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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Congo’s Gas Ambitions to Take Spotlight at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 with High-Level Monetization Panel

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

    PARIS, France, May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Republic of Congo and its gas agenda will be at the forefront of the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris, which will feature a dedicated session on Monetizing Congo’s Gas Opportunities. The strategic discussion comes as Congo works to scale up gas production, build critical infrastructure and accelerate monetization efforts to meet domestic demand and strengthen its position as a regional energy exporter.

    The session will be moderated by Géraud Moussarie, Managing Partner at Sustainable Partnerships, and will bring together leading voices in the sector. Featured panelists include senior representatives from Congo’s national oil company, Société nationale des pétroles du Congo (SNPC); Rus Jiri, Sales and Development Director Africa at Neuman & Esser; and Oumar Semega, CEO of Imperatus Energy.

    IAE 2025 (apo-opa.co/43ffoPN) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Congo’s gas sector has made significant strides in recent years, with new frameworks and ambitious infrastructure projects underway. The Congo LNG project, led by Eni, aims to position the Republic of Congo as a key LNG exporter, with a total liquefaction capacity of up to 3 million tons per year through two floating LNG units – the first of which delivered its maiden cargo in February 2024.

    Equally critical is the monetization and domestic utilization of refined gas products. The Banga Kayo onshore project, led by Wing Wah, is set to play a central role by transforming previously flared gas into dry gas, LNG, LPG and polypropylene for use in the local market. Meanwhile, a new Gas Code, expected in 2025, along with the recently adopted Gas Master Plan, are laying the groundwork for sustainable sector growth by establishing clear incentives for investors, streamlining regulatory processes and promoting the development of gas infrastructure and local value chains.

    Across Africa, monetizing natural gas is increasingly seen as both an economic necessity and a catalyst for development – supporting energy access, powering industrial growth and enabling a shift toward cleaner energy sources. To date, key challenges include limited processing and transport infrastructure, constrained financing and fragmented regional markets, which continue to slow progress. Overcoming these hurdles requires coordinated policies, targeted infrastructure investment and cross-border partnerships. IAE 2025 provides a vital platform for public and private sector leaders to address these issues, promote investment and unlock the full potential of Africa’s gas value chain.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A basic income support grant can address extreme poverty and inequality in South Africa – economic model shows how

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Carolyn Chisadza, Associate professor, University of Pretoria

    South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world. The country’s per-capita expenditure Gini coefficient, a measure of how spending from income is distributed, stands at 0.65. This puts it among countries with the most unequal distribution of spending globally.

    Nearly 55% of the population were living in poverty in 2023. The country also has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world: 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024. To compound these issues, economic growth has stagnated since 2008.

    Ending extreme poverty, unemployment and inequality requires economic growth that includes more people. To get that result, there must be a set of interventions that work together. One intervention being considered in South Africa is basic income support to relieve poverty among unemployed citizens.

    Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, basic income support had been on the policy agenda in South Africa for at least two decades, since the Taylor Committee in 2001. The pandemic made existing inequalities worse through job losses. A “social relief of distress” grant was introduced in 2020 to support the unemployed.

    The grant targeted those affected by sudden income loss, including unemployed working-age individuals who did not qualify for other grants. The introduction of the grant renewed interest in the concept of a universal basic income, or a more comprehensive form of income support. It highlighted the welfare potential for a more permanent basic income support system.

    Very few cases of universal basic income support pilots exist in developing countries. Where they do exist, studies point to the vital benefits a basic income grant system might provide. Examples include evidence from a pilot in Namibia, nine villages in India, and rural Kenya.

    In a recently published paper, a team of economists explored the possible effects of introducing permanent basic income support to:

    • all individuals aged between 18 and 59

    • only those who are unemployed

    • only unemployed individuals in extremely poor households, defined by the food poverty line.

    The economic modelling exercise demonstrates that a basic income grant targeting all individuals aged between 18 and 59 could significantly reduce poverty and inequality. These gains would, however, require carefully targeted and implemented interventions over a multi-year period.

    Our approach

    The study identifies which socio-economic groups would benefit the most from the grant, and sheds light on the impact of basic income support on the welfare and livelihoods of individuals and their households. We used market income or pre-transfer income as the starting point to see how public spending changed poverty or income inequality.

    We used data from the 2017 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, a measure of employment and unemployment based on the country’s working population. Using the three scenarios, we calculated the likely effects.

    The first scenario was based on the universal grant being paid to all those aged 18 to 59. In the second, only those aged 18-59 who were unemployed received it. Lastly, only those who lived in extremely poor households and were unemployed in 2017 were included.

    Some form of support exists for children under 18 (child grant) and for adults aged 60 and over (pension). That’s why we allocated the grant only for adults from 18 to 59.

    In all the scenarios, the income support transfer is assumed to be R595 (US$38) per individual per month in 2021, equivalent to what it cost to provide a basic basket of food (that is, the food poverty line). We use R595 as it closely aligns with the COVID social relief of distress grant extension and reflects the grant amount for the 2021/22 financial year.

    Main findings

    The main findings show that in general, a basic income support grant has the potential to reduce poverty and inequality in South Africa. However, the effect varies based on the targeting mechanism used to identify beneficiaries. Absolute poverty, its gap (the ratio by which the mean income of the poor falls below the poverty line) and income inequality fall the most when the transfer is universal or targets the unemployed and the extreme poor.

    In the first scenario (support for all individuals aged 18 to 59) and the third scenario (the unemployed and extremely poor), both poverty headcount (the percentage of the population living below the national poverty line) and the poverty gap (the ratio by which the mean income of the poor falls below the poverty line) decrease more than in the second scenario (targeting only the unemployed). The income inequality reduction is also larger in the first and third scenarios compared to the second scenario.

    Significance of findings

    The significance of these findings is that better targeting makes basic income support more pro-poor and progressive, and reduces the leakage of the benefit to the non-poor.

    In countries such as South Africa, where poverty and inequality are extensive and public resources are limited, the case for targeting is attractive. But it’s important to recognise that effective targeting entails higher administrative costs. Conversely, while a universal basic income grant may be more expensive in terms of total disbursement, it has the greatest potential to reduce poverty and overall inequality.

    The government can make the best use of its resources by focusing on vulnerable populations, such as those who are extremely poor and unemployed.

    Finding the right criteria to identify the poor, and running the grant properly, largely determines the programme’s success in improving welfare.

    Concluding remarks

    South Africa is currently saddled with high poverty and inequality. Our study brings the debate on the potential welfare benefits of expanding existing social grants back to the forefront of social policy.

    – A basic income support grant can address extreme poverty and inequality in South Africa – economic model shows how
    – https://theconversation.com/a-basic-income-support-grant-can-address-extreme-poverty-and-inequality-in-south-africa-economic-model-shows-how-247954

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF condemns bombing of our hospital in South Sudan

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Jonglei State, SOUTH SUDAN – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) strongly condemns the deliberate bombing of our hospital in Old Fangak, South Sudan, on 3 May. The attack began at around 4:30am when two helicopter gunships first dropped a bomb on the MSF pharmacy, burning it to the ground, then went on to fire on the town of Old Fangak for around 30 minutes. At around 7am, a drone bombed the Old Fangak market. There have been at least seven deaths and 20 injured.

    “At 8am, we received around 20 wounded people at our hospital in Old Fangak, including four in a critical condition,” says Mamman Mustapha, MSF head of mission in South Sudan. “There are reports of more fatalities and wounded in the community. One patient and two care givers, including one of our staff, who were already inside the hospital were injured in the bombing – patients who were not in a critical condition ran from the facility.”

    “The bombing of our hospital in Old Fangak has resulted in significant damage, including the complete destruction of the pharmacy, which was burned to the ground,” says Mustapha. “This is where all our medical supplies for the hospital and our outreach activities were stored, severely compromising our ability to provide care. We strongly condemn this attack, which took place despite the geolocations of all MSF structures, including Old Fangak hospital, being shared with all parties to the conflict.”

    “Old Fangak hospital is the only hospital in Fangak county, serving a population of over 110,000 people who already had extremely limited access to healthcare. We are still assessing the full extent of the damage and the impact on our ability to provide care, but this attack clearly means people will now be even further cut-off from receiving life-saving treatment,” says Mustapha. “We call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure – this includes health workers, patients and health facilities. Hospitals must never be targeted and the lives of civilians must be protected.”

    The MSF hospital in Old Fangak on fire after being attacked. South Sudan, May 2025.

    This is the second time an MSF hospital has been impacted in the past month, following the armed looting of our hospital and premises in Ulang, Upper Nile state on 14 April, which led to all of Ulang county being cut off from accessing secondary healthcare. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 60 years of international education: Polytechnic celebrated the anniversary of the preparatory faculty

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University celebrated the 60th anniversary of the preparatory faculty for foreign students. This event was not just an anniversary date, but a vivid demonstration of many years of successful experience and achievements in the field of international education.

    The history of the faculty began in 1965, when the first 200 students from Cuba, Arab countries and Africa crossed the threshold of the classrooms at 21 Politekhnicheskaya Street. Under the leadership of Dean A. N. Nosov, a unique educational structure was created with three departments: Russian language, natural sciences and humanities. In 1988, the faculty found a new home – a modern building at 28 Grazhdansky Prospekt, which today remains a center of attraction for foreign students.

    The special value of the preparatory faculty is its ability to adapt to the challenges of the time, while maintaining the best traditions. Today we see how graduates of the preparatory faculty become successful specialists all over the world, and many remain in Russia, contributing to the development of our economy and science. This is the best assessment of our work, – noted the Vice-Rector for International Affairs of SPbPU Dmitry Arsenyev.

    Over six decades, the preparatory faculty has achieved impressive results in educational activities.

    When I came to Russia, I knew only a few Russian words. But thanks to the unique teaching method, after a month and a half I could understand speech and participate in dialogues, recalls 2016 graduate Hanaa Itri from Morocco. Today, she successfully works at a large Russian university, continuing the traditions of intercultural communication.

    The anniversary celebrations lasted two days. On the first day, an all-Russian scientific and methodological seminar was held, where representatives of leading Russian universities – Moscow State University, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Kazan Federal University, Tomsk and Volgograd Polytechnics – discussed current issues of teaching taking into account the ethnic factor.

    On the second day, a festival of Russian language and culture was held, where students enthusiastically competed in linguistic contests, participated in master classes on folk crafts, and mastered the secrets of traditional Russian cuisine.

    The culmination of the celebration was the gala concert in the White Hall “Day of the Russian Language”, in which more than 60 students from 30 countries participated. The staff and veterans of the Higher School received gratitude from the Committee for Science and Higher School of St. Petersburg and honorary certificates from SPbPU.

    Preparatory faculty graduates shared their memories of their student years. One of them is the senior teacher of additional education at the Higher School of MOP Mukbil Mansur Hassan Muhammad from Yemen. After studying at the preparatory faculty, he graduated from the physics and metallurgy faculty and defended his PhD thesis at the Polytechnic University.

    The Polytechnic Institute has become my home. I love my job and my students. My students are my friends. I know from my own experience how difficult it is to adapt to life in another country where everything is new: the climate, the cuisine, the language, the people. Creative events help students get to know the country and get to know each other better, – shared Mukbil Mansur Hassan Muhammad.

    Foreign students performed Russian songs and dances at the concert. The numbers dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War were presented: the compositions “Katyusha”, “Wait for me”, “Yablochko” and “Siniy kerchief”.

    The event was attended by students from Turkmenistan, China, Latin America and Africa, as well as from other parts of the world. Many students of the preparatory faculty have talents: they dance, sing, recite poems. Concerts and similar events help foreign children adapt to our culture. Creativity plays an important role in this process, – said Lyubov Stepanova, senior teacher of additional education at the Higher School of MOP and the organizer of the event.

    Last year’s preparatory faculty graduates and current first-year students of the Institute of Historical and Cultural Studies Anzhi and Roz from Haiti also took part in the concert: Russia is a large, beautiful country with a rich culture and history. When we were choosing a university for study on the Internet, we really liked the Polytechnic, and were impressed by the opportunities for students. And our friends study here, and they told us a lot of good things. We like it here, the teachers are very helpful, for which we are very grateful to them.

    60 years is not just a number. It is thousands of graduates, dozens of countries, hundreds of educational programs. But the main thing is the traditions of quality and innovation that we carefully preserve and develop, – summed up the director of the Higher School of International Educational Programs Viktor Krasnoshchyokov.

