state-of-the-art supercomputer was built by xAI and NVIDIA in just 122 days, instead of the typical timeframe for systems of this size that can take many months to years. It took 19 days from the time the first rack rolled onto the floor until training began.

While training the extremely large Grok model, Colossus achieves unprecedented network performance. Across all three tiers of the network fabric, the system has experienced zero application latency degradation or packet loss due to flow collisions. It has maintained 95% data throughput enabled by Spectrum-X congestion control.

This level of performance cannot be achieved at scale with standard Ethernet, which creates thousands of flow collisions while delivering only 60% data throughput.

“AI is becoming mission-critical and requires increased performance, security, scalability and cost-efficiency,” said Gilad Shainer, senior vice president of networking at NVIDIA. “The NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking platform is designed to provide innovators such as xAI with faster processing, analysis and execution of AI workloads, and in turn accelerates the development, deployment and time to market of AI solutions.”

“Colossus is the most powerful training system in the world,” said Elon Musk on X. “Nice work by xAI team, NVIDIA and our many partners/suppliers.”

“xAI has built the world’s largest, most-powerful supercomputer,” said a spokesperson for xAI. “NVIDIA’s Hopper GPUs and Spectrum-X allow us to push the boundaries of training AI models at a massive-scale, creating a super-accelerated and optimized AI factory based on the Ethernet standard.”

At the heart of the Spectrum-X platform is the Spectrum SN5600 Ethernet switch, which supports port speeds of up to 800Gb/s and is based on the Spectrum-4 switch ASIC. xAI chose to pair the Spectrum-X SN5600 switch with NVIDIA BlueField-3^® SuperNICs for unprecedented performance.

Spectrum-X Ethernet networking for AI brings advanced features that deliver highly effective and scalable bandwidth with low latency and short tail latency, previously exclusive to InfiniBand. These features include adaptive routing with NVIDIA Direct Data Placement technology, congestion control, as well as enhanced AI fabric visibility and performance isolation — all key requirements for multi-tenant generative AI clouds and large enterprise environments.

About NVIDIA
NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

For further information, contact:
Alex Shapiro
NVIDIA Corporation
+1-415-608-5044
ashapiro@nvidia.com

Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits, impact, and performance of NVIDIA’s products, services, and technologies, including NVIDIA Hopper Tensor Core GPUs, NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking platform, NVIDIA Spectrum SN5600 Ethernet switch, Spectrum-4 switch ASIC, and NVIDIA BlueField-3 SuperNICs; features of xAI’s Colossus supercomputer cluster; xAI being in the process of doubling the size of Colossus to a combined total of 200,000 NVIDIA Hopper GPUs; the NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking platform being designed to provide innovators such as xAI with faster processing, analysis and execution of AI workloads, and in turn accelerating the development, deployment and time to market of AI solutions; NVIDIA’s Hopper GPUs and Spectrum-X allowing xAI to push the boundaries of training AI models at a massive scale, creating a super-accelerated and optimized AI factory based on the Ethernet standard are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

© 2024 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, NVIDIA Spectrum-X and BlueField are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32f7e01d-2845-40ac-9a09-2226d1f79ec0

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov visited the Republic of Belarus on a working visit

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

The First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government paid a working visit to the Republic of Belarus. Denis Manturov was received by the President of the country Alexander Lukashenko, held talks with the Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, and also visited a number of industrial enterprises.

During his working visit to the Republic of Belarus, Denis Manturov was received by the country’s President Alexander Lukashenko

October 28, 2024

During his working visit to the Republic of Belarus, Denis Manturov was received by the country’s President Alexander Lukashenko

October 28, 2024

Denis Manturov visited the Republic of Belarus on a working visit

October 28, 2024

Previous news Next news

During his working visit to the Republic of Belarus, Denis Manturov was received by the country’s President Alexander Lukashenko

Alexander Lukashenko and Denis Manturov discussed issues of trade and industrial cooperation between Russia and Belarus. Trade turnover between the countries increased by more than 5% last year and reached almost 47 billion dollars. Positive dynamics also persisted in the first eight months of this year – mutual trade increased by 6% to 32.5 billion dollars.

Russian enterprises continue to build up cooperation ties with Belarus. All regions of Russia are actively involved in the development of cooperation. Thus, only since the beginning of 2024, 42 regional delegations have visited the republic. In June of this year, the XI Forum of Regions of Russia and Belarus was successfully held in Vitebsk, in which 56 Russian regions took part.

Denis Manturov emphasized that Russia is actively cooperating with Belarusian civil aircraft manufacturing enterprises to produce components. “This concerns both the Il-76 and Tu-214 aircraft. I expect that this trend will continue, and we will expand the aircraft line, the range, and the number of components,” said the First Deputy Prime Minister.

At the meeting with Roman Golovchenko, issues of implementing a unified industrial policy of the Union State within the framework of the decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in January 2024 were also touched upon, including the issue of mutual access of industrial products of Russia and Belarus to state support instruments. The parties are working progressively in this direction.

As part of his working trip, Denis Manturov visited the BelAZ OJSC enterprise, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of large and extra-large capacity quarry dump trucks, as well as other heavy transport equipment for the mining industry and construction. The plant, with about 9,000 employees, produces over 100 modifications of dump trucks with a carrying capacity of 30 to 450 tons. In 2023, products worth a total of about $880 million were delivered to Russia, including 904 units of equipment. The First Deputy Prime Minister inspected the main conveyor shop, visited the Museum of Labor Glory, and also got acquainted with innovative and serially produced models of equipment at the enterprise. One of them is the BelAZ-75304 dump truck with a carrying capacity of 220 tons, which consists of more than 90% Belarusian and Russian components.

In addition, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia visited the joint Belarusian-Chinese enterprise SZAO Belgee, which produces passenger cars under the Belgee brand.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Apple introduces new iMac supercharged by M4 and Apple Intelligence
Source: Apple

Headline: Apple introduces new iMac supercharged by M4 and Apple Intelligence

October 28, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

Apple unveils the new iMac with M4, supercharged by Apple Intelligence and available in fresh colors

The world’s best all-in-one desktop features even more performance, a nano-texture display option, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity — all in a strikingly thin design

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced the new iMac, featuring the powerful M4 chip and Apple Intelligence, in its stunning, ultra-thin design. With M4, iMac is up to 1.7x faster for daily productivity, and up to 2.1x faster for demanding workflows like photo editing and gaming, compared to iMac with M1.¹ With the Neural Engine in M4, iMac is the world’s best all-in-one for AI and is built for Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that transforms how users work, communicate, and express themselves, while protecting their privacy. The new iMac is available in an array of beautiful new colors, and the 24-inch 4.5K Retina display offers a new nano-texture glass option.² iMac features a new 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports,³ and color-matched accessories that include USB-C. Starting at just $1,299, now with 16GB of unified memory, the new iMac is available to pre-order today, with availability beginning Friday, November 8.

“iMac is beloved by millions of users, from families at home to entrepreneurs hard at work. With the incredible features of Apple Intelligence and the powerful performance of Apple silicon, the new iMac changes the game once again,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “With M4 and Apple Intelligence, gorgeous new colors that pop in any space, an advanced 12MP Center Stage camera, and a new nano-texture glass display option, it’s a whole new era for iMac.”

Supercharged by M4

The M4 chip brings a boost in performance to iMac. Featuring a more capable CPU with the world’s fastest CPU core,⁴ the new iMac is up to 1.7x faster than iMac with M1. Users will feel this performance across everyday activities like multitasking between their favorite apps and browsing webpages in Safari. And with an immensely powerful GPU featuring Apple’s most advanced graphics architecture, iMac with M4 handles more intense workloads like photo editing and gaming up to 2.1x faster than iMac with M1. This also enables a smoother gameplay experience in titles like the upcoming Civilization VII. The new iMac comes standard with 16GB of faster unified memory — configurable up to 32GB. The Neural Engine in M4 is now over 3x faster than on iMac with M1, making it the world’s best all-in-one for AI, and accelerating the pace at which users can get things done.