    Today, the preparatory faculty of SPbPU is a modern educational center, where time-tested methods and innovative approaches are harmoniously combined. As a graduate from Indonesia, Desmarnov Tirto Pamangin, said: Here they not only give knowledge of the language, but also open the door to a new life. This is precisely the mission of the Higher School – to be a bridge between cultures and peoples.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Participants of the memorial event

    A memorial event dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War was held at SPbGASU.

    Our university greeted the participants of the celebration with the sounds of wartime music. The veterans shared their memories.

    Zoya Ivanovna Kruglova taught French at LISI (SPbGASU) for 41 years and headed the trade union. When the war began, Zoya Ivanovna lived in Vyshny Volochok and went to first grade. “My father was at war, my brother was at war, my sister also volunteered for the front. My mother and I were left alone. As the Germans approached, we had to evacuate – first 20 kilometers to the village of Golovkino, then to another village where my father’s sister lived. There I went to second grade. It was three kilometers to school… Then we returned to Volochok.

    I remember Victory Day very well. It was a clear sunny day. I got up, my neighbor was running and saying – the war is over, victory! At school, the teacher told everyone to go to the city center, there would be a celebration there. We were very happy that the war was over. We danced, we danced.”

    Alexander Matveevich Maslennikov first entered the walls of our university 75 years ago, in 1950, as a student. He had A’s in all subjects. During his studies, he received only one B, and that was because he was ill. Then – postgraduate studies, defending a candidate’s and doctoral dissertation. Andrei Matveevich was one of the first in our country to introduce the matrix form of calculation of building structures and the finite element method into the educational process, he headed the department of structural mechanics of our university for 25 years, and was vice-rector for science.

    At the beginning of the war, Aleksandr Matveyevich was 14 years old. At 15, he went to work and worked on a ship of the Belsk River Shipping Company in Bashkiria throughout the war. Aleksandr Matveyevich jokes that his job title suited his last name very well – he was an oiler in the engine room. Aleksandr Matveyevich celebrated Victory Day in the firebox of a steamboat boiler.

    “There were three people on watch in the engine rooms. The mechanic was the main one. I was the oiler. And the third was the stoker. It was dark to go back to the city, we had to spend the night somewhere. It was cold in the steamer itself. We cleared the boiler firebox of ash, threw in rags – one of our materials that we used to clean the mechanisms so that they would work smoothly. And we spent the night right in the firebox. Suddenly the whistle blew. They were shouting – victory, victory! They announced that we had won, the war was over.”

    Marina Malyutina’s performance

    Marina Malyutina, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, spoke about our university’s contribution to the Victory. More than 950 students, postgraduates, teachers, employees and graduates of LISI went to the active army, to hospitals, medical battalions, and air defense units. Teachers and professors designed and supervised the construction of pillboxes, bunkers, and other defensive structures outside the city, camouflaged military facilities and architectural monuments. It was largely due to their efforts that not a single monument was destroyed during the 900 days of the siege. From March 1942 to August 1944, the institute’s staff was evacuated, where scientific research continued and the educational process did not stop. In 1945, the Leningrad Civil Engineering Institute was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor. Many teachers, employees and students were awarded medals “For the Defense of Leningrad”.

    Marina Viktorovna is sure that the memory of the war is a powerful factor in uniting people and forming national unity. “The exploits of previous generations are a moral guideline that inspires us to new achievements and hard work. We at SPbGASU will continue to preserve and increase the memory of the generation of victors and their legacy, educate highly qualified civil engineers and architects who will strengthen the sovereignty of our country with their work.”

    The Chairman of the Regional Public Organization “Association of Veterans of the Special Military Operation “Defenders of the Motherland”” Georgy Zhuravlev spoke to the participants of the memorial event. He spoke about the exploits of his family members during the Great Patriotic War and noted: through the stories of his loved ones, he understood what fascism brings to this world, so he went to the SVO. He took part in military operations near Kharkov, was seriously wounded, and was awarded the Order of Courage. Georgy Zhuravlev emphasized: now, when our country is facing new challenges, we are obliged to win the war against the new Nazism.

    The participants of the solemn ceremony observed a minute of silence in memory of the fallen defenders of the Motherland and laid flowers at the memorial plaques on the balustrade of the main building of the university. A concert prepared by the Student Leisure and Creativity Center “Kirpich” took place in the assembly hall.

    An exhibition entitled “Faces of Victory” opened on the lower balustrade, dedicated to the teachers, students, and graduates of our university who fought during the Great Patriotic War or worked in the rear, performing the most important tasks for the country.

    Aleksandr Vasilyevich Prygunov (1907–1943) – Hero of the Soviet Union, graduate of the Institute of Municipal Construction Engineers (as our university was then called) in 1936. From the end of 1941, he commanded a sapper platoon on the Karelian Front. From May 1943, he took command of a sapper company, which distinguished itself in equipping three bypasses and restoring two bridges across the Lisenok River in the Gaivoronsky District of the Kursk Region, ensuring the timely passage of all divisional cargo.

    In the autumn of 1943, the brigade was tasked with forcing the Dnieper with assault troops. On the night of September 27, 1943, the company’s grenadiers ferried the first assault troops across the Dnieper, quickly set up a ferry crossing and began delivering artillery, ammunition and soldiers. The enemy opened fierce artillery and mortar fire on the crossing. Most of the boats were damaged, but Senior Lieutenant Prygunov, organizing repairs to the watercraft, and his soldiers continued to selflessly work on the crossing and the two surviving boats. Fierce fighting continued for two days. Despite the losses suffered and the lack of ferry equipment, Prygunov’s sapper company, under enemy fire, transported 17 artillery pieces, 117 boxes of ammunition, 557 soldiers and officers, as well as a large amount of other military equipment across the Dnieper in two nights. On September 29, 1943, A. V. Prygunov was mortally wounded by a shell fragment in the chest.

    For exemplary performance of combat missions, Senior Lieutenant A. V. Prygunov was posthumously awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.

    Ivan Ivanovich Solomakhin (1908–1989) is a graduate of the Leningrad Institute of Municipal Construction (another name for our university). In early 1943, Solomakhin’s battalion took part in Operation Iskra on the Leningrad and Volkhov Fronts to break through the blockade, and in the summer in the battles for the Sinyavin Heights. During battles with his battalion of sappers, using cold weapons, he was able to capture the “Devil’s Height,” which had been fought for over a year. As a result of the surprise attack, several hundred fascists were killed and 120 were captured. The engineering battalion lost 16 people killed and 26 wounded. He was awarded seven orders and three medals. A passage in the Kirovsky District of St. Petersburg is named after Ivan Solomakhin.

    In addition, the exhibition “The University During the War Years”, prepared by the historical and information center of SPbGASU, is open in the university museum (room 213). Anyone can visit it.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AFCD staff patrol animal release hotspots (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    AFCD staff patrol animal release hotspots  
         A spokesman for the AFCD said, “If members of the public release animals in an improper manner, such as releasing them into unsuitable habitats, it may adversely affect their survival.”
     
         Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), it is an offence to causes unnecessary suffering to animals by releasing them not in a proper manner. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.
     
    The AFCD will continue to conduct inspections at locations where animal releasing activities are likely to take place, take enforcement action when necessary, and carry out publicity and education work.
     
         In addition, the AFCD will launch a fish-restocking exercise on National Fish Releasing Day on June 6 to release fish fingerlings in the waters around Tung Ping Chau Marine Park to enhance local marine resources and ecology. The department will promote to the public the benefits of fish restocking to the environment, with a view to engaging them in supporting and participating in these science-based restocking exercises in lieu of animal releases not properly conducted. The public may also consider other charitable activities, such as planting trees or participating in volunteer services with animal welfare groups and environmental organisations.
    Issued at HKT 17:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Seven High-Impact Projects (e-Nodes) Selected for Support under MAHA-EV Mission

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 12:16PM by PIB Delhi

    The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) announced the selection of seven e-Nodes for support under its “Mission for Advancement of High-impact Areas on Electric Vehicles” (MAHA-EV). The current program launched under the umbrella of ANRF’s national mission, aims to address the critical challenges and drive innovation in India’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

    ANRF MAHA-EV call for proposal focussed on three strategically defined Technological Verticals (TV) are Tropical EV Battery and Battery Cells (TV-I), Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD)- (TV-II) and EV Charging Infrastructure (TV-III).

    The each selected electric mobility nodes (e-nodes) will execute the project in consortia mode involving academic institutions/R&D laboratories with the mandatory industry participation, in order to contribute to and establish the R&D in the EV sector of the country.

    The seven e-Nodes are selected under the ANRF’s MAHA-EV mission are:  Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials Hyderabad, National Institute of Technology Surathkal, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, CSIR- Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute, Pilani and Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, respectively.

    The call noticed wide enthusiasm among all stakeholders and 227 proposals were received in consortia mode from academic institutions, R&D laboratories and the industrial section.

    The selectedseven e-Nodes, twoof whichwill focus on Tropical EV batteries and Cell technologies (TV-I) three of which will work on Power electronics machines and drives (TV-II) and the remainingtwo  e-Nodes will focus on Charging Infrastructure under TV-III.

    The MAHA-EV Mission leads to catalyze India’s leadership in next-generation electric mobility solutions, aligned with the goals of sustainability, innovation, and self-reliance.

    Click here to see the list of institutions as given in Annexure-I (Attached):-

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2126962) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public urged to clean hands properly to prevent spread of infectious diseases in support of Hand Hygiene Day

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    In support of Hand Hygiene Day, the Department of Health (DH) today (May 5) launched the 2025 Hand Hygiene Day campaign, and appealed to members of the public to develop habits of cleaning hands properly at the right moments with a view to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

    Hand Hygiene Day is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization held annually on May 5. Using the tagline “Clean Properly—Every Surface, Every Time” this year, the DH aims to promote the critical role of proper hand hygiene techniques in both the healthcare and community settings, and will roll out a series of publicity activities, which include displaying posters and visual cues in hospitals, clinics under the DH and Hospital Authority (HA), health centres, residential care homes for the elderly and public toilets to raise public awareness about proper hand hygiene techniques.

         “Hand hygiene is a seemingly small but powerful act to prevent the spread of infections. About 80 per cent of infectious diseases are transmitted by not thoroughly cleaned hands after touching contaminated surfaces, and a single bacterium can multiply into 16 million bacteria in just six hours. Hand-washing can prevent approximately 30 per cent of diarrhea-related illnesses and about 20 per cent of respiratory infections,” the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui said.

    In the healthcare settings, the DH and the HA have conducted regular hand hygiene audits among healthcare workers. In the past decade, the overall compliance rate has continuously improved, reaching over 90 per cent since 2021. To build a healthier and safer community, the public should commit to cleaning hands properly—every surface, every time and adopt it as a daily habit.

    For effective protection, it is important to clean hands with appropriate hand hygiene techniques at the right moments. When hands are visibly dirty, wash them with liquid soap and water. A 70-80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative when hands are not visibly soiled. Clean your hands for at least 20 seconds following the 7 Steps of Hand Hygiene (see Annex) to thoroughly clean every surface of the hands including the palms, the backs of the hands, the fingers webs, the backs of the fingers, the thumbs, the fingertips, and the wrists. The public and healthcare workers should clean their hands at the following moments:

    • Before and after touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth;
    • Before eating or preparing food;
    • After using the toilet;
    • After hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions, such as after coughing or sneezing;
    • After changing diapers for children or the sick, or handling soiled items;
    • After touching animals, poultry, or their droppings;
    • After handling garbage;
    • After touching public installations or equipment, such as escalator handrails, elevator buttons, or door handles;
    • Before and after visiting hospitals, residential care homes, or caring for the sick; and
    • Whenever your hands are visibly dirty.

     
    For more information on hand hygiene, please visit https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/108742.html.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s MICE Industry Set to Be a Major Economic Driver, Generating High-Quality Jobs: Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Source: Government of India

    India’s MICE Industry Set to Be a Major Economic Driver, Generating High-Quality Jobs: Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    ‘Meet in India Conclave 2025 organized in Jaipur, Rajasthan

    Strong focus on state-led promotion, public-private partnerships, and seamless connectivity to support the MICE sector

    MICE tourism is recognized as a key driver for economic growth and job creation in India

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 8:33AM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), organized the Meet in India Conclave on 4th May 2025 at Jaipur, Rajasthan on the sidelines of the 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB).

    Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat,   addressed the conclave and said that India’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Industry is set to be a major economic driver, generating high-quality jobs. Speaking at the conclave, Shri Shekhawat said, India’s MICE industry is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, fuelled by robust economic growth, world-class infrastructure, and strong government backing. States across the country are unlocking tourism opportunities in their own unique ways — and now, it’s time for India to position itself firmly on the global MICE map.

    With iconic venues like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, Jio World Centre etc. and with special focus on MICE, we aim to elevate at least 10 Indian cities into the world’s top MICE destinations. Guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, and with states like Rajasthan leading through legacy and innovation, India is poised to become the world’s most admired tourism and events destination,” the Tourism Minister added while highlighting the growing potential of the country in the MICE segment.

    More than 300 delegates and participants attended the event consisting of International MICE Companies/Operators, Domestic MICE Companies/Professional Conference organizers, Speakers, Foreign Tour Operators specialized in MICE invited for GITB, Secretaries from States / UTs, Media, Stakeholders from various Tourism and Hospitality Associations, Local Stakeholders (Hotels, DMCs, Associations, GITB, officials from States / UTs, exhibitors etc.) etc.

    The India MICE market generated a revenue of USD 49,402.6 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 103,686.5 million by 2030 while registering a growth of 13% CAGR. This growth is fuelled by the recent developments in MICE-ready destinations coming up in cities like Varanasi, Khajuraho, Kochi etc. Over the last decade, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure with be it the construction of roads over 1,50,000 km, new railway stations, semi high-speed trains, inland waterways, more than 150 operational airports and over 2.48 million hotel rooms. Further, India’s hosting of G20 nations has reinforced India’s growing venue network and regional tourism potential.

    Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, Shri Suman Bery, emphasized, “The vision laid by Hon’ble PM during India’s G20 presidency has opened new pathways. It is now up to states to build on this momentum. From deregulation to concert tourism, India has the opportunity to become a global hub for events and experiences.”

    Highlighting Rajasthan as an emerging MICE destination, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ms. Diya Kumari, said, “Rajasthan is not just a heritage destination — it is a vibrant, future-ready hub for MICE tourism. With state-of-the-art convention centres, seamless connectivity, digital infrastructure, and world-class hospitality, we are building a dynamic ecosystem that blends tradition with transformation”Elucidating Rajasthan’s commitment to MICE not as a short-term effort, but as a strategic priority to drive growth, innovation, and global visibility, the Deputy CM of Rajasthan said, “Rajasthan is ready — not just to welcome conferences, but to offer an unforgettable, enriching experience.”

    Deputy Chief Minister, Smt. Pravati Parida, while addressing the gathering said, whether it’s conferences or exhibitions, India is ready to welcome the world—and Odisha stands proudly among the leading states. From the spiritual serenity of Puri to the architectural marvel of Konark, our state offers not only robust infrastructure but also a rich cultural tapestry for all to experience.

    Additional Secretary & Director General of Tourism, Mr. Suman Billa, set the context for MICE in India conclave and added that “A unified national strategy, skilled talent, digital tools, and strong state-led promotion can propel us into the top five MICE markets by 2025.” While India already has the necessary infrastructure and market demand, he pointed out that the real challenge lies in coordination. Mr Billa emphasized the need for city-level convention promotion bureaus, a strong national MICE brand, skill development academies, and a seamless digital portal.

    Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI highlighted that India is no longer just a leisure destination and We are now ready to take on the world as a leading MICE destination. With exceptional infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and the proven capabilities we demonstrated during the G20, we have everything it takes to host large-scale global conventions. Through platforms like the Great Indian Travel Bazaar and Meet in India, we are not just showcasing our potential — we are inviting the world to collaborate, catalyse, and say, ‘Let’s meet in India”.

    Post inaugural keynote address was deliver by Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA. The event concluded with three sessions on  Catalyzing Growth: How Tourism Policies are Attracting MICE Opportunities, Unlocking India’s MICE Tourism Potential: Elevating Convention Centres to Attract Global MICE Events and  Strategizing for Success: Crafting Policies & Marketing India as a Global MICE Hub. B2B sessions for the buyers and sellers were also organised.

    Following the conclave, the 14th edition of GITB will commence from May 5–6 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC).

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2126905) Visitor Counter : 25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Late counting continues in several seats, with Goldstein and Melbourne among those too close to call

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    With 78% of enrolled voters counted, the ABC is calling 85 of the 150 House of Representatives seats for Labor, 39 for the Coalition, zero for the Greens and 10 for all Others, with 16 still undecided. The Poll Bludger has Labor ahead in 94 seats, the Coalition in 41, the Greens in one and all Others in 14.

    Undecided seats can be sorted into several categories. In some seats, the Australian Electoral Commission selected the incorrect final two candidates, and is slowly redoing this count with the correct two candidates. From the small number of votes that have been realigned, the ABC has estimates of what the two candidate vote will be when all current votes in that seat are realigned.

    This category applies to Greens leader Adam Bandt’s Melbourne, and he’s currently estimated to be trailing Labor’s Sarah Witty by an estimated 2,896 votes. The ABC says the sample of votes counted so far may be skewed against Bandt.

    Other seats in this category are Labor-held Fremantle, where a teal is estimated to be ahead by just 196 votes, Labor-held Bendigo (Nationals lead Labor by an estimated 1,285 votes) and Labor-held Bean (an independent leads Labor by an estimated 206 votes).

    This election was a disaster for the Coalition, yet they are likely to gain Bendigo, which Labor won by 61.2–38.8 at the 2022 election.

    Bradfield, Goldstein and Kooyong are teal independent vs Liberal contests. The Liberals have surged on postals in all three, and Liberal Tim Wilson will regain Goldstein if the remaining postals behave like current postals. The teals look better in Bradfield and Kooyong.

    Bullwinkel, Menzies and Longman are standard two-party contests. Labor should win Menzies, and is more likely than not to win the other two, once left-leaning absent votes start being counted.

    Calwell is currently undecided because both major parties’ primary votes slumped. It’s possible that an independent could win from third or fourth by getting ahead of the Liberals then using their preferences to beat Labor.

    In Monash and Flinders, the Liberals are beating Labor, but a teal independent is close behind Labor and may move ahead of Labor after preferences from the Greens and other minor candidates. The Liberals will probably defeat the teal if these are the final two.

    Ryan and Wills are Labor vs Greens contests. In Ryan, the contest is to finish second, then beat the Liberal National Party on the other left party’s preferences. The Greens are just ahead of Labor in Ryan at the moment. Wills is a standard two-candidate contest that Labor is currently winning comfortably.

    We won’t have a national two-party result for some time

    Current national primary votes are 34.8% Labor (up 2.2% since 2022), 32.1% Coalition (down 3.6%), 11.8% Greens (down 0.4%), 6.2% One Nation (up 1.3%), 1.9% Trumpet of Patriots (down 2.3% on United Australia Pary’s 2022 vote), 7.6% independents (up 2.3%) and 5.6% others (up 0.5%).

    The Coalition does best and the Greens do worst on early postals, which have been added since election night. Absent votes need to be posted back to their home electorate before they can be counted. On these votes, the Greens do best and the Coalition does the worst.

    As the major parties’ primary votes are low, there are many seats where Labor and Coalition candidates will not be the final two. There are currently 28 “non-classic” seats, where one of the major parties did not make the final two.

    The electoral commission’s first priority is to determine which candidate has won every seat. Once this is finished, they will conduct a second count in all non-classic seats between the Labor and Coalition candidates. When all such counts are completed, we will have a final official two-party result, but this won’t happen for at least a few weeks.

    The ABC’s current estimate for the two-party vote is a Labor win by 55.0–45.0, while The Poll Bludger estimates a Labor win by 54.1–45.9. The electoral commission’s current figure of 54.7–45.3 to Labor excludes all non-classic seats.

    Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Late counting continues in several seats, with Goldstein and Melbourne among those too close to call – https://theconversation.com/late-counting-continues-in-several-seats-with-goldstein-and-melbourne-among-those-too-close-to-call-255868

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtune AB (Publ) (“Virtune”) has completed the monthly rebalancing for April 2025 of its Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP, the first crypto index ETP in the Nordics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Stockholm, 5th of May 2025 – Today Virtune announces that it has finalized its monthly rebalancing for Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP, listed on Nasdaq Stockholm for both the SEK-denominated (ISIN code SE0020052207, ticker name VIR10SEK) and the EUR-denominated (ISIN code SE0020052215, ticker name VIR10EUR) ETP.

    In addition to the Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP, Virtune’s product portfolio includes:

    Virtune Bitcoin ETP
    Virtune Stellar ETP
    Virtune Staked Ethereum ETP
    Virtune Staked Solana
    Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP
    Virtune XRP ETP
    Virtune Avalanche ETP
    Virtune Litecoin ETP
    Virtune Chainlink ETP
    Virtune Arbitrum ETP
    Virtune Staked Polygon ETP
    Virtune Staked Cardano ETP
    Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP

    Index allocation as of 30th of April (before rebalancing):

    Bitcoin 42.70%
    Ethereum: 26.23%
    XRP: 15.95%
    Solana: 8.82%
    Cardano: 2.91%
    Chainlink: 1.12%
    Avalanche: 1.07%
    Litecoin: 0.77%
    Uniswap: 0.42%

    Index allocation as of 30th of April (after rebalancing):

    Bitcoin: 40.00%
    Ethereum: 27.19%
    XRP: 16.24%
    Solana: 9.81%
    Cardano: 3.09%
    Chainlink: 1.24%
    Avalanche: 1.17%
    Litecoin: 0.79%
    Uniswap: 0.48%

    In connection with this month’s rebalancing, there is no change in the crypto assets included in the index. Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP SEK outcome for April was +4.39%.

    The rebalancing is carried out according to the index that the ETP tracks, the Virtune Vinter Crypto Top 10 Index. The purpose of the monthly rebalancing is to ensure that the ETP always reflects the current market conditions and to effectively absorb volatility in the crypto market.

    In April, crypto markets rebounded strongly. Solana surged +18.6%, followed by Bitcoin at +14.2% and Avalanche at +11.4%. Most other assets saw modest gains, while Ethereum dipped -1.58% and Uniswap dropped -11.6%, making it the weakest performer in the Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP.

    The performance of the crypto assets included in Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP in April:

    Solana: +18.6%
    Bitcoin: +14.2%
    Avalanche: +11.4%
    Chainlink: +5.91%
    XRP: +4.98%
    Cardano: +3.17%
    Litecoin: +0.77%
    Ethereum: -1.45%
    Uniswap: -11.6%

    Virtune’s crypto index ETP is the first of its kind in the Nordic region. The ETP includes up to 10 leading crypto assets that are part of the Nasdaq Crypto Index, based on their total market capitalization, with a maximum weight of 40% per crypto asset to promote diversification. This allows investors to benefit from broad exposure to the crypto market without being heavily concentrated in any single crypto asset.

    If you, as an (institutional) investor, are interested in meeting with Virtune to discuss the opportunities our ETPs offer for your asset management services or to learn more about Virtune and our ETPs, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@virtune.com. You can also read more about Virtune and our ETPs at www.virtune.com and register your email address on our website to subscribe to our newsletters, which cover updates on Virtune’s upcoming ETP launches and other news related to digital assets.

    Press contact
    Christopher Kock, CEO Virtune AB (Publ)
    Christopher@virtune.com
    +46 70 073 45 64

    Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

    Cryptocurrency investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Mission, Pope Francis’ “main road”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    By Stefania Falasca*We publish extensive excerpts from the chapter dedicated to the mission in Stefania Falasca’s book “Papa Francesco. La Via maestra” (Pope Francis, the Main Road. Edizioni San Paolo, 2025). The volume recounts the essential path followed by the Magisterium of Pope Francis during his pontificate (2013-2025).Rome (Fides Agency) – The renewed missionary spirit called for by the Second Vatican Council takes place in a basic way: firstly through encounter, then through words, because proclaiming the Gospel is bearing witness to God’s merciful love.This could not be but the first of the main roads of the Council that Pope Francis wanted to revisit in his teaching. It’s the main road that leads to the center of his message, but also to the very heart of passing on the faith today. A path that—from the first exhortation Evangelii gaudium, through the papal catechesis of the general audiences dedicated to rediscovering the “passion for evangelization” at the sources of “apostolic zeal”—is always there to begin again, to indicate what is vitally important, what moves and constitutes the very identity of the Church. It is the Way: the mission, “the oxygen of Christian life.”The proclamation of the Gospel “is not optional or marginal,” but “a vital dimension, since the Church was born apostolic and missionary.”“Mission, therefore, Pope Francis repeats, “is oxygen for Christian life, and without it becomes sick and withers and becomes ugly, ugly.” And Francis has always reiterated the essential things for the Church, which is born missionary and is called to be a witness to the proclamation of Christ’s salvation:“Our proclamation begins today, where we live. And it does not begin by trying to convince others, certainly not by convincing them, but by witnessing every day to the beauty of the Love that looked upon us and lifted us up. And it will be this beauty, communing this beauty, that will convince people, not us, but the Lord himself. We are those who proclaim the Lord; we do not proclaim ourselves, nor do we proclaim a political party or an ideology.”This statement says it all. It explains what the mission is, where it comes from, how it works, and the way it continues today.During his papacy, Pope Francis has given a lot of attention to this vital part of the Church’s apostolic work, drawing mainly from the Bible and suggesting at every opportunity that mission is not the exclusive domain of specialized professionals or selected ecclesial subjects, since its dynamics draw from the very heart of the Mystery of Salvation and its paths concern the faith of the Church in the historical events of the world.There are three key points that are continually reiterated in his teaching regarding mission.First: “Without Him we can do nothing,” as Francis states in the reference text on mission, on what it means to proclaim the Gospel in the world today. He repeated this several times on May 11, 2023, when he received the members of the Conference of Italian Missionary Institutes:“The mission is first and foremost a mystery of Grace. The mission is not our work, but God’s; we do not do it alone, but moved by the Spirit and docile to his action.”Thus, Pope Francis once again pointed out to the entire Church what the living source of every apostolic work is, as well as its dynamic. For the Successor of the Apostles, the experience of the Apostles is in fact a paradigm that is valid for all time:“Just think of how things happen freely in the of the Apostles, without coercion… no stratagems are needed to become proclaimers of the Gospel. Baptism is enough. The mission, the Church reaching out, is not a program to be carried out by an effort of will. It is Christ who brings the Church out of herself. The mission is His work.”(…).As he described in a key speech on mission addressed to the Pontifical Mission Societies:“Salvation is the encounter with Jesus, who loves us and forgives us, sending us the Spirit who comforts and defends us. Salvation is not the consequence of our missionary initiatives, nor even of our discourse on the Incarnation of the Word. Salvation for each of us can only come through the gaze of the encounter with Him who calls us. For this reason, the mystery of predilection begins and can only begin in an outburst of joy and gratitude.”Second: “You cannot evangelize without witness.” Proclaiming the Gospel “is more than a simple transmission of doctrine and morals.” Proclaiming the Gospel “is first and foremost bearing witness to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.” For this reason, witness to Christ is “the first means of evangelization” and “an essential condition for its effectiveness.” In his catechesis, Pope Francis cited extensively the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi, the magisterial text of Paul VI, which he described as the “Magna Carta of evangelization in the contemporary world […] always relevant, as if it had been written yesterday.”Points and highlights from the papal catechesis emphasized how, in the present time, the words of Paul VI in Evangelii Nuntiandi seem increasingly prophetic when he recognized that “contemporary men listen more willingly to witnesses than to teachers,” or “if they listen to teachers, they do so because they are witnesses.” Witness, continued the Bishop of Rome, also includes the “professed faith” and is manifested above all in the change that Christ himself works in his witnesses, in those who, precisely in this change, bear witness to him. It is faith “that transforms us, that transforms our relationships, the criteria and values that determine our choices.” For this reason, the Bishop of Rome pointed out, witness is not manifested as a “performance” exhibited by witnesses, but rather represents the reflection of a “journey of holiness” that draws from the sacramental source of Baptism, which is also a “gift of God” and “requires to be accepted and made fruitful for ourselves and for others.”Third: this is the key point he often emphasized in this context: “The mission of the Church is not proselytism.” The mission “is not a business or a corporate project, nor is it a humanitarian organization. The community of Jesus’ disciples,” said Pope Francis, “is missionary, not proselytizing,” because “being missionary, being apostolic, evangelizing is not the same as proselytizing. It is the Holy Spirit who is the author, not a human effort to conquer.”At the beginning of the catechetical cycle on evangelization, he therefore quoted once again the expression used by Pope Benedict XVI on May 13, 2007, in Aparecida, in his homily at the opening Mass of the Fifth General Conference of the Latin American Bishops:“The Church does not proselytize. Rather, it grows through attraction. One does not follow Christ, much less become his herald and that of his Gospel, because of a decision made around a table or because of an overly active self-motivation, but because of an attraction based on love. This attraction is found in the dynamics of every authentic apostolic work, in every authentic missionary act.”It is not, therefore, the result of efforts and cosmetic operations to make the image of the Church more “appealing” or to gain approval through marketing strategies. The appeal referred to by Pope Francis is a prerogative of the living. It is what Christ himself, the Risen One, can exercise today on the hearts of his apostles, his missionaries, and even those who do not seek him. And for this reason, throughout his preaching, he has made clear the deception of proselytism that distinguishes authentic missionaries from recruiters of followers who want to do without Christ.For Pope Francis, “proselytism is everywhere there is the idea of growing the Church without the attraction of Christ and the work of the Spirit, focusing everything on some kind of discourse.” So, first of all, proselytism cuts Christ himself and the Holy Spirit out of the mission, even when it claims to speak and act in the name of Christ. “Proselytism is always violent—because it cannot tolerate the freedom and gratuitousness with which faith can be transmitted by grace, from person to person.” For this reason, Pope Francis reminds us, proselytism is not only a thing of the past, but can also be found today in parishes, communities, movements, and religious congregations. Attraction, on the other hand, is something else entirely. It is the opposite of proselytism: “It is a witness that leads us to Jesus.” In short, what Pope Francis points to as perpetually successful is precisely this ever-living dynamic of mission, which is to “let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit: let Him be the one who urges you to proclaim Christ. Through witness, through daily martyrdom. And if necessary, even with words.” (Fides Agency 4/5/2025).*Writer, columnist for Avvenire, Vice President of the Vatican Foundation John Paul I
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 18

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 23 2025

    Danske Bank

    Bernstorffsgade 40

    DK-1577 København V

    Tel. + 45 33 44 00 00

    05 May 2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 18

    On 7 February 2025, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5 billion, with a maximum of 45,000,000 shares, in the period from 10 February 2025 to 30 January 2026, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 6 2025.

    The Programme is carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (the “Market Abuse Regulation”) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

    The following transactions on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S were made under the share buy-back programme in week 18:
      Number of shares VWAP DKK Gross value DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 3,988,879 220.8030 880,756,453
    28 April 2025 153,145 223.7029 34,258,981
    29 April 2025 450,000 227.2175 102,247,875
    30 April 2025 406,167 229.0336 93,025,890
    01 May 2025 179,271 230.2048 41,269,045
    02 May 2025 345,113 239.6084 82,691,974
    Total accumulated over week 18 1,533,696 230.4849 353,493,764
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 5,522,575 223.4918 1,234,250,217

    With the transactions stated above, the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 0.661% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Claus Ingar Jensen, Head of Group Investor Relations, tel. +45 25 42 43 70

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free bike security marking for everyone in Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth City Council is working with Hampshire Constabulary to help residents protect their bicycles from theft by registering them with Bike Register, making it easier for the police to recover stolen bikes.

    Registering a bike with Bike Register is quick and simple to do and increases the chances of owners being reunited with their bike in the event of it being stolen. A unique reference number is created to go alongside the cycle’s frame number, then applied to the bike frame, and details are held on a secure online database which all UK police forces have access to.

    Residents can attend free drop-in events throughout the year to get their bikes marked. There is no need to pre-book, and security marking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Following feedback from previous rounds, the council are offering events at weekends and in evenings at various locations:

    • Saturday 31 May, 11am – 1pm, Arundel Street, City Centre
    • Saturday 28 June, 11am – 1pm, Gunwharf Quays (outside Tesco Express)
    • Thursday 10 July, 5pm – 7.00pm, Paulsgrove, Allaway Avenue (Outside Rowlands Pharmacy)
    • Thursday 24 July, 5pm – 7.00pm, Cosham High Street

    In a further effort to enhance bike security, the council is providing bike marking kits to six independent businesses: Portsmouth Cycle Exchange, GC Bikes, CycleWorld, Pompey Cycle Hub, Cycle Trace and Cycles@Milton. If people purchase a new or used bike from any of these businesses, or take their cycle in for a service, these businesses will offer security marking for free. The frame number and stickers will be registered, providing an added layer of security for bike owners.

    In 2022 and 2023, over 500 bikes were marked in Portsmouth, resulting in the recovery and return of several bicycles to their rightful owners. This initiative has proven to be an effective measure in combating bike theft in the city and aims to encourage more people to feel safe and secure in choosing to travel by bike instead of private vehicles.

    Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:

    “Getting people to have their bike registered and marked for free really works. It gives cyclists peace of mind and helps the police tackle the problem of bike theft, creating a better, safer cycling environment for everyone.”

    More information about cycle security in Portsmouth can be found at https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/parking-roads-and-travel/travel/cycling-around-portsmouth/cycle-security/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ambitious Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy approved by Councillors

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The Climate Change and Sustainability Committee considered the local authority’s Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy.

    The Council has already slashed carbon emissions by switching 18 of its refuse vehicles to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil rather than diesel – delivering an estimated annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 500 tonnes.

    Now the Council is looking to build on this success by using new technologies to further reduce the emissions from its vehicles.

    The Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy states a mixed model of decarbonisation will be required, with HVO and diesel used until advances in technology increase the range of electric vehicles,or enable hydrogen to be used as a viable and affordable fuel source.

    Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) based at outlying depots in Blairgowrie, Crieff, Kinross, and Pitlochry will transition to using HVO fuel by June 2025, potentially saving 725 tonnes of CO2 per annum.

    The report also sets out the need to invest in additional charging points to support the transformation of the council’s fleet of small vehicles – cars and vans under 3.5 tonnes – to electric vehicles.

    Councillor Richard Watters, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, said: “The Scottish Government has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the next five years and reaching net zero by 2045.

    “Cars, vans and lorries all produce greenhouse gases, so it is vital we take steps to reduce these emissions.

    “There is already fantastic work underway in Perth and Kinross with many of our bin lorries now running on HVO instead of diesel. Although this is a more expensive fuel, it is already significant reducing our CO2 emissions.

    “Expanding this scheme, and remaining alert to other new technologies will help us meet our net zero targets and reduce pollution in Perth and Kinross. This is not something that will happen overnight, but it is crucial we set out a roadmap on how we reach that destination.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University hosted an educational online forum for future masters

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University held an online educational forum for future masters, attended by students from all over Russia. The event was traditionally organized by the SPbPU Applicant Work Center.

    The forum was held online for the fifth time, which allowed to attract participants from different regions of the country. More than 500 applications were received, and 470 people successfully completed the program. Students were able to listen to lectures, ask questions and get advice on further education and career.

    Leonid Potapov, Head of the ITAT Training System Development Program of the Gazprom Neft Information Technology, Automation and Telecommunications Department, spoke at the opening of the forum. He spoke about the development of IT competencies in modern business and shared the company’s view on the training of young specialists.

    The forum program covered key areas of training at the Polytechnic University — from high-tech engineering specialties and applied biotechnology to economics, management, and the humanities. Participants not only learned about modern challenges in their fields, but also had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of future professions. Various master classes and interactive sessions were organized for this purpose.

    Particular attention was paid to preparing for the portfolio competition, one of the tools for admission to the Polytechnic University Master’s program. Thanks to it, applicants’ achievements are taken into account during admission: participation in forums, publications, research activities, professional experience, etc. The points scored can significantly increase the chances of admission to the chosen educational program. Participation in the forum and successful completion of tasks provide an opportunity to receive additional points for the portfolio.

    We strive to create the most comfortable conditions for students to make a conscious choice of their educational trajectory. The success of applicants in their professional career depends on how carefully they approach the choice of a master’s program. The forum helps future master’s students better understand what area they want to develop in and what direction to build their career in, – noted the project manager, leading analyst of the Directorate of Continuing Education and Industry Partnership Natalia Ivanova.

    Over the course of four intense days, participants worked with theoretical materials, analyzed real cases, and learned practical solutions from industry experts. Students learned to identify errors, develop recommendations, and offer their own options for project development. This practical focus significantly increased the level of involvement of participants and prepared them for the possible challenges that await them on their professional path.

    Following the forum, 238 participants became winners of the competition tasks and will receive an additional 45 points when entering the Polytechnic University Master’s program.