M4 takes iMac performance even further:
- Families, small businesses, and entrepreneurs can fly through daily productivity tasks with up to 1.7x faster performance¹ in apps like Microsoft Excel, and up to 1.5x faster browsing performance⁵ in Safari compared to iMac with M1.
- Gamers can enjoy incredibly smooth gameplay, with up to 2x higher frame rates⁵ than on iMac with M1.
- Content creators can edit like never before, with up to 2.1x faster photo and video editing performance when applying complex filters and effects in apps like Adobe Photoshop¹ and Adobe Premiere Pro⁵ compared to iMac with M1.
- Compared to the most popular 24-inch all-in-one PC with the latest Intel Core 7 processor, the new iMac is up to 4.5x faster.¹
- Compared to the most popular Intel-based iMac model, the new iMac is up to 6x faster.¹
A New Era with Apple Intelligence on the Mac

Apple Intelligence ushers in a new era for the Mac, bringing personal intelligence to the personal computer. Combining powerful generative models with industry-first privacy protections, Apple Intelligence harnesses the power of Apple silicon and the Neural Engine to unlock new ways for users to work, communicate, and express themselves on Mac. It is available in U.S. English with macOS Sequoia 15.1. With systemwide Writing Tools, users can refine their words by rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text nearly everywhere they write. With the newly redesigned Siri, users can move fluidly between spoken and typed requests to accelerate tasks throughout their day, and Siri can answer thousands of questions about Mac and other Apple products. New Apple Intelligence features will be available in December, with additional capabilities rolling out in the coming months. Image Playground gives users a new way to create fun original images, and Genmoji allows them to create custom emoji in seconds. Siri will become even more capable, with the ability to take actions across the system and draw on a user’s personal context to deliver intelligence that is tailored to them. In December, ChatGPT will be integrated into Siri and Writing Tools, allowing users to access its expertise without needing to jump between tools.

Apple Intelligence does all this while protecting users’ privacy at every step. At its core is on-device processing, and for more complex tasks, Private Cloud Compute gives users access to Apple’s even larger, server-based models and offers groundbreaking protections for personal information. In addition, users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. For those who choose to connect their account, OpenAI’s data-use policies apply.

Array of Gorgeous New Colors

The new iMac comes in seven vibrant colors, bringing fresh shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and blue, alongside silver. The back of iMac features bold colors designed to stand out, while the front expresses subtle shades of the new palette so users can focus on doing their best work. Every iMac comes with a color-matched Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse or optional Magic Trackpad, all of which now feature a USB-C port, so users can charge their favorite devices with a single cable.

New Nano-Texture Display Option

The expansive 24-inch 4.5K Retina display on iMac is its highest-rated feature, and for the first time, it’s available with a nano-texture glass option that drastically reduces reflections and glare, while maintaining outstanding image quality.² With nano-texture glass, users can place iMac in even more spaces, such as a sun-drenched living room or bright storefront.

Enhanced Video Calls with 12MP Center Stage Camera

A new 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View makes video calls even more engaging. Center Stage keeps everyone perfectly centered on a video call — great for families gathered on FaceTime. Desk View makes use of the wide-angle lens to simultaneously show the user and a top-down view of their desk, which is useful for educators presenting a lesson to students, or creators showing off their latest DIY project. Rounding out the unrivaled audio and video experience is the beloved studio-quality three-microphone array with beamforming and an immersive six-speaker sound system.

Advanced Connectivity

On the new iMac, all four USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 4 for superfast data transfers, so users can connect even more accessories like external storage, docks, and up to two 6K external displays, creating a massive canvas with more than 50M pixels for users to spread out their work.³ iMac also supports both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. And with the advanced security of Touch ID, users can easily and securely unlock their computer, make online purchases with Apple Pay, and download apps.⁶ Additionally, Touch ID works with Fast User Switching, so customers can switch between different user profiles with just the press of a finger.

An Unrivaled Experience with macOS Sequoia

macOS Sequoia completes the new iMac experience with a host of exciting features, including iPhone Mirroring, allowing users to wirelessly interact with their iPhone, its apps, and its notifications directly from their Mac.⁷ Safari, the world’s fastest browser,⁸ now offers Highlights, which quickly pulls up relevant information from a site; a smarter, redesigned Reader with a table of contents and high-level summary; and a new Video Viewer to watch videos without distractions. With Distraction Control, users can hide items on a webpage that they may find disruptive to their browsing. Gaming gets even more immersive with features like Personalized Spatial Audio and improvements to Game Mode, along with a breadth of exciting titles, including the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Easier window tiling means users can stay organized with a windows layout that works best for them. The all-new Passwords app gives convenient access to passwords, passkeys, and other credentials, all stored in one place. And users can apply beautiful new built-in backgrounds for video calls, including a variety of color gradients and system wallpapers, or upload their own photos.

Better for the Environment

The new iMac with M4 is designed with the environment in mind, with 100 percent recycled aluminum in the stand, and 100 percent recycled gold plating, tin soldering, and copper in multiple printed circuit boards. iMac meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency, and is free of mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC. New this year, the packaging of iMac is entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal to remove plastic from its packaging by 2025.

Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations and, as part of its ambitious Apple 2030 goal, plans to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade.

Pricing and Availability
- Customers can pre-order the new iMac with M4 starting today, October 28, on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in 28 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, beginning Friday, November 8.
- iMac starts at $1,299 (U.S.) and $1,249 (U.S.) for education, and is available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. It features an 8-core CPU, an 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory configurable up to 24GB, 256GB SSD configurable up to 1TB, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
- iMac with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU starts at $1,499 (U.S.) and $1,399 (U.S.) for education, and is available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. It features 16GB of unified memory configurable up to 32GB, 256GB SSD configurable up to 2TB, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
- Additional technical specifications — including the nano-texture display option, configure-to-order options, and accessories — are available at apple.com/mac.
- With Apple Trade In, customers can trade in their current computer and get credit toward a new Mac. Customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in to see what their device is worth.
- Apple Intelligence is available now as a free software update for Mac with M1 and later, and can be accessed in most regions around the world when the device and Siri language are set to U.S. English. The first set of features is in beta and available with macOS Sequoia 15.1, with more features rolling out in the months to come.
- Apple Intelligence is quickly adding support for more languages. In December, Apple Intelligence will add support for localized English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K., and in April, a software update will deliver expanded language support, with more coming throughout the year. Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other languages will be supported.
- AppleCare+ for Mac provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know Mac best.
- Every customer who buys directly from Apple Retail gets access to Personal Setup. In these guided online sessions, a Specialist can walk them through setup, or focus on features that help them make the most of their new device. Customers can also learn more about getting started with their new device with a Today at Apple session at their nearest Apple Store.
About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.
1. Testing was conducted by Apple in September and October 2024. See apple.com/imac for more information.
2. Actual diagonal screen measurement is 23.5 inches. Nano-texture display is an option on models with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
3. All four USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 4 on models with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
4. Testing was conducted by Apple in October 2024 using shipping competitive systems and select industry-standard benchmarks.
5. Results are compared to previous-generation 24-inch iMac systems with Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD.
6. iMac with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU can configure to Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad, and iMac with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU comes standard with Touch ID.
7. Available on Mac computers with Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 Security Chip. Requires that the user’s iPhone and Mac are signed in with the same Apple Account using two-factor authentication, their iPhone and Mac are near each other and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on, and their Mac is not using AirPlay or Sidecar. Some iPhone features (e.g., camera and microphone) are not compatible with iPhone Mirroring.
8. Testing was conducted by Apple in August 2024. See apple.com/safari for more information.
Press Contacts

Michelle Del Rio

Apple

mr_delrio@apple.com

Starlayne Meza

Apple

starlayne_meza@apple.com

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com
MIL OSI Global Banks –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) Bank and Africa Finance Corporation Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Enhance Export Activities in the Middle East and Africa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, October 28, 2024/APO Group/ —

The Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) and Africa Finance Corporation(AFC) (www.Africafc.org), Africa’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on initiatives to boost exports in both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and AFC’s member countries This MoU, signed on the sidelines of the ongoing 2024 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, will also promote exchange of information, technical expertise and knowledge sharing between both institutions.