    The forum turned out to be an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with current trends in various industries and understand which competencies are most in demand today. Practical tasks for solving a case were especially useful and exciting for me, since they gave the opportunity to immediately apply the acquired knowledge in practice, – noted forum participant Maria Korchevnyuk.

    The forum became not only an important stage in the preparation of future masters, but also a platform for the exchange of experience and ideas, which will undoubtedly serve as the basis for the further professional growth of its participants.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 5 May 2025 Departmental update WHO launches new learning catalogue to upskill regulatory workforce

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) Regulation and Prequalification Department is launching a comprehensive learning resource, the Health Products Regulation and Prequalification Learning Catalogue, to help countries build stronger systems for overseeing the safety, quality and effectiveness of health products. These products include medicines, vaccines, medical devices and other technologies essential for diagnosing, treating and preventing disease.

    Effective regulatory systems are the backbone of well-functioning health systems. They play a key role in improving public health outcomes and helping to achieve universal health coverage, the goal that everyone, everywhere, should be able to get the health services and products they need without financial hardship.

    However, recent WHO data show that only about 30% of Member States currently have a well-functioning regulatory system, classified as reaching an advanced level of performance, known as maturity level 3 or 4. This means that in many countries, especially low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there are serious gaps in how health products are regulated.

    A major challenge in LMICs is the shortage of a qualified regulatory workforce. This gap is driven by factors such as workforce shortages, staff retention issues and inadequate technical training. At the same time, the rapid pace of innovation in health technologies and the globalization of medical product supply further underscore the need for continuous development of the regulatory workforce. 

    In response to this challenge, the WHO Regulation and Prequalification Department (RPQ) has designed and implemented a wide range of learning opportunities for regulatory professionals. These include up to 52 self-paced e-learning courses, instructor-led training sessions and on-the-job training experiences. The courses cover various regulatory functions and health products and are available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for professionals around the world.

    To improve access to these resources, the newly launched Catalogue will serve as a centralized platform, making all RPQ learning opportunities easily accessible and searchable for target audiences. For example, regulatory inspectors can explore a rich and diverse selection of training options designed to support them throughout their careers, from flexible e-learning modules (2 available) to expert-led classroom sessions (4 available) and immersive on-the-job experiences (2 available) that bring learning directly into real-world settings.

    Looking ahead, the WHO Academy and its learning platform will enable the development of even more advanced learning solutions, in collaboration with a broad network of partner institutions. It will provide free access to a comprehensive catalogue of accredited, multilingual and competency-based courses. Designed to be engaging and tailored to the diverse needs of the global regulatory workforce, these learning opportunities will help professionals strengthen their skills at every stage of their careers.

    This initiative reflects WHO’s broader commitment to strengthening regulatory systems and ensuring that people everywhere have equitable access to health products that are safe, effective, high-quality and affordable.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: To safeguard human rights we must protect civic space and the right to peaceful assembly, OSCE leaders say

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: To safeguard human rights we must protect civic space and the right to peaceful assembly, OSCE leaders say

    Youth protesting (Shutterstock/Eugenio Marongiu)

    VIENNA, 5 May 2025 – A vibrant civic space in which everyone contributes to public and political life is increasingly challenged by growing threats to freedom of peaceful assembly and severe challenges faced by human rights defenders through discreditation, criminalization, and direct attacks, OSCE leaders said as a two-day conference began today. 
    Almost 300 participants from across the OSCE region registered for the meeting in Vienna, which brings together representatives of OSCE states, international organizations, civil society and human rights defenders to discuss current trends and challenges as well as good practices and lessons learnt in ensuring respect for the freedom of peaceful assembly and the protection of human rights defenders.
    “Human rights defenders speak out for those who are most vulnerable, under attack, or unable to speak for themselves. They do this despite the risks to their lives and personal safety,” said Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen, Finland’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE and Chair of the Permanent Council. “In this tense security environment, independent and steadfast work for democracy and human rights is especially needed, and it is important that the OSCE provides space for civil society to speak up and be heard.”
    While the work of human rights defenders and full enjoyment of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly are widely recognized as essential in a democratic society, practice shows that civic space is shrinking in numerous countries across the OSCE region. Human rights defenders face serious challenges to their work and their personal safety, both those working in their home countries and those in exile. At the same time, restrictions to freedom of peaceful assembly are increasing, and authorities fail to recognize or safeguard this fundamental right.
    “Ensuring respect for every individual’s right to freedom of peaceful assembly is a commitment made by all OSCE countries,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “And yet the growing restrictions on peaceful protests are a visible trend across the region, while civil society and human rights defenders face numerous and increasing obstacles in carrying out their important work.”
    For too many human rights defenders, intimidation and sometimes physical violence are an everyday occurrence. The number of so‑called “foreign agent” laws, both in force and in the making, has surged in the OSCE region, adding to the discreditation and stigmatization of human rights defenders, and putting them at further risk. Human rights defenders are increasingly finding themselves and their activities criminalized and censored and their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association unlawfully restricted, massively impacting their ability to work.
    Key topics of the discussions will therefore be to explore effective ways of safeguarding civic space for the future, how to strengthen respect for the rights of peaceful protestors, independent monitors of assemblies, and human rights defenders, as well as how to better respond to the challenges they face in their work and how to strengthen support and protection of human rights defenders in practice.
    Freedom of peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of democratic societies and a fundamental human freedom, which OSCE participating States have committed to guarantee without discrimination. The right to defend human rights is also firmly anchored in the commitments made by all OSCE states to uphold democratic principles, including the right of every individual to seek assistance and assist others in defending human rights, and the need to protect human rights defenders and their important work.
    Supplementary Human Dimension Meetings are a platform for the OSCE’s participating States and OSCE institutions, as well as international organizations and civil society, to exchange views and good practices in order to find common solutions for the challenges facing societies across the OSCE region. Today’s discussion is the second SHDM of 2025, following a first meeting to discuss the role of media in conflict and humanitarian crises against the background of international humanitarian and human rights law. There is one more SHDM planned for this year.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a GBP 50 million tap under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    5 May 2025 at 10:00 am (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues a GBP 50 million tap under its MTN programme

    On 6 May 2025 Municipality Finance Plc issues a new tranche in an amount of GBP 50 million to an existing benchmark issued on 7 March 2024. With the new tranche, the aggregate nominal amount of the benchmark is GBP 550 million. The maturity date of the benchmark is 2 October 2028. The benchmark bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.375 % per annum.

    The new tranche is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the new tranche to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 6 May 2025. The existing notes in the series are admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

    UBS Europe SE acts as the Dealer for the issue of the new tranche.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland.
    The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. Our customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In its soul-searching, Australia’s rightist coalition should examine its relationship with the media

    ANALYSIS: By Matthew Ricketson, Deakin University and Andrew Dodd, The University of Melbourne

    Among the many lessons to be learnt by Australia’s defeated Liberal-National coalition parties from the election is that they should stop getting into bed with News Corporation.

    Why would a political party outsource its policy platform and strategy to people with plenty of opinions, but no experience in actually running a government?

    The result of the federal election suggests that unlike the coalition, many Australians are ignoring the opinions of News Corp Australia’s leading journalists such as Andrew Bolt and Sharri Markson.

    Last Thursday, in her eponymous programme on Sky News Australia, Markson said:

    For the first time in my journalistic career I’m going to also offer a pre-election editorial, endorsing one side of politics […] A Dutton prime ministership would give our great nation the fresh start we deserve.

    After a vote count that sees the Labor government returned with an increased majority, Bolt wrote a piece for the Herald Sun admonishing voters:

    No, the voters aren’t always right. This time they were wrong, and this gutless and incoherent Coalition should be ashamed. Australians just voted for three more years of a Labor government that’s left this country poorer, weaker, more divided and deeper in debt, and which won only by telling astonishing lies.

    That’s staggering. If that’s what voters really like, then this country is going to get more of it, good and hard.

    The Australian and most of News’ tabloid newspapers endorsed the coalition in their election eve editorials.

    Repudiation of minor culture war
    The election result was a repudiation of the minor culture war Peter Dutton reprised during the campaign when he advised voters to steer clear of the ABC and “other hate media”. It may have felt good alluding to “leftie-woke” tropes about the ABC, but it was a tactical error.

    The message probably resonated only with rusted-on hardline coalition voters and supporters of right-wing minor parties.

    But they were either voting for the coalition, or sending them their preferences, anyway. Instead, attacking the ABC sent a signal to the people the coalition desperately needed to keep onside — the moderates who already felt disappointed by the coalition’s drift to the right and who were considering voting Teal or for another independent.

    Attacking just about the most trusted media outlet in the country simply gave those voters another reason to believe the coalition no longer represented their values.

    Reporting from the campaign bus is often derided as shallow form of election coverage. Reporters tend to be captive to a party’s agenda and don’t get to look much beyond a leader’s message.

    But there was real value in covering Dutton’s daily stunts and doorstops, often in the outer suburbs that his electoral strategy relied on winning over.

    What was revealed by having journalists on the bus was the paucity of policy substance. Details about housing affordability and petrol pricing — which voters desperately wanted to hear — were little more than sound bites.

    Steered clear of nuclear sites
    This was obvious by Dutton’s second visit to a petrol station, and yet there were another 15 to come. The fact that the campaign bus steered clear of the sites for proposed nuclear plants was also telling.

    The grind of daily coverage helped expose the lateness of policy releases, the paucity of detail and the lack of preparation for the campaign, let alone for government.

    On ABC TV’s Insiders, the Nine Newspapers’ political editor, David Crowe, wondered whether the media has been too soft on Dutton, rather than too hard as some coalition supporters might assume.

    He reckoned that if the media had asked more difficult questions months ago, Dutton might have been stress-tested and better prepared before the campaign began.

    Instead, the coalition went into the election believing it would be enough to attack Labor without presenting a fully considered alternative vision. Similarly, it would suffice to appear on friendly media outlets such as News Corp, and avoid more searching questions from the Canberra press gallery or on the ABC.

    Reporters and commentators across the media did a reasonable job of exposing this and holding the opposition to account. The scrutiny also exposed its increasingly desperate tactics late in the campaign, such as turning on Welcome to Country ceremonies.

    If many Australians appear more interested in what their prospective political leaders have to say about housing policy or climate change than the endless culture wars being waged by the coalition, that message did not appear to have been heard by Peta Credlin.

    The Sky News Australia presenter and former chief-of-staff to prime minister Tony Abbott said during Saturday night’s election coverage “I’d argue we didn’t do enough of a culture war”.

    Dr Matthew Ricketson is professor of communication, Deakin University and Andrew Dodd  is professor of journalism and director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Finding ‘Your Voice, Your Strength’ this Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Around 1  in 5 women experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or within the early postnatal years.

    The national campaign, organised by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, aims to raise awareness and change attitudes towards mental health problems in the perinatal period, and support people to access the information they need to help their mental health during this time.

    The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Your Voice, Your Strength’.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Being pregnant and becoming a new parent is a life changing event. It is normal for new parents to feel a variety of emotions during this time.

    “If you’re feeling low and it’s starting to affect your everyday life, there are a range of things you can do that may help, so please don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your family and friends and share your concerns – they may be able to help you find more support. Across the city, there is a range of mental health and emotional wellbeing support services available for expectant and new parents.

    “Speak to your midwife, health visitor or attend your local Family Hub if you have any concerns. They can provide you with lots of advice and information about local groups and specialist services that can support you and your wellbeing.”

    The Family Hubs Parent and Infant Wellbeing Team offer a range of weekly activities to help parents with their wellbeing and build positive bonds with their infants, including Baby Massage, Baby & Me wellbeing group, coffee mornings and 121 befriending. To find out more, email  FHParent.InfantWBTeam@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

    Anyone with concerns about their mental health and wellbeing should contact:

    • Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s 24-hour helpline on 0800 008 6516 or text 07860 025281, or
    • Health Visiting Single Point of Access (SPoA) Hub on 01902 441057
    • Your local Family Hub Family Hubs | City Of Wolverhampton Council.

    The Healthy Child Wolves app is also packed with tips, guidance and signposting to support families, including advice on looking after your emotional health and wellbeing. The app is available to download for free from the App Store.

    For more information on good mental health during pregnancy, visit the NHS website at Mental health in pregnancy and Your mental health.

    To find out more about please visit Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At least 20 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza – Civil Defense

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    GAZA, May 5 (Xinhua) — Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 20 Palestinians, including women and children, on Sunday, local authorities said, amid intensified ground and air operations, continued shelling and drone attacks on residential areas.

    At least 11 people, including seven women and three children, were killed in an airstrike on a tent housing displaced families in the al-Mawasi area west of Khan Yunis, Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua. Four more people from the same family were killed earlier in the day in the same area.

    In another area of Khan Yunis, a woman was killed and others were wounded as a result of shelling of a residential building in the Al-Amal area. Another strike on a tent near Abasan al-Kabira killed a young man and wounded several others, Basal said.

    In central Gaza, one woman was killed and several people were wounded when a drone struck the home of the Abu Huwaishel family in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Northern Gaza was also hit, with one man killed, his wife and others wounded in a drone strike on Al-Nakheel Street in the At-Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City.

    According to M. Basal, rescuers have recovered the body of another victim of the attack on the school in Beit Hanoun.

    Eyewitnesses reported continued Israeli bombing and helicopter gunship attacks on residential buildings in both the northern and southern parts of the enclave. Artillery and air strikes also hit homes in the Shujaiya and At-Tuffah neighborhoods. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 5 May 2025 News release Gloves do not replace hand hygiene – reminder from WHO

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Hand hygiene is one of the most effective, affordable and universal tools we have to prevent the transmission of infections and provide high-quality, clean and safe medical care.

    While medical gloves serve a vital role in preventing transmission of infection, for example when there is risk of exposure to blood and body fluids, they are not a substitute for cleaning hands at the right time. On this World Hand Hygiene Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges governments, health-care facilities, and frontline workers around the world to reinforce hand hygiene practices – a proven, cost-effective intervention to protect both patients and health-care workers.

    “Medical gloves can reduce the risk of infection, but they are never a replacement for hand hygiene,” said Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course. “On this World Hand Hygiene Day, let us double down on our commitment and action to improve hand hygiene in health care settings to ensure the safety of patients and health-care workers.”

    Save lives, save money and reduce waste

    Gloves are protective but not foolproof or without problems

    Gloves can become contaminated just like hands and are often misused, such as being worn indefinitely while health workers switch between patients or when they are performing multiple procedures for the same patient. Additionally, overuse of gloves contributes to environmental degradation.

    An average university hospital in a developed country generates 1634 tons of health-care waste each year, which is equivalent to over 360 African elephants. Much of the waste could have been avoided if gloves were used properly and good hand hygiene was practiced. Most used gloves are considered infectious and require high-temperature incineration or specialized treatment, adding strain to already burdened waste management systems.

    Action needed now

    WHO urges national policymakers and health community take the following actions to improve rational use of gloves and hand hygiene in healthcare settings:

    On World Hand Hygiene Day, 5 May, WHO delivers a powerful message: “It might be gloves. It is always hand hygiene.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 5 MAY 2025 AT 9.45 A.M. EET, INTERIM REPORT Q1

    Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

    This release is a summary of Oma Savings Bank’s (OmaSp) January-March 2025 Interim Report, which can be read from the pdf file attached to this stock exchange release and on the Company’s web pages www.omasp.fi

    CEO Karri Alameri: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

    ”I had the honour of starting as the CEO of Oma Savings Bank at the end of March. In recent weeks, I have engaged with the bank’s personnel, customers, and stakeholders across Finland. These discussions have underscored OmaSp’s strong customer relationships, employee commitment, as well as comprehensive range of services, and personalised service model. These elements provide a solid foundation for OmaSp’s next phase. It is clear that we must continue refining our policies and evolving our ways of working. Trust in the Company is rebuilt through actions.

    The comparable profit before taxes for the first quarter was EUR 4.6 million and the comparable cost/income ratio of 54.4%. Profit and profitability were burdened by increased operating and personnel expenses, as well as lower net interest income due to declining market interest rates.

    The increase in costs is primarily attributed to the implementation of the risk management action plan (the “Noste”) initiated in summer 2024. The final investments in the project were made as planned in the first quarter, and new operating models are being integrated into daily operations. Total investments in the Noste project reached EUR 9.1 million over its duration. What is more, we continue to act on the findings of the supervisory assessment.

    Net interest income decreased by 18.3% compared to the comparison period, totalling EUR 46.9 million. The decline is due to fallen market interest rates. The volumes transferred from Handelsbanken have contributed to the development of net interest income as market interest rates have declined.

    Fee and commission income and expenses (net) remained nearly at the level of the comparison period, amounting to EUR 14.7 million.

    The mortgage loan portfolio increased by 3.0%, the corporate loan portfolio by 0.4%, and the deposit base by 2.7% from the level of the previous year.

    Impairment losses on financial assets totalled EUR -22.3 million in January–March. Approximately one-third was related to the update of the calculation model for expected credit losses (ECL), another third to increased allowances in the portfolio, which is being wound down in a controlled manner, and the remaining third to other impairment losses on the loan portfolio due to the general uncertain economic situation.

    Additionally, a provision of EUR 3.0 million was made for the first quarter to prepare for potential sanctions from the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) due to deficiencies identified in the final inspection report on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. The FIN-FSA’s audit covered the period prior to December 2023. Measures to rectify the deficiencies were initiated while the audit was underway last year.

    Customer and employee satisfaction at an excellent level

    Following the Handelsbanken acquisition, we gained 10,000 new customers last autumn, and the integration has progressed smoothly. We have 48 branches covering all key growth and regional centres in Finland. In January–March, approximately 800 new customer relationships were established organically per month. OmaSp has a strong customer base of over 200,000. We are committed to offering services to households and SMEs across our network.

    Our customer and employee surveys indicated that satisfaction has remained at the excellent level of previous years. I want to extend my gratitude to our personnel for their exemplary work. Committed and motivated personnel are crucial to OmaSp’s future success.

    OmaSp’s financial position is stable, with a good solvency and liquidity position. The total capital (TC) ratio further strengthened to 17.7% at the end of March. The accumulated equity exceeds EUR 583 million.

    I look to the future with confidence. We will continue to develop our operations, invest in our core business, and strengthen the customer experience for both existing and new customers. Our strategy aims for profitable growth.”

    January–March 2025

    • In January–March, net interest income decreased by 18.3% compared with the same period last year. Net interest income totalled EUR 46.9 (57.4) million.
    • Mortgage portfolio increased by 3.0% during the previous 12 months. Corporate loan portfolio increased by 0.4% during the previous 12 months.
    • Deposit base increased by 2.7% over the past 12 months.
    • From January to March, fee and commission income and expenses (net) decreased mainly due to lower lending commissions compared to the comparison period, 2.6%.
    • From January to March, total operating income decreased by 18.9% compared to the comparison period. In the first quarter, comparable total operating income decreased by 19.8% and was EUR 59.5 (74.3) million.
    • From January to March, total operating expenses grew in total by 31.9%. The growth is mainly explained by the costs of the Company’s ongoing extensive risk management development projects, the authority processes and the promotion of a controlled winding down plan related to the non-compliance with the guidelines. In addition, the number of personnel increased compared to the comparison period due to business arrangements, the opening of new branches and the strengthening of the risk management processes. Other operating expenses were in total EUR 22.2 (16.4) million, of which the development costs of the risk management action plan and investigation costs amounted to EUR 5.3 million.
    • Comparable total operating expenses grew by 27.9% in the first quarter and were EUR 32.2 (25.2) million. Of this amount the risk management action plan (the ”Noste”) amounted to EUR 3.3 million. The measures implemented in the first quarter completed the action plan initiated in the summer of 2024.
    • For January-March, the impairment losses on financial assets were in total EUR -22.3 (-23.1) million. During the reporting period, the Company updated the calculation model for expected credit losses (ECL) as part of a larger operational programme and development of risk control. The total impact of the updated model increased the ECL by approximately EUR 8.5 million. In addition, the amount of impairment losses was impacted by an increase in allowances in the controlled winding down of the portfolio, which had an impact of approximately EUR 5.7 million. In other credit portfolio, impairment losses amounted to approximately EUR 8.1 million, and the development was particularly affected by the overall economic uncertainty.
    • For January-March, profit before taxes was EUR 3.1 (24.7) million and comparable profit before taxes was EUR 4.6 (25.6) million.
    • In the first quarter, cost/income ratio was 57.4 (35.2)% and comparable cost/income ratio was 54.4 (34.1)%.
    • In the first quarter, comparable return on equity (ROE) was 2.5 (15.5)%.
    • Total capital (TC) ratio was 17.7 (15.6)%.
    The Group’s key figures (1,000 euros) 1–3/2025 1–3/2024 Δ % 1–12/2024
    Net interest income 46,880 57,369 -18 % 213,097
    Fee and commission income and expenses, net 12,439 12,766 -3 % 50,745
    Total operating income 60,074 74,080 -19 % 270,068
    Total operating expenses -34,240 -25,958 32 % -111,004
    Impairment losses and financial assets, net -22,322 -23,112 -3% -83,379
    Profit before taxes 3,111 24,668 -87% 74,589
    Cost/income ratio, % 57.4% 35.2% 63% 41.3%
    Balance sheet total 7,517,814 7,531,291 0% 7,709,090
    Equity 583 026 527 426 11% 576,143
    Return on assets, ROA % 0.1 % 1.0 % -88 % 0.8%
    Return on equity, ROE % 1.7 % 14.9 % -89% 10.7%
    Earnings per share (EPS), EUR 0.07 0.60 -88% 1.80
    Total capital (TC), % 17.7% 16.9% 5% 15.6%
    Common equity Tier 1 (CET1), capital ratio % 16.5% 15.4% 8% 14.4%
    Comparable profit before taxes 4,617 25,626 -82% 86,656
    Comparable cost/incme ratio, % 54.4% 34.1% 60% 37.8%
    Comparable return on equity, ROE % 2.5% 15.5% -84% 12.4%


    Outlook for the financial year 2025 adjusted

    OmaSp updated its expected credit loss (ECL) calculation model in the first quarter and made a provision to prepare for possible sanctions following the final inspection report from the FIN-FSA on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing. These had a total one-off impact of approximately EUR -11 million on the results. Overall economic uncertainly has further increased. Therefore, OmaSp maintains its earnings guidance on the Group’s comparable profit before taxes to be EUR 65–80 million for the financial year 2025, with a clarification that the figure is expected to be below the mid-point of the range.

    Business outlook and earnings guidance are as follows:

    The outlook for the Company’s business for the financial year 2025 is affected by the decline in market interest rates and the continued high level of costs due to IT investments and system improvements required by risk management and quality processes. In addition, the Company continues to invest in customer experience on different channels. The uncertainty of the operating environment and economic situation affects the development of balance sheet items and comparable profit for the financial year 2025.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc provides earnings guidance on comparable profit before taxes for 2025. Earnings guidance is based on the forecast for the entire year, which takes into account the current market and business situation. Forecasts are based on the management’s insight into the Group’s business development.

    We estimate the Group’s comparable profit before taxes to be EUR 65–80 million for the financial year 2025, with a clarification that the figure is expected to be below the mid-point of the range (comparable profit before taxes was EUR 86.7 million in the financial year 2024).

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Additional information:
    Karri Alameri, CEO, tel. +358 45 656 5250, karri.alameri@omasp.fi

    DISTRIBUTION: 
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Invercargill Police investigating overnight offending

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Stu Harvey:

    Police are asking for information from the public after a series of incidents in Invercargill overnight, including two aggravated robberies.

    Officers were called to a Dee Street premises about 2.30am on Monday 5 May, after a report of two people entering the store and assaulting the worker, demanding cash. They then fled the scene in a vehicle.

    The worker was not seriously injured, however they were very shaken by what occurred.

    An attempted burglary and two burglaries were subsequently reported at three further premises, on Windsor Street, Elles Road and Yarrow Street.

    Then, about 4.20am, Police received a report that two people had entered a Tay Street premises and demanded cash and items. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the incident.

    Police are making enquiries into each incident, and at this stage our information suggests they are linked.

    Two vehicles were seen in the vicinity of some of the incidents. One of them, a red Toyota Vitz, has been involved in the offending. Police have recovered this vehicle, which was stolen the previous day.

    The other vehicle is described as a dark-coloured car.

    We would like to speak to anyone who saw vehicles fitting these descriptions between 1am and 5am.

    Anyone with information about these vehicles or those involved is asked to contact Police via 105. Please use the reference number 250505/9732.