His Excellency Eng. Saad Al-Khalb commented: “The MoU with the Africa Finance Corporation comes as part of the bank’s commitment to enhancing international economic and trade relations. The agreement will cover several areas of cooperation, including exploring opportunities to support joint projects between companies in the Kingdom and the member countries of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), by providing credit solutions that support companies and institutions of all sizes and activities. It will also pave the way for local investors to benefit from promising investment opportunities in Africa, thereby enhancing the flow of non-oil Saudi exports to expand into various African markets, in line with empowering the non-oil national economy and creating a diverse and inclusive economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, commented on the partnership: “Strategic partnerships are vital for economic transformation, and in today’s world, no nation can tackle sustainable development alone. As such, AFC is pleased to partner with the Saudi Exim Bank, marking a major milestone in strengthening ties between Africa and Saudi Arabia. Leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to contribute significantly to driving industrialization, facilitating trade and creating jobs for a dynamic economic ecosystem that benefits both regions.”

It is worth noting that the Saudi Export-Import Bank is a development bank affiliated with the National Development Fund, working to contribute to diversifying the economic base of the Kingdom by enhancing the efficiency of the export system for non-oil national products and services, addressing financing gaps, and reducing export risks. This supports the growth of the non-oil national economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

At the heart of AFC’s mission is a commitment to delivering impactful solutions for Africa, across its core sectors of power, natural resources, transport and logistics, heavy industry, and technology. The Corporation has an unwavering commitment to realising transformative projects across Africa including infrastructure projects such as the Red Sea Power Wind Farm in Djibouti, the Arise IIP industrial zones and the Lobito transport corridor that are reshaping the landscape, fostering sustainable development for local communities, and altering the economic trajectory of countries.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: GraniteShares Announces Reverse Split of NVD

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GraniteShares has announced it will execute a reverse share split for one of its ETFs. The total market value of the shares outstanding will not be affected as a result of the transaction.

Reverse split will be executed on GraniteShares 2x Short NVDA Daily ETF.

After the close of the markets on November 01, 2024 (the “Payable Date”), the Fund will effect a reverse split of its issued and outstanding shares as follows:

Please note the CUSIP change, effective November 04, 2024:

As a result of the reverse split, every twenty-five shares of the Fund will be exchanged for one share of the Fund. Accordingly, the total number of the issued and outstanding shares for the Fund will decrease by the approximate percentage indicated above. In addition, the per share net asset value (“NAV”) and next day’s opening market price will be approximately twenty-five-times higher for the Fund. Shares of the Fund will begin trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market. (the “NASDAQ”) on a split-adjusted basis on November 04, 2024.

The next day’s opening market value of the Fund’s issued and outstanding shares, and thus a shareholder’s investment value, will not be affected by the reverse split. The table below illustrates the effect of a hypothetical one-for- twenty-five reverse split anticipated for the Fund:

1-for-25 Reverse Split

Period	# of Shares Owned	Hypothetical NAV		Total Market Value
Pre-Reverse Split	1,000	$	1	$	1,000
Post-Reverse Split	40	$	25	$	1,000

Redemption of Fractional Shares and Tax Consequences of the Reverse Split

As a result of the reverse split, a shareholder of the Fund’s shares potentially could hold a fractional share. However, fractional shares cannot trade on the NASDAQ. Thus, the Fund will redeem for cash a shareholder’s fractional shares at the Fund’s split-adjusted NAV as of the Effective Date. Such redemption may have tax implications for those shareholders and a shareholder could recognize a gain or loss in connection with the redemption of the shareholder’s fractional shares. Otherwise, the reverse split will not result in a taxable transaction for holders of Fund shares. No transaction fee will be imposed on shareholders for such redemption.

The GraniteShares ETF Trust’s transfer agent will notify the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) of the reverse split and instruct DTC to adjust each shareholder’s investment(s) accordingly. DTC is the registered owner of the Fund’s shares and maintains a record of the Fund’s record owners.

All GraniteShares leveraged and inverse ETFs are intended only for investors with an in-depth understanding of the risks associated with seeking leveraged investment results, and who plan to actively monitor and manage their positions. There is no guarantee these ETFs will meet their objective.

About GraniteShares

GraniteShares is an independent ETF issuer headquartered in New York City.

GraniteShares current ETF offering is presented below:

ETF NAME	TICKER		UNDERLYING STOCK	MANAGEMENT FEE/TOTAL EXPENSES
GraniteShares 2x Long AAPL Daily ETF		AAPB	Apple Inc.		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 2x Long AMD Daily ETF		AMDL	Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 1x Short AMD Daily ETF		AMDS	Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 2x Long AMZN Daily ETF		AMZZ	Amazon.com, Inc.		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 2x Long BABA Daily ETF		BABX	Alibaba Group Holding Limited		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 2x Long COIN Daily ETF		CONL	Coinbase Global Inc		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 1x Short COIN Daily ETF		CONI	Coinbase Global Inc		1.30%/1.50	%
GraniteShares 2x Long META Daily ETF		FBL	Meta Platforms Inc		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 2x Long MSFT Daily ETF		MSFL	Microsoft Corp		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF		NVDL	Nvidia Corporation		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 2x Short NVDA Daily ETF		NVD	Nvidia Corporation		1.30%/1.50	%
GraniteShares 2x Long PLTR Daily ETF		PTIR	Palantir technologies Inc		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 1.25x Long TSLA Daily ETF		TSL	Tesla Inc		0.99%/1.15	%
GraniteShares 2x Long TSLA Daily ETF		TSLR	Tesla Inc		0.95%/0.95	%
GraniteShares 2x Short TSLA Daily ETF		TSDD	Tesla Inc		0.95%/0.95	%
GraniteShares 2x Long UBER Daily ETF		UBRL	Uber Technologies Inc		0.99%/1.15	%

ETF NAME	TICKER		EXPOSURE	MANAGEMENT FEE/TOTAL EXPENSES
GraniteShares Gold Trust		BAR	Gold		0.17	%
GraniteShares Bloomberg Commodity Broad Strategy No K-1 ETF		COMB	Broad Commodities		0.25	%
GraniteShares HIPS US High Income ETF		HIPS	High Income		0.70%/1.99	%
GraniteShares Platinum Trust		PLTM	Platinum		0.50	%
GraniteShares Nasdaq Select Disruptors ETF		DRUP	U.S. Large Cap		0.60	%

Gregory FCA for GraniteShares
Kathleen Elicker, 484-889-6597
graniteshares@gregoryfca.com

Important Information

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call (844) 476 8747 or visit www.graniteshares.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

The investment program of the funds is speculative, entails substantial risks and include asset classes and investment techniques not employed by more traditional mutual funds.

PRINCIPAL FUND RISKS (see the Prospectus for more information)

GraniteShares Leveraged Long and Inverse Daily ETFs are not suitable for all investors. The funds seek daily leveraged investment results and are intended to be used as short-term trading vehicles. The funds pursue daily leveraged investment objectives, which means that the funds are riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the fund magnifies the performance of the underlying security. The volatility of the underlying security may affect the fund return as much as, or more than, the return of the underlying security. Investors who do not understand the Funds, or do not intend to actively manage their funds and monitor their investments, should not buy the Funds. The Funds are designed to be utilized only by traders and sophisticated investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily inverse and/or leveraged investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage and/or short sales and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. For periods longer than a single day, the Funds will lose money if the underlying stock’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Funds will lose money even if the underlying stock’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day. The Funds track the price of a single stock rather than an index, eliminating the benefits of diversification that most mutual funds and exchange-traded funds offer. Although the Funds will be listed and traded on an exchange, an investment in a Fund may not be suitable for every investor. The Funds pose risks that are unique and complex.

This information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any Funds to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

THE FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED BY ALPS DISTRIBIUTORS, INC. GRANITESHRES IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ALPS DISTRIBUTORS, INC

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Three takeaways from the first ICC WCF Europe and Asia Summit
Source: International Chamber of Commerce

Headline: Three takeaways from the first ICC WCF Europe and Asia Summit

Here are 3 highlights from the event:
1. Accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy
Co-hosted by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), the Summit featured opening speeches by ICC Chair, Philippe Varin, ICC Secretary General John W.H Denton AO and WCF Chair Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu with a clear message on the role of business to lead the charge on climate action in the final stretch ahead of the United Nations climate conference (COP29) in Baku from 11 to 22 November.

“Our collective response to the challenge of climate change will shape the world for generations to come. We are at a pivotal moment in history, where what we choose to do – or not do – will, most certainly, echo far into the future.”

ICC Chair, Philippe Varin
1. Boosting cross border business for SMEs
ICC’s new ICC One Click platform was unveiled by ICC Chair Philippe Varin. Designed to help small businesses grow through international trade, ICC One Click is a one-stop gateway to ICC’s extensive and practical range of tools and services for every step of the trade journey. Available in several languages, the platform features trusted ICC solutions including ICC Model Contracts, Incoterms® Rules, ATA Carnets and Dispute Resolution – as well as specialised services made available by ICC institutional partners – such as the Global Trade Helpdesk.
1. Insights from the global real economy
Findings of the first ICC World Chambers Federation Global Economic Survey were presented at the Summit during a panel discussion led by ICC Lead Economist Melanie Laloum. The “Chamber Pulse” survey captures insights from over 200 chambers of commerce from businesses on key economic and sustainability issues across economies that collectively account for 90% of global GDP.

Building on the resounding success of the ICC WCF World Chambers Congress, WCF regional summits are aimed at tackling global challenges through a regional perspective. They are co-hosted with local chambers further extending ICC’s impact and global reach.

The next regional summit will be the first WCF Africa Summit, hosted by Kenya. “Africa’s Global Future: Integrated, Innovative, and Sustainable” will take place from 9 to 11 April 2025 in Nairobi.

Learn more about the ICC World Chambers Federation.
MIL OSI Economics –
January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Coface SA: Fitch affirms Coface AA- rating, with ‘stable’ outlook

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Fitch affirms Coface AA- rating, with ‘stable’ outlook

Paris, 28 October 2024 – 18.45

The rating agency Fitch affirmed today Coface AA- Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating. The outlook remains stable.

Fitch has also affirmed Coface SA’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘A+’, with a stable outlook.

The rating action reflects “Coface’s very strong company profile and capitalisation, as well as a strong profitability through the cycle”. The stable outlook reflects Fitch’s view that “Coface continues to maintain sufficient rating headroom to withstand weaker macro-economic conditions and rising corporate default risk over the next 12-24 months”.

In Fitch’s press release, the rating agency recognises Coface’s “very strong, well established and geographically diversified franchise in the global trade credit insurance sector”. Fitch highlights also that “factoring, information services and other fee-based activities enhance Coface’s business diversification”.

Fitch views Coface’s financial performance “as strong across the economic cycle, underpinned by underwriting profitability and effective risk management and reinsurance”.

CONTACTS

ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
Thomas JACQUET: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
Rina ANDRIAMIADANTSOA: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

MEDIA RELATIONS
Saphia GAOUAOUI: +33 1 49 02 14 91 – saphia.gaouaoui@coface.com
Adrien BILLET: +33 1 49 02 23 63 – adrien.billet@coface.com

2024 FINANCIAL CALENDAR
9M-2024 results: 5 November 2024 (after market close)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website:
http://www.coface.com/Investors

For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2023 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.

COFACE: FOR TRADE
With over 75 years of experience and the most extensive international network, Coface is a leader in Trade Credit Insurance & risk management, and a recognised provider of Factoring, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Bonding, and Information Services. Coface’s experts work to the beat of the global economy, helping ~100,000 clients in 100 countries build successful, growing, and dynamic businesses. With Coface’s insight and advice, these companies can make informed decisions. The Group’ solutions strengthen their ability to sell by providing them with reliable information on their commercial partners and protecting them against non-payment risks, both domestically and for export. In 2023, Coface employed ~4,970 people and registered a turnover of €1.87 billion.

www.coface.com

COFACE SA is quoted in Compartment A of Euronext Paris
Code ISIN: FR0010667147 / Mnémonique: COFA

DISCLAIMER – Certain declarations featured in this press release may contain forecasts that notably relate to future events, trends, projects or targets. By nature, these forecasts include identified or unidentified risks and uncertainties, and may be affected by many factors likely to give rise to a significant discrepancy between the real results and those stated in these declarations. Please refer to chapter 5 “Main risk factors and their management within the Group” of the Coface Group’s 2022 Universal Registration Document filed with AMF on 6 April 2023 under the number D.23-0244 in order to obtain a description of certain major factors, risks and uncertainties likely to influence the Coface Group’s businesses. The Coface Group disclaims any intention or obligation to publish an update of these forecasts, or provide new information on future events or any other circumstance.

Attachment

2024 10 28 PR Fitch affirms Coface AA- rating

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration, alongside Congresswoman Wilson, Announce $389 million towards Miami-Dade County’s Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

The Federal Transit Administration, alongside Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24), announced that it is advancing the Miami-Dade County Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project into the Engineering phase of the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program.

This means the Federal Transit Administration will invest $389,474,434 in Miami-Dade County. The total project plan is $927.3 million, and under this plan, the Federal Transit Administration will provide $389.4 million, Miami Dade County will provide 337.9 million, and the State of Florida will commit $200 million.

Congresswoman Wilson, a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said, “The Federal Transit Administration’s announcement is a game-changer for Miami-Dade County and brings our community much closer to seeing the Northeast Corridor become a reality. Traffic and transit options have been issues across Miami-Dade County for as long as I can remember, especially in areas like Wynwood, Aventura, Little Haiti, and North Miami. I’m proud to have worked with our county officials and federal partners at the Federal Transit Administration to help secure these funds for Miami-Dade County. Constructing the Northeast Corridor will help reduce traffic, provide more transportation options, create jobs, contribute to our efforts to combat the climate crisis, and allow Miami-Dade County to become the modern, transit-connected community it deserves to be. While more work lies ahead, today marks a large milestone in our efforts to construct the Northeast Corridor.”

Congresswoman Wilson represents the areas where the Northeast Corridor would be constructed, including North Miami, Aventura, and Little Haiti. She has been a consistent advocate for the Northeast Corridor and has previously requested $454 million in funds from the federal government for the Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project. She was also one of five cosponsors of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which helped allow this funding for the Northeast Corridor.

“We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for continuing to support this critical project and our SMART Program to offer more affordable transportation options to our community,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The Northeast Corridor and its local commuter rail service will help reduce traffic and give many residents, especially in underserved areas, more options to access jobs, education and opportunities. This service will be a gamechanger for those who need it most as we continue building the future of transit in Miami-Dade.”

Next, the project will need a second rating from the Federal Transit Administration, considering factors such as mobility improvements, land use, and environmental benefits. Miami-Dade Transportation and Public Works already scored well enough on the first review to move into the Engineering phase and grant preliminary approval for a Capital Investment Grant. If they receive a strong score again and complete all engineering work, they’ll be able to secure a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the Federal Transit Administration. This agreement would commit the Federal Transit Administration to provide $389.3 million for the project, pending the availability of funding through annual appropriations, as this transit program relies on the General Fund instead of guaranteed Highway Trust Fund dollars.

No congressional approval is needed on a project-specific level, but Congress will have to approve funds for all Capital Investment Grants projects as part of the annual Congressional appropriations process to ensure the funds for this project.

“The Federal Transit Administration’s $389 million investment in Miami-Dade’s Northeast Corridor is a monumental step forward in our efforts to create a modern, connected transit system that serves our residents and visitors,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins. “This funding is a testament to our community’s vision and the commitment from leaders like Congresswoman Federica Wilson to make that vision a reality. With stops in places like Wynwood, Little Haiti, and at the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, expanding and improving our transit options means less traffic congestion, a cleaner environment, and enhanced access to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities for thousands. I am proud to advocate for this vital project alongside our congressional partners and look forward to the progress that will transform how we move across Miami-Dade.”

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, who represents the area where the Northeast Corridor would be constructed, has traveled numerous times between Miami-Dade and Washington, D.C., to advocate for this funding.

Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Oliver Gilbert said, “This announcement by the FTA marks a commitment to a more accessible, resilient, and inclusive Miami-Dade County. Whether it’s jobs, housing, or educational opportunities, the federal support for the Northeast Corridor will bring transformative change and make it easier for people to connect with what matters most in their lives.”