    You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is it dangerous to kiss someone who’s eaten gluten if you have coeliac disease?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vincent Ho, Associate Professor and Clinical Academic Gastroenterologist, Western Sydney University

    Lordn/Shutterstock

    Coeliac disease is not a food allergy or intolerance. It’s an autoimmune disease that makes the body attack the small intestine if gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) reaches the gut. Even a small amount – a tiny bread crumb – can cause damage and inflammation.

    The only treatment is a gluten-free diet. This means completely eliminating foods containing the protein, such as pasta, bread, noodles and many processed products, and preparing food carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

    But what about other forms of cross-contamination? One study surveyed 538 adults with coeliac disease about their dating habits and found 39% were hesitant to kiss their partners because of the disease.

    But can gluten really be transferred this way, with a kiss? Research is only just beginning to look at this question – here’s what we know.

    How harmful is gluten for people with coeliac disease?

    Coeliac disease is common: surveys representative of the population estimate it affects one in 70 Australians. However, it tends to be under-diagnosed. Research suggests only 20% of those with coeliac disease have a medical diagnosis.

    This means most sufferers are unaware they have coeliac disease, despite experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

    When untreated, coeliac disease can stop the small intestine absorbing nutrients and lead to gut symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence. It can also result in non-gut symptoms such as fatigue, skin rashes and brain fog.

    However, touching gluten won’t have any effect. Gluten only causes damage to people with coeliac disease if it enters the gut. This is why it can be effectively treated with a strict gluten-free diet.

    How much gluten is harmful?

    Researchers have investigated how much gluten can result in harm to people with coeliac disease. One study found some people with coeliac disease experienced damage to their small intestine with as little as 10 milligrams of gluten per day.

    For context, one slice of bread contains 2.5 grams of gluten. A very small amount can cause damage if eaten, such a tiny crumb accidentally transferred from a chopping board or plate.

    Australian researchers have determined that a dose of gluten below 3mg does not cause an immune response on very sensitive blood tests.

    Even a bread crumb can be harmful to people with coeliac disease, if it’s eaten.
    Master1305/Shutterstock

    Food regulatory authorities look at how much gluten is concentrated in particular foods to decide what is “gluten free”. In most countries a diet containing gluten at less than 20 parts per million (or 20mg per kilogram) is considered to be safe for people with coeliac disease.

    But Australia and New Zealand have much stricter requirements for labelling a food as “gluten free”. Testing methods in Australia allow for detection as low as three parts per million – this is known as the “limit of detection”. Foods below this limit contain no detectable gluten and can be labelled gluten free.

    So, what about kissing?

    What does this mean for kissing? Can enough gluten be transmitted from one person to another via saliva to cause problems? To date, there is very limited data.

    New US research presented today looked at ten couples, each with one partner who had coeliac disease.

    In the study, the non-coeliac partner ate ten crackers containing gluten before the couple kissed for ten seconds.

    The researchers found gluten transfer was minimal in the saliva. When the non-coeliac partner had a glass of water after eating the crackers, the gluten in their saliva was less than 20 parts per million (the international limit for gluten-free products).

    While this data has not yet been peer-reviewed, their preliminary finding seems to support similar research from 2022 which looked at peanut allergy and saliva to estimate gluten levels in saliva.

    It estimated that saliva after eating gluten could contain around 250 micrograms of gluten – one-twelfth of the minimum amount (3mg) believed to cause an immune response.

    This means, for people with coeliac disease, kissing should not be an issue to worry about.

    Cross-contamination from foods containing gluten is the biggest risk for people with coeliac disease.
    Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

    Other risks

    The bigger risk for people with coeliac disease continues to be exposure to gluten from food – even food labelled “gluten free”.

    One study found seven out of 256 manufactured food products sold as gluten free had detectable levels of gluten, in some cases as much as 3mg in a single serving.

    In 2018 another study found almost 10% of food sold as gluten free at cafes and restaurants across Melbourne actually contained gluten. One food sample contained a gluten concentration of more than 80 parts per million.

    Still, given Australia has strictest regulations in the world, the risk of getting sick from eating gluten-free foods is quite low.

    The risk from kissing? Even lower.

    If you want to look out for your loved one with coeliac disease, how you prepare food is more important. This includes preventing cross-contamination by storing and preparing gluten-free foods well away from foods containing gluten, and thoroughly cleaning equipment and utensils after they’ve been in contact with food containing gluten.

    And next time you’re on a date at your favourite eatery – whether they advertise as gluten free, or just have gluten-free items on the menu – it’s a good idea to politely ask about their food handling practices.

    Vincent Ho does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Is it dangerous to kiss someone who’s eaten gluten if you have coeliac disease? – https://theconversation.com/is-it-dangerous-to-kiss-someone-whos-eaten-gluten-if-you-have-coeliac-disease-255721

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: 25/2025・Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 25 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 5 May 2025


    Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    On 28 February 2025, Trifork initiated a share buyback program in accordance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, (Safe Harbour regulation). The share buyback program runs from 4 March 2025 up to and including no later than 30 June 2025. For details, please see company announcement no. 7 of 28 February 2025.

    Under the share buyback program, Trifork will purchase shares for up to a total of DKK 14.92 million (approximately EUR 2 million). Prior to the launch of the share buyback, Trifork held 256,329 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.3% of the share capital. Under the program, the following transactions have been made:

    Date       Number of shares        Average purchase price (DKK)        Transaction value (DKK)
    Total beginning 66,897 85.22 5,701,099
    28 April 2025 1,082 88.61 95,876
    29 April 2025 1,800 89.18 160,524
    30 April 2025 1,700 90.50 153,850
    1 May 2025 1,700 90.48 153,816
    2 May 2025 1,500 91.93 137,895
    Accumulated 74,679 85.74 6,403,060

    A detailed overview of the daily transactions can be found here: https://investor.trifork.com/trifork-shares/

    Since the share buyback program was started on 4 March 2025, the total number of repurchased shares is 74,679 at a total amount of DKK 6,403,060.
    On 25 March and on 25 April 2025, 2,929 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized for the Executive Management’s monthly fixed salary, representing a change from cash payment to payment partly in shares (refer to company announcement no. 1 of 21 January 2025).
    On 1 April 2025, 19,943 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized to serve the RSU plan of Executive Management and certain employees.

    With the transactions stated above, Trifork holds a total of 308,136 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.6%. The total number of registered shares in Trifork is 19,744,899. Adjusted for treasury shares, the number of outstanding shares is 19,436,763.

    Investor and media contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director & Head of Investor Relations
    frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17

    About Trifork
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aktsiaselts Infortar interim report for Q1 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Aktsiaselts Infortar interim report for Q1 2025

    Infortar will arrange a webinar for investors today 5 May 2025.Please join the webinar via the following links:

    Estonia’s largest investment holding company, Infortar, increased its turnover by 20% in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year, reaching €447 million. The group’s total assets nearly doubled to €2.6 billion, while investments tripled to €22 million. In recent years, Infortar has nearly doubled the size of its real estate portfolio and is actively expanding across multiple sectors.

    Since August 1st of last year, the results of Tallink, a group company, have been consolidated into Infortar’s financial statements. Due to the highly seasonal nature of the maritime transport business, Tallink’s first-quarter loss of €33 million was reflected in Infortar’s own results. An additional impact came from a €1.7 million income tax expense, resulting in a total net loss of €14.6 million for Infortar in the first quarter, of which €4.5 million was attributable to Infortar’s shareholders. The energy business was affected by an exceptionally warm winter and lower consumption, but remained profitable overall. The real estate segment, meanwhile, showed significant year-on-year growth in volumes. 

    “The economy stands on three pillars – agriculture, industry, and services. In recent years, Infortar has expanded its presence across all three to achieve its goals and diversify risk. Moreover, we have grown into a market leader in each,” said Ain Hanschmidt, Chairman of the Management Board of Infortar.

    “The performance of Tallink had the biggest impact on Infortar’s first-quarter profitability. In addition to typical seasonality, passenger numbers in the first quarter reflected the state of the core markets’ economies and low consumer confidence. Still, it is important to note that the most challenging period of the year is now behind Tallink, and the outlook is more optimistic,” Hanschmidt added.

    “The energy business was affected by an exceptionally mild winter, lower consumption, and a gas surplus. Nevertheless, the segment remained profitable, primarily due to well-placed investments in gas distribution networks in Latvia and Poland. In real estate, we continued rapid growth – over the past year, we have expanded our portfolio by nearly 50%, becoming one of the largest property owners in the Baltics,” said Hanschmidt.

    “Despite a turbulent environment, Infortar continues to grow as one of the largest investment companies on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, actively seeking new investment opportunities. Our balance sheet strength is the key indicator of resilience – Infortar’s financial position and liquidity remain solid, free liquidity is €153 million enabling us to generate cash and invest. We can also confirm our continued commitment to the stated dividend policy. Diversification across sectors and countries has created a strong platform that provides confidence even in volatile times,” Hanschmidt concluded.

    Major Event

    Maritime transport

    Tallink´s first quarter of 2025 was impacted by low consumer and business confidence levels, the economic challenges in the Group’s core markets and global geopolitical tensions. As at the end of the quarter, the Group operated 14 vessels including 2 shuttle vessels, 6 passenger vessels, 2 vessels that were chartered out and 4 vessels that were in lay-up.

    During the quarter Tallink´s total investments amounted to EUR 13.3 million majority of which were made to upgrading the cruise ferries Baltic Princess and Silja Serenade. The planned maintenance works totalling 68 days in the first quarter of 2025 affected the passenger and cargo levels in Finland-Sweden routes.

    Energy

    In the first quarter, natural gas consumption in the Finnish-Baltic region totalled 15,0 TWh, decreasing by 19% compared with the previous year (16,5 TWh). Energy sales were negatively impacted by higher-than-average temperatures, which reduced the demand for natural gas.

    In the first quarter of 2025, Elenger Grupp sold a total of 4.6 TWh of energy (compared to 6,1 TWh in Q1 2024). Sales in Estonia accounted for 17% of the energy sales in Q1 2025. The company´s market share decreased in Q1 2025 to 20,0% in the Finland-Baltic gas market.

    Real estate

    At the end of last year, the Rimi logistics center in Saue municipality received its usage permit; this summer, the new bridge in Pärnu will be completed, and next year, DEPO will open its second store in Estonia, located in Lasnamäe.

    Key financial figures

    Key figures Q1 2025 Q1 2024 12 months 2024
    Sales revenue. m€ 447.357 372.584 1 371.775
    Gross profit. m€ 26.068 50.004 128.628
    EBITDA. m€ 27.661 74.004 145.275
    EBITDA margin (%) 6.2% 19.9% 10.6%
    Net profit. EBIT. m€ -0.655 67.624 77.024
    Total profit(-loss). m€ -14.561 62.062 193.670
    Net profit (-loss) holders of the Parent m€ -4.479 62.167 191.253
    EPS (euros)* -0.2 3.1 9.6
    Total equity m€ 1 181.002 820.210 1 166.222
    Total liabilities m€ 1 105.305 852.690 1 223.287
    Net debt m€ 952.397 195.799 1 055.708
    Investment loans to EBITDA (ratio)** 3.3x 1.5x 3.0x

    Notes:*For the earnings per share (EPS) calculation, the number of shares as of 31.03.35 has been used for comparability. Formula: profit/loss attributable to Infortar shareholders divided by the number of shares, excluding own shares issued under the stock option program. Example calculation based on the end of Q1 2024: (191 x 1,000,000) / (20,443,629 – 722,610).**Investment loans / EBITDA, annualized. For comparability,actualEBITDA of Tallink Grupp for the relevant period has been used, based on Tallink Grupp quarterly report.

    Revenue

    In the first quarter of the 2025 financial year, the Group’s consolidated revenue increased by EUR 74.7 million to EUR 447.4 million (Q1 2024 consolidated revenue: EUR 372.6 million). A significant impact came from the consolidation of Tallink Grupp’s results into Infortar’s consolidated financial statements as of 1 August 2024.

    EBITDA and Segment Reporting
    In the first quarter of the 2025 financial year, the EBITDA of the maritime transport segment amounted to EUR -3.8 million (Q1 2024: EUR 34.5 million).
    The energy segment’s EBITDA was EUR 31.8 million (Q1 2024: EUR 73.9 million).
    In the real estate segment, profitability is assessed based on the EBITDA of individual real estate entities.

    Based on separate real-estate companies results, the real estate segment’s EBITDA was EUR 3.4 million in Q1 2025 (Q1 2024: EUR 3.8 million).