Cathy Dos Santos, Executive Director of Transit Alliance Miami, said, “In August of 2024, 80% of Miami-Dade voters gave our elected officials a mandate to expand mass rapid transit, the Northeast Corridor delivers. This rail project is a giant step towards a robust, competitive transit network that secures the economic well-being of Miami-Dade. For our workers and families, this commuter rail will be a completely new way of moving that’s safe, fast, affordable, and enjoyable, compared to the traffic nightmare of the I-95. We commend Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Commissioner Higgins for fighting to secure this funding and Miami-Dade’s future!”

For the approval letter from the Federal Transit Administration, click here.

For the details on the Federal Transit Administration’s announcement, click here.

The Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project includes 13.5 miles of commuter rail, with 7 stations, including Miami Central, Wynwood, Design District, Little Haiti, North Miami, FIU/Biscayne, and West Aventura.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Commissioner Pham Announces Global Markets Advisory Committee will Meet November 21

Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C. — CFTC Commissioner Caroline D. Pham, sponsor of the Global Markets Advisory Committee, announced the GMAC will hold a virtual public meeting Thursday, Nov. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. EST. The meeting will be open to the public via live webcast or listen-only audio feed via telephone.

“The GMAC is continuing to meaningfully address innovations in market structure through pragmatic recommendations for applying existing regulatory frameworks to new and emerging technology,” Commissioner Pham said. “I look forward to the presentations on tokenized collateral to improve operational efficiency and mitigate risks, and development of regulatory approaches to utility tokens.”

At this meeting, the GMAC will hear a presentation by the Tokenized Collateral workstream of the GMAC’s Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee on expanding use of non-cash collateral through use of distributed ledger technology and consider a recommendation from the Subcommittee. The meeting will also include a presentation by the Utility Tokens workstream of the Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee summarizing their work to-date on defining utility tokens and developing guidance for market participants.

A detailed agenda is available here.

Under Commissioner Pham’s sponsorship, the GMAC has advanced 13 recommendations in less than a year, and continues making progress on developing solutions to the most significant challenges in global markets as set forth in its 2023-2025 work program. Learn more about the GMAC and its work here.

Meeting Details

What:

Global Markets Advisory Committee Meeting

Location (virtual):

The meeting will take place virtually. Viewing instructions below

When:

Thursday, November 21, 2024

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (EST)

Viewing/Listening Instructions: View a live webcast on CFTC.gov or through the CFTC’s YouTube channel. Use the numbers below to call in. Call-in participants should be prepared to provide their first name, last name, and affiliation, if applicable. Materials presented at the meeting will be made available on CFTC.gov.

Participation Details
Domestic Toll-Free: Domestic Toll:	+1 833 568 8864 or +1 833 435 1820 +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590 or (U.S. Spanish Lines) +1 415 449 4000 or +1 646 964 1167
Webinar ID:	161 533 1062 Passcode: 990545
International Numbers:	International Numbers

Additional information is available in the Federal Register.

About the GMAC and Advisory Committees

The GMAC was created to advise the Commission on issues that affect the integrity and competitiveness of U.S. markets and U.S. firms engaged in global business, including the regulatory challenges of a global marketplace that reflects the increasing interconnectedness of markets and the multinational nature of business. The GMAC also makes recommendations regarding international standards for regulating futures, swaps, options, and derivatives markets, as well as intermediaries. In June 2023, Commissioner Pham announced the leadership and membership of the GMAC and its subcommittees—the largest-ever single advisory committee initiative sponsored by the CFTC. Members include financial market infrastructures, market participants, end-users, service providers, and regulators. Harry Jung is the GMAC Designated Federal Officer, and Nicholas Elliot is the GMAC Alternate Designated Federal Officer.

There are five active Advisory Committees overseen by the CFTC. They were created to provide advice and recommendations to the Commission on a variety of regulatory and market issues that affect the integrity and competitiveness of U.S. markets. These committees facilitate communication between the Commission and market participants, other regulators, and academics. The views, opinions, and information expressed by the Advisory Committees are solely those of the respective Advisory Committee and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission, its staff, or the U.S. government.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Lambent Executives to Co-Present with NSU Florida on Occupancy Analytics and Operational Excellence
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Executives from occupancy analytics software company Lambent are partnering with NSU Florida to highlight how businesses and higher education institutions are using occupancy analytics to maximize operational excellence.

Lambent CEO Richard Scannell and Campus Technology Advisor/Sales Director Sue Wohlford Bork will be joined by Daniel Alfonso, Vice President of Facilities Management and Safety at NSU Florida at two different events in the next two weeks—SRAPPA (Southeast Region Association of Physical Plant Administrators) and Tradeline’s Space Strategies 2024.

The sessions will examine the role of occupancy analytics in revolutionizing operational excellence across real estate and facilities management, and the resulting cost reductions, adaptability improvements, and energy efficiencies. The presenters will share NSU Florida’s own experience integrating occupancy data with its Building Automation Systems (BAS) and the opportunities that created for data-driven space discussions and the improved management of hybrid workplaces. They will also discuss the transformational potential of predictive occupancy analytics in developing operational strategies, anticipating space usage trends and aligning resources to quickly adapt to those shifts.

The session will be presented at two separate conferences:
SRAPPA (Southeast Region Association of Physical Plant Administrators)
- Chattanooga, TN
- Wed. Oct. 30^th @ 2:25 PM
Speakers:

Sue Bork
Campus Technology Advisor to Higher Education Institutions
Lambent Daniel Alfonso
Vice President of Facilities Management and Safety
NSU Florida

Tradeline Space Strategies 2024
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Mon. Nov. 11th @ 2:20 PM and Tue. Nov. 12th @ 1:45 PM
Speakers:

Richard Scannell
CEO
Lambent Daniel Alfonso
Vice President of Facilities Management and Safety
NSU Florida

About Lambent
Lambent is an occupancy analytics software company helping corporate and higher ed campuses optimize space utilization, facilities operations and real estate investments. Its SaaS platform, Lambent Spaces, leverages existing data sources such as Wi-Fi and sensors to provide anonymous and predictive analytics to inform decisions related to utilization, workplace experiences, planning, scheduling, and maintenance. The software delivers actionable intelligence so facilities professionals and space planners can make better use of the spaces they have. For more information, visit https://lambentspaces.com/.

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Focus on trade and investment as Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade visits Saudi Arabia

Source: Government of Sweden

Focus on trade and investment as Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade visits Saudi Arabia – Government.se

Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Published 28 October 2024

On 27–29 October, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is visiting Saudi Arabia. Mr Dousa will have meetings with the Saudi Government, meet with Swedish and Saudi businesses and take part in the Future Investment Initiative’s international investment conference.

Saudi Arabia is Sweden’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa, and exports have grown in recent years.

“Saudi Arabia is undergoing very rapid societal change. Swedish businesses have expertise in areas of great interest for Saudi Arabia, none more so than innovation and green transition. This provides great opportunities for these businesses. I’m travelling to Riyadh to promote trade relations between Sweden and Saudi Arabia,” says Mr Dousa.

Mr Dousa will meet with Saudi Minister of Commerce DR. Majid bin Abdullah Al-kassabi and other government representatives to discuss bilateral trade relations. Mr Dousa will also visit Swedish businesses operating in Riyadh, along with a ‘mega-project’ where a new urban district is emerging outside the city. Many Swedish businesses are active in Saudi Arabia in areas such as the health sector, telecommunications, energy and transport.

Press contact

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Charges two Louisiana-Based Companies and Cofounder with Multi-Million Dollar Forex Fraud, Failing to Register

Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against NOLA FX Capital Management, LLC, Meteor, LLC, Louisiana limited liability companies, and the founder of both, Michael B. DePetrillo.

The complaint alleges the defendants operated a commodity pool scheme in which they fraudulently solicited and accepted at least $7.6 million from at least 40 individuals, and misappropriated and commingled pool participant funds. Allegedly, NOLA FX Capital and Meteor acted as unregistered commodity pool operators, and DePetrillo acted as an unregistered associated person of a commodity pool operator.

The CFTC seeks restitution, disgorgement, civil monetary penalties, restitution, trading and registration bans, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations, as charged.

Case Background

As alleged in the complaint, from approximately July 2017 to the present, the defendants fraudulently solicited pool participants by claiming their funds would be pooled and invested in NOLA FX Fund, LLC, and used to trade foreign currency pairs on a leveraged, margined, or financed basis (“retail forex”). In furtherance of this scheme, the defendants allegedly sent false account statements to pool participants showing purported profits and trading activity, when in fact none existed. Instead of trading as promised, the defendants misappropriated pool funds. The defendants used these misappropriated funds to make payments to existing pool participants in a manner akin to a Ponzi scheme, pay DePetrillo’s personal expenses and to conduct personal trading in DePetrillo’s personal trading accounts.

Meteor and/or NOLA FX Capital allegedly acted as a commodity pool operator by soliciting, accepting, and receiving funds to trade forex, but failed to register with the CFTC as such, and commingled pool participant funds with the property of others.

Related Criminal Action

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana, filed a separate criminal action against Michael B. DePetrillo [United States v. Depetrillo, No. 2:24-mj-00131-DM-1].

The Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for this case are Mike Loconte, Brendan Forbes, Eugenia Vroustouris, Erica Bodin, Stephanie Cooper, Aimée Latimer-Zayets and Rick Glaser.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Where’s the harm in that? How we think about workplace hazards hampers the application of health and safety law

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Louise Deacon, PhD Graduand, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

Current thinking about workplace problems, mental health and the law is hindering New Zealand’s ability to prevent job-related mental harm.

The inclusion of mental health in New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) is meant to protect workers from the risk of harm arising from exposure to workplace psychosocial hazards.

These arise from the way work is designed, managed and led, and the context in which work is carried out. They can cause psychological, social or physical harm. Common examples include long work hours, role ambiguity, emotional demands, job insecurity and bullying.

Our research examined how the most senior company decision-makers understood their legal duties as they relate to mental health.

Under the HSWA, these officers – including company directors and chief executives – must exercise due diligence to ensure their company is compliant with the law.

But most of the 24 research participants, who were officers of large companies, expressed uncertainty and ambiguity about the meaning of “mental health” within the HSWA.

The harms of work

Exposure to psychosocial hazards is commonly reported by New Zealand workers.

Those working in jobs such as policing, nursing and teaching, for example, report high levels of emotional demands.

Māori and Pacific workers, workers in retail, and workers in their 30s report higher than average levels of job insecurity.

The harm caused by exposure to these these hazards typically presents as psychological. But it has also been strongly linked to cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders.

Lack of expertise

Managerial decisions relating to how work is designed, organised and managed influence how people experience work and the psychosocial hazards they may face.

Psychosocial risk often stems from operational and performance decisions relating to things like intensification, staffing, production and market demands.

In many organisations, these decisions are made in the boardroom – far removed from where the core work of the business is carried out.

Many of the research participants felt the uncertainty about the meaning of mental health within the HSWA arose from a lack of expertise in New Zealand’s health and safety workforce, a lack of clear regulatory guidance, and the complexity of psychosocial risk.

As one participant said:

There’s no boundaries, there’s no playbook, there’s no formula they can follow, it’s hard and it’s complex and it’s different for each person, and there’s nobody who you can point to and go, “They’ve absolutely nailed it”.

But our analysis also found that uncertainty and ambiguity arose from other factors.

These included a belief that the risk of exposure was often rooted in the personal characteristics and behaviours of workers rather than in their work. There was also a focus on fixing harm rather than preventing it and the conflation of psychosocial risks with other risks.

Unfortunately, these beliefs also limited the application of the HSWA.

Instead of addressing work-related risk, senior managers became distracted by workers’ personal lives and focused on reactive management strategies rather than preventative ones. They adopted an approach to risk management that emphasised “risks to the organisation” rather than “risks to workers”.

Bullying in the workplace

These limits were most clearly evident when participants described their oversight of organisational responses to bullying and harassment.

Many of the causes of bullying and harassment lie in the way work is organised, managed and led.

However, in detailing their performance of due diligence, participants described ensuring such risks were managed by recounting conflict reporting and resolution systems, support for victims, and organisational policy stressing “zero tolerance” for poor workplace behaviour.

While these responses might form part of a comprehensive approach to bullying and harassment (although in practice these could be unjust, ineffective or even counterproductive), on their own they may also be inadequate when the problem is considered under work health and safety law.

The risk-based, preventative nature of the HSWA requires that harm is prevented through understanding, anticipating and intervening in the contributing factors within the work environment.

Research has firmly established that bullying is more likely in organisations where there are unreasonable workloads, high job demands and job insecurity, along with laissez-faire or “hands off” management, or management strategies that relentlessly require workers do more with less.

Consideration of these risks may be relevant in the current context of job insecurity and job cuts across the public sector which could result in increased demands on remaining workers.

The link between hazards and harm

Risk assessment must focus on what can, and ought to be, known about the relationship between these psychosocial hazards and potential harm. Risk management must aim to eliminate or minimise risks as far as reasonably practicable.

Importantly, acting on risk does not require evidence of harm. Responding to harm once it has happened is contrary to the overall purpose of the HSWA.

But addressing deeper organisational factors is much more difficult and uncomfortable for those in charge.

Preventing bullying and harassment requires considering how decisions about the design, organisation and management of work may contribute to the risk of harm.

Prevention can therefore explicitly question the decisions and practices of company directors, executives and managers – not traditionally considered within the remit of work health and safety.

As a result, bullying and harassment tend to be framed as an interpersonal problem between workers and their managers. This is less challenging than bringing the decisions relating to the management and governance of a company into question.

The preventative focus is then placed on correcting and improving behaviour rather than managing or changing the conditions of work which give rise to bullying and harassment.

Louise Deacon received a grant from Health and Safety Association of New Zealand and a Massey University Doctoral Scholarship for this research.

Bevan Catley has recieved funding in the past from The Health Research Council of New Zealand and WorkSafe New Zealand concerning work-related psychosocial risks.

David Tappin has received research funding in the past from The Health Research Council of New Zealand and WorkSafe New Zealand concerning work-related psychosocial risks.

– ref. Where’s the harm in that? How we think about workplace hazards hampers the application of health and safety law – https://theconversation.com/wheres-the-harm-in-that-how-we-think-about-workplace-hazards-hampers-the-application-of-health-and-safety-law-240794

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Nationwide Volunteering Initiative ‘This Diwali with MY BHARAT’ to Mark MY Bharat Portal’s First Anniversary
Source: Government of India (2)

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Nationwide Volunteering Initiative ‘This Diwali with MY BHARAT’ to Mark MY Bharat Portal’s First Anniversary

Over 2 Lakh Volunteers across 500 Locations in India to Participate in this Initiative

Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 6:51PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has unveiled a nationwide volunteering initiative titled ‘This Diwali with MY Bharat – Ye Diwali MY Bharat Ke Saath’, set to take place from 27^th to 30^th October 2024. This special event, aimed at celebrating the first anniversary of the MY Bharat Portal, will see the participation of over 2 lakh volunteers across 500 locations in India, fostering a spirit of social service and volunteerism during the festive season.

ये दिवाली MY Bharat के साथ!

प्रधानमंत्री श्री @NarendraModi जी ने विभिन्न अवसरों पर हमारे युवा साथियों को विकसित भारत के निर्माण में नेतृत्व करने का आग्रह किया है।

इस बार दिवाली के पावन पर्व पर 27 से 30 अक्तूबर तक हमारे 2 लाख से अधिक युवा साथी स्वच्छता अभियान, अस्पताल में… pic.twitter.com/9CDwUgfSeY

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) October 27, 2024

Through this initiative, volunteers will work together to enhance urban amenities such as roadways, markets, and basic healthcare facilities, ensuring that citizens enjoy a more vibrant and seamless festival experience. The effort aims to strengthen the bond between local communities and volunteers, showcasing the power of community-oriented action. Activities planned under this mega event include:
- Market Cleaning: In collaboration with the All India Traders Association, volunteers will clean identified marketplaces.
- Hospital Volunteering: Volunteers will assist in enhancing access to health services for patients.
- Traffic Volunteering: Assisting Traffic Police in managing traffic congestion at critical chokepoints.
The event will see collaboration from various stakeholders, including the Department of Youth Affairs, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), registered MY Bharat volunteers, Youth Clubs, NSS units, Market Associations, Traffic Police departments, and selected hospitals.

Department of Youth Affairs invites the youth across the country to actively participate by registering on the MY Bharat Portal at www.mybharat.gov.in and engaging in activities planned during the festive season. Participants are encouraged to share their photos and videos of the activities on the Mega Event Page, using the hashtag #DiwaliWithMYBharat.

******

Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2068973) Visitor Counter : 83

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India-Spain Joint Statement during the visit of President of Government of Spain to India (October 28-29, 2024)

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sanchez paid an official visit to India on 28 -29 October, 2024. This was President Sanchez’s first visit to India and the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India after 18 years. He was accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Minister of Industry and Tourism, and a high-level official and business delegation.

The two leaders noted that this visit has renewed the bilateral relationship, infusing it with fresh momentum and setting the stage for a new era of enhanced cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. They also expressed satisfaction at the progress of bilateral relations since Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Spain in 2017. Both leaders instructed their teams to continue upgrading the bilateral agenda further and forging cooperation in all dimensions of political, economic, security, defence, people-to-people and cultural cooperation.

President Sanchez was granted a cultural welcome, and held delegation level talks with Prime Minister Modi at Vadodara.He also visited Mumbai where he interacted with prominent business leaders, cultural figures and representatives of the Indian film industry.

President Sanchez and Prime Minister Modi jointly inaugurated the Final Assembly Line Plant of C-295 aircraft co-produced by Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. at Vadodara. This plant will roll out the first ‘Made in India’ C295 aircraft in 2026, out of a total of 40 aircrafts to be manufactured in India. Airbus Spain is also delivering 16 aircrafts in ‘fly-away’ condition to India, out of which 6have already been delivered to the Indian Air Force.

Political, Defence, and Security Cooperation

1. The two leaders reviewed the warm and cordial bilateral ties between the two countries and highlighted that the foundation of the growing partnership lies in the shared commitment to democracy, freedom, rule of law, a fair and equitable global economy, a more sustainable and resilient planet, a rules-based international order and enhanced and reformed multilateralism. They also highlighted the enduring historical ties and long-standing friendship between the two nations as central to this cooperation.

2. Both leaders emphasised that regular high-level interaction is giving momentum to the partnership. They noted that the ongoing bilateral cooperation between the foreign, economy and commerce and defence ministries is working well, and stressed the importance of holding regular dialogues between the concerned ministries/agencies of the two sides with a view to strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation in key areas of defence, security including cyber security, trade and economic issues, culture, tourism, education and people-to-people ties.

3. Both leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the C-295 aircraft project as a symbol of the growing defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. In line with this growing partnership, and in recognition of the advanced capabilities and competitiveness of the Spanish defence industry and its contribution to the goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, they encouraged their respective defence industries in other sectors to set up similar joint projects in India.

Economic and Commercial Cooperation

4. President Sanchez and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the recent positive developments in bilateral trade and investment partnership, buoyed by the positive economic outlook in both countries and called for stronger ties between the businesses of the two countries.

5. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Sanchez on the growth and the resilience of the Spanish economy. President Sanchez complimented Prime Minister Modi on India’s fast economic growth and lauded the various government initiatives to promote a business-friendly environment. President Sanchez highlighted Spain’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative through the activities of about 230 Spanish companies present in India. Both leaders reiterated their strong support for an open rules-based multilateral trading system, and a business-friendly investment scenario in both countries.

6. Recognizing the expertise of Spanish companies in areas such as energy, including renewables, nuclear, and smart grids, food processing, healthcare and health services, automotive and transport infrastructure, including trains, roads, ports and transport network management, the two leaders welcomed further collaboration in these areas. President Sanchez welcomed the positive contributions being made by Indian companies to the Spanish economy in fields such as information technology, pharmaceuticals and automobile and auto components. Both leaders welcomed the establishment of a ‘Fast Track Mechanism’ to facilitate mutual investments in India and Spain.

7. The two leaders took note of the progress made by the 12th session of the India-Spain ‘Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation’ (JCEC) held in 2023 and agreed to convene the next session of the JCEC in Spain in early 2025. In this context, they also agreed on the importance of deepening economic ties and exploring strategic cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and sustainable infrastructure. The two leaders looked forward to an early conclusion of Memorandum of Understanding on Urban Sustainable Development.

8. Both leaders welcomed the Second meeting of the India-Spain CEOs Forum as well as India-Spain Business Summit in Mumbai on October 29, 2024,to promote trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

9. Both leaders recognized the vital importance of innovation and the startup ecosystems in driving forward the bilateral partnership and called for all such opportunities to be explored in mutual interest. They encouraged relevant agencies of both countries to work to deepen any such exchanges in the future, including through frameworks such as Rising Up in Spain and the Startup India initiative.

10. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of rail transport and the agreement of cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matter.

11. The leaders acknowledged the role of tourism in driving economic and business opportunities and enhancing understanding between the people of both countries and agreed that it should be further promoted. Both leaders welcomed the interest shown by airlines to establish direct flights between Spain and India.

The Year 2026 as India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI

12. Taking into account the deep relationship between India and Spain and the long lasting friendship between the two peoples, Prime Minister Modi, and President Pedro Sanchez, have agreed to make 2026 as the Year of India and Spain in Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

13. During the year, both sides will make the maximum effort to boost the cultural presence of the other in their museums, art, fairs, film, festivals, literature, meetings of architects and circles of debate and thought.

14. Likewise, special attention will be paid to ways of increasing tourist flows, promote reciprocal investments and share experiences in the many areas of hospitality, architecture, cuisine, marketing, both in urban and rural tourism, which benefits harmonious development and improvement for both countries.

15. In accordance with the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, India and Spain can play a very important role for the use of AI for good and its positive implementation in many fields. Both countries commit to hold during the year, events to foster positive use of AI and will work for the practical implementation of new advances in the field of AI in the productive economy.

16. To mark the importance of this initiative, both leaders directed the concerned stakeholders to celebrate the year in the respective countries in the most befitting manner.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

17. The two leaders acknowledged the role of cultural ties in bringing nations closer and lauded the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and Spain. They appreciated the long-standing cultural exchanges and enrichment between India and Spain, particularly the role of Spanish Indologists and Indian Hispanists. They welcomed the signing of a Cultural Exchange Program to promote bilateral exchanges in music, dance, theatre, literature, museums and festivals.

18.The two leaders applauded the growing interest in the study of the cultures and languages of both countries. Spanish is among popular foreign languages in India. They stressed the mutual interest in further strengthening India – Spain cultural cooperation and the reinforcement of cooperation among cultural institutions of both countries such as Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi and Casa de la India in Valladolid.

19. The two leaders welcomed the establishment of the ICCR Chairs on Hindi and on Indian Studies at the University of Valladolid. India is bringing transformational changes in education sector in India under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In this context, Prime Minister Modi encouraged leading Spanish universities to strengthen academic and research partnership with Indian institutions; build institutional linkages through joint/dual degree and twinning arrangements and explore the possibility of setting up branch campuses in India.

20. President Sanchez is also giving the keynote address at the 4th Spain-India Forum, co-organized by Spain-India Council Foundation and Observer Research Foundation, in Mumbai. The leaders recognized the valuable contributions of this institution, which has a complementary role to that of governments in strengthening the links between Indian and Spanish civil societies, companies, think tanks, administrations and universities, helping to enhance bilateral ties by fostering a strong partnership between their members and its activities and bringing the two countries together in order to increase their mutual knowledge.

21. The two leaders welcomed the installation at Valladolid of the bust of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore gifted to the people of Spain by ICCR and the placing of the translated works of Tagore in the vaults of Instituto Cervantes in Madrid which is a testament to increasing cultural connect between peoples of the two countries.

22. The two sides noted with satisfaction the growing cooperation in the field of film and audio-visuals, with India being the Guest Country at the SEMINCI International Film Festival in 2023, and the award of the IFFI Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement to the legendary Spanish director Carlos Saura. Acknowledging the large film and audio-visual industries in India and Spain, both leaders agreed that the scope of collaboration between the two countries under the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement can be enhanced and welcomed the creation of a Joint Commission to improve cooperation between the two countries in the audiovisual field and promote and facilitate the co-production of films.

23. To enhance people-to-people ties and consular services in two countries, the two leaders welcome the operationalisation of India’s first Consulate General in Spain at Barcelona and the decision to open Spain’s Consulate General in Bengaluru.

EU and India relations

24. Prime Minister Modi and President Sanchez reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership and to advancing the EU-India triple negotiations of comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, Investment Protection Agreement and Geographical Indications Agreement.

25. They agreed to enhance their collaboration to fully realize the objectives of the EU-India Connectivity Partnership, and recognized the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Project (IMEEC) to boost connectivity between India and Europe. They explored avenues for cooperation among regional countries in areas such as trade, investment, technology, energy, logistics, ports, and infrastructure development.

Global Issues

26. The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war in Ukraine and reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with international law, and consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as earnest engagement between all stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict. Both sides agreed to remain in touch to support efforts aimed at negotiated settlement of the conflict.

27.They shared their firm commitment to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, and expressed their deep concern at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and called for restraint by all concerned. They urged that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and agreed that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable and must end as soon as possible. They called for the immediaterelease of all hostages, immediate ceasefire and safe, sustained entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and urged all parties to comply with international law. They reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the two State solution,leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine, living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in peace and security with Israel as well as their support for Palestine membership at the United Nations.

28. Both sides reiterated their concern on escalation and violence in Lebanon, and the security situation along the Blue Line and reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701. As major troop contributing countries, they condemned the attacks on UNIFIL and highlighted that the safety and security of peacekeepers are of paramount importance and must be ensured by all. Inviolability of UN premises and the sanctity of their mandate must be respected by all.

29. Both sides emphasized the promotion of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, anchored in a rules-based international order, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, supported by effective regional institutions. They highlighted the importance of unimpeded commerce and freedom of navigation, in compliance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Both sides acknowledged India’s invitation to Spain to participate in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) for collaborative efforts aimed at the management, conservation, sustainability, security, and development of the maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific. They also recognized the complementarity between India’s Indo-Pacific Vision and the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

30. Noting the growing political and commercial relations between India and Latin American region and the historical, economic and cultural links it shares with Spain, both leaders recognized the immense potential of triangular cooperation for investments and development in the region. Spain welcomed India’s application to join the Ibero-American Conference as an Associate Observer, which will offer a platform to strengthen the ties with Latin American countries. Both sides committed to finalise the process by the Ibero-American Summit, to be held in Spain in 2026, so that India may actively participate in the activities of Spain´s Pro Tempore Secretariat.

International and Multilateral Cooperation

31. Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination within the United Nations, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), and other multilateral forums. They emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order for ensuring global peace and development. Both sides committed to advancing multilateralism that reflects present-day realities, making international organizations, including the UNSC, more representative, effective, democratic, accountable and transparent. India expressed its support for Spain’s UNSC candidature for the term 2031-32, while Spain expressed its support for India’s candidature for the period 2028-29.

32. Both leaders look forward to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to take place in 2025 in Sevilla (Spain) as a critical opportunity to identify priority actions to help close the resource gap needed to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

33. President Sanchez congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the exemplary chairmanship of G20, which successfully and inclusively addressed important and complex Global South issues. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the valuable contributions made by Spain to the discussions as a Permanent Invitee to the G20.

34. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in promoting sustainable energy and adapting to climate change. They recognize the urgency of accelerating global actions to combat climate change and commit to collaborating in the context of the upcoming Climate Summit in Baku (COP29) to achieve an ambitious outcome including on a New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance that helps achieve the temperature goal of Paris Agreement. They also highlighted the need topromote actions to strengthen countries’ resilience and adaptation capacities in the face of the increasing impacts of climate change worldwide. The two leaders looked forward to the early conclusion of Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Renewable Energy. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Spain’s commitment towards a green transition and welcomed Spain to the International Solar Alliance. President Sanchez appreciated advances made by India in achieving the renewable energy goals much ahead of the target year. Both leaders also agreed that a concerted global effort would be needed in order to address climate change concerns. Both sides will respond positively to the outcomes of COP28, including the first Global Stocktake in light of national circumstances.

35. Spain has invited India to join IDRA, the International Drought Resilience Alliance, which was launched in 2022, a platform to promote concrete actions to reduce the vulnerability of countries, cities and communities to drought through preparedness and adaptation measures.

36.Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. Both sides agreed that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and stability, and called for bringing the perpetrators of all terrorist attacks to justice without delay. They urged all countries to take immediate, sustained and irreversible action to prevent territory under their control from being used for terrorist purposes, and stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. They also called for concerted action against all terrorist groups proscribed by the UNSC including Al Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Spain’s multilateral initiatives in support of the Victims of Terrorism and their empowerment.

37. President Sanchez thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit, and invited him to undertake a visit to Spain in the near future.

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2068963) Visitor Counter : 44

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: List of Outcomes: Visit of the President of the Government of Spain, H.E. Mr. Pedro Sanchez, to India (October 28-29, 2024)

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 6:30PM by PIB Delhi

S.No.	Outcomes
1.	Joint Inauguration of the Final Assembly Line Plant of C295 Aircraft in Vadodara that has been built by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with Airbus Spain.
2.	MoU on Cooperation in the field of Rail Transport
3.	Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters
4.	Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 2024-2028
5.	Announcement of the Year 2026 as India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI
6.	Announcement for establishment of Spanish Consulate in Bengaluru and operationalisation of Indian Consulate in Barcelona
7.	Setting up of Fast Track Mechanism in DPIIT India and in Directorate General of International Trade and Investment, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business in Spain, for facilitating mutual investments in India and Spain.
8.	Creation of Joint Commission under the Audio Visual Co-Production Agreement

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2068960) Visitor Counter : 38

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Hungary Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

Source: United Nations – Geneva

Zsófia Havasi, the new Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented her credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Prior to her appointment to Geneva, Ms. Havasi had been serving as an Advisor in the Office of the seventy-eighth President of the United Nations General Assembly for General Assembly affairs, the budget and the United Nations reform team. She also served as an Advisor in the Office of the seventy-seventh President of the General Assembly for political affairs, peace and the security team at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Ms. Havasi was posted at the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Brussels from 2018 to 2022. Before that, she served as head of the secretariat of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary from 2017 to 2018. She was Cabinet Secretary of the Hungarian National Assembly from 2014 to 2016. At the beginning of her career, she also held posts in the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Defence of Hungary.

Ms. Havasi studied from 2004 to 2009, security and defence policy expert at Zrínyi Miklós National Defense University, Budapest, and from 2009 to 2012, international affairs and studies expert at Kodolányi János University of Applied Sciences, Budapest. She was born on 31 October 1984.

Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

CR24.040E

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Federal Employee Faces up to Five Years in Prison for Mishandling Classified Materials

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

AUGUSTA, GA: A former employee of a U.S. Department of Defense component agency faces up to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to mishandling sensitive documents.

Margaret Anne Ashby, 26, of Henderson, Nevada, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to an Information charging her with Unauthorized Removal/Retention of Classified Documents, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The guilty plea subjects Ashby to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison, along with substantial financial penalties, and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive government documents is essential to protecting our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “Those who are granted the privilege of working with such material are well aware of the rules regarding the safekeeping of these documents, and also are aware of the consequences for failing to comply with those rules.”

As described in the plea agreement, starting in March 2020, Ashby was a civilian employee of a Department of Defense component agency located in the Southern District of Georgia, and during this time held a Top Secret security clearance as required for her employment.

From February 2022 to May 2022, Ashby, without authority, knowingly removed documents and materials containing classified information “concerning the national defense or foreign relations of the United States . . . with the intent to retain them at unauthorized locations, including her residence in the Southern District of Georgia and in digital files saved via a personal computing device located in the Southern District of Georgia.”

U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule a sentencing hearing for Ashby upon completion of a pre-sentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services.

“When people violate the trust given to them to safeguard our nation’s intelligence, they put our country at risk,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Agent in Charge Brian Ozden. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will seek to hold accountable those who knowingly and willfully mishandle classified information.”

The case was investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys L. Alexander Hamner and Darron J. Hubbard, and Trial Attorney David J. Ryan with the U.S. Department of Justice Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025

Sue Bork Campus Technology Advisor to Higher Education Institutions Lambent	Daniel Alfonso Vice President of Facilities Management and Safety NSU Florida

Richard Scannell CEO Lambent	Daniel Alfonso Vice President of Facilities Management and Safety NSU Florida

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