    Net Profit (Loss)
    The consolidated net loss for the first quarter of the 2025 financial year was EUR -14.6 million, including a loss attributable to Infortar’s owners of EUR -4.5million (Q1 2024 net profit: EUR 62.1 million, including EUR 62.2 million attributable to Infortar’s owners).

    Investments
    In the spring of 2024, Infortar entered the agricultural sector by acquiring one of Estonia’s largest dairy farms in Halinga and began construction of a biomethane plant next to the farm to produce local green gas. Today, on 5 May, Infortar announced an additional investment plan in Estonia Farmid OÜ.
    In the first quarter of 2025, the total amount of investments made by the Infortar Group was approximately EUR 22 million.

    Financing
    As of the first quarter of the 2025 financial year, the Group’s total loan and lease liabilities amounted to EUR 1 105.3million (compared to EUR 1 223.3 million at the end of the 2024 financial year). Infortar’s net debt stood at EUR 952.397 million. The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 3.4.

    Dividends

    According to the dividend policy, the objective is to pay dividends of at least 1 euro per share per financial year. Dividend payments are made semi-annually. Infortar Group’s management proposes to pay a dividend of 3 euros per share for the 2024 financial year results. According to the proposal, the first payout is planned to be made no later than July, and the second payout in December 2025. 

    Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss

    (in thousands of EUR) Q1 2025 Q1 2024 12 months 2024
    Revenue 447 357 372 584 1 371 775
    Cost of goods (goods and services) sold -421 173 -322 573 -1 243 034
    Write-down of receivables -116 -7 -113
    Gross profit 26 068 50 004 128 628
    Marketing expenses -10 976 -415 -21 086
    General administrative expenses -20 965 -7 238 -50 438
    Profit (loss) from derivatives 0   26 672
    Profit (loss) from biological assets -33 0 -139
    Profit (loss) from the change in the fair value of the investment property 0 156 -949
    Profit (loss) from the change in the fair value of the investment property 3 939 24 659 -8 691
    Other operating revenue 1 956 600 4 682
    Other operating expenses -644 -142 -1 655
    Operating profit -655 67 624 77 024
           
    (in thousands of EUR) Q1 2025 Q1 2024 12 months 2024
    Profit (loss) from investments accounted for by equity method 955 2 000 22 974
    Financial income and expenses:      
    Other financial investments -333 0 13 342
    Interest expense -12 896 -6 745 -38 274
    Interest income 842 1 244 4 979
    Profit (loss) from changes in exchange rates -315 -2 100
    Other financial income and expenses -451 4 93 659
    Total financial income and expenses -13 153 -5 499 73 806
    Profit before tax -12 853 64 125 173 804
    Corporate income tax -1 708 -2 063 19 866
    Profit for the financial year -14 561 62 062 193 670
    including:      
    Profit attributable to the owners of the parent company -4 479 62 167 191 253
    Profit attributable to non-controlling interest -10 082 -105 2 417
           
    Other comprehensive income Q1 2025 Q1 2024 12 months 2024
    tems that will not be reclassified to profit or loss      
    Revaluation of post-employment benefit obligations     -141
    Items that may be subsequently reclassified to the income statement:  
    Revaluation of risk hedging instruments     -45 792
    Exchange rate differences attributable to foreign subsidiaries     53
    Total of other comprehensive income     -45 880
    Total income, including:     147 790
    including:      
    Comprehensive profit attributable to the owners of the parent company     145 514
    Comprehensive profit attributable to non-controlling interest     2 417
    Ordinary earnings per share (in euros per share) -0,22 14,62 9
    Diluted earnings per share (in euros per share) -0,21 14,15 14,15

    Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

    (in thousands of EUR) 31.03.25 31.12.24
    Current assets    
    Cash and cash equivalents 152 908 167 579
    Short term financial investments 0 0
    Derivative financial assets 16 968 8 333
    Settled derivative receivables 2 448 676
    Other prepayments and receivables 153 040 155 351
    Prepayments for taxes 3 650 3 831
    Trade and other receivables 51 379 38 517
    Prepayments for inventories 1 953 2 498
    Inventories 124 636 215 914
    Biological assets 941 941
    Total current assets 507 923 593 640
         
    Non-current assets 31.03.25 31.12.24
    Investments to associates 17 559 16 603
    Long-term derivative instruments 340 3 214
    Other long term obligations 34 685 35 163
    Property, plant and equipment at fair value 1 309 599 1 315 167
    Investment property 68 175 67 931
    Property, plant and equipment 598 280 594 291
    Intangible assets 38 008 38 874
    Right-of-use assets 46 043 47 598
    Biological assets 2 720 2 753
    Total non-current assets 2 115 409 2 121 594
    TOTAL ASSETS 2 623 332 2 715 234
         
    (in thousands of EUR) 31.03.25 31.12.24
    Current liabilities    
    Loan liabilities 396 801 497 162
    Rental liabilities 8 755 9 020
    Payables to suppliers 104 664 87 941
    Tax obligations 48 861 49 354
    Buyers’ advances 40 946 31 126
    Settled derivatives 9 706 8 728
    Other current liabilities 68 409 63 431
    Short term derivatives 8 285 27 704
    Total current liabilities 686 427 774 466
         
    Non-current liabilities 31.03.25 31.12.24
    Long-term provisions 8 455 9 946
    Deferred taxes 3 039 2 816
    Other long-term liabilities 43 412 43 209
    Long-term derivatives 1 248 1 471
    Loan-liabilities 661 602 676 670
    Rental liabilities 38 147 40 435
    Total non-current liabilities 755 903 774 547
    TOTAL LIABILITIES 1 442 330 1 549 013
         
    (in thousands of EUR) 31.03.25 31.12.24
    Equity    
    Share capital 2 117 2 117
    Own shares -72 -72
    Share premium 32 484 32 484
    Reserve capital 212 212
    Option reserve 7 431 6 223
    Hedging reserve* 3 510 -21 674
    Unrealised currency translation differences 2 854 45
    Employment benefit reserve -44 -185
    Retained earnings 885 688 890 167
    Net profit of the financial year    
    Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent 934 180 909 317
    Minority interests 246 822 256 904
    Total equity 1 181 002 1 166 221
         
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 2 623 332 2 715 234

    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

    Cash flows from operating activities    
    (in thousands of EUR) 3 months
    2024    		 12 months
    2024
    Profit for the financial year -14 561 193 670
    Adjustments:    
    Depreciation, amortisation, and impairment of non-current assets 28 316 68 251
    Change in the fair value of the investment property 0 0
    Equity profits/losses -956 -22 974
    Change in the value of derivatives -79 -1 483
    Other financial income/expenses 2 300 -112 030
    Calculated interest expenses 12 896 38 274
    Profit/loss from non-current assets sold -116 -955
    Income from grants recognised as revenue -385 -643
    Corporate income tax expense 1 708 -19 866
    Income tax paid -1 485 -10 551
    Change in receivables and prepayments related to operating activities -12 184 52 023
    Change in inventories 91 823 -12 831
    Change in payables and prepayments relating to operating activities 29 780 -81 275
    Change in biological assets 33 -322
    Total cash flows from operating activities 137 090 89 288
         
    Cash flows from investing activities 3 months
    2024    		 12 months
    2024
    Purchases of subsidiaries -333 -111 684
    Proceeds from the sale of other financial investments 0 0
    Received dividends 0 20 862
    Given loans 607 1 918
    Interest gain 755 4 953
    Purchases Investment property -244 -10 352
    Purchases of property, plant and equipment -23 305 -27 835
    Proceeds from sale of property 139 1 561
    Total cash flows used in investing activities -22 381 -120 577
         
    Cash flows used in financing activities 3 months
    2024    		 12 months
    2024
    Gain from goverment grants 394 225
    Changes in overdraft -43 343 12 863
    Proceeds from borrowings 94 276 358 731
    Repayments of borrowings -166 362 -151 790
    Repayment of finance lease liabilities -3 591 -11 300
    Interest paid -10 754 -39 153
    Dividends paid 0 -60 997
    Gain from share emission 0 3 174
    Total cash flows used in financing activities -129 380 111 753
      0 0
    TOTAL NET CASH FLOW -14 671 80 464
    Cash at the beginning of the year 167 579 87 115
    Cash at the end of the period 152 908 167 579
    Net (decrease)/increase in cash -14 671 80 464

    Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,296 people.

    Additional information:

    Kadri Laanvee
    Investor Relations Manager
    Phone: +372 5156662
    e-mail: kadri.laanvee@infortar.ee
    www.infortar.ee/en/investor

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  • MIL-OSI: Dawn Health Secures EURm 11.5 to Scale Platform & Product Suite for Next-Gen Pharma Digital Health Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Dawn Health Secures EURm 11.5 to Scale Platform & Product Suite for Next-Gen Pharma Digital Health Solutions

    Copenhagen, Denmark – 5th of May, 2025

    Dawn Health – a global leader in digital health, co-founded by Trifork and held as a minority investment in Trifork Labs – today announced that the company has secured a funding round of EURm 11.5 from its existing investors: Chr. Augustinus Fabrikker, the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), and Trifork Labs. The investment is aimed at supporting the company’s strategy to deliver its platform and product suite to global pharma companies through a SaaS model, while continuing to invest in further offerings within the Dawn Product Suite.

    Since 2021, Dawn Health has been dedicated to developing a best-in-class platform designed specifically to accommodate the needs and use cases of the pharmaceutical industry. The Dawn Platform and Product Suite have already been widely adopted by five global industry leaders, including Merck and Novartis. The Dawn Platform is currently used in areas such as oncology, multiple sclerosis, and rare pediatric conditions like growth disorders. It helps patients manage their treatment, report symptoms, and stay in close contact with their healthcare team.

    The Dawn Platform and Product Suite empower pharma companies, patients, and healthcare professionals to improve outcomes and patient care by leveraging advanced capabilities in AI, data, evidence generation, clinical integrations, personalization, and connected health. By improving both data collection and analytics, these capabilities ultimately benefit patients and pharma companies alike, positioning the Dawn Platform as the foundation for therapy companions, disease management programs, and real-world evidence (RWE) solutions that enable the next generation of digital health.

    “Our ambition is to be the global leader in digital health, powering pharma’s next-generation products – and ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide,” said Alexander Mandix Hansen, CEO of Dawn Health. “This funding allows us to bring our proven platform to more markets and deepen our impact.”

    This next phase reinforces Dawn Health’s position as a trusted partner to pharma companies, delivering valuable, scalable, regulatory-grade digital health products that evolve with the needs of modern medicine.

    “Since the major investment in December 2021, Dawn Health has grown its revenue significantly and expanded its footprint in global pharma. With more than 100 employees, unique solutions, and a strong regulatory infrastructure, we are prepared to further accelerate our growth,” said Lars Marcher, Chairman of Dawn Health.

     

    About Dawn Health
    Dawn Health is a global leader in digital health, specializing in the development of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), Digital Therapeutics (DTx), and connected health solutions. Accelerating the launch of digital solutions to market, the Dawn Health product suite drives innovation to change the lives of people with chronic conditions. Through close partnerships with the life sciences industry, Dawn Health creates digital health products that transform patient care through an empathetic and human-centric approach. Learn more at dawnhealth.com.

    Contact: Christopher Kold, Marketing Manager, cko@dawnhealth.com, +45 41 58 60 88

    About Trifork Group
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Contact: Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 7317

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran Revises Port Blast Death toll to 57

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TEHRAN, May 5 (Xinhua) — Iran on Sunday revised down the death toll from a powerful blast at its main commercial port late last month, dropping the death toll to 57 from 70. Two suspects have been detained.

    The semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing Hormozgan provincial chief judge Mojtaba Karemani, reported that the updated toll from the April 26 blast at Shahid Rajaee port included 46 bodies found and identified and 11 people still missing.

    M. Kareman explained that the number of victims decreased after forensic examination established that some body parts collected separately belonged to the same people. A special task force was created to search for the missing, he added.

    State television reported on Sunday that two people, including a government official, had been detained.

    The explosion and subsequent fire left more than 1,200 people injured, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Search and rescue operations at the scene ended on Sunday.

    Authorities have pointed to safety violations that led to the incident. A statement from the provincial crisis management office cited a failure to comply with safety and passive defense measures, while Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni last Monday cited “a certain amount of negligence.”

    The Shahid Rajaee Port, located in the southern province of Hormozgan, is Iran’s largest maritime hub, handling the vast majority of container traffic and more than half of the country’s trade. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –